Lancia Thema, 2012

 

 

 

 

•  Lancia Thema, 2012

The new Lancia Thema and Voyager are making their debuts. These are the first two models emerging from the alliance between Lancia and Chrysler, which by now have become a single identity founded on the same will to excel in the future and on the values engraved in their respective century-old histories: design and innovation.

Therefore, this is a significant moment in the history of two brands that have written some of the most important pages in international automotive history. This is why a place full of charm was chosen to present the two cars to the international media: Piazza Carignano in Turin, where the monumental Palazzo Carignano stands. It is the seat of the first Italian parliament and symbol of the Italian unification born 150 years ago. The adventure of a new automotive dynasty embodying the best of two industrial cultures today is starting off from the same temple of Italian unification. The exuberant style, flair for delivering a "stress-free experience and functionality all associated with the Chrysler brand are coupled with the Italian taste, innovation and technological efficiency and attention to the tiniest details that have always distinguished Lancia.

Today as always, the same desire to offer a true alternative in the respective market segments is at the heart of the two new models. With a heritage of values in its DNA, Lancia appears to be favoured over other brands for its ability to interpret this new world of exclusiveness and to meet the needs of a customer more attentive to technology, who demands not only a substantial product, but also a distinctive and unique style. Besides, whoever chooses a Lancia vehicle starts a new trend because he follows only his own personality. The new Thema and Voyager, statements of a concrete value Lancia is introducing to the market for the first time, have been created for this customer. This value is not meant as innovation into itself, but as technology "at the service" of driver and passengers, offered at an accessible price and above all free from excess and what is superfluous.

This is how Lancia is winning back the turf of exclusivity that has always belonged to it. This affirmation is backed by a century-old history peppered with innovation and records. One of the widest ranges on the international scene stands proof to it. It starts with segment B (new Ypsilon), continues with the mid-sized segment (new Delta and Musa), and is completed with the flagship (new Thema), the Large MPVs (new Voyager) and, soon to come, the alluring segment D convertibles (new Flavia Cabrio).

The new Lancia Thema and Voyager are therefore the first concrete example of how it is possible to join two worlds so geographically distant yet so close in their essence. This perfect alchemy expertly combines the American exterior shape embellished with interiors clearly marked by Italian taste; powerful engines according to the best American tradition "abated" by European eco-friendly efficiency; typically American large dimensions combined with Italian expertise in compact cars; "stars and stripes" comfort and versatility enhanced by exceptional European handling. In short, Granturismo returns on the roads of the world. It is a term that means travelling at the wheel of a powerful, comfortable, elegant, and never exaggerated car. Like a Lancia. A style that does not like to show off, but prefers discretion. Mechanics designed to excel in performance, safety and driving pleasure. A cutting-edge technology that does not flaunt, but that gives the maximum of on-board wellbeing to ensure the best travelling possible.

And so the new Lancia Thema, the first global flagship that brings together the best of two worlds by combining the expertise and functionality distinctive of the Chrysler brand with the luxury of Poltrona Frau® leather interiors, the cocooning silence of the large Lancias and the attention to detail that express the best of Italian design.

Five metres long, 1.5 metres high, 1.9 metres wide and with a wheelbase of 3 metres, the Lancia Thema was designed based on the new Chrysler 300, in turn created on the Chrysler Group LX rear wheel drive platform, and like its predecessor in 1984, it is ready to take on the toughest and most prestigious segment, striving to offer a genuine alternative. To achieve this objective, in addition to a style brimming with a strong personality, the new car offers a passenger compartment that is a true best-in-class living room in terms of level of quiet, embellished with quality materials that make it warm and exclusive, far from the cold and rational surfaces of other cars of its segment.

Corresponding to elegance of character is the largest wealth of features ever offered in the safety field. In fact, there are more than 70 systems installed on the new Lancia flagship, including the Adaptive Speed Control (ACC) that adjusts the speed and automatically brakes to maintain the safety distance and the "Blind Spot Detection" that signals entry of a vehicle into the blind spot.

Contributing to making the Lancia Thema the new paradigm of the segment are also the sun roof, the largest in its market segment, and the U-Connect system with 8.4" touchscreen, the largest of its category. Designed to supply power and efficiency in town traffic and during long journeys, the Lancia flagship offers two different 6-cylinder engine versions, both with automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive: the powerful Pentastar V6 3.6 litre petrol engine delivering 286 HP, combined with an innovative 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox, and a latest generation V6 3.0 litre turbo diesel engine in two power levels (190 HP and 239 HP).

So if the Lancia Thema marks a new chapter in the legendary history of the large Lancia saloons, the new Voyager is the evolution of a Chrysler invention born in 1984 that radically changed motoring language by adding a new word and creating a new world: MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle).

Since then 27 years have elapsed, more than 13 million units have been sold in 120 countries around the world and thousands of experiences, solutions and ideas have been accumulated that lie behind the renowned expertise of Chrysler in this market segment. Today, thanks to the alliance between the two brands, the American model "meets" Italian style to blend into a new automotive form that unites Chrysler's expertise for travelling with Lancia's for driving pleasure, on-board wellbeing, quiet in the passenger compartment and Italian design. The result is the best Voyager ever, a top-of-the-range MPV that takes up the baton from the Lancia Phedra to write another page in the history of this category.

The benchmark in the segment of large MPVs, the new Voyager boasts generous dimensions. It is 5.21 metres long, 1.99 m wide, 1.75 m high and has a wheelbase of approximately 3.1 metres. - These features are matched by a passenger compartment that is the largest and most versatile in its class. It can comfortably accommodate up to 7 people and, thanks to the Stow 'n Go® system patented by Chrysler, frees up all the space needed for rear passengers and their luggage, without having to remove any seats.

With these records the Lancia Voyager adds the secrets of Italian hospitality. It is in fact a car that welcomes its guests with good taste, warmth and generosity. Proof of that is found both in the outstanding level of quiet achieved and in the precious Nappa interiors, from the elegant Nappa leather upholstery to the workmanship level of care found in the smallest details. Furthermore, the special suspension system ensures excellent travelling comfort combined with a dynamic behaviour always ready and accurate.

The new Voyager boasts an elegant, convivial and protective atmosphere in which you always feel at ease like at home. This sensation is also confirmed by the sophisticated entertainment system for the rear passengers that, thanks to two 9" LCD screens with remote control and wireless headphones, can enjoy a movie, listen to a music CD or have fun with their favourite videogames.

Lancia Voyager is the new MPV that turns the concept of a simple "means of transport" into a rich travel experience. That is because a "great trip" is not just leaving and arriving, but is instead a continuous string of emotions. Just to further enhance your travelling experience, the new Lancia MPV offers the lively 163 HP Diesel 2.8L and the powerful 283 HP 3.6 litre engines.

Style: classic shapes and powerful lines

The Lancia flagship with rear wheel drive boasts generous dimensions - measuring 5066 mm long, 1488 mm high, 1902 wide and with a wheelbase of 3052 mm - and offers the classic proportions developed according to a style brimming with a strong personality.

On the front end, the grille merges the Lancia logo and the horizontal bars expressing precision and formal rigour into a single pattern. The chrome-plated finishes of the bars and the outline of the logo create a peculiar contrast inside the frame, also chrome-plated.

To highlight how attention to style and functionality go hand in hand on the new Lancia Thema, just think of the bi-xenon headlights with adaptive front lighting (AFL) created for lighting the curves that loom ahead. The stylish scalloped lower edge accentuates this important function, giving the headlight perimeter an unmistakable character. The LED daylights beside the headlights create an exclusive C-shape, giving it an unmistakable presence on the road.

The sculpted shape of the Lancia Thema's bonnet merges with the band and front wings to create a set of clean and refined lines. In detail, the characteristic lines on the bonnet converge toward the front wings while a slightly sculpted centre toothing testifies to the attention to detail. What's more, the pronounced angle of the windscreen guarantees an aerodynamic effect and the slim pillars enable the driver to benefit from excellent visibility.

With the new two-panel panoramic sunroof, the largest of its class, the new Thema's passengers can now allow natural light to pour into both the front and the back, taking advantage of an external view double that of a normal sunroof. The Lancia Thema stands out for the marked kick plates and body side showing off a clean style, characterised by an exposed flared line that highlights the silhouette of the saloon and the spaciousness of the passenger compartment. The marked wing lines, raised with respect to the bonnet and tailgate surfaces, connect the front and rear parts.

When looking at the profile, the high waistline reveals the classic proportions of the bodyshell while the smaller size of the pillars and the presence of a fixed side window on the rear doors contribute to improving external visibility. The new Thema is characterised by the convex structure of the doors stylishly embellished with chrome-plated mouldings. The triple seals of the doors impeccably fitted ensure an unprecedented quietness inside.

The chrome-plated mirrors have been developed to ensure an excellent aerodynamic performance thanks to the addition of a self-darkening rear view mirror (driver's and passenger side), the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) visual indicator and the Rear Cross Path (RCP) system. The mirrors are also equipped with a LED direction indicator emanating light along the vehicle profile for greater safety.

Unmistakably pronounced although nearly imperceptible, the lines of the shoulder refer to the front and rear wheel arch shape. And thanks to its 20" aluminium wheels, the new Lancia Thema seems to be even more "flattened" to the ground, which underscores its high road grip qualities.

Rounding off the Lancia Thema's outstanding finishing, the end of the tailgate sports a built-in spoiler with the centrally Lancia logo sitting proudly below. The two harmoniously designed LED tail lights are linked by a chrome-plated fascia which underlines the class of the new flagship. Crossed by the vertical tail light clusters, the Thema's rear band is equipped with a chrome support that links the elements of the rear lights. The oval twin tailpipes represent a detail that perfectly blends in with the rest of the vehicle to elegantly complete its styling and to herald its performance on the road.

Quality: new standards and Italian class
Elegance, comfort and quality: the new Lancia Thema combines segment-leading standards with the unmistakable comfort and class that have always set Lancia cars apart.

With the new flagship, the brand is interpreting the theme of the great saloon of prestige according to its chromosomes. Chromosomes that come from the typically Italian craftsmanship that expertly uses prestigious materials not only based on their looks, but also on the sensory reactions they are able to give. And that's not all. The new Thema boasts a top-level construction quality thanks to the use of the most up-to-date industrial technologies.

Refined interiors in keeping with the best of Italian design
The Lancia Thema's interiors are distinguished by the use of soft touch materials, luxury interior trims with the option of seats in Nappa leather and a Poltrona Frau leather-clad dashboard, as well as real wood inserts on the centre console, panels, doors and steering wheel (in two-tone leather on the Executive version). In addition, the instrument panels are treated with the cast skin technique, making it similar to leather, while the panel surfaces of the 3D double grain emphasize the aesthetic and flexibility qualities.

In order to guarantee "best-in-class" comfort, the new seats have been designed with new architecture which includes serpentine spring suspension. The front seats offer four-way lumbar adjustment with up/down and front/back direction actuators and density adjuster in the lower part of the seats, in the backrest and upholstery for even greater comfort during the adjustment. A stiffer foam material is used in the side upholstery to achieve greater lateral containment, while a foam with less intensity is used in the lower part of the seats and in the backrest to increase