Lancia Dedra

Last updated
Lancia Dedra
Lancia Dedra Sedan.jpg
Overview
Manufacturer Alfa-Lancia Industriale (1989–1991)
Fiat Auto (1991–1999)
Production1989March 1999
418,084 built [1]
AssemblyItaly:
Designer Ercole Spada [2] at I.DE.A Institute [3]
Body and chassis
Class Compact executive car (D)
Body style
Layout
Platform Fiat Type Three (Tipo Tre) platform [4]
Related
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,540 mm (100.0 in)
Length4,340 mm (170.9 in) [5]
4,343 mm (171.0 in) (SW) [6]
Width1,700 mm (66.9 in)
Height1,430 mm (56.3 in) [5]
1,446 mm (56.9 in) (SW) [6]
Curb weight 1,060–1,330 kg (2,337–2,932 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor Lancia Prisma
Successor Lancia Lybra

The Lancia Dedra (Type 835) is a compact executive car produced by the Italian automaker Lancia from 1989 to 1999. It was initially designed to support, and went on to replace, the Prisma which, six years after its launch, was having difficulty remaining competitive in the market. It was based on the same platform underpinning the second generation of the Delta (which launched in 1993) and can be considered a saloon variant of the Delta.

Contents

History

The task of the Dedra was demanding, it had to continue the legacy of the Prisma, which relaunched the Lancia brand in the field of compact executive cars, and to expand its market share if possible. Being larger than its predecessor, the Dedra was positioned as the second flagship car of Lancia that could satisfy those looking for an elegant medium-sized sedan but did not want to buy an executive car, such as the Thema.

The Dedra was designed by Ercole Spada of the I.DE.A Institute and produced an excellent drag coefficient of only 0.29. The core concept of the Dedra 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 configurable colours, alloy wheels and an attention given to soundproofing, ventilation and other creature comforts. 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.

Pre-facelift Lancia Dedra Berlina rear Auto Italia Stanford Hall June 2010 IMG 9414 (4679287525).jpg
Pre-facelift Lancia Dedra Berlina rear
Dashboard of first facelift Cuadro Dedra.jpg
Dashboard of first facelift

In order to help the Fiat Group achieve economies of scale, the Dedra was based on the Fiat Type Three platform. This single floorpan thus formed the basis for three different cars with three different product themes: elegance for the Lancia Dedra (1989), convenience at a competitive price for the large-booted Fiat Tempra (1990), and sportsmanship for the Alfa Romeo 155 (1992).

In 1991, a performance focused variant called the Dedra Integrale was launched. It used a similar engine and transmission to the Delta Integrale 8v. The engine was touted at the time as one of the world's most competition proven units. It is a 2-litre four-cylinder fuel injected twin cam engine, fitted with contra-rotating balancing shafts, a Garrett T3 turbocharger and an associated inter-cooler to aid volumetric efficiency that boosts power output to 169 PS (167 hp; 124 kW) in the catalyzed version. The Dedra Integrale was also fitted with the new Visco Drive 2000 traction control system, as well as the electronically controlled suspension which was available as option in the 2.0 and upper models. The equipment was largely equivalent to that of the Dedra LX, with some modifications such as more bolstered seats and a sporty steering wheel. The Integrale retained a front-wheel bias, with 56 percent of the power going to the front axle. [7] The Integrale was equipped with a standard rear spoiler for improved high-speed stability.

A front-wheel drive model with a turbocharged engine called the Dedra 2000 turbo was released simultaneously with the Integrale; it had slightly less power so as to not overwhelm the chassis. This model also benefitted from the Visco Drive 2000 system, a necessity to avoid wheelspin. [7] Aside from being lighter, the model was also somewhat lower. The Integrale's spoiler was an option on the turbo. [7]

Rear of a Lancia Dedra SW 1.6 Lancia Dedra (22903719410).jpg
Rear of a Lancia Dedra SW 1.6

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 launched initially in 1979, due to its continued success in rally 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, from 1994 was also sold as a station wagon which was developed by French coachbuilders Heuliez, remained popular on the Italian market until it was replaced by the all-new Lybra in 1999.

A total of 418,084 Dedras were manufactured during its production run.

Summary

Model year changes

The Dedra had some revisions made during its production run. The first revision was in 1992 which introduced revisions to the engines, updates to the features and introducing the turbo and Integrale models. The second revision was between 1994 and 1998, which featured the introduction of the Station Wagon body style and the DOHC 16V engine.

Phase one model range (1992)

Dedra Integrale 1994 Lancia Dedra Integrale 2.0 Front.jpg
Dedra Integrale

Phase two model range (1994) (restyling)

Three years later, the HF engines were replaced by the atmospheric 16V engines.

Phase three model range (1996–1998)

EngineDisplacementPowerTorqueTop speed0–100 km/h
(0–62 mph)
Years
Petrol engines
1.6 i.e.1,581 cc (96.5 cu in)90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp)128 N⋅m (94 lb⋅ft)180 km/h (112 mph)13.4 s1989 - 1998
1.6 16v1,581 cc (96.5 cu in)103 PS (76 kW; 102 hp)145 N⋅m (107 lb⋅ft)186 km/h (116 mph)1998 - 1999
1.8 i.e. bialbero1,756 cc (107.2 cu in)109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp)142 N⋅m (105 lb⋅ft)187 km/h (116 mph)12.5 s1989 - 1994
1.8 16v1,747 cc (106.6 cu in)113 PS (83 kW; 111 hp)157 N⋅m (116 lb⋅ft)195 km/h (121 mph)10.3 s1996 - 1997
1.8 16v V.V.T.1,747 cc (106.6 cu in)131 PS (96 kW; 129 hp)167 N⋅m (123 lb⋅ft)203 km/h (126 mph)10.0 s1996 - 1999
2.0 i.e.1,995 cc (121.7 cu in)117 PS (86 kW; 115 hp)
Cat. 113 PS (83 kW; 111 hp)
162 N⋅m (119 lb⋅ft)
Cat. 156 N⋅m (115 lb⋅ft)
195 km/h (121 mph)9.8 s1989 - 1994
2.0 16v1,995 cc (121.7 cu in)139 PS (102 kW; 137 hp)185 N⋅m (136 lb⋅ft)210 km/h (130 mph)9.4 s1994 - 1996
2.0 16v Integrale1,995 cc (121.7 cu in)139 PS (102 kW; 137 hp)185 N⋅m (136 lb⋅ft)195 km/h (121 mph)1994 - 1997
2.0 turbo1,995 cc (121.7 cu in)165 PS (121 kW; 163 hp)
Cat. 162 PS (119 kW; 160 hp)
285 N⋅m (210 lb⋅ft)215 km/h (134 mph)8.3 s1991 - 1994
Integrale1,995 cc (121.7 cu in)180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp)
Cat. 169 PS (124 kW; 167 hp)
275 N⋅m (203 lb⋅ft)215 km/h (134 mph)6.9 s1991 - 1994
Diesel engines
2.0 tds1,929 cc (117.7 cu in)90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp)186 N⋅m (137 lb⋅ft)184 km/h (114 mph)12.9 s1989 - 1993
2.0 TD cat.1,929 cc (117.7 cu in)92 PS (68 kW; 91 hp)194 N⋅m (143 lb⋅ft)187 km/h (116 mph)12.9 s1993 - 1999

Reception

In October 2013, Top Gear magazine placed the Dedra on its list of "The 13 worst cars of the last 20 years.", the main reason being the car being a depiction of the loss of spirit in Lancia cars after the takeover by Fiat. [9]

Concept cars

IAD Magia IAD Magia.jpg
IAD Magia

In 1992, IAD Studio presented its Magia prototype based on a Dedra Integrale rolling chassis. It was a four-seat coupé that was finished in bright orange and had a distinctive wedge shape that combined soft lines and aggressive details. It was designed by Michael Ani and Chris Garfield of IAD. [10]

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References

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