The Delta set to go on show in Geneva next week is distinguished by a particular black body colour with matt finish: it is the first car that can, as standard, boast this exclusive paint finish - called Hard Black – which requires a long production process (over 4 hours per car). What catches the eyes on the inside of the Delta special series are the beige seats in leather and Alcantara (this optional will soon be available in the Gold and Platinum models too). For the Delta, colour is not only a matter of aesthetics, but an integral part of a product philosophy which has among its constituent elements, glamour, personality, style and the greatest possibility for customisation.

The Lancia Delta aims to embody 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 fuel consumption levels. In order to remain a benchmark for the segment, in Geneva Lancia is presenting a special series which can be ordered from spring in major European countries, set apart by some aesthetic and product innovations.

As regards the exterior, the new car is distinguished by a particular black body colour with matt finish: it is the first car that can, as standard, boast this exclusive paint finish - called Hard Black – which requires a long production process (over 4 hours per car). After all, for the Delta, colour is not only a matter of aesthetics, but an integral part of a product philosophy which has among its constituent elements, glamour, personality, style and the greatest possibility for customisation.

The body colour matches the glossy black roof and is enhanced with chrome-plated mirror frames and new 18" burnished alloy wheels. What catches the eyes on the inside are the beige seats in leather and Alcantara (this optional will soon be available in the Gold and Platinum models too).

Also, the new version of the Delta comes with some innovative devices as standard to give more comfort and driving pleasure, such as the electronic Reactive Suspension System, automatic dual zone air conditioner and the Blue&Me system.

The stylish and exclusive vehicle will be the star of a fundraising drive for the Mandela Foundation which each year organises events all over the world to raise awareness and tackle issues such as civil rights restrictions and disease. One of the most well known projects is Mandela Day/46664, which every 18th July celebrates the birthday of the South African leader imprisoned for decades with the number 46664 for fighting against his country's regime of segregation. From 2010 this anniversary is being officially recognised all around the world, thanks to a UN resolution. This year Mandela Day/46664 will be held in Madrid and Lancia will be playing a leading role to demonstrate its ongoing social commitment.

The special Delta series can be equipped with either the 1.8 Di TurboJet 200 HP engine or with the 1.9 Twin Turbo 190 HP engine, both manufactured by FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies. In detail, the first engine delivers 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. It is an innovative direct injection petrol engine with turbocompressor and dual continuous variable valve timing unit that underlines Lancia's sportiness 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.

The 1.8 Di TurboJet 200 HP engine combined with a modern Sportronic six-speed automatic gearbox, allows the Lancia Delta to reach a top speed of 230 km/h and go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.4 seconds. The car is also distinguished by its low fuel consumption (7.8 litres per 100 km), reduced emissions of CO2 (185 g/km) and Euro 5 compliance.
 
The special series can be equipped with the 1.9 Twin Turbo MultiJet, the most powerful engine in its class with a maximum output of 190 HP and a peak torque of 400 Nm at 2,000 rpm. This means record performances such as a top speed of 222 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds. The car boasts excellent performances, thanks to important technological innovations, starting with the use of two turbocompressors (hence the name Twin Turbo): a compact one with low inertia to ensure responsiveness and power at low speeds and a bigger one to deliver still greater power. It should be noted that the high power delivery (approximately 100 HP/litre) is a value so far reserved for particularly sporty petrol engines. Even more appealing is that it comes with no less than 300 Nm of torque at just 1250 rpm: this translates into extreme responsiveness of the 1.9 Twin Turbo MultiJet to everything demanded by the driver and allows a truly satisfying drive in all situations.