The Lancia Delta is being fitted with an electronic stability control system (ESC) from TRW Automotive that features an integrated inertial measurement unit (IMU).

While that might not seem to be a particularly big deal on the face of it, consider that (1) the IMU is typically separate from the ESC, so this means that there is a reduction in the number of modules in a vehicle; (2) they’re giving up nothing in terms of sensor data acquisition or performance; (3) the integration means reductions in system cost, weight, and wiring harness complexity. Sort of a triple win, as it were.

While the Lancia Delta is not available in the U.S., there is an ESC mandate in the U.S. right now, so presumably those three items are of interest here, as well.

Oh, and one more thing: with Fiat running Chrysler, and the Delta being a stylish midsize, and Sergio Marchionne undoubtedly interested in spreading volume for Fiat platforms. . . .

Oh, and a bonus thing: the Nobel Peace Prize laureate commercial that features the Chrysler 300 was originally filmed with the Lancia Delta.