Lancia Dedra
Encyclopedia
The Lancia Dedra is a compact executive car
produced by the Italian automaker Lancia
from 1989 to 2000. It was initially designed to support, and later to replace, the Prisma
that, six years after its launch, was having difficulties to keep in pace with its latest opponents. It can be considered as the saloon version of the second generation Delta
, that was launched four years later, in 1993.
The task of the Dedra was demanding: it must gather the legacy of Prisma, which relaunched the Lancia brand in the field of compact executive cars, and expand its market share if possible. Larger than its predecessor, the Dedra was presented as the second flagship car of Lancia, as a car that could satisfy those looking for an elegant medium sized sedan but did not want to buy an executive car
, as the Thema
.
The design, by Ercole Spada
of the I.DE.A Institute
, produced an excellent drag coefficient
of only 0.29. The core of the product was prestige, exclusivity, personality and comfort, achieved through a high level of equipment and use of materials (e.g. Alcantara
) as well as details such as special paints, alloy wheels and an attention to soundproofing, ventilation and other issues. Inside the ability to obtain the perfect driving position was helped by the adjustable seats, steering wheel
and electrically adjustable mirrors. Safety, both passive with a structure designed to minimize injury in an accident, and active, such as ABS
and airbag
, was also near the top of the Dedra's agenda.
It was based on the Fiat Tipo
-floorpan, because the idea of Fiat Group at the end of the 80s was to achieve, from a single floorpan (for reasons of economies of scale), four different cars from the same base: good value for money for the Fiat Tipo
(1988), elegance for Lancia Dedra 1989, convenience at a competitive price for the Fiat Tempra
(1990) (with its large boot) and sportsmanship for the Alfa Romeo 155
(1992). Also were designed on the same floorpan the Lancia Delta
and the Fiat Coupe
.
In 1991 was launched the Dedra Integrale. It used the same engine and transmission that the Delta Integrale 8v. The Delta Integrale 8v engine is one of the world's most competition proven power units, a 2-litre 4-cylinder fuel injected twin cam engine, fitted with contra-rotating balancing shafts, and a Garrett
T3 turbocharger
and associated inter-cooler to aid volumetric efficiency that boost power output to 171 PS (127 kW) in catalyzed version. The Dedra Integrale also uses the same permanent 4-wheel drive of the Delta Integrale, and includes the new Visco Drive 2000 traction control system
. Also includes the electronically controlled suspension available as option in the 2.0 and upper versions.
When the Dedra was launched, it was a good time for Lancia: The Thema had been facelifted a year earlier, and despite being on the market for five years was selling well, the Delta (1979), thanks its continued success in competition was living a second youth, and the Y10 had a slight restyling and good sales. However, the Dedra was not a strong success outside Italy. A major facelift in 1993 did little to boost the car's sales success and the whole Lancia range including the Dedra was withdrawn from right-hand drive markets a year later. The car, after 1993 also sold as a station wagon
, remained popular on the Italian market until it was replaced by the all-new Lybra
at the end of the 90s.
A total of 418,084 Dedras were manufactured during its commercial life.
Compact executive car
Compact executive car is a car classification term applied to premium cars smaller than executive cars. In European classification, compact executive cars are part of the D-segment. In North American terms, close equivalents are compact premium car, compact luxury car, entry-level luxury car and...
produced by the Italian automaker Lancia
Lancia
Lancia Automobiles S.p.A. is an Italian automobile manufacturer founded in 1906 by Vincenzo Lancia and which became part of the Fiat Group in 1969. The company has a long history of producing distinctive cars and also has a strong rally heritage. Some modern Lancias are seen as presenting a more...
from 1989 to 2000. It was initially designed to support, and later to replace, the Prisma
Lancia Prisma
The Lancia Prisma was a midsize car built by Lancia in the 1980s. It was basically a sedan version of the Lancia Delta, and like its smaller hatchback "brother", shared its chassis and engines with the Fiat Ritmo and Regata...
that, six years after its launch, was having difficulties to keep in pace with its latest opponents. It can be considered as the saloon version of the second generation Delta
Lancia Delta
The Lancia Delta is a small family car produced by Italian automaker Lancia with the first generation being produced between 1979 and 1994, the second generation running from 1993 until 1999, and the third generation Delta entering production in 2008. It was first shown inFrankfurt Motor Show in 1979...
, that was launched four years later, in 1993.
The task of the Dedra was demanding: it must gather the legacy of Prisma, which relaunched the Lancia brand in the field of compact executive cars, and expand its market share if possible. Larger than its predecessor, the Dedra was presented as the second flagship car of Lancia, as a car that could satisfy those looking for an elegant medium sized sedan but did not want to buy an executive car
Executive car
Executive car is a British term that refers to a car's size and is used to describe an automobile larger than a large family car. In official use, the term is adopted by EuroNCAP, a European organisation founded to test car safety.- History :...
, as the Thema
Lancia Thema
The Lancia Thema is an executive car produced by the Italian automaker Lancia between 1984 and 1994, and one of four cars to share the Type Four platform alongside the Alfa Romeo 164, Fiat Croma and Saab 9000...
.
The design, by Ercole Spada
Ercole Spada
Ercole Spada is an Italian automobile designer. His most notable designs were made in the 1960s, for the Zagato design studio house, where Spada was chief stylist...
of the I.DE.A Institute
I.DE.A Institute
I.DE.A Institute is an automobile design and engineering company in Turin, Italy, founded in 1978...
, produced an excellent drag coefficient
Drag coefficient
In fluid dynamics, the drag coefficient is a dimensionless quantity that is used to quantify the drag or resistance of an object in a fluid environment such as air or water. It is used in the drag equation, where a lower drag coefficient indicates the object will have less aerodynamic or...
of only 0.29. The core of the product was prestige, exclusivity, personality and comfort, achieved through a high level of equipment and use of materials (e.g. Alcantara
Alcantara (material)
Alcantara is a tradename given to a composite material used to cover surfaces and forms in a variety of applications. The material was developed in the early 1970s by Miyoshi Okamoto, a scientist working for the Japanese chemical company Toray Industries, as a variation of their other product...
) as well as details such as special paints, alloy wheels and an attention to soundproofing, ventilation and other issues. Inside the ability to obtain the perfect driving position was helped by the adjustable seats, steering wheel
Steering wheel
A steering wheel is a type of steering control in vehicles and vessels ....
and electrically adjustable mirrors. Safety, both passive with a structure designed to minimize injury in an accident, and active, such as ABS
Anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system is a safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and therefore avoiding skidding.An ABS generally offers...
and airbag
Airbag
An Airbag is a vehicle safety device. It is an occupant restraint consisting of a flexible envelope designed to inflate rapidly during an automobile collision, to prevent occupants from striking interior objects such as the steering wheel or a window...
, was also near the top of the Dedra's agenda.
It was based on the Fiat Tipo
Fiat Tipo
The Fiat Tipo is a small family car designed by the IDEA design house and produced by the Italian manufacturer Fiat between 1988 and 1995.The Tipo was initially available only as a five-door hatchback. The car was made entirely out of galvanized body panels to avoid rust, and was built on a...
-floorpan, because the idea of Fiat Group at the end of the 80s was to achieve, from a single floorpan (for reasons of economies of scale), four different cars from the same base: good value for money for the Fiat Tipo
Fiat Tipo
The Fiat Tipo is a small family car designed by the IDEA design house and produced by the Italian manufacturer Fiat between 1988 and 1995.The Tipo was initially available only as a five-door hatchback. The car was made entirely out of galvanized body panels to avoid rust, and was built on a...
(1988), elegance for Lancia Dedra 1989, convenience at a competitive price for the Fiat Tempra
Fiat Tempra
The Fiat Tempra is a small family car produced by Italian automaker Fiat from 1990 to 1998. The Tempra was intended as a replacement for the Fiat Regata. The original project was called Tipo 3, being a mid-size car between the Fiat Tipo and the bigger Fiat Croma...
(1990) (with its large boot) and sportsmanship for the Alfa Romeo 155
Alfa Romeo 155
The Alfa Romeo 155 is a compact executive car produced under the Italian Alfa Romeo marque between 1992 and 1998.-Design:Built to replace the 75 and based on the parent Fiat Group's Type Three platform, the 155 was somewhat larger in dimension than the 75 but evolved its styling from that of its...
(1992). Also were designed on the same floorpan the Lancia Delta
Lancia Delta
The Lancia Delta is a small family car produced by Italian automaker Lancia with the first generation being produced between 1979 and 1994, the second generation running from 1993 until 1999, and the third generation Delta entering production in 2008. It was first shown inFrankfurt Motor Show in 1979...
and the Fiat Coupe
Fiat Coupé
The Fiat Coupé was a coupé produced by the Italian manufacturer Fiat between 1993 and 2000. The car was introduced at Brussels Motor Show in 1993....
.
In 1991 was launched the Dedra Integrale. It used the same engine and transmission that the Delta Integrale 8v. The Delta Integrale 8v engine is one of the world's most competition proven power units, a 2-litre 4-cylinder fuel injected twin cam engine, fitted with contra-rotating balancing shafts, and a Garrett
Garrett AiResearch
Garrett AiResearch was a manufacturer of turboprop engines and turbochargers, and a pioneer in numerous aerospace technologies. It was previously known as Aircraft Tool and Supply Company, Garrett Supply Company, AiResearch Manufacturing Company, or simply AiResearch...
T3 turbocharger
Turbocharger
A turbocharger, or turbo , from the Greek "τύρβη" is a centrifugal compressor powered by a turbine that is driven by an engine's exhaust gases. Its benefit lies with the compressor increasing the mass of air entering the engine , thereby resulting in greater performance...
and associated inter-cooler to aid volumetric efficiency that boost power output to 171 PS (127 kW) in catalyzed version. The Dedra Integrale also uses the same permanent 4-wheel drive of the Delta Integrale, and includes the new Visco Drive 2000 traction control system
Traction control system
A traction control system , also known as anti-slip regulation , is typically a secondary function of the anti-lock braking system on production motor vehicles, designed to prevent loss of traction of driven road wheels...
. Also includes the electronically controlled suspension available as option in the 2.0 and upper versions.
When the Dedra was launched, it was a good time for Lancia: The Thema had been facelifted a year earlier, and despite being on the market for five years was selling well, the Delta (1979), thanks its continued success in competition was living a second youth, and the Y10 had a slight restyling and good sales. However, the Dedra was not a strong success outside Italy. A major facelift in 1993 did little to boost the car's sales success and the whole Lancia range including the Dedra was withdrawn from right-hand drive markets a year later. The car, after 1993 also sold as a station wagon
Station wagon
A station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
, remained popular on the Italian market until it was replaced by the all-new Lybra
Lancia Lybra
The Lancia Lybra is a compact executive car produced by Italian Fiat Auto's upscale marque Lancia between 1999 and 2006. Based on heavily modified Alfa Romeo 156 floorpan, it replaced the Dedra within Lancia's lineup, and was similarly low-profile to its predecessor, rather than as popular as its...
at the end of the 90s.
A total of 418,084 Dedras were manufactured during its commercial life.
History
- April 89: Official launch (1.6 L, 1.8 L, 2.0 L and 1.9 L tds versions).
- May 91: Launch of Integrale and 2.0 L turbocharger versions.
- May 92: Launch of automatic version.
- October 92: First facelift.
- January 93: Enhancement of security equipment.
- July 94: Launch of second version, with new engines, station wagon version and other minor enhancements.
- January 95: Included antitheft device.
- November 95: Second facelift.
- February 96: 2.0 L engine was replaced by 1.8 L 16 V.
- January 97: New 2.0 L 16 V Integrale version.
- May 97: New interiors.
- July 97: New 1.8 L 113 PS engine.
- December 97: Launch of third version, with new engines, new frontal, new door and other minor enhancements.
- January 00: End of production.
Engines
| Engine | Model | Power | Torque | Displacement | Engine | Weight | Top speed | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiat SOHC Fiat SOHC Designed by Aurelio Lampredi, the Fiat SOHC engine first appeared in the front-wheel drive Fiat 128 of 1969. The in-line four-cylinder engine comprised an iron block with an aluminium cylinder-head containing a single over-head camshaft operating directly on both the inlet and exhaust valves in a... |
1.6 i.e. | (Single Point Injection) 80 PS | 124 newton metre | 1581 cc | straight-4 | 1108 kg (2,443 lb) | 170 km/h (105.6 mph) | 1989–1992 |
| Fiat SOHC | 1.6 i.e. | (SPI) 75 PS | 125 newton metre | 1581 cc | straight-4 | 1100 kg (2,425 lb) | 167 km/h (103.8 mph) | 1992–1994 |
| Fiat SOHC | 1.6 | (Multi Point Injection) 90 PS | 127 newton metre | 1581 cc | straight-4 | 1140 kg (2,513 lb) | 180 km/h (111.8 mph) | 1994–1997 |
| Fiat Twin Cam Fiat Twin Cam engine Designed by Aurelio Lampredi the Fiat Twin Cam was an advanced inline-4 automobile engine produced from 1959 through 1994 as a Fiat/Lancia engine until it was replaced by the "family B" series of engines... |
1.6 16V | (MPI) 103 PS | 144 newton metre | 1581cc | straight-4 | 1175 kg (2,590 lb) | 188 km/h (116.8 mph) | 1998–1999 |
| Fiat Lampredi | 1.8 i.e. | (MPI) 107 PS | 140 newton metre | 1756 cc | straight-4 | 1200 kg (2,646 lb) | 187 km/h (116.2 mph) | 1989–1993 |
| Fiat Lampredi | 1.8 i.e. | (MPI) 90 PS | 133 newton metre | 1756 cc | straight-4 | 1200 kg (2,646 lb) | 180 km/h (111.8 mph) | 1993–1994 |
| Fiat Lampredi | 1.8 | (MPI) 101 PS | 142 newton metre | 1756 cc | straight-4 | 1200 kg (2,646 lb) | 185 km/h (115 mph) | 1994–1996 |
| Fiat Twin Cam | 1.8 16V | (MPI) 113 PS | 154 newton metre | 1747 cc | straight-4 | 1235 kg (2,723 lb) | 191 km/h (118.7 mph) | 1996–1998 |
| Fiat Twin Cam | 1.8 16V | (MPI) 131 PS | 164 newton metre | 1747 cc | straight-4 | 1255 kg (2,767 lb) | 203 km/h (126.1 mph) | 1996–1998 |
| Fiat Twin Cam | 1.8 16V | (MPI) 130 PS | 164 newton metre | 1747 cc | straight-4 | 1255 kg (2,767 lb) | 203 km/h (126.1 mph) | 1998–1999 |
| Fiat Lampredi | 2.0 i.e. | (MPI) 116 PS | 156 newton metre | 1995 cc | straight-4 | 1180 kg (2,601 lb) | 195 km/h (121.2 mph) | 1989–1994 |
| Fiat Lampredi | 2.0 automatic | (MPI) 113 PS | 156 newton metre | 1995 cc | straight-4 | 1210 kg (2,668 lb) | 185 km/h (115 mph) | 1993–1996 |
| Fiat Twin Cam | 2.0 16V | (MPI) 139 PS | 180 newton metre | 1995 cc | straight-4 | 1260 kg (2,778 lb) | 210 km/h (130.5 mph) | 1994–1996 |
| Fiat Twin Cam | 2.0 16V integrale | (MPI) 139 PS | 185 newton metre | 1995 cc | straight-4 | 1395 kg (3,075 lb) | 195 km/h (121.2 mph) | 1994–1997 |
| ? | 2.0 turbo i.e. | (MPI) 165 PS | 274 newton metre | 1995 cc | straight-4 | 1245 kg (2,745 lb) | 215 km/h (133.6 mph) | 1991–1994 |
| Lancia (Delta) Lampredi | 2.0 Turbo i.e. 8v integrale | (MPI) 177 PS | 279 newton metre | 1995 cc | straight-4 | 1345 kg (2,965 lb) | 215 km/h (133.6 mph) | 1991–1994 |
| ? | 1.9 turbo ds | 92 PS | 186 newton metre | 1929 cc | straight-4 | 1200 kg (2,646 lb) | 180 km/h (111.8 mph) | 1989–1993 |
| ? | 1.9 tds | 90 PS | 186 newton metre | 1929 cc | straight-4 | 1240 kg (2,734 lb) | 180 km/h (111.8 mph) | 1993–1999 |
Petrol
| Model | Acceleration 0–100 km/h (s) | Top speed |
|---|---|---|
| 1.6 | 13,4 (SW: 13,3) | 180 kilometre per hour (SW: 175 kilometre per hour ) |
| 1.8 | 12,5 (SW: 12,7) | 185 kilometre per hour (SW: 180 kilometre per hour ) |
| 1.8 16v | 10,3 (SW: 10,6) | 191 kilometre per hour (SW: 186 kilometre per hour ) |
| 1.8 16v VVT | 10,0 (SW: 10,0) | 203 kilometre per hour (SW: 198 kilometre per hour ) |
| 2.0 8v Turbo Integrale | 6,9 (SW:/) | 215 kilometre per hour (SW: / ) |
| 2.0 16v | 9,4 (SW: 10,3) | 210 kilometre per hour (SW: 210 kilometre per hour ) |
| 2.0 16 v automatic | 12,9 | 185 kilometre per hour |
Diesel
| Model | Acceleration 0–100 km/h (s) | Top speed |
|---|---|---|
| 1.9 Turbo DS | 12,9 (SW: 13,3) | 180 kilometre per hour (SW: 180 kilometre per hour) |
