Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Lancia to cancel top-of-the-line Thesis this year?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/lancia-to-cancel-top-of-the-line-thesis-this-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/lancia-to-cancel-top-of-the-line-thesis-this-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/lancia-to-cancel-top-of-the-line-thesis-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to view the Lancia Thesis in high resolution

You'd be forgiven for not knowing much about the Lancia Thesis. Or perhaps mistaking it for something like a SsangYong. The range-topping luxosedan from Fiat's quirky cousin was never sold in North America, and even in the European market has remained something of an anomaly. We had a chance to ride in one on the way to the airport after driving the Alfa MiTo in Italy and were generally impressed, but with its homely, oddball styling and less-reputed badge, it never really stood a chance against class-leaders like the Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series or Audi A6. Now, after less than seven years on the market, Fiat is reportedly set to pull the plug.

As it is, the Thesis is only made on demand, which has been relatively ( and understandably) low. Until the introduction of the Maserati Quattroporte in 2004, the Thesis was the largest and most luxurious sedan in the Fiat Group portfolio, but with dismal sales amidst difficult economic times, the Italian auto giant can no longer justify its continued production. Despite having no replacement in the pipeline, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne reportedly announced the model's discontinuation for this past year, but production is now tipped to drag out until the Spring. The Lancia Thesis may have its small cadre of fans, but by and large it's not likely to be especially missed as it rolls towards the sunset. To commemorate its passing, we've assembled the gallery below.

Gallery: Lancia Thesis


[Source: Autoblog.it]

Lancia to cancel top-of-the-line Thesis this year? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 18:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiat flagshipFiatFlagshiplancialancia cancel thesislancia flagshiplancia thesislancia thesis cancelLanciaCancelThesisLanciaFlagshipLanciaThesisLanciaThesisCancelmarchionnethesisSun, 04 Jan 2009 18:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Lancia's own version of 8C Competizione to spearhead rejuvenation]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/04/lancias-own-version-of-8c-competizione-to-spearhead-rejuvenatio/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/04/lancias-own-version-of-8c-competizione-to-spearhead-rejuvenatio/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/04/lancias-own-version-of-8c-competizione-to-spearhead-rejuvenatio/#commentsFiled under:


click above for more high-res images of the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

Reports are emanating from Holland on Lancia's upcoming product-led rejuvenation, and for the niche Italian automaker, the future looks bright. At the Geneva Auto Show next month, Lancia is expected to unveil the production version of the new Delta, previewed by the Delta HPE show car (pictured above) from the 2006 Paris auto salon. Expected to begin production this summer, the Delta will be built on a stretched Fiat Bravo platform with unique bodywork and a more luxurious interior swathed in leather and Alcantara trim. Lancia executives are said to be considering hardtop-convertible and crossover variants, but that's only the start of Lancia's product-led rejuvenation.

A replacement for the miniscule Ypsilon hatchback is expected to be unveiled next year, while a replacement for the Musa minivan is anticipated to follow, unfortunately based on the outdated platform of the Fiat Idea MPV. The flagship Thesis sedan, which never seemed to have won the hearts of more conservative buyers, is tipped to be cancelled altogether. But fret not, for Lancia is said to have an even better trick up its sleeve for a new flagship of a different sort. If the reports from AutoVisie are to be believed, Lancia is working on an exotic sportscar of its own based closely on the knee-bucklingly sumptuous Alfa 8C Competizione and expected to revive the Aurelia nameplate. Lancia's sister company Alfa Romeo has already sold out its limited run of 500 coupes, and should have no problem finding lucky owners for the upcoming edition of 500 roadsters, either. That leaves the highly acclaimed chassis, developed by Ferrari and built by Maserati, up for grabs in the Fiat Group parts bin, and Lancia is reportedly the one doing the grabbing.

[Source: AutoTelegraaf.nl]

Gallery: 2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione


Gallery: 2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione


Lancia's own version of 8C Competizione to spearhead rejuvenation originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Feb 2008 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lancialancia 8c competizionelancia deltalancia flagshiplancia musalancia sportscarlancia ypsillonlancia ypsilonLancia8cCompetizioneLanciaDeltaLanciaFlagshipLanciaMusaLanciaSportscarLanciaYpsillonLanciaYpsilonMon, 04 Feb 2008 17:02:00 EST