When Chrysler, an American company and Lancia, an Italian line join forces, they managed to create a gorgeous, luxurious vehicle, sold exclusively on the European market. The first release, the Lancia New Thema, was met with enthusiastic reviews from both experts and customers who were thrilled to have an elegant and stylish choice available to them. The joint venture seems to have paid off, and the New Thema has been well received.
This blending of American design and Italian luxury is evident in the Lancia Thema. The body is a redesigned version of the American Chrysler 300, which has experienced its own popularity in the United States. A full-size sedan with a distinctive body design, the 300 belongs to a class of luxury cars that Chrysler has long been known for. With the Lancia New Thema, the car is re-introduced with a whole new level of Italian luxury to appeal to the European audience. Every review of the car so far has been positive and sales have been steady since first being introduced in 2011. Cabin luxuries include thoughtfully featuring Italian Poltrona Frau leathers, roomy seating design, and a dash system that rivals any car in its class. The car is the pinnacle of understated elegance, both inside and out.
The 2012 Lancia New Thema is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine that is paired up with an eight-speed transmission. It produces 286 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque, which is capable of accelerating zero to 60 mph in a quick 7 seconds. The Lancia New Thema has over 70 safety features, which includes seven airbags, an ESC system, Xenon smart beam self-adapting headlights and Parkview rear backup camera that activates in reverse. It should also be noted that the car is equipped with laminated glass and noise absorbing panels in the wheel arch and underbody to keep the cabin silent, even at high speeds.
While sales of larger sedans have been declining in America in recent years, European sales of full size luxury cars have been increasing. Perhaps it is in response to new releases by previously unavailable brands in their market, but whatever the cause, the Italian market is especially viable for vehicles of this size. Chrysler was smart to team with a well known and respected Italian auto maker to break into the market there. The Lancia New Thema is the perfect introduction. Designed to offer power, style and efficiency, the Thema is truly a sign of modern luxury married with superior technology.