Lancia Thema#Thema 8.32

{{Infobox automobile

| name = Lancia Thema

| image = Lancia Motor Club AGM & Giro di Salopia 2009 - IMG 8755 - Flickr - tonylanciabeta.jpg

| caption = Lancia Thema I.E (post-facelift)

| production = 1984–1994

| manufacturer = {{ubl

|Fiat Auto (1984–1986)

|Alfa-Lancia Industriale (1987–1991)

|Fiat Auto (1991–1994)

}}

| assembly = Italy:
{{ubl

|Mirafiori plant, Turin

|Borgo San Paolo plant, Turin

|Grugliasco, Turin (Pininfarina)

}}

| body_style = {{ubl

|4-door saloon

|5-door station wagon

}}

| designer = {{ubl

|Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign (saloon)

|Pininfarina (station wagon)

}}

| class = Executive car (E)

| related = {{ubl

|Saab 9000

|Alfa Romeo 164

|Fiat Croma

}}

| transmission = {{ubl

|5-speed manual

|4-speed automatic{{Cite web|url=http://www.carsfromitaly.net|title=Lancia/Models/Lancia Thema|access-date=2007-08-03|work=carsfromitaly.net}}

}}

| engine = {{ubl

|Petrol:

|2.0 L Fiat 834B I4

|2.0 L Fiat 834C.146 turbo I4

|2.8 L PRV V6

|3.0 L Alfa Romeo V6

|2.9 L Ferrari Tipo F105L V8

|Diesel:

|2.5 L Sofim 8144.91 turbo-diesel I4

|2.5 L Sofim 8144.97 turbo-diesel I4

}}

| platform = Fiat Tipo Quattro{{cite web|url=http://fiat-tipo-portugal.com/curiosidades.htm|title=Curiosidades Tipo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305183446/http://fiat-tipo-portugal.com/curiosidades.htm|archive-date=5 March 2012|publisher=Fiat Tipo Portugal|access-date=30 December 2013}}

| layout = Front-engine, front-wheel-drive

| wheelbase = {{convert|2660|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| length = {{convert|4590|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| width = {{convert|1755|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| height = {{convert|1440|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| weight = {{convert|1150|–|1300|kg|1|abbr=on}}

| predecessor = Lancia Gamma

| successor = Lancia Kappa

| sp = uk

}}

File:1989 Lancia Thema i.e. Turbo (8871006380).jpg

The Lancia Thema was announced in May 1984,{{cite news |url=http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/mod,libera/action,viewer/Itemid,3/page,11/articleid,1015_01_1984_0122_0013_14469335/ |title=Ecco la nuova Lancia "Thema" una berlina comoda e veloce |trans-title=Here's the new Lancia «Thema», a fast and comfortable saloon |first=Michele |last=Fenu |date=24 May 1984 |page=11 |newspaper=La Stampa |access-date=1 May 2019 |language=it}} then introduced to the motoring press with an event held in October 1984 in Vienna, and to the general public at the Turin Motor Show in November of the same year.{{cite news |url=http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/mod,libera/action,viewer/Itemid,3/page,9/articleid,1020_01_1984_0258_0009_14555204/ |title="Thema", una sfida per l'Europa |trans-title=«Thema», a European challenger |first=Michele |last=Fenu |date=31 October 1984 |page=9 |newspaper=La Stampa |access-date=1 May 2019 |language=it}}

The first series of the Thema was built between 1984 and 1988, with four different models initially available. Two came with a twin cam 8-valve, fuel injected {{cvt|1995|cc|L|1|abbr=on}} 4-cylinder petrol engine, in naturally aspirated guise on the Thema i.e. or turbocharged and intercooled on the Thema i.e. turbo. Power output was {{cvt|120|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} and {{cvt|165|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} respectively. The most expensive model was the Thema 6V, powered by a {{cvt|150|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}, {{cvt|2849|cc|L|1|abbr=on}} V6, tuned for smoothness. On most European markets a {{cvt|2445|cc|L|1|abbr=on}}, {{cvt|100|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} four-cylinder turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder diesel engine was also available, on the Thema turbo ds. 1986 saw the introduction of the Pininfarina-designed Thema Station Wagon, available with the two turbocharged engine options only, and of the Ferrari V8-engined Thema 8·32.

File:Ringsend, Co. Dublin - Ireland (9296791567).jpg

The second series of the Thema was presented in the Paris Motor Show in September 1988.{{cite news |url=http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/mod,libera/action,viewer/Itemid,3/page,10/articleid,0963_01_1988_0208_0010_13063918/ |title=La seconda sfida della Thema |first=Michele |last=Fenu |date=22 September 1988 |page=10 |newspaper=La Stampa |access-date=30 April 2019 |language=it}} New 16-valve 2.0-litre engines replaced the previous 8-valve units, increasing the power output to {{convert|147|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} on the naturally aspirated Thema i.e. 16v and to {{convert|185|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} on the Thema turbo 16v. The 8-valve 2-litre, now producing {{convert|117|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}, remained on sale on the Thema i.e. base model. The {{convert|147|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} six-cylinder on the Thema V6 was only mildly revised. The diesel engine on the Thema turbo ds increased marginally in capacity, to {{cvt|2499|cc|L|1|abbr=on}}, and more significantly in output, to {{convert|118|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}.

A number of small visual updates were made to freshen the Thema's look. Upfront there was a more prominent grille with vertical instead of horizontal bars, and the turn indicators had been moved beneath the main headlamp units, under horizontal dark-tinted lenses. At the rear all model badging was removed, and the turn signals and backup lamp lenses were now tinted red. Finally, the side rubbing strips, side skirts, wheel covers and 8-spoke alloy wheels were redesigned. The station wagon and the 8·32 received similar updates. With five engines available on the saloon, three on the SW (the two 16-valve petrols and the turbo diesel), the Thema range consisted of nine different models. The different models received almost no visual distinctions, aside from the 8·32. Other models looked largely identical aside from badging, wheel dimensions, and wheel design (along with body-coloured mirror housings on top versions).{{cite magazine | magazine = Quattroruote | title = Prove su strada: Lancia Thema 16 Valvole | trans-title = Road test | language = it |date = January 1989 | volume = 34 | issue = 399 | publisher = Editoriale Domus | location = Milan, Italy | editor-first = Raffaele | editor-last = Mastrostefano | page = 170 }} Additionally the 4- and 6-cylinder petrol engines were also produced in catalytic converter-equipped versions, with slightly reduced output, for sale on markets where such equipment was mandatory.

The series two was then replaced by the facelifted third and last series, introduced at the Paris Motor Show in September 1992 and produced from 1992 to 1994. Four trim levels—base, LE, LS and LX—were introduced across the range; the 2.9-litre V6 engine was replaced by a more powerful {{convert|175|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} 3.0-litre unit, sourced from Alfa Romeo.{{cite news |url=http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/mod,libera/action,viewer/Itemid,3/page,35/articleid,0842_01_1992_0255_0035_25204080/ |title=Potenza morbida e un tocco di classe |first=Michele |last=Fenu |date=12 September 1992 |page=35 |newspaper=La Stampa |access-date=30 April 2019 |language=it}}

Production of the Thema ceased in 1994, when Lancia also withdrew entirely from RHD markets (including the United Kingdom) in response to falling sales. The Thema was replaced by the Kappa. A total of over 336,000 Thema saloons were produced.{{cite web|url=http://lancia-historie.de/dokumente/prod_1908-2004.pdf|title=Produktionszahlen Marke Lancia bis 2004|publisher=lancia-historie.de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211194659/http://lancia-historie.de/dokumente/prod_1908-2004.pdf| language = de | archive-date=2012-02-11}}

File:Lancia Thema SW 3.0 V6 third series, rear left.jpg

In addition to the saloon, a station wagon was jointly developed and produced by Lancia and Pininfarina in Grugliasco. It was shown in prototype form at the September 1985 Frankfurt Motor Show,{{cite news |url=http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/mod,libera/action,viewer/Itemid,3/page,15/articleid,1007_01_1985_0200_0015_13970943/ |title=Thema all'attacco tra le station-wagon |trans-title=The Thema takes on the station wagons |first=Michele |last=Fenu |date=13 September 1985 |page=15 |newspaper=La Stampa |access-date=2 May 2019 |language=it}} and in definitive form at the March 1986 Geneva Motor Show.{{cite news |url=http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/mod,libera/action,viewer/Itemid,3/page,15/articleid,0993_01_1986_0155_0015_13676838/ |title=Station wagon, largo alla Thema |trans-title=Station wagons, make room for the Thema |first=Michele |last=Fenu |date=4 July 1986 |page=15 |newspaper=La Stampa |access-date=2 May 2019 |language=it}} Zagato had also shown a station wagon proposal earlier, at the 1985 Geneva Motor Show. This prototype, which remained a design study, with a larger glass area in the rear and with more discreet D-pillars than for the Pininfarina variant.{{cite journal |journal=Echappement |date=April 1985 |number=198 |title=Salon de Genève |trans-title=The Geneva Show |last=Bernardet |first=Alain |pages=44–45 |publisher=Michael Hommell |location=Paris, France |language=fr}}

Pininfarina was also tasked with producing the new bodystyle. The Lancia factory assembled all the body-in-white parts shared with the saloon; the incomplete bodies were sent to Pininfarina, where they were completed and painted, and final assembly was carried out. The station wagon version was never offered in a right-hand drive variant. In total 21,074 Thema station wagons would be built by Pininfarina between 1986 and 1994 in their Borgo San Paolo plant.{{cite web |url=http://www.pininfarina.it/repository/Gruppo/Produzionecomplessiva.pdf |title=PRODUZIONE COMPLESSIVA |access-date=2007-08-03 |website=pininfarina.it |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605081310/http://www.pininfarina.it/repository/Gruppo/Produzionecomplessiva.pdf |archive-date=2011-06-05 }}

First shown at the Turin Auto Show in 1986, the Lancia Thema 8·32 ("8" standing for the number of cylinders and "32" for the number of valves) was assembled at Lancia's S. Paolo plant in Turin.{{cite web |url=http://www.geocities.com/clublanciathema/832.html |title=Lancia Thema 832 |work=Lancia Thema Garage |access-date=2007-08-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080215061719/http://www.geocities.com/clublanciathema/832.html|archive-date=2008-02-15}} It used a {{cvt|2927|cc|L|1|abbr=on}}, Tipo F105L, Ferrari V8. This engine was based on the unit used in the Ferrari 308 GTB and in the Ferrari Mondial Quattrovalvole, and some of the components were assembled by Ducati{{Cite web|url=http://www.ducati.com/heritage/news/quattro_ruote2.jhtml;jsessionid=5L20AUXHEJBPSCRNCB2SFFAKFUIHUIV4|title=Heritage Features and News|access-date=2007-08-03|work=ducati.com}} from castings made at Maranello. The engine differed from other Ferrari V8s of the time in that it was equipped with a cross-plane type crankshaft rather than the usual flat-plane crankshaft, smaller valves and a different firing order: all this was to make the engine's characteristics more suitable for a four-door luxury saloon. In non-catalysed form the engine produced {{convert|215|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 6,750 rpm, and the car was capable of accelerating from 0–100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and could attain top speed of {{Convert|240|km/h|0|abbr=on}}.{{cite news |url=http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/mod,libera/action,viewer/Itemid,3/page,14/articleid,0994_01_1986_0196_0014_13700104/ |title=Quella "Thema" ha messo le ali |first=Michele |last=Fenu |date=22 August 1986 |page=14 |newspaper=La Stampa |access-date=2 May 2019 |language=it}} Catalysed versions produce {{convert|205|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}}, which allowed for 0–100 km/h acceleration in 7.2 seconds and a top speed of {{Convert|235|km/h|0|abbr=on}}. The transmission was a 5-speed manual transmission; there was no automatic option. The braking system used larger 294 mm vented front discs and the standard 251 mm rear ones from the other Thema variants.

File:Lancia Thema 8.32 (12443443684).jpg

All 8·32s featured Bosch KE3 Jetronic fuel injection, ABS, ZF's brand new Servotronic electronically controlled rack-and-pinion power steering (which varied steering wheel effort according to vehicle speed), and a retractable rear spoiler.{{cite news |url=http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/mod,libera/action,viewer/Itemid,3/page,15/articleid,0997_01_1986_0279_0015_14141087/ |title=I segreti tecnici della Thema Ferrari |trans-title=The technological secrets of the Thema Ferrari |first=Gianni |last=Rogliatti |date=28 November 1986 |page=15 |newspaper=La Stampa |access-date=2 May 2019 |language=it}} The latter, designed to increase high speed stability, was controlled by the driver via a rotary switch on the right stalk. In closed position, it would fit flush with the boot lid.

The tyres were specially developed 205/55 VR15 Goodyears on five-spoke 6J×15 alloy wheels.

The car offered a handmade wood-and-Alcantara (or optional Poltrona Frau leather) interior, and was complete with similar luxury equipment similar to the LX trim level of the Thema. Stitched leather covered the entire dashboard, the steering wheel (including centre), gear and handbrake levers and booths, centre console, door panels and sun visors, while the headlining was done in Alcantara. A bespoke dashboard fascia housed two main instruments, six small auxiliary gauges, and triple round air conditioning vents. Like the door cappings and the lids concealing the radio and ashtray, it was veneered in matte varnish burr wood. The instrumentation had black dials with yellow hands and markings; it included water thermometer, oil thermometer and pressure gauge, and check panels for the lights and the drivetrain. The seats (and matching door panel inserts) were trimmed in beige or date brown Alcantara as standard, with black or brown leather was an optional extra. Brown interiors got colour-matching switchgear, carpets and trim. Irrespective of interior selection, Thema 8·32 buyers could choose from five paint colours, all metallic finishes: Blizzard Blue, Winner Red, Quartz Grey, Reflex Green and Black. A double hand-painted pinstripe (the upper matched to body colour, the lower yellow) ran along the sides and the rear of the car. Besides the paint scheme, retractable spoiler and wheels, the only exterior details setting the 8·32 apart from other Themas were yellow "8·32" badges, a silver eggcrate-type grille, and twin exhaust outlets. Some notable options were automatic climate control, electrically actuated sunroof, provision for a car phone in the front armrest, and rear individual power seats.{{cite magazine |title=Lancia cerca il sorpasso |magazine=Quattroruote |date=December 1986}}

File:Lancia thema 8.32 by Poltrona Frau.jpg|Poltrona Frau interior

File:Lancia thema 8.32 engine.jpg|The 3-litre V8 was badged "Lancia by Ferrari"

File:Lancia thema 8.32 spoiler.jpg|The rear spoiler retracted flush with the boot lid

In 1988, the 8·32 received series 2 updates like other Thema models, including new lights front and rear, a smaller grille badge, removal of model badging at the rear and on the side skirts, and the new side rubbing strips (previously absent on this model). The 8·32 did not receive the facelift treatment of the third series of the Thema. This version of the Thema was produced in limited numbers, with 2,370 Series 1 cars built between 1986 and 1988 and 1,601 Series 2 cars built between 1989 and 1992. All were left-hand drive, although one Thema 8·32 was converted to right hand drive by TAK Motor Co. in South Africa in 1987 for the Managing Director of TAK.

The Thema 8·32's key competitors were some of the fastest saloon models of the late 1980s including the Audi 100 Quattro, BMW M535i, Ford Sierra RS Cosworth, Saab 9000 2.3 Turbo S, and the Vauxhall Lotus Carlton/Opel Lotus Omega. Road & Track described the 8·32 as "one of the weirder sleepers to come out of the 1980s".{{cite news|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/classic-cars/a28622885/1987-lancia-thema-832-ferrari-engine-for-sale/|title=Fly Under the Radar With This Ferrari-Engined '80s Lancia Sedan| first=Brian | last = Silvestro|date=2019-08-06|publisher=Road & Track}}

Towards the end of his life, Enzo Ferrari owned an 8·32 as his personal transport.{{cite news|url=https://www.automoto.it/news/lancia-thema-8-32-il-motore-by-ferrari-lo-faceva-anche-ducati.html|title=Lancia Thema 8.32: il motore "by Ferrari" lo faceva anche Ducati|first=Daniele | last = Pizzo|date=2017-03-21|publisher=Automoto.it}}{{cite web|url=https://www.icharta.com/en/fotografie/negativi-fotografici/negativi-fotografici-moderni-e-contemporanei-1970/c-360168-35mm-vintage-slide-1988-modena-enzo-ferrari-su-lancia-thema-8-32-ferrari-10.html|title=35mm vintage slide* 1988 MODENA Enzo FERRARI su LANCIA THEMA 8.32 "Ferrari"|year=1988|publisher=iCharta}}{{cite news |url=https://www.autoevolution.com/news/lancia-thema-832-the-forgotten-italian-sleeper-with-a-ferrari-sourced-v8-under-the-hood-197915.html |title=Lancia Thema 8.32: The Forgotten Italian Sleeper With a Ferrari-Sourced V8 Under the Hood |first=Vlad | last = Radu |date=2022-09-06 |publisher=Autoevolution}}{{cite web |url=http://erwin400.blogspot.com/2014/12/enzo-ferrari-dino-taggliazucchi-chic.html |title=Enzo Ferrari - Dino Tagliazucchi - Chic Vandagriff - Pininfarina - Ferrari 400 Automatic - Fiat 130 - Lancia Thema 8.32 |publisher=erwin400.blogspot.com}}

Built only on request for wealthy customers and Fiat Group executives, the Lancia Thema Limousine featured the same interior as the LX and the 8·32 versions. Most of them were powered by a 2.8 L PRV V6 engine, replaced in the last ones by the 3.0 L Alfa Romeo V6 engine. Only 24 Thema Limousines were built.{{cite web |url=http://www.lanciathema.it/versionispeciali.htm |title=Lancia Thema versioni speciali |website=lanciathema.it |publisher=Lancia Thema Club Italia |language=it |access-date=1 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081004230921/http://www.lanciathema.it/versionispeciali.htm |archive-date=4 October 2008 |url-status=dead }} The wheelbase of the car was extended by {{convert|30|cm|ft|0|abbr=on}} to {{convert|2960|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}, with a resulting overall length of {{convert|4890|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}. The weight increased to {{convert|1400|kg|lb|-1|abbr=on}}, or by just over one fifth. The price, meanwhile, was up nearly sixty percent over a comparably equipped regular wheelbase Thema V6.{{cite journal |ref=prezzi |title=Quanto costeranno le auto a gennaio: il listino di tutte le auto |trans-title=How much cars will cost after January: List of all cars |language=it |page=28 |journal=Auto Oggi |date=1987-12-17 |volume=2 |number=54 |publisher=Arnoldo Mondadori |location=Verona, Italy |editor-last=Liberali |editor-first=Sandro}}

{{clear}}

With the exception of the 8·32 Ferrari engine, Thema powerplants originated from the Fiat engine series designed by Aurelio Lampredi, the famed engine designer formerly of Ferrari and Alfa Romeo. The straight-4 2.0 L petrol engine, available in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions, was refined and offered good performance. Earlier Themas were also offered with a 2.8 L PRV V6 engine, developed in cooperation with Peugeot, Renault, and Volvo. This unit was replaced in 1992 with a 3.0 L Alfa Romeo V6 engine (Fiat had bought Alfa Romeo in 1986 and gained access to this engine).

{{Main|Chrysler 300#Second generation}}

{{Infobox automobile

| name= Lancia Thema II

| image= Lancia Thema Bologna cut.jpg

| manufacturer = Fiat Group Automobiles

| aka= Chrysler 300 (North America)
Chrysler 300C

| production= 2011–2014

| model_years= 2011–2014

| assembly=Brampton, Ontario, Canada (Brampton Assembly)

| body_style=4-door notchback sedan

| platform= Chrysler LD platform

| transmission={{ubl

|5-speed 5G-Tronic automatic

|8-speed ZF 8HP45 automatic{{cite web |url = http://media.chrysler.com/newsrelease.do?id=11378&mid=2 |title= New Eight Speed Transmission Introduced by Chrysler|access-date=3 October 2020}}

}}

| length= {{convert|198.6|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}

| width= {{convert|75.1|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}

| height= {{convert|58.4|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}

| wheelbase= {{convert|120.2|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}

| engine= {{ubl

|3.6 L Chrysler Pentastar V6

|3.0 L VM A630 turbodiesel V6

}}

| layout =Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive

| related={{ubl

|Dodge Charger

|Dodge Challenger

}}

| predecessor = Lancia Thesis

| successor =

}}

Chrysler marketed the 300C for model years 2011–2014 as the Lancia Thema in Europe's left hand drive markets. Right-hand drive markets (the United Kingdom and Ireland) kept the Chrysler 300C badging.{{cite web |url=http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/02/new-lancia-thema-chrysler-300-european.html |title=New Lancia Thema: Chrysler 300's European Alter Ego Officially Revealed |work=Carscoop |date=14 February 2011 |access-date=3 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725030048/http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/02/new-lancia-thema-chrysler-300-european.html |archive-date=25 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}

File:2012 Lancia Thema 3.0 CRD Multijet V6.JPG|Lancia Thema

File:" 12 - ITALY - Lancia Thema 2011 1.jpg|Lancia Thema rear view

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Thema

Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles

Category:Executive cars

Category:Sedans

Category:Station wagons

Category:1990s cars

Category:Cars introduced in 1984

Category:Cars discontinued in 2014