Chryslers become Lancias
It might upset some Lancia traditionalists, but the marque’s initial Chrysler-based models have been revealed ahead of their debuts at the Geneva International Motor Show.
First up is the Thema, which is a badge-engineered Chrysler 300.
Resurrecting the Thema name - last used in the mid-1990s - this new edition focuses on comfort and luxury. For example, Lancia is claiming best-in-class noise levels, thanks to various acoustic panels and laminated glass all round. Recent Chrysler interiors haven’t been the brand’s strong point, but the Thema’s cabin is said to feature soft-touch materials, redesigned seats, wood trim inserts and optional leather upholstery.
Available in either Gold or Platinum specifications, both come with Uconnect telematics as standard. Based around an 8.4” touch screen, the system controls climate control, telephone and audio functions, as well as the Garmin satellite navigation that is included with the Platinum version.
Of course, being a reworked Chrysler 300 means the Thema is rear-wheel drive, a factor that will better equip it to compete with the established rivals from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar.
Three engine choices are on offer. For petrol fans there’s the Chrysler Pentastar 3.6 litre V6 which produces 292 bhp (218 kW / 296 PS) and 353 Nm (260 lb/ft) of torque. Connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, it’ll accelerate the Thema from rest to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.2 seconds, before taking it up to a top speed of 142 mph (230 km/h). Combined cycle consumption isn’t too bad at 34.0 mpg (8.3 l/100km), while CO2 emissions are 199 g/km.
However, the majority of buyers will probably opt for either of the two diesels. Both are VM 3.0 litre V6 units and are paired with a five-speed automatic gearbox. The difference is in their outputs, with one generating 187 bhp (139 kW / 190 PS) while the other has 220 bhp (164 kW / 224 PS).
Sales of the new Lancia Thema are due to begin in October across continental Europe. The Chrysler nameplate remains for the UK and Ireland, though.
Replacing the aged Phedra MPV is the Lancia Grand Voyager. Based on the Chrysler Grand Voyager (otherwise known as the Town & Country in North America), the lack of a name change highlights what little alterations have been applied during its metamorphosis into a Lancia.
Available in Silver, Gold or Platinum trim levels, specification includes the Uconnect system, a nine speaker audio set-up and a rear reversing camera.
The existing 2.8 litre common rail diesel from the Chrysler Grand Voyager is carried over. With 161 bhp (120 kW / 163 PS) and 360 Nm (265 lb/ft) of torque, combined cycle consumption is 33.6 mpg (8.4 l/100km) while CO2 emissions are 227 g/km. As would be expected, performance is respectable rather than electrifying, with a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 12.8 seconds and a 115 mph (185 km/h) top speed.
Alternatively, a 3.6 litre V6 petrol engine will be offered. Delivering 279 bhp (208 kW / 283 PS), it comes with a six-speed automatic transmission as standard. Naturally, fuel economy is considerably worse than the diesel option manages, averaging just 22.9 mpg (12.3 l/100km).
Finally - for now at least - are the Flavia Concept and Flavia Cabrio Concept. Essentially just a pair of rebadged Chrysler 200 models, Lancia is saying both could have European launches within six months - a timescale that doesn’t seem overly ambitious. After all, how long does it take to swap over the front grille and lights?
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First up is the Thema, which is a badge-engineered Chrysler 300.
Resurrecting the Thema name - last used in the mid-1990s - this new edition focuses on comfort and luxury. For example, Lancia is claiming best-in-class noise levels, thanks to various acoustic panels and laminated glass all round. Recent Chrysler interiors haven’t been the brand’s strong point, but the Thema’s cabin is said to feature soft-touch materials, redesigned seats, wood trim inserts and optional leather upholstery.
Available in either Gold or Platinum specifications, both come with Uconnect telematics as standard. Based around an 8.4” touch screen, the system controls climate control, telephone and audio functions, as well as the Garmin satellite navigation that is included with the Platinum version.
Of course, being a reworked Chrysler 300 means the Thema is rear-wheel drive, a factor that will better equip it to compete with the established rivals from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar.
Three engine choices are on offer. For petrol fans there’s the Chrysler Pentastar 3.6 litre V6 which produces 292 bhp (218 kW / 296 PS) and 353 Nm (260 lb/ft) of torque. Connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, it’ll accelerate the Thema from rest to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.2 seconds, before taking it up to a top speed of 142 mph (230 km/h). Combined cycle consumption isn’t too bad at 34.0 mpg (8.3 l/100km), while CO2 emissions are 199 g/km.
However, the majority of buyers will probably opt for either of the two diesels. Both are VM 3.0 litre V6 units and are paired with a five-speed automatic gearbox. The difference is in their outputs, with one generating 187 bhp (139 kW / 190 PS) while the other has 220 bhp (164 kW / 224 PS).
Sales of the new Lancia Thema are due to begin in October across continental Europe. The Chrysler nameplate remains for the UK and Ireland, though.
Replacing the aged Phedra MPV is the Lancia Grand Voyager. Based on the Chrysler Grand Voyager (otherwise known as the Town & Country in North America), the lack of a name change highlights what little alterations have been applied during its metamorphosis into a Lancia.
Available in Silver, Gold or Platinum trim levels, specification includes the Uconnect system, a nine speaker audio set-up and a rear reversing camera.
The existing 2.8 litre common rail diesel from the Chrysler Grand Voyager is carried over. With 161 bhp (120 kW / 163 PS) and 360 Nm (265 lb/ft) of torque, combined cycle consumption is 33.6 mpg (8.4 l/100km) while CO2 emissions are 227 g/km. As would be expected, performance is respectable rather than electrifying, with a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 12.8 seconds and a 115 mph (185 km/h) top speed.
Alternatively, a 3.6 litre V6 petrol engine will be offered. Delivering 279 bhp (208 kW / 283 PS), it comes with a six-speed automatic transmission as standard. Naturally, fuel economy is considerably worse than the diesel option manages, averaging just 22.9 mpg (12.3 l/100km).
Finally - for now at least - are the Flavia Concept and Flavia Cabrio Concept. Essentially just a pair of rebadged Chrysler 200 models, Lancia is saying both could have European launches within six months - a timescale that doesn’t seem overly ambitious. After all, how long does it take to swap over the front grille and lights?
Related posts:
Fiat Freemont unveiled
Journey becomes a Fiat
No UK return for Lancia
Europeans in Detroit
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