The Legacy of Lancia, Saab, and Alfa Romeo: Front-Wheel Drive Sedans Unveiled

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- By Dushyant
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In this Hagerty video, we delve into the intriguing world of the Lancia Thema 8.32, the Saab 9000 Aero, and the Alfa Romeo 164 Q. These cars, born out of a tumultuous era where car manufacturers were on the brink of collapse, share a common platform despite their unique identities. Lancia, known for its innovative technologies but plagued by financial woes, joined forces with Saab in a desperate bid for survival. Saab, with its commitment to safety and excellence, had to revamp the shared platform to meet stringent US safety standards, showcasing their dedication to quality.
The Saab 9000 Aero stole the show with its turbocharged engine, earning accolades for its performance and handling. Meanwhile, the Lancia Thema 8.32 boasted a Ferrari V8 powerplant, solidifying its position as the most potent front-wheel-drive car of its time. Alfa Romeo, facing financial constraints, pivoted to front-wheel drive with the Alfa Romeo 164 Q, featuring a distinctive design and a powerful V6 engine. The Alfa Romeo 164 Q4 stood out as the sole four-wheel-drive variant in this lineup, showcasing an advanced all-wheel-drive system developed in collaboration with renowned experts.
Each of these cars brought something unique to the table, from Saab's safety innovations to Lancia's power-packed engine and Alfa Romeo's stylish design. Despite facing challenges during their development, these vehicles emerged as symbols of resilience and creativity in the face of adversity. The Hagerty video sheds light on how these front-wheel-drive sedans, born out of a time of industry upheaval, left a lasting impact on automotive history with their blend of performance, safety, and style.

Image copyright Youtube

Image copyright Youtube

Image copyright Youtube

Image copyright Youtube
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Viewer Reactions for When The World's Fastest FWD Sport Sedans Were Secretly The Same Car — Revelations w/ Jason Cammisa
Comparison between Alfa Romeo 164, Saab 9000, and Lancia Thema
Mention of the 4th sibling Fiat Croma and its significance
Positive experiences and memories shared by owners of Alfa Romeo 164
Comments on the design, reliability, and driving experience of the cars
Difficulty in finding spare parts for Alfa Romeo 164
Appreciation for the unique design and features of the cars
Nostalgic stories from individuals who owned or rode in the cars
Comments on the engine performance and handling of the cars
Mention of the Lancia 8.32 and its engine built by Ducati
Appreciation for Jason Cammisa's video presentation and automotive journalism
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