2009 Lancia Ypsilon ELLE review and pictures

Lancia Ypsilon ELLE review:

Ypsilon ELLE show car, world premiere

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.