Lancia’s rebirth is only weeks away as the redesigned Ypsilon will be unveiled in February. It can’t come soon enough as the brand has been hanging on by a thread for the better part of a decade.
The stakes are high and Lancia has released another teaser, which gives us a look at the car’s all-new S.A.L.A. (Sound Air Light Augmentation) infotainment system. It’s designed to be “intuitive and effortless” as users can interact with it by touching the screen or using their voice.
The name is more than just an acronym as “SALA” means living room in Italian, and this reflects the company’s goal of having users “feel at home wherever they go.” Lancia isn’t going into many specifics at this point, but said we can expect two high-definition displays as well as fully customizable, widget-focused software. We can also see an illuminated orb on top of the dashboard, which gives off an Amazon Echo vibe.
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While there isn’t much to see, previous spy photos have shown the Ypsilon will have a freestanding digital instrument cluster that resides behind a flat-bottom steering wheel. To the right is a widescreen infotainment system, which features a handful of dedicated controls.
Further below, there’s a row of physical switchgear as well as a tray-like table. The latter is expected to house a wireless smartphone charger on its elevated platform.
Lancia hasn’t gone into many specifics, but has previously confirmed the Ypsilon will be launched in 2024 with both hybrid and electric powertrains. The first model out of the gate will be an electric Ypsilon Cassina Edition, which will be limited to 1,906 units.
While the company is keeping details under wraps, the Pu+Ra HPE concept used “technology modules” from the new Ypsilon including the motor, battery, suspension, and brakes. That being said, rumors have suggested the electric variant will have a 154 hp (115 kW / 156 PS) motor and a 51 kWh battery, which provides approximately 248 miles (400 km) of range.
We’ll learn more early next year, but Lancia has big plans for the future including a lineup that consists of three all-new models. The Ypsilon will be the first to arrive in 2024 and the other two will follow in 2026 and 2028.
