Lancia Flavia Cabrio revealed in official images ahead of Geneva debut
Lancia has released official images of the Flavia Cabrio, a four-seat convertible based on the Chrysler 200, set for its European premiere at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.
Lancia has published the first official images of the Flavia Cabrio, confirming the production-ready convertible’s appearance ahead of its public debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The four-seat soft-top, manufactured in the United States, will reach European showrooms in spring 2012.
Lancia Flavia Cabrio: Official Images and Details
Origins and Engineering
The Flavia Cabrio is a product of Fiat’s integration with Chrysler, sharing its underpinnings and bodywork almost entirely with the Chrysler 200 Convertible. The car is built in Michigan, USA, and represents a collaboration between the Italian and American brands. The only engine offered is a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol producing 175 PS and 225 Nm of torque, paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox driving the front wheels. Lancia claims a top speed of 195 km/h and 0–100 km/h in 10.8 seconds. Official combined fuel consumption is 9.4 l/100 km, with CO2 emissions of 221 g/km.
| Engine | 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol |
|---|---|
| Power | 175 PS |
| Torque | 225 Nm |
| Transmission | Six-speed automatic |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Top speed | 195 km/h |
| 0–100 km/h | 10.8 seconds |
| Combined fuel consumption | 9.4 l/100 km |
| CO2 emissions | 221 g/km |
| Length | 4.90 metres |
| Width | 1.80 metres |
| Wheelbase | 2.76 metres |
Convertible Features and Practicality
The electrically operated fabric roof can be opened or closed in 28 seconds, with the process also controllable remotely via the key fob. The Flavia Cabrio is designed to seat four adults comfortably, and its boot offers 377 litres of space with the roof up, dropping to 198 litres when folded. This makes it suitable for weekend getaways or daily use, though boot space is reduced when the roof is stowed.
Equipment and Trim Levels
Lancia is offering the Flavia Cabrio in a single, fully equipped specification. Standard features include electronic stability programme (ESP), traction control, ABS, front, side and curtain airbags, Isofix mounts, automatic climate control, keyless start, electrically adjustable and heated seats, and a touchscreen Uconnect infotainment system with Bluetooth and a 40GB hard drive. A Boston Acoustics audio system with six speakers is also included. The interior is finished in leather as standard, with two trim options: black or black/white.
- ESP, traction control, ABS
- Front, side, and curtain airbags
- Isofix child seat mounts
- Automatic climate control
- Keyless start
- Electrically adjustable and heated seats
- Touchscreen Uconnect infotainment with Bluetooth and 40GB hard drive
- Boston Acoustics six-speaker audio system
- Leather interior (black or black/white)
- Electrically operated soft-top with remote control
At launch, the Flavia Cabrio is available in four exterior colours: Bright White, Mineral Grey, Deep Cherry, and Blackberry. Standard wheels are 18-inch alloys, contributing to the car’s presence and stance.
Pricing and Availability
Prices for the Flavia Cabrio start at €36,900, with a promotional price of €32,900 available until the end of October 2012 in some markets. This positions the car as a relatively affordable entry in the premium convertible segment, especially considering its high level of standard equipment.
Badge Engineering and Market Context
The Flavia Cabrio’s introduction is a clear example of badge engineering within the Fiat-Chrysler group. While the Lancia badge sits on the grille, the car’s American origins are evident in both styling and engineering. The model follows the earlier Flavia saloon, which was also a rebadged Chrysler. For Lancia, once known for technical innovation and rally success, the Flavia Cabrio is a pragmatic addition aimed at filling a niche in the European convertible market without the expense of a bespoke development.
This approach allows Lancia to maintain a presence in the convertible segment at a time when developing a unique model would be financially challenging. The Flavia Cabrio may appeal to buyers seeking a comfortable, well-equipped four-seater convertible with a distinctive badge, even if its roots are American rather than Italian.
Summary
The Lancia Flavia Cabrio brings together American engineering and Italian branding, targeting drivers who want open-air motoring with generous standard equipment. Its arrival in European showrooms marks another chapter in the collaboration between Fiat and Chrysler, offering a convertible option in Lancia’s range with a blend of practicality, comfort, and value.
