Lancia Lybra
| Lancia Lybra | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Lancia |
| Production | 1998—2005 |
| Assembly |
Rivalta plant, Turin, Italy (1998-2002) Comprensorio di Mirafiori, Turin, Italy (2002-2005) |
| Designer |
Enrico Fumia at Centro Stile Lancia Michael Vernon Robinson at Centro Stile Lancia (final design) Flavio Manzoni (interiors) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact executive car (D) |
| Body style | 4-door saloon 5-door estate |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Related |
Alfa Romeo 156 Fiat Marea |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.6 L I4 1.8 L I4 1.9 L turbodiesel I4 2.0 L I5 2.4 L turbodiesel I5 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,593 mm (102.1 in) |
| Length | 4,466 mm (175.8 in) |
| Width | 1,743 mm (68.6 in) |
| Height | Saloon: 1,462 mm (57.6 in) Estate: 1,470 mm (58 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,250 kg (2,760 lb)—1,420 kg (3,130 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Lancia Dedra |
| Successor | Lancia Flavia |
The Lancia Lybra (Type 839) was a compact executive car produced by Italian Fiat Auto's premium marque Lancia between 1998 and 2005. Based on heavily modified Alfa Romeo 156 floorpan, it replaced the Dedra within Lancia's lineup, and was similarly as low-profile as its predecessor, rather than as popular as its Alfa sibling. Just like the Dedra, the Lybra was available as both a saloon and estate (billed SW by Lancia). Around 165,000 units were made.
The model's name can be seen as a reference to the zodiac sign of Libra that was derived from the Latin word for balancing scale. It signalled an end of the previous Lancia naming theme involving the use of Greek letters as model names. The Lybra was built in the Rivalta plant near Turin until 2002 and after that in Mirafiori plant in Turin.
The Lybra was styled in Centro Stile Lancia, contrary to earlier Lancia models, which were commissioned from external design studios. Its styling was a clear departure from "rectangular" shapes prevalent in 1980s and 1990s Lancias, using heritage-inspired round headlights and other styling touches inspired by Lancias of the 1950s, like the Aurelia and Appia. Initial models were carried out by Enrico Fumia in 1992 and by the time of His departure from Lancia Centro Stile the project was finished by Michael Robinson. Main changes included round headlights. Interiors were designed by Flavio Manzoni.
On the other hand, it wasn't as edgy as the Lancia Thesis and later models, and still carried many references to 1990s Lancias, such as the shape of the grille, or the treatment of the upper body section of the wagon (reminiscent of that of the Lancia Kappa SW). Interestingly, the Lybra's very distinctive taillights were given to the 2001's facelift Fiat Marea sedan for the Latin American markets.
...
Wikipedia