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New Lancia Delta Integrale Trumpeted by FCA Sources

Now we know what you’re thinking, and you’re probably right - what a load of BS. But hear us out - a number of higher-ups within the Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles consortium are pushing for a comeback of the legendary Lancia Delta in its Integrale form. Is there a possibility to see it in our lifetimes? Probably.
Lancia Delta Integrale Concept by Angelo Granata 1 photo
Photo: Angelo Granata
So there’s this motoring journalist from Autocar that trumpeted the information, claiming that “representations are being made at the highest levels to reinvent one of the company’s most evocative and highly regarded models.” Though there’s a bit of a catch with the information he acquired. Sergio Marchionne, the FCA numero uno, has a single priority - to relaunch Alfa Romeo with the Giulia and future models.

And that’s exactly what doesn’t add up with this story: as FCA pours $7 billion (yes, it’s with a B) into Alfa Romeo, why would the company step out of its financial comfort zone by making a comeback for the Lancia Delta Integrale? Furthermore, a niche product like the Integrale isn’t exactly a complete model lineup. As a Lancia fan myself, I am pained to acknowledge that the prospect of a new Integrale would be a bad idea.

This is an era when the compact hot hatchback segment goes up to 381 horsepower, boasts all-wheel drive, and trick gizmos that enhance the dynamic capabilities of a car. The Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG, Audi RS3 Sportback, and Ford Focus RS are at the forefront of the modern hyper hatchback lot. A modern take on the rally-centric Lancia Delta Integrale won’t cut the mustard against the previously mentioned models, unless Lancia will go all out by offering the 510 horsepower twin-turbo V6 of the 2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia QV.

Whatever the future holds for Lancia, the Delta Integrale isn’t the way to get the Italian manufacturer out of the 7th circle of hell. Here’s an analogy that gives the best perspective on the new Lancia Delta Integrale. In Sunset Boulevard, there is a faded silent movie star called Norma Desmond that dreams of making a comeback in a Hollywood era of spoken movies and Technicolor. Norma’s most notable quote is “I am big. It's the pictures that got small.” A new Lancia Delta Integrale fits this featherbrained picture perfectly.
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About the author: Mircea Panait
Mircea Panait profile photo

After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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