Lancia Lybra

Infobox Automobile


name = Lancia Lybra
manufacturer = Lancia
assembly = Rivalta plant, Turin, Italy (1996-2002)
Comprensorio di Mirafiori, Turin, Italy (2002-2006)Cite web|url=http://www.italiaspeed.com/2005/cars/lancia/06/lybra/2006_2.html|title=20.06.2005 As the final Lancia Lybra rolls out of the Mirafiori factory|accessdate=2007-08-04|work=italiaspeed.com]
parent_company = Fiat Group
production = 1999—2006
predecessor = Lancia Dedra
successor = None
class = Compact executive car
layout = FF layout
platform =
body_style = 4-door saloon
5-door estate
engine = 1.6 L I4
1.8 L I4
1.9 L turbodiesel I4
2.0 L I5
2.4 L turbodiesel I5 [http://www.lancialybra.com Lancia Lybra official website - www.lancialybra.com] ]
transmission = 5-speed manual
4-speed automatic [http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/?man=3376&Lancia Lancia specifications at carfolio.com] ] [http://web.archive.org/web/20050324083750/www.carsfromitaly.com/lancia/index.html CarsFromItaly.com Lancia pages accessed via the Wayback Machine ] ]
wheelbase = Auto mm|2593
length = Auto mm|4466
width = Auto mm|1743
height = Saloon: Auto mm|1462
Estate: Auto mm|1470
weight = 1250—1420 kg (2756—3131 lb)
aka =
fuel_economy =
fuel_capacity = Convert|60|L|usgal impgal|0|abbr=on
related = Alfa Romeo 156
Fiat Marea
similar = Rover 45
Saab 9-3
Volvo S40/V40
designer = Centro Stile Lancia

The Lancia Lybra is a compact executive car produced by Italian Fiat Auto's upscale marque Lancia. Based on the Alfa Romeo 156 floorpan (and thus being related to the prolific Fiat Tipo platform), it replaced the Dedra within Lancia's lineup, and was similarly low-profile to its predecessor, rather than as popular as its Alfa sibling. Just like the Dedra, the Lybra is available as both a saloon and estate (billed SW by Lancia)

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 signals 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 [http://www.autointell.com/european_companies/fiat/fiat13.htm Lancia Lybra information from Automotive Intelligence] ] and after that in Mirafiori plant in Turin.Cite web|url=http://www.italiaspeed.com/2005/cars/lancia/06/lybra/2006_2.html|title=20.06.2005 As the final Lancia Lybra rolls out of the Mirafiori factory|accessdate=2007-08-04|work=italiaspeed.com]

Styling

The Lybra was styled in Centro Stile Lancia, contrary to earlier Lancia models, which were commissioned from external design studios. Its styling is 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.

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 taillaights were borrowed for the 2001's facelift given to the Fiat Marea sedan for the Latin American markets.cite web | publisher=Revista Quatro Rodas| title= Comparativo Sedãs Médios | url=http://quatrorodas.abril.com.br/carros/comparativos/0205marea.shtml | accessdate=2006-08-03 | date=2005-02 ] cite web | publisher=Best Cars| title= Comparativo Completo | url=http://www2.uol.com.br/bestcars/comp/marea-focus-1.htm | accessdate=2006-08-03 | date=2002-01-15 ]

= Engines =

Lancia Lybra is a front-wheel drive car with transversely-mounted engines. The Lybra is available with a 5-speed manual, and the 2.0 L had an option of a 4-speed automatic transmission, called the Comfortronic by Lancia.

References