Think about strolling right into a Lancia showroom in 1976. Among the many automobiles on show was the Gamma, a big, quite unconventional Italian machine with a flat-four engine. It wasn’t notably profitable, but it surely had character. You actually wouldn’t have mistaken it for a BMW.
Now think about seeing the Gamma title once more, fifty years later. The automotive carrying it’s a crossover.
Lancia unveiled the brand new Gamma on the 2026 Paris Motor Present, bringing again a reputation that had been absent for many years. The corporate is rebuilding its vary, and this mannequin is meant to assist it attain clients who may by no means have thought-about a Lancia earlier than.
I can perceive the choice to construct a crossover. They’re what folks purchase, and Lancia wants gross sales greater than it wants one other lovely automotive that no person orders.
Nonetheless, there’s one thing barely unusual about placing the Gamma badge on one.
The unique was a correct govt automotive, obtainable as a saloon and a coupé. Its successor has a raised physique, a sloping roof and the type of silhouette now present in nearly each premium showroom.
Lancia has tried to provide it a character of its personal.
The entrance carries an illuminated interpretation of the previous Calice grille. On the again, the lighting kinds a T-shaped sample. There are references to the model’s earlier designs, though you received’t discover a lot that straight resembles the 1976 automotive.
The roof is likely one of the extra attention-grabbing particulars. Its light downward curve makes the Gamma look much less cumbersome than some standard SUVs.
I think that’s precisely what Lancia needed.
The brand new mannequin was developed in Italy and shall be constructed at Stellantis’ Melfi plant. That manufacturing unit has an necessary function within the group’s subsequent era of autos, so the Gamma isn’t being handled as some small nostalgia venture.
However there’s a much bigger query than the place it’s assembled.
Who’s going to purchase it?
Lancia as soon as had a repute for intelligent engineering and interiors that felt totally different from nearly the rest on the highway. The badge nonetheless carries some historical past, notably in Italy. Elsewhere, many youthful drivers barely realize it.
A trendy crossover may get them by way of the showroom door. Retaining their consideration will rely on the driving expertise, gear and worth.
These are the issues I wish to see earlier than getting excited in regards to the Gamma’s return.
For now, I’m happy Lancia is constructing one thing bold once more. I simply want its comeback flagship had been rather less predictable.
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