Last month, we saw the first tangible evidence of the emerging integration of Chrysler and Fiat: the launch of the North American version of the Fiat 500. We'll see the second chapter next month in Switzerland: the worldwide merging of the Chrysler and Lancia brands when four recently introduced Chryslers--the executive-level 300, the D-segment 200 sedan and convertible, and the Town and Country--will premiere in Geneva sporting new grilles and trim... and wearing the Lancia badge.

Lancia's latest Thema is the new rear-drive sedan based on the 2011 Chrysler 300. The first Thema debuted back in 1984 as part of the Type Four program that also included the Alfa Romeo 164, the Fiat Croma, and the Saab 9000. Like the original, this new version is ready to compete against all comers in the global E-segment, which includes the Audi A6, the BMW 5 Series, and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Planned for sale throughout continental Europe, it will be sold in the United Kingdom as a Chrysler 300. Both versions will be built at the Chrysler plant in Brampton, Ontario.

Chrysler's 300 has already received very positive reviews on its upgraded interior. Its Lancia counterpart will raise the bar further with the addition of Poltrona Frau leather interiors, including the trim on the instrument panel.

Three engines will initially be offered to European customers when the Thema goes on sale there in October as a 2012 model. The first will be a 292-horsepower version of Chrysler's new Pentastar V6, paired with an all-new eight-speed automatic gearbox that will be a running change for the Chrysler 300 later this year.

Two three-liter V6 diesel engines will be offered in overseas markets, manufactured by VM and producing 190 or 224 horsepower with both mated to the existing five-speed