LANCIA AT THE 72nd INTERNATIONAL GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

The indisputable star of the stand is the Phedra, the new Lancia MPV presented to the press and public for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show.

An elliptical platform in Carrara marble in the centre of the exhibition area houses the new model (see separate press release). All spotlights on the rotating stand are turned on the Lancia Phedra in the 94 kW (128 bhp) 2.2 jtd 16v version in Bellini Blue. This version is flanked by two vehicles accessible to the public, one fitted with the new 150 kW (204 bhp) 3.0 V6 24v power unit and the other with the 2.2 jtd 16v. The environment is sophisticated (the floor is marble with stylish mosaic inserts) as one would expect of a top-class flagship in the form of an MPV. The Lancia Phedra was created as part of a joint venture with the French PSA group and is bigger than the previous model: it measures 4.75 metres in length, 1.86 metres in width and 1.75 metres in height. It is also equipped with a set of safety, comfort and telematic devices that set it at the very pinnacle of its category.

Visitors to the Geneva show can also admire another gem from Lancia. This car is none other than the Thesis, the brand's flagship. A car that offers customers the satisfaction of driving or being a passenger in an élite car. The area reserved for the Lancia Thesis also centres around an elliptical platform in fine wood and marble positioned symmetrically to that of the Phedra.

Three cars are on show: a 2.0 20v Turbo Soft; a petrol-driven 125 kW (170 bhp) 2.4 20v and a 3.0 V6 24v with sequential self-adaptive automatic transmission. The 2.4 version in Palladian Grey stands on a rotating platform. A little further down, two more Lancia Thesis cars offer visitors a chance to admire their refined interiors. Spacious, well-lit areas with yielding parts and top-quality materials that have not merely been chosen for their good looks but also for the sensory reactions they arouse.

A fourth car stands on a mezzanine level.

A beautiful glass structure on the stand, designed to look like racing sails, reminds us that all Lancia models are created using the most advanced technology currently available on the market.

The rest of the backdrop features a juxtaposition of stylish, sophisticated materials, craftsmanship and sophisticated technology. Fine materials such as travertine, walnut, Carrara marble and mosaic work are employed to emphasise the idea of fashion, distinction and attention to detail. On the other side, floor-mounted plasma screens display advanced graphics.

Last but not least, three fully operational workshops located along the edge of the exhibition space illustrate the sophistication and prestige typical of the Lancia brand. The craftspeople at work include a famous French lutanist making a viola; a leatherworker presenting a set of stylish suitcases and travel bags produced by the prestigious company Poltrona Frau, responsible for leather-trimmed versions of the Lancia Thesis - and also a tailor who demonstrates how to create bespoke suits and silk ties.

The Geneva show also provides an opportunity to see the Lancia Lybra Intensa Station Wagon jtd, designed for customers who are looking for a beefier version of the model. Alongside, visitors can see a Lybra LX saloon equipped with the mighty 2.0 five cylinder 20v engine.

The exhibition continues with a Lancia Y in the Unica special series, equipped with a 59 kW (80 bhp) 1.2 16v unit: a version that is bound to appeal to more youthful and dynamic drivers.

The elegant, sophisticated Lancia stand is enhanced by a series of exclusive shots by the photographer D'Anna. All these images of the Lancia Thesis are created using a technique that combines photography and drawing. Visitors to the Geneva Show are reminded of Lancia's great automotive engineering heritage and industrial background by a Lancia Aurelia from 1951. The car features understated, elegant styling and its front end is dominated by the classic Lancia shield that has now been appropriated by the Thesis. The Aurelia is famous for introducing the first standard production engine to offer six cylinders in 60° V.

A few virtual workstations have been provided so that visitors can visit the Lancia website to discover the many new articles on offer from Lancia.

The Accessories showcases contain many exclusively-designed items and accessories.