- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru Fr
20th century legends will return as electric cars
Stellantis has ambitious plans. It brings together 14 brands, and each will be electrified in a sense. Therefore Stellantis is currently developing four different electric platforms. They will form the basis of future models by Peugeot, Citroen, DS, Maserati, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia and Opel. The latter two will have a chance to revive their legendary models in the form of electric vehicles.
The Delta is a compact C-segment car, manufactured by Lancia (Italy). Introduced in 1979, it was produced until 2014. The Lancia Delta became famous for its performance at the World Rally Championship. Thus, the Italian team dominated the World Rally Championship for manufacturers’ titles from 1987 to 1992. Lancia offered road versions of these sports cars: the Lancia Delta HF4WD and Integrale.
In October, Luca Napolitano, Lancia’s new CEO, told the media that the Delta would return as an elite electric vehicle, with its production starting in 2026. This amazing model is considered an immortal icon of the company, so it is only natural that it will become a symbol of revival in the future and will embody all the most modern technologies of Stellantis. It is already known that the new electric car will be based on the STLA Medium platform, which will allow it to travel up to 700 km on a single charge. It’s too early to say what the new Delta will look like, but it is unlikely that it will have much in common with the rally legend of the 80s and 90s. Rather, the newcomer will be an extension of the 2008 model, which was positioned as a luxurious and almost premium hatchback. The body of the future car is still an intrigue.
‘It will return and it will be a true Delta: an exciting car, a manifesto of progress and technology. And obviously, it’ll be electric’
Another anticipated model is the new generation Lancia Ypsilon. The super compact car is already 10 years old, and it is currently only sold in Italy. The successor to this car will be released in 2024 and will be the last Lancia model with an internal combustion engine. By 2026, the Italian automaker will only sell electric vehicles and target high-income buyers.
As for the Opel Manta, it is known that a four-door coupe with high ground clearance will be produced under this name. The new model is likely to be built on the STLA Medium platform for C- and D-segment cars, for which Stellantis has provided a 104 kWh battery. This architecture also allows the installation of twin engines (total power of 400 hp) and four-wheel drive. All new Opel cars sold in Europe will start being electrified only in 2028.
The Opel Manta A is a sports coupe, the German company's answer to the Ford Capri. The car was produced from 1970 to 1975 and was very popular.
The revived Manta is expected to be launched in 2025, just two years before Opel switches to electric-only production. The newcomer will again compete with the Ford Mustang Mach-E, as well as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and Volkswagen ID 4 or those cars that will replace them.
