Lancia Previews Fulvia Concept

Lancia Style Centre designers have always had one perennial dream: to recreate the Fulvia Coupé as though it had been left free to evolve without interruption. That dream is now fulfilled with the highly anticipated debut of the Fulvia Coupé concept at the Frankfurt IAA in Septmenber. The approach to the project was very clear from the outset: no nostalgic self-indulgence but a post-modern reworking of the original concept and styling cues, designed by Castagnero in 1965.

The dimensions and three-box shape of the Fulvia Coupé show car are practically identical to those of its predecessor but the track has been widened to give the car greater stability and strength. The resulting coupé is similar in size to modern roadsters such as the Mazda MX-5 and Audi TT. The general layout is reminiscent of Riva motorboats of the period, i.e. a truncated tail, an extremely dynamic shape and a furrowing prow. The most distinctive stylist motif, a continuous horseshoe-shaped band that enfolded the entire body only to emerge at the tail, was reworked to give the car a more dynamic appearance and a tapering shape. The point of greatest tension lies over the front wheel where all the visual weight of the car is also concentrated to underscore the front drive and engine. The end result is that the entire car appears to be pulled along from this point. The teardrop-shape of the car from above with maximum width at the front and a tendency to taper off toward the truncated tail also contributes to this effect.

The three-coated Ivory body colour contrasts with the dark brown 'Testa di moro' leather that enfolds the passenger compartment. The interior has a decidedly Seventies feel with parts that are reminiscent of the iridescent controls on hi-fi systems of the period. The Tanganika Frisé wood that covers the central facia insert and tunnel bridge is silky in appearance with a metallic sheen.

The interior features two bucket seats and an additional luggage compartment under the parcel rack. Its appearance is inspired by the original, though with a spare post-modern treatment. Additional touches include a set of bags produced specially for the show car by Trussardi. The overall look is rounded off by a three-dial analogue instrument cluster of nautical design that is pearlised in colour (similar to that of the new Ypsilon). A metal interface plate contains all the infotainment functions and the climate control system as on other Lancia vehicles. A cylindrical airbag module is contained within a steering wheel with three metal spokes and a leather-upholstered rim.

The Lancia prototype is equipped with a 4 cylinder 1.8 16v engine with variable valve timing producing 103 kW (140 PS) at 6400 rpm. All the car's exterior parts have been designed to reduce drag, resulting in a top speed of 213 km/h. Prototype manufacturer CECOMP employed the very best hand panel beaters to craft all the exterior panels in aluminum. This attention to lightness has kept the weight down to 990 kg, giving an excellent weight/power ratio (7 kg/PS) and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds. All this naturally means reduced fuel consumption: over a combined cycle, for example, fuel consumption never exceeds 7.3 L/100 km.

Although the suspension geometry is relatively simple, it ensures a first rate dynamic performance aided by Pirelli PZero Nero tyres. The front suspension employs a McPherson layout with telescopic struts, coaxial coil springs and lower wishbones. The technical picture is completed by rear suspension with longitudinal arms, antiroll bar, braking system with four disc brakes (the front ones are ventilated) and an ABS. No other electronic gadgets have been added, such as antislip or stability control devices, to maintain the purity of the car's wonderful old-style sporty handling.