New 300-Based Lancia Thema Flagship To Debut at Geneva

The possibilities for the Fiat-Chrysler partnership have been endless, and many different plans have been thrown around over the past few months. Introduce Alfa Romeo in the United States, badge Alfa Romeos as Dodges, import Lancias in the United States as Chryslers - the list goes on.

However, it appears a plan has been settled upon - Chrysler and Lancia will be paired together for future next generation models.

It isn't clear if we will be getting products like the excellent Lancia Delta here xoon, but Chrysler products will be rebadged and sold in Europe as Lancias. The last rumor we heard about this was regarding the 200. Now it's the 300's turn.

According to AutoWeek, the car will bring back the Thema nameplate, which was last used from 1984 to 1994 on a large car. The new sedan will top the lineup based on the 300 and debut with limited tweaks to exterior styling that include a redesigned fascia. Lancia's last flagship was the slow-selling Thesis.

With a diesel option being a must for the European market, a 230 horsepower 3.0-liter V-6 will be offered, sourced by VM Motori in Italy. Being large, bold and uniquely American we aren't too sure how the 300 will fit in as a Lancia, but we'll find out at the Geneva Auto Show next year.

Geneva will bring the new Thema and redesign of Lancia's best-selling model, the Ypsilon. The Ypsilon will be getting a five-door model, unlike the current three-door only car.

Offering only three doors has hampered the Ypsilon's sales because a large majority of cars are sold as five doors in Europe. The Thema is set to go on sale late next year, with production taking place alongside the 300 at Chrysler's plant in Ontario, Canada.