The Lancia Ypsilon continues to cause a stir, confirming its place as a true icon of Italian design. This time, it is the turn of the new Ypsilon ELLE show car, an original version created from a collaboration between Lancia and the ELLE brand, a symbol of modern femininity that sets trends each season with a vast range of women’s clothing and accessories. In order to remain a benchmark for the segment, the 2009 Delta range was recently revamped with the introduction of a new engine, a new version and new technological features. The Lancia Musa Poltrona Frau is the top-of-the-range version of the "city limousine" that has been the best-selling MPV in Italy for two years is equipped with the new 120 hp 1.6 Multijet engine.

Lancia will be back at the 63rd Frankfurt International Motor Show with the Delta, the Ypsilon and the Musa - three prestigious cars that showcase the best of Italian style.

The main attraction is the brand new Ypsilon ELLE, the show car born out of a collaboration between Lancia and the ELLE brand, a symbol of modern femininity that sets trends each season with a vast range of women’s clothing and accessories. Further evidence of the link between Lancia and the world of fashion at the Frankfurt show comes in the shape of the Musa Poltrona Frau, the top-of-the-range version of the "city limousine" that has been the best-selling MPV in Italy for nearly two years. This version combines the style and attention to detail of Lancia cars with the exclusive, sophisticated leather and the craftsmanship of Poltrona Frau.

Also making its first appearance on the Musa is the new Start&Stop system, developed by Engineering & Design and FPT in partnership with suppliers such as Bosch and Magneti Marelli, which temporarily switches off and then restarts the engine (when the car is stationary and the engine is idling). Coming just a few months after the launch of the ECOCHIC hybrid petrol/LPG versions, this is yet another example of Lancia being constantly aware of environmental issues by researching and developing concrete and affordable solutions. This strategy can be summed up in the motto "The environment is a luxury we can all afford". Alongside these exclusive versions, let us not forget the Lancia Delta - a model that embodies the notion of affordable luxury by fulfilling the modern requirements of mobility and prestige thanks to the concept of downsizing, i.e. ensuring performance and luxury at reduced cost, size and consumption levels.

Lancia's latest offerings are on display in new and evocative surroundings: the exhibition area moves away from trade show traditions in favour of a more poetic stand. At the centre of it all are children, their world and their hopes for the future; a forward-looking brand knows how important it is to listen to its customers of tomorrow. This gives rise to a unique setup where children’s universe - particularly their handwriting - joins together with the latest fashions and colours. Large blackboards form the ideal surfaces for a story; leaves on the pavement become footrests with displays; the road itself is simply drawn out in chalk. A child's handwriting is conspicuous on the walls, while the black slate is dominated by trails of white and blue light. Everything can be written on - there are no boundaries to fantasy.

At Frankfurt the public can see the Delta Executive, the new flagship car aimed at business and institutional customers as well as those in diplomatic circles. Its main feature is the rear area of the passenger compartment. The seats are business class: cosier and more comfortable. As they are set further back, there is more legroom, which is especially nice for long journeys. The Delta Executive therefore represents a real modern alternative to bigger, heavier, more expensive flagship cars with higher fuel consumption levels. No wonder it was chosen to transport international delegations at the recent G8 Summit in L'Aquila.

Not forgetting that the Lancia Delta has become the car of the cinema. In fact, over the last year this model has been the official car of the most prestigious film festivals sponsored by the brand: after its debut at the 65th Venice International Film Festival, a fleet of Deltas accompanied film stars to the red carpet in Rome, Barcelona, Milan and Turin. Also, the Lancia Delta was written into the Columbia Sony Pictures film Angels and Demons. But the relationship between the Delta and the cinema does not stop there. Remember that the exclusive saloon was launched internationally in an advert that was more like a short film, featuring the acting talents of Richard Gere and a soundtrack composed by Oscar winner Ennio Morricone.

The second new feature of the Lancia Delta 2009 range is the 200 hp 1.8 Di TurboJet engine - the most powerful in its class. It is an innovative direct petrol injection engine that underlines Lancia's sporty nature and its respect for the environment in terms of low emissions and reduced fuel consumption. All this further enhances the liveliness, flexibility and driveability that have always been features of the model. Produced by Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT) and coming with a modern Sportronic six-speed automatic gearbox, the engine has a maximum output of 200 hp (147 kW) at 5,000 rpm and a peak torque of 320 Nm (32.6 kgm) at 1,400 rpm. With this setup, the Lancia Delta has a top speed of 230 km/h and goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.4 seconds. The car also stands out for its low fuel consumption (7.8 litres per 100 km), reduced CO2 emissions (185 g/km) and Euro 5 compliance.

Visitors to the Motor Show can get a close look at some of the innovative devices recently introduced to enhance comfort and driveability. First, there is the electronic variable damping suspension (Reactive Suspension System) that reduces oscillations and ensures the best possible safety, comfort and handling. Then there is the brand new Sportronic six-speed automatic gearbox with steering wheel controls, which comes together with the 200 hp 1.8 Di TurboJet engine. Lastly, the Lancia Delta features the semi-automatic Magic Parking system.

Many of these technological features - together with the bi-xenon self-adjusting headlights (Adaptive Xenon Light) and built-in satellite navigation system (Instant Nav) - were created as a result of collaboration between Lancia and Magneti Marelli. Not forgetting that the partnership between Fiat Group Automobiles, Magneti Marelli and Microsoft gave rise to Blue&Me, a system that Lancia Delta was the first to offer complete with a 'services' function after teaming up with Telecom Italia, as well as the traditional hands-free, stereo and navigation functions. It should also be remembered that the Blue&Me platform was recently enhanced by a new device: the MediaPlayer Blue&Me adaptor, which allows the car to communicate easily and quickly with an iPod or iPhone.

Finally, the public will be introduced to the products of FGA Capital, a financial joint venture between Fiat Group Automobiles and Crédit Agricole specialising in the automotive sector. Promotional material will be handed out and there will be customised display stands. The company, which works alongside major carmakers, operates in Italy and Europe with a single purpose: to support the sales of Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Fiat Professional and Abarth branded cars by offering innovative financial products incorporating high-added-value services that are aimed at the dealer network as well as private and business customers.

YPSILON ELLE SHOWCAR WORLD PREMIÈRE

The Lancia Ypsilon continues to cause a stir, confirming its place as a true icon of Italian design. This time, it is the turn of the new Ypsilon ELLE show car, an original version created from a collaboration between Lancia and the ELLE brand, a symbol of modern femininity that sets trends each season with a vast range of women’s clothing and accessories. Much more than just a name, it represents a unique lifestyle and a dynamic, modern and positive existence. ELLE embodies the modern woman: active and feminine, spontaneous and decisive, with a global outlook. Present in more than 80 countries worldwide, ELLE products are sold at selected retailers and the major European department stores.

Lancia has identified fashion as a preferred area of marketing that represents a key element of brand positioning. The link between Lancia and fashion is clear from its cars (like the Ypsilon Moda Milano, Ypsilon Versus and Musa Poltrona Frau), its adverts starring icons of Italian fashion like Stefano Gabbana and Carla Bruni, and the many industry events it sponsors. What's more, Lancia and fashion are two showcases of Italian design with shared values including talent, creativity and innovation. In other words, the ingredients that have made Italian style famous the world over. So it seemed quite natural to combine ELLE and Ypsilon, the Lancia model directed at the same fashion-conscious audience.
 
The Ypsilon ELLE show car has many truly eye-catching features. First, there is the bodywork in a unique metalluro-effect pink that will stand out on the catwalk next year. In addition, the car offers chrome-plated details such as the radiator grille, the rear bumper, handles and door mouldings. Then, on the outside pillar, there is the main silk-screen print - inspired by ELLE magazine covers and forming the ELLE logo. Also, the 16" alloy wheels are painted in the same pink as the body, but with a matt coat. The customisation of the car really shows on the inside. The special purple leather and Alcantara upholstery - another colour currently gracing the catwalks - features an art composition with the word ELLE appearing ton-sur-ton on the middle part of the seat. The upholstery is further enhanced by contrasting stitching with bright white leather piping. The interior carpentry was done using a technical material that is also bright white and feels like a fabric. The cool colour scheme continues on the easy-chrome interior displays and central console, which features the purple gear stick gaiter to match the seats and the gemstone. Finally, the interior of the car is made even more exclusive by the bright white Alcantara upholstery on the upper part of the central pillars and the whole roof panel, as well as by the Velour floor mats with leather edges. The Ypsilon ELLE show car provides a sneak preview of a special series of cars that will be manufactured in limited edition and sold in spring 2010 in the major European markets.

DELTA - AFFORDABLE LUXURY

The Lancia Delta perfectly embodies the notion of affordable luxury by fulfilling the modern requirements of mobility and prestige thanks to the concept of downsizing, i.e. ensuring performance and luxury at reduced cost, size and consumption levels. In order to remain a benchmark for the segment, the 2009 Delta range was recently revamped with the introduction of a new engine, a new version and new technological features.

Executive - the new Lancia flagship

The Delta Executive is the top-of-the-range model for a sophisticated clientele: one that cares about technology but is mindful of tradition, which demands substance but also exclusivity and prestige. These people are businessmen, managers and professionals that can mix tradition with innovation and rationality with emotion, but they are also figures from the institutional and diplomatic arenas. Because it is aimed at customers seeking more style and comfort, the exclusive rear seating area of the Delta Executive offers the same comfort as a business-class seat on a long-haul flight. In fact, the comfort in the rear is the best in its class, proving that Lancia has given plenty of thought to the passenger area. That is what makes the Executive perfect for important official events.

On the outside, the Delta Executive boasts a two-tone chassis (light bronze body and glossy black roof), special two-tone diamond-edged alloy wheels, the golden "D" logo on the pillar and the word "Delta" on the rear window, as well as the special fog light design. On the inside, the Lancia Delta Executive has luxury beige Frau Pieno Fiore leather-upholstered seats with wrap-round head restraints and chocolate-brown piping, black leather dashboard and gear stick frame with black lacquered inserts, two smoked ceiling courtesy lights and leathers embellished with new and elegant beige and chocolate-brown stitching. The new version can be fitted with the powerful 200 hp 1.8 Di Turbojet (Euro 5) and Sportronic automatic gearbox, or with the 190 hp 1.9 Twin Turbo Multijet and 165 hp 2.0 Multijet turbodiesel engines. Inspired by the Delta Platino, the exclusive Executive comes with the following as standard: electronic variable damping suspension (Reactive Suspension System), rear parking sensors, six airbags, dual-zone automatic climate control, Granluce sunroof, Instant Nav satellite navigation, Absolute Handling System with Drive Steering Torque (DST), fog lights with cornering function and front armrest with cooling compartment.

200 hp 1.8 Di TurboJet

The whole world acknowledges the ability of Italian carmakers to produce fiery and gritty engines, real jewels born out of the experience and passion of the engineers combined with years of technical know-how. The new 200 hp 1.8 Di TurboJet (Euro 5) is no exception. Produced by FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies, the new engine delivers maximum power of 200 hp (147 kw) at 5,000 rpm and a peak torque of 320 Nm (32.6 kgm) at 1,400 rpm. Combined with a Sportronic six-speed automatic/sequential gearbox, the 200 hp 1.8 Di TurboJet offers unparalleled driveability: it has a top speed of 230 km/h and goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.4 seconds. Despite this incredible performance, fuel consumption and emissions are surprisingly low: 7.8 l/100 km in the combined cycle and 185 grams of CO2 per kilometre respectively. This innovative engine therefore underlines Lancia Automobiles' commitment to the environment both in terms of low emissions and reduced fuel consumption. All this further enhances the liveliness, flexibility and driveability that have always been features of the model. To achieve these results, the 200 hp 1.8 Di TurboJet uses direct petrol injection, a turbocharger and two continuous variable valve timing units for exhaust and intake. The combination of these various technologies gives the customer key benefits such as direct injection, which enables reduced fuel consumption in relation to engine performance. In addition, the turbocharger linked to the twin variable valve timing units provides quick acceleration thanks to a particularly good torque curve.

Here, in detail, are all the new features brought in by the 200 hp 1.8 Di TurboJet, which was designed and developed by engineers at Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT), the division of the Fiat Group that is wholly responsible for the innovation, research, design and production of engines and gearboxes for any type of machine: from cars to industrial vehicles, and from boats to agricultural equipment. With around 20,000 employees, 16 factories and 11 research centres across nine countries, the division is one of the most important global players in the power unit field. At FPT, around 3,000 highly specialised technicians are dedicated to developing and engineering innovative technologies. More than 40 patents filed every year is proof of the quality and seriousness of this commitment, making FPT a centre of excellence for technology and continual innovation.

Scavenging technology: the brilliant performance of the engine is largely the result of using advanced scavenging technology to maximise torque even at very low speeds, ensuring incredible responsiveness. Effective scavenging is achieved by continuously monitoring and optimising the engine operating parameters such as fuel dosage, the position of the two variable valve timing units, the ignition advance and the injection timing. In practice, it is possible to define valve overlap angles and times with extreme precision, generating a direct air flow from the intake manifold to the exhaust manifold and driving the turbocharger in very short times. This new system therefore makes far better use of the turbocharger than conventional turbo petrol engines. It is controlled by an innovative ECU installed with ultra-modern engine parameter management software. The results are surprising: peak torque at 1,400 rpm is 70% greater than that of a conventional turbo engine and response times have been more than halved, closely approaching those of a naturally aspirated engine.

Direct injection: lowers temperatures in the combustion chamber through fuel evaporation and considerably reduces the likelihood of explosion. This allows superior performance to be achieved even at quite high compression ratios (around 9.5) and guarantees low fuel consumption at partial throttle settings. Direct injection is essential for reducing emissions through an advanced dual-injection system. Direct control over the injection process also ensures that no fuel escapes from the exhaust port during the scavenging phase to compromise the functioning of the catalytic converter. Finally, the second-generation injection system features a new, high-pressure pump (capable of managing fuel pressures of 150 bar) and innovative seven-hole injectors capable of guaranteeing perfect fuel vaporisation under all engine operating conditions.

Twin variable valve timing units: the two continuous variable valve timing units on the intake and exhaust camshafts optimise valve timing at all engine speeds and loads, minimising both fuel consumption and emissions. With the two valve timing units linked to the turbocharger, it is possible to manage the scavenging strategy by establishing the ideal valve opening and closing overlap. When the driver demands a sudden increase in torque, the system ensures rapid response even at very low revs.

Turbo: the engine is fitted with a next-generation turbocharger linked to an innovative pulse converter exhaust manifold that optimises the use of exhaust pressure waves to increase torque at low engine speeds. Both the manifold and the turbine are made of microcast steel to withstand the very high operating temperatures (up to 1020°C) needed to reduce fuel consumption while driving at medium-high speeds, on motorways for example.

Thermal fluid dynamics: the intake ducts are designed and optimised through the use of mono- and three-dimensional computing technologies that have enabled them to reach a high enough level of turbulence. The design of the combustion chamber has also been optimised by extending the squish areas and minimising the ratio between surface area and volume, to the benefit of combustion. Lastly, the exhaust ducts have been designed to work in sync with the exhaust manifold and to maximise its pulse converter effect.

Friction: the entire engine has been designed to minimise power losses through friction. The pistons feature rings with low tangential load, and advanced materials have been used to minimise wear. The cylinder head incorporates valve-controlled roller rocker arms that have reduced sliding contact losses at 2,000 rpm by 65% compared with direct control. It is a solution commonly used in premium-brand engines. Optimised crank design based on a very long connecting rod and a fairly short piston stroke has minimised the vibrations normally associated with straight-four engines at high speed. In this way, balancing countershafts can be dispensed with, making the engine even lighter and therefore reducing consumption.

Performance: the scavenging technology and an innovative management system enable the engine to set new performance benchmarks. Specific torque is exceptional at 185 Nm/l, one of the highest figures for any modern engine. Maximum torque of 320 Nm is reached at only 1,400 rpm – another excellent value. This guarantees superb acceleration, making the car extremely responsive and avoiding the need for frequent gear changes. Finally, the engine reaches a high specific power of 115 hp/l at the relatively low speed of 5,000 rpm and keeps this power level constant up to 5,500 rpm. In short, the 200 hp 1.8 Di TurboJet (Euro 5) boasts a torque comparable to that of an aspirated V6 with almost double the cubic capacity but, thanks to downsizing, you can bank on significant weight reduction to improve efficiency.

Emissions: one of the priorities for technicians at FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies was ensuring, together with excellent performance, minimum emissions, in keeping with Lancia Automobiles' philosophy of using care for the environment as a reference point for creating and constantly improving its products. Just like the three Lancia Delta diesel engines (190 hp 1.9 Twin Turbo Multijet, 120 hp 1.6 Multijet and 165 hp 2.0 Multijet), the brand new 200 hp 1.8 Di TurboJet (Euro 5) is Euro-5 compliant, ahead of the regulation coming into force.

Next-generation systems and technology

In keeping with the Lancia tradition, the Delta makes significant strides in technological innovation for driving dynamics, safety and comfort. The best example is the inclusion of next-generation systems and devices (some appearing for the first time in the segment) that can make even the shortest journey a pleasant experience. Here are three key features now available in the Delta range.

Sportronic: six-speed automatic gearbox

Combining the 200 hp 1.8 Di TurboJet with an automatic six-speed gearbox really enhances the flexibility and pick-up of the engine, which gives the Lancia Delta a smooth drive that can satisfy the tastes of different customers by providing comfort and sportiness. The gearbox is compact and light, and has been designed with particular attention to reducing fuel consumption. Efficiency has been improved by using a low-friction oil and the inclusion of a sixth gear is particularly useful for motorway driving. The precise management software recognises different road conditions and adapts handling through the following functions: braking assist, slope recognition, cornering, sporty or comfortable drive. Driveability is further enhanced by the option of choosing Winter, Norm and Sport programmes, as well as the manual mode (TIP), with steering wheel controls that underline the sporty nature of the Delta.

Electronic variable damping suspension (Reactive Suspension System)

The Lancia Delta's suspension system uses a solid framework that is comfortable and light: at the front, it is MacPherson-type with crossmember and wishbones optimised for new load conditions; at the rear, there is a torsion beam and anti-roll bar for excellent handling. The major innovation on this model is a feature developed in collaboration with Magneti Marelli: an avant-garde oscillation damping system (Reactive Suspension System) reserved until now for the most modern cars in higher categories and applied for the first time by the Fiat Group to a mid-class car. The Reactive Suspension System - through real-time electronic control of the shock absorbers - reduces vehicle oscillation in all driving conditions, ensuring better safety, comfort and handling. Using sensors, the system identifies the best control mechanisms for the driving and road surface conditions. Among these mechanisms is the Sky Hook function, which isolates the passenger compartment by completely protecting it from outside stresses and strains. In addition, thanks to the high calculation capacity of the ECU and the instantaneous response of precise electrovalves, the system immediately neutralises bumps from uneven road surfaces and enables excellent dynamic control even in sporty driving mode (which can be selected) by improving handling and precision. Finally, the Reactive Suspension System shortens the car's stopping distance (by around 5% thanks to optimum contact between tyre and road) and ensures timely intervention in the event of emergency manoeuvres in order to restore safe conditions smoothly.

Magic Parking: parking assistance

It is often hard to find a parking space in towns and cities with a lot of traffic. Of course, once you find one, actually parking the car can prove rather challenging because the space is so tight. That is why the Lancia Delta has an innovative parking aid that helps the driver to judge whether a space is big enough and to actually carry out the parking manoeuvre. First, the system measures the length of the free space and indicates whether it is big enough for your car. Then, it automatically steers the car during reversing, allowing the driver to concentrate solely on controlling speed by using the accelerator and brake. With one single manoeuvre, the vehicle parallel parks in such a way to limit the number of subsequent realignments made by the driver. Of course, the driver is always in control by operating the pedals, and can deactivate the system by turning the steering wheel or disengaging reverse gear, or by pressing the appropriate button. In essence, the system consists of a radar sensor on each side of the vehicle, located inside the front bumper. The radar is beamed into the space on the right (or left) and the echoes are picked up by the sensor, which reconstructs a map of the area between the parked cars, visualises the free space and identifies any obstacles. At the same time, using information coming from wheel speed measurement, the system can measure the length of the free area. The driver is informed that the parking space is ok if the measurement is equal to the length of the car plus 130 centimetres (65cm at the front and 65cm at the back), i.e. a total of at least 5.82 metres. If a suitable space has been found, there is a beeping noise and a message on the display indicates whether the parking manoeuvre can be completed in a single or multiple stages. If the driver feels the space is suitable and engages reverse gear, the system can control lateral movement through electronic steering, allowing the driver to take his/her hands off the wheel and concentrate on controlling the car with the accelerator and brake. At this stage, the maximum speed is 7 km/h and the driver can cut out the system simply by taking control of the wheel again.

MUSA POLTRONA FRAU

The theme of affordable luxury continues with the Lancia Musa Poltrona Frau. This top-of-the-range version of the "city limousine" that has been the best-selling MPV in Italy for two years is equipped with the new 120 hp 1.6 Multijet engine. The exclusive configuration, available in 11 exterior colours (of which four are two-tone) and three interior shades (grey, natural leather and red), also offers seats and a dashboard upholstered entirely in Pelle Frau® leather as well as a wealth of standard equipment including:Granluce sunroof, ESP system, radio and CD player, 16" alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, six airbags and fog lights.

This special series of the Lancia Musa, featuring the Poltrona Frau logo on the central pillar and embroidered on the leather dashboard, is a unique car that combines two renowned names of Italian design. The style, attention to detail and crafted two-tone paint finish typical of Lancia cars are combined with the exclusivity and sophistication of leather and the craftsmanship of Poltrona Frau. For an automotive manufacturer such as Lancia, attention to detail and top-quality materials is crucial. Because the interior environment of all its vehicles is an emotionally involving space featuring great craftsmanship, Poltrona Frau is the ideal partner. Poltrona Frau offers a wealth of knowledge and tradition, superlatively expressed through the way the leather has been worked to preserve its softness, colour and feel. Attention to quality, a quest for the most innovative materials, exclusive manufacturing processes and compliance with specific resistance standards ensure the leather is suitable for use in the automotive industry. Let us not forget that the partnership between Lancia and Poltrona Frau goes back a long way. It began with Vincenzo Lancia, who in the 1920s asked Renzo Frau to ‘dress’ the cars he built for VIP customers, and continued in 1984 when Poltrona Frau and the Lancia Centro Stile produced the interior of the Thema 8.32, the saloon with a Ferrari engine. More recently, the partnership has extended to the entire Lancia range: from the Dedra to the Y10, and from the Thesis to the Musa and the brand new Delta. The new Lancia Musa Poltrona Frau version is also fitted with the new 120 hp 1.6 Multijet, a cutting-edge turbodiesel engine with Multijet, multivalve technology that underlines the technological excellence of the Fiat Group in the field of diesel engine design and development.

The new engine perfectly combines the best features of Multijet turbodiesel engines with tax breaks and other advantages deriving from the new downsizing philosophy. It is therefore the ideal solution for those who seek an effective compromise between respect for the environment and low running costs, without sacrificing power and flexibility, for real driveability. Compared with the tried and tested 100 hp 1.9 Multijet, the 1.6 Multijet offers better performance, comfort, emissions and running costs, in addition to considerable benefits: torque is nearly 15% higher at the same power (300 Nm at 1,500 rpm) and fuel consumption is 6% lower (measured over an NEDC cycle). All this comes with much improved driveability, due above all to useful torque values at low speeds. These aims have been achieved through a comprehensive optimisation of combustion that exploits the potential of the engine's new injectors to the full.

The 1.6 Multijet delivers an excellent absolute torque, especially considering the cubic capacity: the figure of 300 Nm puts it right at the top of the performance charts for engines of 1.8 litres and below. If we then consider specific torque (i.e. divided by the cubic capacity), the 1.6 is the highest performing engine in the category of power outputs up to 200 hp, with the sole exception of supersport power units. That is not all. If we take into account that the maximum torque is delivered at just 1,500 rpm, we are able to immediately appreciate the extent to which the 1.6 Multijet represents a revolutionary advance on present-day diesel engines: no other, not even a next-gen engine, can deliver such high torque at such low revs. All things considered, the new 1.6 Multijet offers exhilarating driveability that is difficult to match. This is proven by the acceleration (from 0 to 100 km/h in just 9.9 seconds) and the top speed (190 km/h).

Combining the new injection system with next-generation variable geometry turbochargers completes an absolutely outstanding technological picture. In the same way, the 120 hp 1.6 incorporates the most advanced exhaust gas treatment technologies, namely a Close Coupled Diesel Particulate Filter and a built-in EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system that improves control of temperature and gas flow, simultaneously guaranteeing lower emissions and reduced fuel consumption. All this put together enables the engine to comply with Euro 5 standards: this is the best example of the great commitments made throughout the Fiat Group to ensure environmentally friendly motoring. A Lancia Musa Poltrona Frau with the new 1.6 Multijet engine does not need its first service until 35,000 km, cutting 25% off the costs of ordinary servicing (calculated for distances of 90,000 km or 100,000 km, which are most common for long-term hire contracts).

MUSA WITH START&STOP

Also making its debut on the Musa in Frankfurt is the new Start&Stop system - developed by Engineering & Design and FPT with the help of supply partners including Bosch and Magneti Marelli – which aims to increase vehicle efficiency by reducing fuel consumption, harmful gas emissions and noise pollution. The Start&Stop system recognises when the car is stationary (thanks to position sensors on the brake and clutch pedals and vehicle speed measurements) and, if the engine temperature and battery charge allow, switches off the engine when the driver engages neutral and takes his/her foot off the clutch (for a manual gearbox) or keeps the brake pedal depressed (for a DFN robotised gearbox). Then, it restarts the engine as soon as the clutch pedal is depressed (manual) or the brake pedal is released (DFN). All electrical devices continue to work when the engine is switched off. In order to maintain comfort levels, the system will not activate in certain conditions: for example, if the air conditioning is on full power, the heated rear window is on, reverse is engaged (e.g. for parking manoeuvres) or the outside temperature is too cold. In addition, the Start&Stop system does not activate if the operation of the car (e.g. the engine is cold, the battery is running low or, in diesel cars, particulate filter regeneration is taking place) or the safety of the driver and passengers (e.g. the driver's door is not closed or the safety belt is not fastened) is compromised. The engine can be stopped automatically only once a speed of about 10 km/h has been reached, to prevent the engine from being repeatedly stopped when driving at walking pace.If the engine has been automatically switched off for more than three minutes, it starts up again. If, after the engine has automatically restarted, the driver is inactive for around three minutes, the Start&Stop system turns off the engine once and for all, to prevent fuel consumption (Energy Saving function). In this case, the engine can be restarted only by using the key. The system is enabled every time the car is started, and can be disabled/re-enabled by a button located on the dashboard which has a light that comes on when the system is disabled (a message also appears on the instrument panel). The Start&Stop system is most effective when the car is used primarily in towns and cities, where it reduces fuel consumption by 10 per cent in the urban cycle. At Frankfurt, the system is paired with the 95 hp 1.4 16v Euro 5 engine, whose CO2 emissions are cut (in the mixed cycle) from 146 to 140 g/km (with manual gearbox) and from 136 to 130 g/km (with DFN robotised sequential gearbox) compared with the version without Start&Stop. The introduction of the Start&Stop system to the "city limousine" just a few months after the launch of the ECOCHIC hybrid petrol/LPG versions is yet another example of Lancia Automobiles being constantly aware of environmental issues by researching and developing concrete and affordable solutions. This strategy can be summed up in the motto "The environment is a luxury we can all afford".