Inspired by the black with Titanium-finished John Varvatos’ cologne bottle, this model is painted in a Phantom Black tri-coat exterior color with titanium and black chrome accents for certain parts of the car such as the badges, tailpipes, mirror caps and grille surrounds.

A set of new 20-inch cast-aluminum wheels and the blacked out LED tail lamps round out the exterior upgrades.

Interior appointments include Pewter Metallic leather seats tailored with unique Diesel Gray and black pattern Varvatos stitching and logos, gauge cluster and clock with Pearlescent White face and Charcoal Black Metallic bezels, a hand-stitched heated steering wheel with Diesel Gray thread and Titanium Chrome accents, plus wood and gloss black trims.

Next up is the 2013 Chrysler 300C John Varvatos Luxury Edition, scheduled to arrive in the fourth-quarter of 2012.

On the outside, it sports 20-inch (19-inch for all-wheel drive versions) polished face and painted pocket aluminum wheels, platinum chrome accents and mesh grille, plus a John Varvatos deck-lid badge.

The interior, including the power seats and steering wheel, comes in a choice of monotone black or exclusive Dark Mocha with black Poltrona Frau “Foligno” leather, and features hand-sanded wood, which Chrysler says was once limited “to some of the most exotic Italian luxury cars”

Both special editions will be offered with V6 and V8 gasoline engines as well as the option of all-wheel drive.

Lancia’s contribution to the transformation of the Chrysler 300 to the Thema is restricted to the Italian brand’s badges, plus the higher quality materials and different trim options for the interior.

When it reaches European dealerships in October, the rear-wheel drive Lancia Thema will be offered in three trim levels - Gold, Platinum and Executive - and a choice of three engines including a 286HP 3.6-liter V6 petrol engine matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission, and the 190 HP or 239 HP 3.0-lite V6 diesels, both fitted with a 5-speed auto.

The Fiat Group says Lancia’s flagship model will offer European buyers “a genuine alternative” in the executive segment.