The Barcelona Motor Show is the setting for the launch of the Lancia Thesis Protecta, an armoured version of the prestigious Italian flagship. Lancia designs and builds the model itself to two levels of protection: B4 and B6. 

The Thesis Protecta offers the best possible combination of materials because the armoured protection is planned for right at the design stage. For example, the body is specifically designed and produced in bullet-proof steel. The car floorpan is also protected by bullet-proof steel and layers of aramidic fibre to safeguard against explosion risks. From the design stage, the materials used on the car are rigorously tested to ensure they meet the toughest internationally-recognised standards. 

The result is the Lancia Thesis Protecta, an ideal blend of bullet-proofing, lively performance and creature comforts. The car thus offers an interior trimmed in fine leather and wood crafted to enfold passengers in luxury and make the passenger compartment into an elegant, warm and welcoming haven. The protection controls are located behind the central front armrest where they are hidden from prying eyes: it only takes an instant to activate the control unit. The firefighting system in the engine bay, boot and tyre housings can be deployed with equal speed. The flame-resistant, self-sealing fuel tank is also made out of special material that can eliminate the risk of explosion, fire and fuel outflow. Extra latches made out of impact-resistant material have been added to the doors and boot to make the passenger compartment more impenetrable from outside.

Other features of the Lancia Thesis Protecta include: special PAX wheels that are designed to turn even if punctured; brakes, suspension and transmission redesigned and adapted to the increased vehicle weight to maintain reliability, agility and manoeuvrability; the electronic control units responsible for maintaining the vehicle operational are armoured - and the rear doors can be expelled to provide an emergency exit if an accident occurs. 

The Thesis Protecta bears you along with the greatest protection and safety as you enjoy a standard of class and engineering that is typically Lancia. This special version of the flagship is equipped with a powerful 3.0 V6 24v engine that turns very roundly due to its 6 cylinders - and also offers formidable torque enhanced by a 5-speed automatic transmission converter. In particular, the B6 version develops 158 kW (215 bhp) at 6300 rpm and offers a peak torque of 263 Nm (26.8 kgm) at 5000 rpm. It reaches a top speed of 230 km/h and accelerates from 0 - 100 km/h in 12.1 seconds. Fuel consumption per 100 kilometres at constant speed is 8.2 litres (at 90 km/h), 10.2 (at 120 km/h) and 12.7 (at 150 km/h).

The Lancia Thesis Protecta also lavishes particular attention on the needs of the customer and this is evident in the privileged and direct relationship between customer and manufacturer. Customers are given an elegant information pack containing a CD-ROM. The CD contains a confidential area that provides more details on production, security features and customisation. To access the area, key in the User ID and password provided in the pack presentation letter.