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[VIDEO: Chrysler ad gets political, advocates for release of Myanmar Nobel Peace Prize Laureate]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/video-chrysler-ad-gets-political-advocates-for-release-of-myan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/video-chrysler-ad-gets-political-advocates-for-release-of-myan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/video-chrysler-ad-gets-political-advocates-for-release-of-myan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Chrysler 300 in political spot - click above to watch the video

This is... different. To summarize, a new commercial by Chrysler is agitating for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's (a.k.a. Burma's) pro-democracy leader and lightning rod who has been under one form of house arrest or another for twenty years. The thirty-second spot was originally created to be part of sister-brand Lancia's sponsorship of the 10th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates. Says Oliver Francis, the new President and CEO of Chrysler and Managing Director of Lancia:
"We produced the TV film in honor of all those who put their lives at stake in the hopes of making the world a better place. In particular, those men and women who are still prisoners, like Aung San Suu Kyi. For Chrysler, this is a chance to use our brand image to join with others in the fight for peace and to knock down the walls that divide us. We at Chrysler believe in doing the right thing and making a difference."
The spot opens with a Chrysler 300 driving next to the some still-standing sections of the Berlin Wall. It then passes by a mural of Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela. We then see three Nobel Laureates getting out of the back of 300s: Muhammed Yunus, founder of the micro-lending Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, Polish union leader and president Lech Walesa and former leader of the USSR Mikhail Gorbachev.

As to whether or not a car company should be advocating in favor of peace and democracy, all we'll say is we're glad Chrysler is not fighting against 'em. Be sure to check out the video and press release after the jump.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chrysler ad gets political, advocates for release of Myanmar Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

VIDEO: Chrysler ad gets political, advocates for release of Myanmar Nobel Peace Prize Laureate originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Chrysler 3002010 Chrysler 300C2010Chrysler3002010Chrysler300c300300CAung San Suu KyiAungSanSuuKyiChryslerChrysler 300chrysler adChrysler300ChryslerAdGrameen BankGrameenBankLanciaLech WalesaLechWalesaMikhail GorbechevMikhailGorbechevMuhammed YunusMuhammedYunusnobel laureatenobel prizeNobelLaureateNobelPrizeOliver FrancisOliverFrancisFri, 04 Dec 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Fiat may use next Chrysler 300 platform for Lancia, Maserati]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/report-fiat-may-use-next-chrysler-300-platform-for-lancia-mase/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/report-fiat-may-use-next-chrysler-300-platform-for-lancia-mase/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/report-fiat-may-use-next-chrysler-300-platform-for-lancia-mase/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The last time Chrysler and Maserati got together, America was blessed with what appeared to the entire world to be little more than a gussied-up two-seat Chrysler LeBaron convertible with a removable hardtop and opera-style windows. Apparently, since that last marriage between Detroit and Modena proved so, ahem, successful, reports indicate that the two companies may once again join forces now that Fiat controls proceedings at both the Trident and the Pentastar.

According to Automotive News, Fiat has plans to build 50,000 vehicles per year at the former Carrozzeria Bertone near Turin that it procured a few months back. That output will be made up of two sedans - one carrying a Maserati badge and one sold as a Lancia - that will be based on the rear-wheel drive underpinnings of the next Chrysler 300.

Both vehicles will reportedly use versions of the upcoming new V6 engine from Chrysler, the first application of which will be in the 2011 Grand Cherokee. The Lancia could be a replacement for the current Thesis sedan while the Maserati would theoretically slot below current Quattroporte.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: Fiat may use next Chrysler 300 platform for Lancia, Maserati originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carrozzeria bertoneCarrozzeriaBertonechryslerchrysler lanciachrysler maseratiChryslerLanciaChryslerMaseratifiatlanciamaseratiWed, 28 Oct 2009 07:20:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Controversial ads expected from Fiat exec heading Chrysler marketing [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/report-controversial-ads-expected-from-fiat-exec-heading-chrysl/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/report-controversial-ads-expected-from-fiat-exec-heading-chrysl/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/report-controversial-ads-expected-from-fiat-exec-heading-chrysl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Controversial Tibet Lancia commercial -- Click above to watch video

Fiat exec Olivier Francois has a big reputation that's based on results. As head of the Lancia brand, he has garnered it more attention than it's had in many years, and the marque sells more cars more consistently. He has done this with a flair for marketing that begs for attention, and if it takes controversy to get attention then so be it. Fiat chief Sergio Marchionne chose Francois to be the CEO of Chrysler vehicles and run the Chrysler Group's marketing, advertising and brand development and strategies. It is expected, then, that he will bring his risque marketing ways to the house of The Pentastar.

Francois was the man behind the Lancia ad that had Richard Gere driving the new Delta into Tibet. As if that weren't enough, the ad was shown during the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics. You can imagine how happy the Chinese were about that, but the larger story was that it worked: the ad and the controversy got play everywhere, and Fiat only had to make a formal apology to China to get on with business. Francois also made a commercial that honors Aung San Suu Kyi, a political prisoner in Myanmar.

This is the kind of advertising, though, that's more acceptable, and probably more effective, in Europe. In America, a commercial about a robot committing suicide is cause for protests, and VW's Routan campaign in which people have babies in order to justify buying the minivan is decried as insensitive by people who can't have babies. America is not the first country where one would test the limits of corporate daring or broadcast a ribald sense of humor to a mass market audience. The complete remaking of Chrysler and the company's former history of not being just another carmaker could give Francois room to bang up against some cultural boundaries. But we'd still advise Fiat to keep a crisis PR team on hold. Follow the jump to see the Delta commercial.

[Source: Ad Age]

Continue reading REPORT: Controversial ads expected from Fiat exec heading Chrysler marketing [w/VIDEO]

REPORT: Controversial ads expected from Fiat exec heading Chrysler marketing [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslercommercialcommercialscontroversyfiatlanciamarketing advertisingMarketingAdvertisingolivier francoisOlivierFrancoisrichard gereRichardGerevideoWed, 21 Oct 2009 14:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Lancia Delta coming to America with a Chrysler badge?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/rumormill-lancia-delta-coming-to-america-with-a-chrysler-badge/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/rumormill-lancia-delta-coming-to-america-with-a-chrysler-badge/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/rumormill-lancia-delta-coming-to-america-with-a-chrysler-badge/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2009 Lancia Delta - Click above for high-res image gallery

With the appointment of Lancia CEO Olivier Francois as head of the Chrysler motor division, we can expect the two companies to collaborate on future products and take advantage of economies of scale. With Lancia operating exclusively overseas and Chrysler primarily in North America, the two brands can share products without having to worry much about stepping on one another's toes. But while that cooperation is expected to manifest itself in new models that have to be developed, new reports suggest that the tie-in could begin a lot earlier than that.

Although there doesn't appear to be much to substantiate the claims beyond extrapolation and speculation, word on the Italian street is that the current Lancia Delta could make it over here - together with the Fiat 500 and a handful of Alfa Romeos - as a Chrysler. Although the quasi-premium hatchback has quirky styling, we've found the execution of Lancia interiors to be top-notch. Whether car buyers in America would be interested remains to be seen, but there could be a business case to be made for giving Chrysler a competitor to the likes of the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series without the cost and time involved in developing a new vehicle.


Gallery: 2009 Lancia Delta


[Source: eurocarblog]

Rumormill: Lancia Delta coming to America with a Chrysler badge? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler deltachrysler lanciaChryslerDeltaChryslerLancialancialancia chryslerlancia deltaLanciaChryslerLanciaDeltaolivier francoisOlivierFrancoisMon, 12 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Francois appointment points to more cooperation between Chrysler and Lancia]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/francois-appointment-points-to-more-cooperation-between-chrysler/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/francois-appointment-points-to-more-cooperation-between-chrysler/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/francois-appointment-points-to-more-cooperation-between-chrysler/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Amidst the confirmation that chief executive Sergio Marchionne was splitting off the Dodge Ram truck unit into its own division of the Chrysler Group came the announcement of some executive re-shuffles in Auburn Hills. Among them, Lancia CEO Olivier Francois was appointed head of the Chrysler brand. But according to the latest reports, the sharing of a chief executive is only the tip of the North Atlantic iceberg for cooperation between the Chrysler and Lancia.

Long subsisting like it's the Plymouth of the Fiat Group, Lancia lacks a strong product portfolio. But while it isn't expected to join its sister brands in the transatlantic journey to the American market, the sharing and co-development of new products with Chrysler could get the quirky Fiat division back on track.

Among those products that stand to be shared between the two quasi-premium brands are the next-generation models of the Chrysler 300 (which could underpin a replacement for the discontinued Lancia Thesis), Chrysler Sebring, and Lancia Ypsilon hatchback.

Meanwhile, Francois, who joined Fiat in 2005 from his position as a regional manager for Citroën, is emerging as a rising star within both auto groups: his responsibilities now put him in charge of both Chrysler and Lancia, as well as marketing, advertising and branding for no less than nine brands: Fiat, Fiat Professional, Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram. If it wasn't clear before, it's now plainly obvious who has replaced Luca de Meo as Marchionne's right hand man.

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req'd]

Francois appointment points to more cooperation between Chrysler and Lancia originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceochryslerchrysler 300chrysler ceochrysler sebringChrysler300ChryslerCeoChryslerSebringdodgedodge ramDodgeRamfiatlancialancia ceolancia thesislancia ypsilonLanciaCeoLanciaThesisLanciaYpsilonolivier francoisOlivierFrancoisTue, 06 Oct 2009 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Ciao! Fiat to build Chryslers in Italy?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/ciao-fiat-to-build-chryslers-in-italy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/ciao-fiat-to-build-chryslers-in-italy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/ciao-fiat-to-build-chryslers-in-italy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Fiat is hard at work trying to come up with the best available use of its newly acquired Chrysler arm. Part of that plan may be to sell more Chrysler products in Europe, and Fiat just so happens to have an available factory to build them in. Automotive News is reporting that Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne says the company would use its freshly purchased Carrozzeria Bertone plant near Turin, Italy. Fiat purchased the facility in July, just a few weeks after Chrysler exited chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Marchionne declined to discuss which vehicles would be built at the factory, but those following the Italian automaker have plenty of reasonable guesses. AN quotes sources who say the facility could open as soon as late 2011, and it could build the next generation Chrysler 300. The upcoming new 300 will reportedly begin production in the US in early 2011, and the 300's RWD platform is rumored to be used in future Alfa and/or Lancia models. The sources also claim Jeep models could be built in other Fiat facilities by using complete knock down kits shipped from here in the US.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd | Photo: DAMIEN MEYER/AFP/Getty Images]

Ciao! Fiat to build Chryslers in Italy? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chrysler 3002011Chrysler300300alfabertonechrysler 300chrysler fiatchrysler italyChrysler300ChryslerFiatChryslerItalyfiatfiat chryslerFiatChryslerjeeplanciasergio marchionneSergioMarchionneThu, 17 Sep 2009 14:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Lancia gets wet in Venice with model Catrinel Menghia and Martini Racing [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/06/lancia-gets-wet-in-venice-with-model-catrinel-menghia-and-martin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/06/lancia-gets-wet-in-venice-with-model-catrinel-menghia-and-martin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/06/lancia-gets-wet-in-venice-with-model-catrinel-menghia-and-martin/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lancia di Lancia launches in Venice - Click either image for high-res image gallery

Considering that somewhere between two-thirds and three-quarters of the earth's surface is covered by water - and that, if the global warming alarmists are right, that proportion of aqua to terra firma will only increase - it should come as no great surprise that the world's automakers and their designers have been setting sail on the open sea. Recent examples have included 28-foot speedboats and 135-foot catamaran megayachts penned by Porsche Design, sailboats and motor yachts from BMW DesignWorks USA, and speedboats from former Jaguar and Spyker supercar designers. The list goes on and on, and probably will continue to grow until we get the go-ahead to spin off Aquablog.

The latest pair - both rigid inflatables measuring over 40 feet long and packing ludicrous power - come from the collaboration between Italian shipyard SACS Marine and the Fiat Group: a white, outboard-powered open-plan tender for Abarth and a sleek black vessel for Lancia. The latter shares its nautical name with the motor launches that navigate the canals and waterways of Venice in the place of cars on any other city's streets. And that's just the venue the Italian automaker chose to launch - in every sense of the word - its stunning speedboat, during the international film festival it sponsored there this weekend.

As we reported a couple of weeks ago, the Lancia di Lancia is a 13-meter rigid inflatable speedboat packing a pair of 560hp 6.7-liter 24-valve common-rail six-cylinder turbodiesels from Fiat Powertrain Technologies. It's capable of carrying 11 passengers on board in unparalleled style and topping out at 55 knots - impressive for an eight-and-a-half ton vessel, and easily the most dramatic vehicle to bear the Lancia name in decades. So much so, in fact, that Lancia and its onetime iconic sponsor Martini Racing rekindled their relationship for this speedboat. And just for kicks, they brought along Romanian supermodel Catrinel Menghia - the face of Giorgio Armani and Lise Charmel lingerie - for a cruise around the picturesque canals. You can enjoy the results in the high-resolution image gallery below and in the quartet of videos embedded (along with a press release) after the jump.


Gallery: Lancia di Lancia speedboat launches in Venice

090904_l_lanciadilancia_01090904_l_lanciadilancia_02090904_l_lanciadilancia_03090904_l_lanciadilancia_04090904_l_lanciadilancia_05


[Source: Lancia]

Continue reading Lancia gets wet in Venice with model Catrinel Menghia and Martini Racing [w/VIDEO]

Lancia gets wet in Venice with model Catrinel Menghia and Martini Racing [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Sep 2009 18:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boatcatrinel menghiaCatrinelMenghiafiatfiat groupfiat powertrain technologiesFiatGroupFiatPowertrainTechnologiesfptlancialancia di lancialancia veniceLanciaDiLanciaLanciaVenicemartinimartini racingMartiniRacingnauticalribsacssacs marinesacs powershoreSacsMarineSacsPowershoreshipspeedboatvenicevenice film festivalvenice international film festivalVeniceFilmFestivalVeniceInternationalFilmFestivalwaterSun, 06 Sep 2009 18:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Lancia di Lancia: 1120HP Motor Launch is the Most Powerful Lancia Yet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/lancia-di-lancia-1120hp-motor-launch-is-the-most-powerful-lanci/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/lancia-di-lancia-1120hp-motor-launch-is-the-most-powerful-lanci/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/lancia-di-lancia-1120hp-motor-launch-is-the-most-powerful-lanci/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Lancia di Lancia - Click above for high-res image gallery

What's the most powerful Lancia ever made? The Ferrari-powered Stratos? The rally-forged Delta HF Integrale? Forget street legal, even the famous Group B type 037 pales by comparison to the vehicle you see here: the Lancia di Lancia.

Following hot in the wake of the recently announced Powershore Abarth SP speed boat, the Lancia di Lancia is a second collaboration between Italian shipyard SACS and Fiat. Rather than turning to Yamaha for propulsion, the Italian automaker kept it in-house with a pair of 6.7-liter, 24-valve, common-rail direct injection inline-six turbodiesels from Fiat Powertrain Technologies - each generating a whopping 560 horsepower for a total combined output of (carry the two, divide by Pi) 1120 sea-horses. That's enough to propel the 8.5-ton speedboat to 48 knots - the maritime equivalent of 55 miles per hour.

Like the Abarth SP, the Lancia speedboat is a Rigid Inflatable Boat, or in other words a solid hull with an inflatable surround. Unlike its sister-ship, though, the engines are mounted on-board in a stern-drive layout. The boat also features a closed cockpit with a retractable windscreen for access, can carry 11 people and features a dinette that can be converted into a bed. And just in case you needed another reason to take to the waves, Lancia has reached back into its roots to revive the partnership with Martini for those iconic racing stripes. The Lancia di Lancia - whose handle draws on the company's nautical name - will debut at the Grand Hotel Excelsior in Venice (where else?) during the upcoming international film festival next month. Press release after the jump and images in the gallery below.


Gallery: Lancia di Lancia


[Source: Lancia via Italiaspeed]

Continue reading Lancia di Lancia: 1120HP Motor Launch is the Most Powerful Lancia Yet

Lancia di Lancia: 1120HP Motor Launch is the Most Powerful Lancia Yet originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiat powertrain technologiesfiat speed boatFiatPowertrainTechnologiesFiatSpeedBoatfptlancialancia di lancialancia martinilancia speed boatLanciaDiLanciaLanciaMartiniLanciaSpeedBoatmartinimartini racingmartini racing lanciaMartiniRacingMartiniRacingLancianauticalpower boatPowerBoatpowershoresacssacs marineSacsMarinespeed boatSpeedBoatWed, 19 Aug 2009 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: ex-Moonwalker video Stratos Zero replica]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/31/ebay-find-of-the-day-ex-moonwalker-video-stratos-zero-replica/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/31/ebay-find-of-the-day-ex-moonwalker-video-stratos-zero-replica/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/31/ebay-find-of-the-day-ex-moonwalker-video-stratos-zero-replica/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Moonwalker video Stratos Zero replica - click above for high-res image gallery

First of all, HA HA HA! Second, yes, this is the car used in Michael Jackson's 1988 film Moonwalker. Now, even the King of Pop couldn't get Lancia to cough up the original Zero, so a replica was built by movie car maker Andy Saunders, based on a Fiat and complete with a four-cylinder engine.

It should be pretty apparent to any pistonhead worth their slightly used crankcase oil that the wedgy Zero was penned by none other than car designer extraordinaire Marcello Gandini. Not only is there a whole lotta Countach going on, but a third-helping of Lancia Stratos, too. Some of the more observant amongst you might be yelling, "Hey - the O.G. Zero is brown, not orange!" We share your pain, but for some reason Jacko wanted sherbert.

Now, the one-off replica of the one-off Zero Bertone concept car has the low, low reserve price of just $100,000 -- better start bidding before someone else beats you to this wonderful piece of automotive history. And for those of you totally missing the sarcasm gene, let us just add: HA HA HA!


Gallery: Michael Jackson Lancia Zero


[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: ex-Moonwalker video Stratos Zero replica originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eBayFiatGandiniJackoJoe PEsciJoePesciLanciaLancia ZeroLancia Zero ReplicaLanciaZeroLanciaZeroReplicaM.J.Marcello GandiniMarcelloGandinimichael jacksonMichaelJacksonMJMoonwalkMoonwalkerThrillerFri, 31 Jul 2009 12:57:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Alfa Romeo to launch Junior sportscar based on MiTo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/22/alfa-romeo-to-launch-junior-sportscar-based-on-mito/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/22/alfa-romeo-to-launch-junior-sportscar-based-on-mito/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/22/alfa-romeo-to-launch-junior-sportscar-based-on-mito/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to view a high-res gallery of the Alfa Romeo MiTo and 8C side-by-side

While the Alfa MiTo was under development, speculation placed a number of different nameplates on the sport hatch. One of them was Junior, but new reports suggest that Alfa may in fact be preparing an additional model to carry the Junior name.

Although the MiTo was earmarked to hold down the lower end of the Alfa Romeo range with styling drawn from the 8C Competizione, in terms of body style, at least, the new Junior may in fact be closer to the halo supercar - more of a sports coupe than a sport hatch. The platform will allegedly be based on the MiTo's, sharing some of the same engine options while introducing a new hydraulic manual as well as a new dual-clutch gearbox to the range. Little else is known about the Junior, but expect similar styling to the MiTo with a lower roofline and sleeker profile.

Sister company Lancia may yet get its own version to revive the Fulvia name, and given parent company Fiat's new alliance with Chrysler, we'd hope the new small sportscar might make it over the Atlantic as part of Alfa Romeo's long-anticipated return to the North American market.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo MiTo and 8C


[Source: 4Car]

REPORT: Alfa Romeo to launch Junior sportscar based on MiTo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfaalfa junioralfa mitoalfa romeoalfa romeo junioralfa romeo mitoAlfaJuniorAlfaMitoAlfaRomeoAlfaRomeoJuniorAlfaRomeoMitolancialancia fulviaLanciaFulviaThu, 22 Jan 2009 16:56:00 EST<![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[Paris '08 Preview: Lancia Ypsilon Versus edition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/23/paris-08-preview-lancia-ypsilon-versus-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/23/paris-08-preview-lancia-ypsilon-versus-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/23/paris-08-preview-lancia-ypsilon-versus-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click for hi res gallery of the Versus edition Lancia Ypsilon

The other day I was sitting at a beachside bar where they had Fashion TV playing on flatscreens around the place and I couldn't help notice that while some of the stuff looked great, the rest looked horrible. Looks like the same trend has applied itself to automotive design, as Italian fashion house Versace has forged a new relationship with another automaker. But while the Versace edition Lamborghini Murcielago looks cooler than air conditioning in Alaska, somehow this new Lancia Ypsilon doesn't quite cut it.

That's probably more Lancia's fault than Versace's, but the overall package, thorough though it is, leaves much to be desired. Created with Versace's second brand Versus, the special edition Ypsilon is sprayed bronze, much like the customers likely to buy it. The Versus logo is applied all over the interior and exterior of the car, which features matching bronze chromework and rims. The Lancia Ypsilon Versus edition will be unveiled in concept form next week in Paris, and will be produced in a limited run of 500 examples starting in March next year. This isn't the first designer edition Ypsilon, following the previous Momo edition, but Lancia's going to need something better than a new paint job to extract itself from the bronze age. For our part, we'd sooner go for the Diesel edition Fiat 500. Press release after the jump and images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Lancia Ypsilon Versus edition

[Source: Lancia]

Continue reading Paris '08 Preview: Lancia Ypsilon Versus edition

Paris '08 Preview: Lancia Ypsilon Versus edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lancialancia versacelancia versuslancia ypsilonlancia ypsilon versusLanciaVersaceLanciaVersusLanciaYpsilonLanciaYpsilonVersusparis lanciaParisLanciaversaceversusTue, 23 Sep 2008 08:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Lancia Delta HF Integrale]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/rendered-speculation-lancia-delta-hf-integrale/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/rendered-speculation-lancia-delta-hf-integrale/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/rendered-speculation-lancia-delta-hf-integrale/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Back when Japanese automakers like Mitsubishi and Subaru were still making awkward little econo-boxes, the Lancia Delta Integrale was the king of the hill on the rally circuit, kicking up dirt and taking championships in resplendent Martini livery. So when the Italian automaker revealed the new Delta, nostalgic rally fans began twitching with excitement.

Although Lancia has yet to reveal any plans to make a high-performance version of the new Delta, one such rally fan has drawn up his impression of what form such a gravel-chomping beast could look like. For our part, we're hoping Lancia will take note and give us a new Integrale, complete with jumbo-turbo power and all-wheel-drive... however unlikely that may seem while sister company Abarth runs the IRC circuit with their pumped-up Super2000 Puntos. Until that day comes, European customers will have to make do with the current front-drive 200hp 1.8-liter turbo to satisfy their longing for the good old days.

[Source: autoblog.it via CarScoop]

Rendered Speculation: Lancia Delta HF Integrale originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deltadelta integraleDeltaIntegraleintegralelancialancia deltalancia delta hf integralelancia delta integraleLanciaDeltaLanciaDeltaHfIntegraleLanciaDeltaIntegralerendered lancia delta integraleRenderedLanciaDeltaIntegraleMon, 07 Jul 2008 17:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Fiat apologizes to China for Richard Gere commercial]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/fiat-apologizes-to-china-for-richard-gere-commercial/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/fiat-apologizes-to-china-for-richard-gere-commercial/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/fiat-apologizes-to-china-for-richard-gere-commercial/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



According to Olivier Francois, Chief Executive Officer of Lancia, Richard Gere was chosen for a recent ad for the Lancia Delta because he "is not merely a fine actor; not merely one of the most famous men in the world. He is a man with a great difference: the ability to combine talent, fame and style with great character. I'm talking about his commitment to peace." That affinity for peace stretches especially towards the people of Tibet, a people who's autonomy from China Gere supports.

This commercial, which you can watch after the break, features Gere driving a new Lancia Delta from Hollywood to Tibet in just 30 seconds and aired in Italy. After reports of the commercial appeared in Chinese newspapers, China was apparently none too happy about it. Fiat has decided to apologize, with a company spokesman saying, "Fiat Group extends its apologies to the Government of the People's Republic of China and to the Chinese people."

Our opinion? Gere's alright in Pretty Woman, but not much else after that. Apologies are usually pretty lame, but we'd appreciate one for Gere's horrible singing in Chicago as long as they are being handed out so freely. And how 'bout one for that Lancia's front end?

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Continue reading Fiat apologizes to China for Richard Gere commercial

Fiat apologizes to China for Richard Gere commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinalancialancia deltaLanciaDeltarichard gereRichardGeretibetFri, 20 Jun 2008 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Hot new hatch in Italian = Lancia Delta]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/hot-new-hatch-in-italian-lancia-delta/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/hot-new-hatch-in-italian-lancia-delta/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/hot-new-hatch-in-italian-lancia-delta/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The new Lancia Delta has been spotted at a photo shoot, and this blogger thinks it's a mighty find looking car. The production version of the Lancia Delta HPE Concept that debuted at the 2006 Paris Auto Show, was apparently considered a disappointment, and the lines haven't really changed.

The car has traces of some recent Ford (of Europe, of course) products, such as the Verve and Fiesta, but that doesn't make it any less beautiful, and remember the concept car was out two years ago. The Delta, at about 4.5 meters long, 1.8 meters wide and 1.5 meters tall, is meant to challenge the Audi A3 and VW Golf, and will get turbocharged engines from 120 hp up to 200 hp. It looks like Lancia will be the last Fiat brand and take the longest to return to former glory, but this is a fine start.

[Source: Autogespot]

Hot new hatch in Italian = Lancia Delta originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hatchhatchbacklancialancia deltalancia delta hpe conceptLanciaDeltaLanciaDeltaHpeConceptWed, 23 Apr 2008 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2008: Lancia unveils new Delta]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/05/geneva-2008-lancia-unveils-new-delta/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/05/geneva-2008-lancia-unveils-new-delta/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/05/geneva-2008-lancia-unveils-new-delta/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for our hi-res gallery of the 2009 Lancia Delta

With Maserati returning to profitability, Alfa Romeo continuously unveiling the most masterful of automotive creations, Ferrari back to winning world championships, Fiat rising like a phoenix from the proverbial ashes, and even Abarth coming into its own, Lancia remains the last member of the Fiat family in need of rejuvenation. But the quirky auto marque took a giant leap today in Geneva with the unveiling of the new Delta.

Based on a modified Fiat Bravo platform and previewed by the Delta HPE concept of Paris 2006, the new Lancia Delta wasn't just the focus of Lancia's presence at the closest major auto show to its home market, it was all they brought. And they brought five of 'em, making a dramatic, (literally) fully orchestrated debut on the Geneva show floor. The styling may be a love or hate it affair, but it has been irrefutably well executed in a classy package that is sure to win hearts. Exactly how many remains to be seen, as Lancia pins its hopes for rejuvenation on the new Delta, but if the positive impression it made here in Switzerland is any indication, the Fiat Group could very well have another successful rebirth on its hands.

Gallery: 2009 Lancia Delta

Continue reading Geneva 2008: Lancia unveils new Delta

Geneva 2008: Lancia unveils new Delta originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 03:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 lancia delta2009LanciaDeltalancialancia deltalancia delta genevalancia genevaLanciaDeltaLanciaDeltaGenevaLanciaGenevaWed, 05 Mar 2008 03:03:00 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<![CDATA[Third Gen Lancia Delta could debut at 2008 Geneva Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/24/third-gen-lancia-delta-could-debut-at-2008-geneva-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/24/third-gen-lancia-delta-could-debut-at-2008-geneva-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/24/third-gen-lancia-delta-could-debut-at-2008-geneva-show/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Serious rally fans will recall that once upon a time the car of choice in the World Rally Championship (WRC) was the Lancia Delta Integrale. The Delta S4 was one of the more successful Group B cars and for several years following the demise of that class and before the World Rally Car, various iterations of the Delta Integrale tore up the special stages. The first generation Delta road car lasted from 1979-94 and the second generation model hung on until 1999 before being discontinued. In 2006, Lancia unveiled a new Delta HPE Concept at the Venice Film Festival and it now looks like a new production Delta will be rolled out next March in Geneva. So far there's no word on whether there will be a new Integrale, but we can always hope.

[Source: WorldCarFans]

Third Gen Lancia Delta could debut at 2008 Geneva Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Dec 2007 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lancialancia-deltaMon, 24 Dec 2007 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Playing indoors - Lancia Delta S4 on a kart track!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/27/video-group-b-indoors-lancia-delta-s4-on-a-kart-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/27/video-group-b-indoors-lancia-delta-s4-on-a-kart-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/27/video-group-b-indoors-lancia-delta-s4-on-a-kart-track/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



How many times have you heard someone use the phrase, "That thing handles like a go-kart." Well, in the case of the Lancia Delta S4 of Group B fame, it's true. The video embedded after the jump was taken at an indoor track. Killer stuff, and it had to have sounded incredible in there while this was going on. Wherever this is, there's some pretty sweet hardware parked inside the tire barriers, too. Based on some Googling we've done, we're guessing the pilot is Bruno Ianello, who appears to have been driving this particular Delta S4 in recent years at historic rallies. We found some nice shots of the car here and here, if you'd like to have a better look at it.

Follow the jump for the video of the indoor action.

[Source: Dieselstation]

Continue reading VIDEO: Playing indoors - Lancia Delta S4 on a kart track!

VIDEO: Playing indoors - Lancia Delta S4 on a kart track! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 May 2007 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brunio ianelloBrunioIanellodelta s4DeltaS4go-kartgroup bGroupBindoorslanciaSun, 27 May 2007 19:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Bertone-Fiat negotiations fall through]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/06/bertone-fiat-negotiations-falls-through/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/06/bertone-fiat-negotiations-falls-through/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/06/bertone-fiat-negotiations-falls-through/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

With just days to go before its investors meeting later this week, it's back to the drawing board for Bertone. According to emerging reports, a proposed deal that would have seen Fiat come to the rescue for the struggling coachbuilder and design house with a manufacturing contract has fallen through.

The plan was for Bertone to build up to 15,000 units of a Lancia-badged hard-top convertible based on the Fiat Grande Punto, previewed by such Bertone concepts as the Suagna (unveiled in Paris) and the 95th anniversary barchetta (pictured, shown in Geneva). After extensive negotiations, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne announced the deal was simply "not a financially viable business case". The deal reportedly fell apart after the two parties came to a deadlock over the number of staff members required to execute the contract, with Fiat insisting that half of Bertone's 1500 person workforce be cut. A contract for Bertone to build camper vans based on the Iveco Daily commercial van will reportedly still go through, but that will only require 200 people to execute.

The convertible, it was decided, will instead be build in-house along the same assembly line as its Grande Punto sibling. Like its rivals, Bertone has been struggling to remain a viable enterprise. Watching such a stoic name like Bertone fold would be a shame, but if its continued operations are to be secured, the Italian design house is going to have to face staggering cutbacks.

[Source: Automotive News via Motor Authority]

Bertone-Fiat negotiations fall through originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Apr 2007 08:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bertonecabriocontractconvertiblecoupedealfiatgrandelanciamanufacturenegotiationpuntoFri, 06 Apr 2007 08:09:00 EST