by During winter testing, the prototype of the new flagship Lancia crossover, named Gamma, was spotted for the first time. The car, which is part of Stellantis’s large-scale brand revival plan, will offer electric, mild hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions. Production of the model will be established at the plant in Melfi, Italy, where the DS No8 model will also be built.
Return of a Legendary Name
The second phase of Lancia’s “Renaissance” is gaining momentum, and with it returns the iconic name Gamma. Unlike the original Gamma from 1976-1984, which was a sedan and coupe, the new model will be an electrified crossover, the Italian “sibling” of the French DS No8. According to spy shots, the car has a straighter silhouette than the DS, approaching the coupe-SUV format.
Design Direction Becomes Clear
The front end will inherit signature features from the smaller Ypsilon, including a split LED lighting scheme and an illuminated T-shaped grille. The lower bumper design is modern and likely includes active shutters. The car’s profile strongly resembles the DS, including door handles and mirror caps, although the windows on the Gamma appear slightly larger. The modest wheel size indicates this is not a high-performance HF version.
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The rear is well camouflaged, but one can discern a coupe-like slope of the rear glass, which flows into an integrated spoiler. The official 2024 teaser suggests the LED rear lights will be one-piece with a T-shaped pattern, drawing attention to the Gamma name on the tailgate. The absence of visible exhaust pipes under the diffuser confirms that this prototype is most likely fully electric.
Interior and Technologies
The interior is expected to feature premium and eco-friendly materials, as well as Lancia’s signature element — the “tavolino,” a small round table integrated into the center console. The digital panel is set to include a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 16-inch infotainment system screen running on the Lancia SALA platform.
Wide Range of Powertrains
Like the DS No8, the Lancia Gamma will be built on the Stellantis STLA Medium platform. Initially, both models were planned as fully electric, but the plan later changed. Now, a mild hybrid and a plug-in hybrid will be added to the electric version.
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Based on Stellantis’s existing technologies, one can assume the powertrain lineup. The base Gamma will likely receive a turbocharged 1.2-liter mild hybrid with 143 hp. On the other hand, the Gamma HF version could be equipped with two electric motors with a combined output of up to 370 hp and all-wheel drive. Regarding range, the larger 97 kWh battery could provide up to 700 km on a single charge.
Future Plans
Lancia has confirmed that the new Gamma will appear in 2026, so a gradual unveiling of details can be expected in the coming months. Later, in 2028, it will be joined by the new Lancia Delta, completing the three-model lineup of the revived Italian brand.
The return of the Gamma name in a new role reflects the general trend of the automotive industry to adapt iconic models of the past to modern market demands, particularly the popularity of crossovers and electrification. The success of this model will be critically important for Lancia, as the Ypsilon has not yet gained enough momentum to launch the “Renaissance.” Competition with DS, which shares the platform and factory, could pose a challenge in forming Gamma’s unique identity. The focus on different types of powertrains demonstrates the flexibility of Stellantis’s strategy and an attempt to reach the widest possible audience amid the uncertainty of the electric vehicle market.
