Lancia to feature rebadged Chrysler’s in Geneva

When Lancia introduces their version of the 2011 Chrysler 300 it should bear a striking resemblance to the American version with the exception of some badge changes and the result is the 2011 Lancia Thema. The Thema name has been in use by the Lancia brand for some time and like prior Thema models, the rebadged 2011 Chrysler 300-turned-Thema will serve as the automakers flagship luxury sedan. The release offers no mention of the hearty 5.7L Hemi from the 2011 Chrysler 300C but the new Lancia Thema will come with the 3.6L Pentastar packing 292 horsepower (just like the American version) and unique to the European market, a pair of V6 turbo diesels will offer a more fuel-friendly option for those less concerned with what Lancia calls “American power”.

Next, the 2011 Chrysler Town & Country will also get a Lancia facelift and a name unique to the European market with the help of the Plymouth brand – as the new Lancia minivan will carry the name Grand Voyager. The Grand Voyager name debuted in the US market is a long wheelbase version of the Plymouth Voyager minivan and when the Plymouth brand was executed by Daimler, the Voyager name went to Chrysler before being phased out in favor of Town & Country. The 2011 Lancia Grand Voyager will be marketed as a luxury “MPV” and like the 2011 Lancia Thema, the Grand Voyager will feature Pentastar power as the 3.6L V6 sends 283 horsepower to the front wheels.

Finally, as part of Lancia’s announcement of their Geneva Motor Show debuts comes what they are calling the Flavia and Flavia Cabrio Concepts and these two models are based on 2011 Chrysler 200. Since Lancia refers to the Flavia and Flavia Cabrio as concepts there is no guarantee that the rebadged Chrysler 200 sedan and convertible will be offered in the European market but the fact that Lancia is showing them off in Geneva is an indication that they are considering selling the 200 overseas. Like the other rebadged Chrysler models, the Lancia Flavia Concept models will be offered with the Pentastar V6 with 283 horsepower.

The 2011 Geneva Motor Show opens on March 3rd so we are only a few weeks away from one of the biggest non-US auto shows in the world.

Other Chrysler News:
Chrysler increases reimbursement for consumers with special needs
The 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T debuts at the Chicago Auto Show
Robbie Gordon joins Dodge for 2011 NASCAR season
Ram brand announces free Hemi engines for 2011 Ram 1500s
The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 could debut at the NYC Auto Show