Fiat Group has recently announced plans to introduce the Lancia Thema AWD (All-Wheel-Drive) at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show next month.
According to the Italian carmaker, the car shown will be powered by Chrysler’s 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar engine with 286 hp, combined with e-shift 8-speed automatic transmission.
The Lancia Thema AWD will be available across Europe starting next autumn for the Platinum and Executive trim levels.
In an official press release, Fiat said “The innovative Lancia Thema AWD system automatically deactivates the all-wheel drive whenever it is unnecessary and without the driver’s intervention to totally release the torque onto the rear axle. This maximizes fuel savings while however guaranteeing the exceptional performance and handling characteristic of rear-wheel drive. Furthermore, the AWD system automatically switches on during the coldest months of the year, when slipping is detected or when the windscreen wiper sensors detect rain or snow, in order to optimally tackle poor grip surfaces”.
