In 1997 the 1242cc engine gained 16 valves
(86bhp) although the 8V version continued to be sold in parallel and a
basic model, the Elefantino Blu using a 8V 1108cc (55bhp) engine, was introduced.
This was joined in 1998 by the Elefantino Rosso, a more sporting version
with a close-ratio gearbox, lowered suspension and the 16V 1242cc engine.
The
replacement for the Y10, the Ypsilon (or Y) was
introduced late in 1995. Based on a shortened Punto
platform and powered by similar engines from the FIRE range (1242cc with
60bhp and 1371cc with 80bhp) the Lancia was however, not a particularly
similar car. A completely different design, from the Lancia Styling Centre,
and Lancia's policy of marketing the Y as a luxurious supermini, with a
corresponding level of equipment, maintained it's individuality.
At
the Paris Motorshow in 2000 Lancia revealed a slightly facelifted and revised
Ypsilon range. Externally the front bumper showed the biggest change, whilst
detail changes were made both outside and inside, the latter including
the instruments and materials used. Satellite navigation also became an
option. The engines remained the same basic units with revised control
units to enable them to meet the stricter Euro 3 emissions laws.
Technical Details
| Driveline | transverse engine at front with front wheel drive |
| Suspension | front : MacPherson strut with telescopic dampers and coil springs plus anti-roll bar
rear : independent with telescopic dampers and coil springs plus anti-roll bar wheelbase : 2380mm front track : 1405mm rear track : 1390mm |
| Brakes | front : discs, diameter 257mm (240mm on base models)
rear : drums, diameter 180mm handbrake operating on the rear via cable dual hydraulic circuit with servo assistance ABS optional |
| Gearbox | 5 or 6 speed manual
CVT |
| Steering | Rack and pinion with power assist (except base models) |
Tuning
The brakes can be improved by fitting drilled
and grooved discs, using a superior pad compound and fitting stainless
steel braided flexible hoses.
Dampers and springs can be bought which
will improve the handling, and a strut brace can be fitted at the front
and rear to increase the stiffness of the bodyshell.
Since the Ypsilon is based on the Punto,
it is possible to utilise many of the performance parts offered for the
latter car (which tend to be more commonly available) on the former.
Easily
carried out modifications include installation of a free-flow air filter
(a cold air duct is also a worthy mod) and fitment of a less restrictive
exhaust system to improve the driveability, 'Chips' are also available
which (claim to) increase the power, driveability and torque all at the same time.
Links
One owners Lancia Ypsilon website
Ypsilon comment form
Your Comments
My mom drives one! Very nice
city car!! Easy to park and very smooth driving, only a bit a lack of power!
but generally nice Italian! (Mille, Belgium)
I have a Lancia Y. In fact, it is my second Y. It is a very good
car, beautiful and original. Many thanks to Lancia !!!! (Christophe, France)
I must have one of the most exclusive cars in the UK, an Ypsilon. Drove it back all the way from Milan full of stuff and it still
makes 140 kph on the motorways. Fantastic
Lupo, Polo, Twingo, Clio, Saxo, 106, Fiesta, Yaris, Etc,... If you could only be half as nice as the Y...(David, Cantabria)
I am the owner of a Lancia Y 16V. I really like its design, in and
out, but most of all its engine. There is no other 1200 c.c. engine with so much power and nerve. The Y can easily pass many other more expensive cars.
Great handling too (with the PUNTO GT shock absorbers that i've recently placed even better!) I love my Y and i wouldnt change it for any of the
other cars in its class. (Alkis, Greece)
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