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Design Philosophy
Lancia J is based on the concept "form follows function": aesthetics is an expression of functionality and rationality. At the same time, it is inspired by the Brand heritage and tradition. As Enrico Fumia stated when he was Director of Centro Stile Lancia, "Lancia models must express class rather than classical style."
Lancia J’s mission is to bring back to life a successfull luxury flagship that, according to Fumia, is missing since the Thema went out of production.
The Kappa, Lybra and Thesis models are not considered to be on the same level.
Exterior Design
Lancia J is the first example of a symmetrical/modular 4-door sedan. The front and rear fenders and spoilers are identical modules: the central zone of the module contains the license plate support at the rear and the triangular grille at the front; the bottom holes integrate the anti-fog lights at the front and the exhaust pipes at the rear.
The front and rear doors are symmetrical as well and could be produced from a single die.
In the side view the main styling element is the arched chromed line that defines the whole profile of the car. The side handles are integrated in a shape that repeat the front grille silhouette.
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Another distinctive feature is in the side sill: the wavy-profiled upper edge is visually uninterrupted since it’s repeated in the lower part of the front and rear spoilers, defining a sort of chromed skirt.
According to Fumia, the whole body is modelled like a jellyfish or a period furniture. This kind of interpretation that uses graphic symbols similar to Oriental ideograms is defined by the author as "icon design" (“kanji design” in Japanese) and can be found on other Fumia’s creations, like the Audi Quartz, Fiat Coupé Brio, Alfa Romeo 164, Spider and GTV, Ferrari F90, Lancia Y, Maserati 3200 GT (interior), Xport e
Xmall concepts.
Modular architecture
From a production perspective, the modular design involves lower investments, which is a crucial factor in a niche-vehicle like the Lancia J.
Another benefit allowed by the symmetrical architecture is a better accessibility to the rear seats – thanks also to the absence of the central pillar.
The position of the cabin – perfectly centered between the axles – makes the Lancia J look like a "cab-forward" car and at the same time increases both the interior roominess for the rear passengers and the luggage capacity of the rear boot.
According to Fumia Design, this innovative styling concept of modularity is extensible and thus available for many different applications and Brands. As an example, the Chevrolet Corvair original design was then extended to the Fiat 1300-150, NSU Prinz and ZAZ 966.
Additional information are available on www.fumiadesign.com.
(Source: Fumia Design)
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