Lancia Thema
Lancia Thema (1984-1988)
The Lancia Thema is a car model from the Italian manufacturer Lancia. The first generation was produced from autumn 1984 to summer 1994. This vehicle should replace the outdated years Lancia Beta and will cover the segment of the upper middle class, which was previously reserved for the Lancia Gamma.
The end of 1986 was followed by a combined under the name of topic Station Wagon. In small series an extended sedan was produced ( with inserted centerpiece ). A two-door version, the Carrozzeria Boneschi also realized in 1986 under the name Gazella as a prototype, on the other hand not found its way into series production.
History
First series
Launched in October 1984 Lancia Thema (internal designation Y9 ) was first provided with an engine with two overhead camshafts and two liters, which contributed 88 kW (120 hp). This engine had proven itself in the beta series for many years. The former Ferrari engineer Aurelio Lampredi has developed the base of this machine in the 1960s for the Fiat 124. The smooth running of this four-cylinder was from 1986 with two balancer shafts improved, the counter- rotated in the engine block at twice the crankshaft rotation, and so the engine vibration reduction ( Lanchester balancer ).
The then unabhängen small manufacturer Saab and Lancia had agreed to cooperate in the development of a vehicle of the upper middle class, as each development costs hardly could have worn for itself. The results were so promising that Fiat and Alfa Romeo also participated in this project. The resulting concept was used for the cars Saab 9000, Fiat Croma, Alfa Romeo 164 and of course the new Lancia Thema. The shape of the body was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and his Italdesign.
For extraordinary performance made a short time later, the two- liter engine with turbocharging and 124 kW ( 165 hp). For this purpose, a V6 engine was introduced for the Lancia Thema, who was scheduled primarily for the export markets, as in Italy had to be paid extra taxes for cars with more than two liters. It was here first by the so-called PRV engine, which was also referred to as " Europe V6 " because this V6 engine was developed jointly by Peugeot, Renault and Volvo. The engine had displacement of 2.8 liters and a cylinder angle of 90 degrees.
End of 1986, an estate version with the addition of name Station Wagon was put to one side the issue of previously available only as a sedan.
Lancia Thema Station Wagon (1986-1988)
Second series
In September 1988, the issue was optically and technically updated.
Externally sat the far side-mounted turn signals now under the headlights and the grille became more pronounced integrated in the front.
Under the hood kept innovations such as the four-valve technology, too. In February 1989, a 2 -liter engine appeared (2000 ie 16V ), the (141 PS ) carried out 104 kW and with which the subject Station Wagon in 11.4 seconds from 0-100 km / h acceleration and a top speed of 200 km / h reached. Standard equipment included except ABS and controlled three -way catalytic converter with Lambda sensor and activated charcoal filter, tilt steering wheel, power steering, electric front windows, electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, tinted glass, central locking and an asymmetrically split rear bench.
Third series
The third and last series was September 1992 again provided with optical and technical innovations. It is a 2.0 - liter engine with VIS (Variable Induction System ) to improve the torque curve in the lower speed range has been introduced. Variable length intake runners this advantage made possible.
The revision of the PRV V6 was (171 hp) replaced by a captive 3.0l V6 Alfa Romeo 128 kW, which offered more temperament and a typical Italian motor characteristics. This engine was smooth running for use in the Lancia Thema by lower manufacturing tolerances. The interior gained through contributions from African Rosewood in the center console and the doors and seat covers in leather or microfiber Alcantara luxurious flair.
Thema 8.32
The close relationship between Ferrari and Lancia runs through the entire Italian automotive history, and led in 1986 to the Lancia Thema 8.32, with an eight- cylinder engine from Ferrari.
The engine came from the 308 GTB Quattrovalvole with 32 valves. For use in the Lancia Thema, this engine has been revised ( 90 degree offset of the crankshaft journal, this provides better mass balance and smooth engine operation ). He should be using in a limousine needs. Enzo Ferrari but agreed not to market this Lancia under the name " Lancia - Ferrari ". Externally, this Lancia Thema differed by one made of stainless steel and aluminum grille and wheels with five spokes in the Ferrari design with five mounting holes. A red and a yellow hand-painted trim in the waistline and the particularity of a rear wing to be able to move out of the trunk lid electrically, reported from these Lancia as the top model of the series.
The interior was lined with leather or Alcantara Poltrona Frau and burl. In addition there was an electrically adjustable suspension and adjustable on request single seats at the rear.
From summer 1987 until the end of 1988 was sold in Germany, the first series of 8:32 without a catalyst with 158 kW ( 215 hp ) and was followed by mid- 1992, the second series with catalyst and 151 kW ( 205 hp). In Switzerland, there was not the first series without a catalyst. Here he was offered from the start with emission control. The original price of a Lancia Thema 8.32 was DM 86,000 (first series) and 110,000 DM (second series).
A total of only 3,284 vehicles were built, of which 32 pieces a special edition in the original Rosso Corsa ( " racing red ").
The extendable rear spoiler
Engine compartment
Motors
The engines of the topic are from the Fiat engines series of Aurelio Lampredi. The 2.0-liter inline four- cylinder petrol engines were available in naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions. Previous topic models were also offered with a developed in collaboration with Peugeot, Renault and Volvo 2.9 -liter V6 engine. This engine was replaced by a 3.0 -liter V6 engine from Alfa Romeo in the fall of 1992.
Importance
The issue was one of the more successful Lancia models and has been used both for Italian politicians as well as by foreign governments as state coach. He gave Lancia also again a significant position with regard to the production of large sedans.
In August 1994, the theme was replaced by the Kappa. Although kappa next sedan and wagon also a coupe was back since setting the gamma in the offer, this did not match the commercial success of theme. In July 2000, his production ran out.
Meanwhile, introduced in March 2002 successor Thesis recorded even lower sales. He was removed from the program in June 2009.
In autumn 2011, revived Lancia 17 years after cessation of production of the first issue, the new model designation. As part of the merger of Lancia and Chrysler, the Chrysler 300 is offered in the future in Europe under the name Lancia Thema.