Lancia, the Italian automaker owned by Stellantis, has given car enthusiasts a glimpse of its upcoming electric concept set to be unveiled on April 15th. While there is not much information available, the teaser image suggests that the iconic Stratos may be the inspiration behind the brand's first EV.
Lancia has only confirmed that the concept will be revealed at the Emozione Pu+Ra press event, where the company's brand manifesto for the next ten years will also be discussed.
Before you dismiss Lancia going electric, it is worth noting that the automaker currently only sells one car – the Ypsilon – and only in Italy. The Ypsilon, based on the Fiat 500 platform, is not an electric vehicle, and the upcoming 500e will not be available in Lancia's lineup.
See also: Lancia launches new logo to welcome the electrification era
The teaser image shows a section of the rear end with a round taillight, trunk-mounted spoiler, and a wedgy diffuser, with the LANCIA script apparent in the negative space between the taillights. This design is reminiscent of the Stratos, with its rounded tails, as well as the rally version of the 037, which had rectangular rear lighting.
While a practical electric hatchback might be the sensible option for Lancia's current product lineup, the brand wants to be seen as a premium automaker, and a sports car or supercar could help achieve that. This move would align with Lancia's history and future design guidelines, as it aims to revive its brand under a ‘Renaissance' strategy.
Lancia's electric lineup will not just consist of one sporty EV. The automaker is also developing an all-electric Ypsilon, with a crossover expected in 2026. These volume sellers will help justify Lancia's existence and pay for more exciting cars in the future.
See also: Lancia to become electric-only brand worldwide from 2026
It is unclear if the Stratos-inspired concept will resonate with consumers or if it will be too impractical. Still, Lancia is betting on it to help place the brand back in the collective consciousness. For those who were not fans of the original Stratos due to its size or driving position, the new model is expected to be bigger and more comfortable. The Delta nameplate is also expected to return in 2028, likely for international markets.
The upcoming Lancia concept is undoubtedly exciting news for car enthusiasts, and it will be interesting to see how the brand's future plans unfold.
