- Modern Lancia Gamma due in 2026
- Vehicle has been described as a fastback
- Production to take place alongside next-generation Jeep Compass at Italian plant
Lancia, part of the Stellantis fold, is working on a trio of electric vehicles for launch this decade, and the third was confirmed on Friday as a modern Gamma. It's due in 2026 as the flagship of the brand, and will join a previously announced Delta and Ypsilon.
The Ypsilon was shown in February and is due to start sales next year in markets where Lancia operates. The Gamma will follow in 2026 and the Delta in 2028. While the Ypsilon will eventually be offered with the option of a gas engine in mild-hybrid form, the Gamma and Delta are expected to be offered exclusively as EVs.
A teaser shot released as part of Friday's announcement doesn't show much of the Gamma's design, but the vehicle has previously been described by Lancia as a “fastback,” a body style the original Gamma of the 1970s and '80s offered, known as the Gamma Berlina. Lancia has also said the modern Gamma will measure 185 inches long and ride on Stellantis' STLA Medium platform.
The STLA Medium is one of four highly modular platforms announced by Stellantis two years ago, and can support gas, hybrid, and electric powertrains. EVs based on the platform can offer either front- or all-wheel drive, as well as batteries with a capacity of up to 98 kwh. The platform's supported power outputs range from 214-382 hp, and the maximum range is about 370 miles, as measured by the EPA.
Stellantis STLA Medium platform
Production of the Gamma will take place at a plant in Melfi, Italy. The plant is currently home to the aging Jeep Renegade and Compass, and is earmarked to build a new Compass based on the STLA Medium platform starting next year.
The Lancia flagship's design will likely share elements with Lancia's Pu+Ra HPE concept unveiled last year. The concept featured a wedge-like shape with round elements for the taillights and a Y-shaped motif at the front forming something resembling daytime running lights.
Lancia's three new vehicles will replace the previous-generation Ypsilon which has been on sale since 2011. One of Italy's oldest car brands, having been founded in 1906, Lancia has languished for years but is being given a new shot at life under the guidance of Stellantis. A previous attempt last decade to rebadge Chryslers as Lancias didn't find much ground.
Don't look for any of the new Lancias to reach the U.S., as the brand is fully focused on the European market at present.
