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Happy Birthday, Ypsilon! Lancia’s Iconic City Car Turns 40 with a Stylish, High-Tech Makeover

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Happy Birthday, Ypsilon! Lancia’s Iconic City Car Turns 40 with a Stylish, High-Tech Makeover

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 1, 2025 - Celebrating four decades of timeless elegance and innovation, the Lancia Ypsilon enters a bold new era with its most advanced and sustainable version yet: the New Ypsilon.

A Stylish Legacy That Keeps on Giving
Since its debut in 1985 with the Y10, the Lancia Ypsilon has charmed over three million drivers across five generations and 36 unique special series. With its signature blend of style, refinement, and cutting-edge technology, it has consistently stood out in the competitive city car market.

The model has long enjoyed a reputation for pushing boundaries. Whether it was the iconic wedge shape of the Y10, the premium city car concept introduced by the 1995 Lancia Y, or the bold color customizations of the “Kaleidos” program, Ypsilon has always stayed ahead of the curve.

“After forty years of success stories, stylistic evolutions, and technological innovations, the Ypsilon has become much more than a simple car. It is a symbol of elegance and personality which today, with the New Ypsilon, has entered new territory to satisfy the increased demand for sustainability and connectivity,” said Lancia CEO Luca Napolitano.

The New Ypsilon: Driving the Future
The New Ypsilon marks the beginning of a fresh chapter for the brand and is a showcase of premium features in a compact package. It introduces a stunning new design inspired by Lancia’s heritage, including round taillights that nod to the Lancia Stratos and a modern interpretation of the iconic “chalice” front in LED beams.

This new model is also the first Stellantis vehicle to integrate the S.A.L.A. system—a smart virtual interface designed for an intuitive, comfortable driving experience. The New Ypsilon leads its class with features like a 10.25” digital display, Level 2 Autonomous Driving (standard on the Cassina edition), and best-in-class parking and lighting systems.

Premium, Personalized, and Planet-Friendly
The New Ypsilon offers three trims tailored to different drivers:

  • The elegant New Ypsilon, aimed at younger, style-conscious city dwellers.
  • The New Ypsilon LX, which packs the highest specs for a luxury driving experience.
  • The New Ypsilon Edizione Cassina, blending design and wellness for a “feel-at-home” vibe in the cabin.

All trims are available in both electric and hybrid configurations. The hybrid features a 100-hp 1.2L engine with 48V technology, while the electric version boasts a 156-hp motor and a 51-kWh battery, delivering up to 403 km of range and fast charging to 80% in just 24 minutes.

Honoring the Past, Racing into the Future
Lancia's motorsport heritage is alive and well. The New Ypsilon Rally 4 HF marks the brand's return to rally racing, while the upcoming 280-hp Ypsilon HF delivers high performance on the road, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in under 5.7 seconds.

With 80 preorders in just three months, the Ypsilon Rally 4 HF is already making waves. It will shine in the prestigious Trofeo Lancia within the Italian Absolute Rally Championship (CIAR), offering a €360,000 prize pool and the potential to join the official Lancia Corse HF team in the FIA ERC.

A Nod to Fashion and Feminine Appeal
Throughout its history, the Ypsilon has stayed closely tied to the fashion world. From the 1986 Y10 Fila to the 2022 Alberta Ferretti edition, Lancia has launched 36 stylish collaborations. This strong fashion-forward identity and its city-friendly design have long made the Ypsilon a favorite among women drivers.

The model’s popularity has been further cemented by memorable campaigns and celebrity endorsements from names like Carol Alt, Vincent Cassel, and Cristiana Capotondi. These creative, often unconventional promotions have played a key role in reinforcing Ypsilon’s unique brand identity.

A New Retail Experience with Casa Lancia
Coinciding with the New Ypsilon’s launch, Lancia has rolled out a revamped dealership experience. 160 Casa Lancia showrooms have been remodeled across Italy, with 70 more slated to open in key European markets—including France, Spain, Belgium-Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Germany—by 2025.

This network expansion supports Lancia’s vision of delivering a more personal, upscale customer experience in line with its evolving brand ethos.

The Road Ahead for Lancia
Lancia’s 118-year journey continues with renewed focus and ambition. With the New Ypsilon leading the charge, the brand embarks on a 10-year plan centered on innovation, sustainability, and Italian elegance.

“This brave yet necessary decision is part of Lancia’s plan to strengthen Stellantis’ premium portfolio in Europe together with the Alfa Romeo and DS Automobiles brands,” added Napolitano.

Rediscover the Icon. Experience the New Ypsilon.
As Lancia redefines what a compact city car can be, the New Ypsilon stands as a testament to four decades of craftsmanship and creativity. Whether you’re drawn to its fashion-forward design, tech-first approach, or rally-bred performance, one thing is clear: the Ypsilon legacy is just getting started.

Visit your nearest Casa Lancia showroom or explore the New Ypsilon online to find your perfect match in this exciting new chapter of Italian automotive excellence.