Fiat to Introduce Two New Dodge-Based Sedans in China and Russia by 2013

As time goes by, Fiat SpA’s integration with the Chrysler Group LLC deepens and the results become more evident with the two carmakers making several plans for the future. Speaking at Fiat's annual shareholders meeting on March 30, Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne revealed plans to launch two new Dodge-based sedans in China and Russia.

The first sedan will be a compact model built on the next generation Dodge Caliber, which is expected in the USA next January. According to an Autonews report, this model will enter production in China in the second half of 2011, while timing for the Russian launch has not yet been disclosed. The other four-door saloon will be a mid-size model based on the replacement for the Dodge Avenger, which is scheduled for launch in the USA in 2013. It will go on sale in China and Russia the same year.

Both sedan models make use of a 40mm wider version Fiat's new Compact Wide architecture that underpins the Alfa Romeo Giulietta hatchback. The same platform will also be used on future Jeep compact and mid-sized SUVs.

According to the report, the Italian automaker is still contemplating the launch of the compact sedan model in Western Europe, while the mid-size saloon may enter the European market under the Lancia brand.

We’ll remind you that Lancia is also considering the launch the current generation Chrysler 200-based Flavia sedan, which was shown as a concept at last month’s Geneva Motor Show, by the end of the year. If Lancia goes ahead with both plans, then the Dodge Avenger-based model will replace the Flavia.

Sources: Fiat, Autonews [Sub. Req.]

2011 DODGE AVENGER F/L [CURRENT GENERATION]

Just Like the Real Thing: Lancia Stratos Replica with Thema 8.32 V8

The Lancia Stratos HF is the other Italian supercar of the 1970s. It may not be as well loved as some of the other greats – Lamborghini’s Countach, Ferrari’s Daytona or Maserati’s Khamsin – but it still holds a special place in many enthusiasts’ hearts. So it should come as no surprise that Stratos replicas are somewhat prevalent, especially in Europe.
The ebay seller assures us the work was carried out by professionals (isn’t it always?) and -as usual- the vehicle is going for a lot less than its original asking price. The car is said to be built by a Mr. Bates who provided the chassis to UK “repli-car” kit manufacturer Hawk Cars. Perhaps coincidently, Hawk Cars also makes a Lancia Stratos replica kit.
The previous owner and seller retrofitted this particular example with a Ferrari V8 sourced from a – get this – Lancia Thema 8.32. Remember the Thema 8.32? I certainly do. Frankly I’m glad they kept the engine and through away that hideous, boxy body. It’s also got the seats and steering wheel from a genuine Stratos to sweeten up the deal.
Unlike some of the cars we’ve featured on the site, this one is actually roadworthy and registered. It still has the usual sold-on-eBay niggles you’d expect like some worn synchromesh on second and an interior that’s in dire need of a little TLC. Still, for the low price of £25,000 (US$40,535) you get the car, a spare 8.32 V8 and transmission and a few little knickknacks including a 1:18 scale model and an original sales brochure. Choice!
As always, you can check out our full gallery and leave a slanderous comment below if you wish.

By Tristan Hankins

Link: eBay

PHOTO GALLERY

New Ram Cargo Van is a 2012 Dodge Caravan for the Pro

The Chrysler Group’s Ram Truck division has lifted the wraps off its latest offering, the new Cargo Van or simply Ram C/V, which is nothing more than a 2012 Dodge Caravan in LCV guise with solid panels in the place of the rear windows and a flat load area.

The business sibling of the Detroit firm’s family of minivans, which also includes the Chrysler Town & Country and more recently, the Lancia Grand Voyager, is offered with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine delivering 283-ponies and 260 lb.-ft of peak torque. The V6 is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission and is claimed to return 25 mpg on the highway.

A commercial-tuned ride and heavy-duty load-leveling suspension along with a heavy-duty radiator and heavy-duty transmission oil cooler are also part of the package. According to the automaker, the Ram C/V features 144.4 cubic feet of interior storage, and a 1,800-lb. cargo payload plus a towing capability of up to 3,600 lbs.

PHOTO GALLERY

Lancia’s Glitzy Ypsilon Promotional Videos

Lancia has released new videos of its 2012 Ypsilon, the posh supermini that made its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this week alongside the subtly revised Delta and the Chrysler-sourced Thema sedan, Grand Voyager MPV, and Fulvia Saloon and Convertible (the last two shown as concepts).

The videos clearly link the new Ypsilon to fashion and luxury, essentially building on the image created by the supermini’s predecessors. Although the outgoing Ypsilon was perceived more of a lady’s car, the automaker wants to send the message that its successor targets both hairdressers male and female buyers.

At least this is what comes out from the first video, called “Fashion World”, where the car is pictured next to trendy young couples posing in different life snapshots. In the second clip, the Ypsilon is the main actor. Under the tagline “New Ypsilon - Essence of Luxury”, we see details of the interior, close-ups of the sculpted five-door bodywork and the two-tone paintwork, which is an option carried over from the previous model.

The Ypsilon will have a range of three engines: a 1.2-liter petrol unit with 69 hp (with an optional LPG system), a 0.9-liter TwinAir turbocharged two-cylinder petrol with 85 hp and a 1.3-liter Multijet II turbo diesel delivering 95 horsepower. The car will be badged as a Chrysler in the UK and Ireland and, as CoolPictures has learned, Lancia officials did not rule out the possibility of a U.S. launch in the future.

By Dan Mihalascu

VIDEOS

VIDEO: Eminem Meets Italian Opera at Lancia's Presentations of the 2012 Thema and Flavia Concepts

The 81st Geneva International Salon marked Lancia's biggest but also, most controversial motor show appearance in recent years. Biggest because Lancia rolled out a total of six new vehicles and concept models, most controversial because four of those cars including the Thema flagship, the Flavia sedan and convertible concepts, and the Grand Voyager MPV are nothing more than rebadged Chryslers.

Lancia and Chrysler CEO Oliver Francois presented the Chrysler 300-based Thema under the sounds of an odd music mix. "Introducing this car of two continents in Geneva became a very personal affair, therefore I personally worked out a little piece of music, a blend of two musical cultures, Eminem's typical Detroit beat with a touch of Italian opera," said Francois just before the 2012 Thema saloon entered the stage.

Francois also took a stab at rival German premium carmakers saying that "there is a large pool of customers out there looking for an alternative to the German monochrome". However, the Italian firm's CEO quickly noted that "many have burned their fingers [in trying to compete with the Germans] in the past including Lancia", but also added that "according to the American press", the new 300 rivals the best Japanese and German premium models including the Lexus LS and the BMW 7 Series. Remember, we didn't say it, Francois did.

The American-Italian tune was continued with the presentation of the other three rebadged Chryslers, the Town & Country-based Lancia Grand Voyager minivan and the Chrysler 200-based Lancia Flavia concept cars, which Francois said rival the Rolls Royce Ghost- could enter production in less than six months from now.

Scroll down to watch Lancia's Geneva Motor Show presentations and have your say in the comments below.

VIDEO