12. Lancia Thema 8.32
The Lancia Thema 8.32 shocked the automotive world in the late 1980s by pairing a refined executive sedan with a Ferrari-sourced V8 engine. This bold combination delivered sports car performance in a discreet, businesslike package—a concept that’s now a staple in modern performance sedans.
At the time, however, buyers struggled to grasp the appeal of such an unusual blend, and reliability concerns shadowed its exclusivity. The Thema 8.32’s brilliance was recognized only in retrospect.
Today, it stands as a precursor to the high-powered luxury sedans we see everywhere. Discover more at Autocar.