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Curbside Classic: 2007 Lancia Thesis – PhD In Deadly Sin

lancia thesis v8

Finally found one! Had to go all the way to bloody Japan, but there it is, in front of me, glaring at me with its sad eyes. I hadn’t seen one in probably ten years, but then that’s how long I’ve been out of Europe. Some call this the last Lancia and in many ways, it is. It was also a major bomb that precipitated the marque’s downfall. A true blue Deadly Sin – perfect CC fodder.

lancia thesis v8

It wasn’t possible to get a rear end shot of the Thesis, so here’s a period pic (and a pretty colour!)

It was already evident, by the late ‘90s, that Lancia’s future appeared a lot darker than its past. Ever since Fiat had taken the firm over in 1969, the marque’s essence seemed to have gradually evaporated. Lancias, once known for their workmanship and engineering prowess, were now known for their glitches and rampant rust. Fiat decided to pair Lancia and Autobianchi together, muddying the marque’s image by associating it with city cars. The larger Lancias of the ‘80s and ‘90s were hit-and-miss, sometimes bland and often badge-engineered versions of cheaper Fiats and more interesting Alfa Romeos, always playing second fiddle to someone else.

lancia thesis v8

Yet the Lancia shield still had mystique. Within the Fiat group, some saw how wasteful the conglomerate had been with the marque and sought to revive it. After all, this was the peak retro era. VW were recreating the Beetle as a chic FWD quasi-luxury car, so anything must have seemed possible. Mike Robinson, head of Fiat Centro Stile’s Lancia office, had just designed the Lybra (above) , which was about to go into production on the Alfa 156 platform and usher in the look of big Lancias for the next decade – chromed retro grille, round headlamps, conservative three-box shape (albeit with very rounded edges), simple flanks, thin C-pillar, vertical taillamps.

lancia thesis v8

Just as the Lybra was going into production, Lancia surprised the cognoscenti by unveiling the Dialogos at the 1998 Turin Motor Show. This was a clear foreshadowing of the new big Lancia, though it remained a show car. Several features never made it to the final Thesis, such as the swiveling front seats, wood-panelled doors and floors, or the clamshell doors sans B-pillar (an old Lancia tradition) or door handles. The Dialogos was never equipped with an engine, so it was really a pure styling and packaging exercise, but it definitely pointed its sharp grille towards the future of Lancia.

lancia thesis v8

In the year 2000, even before the launch of the Thesis, Lancia made a Thesis-based special for the Vatican. The Lancia Giubileo, a 5.5m long armoured landaulet, reminded most observers of the Dialogos, but this one obviously had an engine (an Alfa 3-litre V6) and generally looked a bit different – the grille was a bit less imposing, the rear end less abrupt. The end of production of the Lancia Kappa, in the summer of 2000, made it even clearer that the time was coming for a new executive Lancia.

lancia thesis v8

The Thesis was finally unveiled at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show, but it took about a year for the cars to actually get to the showrooms. Petrol engine choices included a 2.0 Turbo (185hp) and a 2.4 litre (170hp) 5-cyl., as well as Alfa’s 3-litre (215hp) “Busso” V6, augmented to 3.2 litres and 230hp from 2005. Diesel-wise, the initial proposal was the 2.4 litre JTD 5-cyl. – only good for 150hp, but that was superseded by a 20-valve multijet design that ended up providing 185hp. These drove the front wheels via a either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed auto.

lancia thesis v8

The Lancia Thesis was never going to have a bespoke engine, of course. And you could be forgiven for thinking the same of the rest of the car, but you’d be wrong. The platform and its sophisticated all-independent multilink suspension, made of aluminium and steel, were all designed and used solely for the Lancia flagship. Fiat invested over €400 million in this titanic enterprise and they were sure it would pay off.

lancia thesis v8

Going by the Kappa’s modest numbers – just over 100,000 units made in eight years – and adding a dollop of optimism, Lancia figured they should be able to shift 13,000 cars per year initially and might need to increase production to 25,000 if sales really took off. After all, the Thesis’ rivals, such as the BMW 5-Series, the Jaguar S-Type or the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, were selling quite briskly in those days. Suffice to say they kind of missed the mark: just under 16,000 Thesis were made from 2002 to 2009. Reality bit, and it bit hard.

lancia thesis v8

So what happened? There are several factors, it seems. One was that the Thesis’ fierce competitors were present in a number of European markets that Lancia had forgone, such as the UK, so Lancia’s flagship was not as widely offered as some. The styling, despite the Italian reputation for elegance and beauty in all things, was not to everyone’s taste either. It seems only the Italians got the point of it – foreign sales were abysmal.

lancia thesis v8

Perhaps a variant or two might have helped, too. Sure, it hardly moved the needle for the Kappa – the K coupé and wagon were for connoisseurs only, in a way – but you never know, sometimes you get luckier with the derivative than the main. It happened before. The sole attempt at a special Thesis was coachbuilder Stola’s limousine, which is not exactly a recipe for volume production. Three limos were made and that was that.

lancia thesis v8

Our feature car, by the way, is a late model Thesis, as evidenced by this “1∞ th ” symbol on the B-pillar. This series was originally launched as a limited edition in 2006 for the 100 th anniversary of Lancia and as a way to peddle the latest amelioration of the Thesis, i.e. the 185hp Diesel coupled with the 5-speed sequential autobox. The only available colours were black and gray – joyful hues perfectly suited to celebrate a birthday.

lancia thesis v8

Above: 1∞th edition (2006) interior; below: 2002 Emblema trim dash

lancia thesis v8

Actually, the fun was all inside. I did not manage to take a photo of our feature car, but here’s what it should look like in these. The red leather coupled with the deletion of the wood veneer gives this interior a bit of a zing that might not be present in the “regular” Thesis.

lancia thesis v8

For whatever reason, the leather in the Thesis I caught was black. The package also included model-specific 18’’ alloys and was available until the end of production, in 2009. It seems the last cars made in 2008-09 were all Diesels, probably because that’s what the Italian markets craved.

lancia thesis v8

I’m guessing that this Thesis might be a 2007 model because I found one for sale in Japan on the web – just the one, which is saying something! – wearing the same colour and from this vintage, but with a petrol engine and no 1∞th package. It’s a shame so few of these were imported here: given how retro-obsessed Japanese car-buyers can be, the Thesis could have made a real splash here if Lancia had given it a go. But I guess this all took place before Fiat renewed their efforts at conquering Japan, after the formation of FCA: Jeeps, Fiat 500s, Maseratis and Alfas are pretty common in Tokyo traffic. Lancias are definitely not, though I have seen older ones on occasion.

lancia thesis v8

As we all know, the death knell of Lancia in general and of the Thesis in particular was the aforementioned Chrysler deal. Fiat found themselves with a surfeit of platforms and bodies to amortize, so they just slapped Lancia shields on various Chryslers. For good measure, FCA also did the opposite, i.e. rebadging Lancia Ypsilons as Chryslers, for certain markets.

lancia thesis v8

Whatever brand equity was still present in the Lancia name evaporated by the early 2010s. Which leaves us with the Thesis as the last big Lancia worthy of the name, a gloriously wasteful and, in the metal, not inelegant executive saloon — in the best and worst tradition of its storied maker, may it rest in peace (is it dead yet?).

28 Comments

Always loved the front and rear end on these cars – shame about the overall proportions though. if they could have just gone a bit more jag XJ on the proportions it could have been a real stunner, and less like a rover 75 with a fancy face on it.

Very nice, specially the ones with with the V6 engines. These are very underrated, uniquely styled cars and personally I have never understood why they sold as badly as they did. I’m seriously considering picking one up. A good, low mileage Thesis can be had here for next to nothing and it’s a bona fide future classic.

Looks very similar to a Kia Amanti

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kia_Opirus

The headlight shape – subtly imitating the grill – has unfortunate echoes of the Docker Daimlers….

That’s true!

Yes, the Thesis must have inspired its Korean cousin… the stubbier, uglier Kia Amanti.

You would almost be tempted to buy this for the interior alone, but then, that front end….yuck. Even the engine choices sound interesting and with an available 6 speed manual transmission, what a car.

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Agree. That front end kills it for me.

They got the proportioning right on the Dialogos; what a shame the Thesis didn’t look more like that. Or the Papal Giubileo.

But then, would it have mattered what the car looked like? Did people trust the Lancia brand any more?

If only it had rwd proportions, and maybe weren’t quite as tall. More like an Acura Legend.

An unfortunately styled but interesting car nonetheless, at least it can’t be accused of just blending in with everything else. That gray color with red leather? Yes, that’s a winner. Or even the tan or perhaps a shade darker like the shade Ferrari seems to prefer works too. Black interior seems a waste though, so no loss on you not getting pix of that.

Anyway, all the blather we hear periodically about how Japan is a “closed market” seems to be just that, you’ve demonstrated yet again that even when it comes to fairly late model vehicles, Japan seems to be extremely accommodating and its buyers seem to seek out interesting models from the world over, even some American ones such as Jeeps. Just not large pickups or other stuff that the US otherwise seems to specialize in.

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A nicely done 1/43 scale promotional model of the Thesis ended up in my collection after a short trip by my wife to Italy. Of course I’d never seen a real one in my part of the American west so an odd, four door sedan Lancia does stand out a bit among models of more common subjects on an office shelf. I’m glad I have the model.

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It does rather look like a bit like a conventional sedan done up by one of the Japanese retro houses.

I remember well when it came out. I liked it, for being refreshingly different. I suspect it may well have been influenced by the Rover 75, although I’m not sure if the timelines would have allowed that. It must have been in the air at the time. Sleek retro.

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The styling of the Rover 75 was a development of the ideas in the earlier (1993) 600, especially if looking at Richard Woolley’s concept sketches. By coincidence that has numberplates with ‘Thesix Hundred’ on.

lancia thesis v8

I think it’s actually a shame the Lancia didn’t follow the Dialogos concept more closely for the Thesis; definitely more distinctive, especially the treatment of the flanks and they way the waistline resolves at the rear. Even that rear pillar works with the other shapes.

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I had actually seen a Thesis once, in 2014, parked at the Serbian Embassy in Washington, DC. I found it rather odd looking in person, and at first didn’t have the foggiest idea what it was. I haven’t thought about the Thesis much since then, so it’s good to read about its full story here. I will say this: That interior is awfully nice-looking.

Paul’s right. Especially from the side it is a conventional-looking generic sedan. The rear is trimmed nicely but that front and especially those headlights! It looks like they took the styling of the Lybra, which is itself quite generic looking, and made it different for the sake of making it different. Never mind style to match its intended market…just different. It didn’t take much effort, but by then it seemed that whatever was happening at Lancia was “phoned in.” The next step was rebadging the Chrysler 300, a car with an entirely different personality than what Lancia represented. That wasn’t even phoned in…it was texted.

The last relaunch of the brand Maybach , owned by Mercedes Benz , didn’t get lucky numbers either and the marque was dropped. With all the prejudices for Lancia’s parenthood with Fiat, no prejudice can shadow the evidence that this rare Lancia Thesis is an exquisite piece of art design.

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That limo has a Maybach look about it, to me.

I always enjoy your writing – clever and fun. This title is one of many great puns from your hand. Maybe the best. I like the Thesis and other oddballs like the C6. I’d be happy to snag one up now, but honestly I would not have considered one when new – that free-falling depreciation trumps adorable quirkiness.

So glad you found one. These are fascinating and I had no idea they had their own bespoke platform. What a boondoggle.

Love the wheels on this one. This is a modern car that can actually pull off two-tone too.

I have a soft spot for these, even if I accept they’re everyone’s taste. A sort of Rover 95, if you like, with some of the kitsch retro Britishness replaced with a softer more contemporary style. That interior is actually pretty neat to me, and probably more to my taste than the Rover.

But isn’t the last real Lancia the Gamma? Maybe? Only Fiat’s money in that one.

I never understood the front of this car, I once read an article it was supposed to be an hommage to the Aurelia B 20 Coupe but I guess they got very, very drunk. There was one burgundy Thesis around where I live, but I have not seen it around for a long time now. The interiors of these cars are fantastic, in a way that nobody can make such a fine interior like an Italian can with smashing finishing, I like these cars better then a Maserati Quattroporte, the Thesis interior bears an air of understated chique. I drove a Diesel and a petrol, I had to bring these to another dealer for my friend who is a Fiat, Alfa, Lancia dealer, they drive ok, handling is as you expect from an Italian car , the blue dials reminded me of my 75 Alfa Giulia Nuova. Thesis is now slowly getting appreciated, like the C6 from Citroën, prices are going up but these two cars are mainly victims of the way large cars are being offered in Europe today, namely by leasing companies and these companies dominate the market and are in love with the German three, simply for reasons of accounting. And that is probably the main reason why the French and Italian limousines have disappeared, lease companies rule the world!

Seems one was a tad previous with one’s appellation, Dr T, but still now, you’ve got your Thesis and as they say, that’s a better fate than never, so one’s congrats to one and all that, what.

400 million smackers for its own bespokery seems all a bit foolhardy. Presumably the consultants who told them the numbers were ticketty-boo graduated to doing US polling now.

“Not inelegant”, you say. Now of course, I’m not about to suggest you have just effused, but you haven’t exactly nose-wrinkled either, as the combination of snoozy blanderry and startling oddity in the pictures might suggest is necessary. Is it one of those things that is not the same when seen in the real world?

Reminds me of an International Lonestar truck.

lancia thesis v8

An interesting read. I had the good fortune to test drive one of these about ten years ago. It was the petrol V6. Looking back I can´t recall anything about the car that would hint at its poor sales. While I reckon the car could have been a little lower, it is an excellent package for driver and passengers so you can see why it is tall. It drives beautifully – you can waft along if you like but if you want to press on the car handles with aplomb. The two problems with the car are that it was too big and costly – it was up against intensely well-developed rivals in the 5 and the E. And Lancia had a reputation as cars that offered sensitive and feelsome controls so you were involved in the driving. The Thesis was too reserved – ideal as a limousine but not as interesting as cars like the Mondeo Mk2 and Peugeot 406 which had well tuned controls. What Lancia needed was a Mondeo/Passat/406 sized car and not something from the D class. And they needed driver apeal rather than well executed anasthæsia. I think it´s a wonderful car for what it is but it was the wrong product for Lancia.

If the moderators don´t mind, here is a link to my wordy test drive article: https://driventowrite.com/2014/05/12/2002-lancia-thesis-3-0-v6-review/

“A very fine job of making the wrong car” – very nice.

For all the great effort, it seems that every single element misses – the beautiful glove box that holds just a ciggy pack – and in any case should have been used in other combinations across other models (or more coherently combined in the one).

As noted above though, it must make them a killer buy presently. Old BM’s and Mercs aren’t going to be any less trouble-prone or costly by now, and freed of its competitive new-car role, it’s got to be far more interesting than them.

One other thing, I also test drove a Lancia Kappa which preceded the Thesis. Though not as finely made (it´s not bad, and it is comfy and distinctive) it is a very convincing balance of ride and handling. It is also handily sized – spacious inside but not bulky. If you don´t mind the fake wood trim and odd plastics it is in many ways a much more convincing car than the Thesis. It also looks incredibly distinctive despite its restrained looks (you´d never mistake it for anything else).

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FCA also did the opposite, i.e. rebadging Lancia Ypsilons as Chryslers, for certain markets.

Especially in the United Kingdom and Ireland where Lancia was forever doomed in the 1980s for the prodigious rust manifestation. So, Lancia never recovered from the bad publicity there.

Living in Germany, it was weird seeing second-generation Chrysler 300 rebadged as Thema Executive (with better looking grille), Chrysler Town and Country as Voyager, and Chrylser 200 as Flavia.

Lancia model range has been dwindled to single model and limited to a single market today: Italy-only Ypsilon based on Fiat 500.

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Rare Rides: The 2003 Lancia Thesis - Questionable Styling and Legality Comes Standard

Corey Lewis

Rare Rides occasionally features vehicles that have somehow slipped through the 25-year importation net and exist in this country as illegal immigrants. First up was a little Citroën Picasso hatchback from Arizona, and more recently we featured a bright orange Fiat Barchetta from Florida.

Today we venture into illegality once more, with the luxurious and beautiful Lancia Thesis from 2003.

rare rides the 2003 lancia thesis questionable styling and legality comes standard

The Thesis was Lancia’s executive luxury sedan offering for most of the 2000s. Introduced in 2001, it was a replacement for the outgoing Kappa; Lancia’s version of the Alfa Romeo 166. The Kappa was originally introduced as successor to the Thema sedan, which was Lancia’s version of the Saab 9000. Already featured here in 8.32 guise, Thema was notable for its status as a front-drive sedan powered by a Ferrari V8.

rare rides the 2003 lancia thesis questionable styling and legality comes standard

Lancia previewed its Thesis styling in 1998, in the form of the Diàlogos concept car. The production version stayed true to the exterior cues of the concept, designed in-house by Lancia’s American-born lead designer, Michael Robinson.

rare rides the 2003 lancia thesis questionable styling and legality comes standard

Lancia pulled out all the stops for its new luxury car. The company intended to take on established contenders like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6. Lancia felt there was room in the marketplace for a more stylish alternative offering the same quality and substance as found in the Germanic offerings.

The automaker also intended to incorporate more advanced technology and creature comforts, and do it all at a significantly lower price. When Thesis went on sale in 2001, it cost 15 percent less, on average, than the E-Class or A6.

rare rides the 2003 lancia thesis questionable styling and legality comes standard

Unlike prior large Lancia sedans, which were all a rework of someone else’s car, the Thesis was on its own bespoke platform. While it was front-drive, as expected, it utilized a unique and complicated suspension that was largely made of aluminum. There were also adjustable dampers at both ends, shared with the contemporary Maserati Spyder. Inside, Lancia spared no expense on the materials: High quality leather, real wood trim, and a center console covered in milled magnesium were among the highlights.

rare rides the 2003 lancia thesis questionable styling and legality comes standard

Underneath the hood were engines of inline-five or V6 configurations, sourced from Fiat and Alfa Romeo. The smallest engine was a 2.0-liter turbo; the largest was the well-regarded 3.2-liter Alfa V6. A single diesel was also available, a 2.4-liter mill sourced from Fiat. All Thesis shifted through either a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual.

Unfortunately, the battle in which Lancia entered the Thesis was a losing one. Customers continually and reliably chose the established German players instead of the Thesis. By the time it went out of production in 2009, it was long overdue for replacement — and the brass at FCA had just the ticket! 2011 brought an all-new Thema, courtesy of a lightly reworked Chrysler 300.

Today’s Rare Ride is on sale in Wisconsin, of all places. With an automatic transmission and no mention of the engine under hood, it asks $19,995 in good condition. At least it’s very rare, and likely the only one in the United States. Good luck with titling and insurance.

[Images: seller]

Corey Lewis

Interested in lots of cars and their various historical contexts. Started writing articles for TTAC in late 2016, when my first posts were QOTDs. From there I started a few new series like Rare Rides, Buy/Drive/Burn, Abandoned History, and most recently Rare Rides Icons. Operating from a home base in Cincinnati, Ohio, a relative auto journalist dead zone. Many of my articles are prompted by something I'll see on social media that sparks my interest and causes me to research. Finding articles and information from the early days of the internet and beyond that covers the little details lost to time: trim packages, color and wheel choices, interior fabrics. Beyond those, I'm fascinated by automotive industry experiments, both failures and successes. Lately I've taken an interest in AI, and generating "what if" type images for car models long dead. Reincarnating a modern Toyota Paseo, Lincoln Mark IX, or Isuzu Trooper through a text prompt is fun. Fun to post them on Twitter too, and watch people overreact. To that end, the social media I use most is Twitter, @CoreyLewis86. I also contribute pieces for Forbes Wheels and Forbes Home.

More by Corey Lewis

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Chiefmonkey

Beautiful interior. Just look at that plush leather upholstery! Not like the paper thin garbage one finds in today's vehicles.

Graham64

Maybach-esque rear styling?

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  • Mercedes-Benz
Lancia Thesis Continuing the relaunch of the Lancia brand and taking up position at the pinnacle of the Fiat Groups automotive portfolio, the new Thesis (internally, Project 841) was officially released at the Geneva Motorshow at the beginning of March 2001. The interior was first seen at the Frankfurt show later that year, although sales did not start until much later. A large (4888mm long) four door luxury saloon, it is aimed to emphasise the brand as the luxury arm of the Fiat Group, a move already started with the Lybra. As such it features a substantial 'high-tech' content, a trend shown in the Nea concept car. This is based around the CONNECT system and a 7 inch TFT colour dispay in the dashboard and includes voice recognition, hands-free phone, a navigation system, a stereo, an optional TV and access to the contact centre. Other 'high-tech' systems include an optional radar cruise control, an optional sunroof with solar cells (which power the aircon fan when the vehicle is parked in the sun), a multizone climate control system which on some models has a separate zone for the rear passengers, front and rear parking sensor, a rain sensor, an automatic windscreen wiper system, automatic headlamps, LED tail-lights (with 30 LEDs per unit), optional variable power steering, bi-xenon headlights (with an automatic ride corrector which functions with both static and dynamic pitch changes) and more. To emphasise the comfort factor there is also power assistance when opening the doors, the seat and steering wheel move back and up to aid entrance when the door is opened, and the entire process of opening and starting the car is keyless, using a transponder in the drivers pocket. Some interior details can be seen here . An automatic handbrake (EPB or Electronic Parking Brake) is applied whenever the car is stopped and also features a button on the centre console for manual operation. As with all modern cars, passive safety is an area emphasised in the press release, the Thesis featuring eight airbags, comprising two multistage front bags, four sidebags and two window-bags, seatbelts with pre-tensioners, adjustable headrests, ISOFIX attachment points, a fire protection system and a carefully designed structure including crumple zones and reinforced doors. Active safety includes an ESP (Electronic Stability program) which monitors various parameters to determine the yaw and corrects any excessive motion by braking individual wheels or reducing engine power. Traction control (ASR) reacts to both wheels spinning or just one wheel spinning (in the latter case the result is similar to a limited-slip differential), ABS and EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) which controls the amount of braking to the rear wheels all reduce the possibility of the driver losing control of the car. The suspension utilises multilink layouts both front and rear . The front suspension is a development of the traditional double-wishbone layout, using five links to control the movement of the wheel, whilst at the rear various arms in aluminium, steel and cast iron also provides a small level of passive rear wheel steering. The damping features a semi-active system known as 'Skyhook' which significantly improves the ride quality. Developed by Mannesmann-Sachs it uses numerous sensors to monitor the relative motion between the wheels and the body then controlling the level of damping provided by each individual damper. The design follows closely that of the Dialogos Concept car, and even moreso the example presented to the Pope. It is currently available as a four door saloon, a five door station wagon is expected to be released later. The official press release describes it as "hallmarked - in terms of styling - by exciting elegance going far beyond rational utility to leave space for the imagination, the Lancia Thesis matches retro sensations - such as the high front, the long bonnet and the profile resembling an upside-down wedge - with an entirely new stylistic language." It replaces the Kappa in production, but Fiat hopes that its success will follow that of the Thema rather than the Kappa.... Powerplants start with two versions of the well know 20 valve 5 cylinder in-line unit, a 2.0-litre turbocharged example (185bhp), and a 2.4-litre aspirated model (170bhp). The latter also features variable valve timing and a variable length induction system. A V6 derived from the Alfa Romeo 3-litre unit tops the range (215bhp), whilst a 2.4JTD (the 5-cylinder in-line family again, 150bhp) complete with variable geometry turbocharger and intercooler provides the oil-burning option. Rumours suggest that the latter will be joined later by a larger capacity GM sourced V6 diesel unit. The five cylinder engines use a six-speed manual gearbox, whilst the V6 gets a five speed automatic unit (with a sequential shift mode).   CarsfromItaly was at the Geneva Motorshow, see our Lancia page for pictures of the Thesis launch. CarsfromItaly was at the Frankfurt Motorshow, see our Lancia page for more pictures of the Thesis. Back to the top Screensavers of the Lancia Thesis available to download (free). Technical Details   Driveline transverse engine at front with front wheel drive Engines 1998cc (82x75.65mm) 5 cylinder 20V turbo with 185bhp 2446cc (83x90.4mm) 5 cylinder 20V with 170bhp 2959cc (93x72.6mm) 24V V6 with 215bhp 2387cc (82x90.4mm) 5 cylinder JTD diesel  with 150bhp Suspension front : Multilink with telescopic dampers and coil springs plus anti-roll bar rear : Multilink  with telescopic dampers and coil springs plus anti-roll bar semi-active 'Skyhook' system wheelbase : 2803mm track (front/rear) : 1569mm/1541mm Brakes front : discs, ventilated, diameter 305mm rear : discs, ventilated, diameter 281mm ABS EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) Gearbox 6 speed manual (cable operated) 5 speed automatic (with sequential shift mode) Steering Rack and pinion with power assistance Kerb weight 2.0 20V turbo : 1695kg 2.4 20V : 1680bhp 3.0 24V V6 : 1750kg 2.4 JTD : 1715kg Click here for a cutaway of the Lancia Thesis Back to the top Performance   model max speed 0-100km/h standing km 2.0 20V turbo 224 km/h 8.9 sec 28.9 sec 2.4 20V 217 km/h 9.5 sec 30.2 sec 3.0 24V V6 234 km/h 9.2 sec 29.8 sec 2.4 JTD 206 km/h 10.1 sec 31.4 sec Back to the top Desktop wallpapers Click on the correct screen resolution for you computer and the picture will open in the window. You can then right click and set as desktop. If you require a different size of picture for your monitor please E-mail us and we will send you the correct size.   800x600 pixels 1024x768 pixels 800x600 pixels 1024x768 pixels 800x600 pixels 1024x768 pixels See also our wallpapers/desktop backgrounds page. Thesis comment form Please send your comments on the Thesis, these will be added to this page for future visitors to read. Please include your name (or a nickname) and your country. Thanks. Your Comments Wonderful! True Lancia's tradition in contemporary design terms.(PAB) Wonderfull car, returning to the old Italian style. Thema obviously can't be replaced with a car with that will have the same carisma.I had hard times accepting Kappa but this is to much.(Srdan,Croatia) I have been waiting this car for a lot of time. Not because I will buy it (at the moment I have a Lancia Ypsilon 1.2), but because it can represent the definitive recovery of a mythical brand in the world of automobile. The shape is excessively classic, (I miss the Gamma), maybe they want to assure the sales, although the front is powerful and beautiful. If the interior is such as they had promised, I don't believe that the new Thesis has rival in this aspect. I hope the engines and the chassis will be at the level of what is expected from a Lancia, mainly in this category. I wish the Lancia Thesis has long life, a lot of sales, and meanwhile I will wait for the new Delta... (Juan, a lancista from Spain) This will be the absolute best car Lancia has ever made.I thought the Lybra was great, but this is awesome. What do those headlamps look like. Lancia should be looking into the future instead of back at their past, we need a car that is advanced, not retro. I think we need another Beta or Gamma. The Thesis is a very beautiful car but the only thing I saw is that the Thesis does not have a V8 engine version like other luxury cars (Lexus, BMW, Mercedes and Audi). Being a two Lancia owner, Thema Turbo 16V LX and Y 1.2 16V, I welcome this new Lancia, absolutely wonderful in its design and technology. I just wish it was a little sportier. Caio. (Miguel M, Portugal) Quite a nice car, the design is quite good, although in my opinion the rear could've been more like the Dialogos concept car. What I would like to know is WHY Lancia put an American as the director of the Centro Stile when Italy has some of the best designers in the world? We are giving our best designers to the competition!! (ex. Walter De' Silva, the genius behind the Alfa 156 and 147, is now at Seat). I also hope the Thesis will have some more competitive engines than those rumoured/ announced. The photos of the interiors look promising though, this car seems a step in the right direction as far as quality is concerned. Let's hope that the guys at FIAT/Lancia do a good job this time, otherwise in my opinion the Thesis will be yet another missed opportunity of seriously threatening the competition from Germany. I hope that Lancia Thesis will live up to expectations Hey this design is absolutely fabulous, PLEASE PLEASE right hand drive versions for the rest of the world (Dave T, Australia) Finally, a real Lancia again. I hope Fiat will work hard with Thesis and there will be a real atractive range with engines good enough to struggle against German manufacturers, instead of having only the limited offer of the Lybra, which best engine outputs just 155 hp. Design is great, and everybody will know they are looking at an Italian car. Thesis make the rest old fashioned and styleless at the same time. If you really like stilish cars, there will only be an option for you: LANCIA THESIS. (David, Spain) For books on Lancia see our Online Bookstore There is also a list of all our picture galleries (including museums, motorshows and various events). See also our Lancia advertisements gallery , where several old adverts can be seen. Screensavers of the Lancia Thesis available to download (free). Use the buttons at the top to navigate further, or Select another model Delta & Prisma HF 4WD & integrale Y10 Beta Dedra Thema Lybra Phedra Delta 1993 new Delta 2008 Kappa Zeta Ypsilon New Ypsilon Musa 037/Rally Delta S4 Gamma ECV1 & 2 Stratos Interwar cars Aprilia Aurelia Ardea Appia Flaminia Flavia Fulvia     Back to the top Copyright © 2000 to 2008 CarsfromItaly

It’s time to appreciate the Lancia Thesis

Forgive us, Lancia Thesis, for the world was never meant for one as beautiful as you.

In the decade since its demise, the Lancia Thesis has been propping up lazy ‘ugly car‘ lists across the internet, deemed worthy of little more than the merest mention in the context of its jaw-droppingly elegant rear lights. The wood enthusiasts in Malvern saw enough beauty in the Thesis to borrow the ‘microbulb’ lights for the Aeromax.

For sure, the Lancia Thesis looks a little weird, certainly in the context of its contemporary German rivals. But looking slightly odd has never hampered Martin Clunes, so why did the world fail to embrace the Thesis?

British buyers didn’t have a choice. The Thesis never made it to these shores, Lancia only returning to the UK under the cover of Chrysler.

It wouldn’t have stood a chance. Faced by the collective might of the 5 Series, E-Class and A6, the elegant Lancia would have been lost beneath a deluge of faeces-related quips.

“The time is ripe for Thesis,” said Lancia in 2001, in a statement unrelated to faecal matter.

The Thesis was borne out of the Dialogos concept of 1998 , a car with swivelling armchairs rather than seats, an absence of door handles, pillar-less entry, suicide rear doors, and an ability to switch between left- and right-hand-drive.

Lancia Dialogos

You're really spoiling us

It allowed Lancia to “conceive the idea of stress-free driving and envisage the passenger compartment as both ideal microclimate and living room,” said the company.

What’s remarkable is how much of the Dialogos styling made it into production. The front and rear are straight outta concept, but Lancia lost its nerve when building the bit in the middle. With the B-pillar in place, door handles in situ, standard rear doors, and Vanden Plas-style chrome strip along the side, the Thesis looked more like a low-rent Korean rental car in profile.

In fairness, the Thesis did a fine job of hiding its size. At 4.88 metres in length, this Italian saloon is knocking on the door of Range Rover territory, but while SUVs are aggressive and crude machines, the Thesis puts on a display of restraint and splendour. This is a car for arriving at ambassadorial receptions, not in the car park of a Premier League football ground.

Lancia Thesis at night

The Italian Scorpio?

Which is the point of the Lancia Thesis. If you’ve ever seen a Thesis at night, you will have admired the diamond-shaped xenon headlights and the almost surreal beauty of the LED rear lights. There are just two 1cm wide strips: one red and one orange. Pure class.

If the jury is out on the interior styling – did somebody say ‘Italian Ford Scorpio ’? – there’s little to debate when it comes to the cabin. The dials were a welcome nod to the Aurelia and Flaminia, with the instruments set off against a soft blue background. Meanwhile, wood, leather, Alcantara and magnesium combined to create an interior that looked and felt a class above the ‘premium’ execs jostling for position on the Autostrade.

Naturally, you’d want the Alfa-sourced 3.0-litre V6 combined with the Comfortronic transmission for maximum waft, but don’t discount the 2.4-litre five-cylinder for aural pleasure. The 2.0-litre turbo was the quickest to 60 and delivered more torque than the 2.4-litre JTD. A diesel in a Thesis? No thanks.

Lancia Thesis and private jet

Lancia spent big bucks on the Thesis, resisting the temptation to base the car on a stretched Alfa Romeo 166 platform. The result was a car that rode as well as any luxury car, helped in no small part by the so-called ‘Skyhook’ semi-active damping system. It used sensors to select the optimum damping force required by each shock absorber, to deliver a soft and controlled ride.

Poltrona Frau soft leather was an option, with heated front seats standard on the top-spec models. Tick the right box and your Thesis could leave the back passage of the showroom with ventilated massage seats in the front, and heated massage seats in the back. Thanks to its long wheelbase, the Thesis offered a huge amount of rear legroom. This was a car to drive and to be driven in.

A seven-inch display, voice control, Bose sound system, adaptive cruise control, eight airbags, front and rear parking sensors, and keyless entry wouldn’t look out of place on a spec list today. 

Lancia Thesis dashboard

Home delivery

Lancia also knew how to make a customer feel special. Cars were delivered to the doors of potential clients for a test drive, while showroom staff were trained solely to deal with the Thesis. Once purchased, the car would be delivered to the customer’s home or office by the salesperson who sold the car. A few days later, the dealer principal would call to ensure that everything is in order.

The company promises lifetime ‘Home Service‘ cover, which included collection within 48 hours following a report of any faults, a loan car while the Thesis was in for repair, and a dedicated freephone number. Could any lucky Thesis owners could report on the effectiveness of this service?

Maybe it’s the passing of time or simply the increasing number of over-styled SUVs on our roads, but the Lancia Thesis appears to be ageing like a fine Italian wine. Those front and rear bumpers, free of clutter, look delightful, while the overall design, which might have looked out of place at the turn of the millennium, is most welcome in 2019.

Everything in context. Picture yourself driving home from the opera in a Thesis; the world is monochrome as your tyres roll across the gravel outside your immaculate Italianate townhouse. The sound of Puccini is heard from inside as your Monica Bellucci lookalike wife greets you at the door. Life is good.

The Lancia Thesis slots into this vision in a way that a contemporary German exec can only imagine. If only the world had been kinder to the misunderstood Italian. They would not listen, they did not know how. Perhaps they’ll listen now.

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Autocar

The story of the mysterious Lancia Thesis

Posted: 9 April 2024 | Last updated: 9 April 2024

<p>Compared with the Thesis, few cars from <a href="https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/new-car-reviews/lancia">Lancia</a> had so much time and money invested in them.</p><p>A a car of slightly mysterious allure but plenty of technology, it was developed on its own bespoke chassis and the same sort of suspension used in the <a href="https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/maserati">Maserati</a> Spyder, <a href="https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/maserati/granturismo">Granturismo</a> and <a href="https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/maserati/quattroporte">Quattroporte</a>. It even had radar-guided cruise control - the first Lancia to do so.</p><p>Despite the effort and attention lavished on it to make it a true rival for the <a href="https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/bmw/5-series">BMW 5 Series</a> and <a href="https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/mercedes-benz/e-class">Mercedes E-Class</a>, it was dropped from the price list after eight years with less than 20,000 produced.</p><p>We therefore thought it best to find out why, partly because it has never been sold in the UK, partly because it’s a relatively rare sight even in its native Italy, and partly because it looks a little weird.</p>

Lancia Thesis

Compared with the Thesis, few cars from  Lancia  had so much time and money invested in them.

A a car of slightly mysterious allure but plenty of technology, it was developed on its own bespoke chassis and the same sort of suspension used in the  Maserati  Spyder,  Granturismo  and  Quattroporte . It even had radar-guided cruise control - the first Lancia to do so.

Despite the effort and attention lavished on it to make it a true rival for the  BMW 5 Series  and  Mercedes E-Class , it was dropped from the price list after eight years with less than 20,000 produced.

We therefore thought it best to find out why, partly because it has never been sold in the UK, partly because it’s a relatively rare sight even in its native Italy, and partly because it looks a little weird.

<p><span>From the front i</span><span>ts chrome Lancia grille resembles a medieval shield, and from the rear, where the translucent glow of some rather gothic tail-lights give it a look like no other car on the road.</span></p>

Front end design

From the front i ts chrome Lancia grille resembles a medieval shield, and from the rear, where the translucent glow of some rather gothic tail-lights give it a look like no other car on the road.

<p>From the side, however, the Thesis is a car of three parts, its distinctive nose and tail sandwiching one of the dullest centre sections of any executive car on the road. Which is a pity.</p>

Piggy in the middle

From the side, however, the Thesis is a car of three parts, its distinctive nose and tail sandwiching one of the dullest centre sections of any executive car on the road. Which is a pity.

<p>Such dullness is all the more disappointing given the design origins of the Thesis – pronounced ‘tay-sis’, rather than as per the lengthy academic tract - which stemmed from a striking 1998 concept called Dialogos. This car’s clean flanks, wooden floor, subtly sculpted dashboard and suicide-rear-doors promised something refreshing, but Lancia’s nerve faltered, the production version trading the subtle curviness of the original vision for banality instead.</p>

Such dullness is all the more disappointing given the design origins of the Thesis – pronounced ‘tay-sis’, rather than as per the lengthy academic tract - which stemmed from a striking 1998 concept called Dialogos.

This car’s clean flanks, wooden floor, subtly sculpted dashboard and suicide-rear-doors promised something refreshing, but Lancia’s nerve faltered, the production version trading the subtle curviness of the original vision for banality instead.

<p>Given that Lancia’s biggest barely registers on any sales graph featuring the 5 Series, E Class and A6, it might just as well have gone the whole way and produced something really different. Especially as the Thesis feels pretty special inside, despite the loss of the concept’s (admittedly impractical) wooden floor and smooth-contoured seating. Sparely deployed wood, cream-faced instruments and richly upholstered seats make this Lancia a car you want to get in as do the heated and cooled massage seats that can be optionally installed front and rear.</p>

Beauty on the inside

Given that Lancia’s biggest barely registers on any sales graph featuring the 5 Series, E Class and A6 , it might just as well have gone the whole way and produced something really different.

Especially as the Thesis feels pretty special inside, despite the loss of the concept’s (admittedly impractical) wooden floor and smooth-contoured seating.

Sparely deployed wood, cream-faced instruments and richly upholstered seats make this Lancia a car you want to get in as do the heated and cooled massage seats that can be optionally installed front and rear.

<p>The Thesis’s non-availability in the UK meant that I had a long wait, after its 2001 launch, before sampling its charms, and then only as a passenger. But that was enough to discover whether it was burdened with a problem afflicting almost every Fiat Auto product of the day, which was an inability to absorb sharp, transverse ridges like motorway expansion strips without firing a creaky judder through the dashboard.</p>

Forbidden fruit

The Thesis’s non-availability in the UK meant that I had a long wait, after its 2001 launch, before sampling its charms, and then only as a passenger. But that was enough to discover whether it was burdened with a problem afflicting almost every Fiat Auto product of the day, which was an inability to absorb sharp, transverse ridges like motorway expansion strips without firing a creaky judder through the dashboard.

<p>That might sound a ludicrously arcane basis on which to judge a car, but the aura of mild flimsiness provoked by this flaw was one I hoped this more substantially assembled Lancia would be free of. Within minutes of climbing aboard a Thesis at Turin airport I had my answer – it soon hit an autostrada expansion strip, and I heard the faint plastic crack of a dashboard quivering with a tremor that the suspension had failed to suppress. Oh, the disappointment.</p>

Disappointment

That might sound a ludicrously arcane basis on which to judge a car, but the aura of mild flimsiness provoked by this flaw was one I hoped this more substantially assembled Lancia would be free of. Within minutes of climbing aboard a Thesis at Turin airport I had my answer – it soon hit an autostrada expansion strip, and I heard the faint plastic crack of a dashboard quivering with a tremor that the suspension had failed to suppress. Oh, the disappointment.

<p>A couple of years later I got to actually drive a Thesis, and discovered a car not much more able in the bend-bashing department. But those beguiling tail-lights and that classy Italian cabin make this a saloon that I have a mild yearning for - especially as they're so rare.</p><p>Consequently we couldn't find any Thesis' for sale in the UK today. But in Italy cars start at just €1,800 for a runner and rise to €9,000 for a clean example. Tempted?</p>

Mild yearning

A couple of years later I got to actually drive a Thesis, and discovered a car not much more able in the bend-bashing department. But those beguiling tail-lights and that classy Italian cabin make this a saloon that I have a mild yearning for - especially as they're so rare.

Consequently we couldn't find any Thesis' for sale in the UK today. But in Italy cars are available at less than €10,000 for a clean example. Tempted?

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Thesis, the last true Lancia

  • 14 April 2020

Thesis, the last true Lancia image

In 2002 with the Thesis, Lancia launched a valid attempt to return once again to the place it rightly deserved in the annuals of the automobile. The endeavour was inaugurated through a new flagship concept that offered a brave and very astute mix of the past and present and encompassed the celebrated legacy of the Turin brand.

lancia-dialogos-concept-car

The idea first came to light in 1998 at the Turin Motor Show where a concept called Dialogos was revealed, a semi-final prototype of a three-volume sedan with suicide doors and advanced technological components. The Dialogos was warmly received and a large investment was approved to put it into production. Surprisingly, in 2000, a version appeared for Pope John Paul II, which was given the name “Giubileo” (Jubilee).

Lancia-Giubileo-Papamobile

At its presentation, in 2002, it was clear how Mike Robinson, chief designer at Lancia, wished to combine the stylistic features of the past with more decisive, contemporary touches; the nose that featured a large Lancia radiator grille, the diamond-shaped headlights and the soft fenders were reminiscent of the Aurelia, while at the rear those characteristically thin and innovative LED lights that look like slender fins, recall the Flaminia. The Thesis heralded a new stylistic language that was balanced by the opulent classicism of the interior. A language that was difficult to understand as history would sadly go on to confirm. The Thesis had the difficult task of repositioning the brand and bringing it back to international markets where Lancia had been absent since the early nineties after the Lancia K debacle.

lancia thesis 34

A promise it was unable to fulfil as only 16,000 examples were produced. The rarity that followed, especially for the top-of-the-range versions powered by a 215bhp 3.0 V6 or the 230bhp 3.2 V6, both petrol engines sourced from Alfa Romeo and designed by Giuseppe Busso, makes it a somewhat inexpensive future classic worth betting on.

lancia thesis 88

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Specs for all generations of Lancia Thesis

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Lancia Thesis Sport

The stand also hosts a Lancia Thesis Sport, the latest evolution of the flagship which combines sportiness and elegance with unique, exclusive styling. The version on show features very refined two-tone bodywork (light grey and dark grey) that enhances the car’s beautiful lines, and 18” spoked alloy wheels that highlight the sporty look of this particular version.

This same impression is conveyed in the interior by the new Frau® red leather upholstery with coordinated finishing elements. The original Thesis Sport is in perfect harmony with the spirit of the Lancia flagship, a luxury saloon that relies on elegance and cutting-edge technology to capture elite motorists.

This is a particular segment made up of a small number of models on which the most important carmakers concentrate the best automotive technology available today. The Thesis Sport is powered by the new 2.4 Multijet 20V engine which, combined with a self-adaptive sequential five-speed automatic transmission, delivers a maximum of 185 bhp at 4000 rpm and torque of 330 Nm at 1750 rpm. With this power pack, the car reaches a top speed of 222 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.7 seconds.

The example on display on the Lancia stand obviously embodies all the strengths of the Thesis model: from the extensive standard safety equipment (ABS with EBD, ESP complete with ASR, 8 airbags) to the spacious, protective luxurious passenger compartment, the navigator with a colour screen, the Bose® Hi-Fi system, and the automatic multi-zone climate system. It is also fitted with an anti-lift volumetric anti-theft system with alarm, and with parking sensors.

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Lancia's Thesis was its Requiem

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It has been conjectured that Fiat's attempt to take its storied Lancia charge from rallying legend to a somewhat effeminate near-luxury brand, overtly geared to women, was doomed to begin with.

2002-09 Lancia Thesis

However, today - perhaps, particularly this year - it's worth remembering the brand's last flagship, the Thesis, for a memorable ad in which Italian actress Maria Grazia Cucinotta appeared, riding a bike along a tree-lined avenue.

A number of large cars whizz past her, causing her hair to fly uncontrollably, and even her skirt to lift. She stops, annoyed. When a Lancia Thesis approaches at high speed, Maria prepares for yet another buffeting; yet her skirt barely flutters, as the breeze caresses her hair. The car overtakes her gently, quietly, and smoothly.

As the film ends, the cyclist and the driver exchange glances, in mutual recognition of this sophisticated demonstration of power, one which has left room for courtesy and sensitivity.

Lancia is - perhaps soon, was - one of the world's oldest automakers. Founded in 1906, it became known for technological innovation and craftsman-like attention to detail.

1922-24 Lancia Lambda Torpedo

In the Twenties, the Lancia Lambda was the first car in the world with stress-bearing bodywork, eschewing the frame to which American automakers would remain true for the better part of the twentieth century. The Lambda was also first with independent front suspension.

1937 Lancia Aprilia Berlinetta Aerodinamica

France's Citroën would become famous for its obsession with wind tunnels and aerodynamics, but Lancia's Aprilia of the Thirties boasted a wind-cheating body before Citroën had ever mentioned coefficients of drag; and registering a C d of 0.47 back when the average value among the competition was a bluff 0.60.

1950-52 Lancia Aurelia Cabriolet

And in the Fifties, under the Aurelia's hood was the first V-6 ever fitted to a roadgoing vehicle.

From the 1970s onward, under Fiat ownership, Lancia wrestled with reliability and rust prevention, while also struggling to retain its identity. Fiat became increasingly intent on integrating Lancia into its engineering and purchasing systems, which saved cost but also hurt competitiveness - particularly in the upper echelon, where being authentically distinctive is important.

1992 Lancia Delta HF Integrale

The '80s rallying success of the legendary Lancia Delta Integrale - six consecutive world championship titles - gave Lancia something truly unique to talk about again. More recently, its Ypsilon city car proved very popular.

But the soft, sinuous lines for which many remember Lancia need a large canvas to really work.

1988-92 Lancia Thema V6

Lancia's last commercially successful flagship was the 1985 Thema. The Thema's successor, the Kappa, had not done quite as well, despite plaudits for its refinement, packaging, and capable chassis. Some said that Kappa's use of an Alfa Romeo platform had condemned it to also-ran status.

Determined to regain its stature, Lancia decided to pull out all the stops. In 1995, it launched itself into researching what the typical Lancia customer - the "enlightened bourgeois of the 1950s and 1960s," as Fiat Auto managing director Roberto Testore put it - would want at the turn of the Millennium.

1998 Lancia Dialogos concept

The answer came in the form of Mike Vernon Robinson's stunning "Diàlogos" concept of the 1998 Turin Motor Show. The high front, long bonnet, and profile resembling an upside-down wedge marked a new formal language, one which refuted the school of rational forms in favor of emotional elegance. Its large, vertical grille was flanked by diamond-shaped headlamps; its sculpted, shapely fenders broke away from the hood line in a manner similar to cars of the Thirties and Forties. All of this bucked the trend for over-rational, visually spare shapes.

1998 Lancia Dialogos concept

"Exciting elegance goes far beyond rational utility to leave space for the imagination," Lancia enthused. Though controversial, the look successfully averted the customary protruding bumper and consequent front overhang of front-wheel-drive cars.

Neither Fiat nor Alfa Romeo had anything rear-wheel drive. The new Lancia flagship - unlike the Mercedes-Benzes and BMWs with which it would compete - would thus be front-drive. That apart, however, Lancia promised that the Thesis platform would not be shared with any other cars in the Fiat group. Fiat had virtually invented platform sharing, but was now developing spaceframe technology which allowed the basic chassis to be tailored to different cars, with flexible dimensions and flexible mountings.

2002-09 Lancia Thesis

Inside, innovative telematics technology would prove that the Italians had, finally, mastered multiplexing; with the added bonus of providing intriguing contrast to the retro exterior. There would be a seven-inch TFT color display in the dashboard, with navigation, voice recognition, a hands-free phone, and an optional television. Other options of note would include radar cruise-control, a sunroof with solar cells to power the air conditioning when the vehicle was parked in the sun, dual climate zones for the rear passengers, power assistance when opening the doors, tri-fan ventilated and massaging seats, an electronic parking brake, and an eleven-speaker Bose audio system.

2002-09 Lancia Thesis

Each Thesis would get eight air bags as standard, and electronic stability control.

The doors would close as soundly as those of a Mercedes E-Class, and the materials employed in the cabin would be used not merely for appearance, for also for the tactile and acoustic reactions they aroused.

"People will be looking for excuses not to buy this car. So, we wanted to be damn sure we didn't give them anything to hook onto," Robinson told CAR magazine.

Underlining the technology within were bi-xenon headlights and thirty LEDs per taillight.

The Italians were particularly proud of their telematics system which, they promised, was the easiest to use around. This, remember, was just as BMW's iDrive launched in the E65 7 series, confounding journalists and owners alike.

However, like the French , the Italians had never been particularly good at electronic gadgetry. The car suffered several delays.

"Trimmed as it is in acres of (real) wood, leather, and alcantara, it's sure to become a favorite among Europe's executive class," wrote Frank Markus for Car and Driver in February 2001 upon seeing the finished result at Geneva.

"The cabin is truly rich, and walks the right side of that line in Italian style dividing the perfectly proportioned minimalism from their bling-bling rap-star Versace vulgarity," said Paul Horrell for CAR. Horrell was particularly impressed with the lightly-varnished wood trim and cast magnesium in the center console. "I can't tell you how much more satisfying it is to use a cupholder or ashtray that glides out of solid metal than some clacky plastic lid."

The car would be named "Thesis" which, like Thema, recalled a letter from classical Greek. This, said Lancia, conjured up the image of culture, while also conveying the idea of advanced scientific research and state-of-the-art technology.

2002-09 Lancia Thesis

Originally planned to launch in 2000, the Thesis in April 2002 finally became the largest and most luxurious sedan in the Fiat Group portfolio.

To Lancia's credit, the challenging front and rear fasciae of the concept had been retained for production. Yet something had been lost in translation; mostly, perhaps, in the flanks. Something about those door frames seemed more plebian than the rest of the car, and that bulging waistline, much though (as design critic Stephen Bayley has suggested ) it might have recalled the 1965 Flaminia, did not quite fit.

2002-09 Lancia Thesis

Rumor had it that some degree of inflexibility in Fiat's early spaceframe strategy had forced the change in proportions.

Whatever the reason, the Thesis tended to photograph as though three cars: front, sides, and rear. Not for nothing was it frequently described as simultaneously pleasantly controversial yet frustratingly mellow.

2002-09 Lancia Thesis

On the road, where the human eye tends to focus on one aspect, the Thesis' lines worked better. Front and rear, from a dead-on perspective, it looked at least as rich as the German competition, and certainly exhibited more character.

To drive, Thesis should have been fairly capable. Its aluminum front suspension was a development of the traditional double-wishbone layout, which enthusiasts find preferable to MacPherson struts. Five links controlled the movement of the front wheels, yet kept virtual steering axle as close as possible to the wheel center, to benefit steering accuracy and response. At the rear, various arms in aluminum, steel, and cast iron provided a fair degree of passive rear steer. Grip was decent, particularly for a car which weighed four thousand pounds. Predictably, the nose would eventually run wide under hard cornering, but the lack of feel through the steering was as frustrating as its non-linear response.

2002-09 Lancia Thesis

The odd twitchiness of the chassis could pay off, however, as the Thesis was throttle steerable. Lift off, and balance would be restored.

The silent cabin, with its five-millimeter glazing, met a ride that was very good indeed. For the body control, and superlative smoothness over the most pocked roads, one could thank Maserati, who (together with Mannesmann-Sachs) had engineered those six-sensor, semi-active dampers for its Spyder sports car. More akin to a Jaguar than to the German competition, so good was the suspension's ride quality that it even had a name: "Skyhook." Buick would unofficially borrow that name to describe the ride of its own cars.

Predictably, the Thesis' most popular engine was the torquey yet economical 2.4-liter JTD diesel. Surprisingly in thrifty and displacement-taxed Europe, gasoline buyers bypassed the two-liter turbocharged and 2.4-liter five-cylinder models in favor of the sonorous, Alfa-derived three-liter 24-valve V-6.

Lancia had invented the V-6, and this particular engine revved happily to its 6,300-rpm power peak, and 7,000-rpm red-line, producing 215 horsepower and 194 foot-pounds of torque. That made for a top speed of one hundred and forty-six mph; but the Thesis’ sheer heft ultimately conspired against it, resulting in a rather relaxed, 9.2-second 0-60 mph time.

A 3.2-liter V-6 was also available. Plans were made to offer Cadillac's Northstar V-8 and a three-liter Isuzu V-6 diesel was offered as well (to be shared with the Saab 9-5 and Renault Vel Satis), but Fiat's messy divorce from General Motors in 2002 put paid to that.

Thesis was supposed to support an effort to push Lancia sales from just one hundred and fifty thousand in 2001, to three hundred thousand by 2008.

However, Thesis failed to hit even the modest sales goals Lancia had set for it: a mere thirteen thousand and two hundred units in 2002, and hopes for twenty-five thousand in 2003. Mind you, in true Italian fashion, they could never quite agree on a target. Juan Jose Diaz Ruiz, executive vice-president for marketing and sales, was more ambitious. He foresaw annual sales of thirty-five thousand cars.

In the end, they sold just sixteen thousand over seven years. Sales ran through 2009, but the Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi triumvirate was never threatened. More to the point, the Thesis couldn't nearly match the sales of its Kappa predecessor; and the Kappa, in turn, had not done as well as the Thema before it.

lancia thesis v8

Lancia took the failure on the chin, having invested four hundred and five million euros in the project (one hundred and eighty-five million for R&D, and two hundred and twenty-one for tooling).

Following 2010’s Fiat/ Chrysler tie-up, Lancia CEO Olivier François took on the additional role of Chrysler CEO. He saw a parallel between the two brands. For the past ten years, he noted, both had strived to offer, to varying degrees, a quietly elegant, near-luxury experience. Both were positioned as style-conscious brands for upwardly mobile, trend-setting customers.

François was widely regarded to have done a good job at Lancia with limited resources. Despite the long-running Ypsilon and Musa both being based on the floorpan of the last-generation Fiat Punto, and though the Lancia Delta was constrained in its proportions by the Fiat Bravo platform, Fiat’s near-luxury brand had ridden out the effects of the economic downturn remarkably effectively. In a down market which had battered the auto industry, Lancia’s sales in 2009 had remained flat.

But François would sound Lancia's death knoll when he rebadged various Chryslers - including a minivan - as Lancias.

Today, Lancia sells cars only in Italy - and its only car is the little Ypsilon hatchback. The brand is not expected to last much longer.

What a pity. Thesis was a colorful car in a conservative segment - a dignified expression of what Lancia thought its brand could be in the modern era. However, after several years of lackluster cars, for one model to muster the distinction to support a hefty price tag was always going to be a tall order. And the relevance of Lancia's somewhat muddled brand values, post-Millennium, was at best debatable.

Writing for CAR, Paul Horrell saw this clearly at the time. "Imagine a Rover 95 (a theoretical step-up from the British brand's retro 75, which debuted at roughly the same time as the Thesis and which also proved to be its maker's swansong) and you would be spookily close.

"It's a scary thought: two brands that refuse to be youthful or sporty (are the) two brands that have underperformed."

Further reading

Lovely and wrong: Richard Herriott assesses Lancia's former flagship Driven To Write

Thu 14 Dec 17

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33 Offers for Lancia Thesis

lancia thesis v8

Lancia Thesis   2.0 20V Turbo Soft Emblema Leder Navi

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Well, these are two pretty similar cars we have here! It's only details that could potentially make the difference. Considering they both belong to the luxury car segment and utilize the same 4-door sedan body style and the front wheel drive system, it all comes up to the specific petrol engine choice they offer. The first one has a Chrysler-engineered powertrain under the hood, a 8-cylinder, 16-valves 425hp unit, while the other one gets its power and torque from a 6-cylinder, 24-valves 230hp engine designed by Alfa Romeo.

Unfortunatelly, neither of the two vehicles was submitted to the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) testing. This makes it virtually impossible for me to pick one over the other and I'm generally against buying such cars as the safety should really always come first. That aside, let's consider some other aspects which affect safety. Both vehicles belong to the luxury car segment, which is generally a very good thing safety-wise, but it doesn't do much to help us decide between the two. Furthermore, if we'd like to consider vehicle mass in this context too, which we definitely should, the American car offers a marginal difference of 6% more metal.

I don't like generalizing things when it comes to reliability, although it does seem that Lancia as a brand displays somewhat better results, all the models observed together. That's the official data, while our visitors describe reliability of Chrysler with an average rating of 4.4, and models under the Lancia badge with 4.1 out of 5. Some independent research have also placed 300C as average reliability-wise, and Thesis is more or less at the same level.We should definitely mention that owners of cars with the same powertrain as the American car rank it on average as 3.0 out of 5, exactly the same as the other one.

Chrysler is way more agile, reaching 100km/h in 3.8 seconds less than its competitor. In addition to that it accelerates all the way to 265 kilometers per hour, 25km/h more than the other car. When it comes to fuel economy the winner has to be the American car, averaging around 14 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (20 mpg), in combined cycle. We can't ignore that 6% difference compared to the Italian car.

Lancia appears just a bit more reliable, although the difference is truly marginal. The most important thing when deciding between any two vehicles should always be safety, both passive and active. In my opinion, everything taken into account, the American car offers slightly better overall protection and takes the lead. It all continues in the same direction, with Chrysler outracing its opponent in any situation possible, making it better choice for boy racers. To make things even better, it consumps less fuel! All together, there's not much more to say, in this case I wouldn't even consider anything but Chrysler. In any case that's my personal view, built upon all the data available to me. What should decide here though is the way you feel about the two vehicles, and I hope you'll find my guidelines useful in the process. Also, you could use the oportunity to find out which car, everything taken into account, would be the perfect choice for you in the eyes of the virtual adviser ™ , among thousands of similar, yet so different vehicles.

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Thesis strange electronic troubles

Unread post by Pierre VALLADE » Thu Oct 01, 2009 1:43 pm

Re: Thesis strange electronic troubles

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Unread post by Pierre VALLADE » Fri Oct 02, 2009 6:20 am

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Lancia Thesis 3.2 V6 v Citroen C6 3.0i V6 v Rover 75 V8

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Lancia Thesis 3.2 V6

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Which do you think is the best interpretation of luxury? Italian, french or british? Specifications here don't mean much but I'm going to include them anyway. Lancia Thesis 3.2 V6 -3179cc normally aspirated V6, 230bhp, 290Nm -Front engined, front wheel drive, 5-speed automatic -All round mutlilink suspension and semi-active Skyhook system -4-door saloon 489x183x147cm -1820kg, 240km/h top speed, 0-100km/h in 8"8 seconds Citroen C6 3.0i V6 -2946cc normally aspirated V6, 211bhp, 290Nm -Front engined, front wheel drive, 6-speed automatic -Hydractive suspension with electronically controlled springing and damping -4-door saloon 491x186x146cm -1890kg, 230km/h top speed, 0-100km/h in 9"4 seconds Rover 75 V8 -4601cc normally aspirated V8, 260bhp, 410Nm -Front engined, rear wheel drive, 4-speed automatic -All roun independent suspension, multilink at the back -4-door saloon 475x x139cm -1680kg, 229km/h top speed, 0-100km/h in 6"5 seconds

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I'd say the Citroen. It is much newer then the others and the hydraulics are undefeatable

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the C6 since the others aren't sold in this country
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Originally Posted by clutch-monkey the C6 since the others aren't sold in this country To be honest the Rover isn't sold anymore anywhere... EDIT And I think you'd have problems to buy a V6 engined Thesis...
Last edited by Ferrer; 12-31-2006 at 08:29 AM .

henk4's Avatar

wasn't the Rover V8 actually an MG?
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Originally Posted by Ferrer To be honest the Rover isn't sold anymore anywhere... EDIT And I think you'd have problems to buy a V6 engined Thesis... and for the C6 I would follow the advice of all roadtesters and take the 2.7V6 HDi......
Originally Posted by henk4 wasn't the Rover V8 actually an MG? There were both versions, the MG ZT 260 (sporty) and the Rover 75 V8 (luxurious) which has released slightly later than the MG. In fact they went bust shortly after introducing the Rover 75 V8, so it must be one of the most exclusive cars in the world... Originally Posted by henk4 and for the C6 I would follow the advice of all roadtesters and take the 2.7V6 HDi...... There wasn't an equivalent diesel engine in the Rover and the diesel in the Thesis is hampered by the gearbox.
Originally Posted by Ferrer There were both versions, the MG ZT 260 (sporty) and the Rover 75 V8 (luxurious) which has released slightly later than the MG. In fact they went bust shortly after introducing the Rover 75 V8, so it must be one of the most exclusive cars in the world... There wasn't an equivalent diesel engine in the Rover and the diesel in the Thesis is hampered by the gearbox. thanks for the update, what's the problem with the Thesis' gearbox? Not strong enough? or does Fiat only have the 5 cylinder diesel available?
Originally Posted by henk4 thanks for the update, what's the problem with the Thesis' gearbox? Not strong enough? or does Fiat only have the 5 cylinder diesel available? The 5-speed auto in the Thesis can't take the torque the latest 5 cylinder 2.4-litre diesel engine produces (200bhp and 400Nm). In the Thesis where no manual is available (unlike the previous 175bhp version) the figures are limited to 185bhp and 330Nm, which actually makes it slower than a manula 2.4 JTD 175bhp. For the record the perfomance figures of the current 185bhp diesel auto are 225km/h top speed and 10"2 seconds to 100km/h.
Originally Posted by Ferrer The 5-speed auto in the Thesis can't take the torque the latest 5 cylinder 2.4-litre diesel engine produces (200bhp and 400Nm). In the Thesis where no manual is available (unlike the previous 175bhp version) the figures are limited to 185bhp and 330Nm, which actually makes it slower than a manula 2.4 JTD 175bhp. For the record the perfomance figures of the current 185bhp diesel auto are 225km/h top speed and 10"2 seconds to 100km/h. still not a badly performing car, but yes strange that Fiat did not adapt the gearbox. Obviously the Alfas are not available with autoboxes....
Originally Posted by henk4 still not a badly performing car, but yes strange that Fiat did not adapt the gearbox. Obviously the Alfas are not available with autoboxes.... It's not that strange, becuase the Thesis has been one the worst flops in the story of Fiat/Lancia. It was a car in which a lot of money was spent in hope that it would be a return to the old glory days. It was loosely based in the Alfa Romeo 166 but it was very heavily re-engineered to an extent that we could be talking about a whole new car. In fact a Thesis with the 5 cylinder 2.4-litre petrol engine will be probably the last proper Lancia (i.e. not sharing many parts with Fiat) you'll be able to buy for a long time (perhpas ever). However nobdy bought one down to a conjuction of factors (controversial styling, high price tags underperfoming engine, bad marketing,...) and as result Fiat decided to not spend more money on it by making any further developments.

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The C6 but with the HDI, perfect combination i think.
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URGH OH MY GOD! WHAT THE HELL IS THAT!? THAT Lancia is uglier than a muddy pigs anus! C6. Looks cool and the Rover is a car for old people
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Originally Posted by Waugh-terfall URGH OH MY GOD! WHAT THE HELL IS THAT!? THAT Lancia is uglier than a muddy pigs anus! C6. Looks cool and the Rover is a car for old people Did you see this Rover in real life ? It doesnt seem so. It actually looks kind of sporty and nice in real.

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75 looked tons classier than a 5 series or Eclass, C6 looked modern, uncompromised. Thesis? I even hate the brand name Lancia, i do think this company should shrink cut off all their product lines and produce the next stratos. C6 for me. If Rover ain't in this bad situation, i would've opt for it, 75 looks stunning. All for that thou, I'd take a C6, Audi A6 C6 that is.
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COMMENTS

  1. Lancia Thesis

    The Lancia Thesis (Type 841) is a full-size car produced by Italian automaker Lancia between 2001 and 2009. It was available with naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines ranging between 2.0 and 3.2 litres in both straight-5 or V6 configurations. Its appearance was based on the 1998 Lancia Diàlogos concept car. The production car premiered at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show and its interior ...

  2. Curbside Classic: 2007 Lancia Thesis

    The Thesis was finally unveiled at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show, but it took about a year for the cars to actually get to the showrooms. Petrol engine choices included a 2.0 Turbo (185hp) and a 2.4 litre (170hp) 5-cyl., as well as Alfa's 3-litre (215hp) "Busso" V6, augmented to 3.2 litres and 230hp from 2005.

  3. Rare Rides: The 2003 Lancia Thesis

    The smallest engine was a 2.0-liter turbo; the largest was the well-regarded 3.2-liter Alfa V6. A single diesel was also available, a 2.4-liter mill sourced from Fiat. All Thesis shifted through either a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual. Unfortunately, the battle in which Lancia entered the Thesis was a losing one.

  4. Lancia Thesis

    The Thesis is a very beautiful car but the only thing I saw is that the Thesis does not have a V8 engine version like other luxury cars (Lexus, BMW, Mercedes and Audi). Being a two Lancia owner, Thema Turbo 16V LX and Y 1.2 16V, I welcome this new Lancia, absolutely wonderful in its design and technology. I just wish it was a little sportier.

  5. It's time to appreciate the Lancia Thesis

    Faced by the collective might of the 5 Series, E-Class and A6, the elegant Lancia would have been lost beneath a deluge of faeces-related quips. "The time is ripe for Thesis," said Lancia in 2001, in a statement unrelated to faecal matter. The Thesis was borne out of the Dialogos concept of 1998, a car with swivelling armchairs rather than ...

  6. The story of the mysterious Lancia Thesis

    Lancia Thesis. Compared with the Thesis, few cars from Lancia had so much time and money invested in them. A a car of slightly mysterious allure but plenty of technology, it was developed on its ...

  7. The Last True Lancia: The Thesis Story

    Thesis, the last true Lancia. 14 April 2020. 2 min read. 4 images. In 2002 with the Thesis, Lancia launched a valid attempt to return once again to the place it rightly deserved in the annuals of the automobile. The endeavour was inaugurated through a new flagship concept that offered a brave and very astute mix of the past and present and ...

  8. Lancia Thesis

    Lancia Thesis. 2002 - 2009 Sedan. Power: from 150 to 230 Hp | Dimensions: 4890 x 1830 x 1470 mm.

  9. Lancia Thesis v8

    Lancia Thesis v8 - Free download as PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. Scribd is the world's largest social reading and publishing site.

  10. Lancia Thesis Sport

    The Thesis Sport is powered by the new 2.4 Multijet 20V engine which, combined with a self-adaptive sequential five-speed automatic transmission, delivers a maximum of 185 bhp at 4000 rpm and ...

  11. Lancia Thema

    The Lancia Thema (Type 834) is an executive car produced by the Italian automaker Lancia between 1984 and 1994, and one of four cars to share the Type Four platform alongside the Alfa Romeo 164, Fiat Croma and Saab 9000.The Thema was first shown in Turin Motor Show in 1984.. In February 2011, it was reported that the second generation of the Chrysler 300C, due for launch later that year, would ...

  12. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

    The 55-50 SN automatic transmission has a five speed gearbox with a new epicyclic gear train added to the four speed automatic gearbox, maintaining the same overall length and the same distance between the axles. It is also more compact and has a greater capacity compared with the transmission fitted on conventional vehicles.

  13. Lancia's Thesis was its Requiem

    Thesis was supposed to support an effort to push Lancia sales from just one hundred and fifty thousand in 2001, to three hundred thousand by 2008. However, Thesis failed to hit even the modest sales goals Lancia had set for it: a mere thirteen thousand and two hundred units in 2002, and hopes for twenty-five thousand in 2003.

  14. 40 Thesis

    Thesis strange electronic troubles. by Pierre VALLADE » Thu Oct 01, 2009 1:43 pm. 1. 2. 15 Replies. 19479 Views. Last post by peterb123. Sun Jan 09, 2022 4:46 pm.

  15. Used Lancia Thesis for sale

    Lancia Thesis Thesis 2.4 jtd 20v Emblema 100 185cv auto. € 7,000.-. 290,000 km Automatic 07/2008 Diesel 136 kW (185 hp) Private seller, IT-82100 Benevento.

  16. Chrysler 300C 6.1 V8 HEMI vs Lancia Thesis 3.2 V6 24v

    HOME page / compare / Chrysler 300C 6.1 V8 HEMI vs Lancia Thesis 3.2 V6 24v. Compare two cars. ... The same official information place 300C as average reliability-wise, and Thesis is more or less at the same level.We should definitely mention that owners of cars with the same powertrain as the American car rank it on average as 3.0 out of 5 ...

  17. Lancia Thesis 3.2 V6 v Citroen C6 3.0i V6 v Rover 75 V8

    Lancia Thesis 3.2 V6 -3179cc normally aspirated V6, 230bhp, 290Nm -Front engined, front wheel drive, 5-speed automatic -All round mutlilink suspension and semi-active Skyhook system -4-door saloon 489x183x147cm -1820kg, 240km/h top speed, 0-100km/h in 8"8 seconds Citroen C6 3.0i V6 ... Lancia Thesis 3.2 V6 v Citroen C6 3.0i V6 v Rover 75 V8;

  18. Lancia

    4CarData. eLearn; Контакты

  19. Thesis strange electronic troubles

    Lancia Thesis 2.4 jtd Multijet 20v Executive Comfortronic 129 kW (175 PS) bei 4000 U/min 215/60R16 95W (5-Loch Felge) Fg.-Nr. 00009390 Motor-Nr. 3642911 Organisations-Nr. 00007796 Aussenfarbe 657 Innenfarbe 615 Datum erste Zuweisung 31.05.2003 Datum letzte Zuweisung 31.05.2003 CCF-Datum 14.05.2004

  20. Lancia Thesis 3.2 V6 v Citroen C6 3.0i V6 v Rover 75 V8

    Lancia Thesis 3.2 V6 -3179cc normally aspirated V6, 230bhp, 290Nm -Front engined, front wheel drive, 5-speed automatic -All round mutlilink suspension and semi-active Skyhook system -4-door saloon 489x183x147cm -1820kg, 240km/h top speed, 0-100km/h in 8"8 seconds Citroen C6 3.0i V6 Help ...

  21. ランチア・テージス

    テージス(Thesis ... ローマ教皇 御料車(パパモビル)としてランドーレット(車名はランチア・ジュビレオ:Lancia Giubileo、テージス発表前の1999 ... 当時、親会社であるフィアットはGMとの提携下にあり、キャデラック製のノーススターV8エンジンが搭載され ...

  22. Lancia Thesis V 8

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