Thema 8·32
First shown at the Turin Auto Show in 1986, the Lancia Thema 8·32 ("8" standing for the number of cylinders and "32" for the number of valves) was assembled at Lancia's S. Paolo plant in Turin.[16] It used a 2927 cc, Tipo F105L, Ferrari V8. This engine was based on the unit used in the Ferrari 308 GTB and in the Ferrari Mondial Quattrovalvole, and some of the components were assembled by Ducati[17] from castings made at Maranello. The engine differed from other Ferrari V8s of the time in that it was equipped with a cross-plane type crankshaft rather than the usual flat-plane crankshaft, smaller valves and a different firing order: all this was to make the engine's characteristics more suitable for a four-door luxury saloon. In non-catalysed form the engine produced 215 PS at 6,750 rpm, and the car was capable of accelerating from 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.8 seconds and could reach a top speed of 240 km/h.[18] Catalysed versions produce 205 PS, which allowed for 0–100 km/h acceleration in 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 235 km/h. The transmission was a 5-speed manual transmission; there was no automatic option. The braking system used larger 294 mm vented front discs and the standard 251 mm rear ones from the other Thema variants. All 8·32s featured Bosch KE3 Jetronic fuel injection, ABS, ZF's brand new Servotronic electronically controlled rack-and-pinion power steering (which varied steering wheel effort according to vehicle speed), and a retractable rear spoiler.[19] The latter, designed to increase high speed stability, was controlled by the driver via a rotary switch on the right stalk. In closed position, it would fit flush with the boot lid. The tyres were specially developed 205/55 VR15 Goodyears on five-spoke 6J×15 alloy wheels.
The car offered a handmade wood-and-Alcantara (or optional Poltrona Frau leather) interior, and was complete with luxury equipment similar to the LX trim level of the Thema. Stitched leather covered the entire dashboard, the steering wheel (including centre), gear and handbrake levers and booths, centre console, door panels and sun visors, while the headlining was done in Alcantara. A bespoke dashboard fascia housed two main instruments, six small auxiliary gauges, and triple round air conditioning vents. Like the door cappings and the lids concealing the radio and ashtray, it was veneered in matte varnish burr wood. The instrumentation had black dials with yellow hands and markings; it included water thermometer, oil thermometer and pressure gauge, and check panels for the lights and the drivetrain. The seats (and matching door panel inserts) were trimmed in beige or date brown Alcantara as standard, with black or brown leather was an optional extra. Brown interiors got colour-matching switchgear, carpets and trim. Irrespective of interior selection, Thema 8·32 buyers could choose from five paint colours, all metallic finishes: Blizzard Blue, Winner Red, Quartz Grey, Reflex Green and Black. A double hand-painted pinstripe (the upper matched to body colour, the lower yellow) ran along the sides and the rear of the car. Besides the paint scheme, retractable spoiler and wheels, the only exterior details setting the 8·32 apart from other Themas were yellow "8·32" badges, a silver eggcrate-type grille, and twin exhaust outlets. Some notable options were automatic climate control, electrically actuated sunroof, provision for a car phone in the front armrest, and rear individual power seats.[20]
In 1988, the 8·32 received series 2 updates like other Thema models, including new lights front and rear, a smaller grille badge, removal of model badging at the rear and on the side skirts, and the new side rubbing strips (previously absent on this model). The 8·32 did not receive the facelift treatment of the third series of the Thema. This version of the Thema was produced in limited numbers, with 2,370 Series 1 cars built between 1986 and 1988 and 1,601 Series 2 cars built between 1989 and 1992. All were left-hand drive, although one Thema 8·32 was converted to right hand drive by TAK Motor Co. in South Africa in 1987 for the Managing Director of TAK.
The Thema 8·32's key competitors were some of the fastest saloon models of the late 1980s including the Audi 100 Quattro, BMW M535i, Ford Sierra RS Cosworth, Saab 9000 2.3 Turbo S, and the Vauxhall Lotus Carlton/Opel Lotus Omega. Road & Track described the 8·32 as "one of the weirder sleepers to come out of the 1980s".[21]
Towards the end of his life, Enzo Ferrari owned an 8·32 as his personal transport.[22][23][24][25]
