PEREZ KICKS LANCIA STRATOS BACK INTO CIRCUIT

The Lancia Stratos, one of the most iconic rallying cars of all time, is the first entry in this year’s Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally in association with UTV Drive.

Reigning BTRDA Rally Champion Steve Perez has confirmed he will be driving his distinctive dark blue Lancia Stratos in the National class as the Circuit celebrates its 80th anniversary.

The Lancia Stratos won the World Rally Championship in 1974, 1975 and again in 1976. 

Considered to be one of the most stunning rally cars in the world, the Stratos first came to the Circuit of Ireland Rally in 1975 driven by Cathal Curley.  In the 1976 Circuit, Per-Inge Walfriddson drove the car to 4th overall, whilst in 1977 rally, the Stratos came second in the hands of Billy Coleman.

Excited to be taking part in the Circuit former MSA British Historic Rally Champion Steve Perez said:

“I take part in rallies all over the world with my Kick Energy rally team, but few rallies can offer the historical significance and importance that the Circuit of Ireland can.

“I hope Rally fans in Ireland and overseas will be as excited about this year’s Circuit as I am!”

Rally Director, Bobby Willis said:

“The Lancia Stratos is one of the most exotic cars ever to have taken part in the Circuit.

“I am thrilled we will be welcoming the Stratos and Steve Perez to the Circuit of Ireland; I wish him every success.

“I am confident this will be a Circuit to remember with the Lancia Stratos, as well as many other interesting entries, still to be announced, thrilling fans.”

The 2011 Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally in association with UTV Drive will take place over Easter Weekend – 23rd and 24th April. Competitors will undertake 16 stages across counties Down, Tyrone, Antrim, Armagh and Monaghan, starting and finishing the race in Armagh city centre.

Full details of the Rally can be found at www.circuitofireland.net 

Thema - The video - Splendide !

Enjoy!

Collection of Lancias - A Tribute by TopGear

A programme that we really enjoyed. The Top Gear crew was up to their usual antics, however behind all of this there was a tribute to the best car maker of all times. Enjoy!

Post Geneva - More Pictures Released

The Geneva Motorshow now over, Lancia is releasing a few more official pictures of the new Ypsilon as well as interior pics of the new Thema.

New Ypsilon

The more pictures of the new Ypsilon are released, we must admit that the overall design seems very accomplish. We do obviously need to wait patiently to see it in the flesh but even the front grille, does start to make a little more sense.

Two-tone new Ypsilon

The new interior for the Thema must have been the real focus of this rebadging exercise. American cars, Chrysler included, are renowned for their poor quality interior. For Lancia to use the Chrysler 300 as a credible alternative, loads of re-work had to be done to the dash, layout and material used. Judging from the latest pictures, we believe they have managed to do graft a little of the Lancia world inside the oversized American car.

New Thema's interior

The leather, Poltrona Frau it seems, real wood inserts, quality plastics and overall layout certainly gives a very good impression overall albeit lacking some originality.

New Thema's interior

This new joint-venture is certainly taking Lancia to new unchartered waters and only time will tell whether this was the right strategy to keep Lancia alive.

Enjoy a few more pics...

Written By Mondo Lancia

New Ypsilon 25 Years of Evolution

The New Ypsilon is out and so are new videos and pictures of this all-new Lancia.


This particular video is looking at the evolution of the Italian city car from the Lancia Y10, 25 years ago, evolving into the Y, to the Ypsilon, and finally the new Ypsilon 5 doors.

Enjoy...  






And some more, as a fashion icon or the essence of luxury:

Geneva Motorshow 2011... The Pictures

At last, the entire new line-up of Lancias made of rebadged Chryslers, new look Deltas, all new Ypsilon are on display in Geneva.

The Ypsilon taking centre stage

Lancia has played the rebadging card to the max, the Thema, the Voyager and the "concept" Flavia are all American products rebadged Lancia for Europe.


I will leave you to be the judges of the results, however, some of the online forums already voiced their disgust at this cheap travesti version of their favourite brand.


I give you in order:

The Lancia Thema, the rebadged version of the new Chrysler 300

The Lancia Voyager, the rebadged version of the Chrysler

The Flavia Concept Car - The rebadged version of the revamped Chrysler Sebring (now 200)

The Best of America - The Best of Europe

Under this banner, Lancia has launched a new website. Lanciachryslerexperience.com presents the relaunch of the brand in Europe.


There is more. Lancia has also launched in Italy the minisite for the Ypsilon, complete with car configurator, equipment details, pictures galore. Have a look, though the site is in Italian, we will provide some information in English very soon. Enjoy!


http://www.lancianewypsilon.it