SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 1, 2025 - Blending Heritage with Innovation in Waterloo
Last Friday, a historic reunion unfolded on the scenic roads of Waterloo, Belgium, as Lancia officially marked its return to the BeLux market. The Italian marque invited a select group of journalists for an exclusive drive event that was much more than a test drive—it was a journey through time.
From the soft-spoken elegance of the Aurelia B50 Cabriolet to the cutting-edge sophistication of the all-new Lancia Ypsilon, the event celebrated Lancia’s enduring legacy while showcasing its exciting future.
“This event was about more than just driving cars,” said Barbara De Mol, Marketing Director Lancia Stellantis Belgium. “It was about reconnecting with Lancia’s soul—its history, its elegance, its daring spirit—and showing how that DNA is still very much alive today. The return of Lancia to the Belux region isn’t just a comeback; it’s the start of a new era.”
Iconic Models on Display
Attendees were given the rare opportunity to experience legendary models that helped define Lancia’s automotive identity:
- Lancia Fulvia Sport 1600 – A lightweight, Zagato-styled fastback coupe built in limited numbers, admired for its agile handling, front-wheel-drive layout, and elegant simplicity.
- Lancia Delta HF – The motorsport icon that dominated the World Rally Championship with six consecutive constructors' titles, representing Lancia's relentless drive for performance.
- Lancia Thema 8.32 – A discreet executive saloon with a Ferrari V8 engine under its hood, blending power with luxury in true Italian style.
- Lancia Flavia Cabriolet Vignale – A glamorous, handcrafted convertible that married technical innovation with Italian elegance.
- Lancia Aurelia B50 Cabriolet – One of the earliest expressions of grand touring luxury, featuring the world’s first production V6 engine.
Each model stood as a testament to Lancia’s pioneering spirit in engineering and design.
Spotlight on the New Lancia Ypsilon
At the center of attention was the new Lancia Ypsilon, the first vehicle of a revitalized era for the brand. With both a 100% electric version and a high-efficiency hybrid, the Ypsilon blends performance, comfort, and unmistakable Italian design.
The electric Ypsilon features a 156 hp motor and a 51 kWh battery, offering up to 403 km of range (WLTP) and rapid charging from 20% to 80% in just 24 minutes. Its sleek, modern form is complemented by intuitive technology and materials selected in partnership with Cassina, elevating onboard comfort.
Meanwhile, the hybrid Ypsilon boasts a 1.2-liter 100 hp engine with 48V tech and intelligent driving modes, achieving low emissions and an engaging drive. Features such as e-Start, e-Parking, and e-Queuing provide a smart, adaptive experience tailored to the modern driver.
Consumers are invited to test drive both versions to experience firsthand the rebirth of a brand that marries sustainability with sophistication.
Lancia Returns to Its Rally Roots
In tandem with its road-going revival, Lancia reclaims its place in motorsports with a strategic return to Rally 4. This grassroots competition forms the training ground for tomorrow’s champions—mirroring the brand’s legacy of 10 world rally titles.
The newly launched Lancia Rally Trophy will spotlight drivers of the Ypsilon Rally 4 HF across six events in the Italian Rally Championship, with categories for Junior, Master, and Expert drivers. A Belgian rally initiative is also on the horizon, further cementing Lancia’s commitment to nurturing talent across Europe.
A New Chapter Begins
From its earliest post-war innovations to its dominance on rally stages, Lancia has always blended emotion, engineering, and elegance. Now, with its return to BeLux, a bold future begins—anchored by history but driven by innovation.
The drive event in Waterloo was more than a celebration; it was a declaration. Lancia is back—not just with cars, but with a renewed identity that speaks to both nostalgia and next-generation thinking.
Ready to Experience the Future of Italian Automotive Excellence?
Test drives of the new Lancia Ypsilon—both 100% Electric (403 km range) and efficient Hybrid versions—are now available. Visit your nearest Lancia dealership in BeLux to rediscover what makes this brand a legend in motion.