REPORT: Fiat may use next Chrysler 300 platform for Lancia, Maserati
The last time Chrysler and Maserati got together, America was blessed with what appeared to the entire world to be little more than a gussied-up two-seat Chrysler LeBaron convertible with a removable hardtop and opera-style windows. Apparently, since that last marriage between Detroit and Modena proved so, ahem, successful, reports indicate that the two companies may once again join forces now that Fiat controls proceedings at both the Trident and the Pentastar.
According to Automotive News, Fiat has plans to build 50,000 vehicles per year at the former Carrozzeria Bertone near Turin that it procured a few months back. That output will be made up of two sedans – one carrying a Maserati badge and one sold as a Lancia – that will be based on the rear-wheel drive underpinnings of the next Chrysler 300.
Both vehicles will reportedly use versions of the upcoming new V6 engine from Chrysler, the first application of which will be in the 2011 Grand Cherokee. The Lancia could be a replacement for the current Thesis sedan while the Maserati would theoretically slot below current Quattroporte.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Hazdaz 7:32AM (10/28/2009)
Not really shocking news... after all, the original 300 platform was the one designed by Mercedes for their previous E-class (now 2 generations old), so I could definitely see an updated 300 platform being used in upscale cars like a Maserati.
If anything, that is what should have happened years and years ago when M-B bought out Chrysler - more parts sharing. Except that M-B was too short-sighted in seeing the benefit of sharing platforms and other parts with a "lesser" marque.
That turned out well. :rolleyes:
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Frank 8:55AM (10/28/2009)
This is a myth that has been already dispelled here and on other sites. The 300/Charger is not an old E-Class platform. Tom Gale in an interview with Motor Trend said the car was already developed when Mercedes came aboard. They insisted on using the E-Class steering column, electronics, and some suspension bits that had to be modified for the 300. This pushed the program back about a year. And Mercedes charged Chrysler lots of money for the parts and "consulting". Total E-Class parts content: about 20%.
It looks like FIAT is showing Daimler how it's done. When you acquire another company you look at what their strengths and weaknesses are and you use their strengths to help you and help their weaknesses with your strengths. Somehow Daimler missed that part.
Chazz 9:50AM (10/28/2009)
Old platform??? Who cares. It's all about look and feel.
Do we dismiss a sexy gal cause she has had a boob job and some plastic surgery??? Yeah... did think so!
Dondonel 11:15AM (10/28/2009)
@ Hazdaz,
So when Chrysler uses the 300 platform it is "2 generations old", but when Maserati plans to use it it becomes all of a sudden "updated". Wow, talk about BS.
Hazdaz 11:52AM (10/28/2009)
They are updating the 300 for next year - which will include an updated platform... and that is the one that Maserati/Lancia might use. What's the problem here?
Luso 11:28AM (10/28/2009)
"...I could definitely see an updated 300 platform being used in upscale cars like a Maserati..."
OK have you heard this one...?
"...In a land far, far, away...in the Kingdom Of Never Never Land..."
http://www.carnorama.com
andre lavoie 7:34AM (10/28/2009)
hopefully this will translate to an amazing 300 since its platform is good enough for maserati
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Alex 9:05AM (10/28/2009)
It makes sense considering Fiat wants to move Chrysler up market. So if the underpinnings are on the expensive side to accommodate the expectations of Maserati, its not big concern as the Chrysler will also be a more expensive car to defray the design costs.
JP 7:44AM (10/28/2009)
I hope Fiat isnt doing what Daimler did to Chrysler all over again, another thing you have to think of is....
they want to position the alfa romeo above Chrysler, and Lancia and Maserati? where does that leave the 300 and charger? i though Chrysler was luxury....
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jv2k 12:45PM (10/28/2009)
Alfa romeo doesn't exist to american consumers so there wont be an issue stateside. I'm not sure how this will effect europe but I doubt chrysler will sell enough there for them to care.
MemphisNET 7:47AM (10/28/2009)
Some will say this will cheapen the Maserati. I say it just makes the 300 that much better!
I guess we'll find out more next week.
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LesPaul1 7:52AM (10/28/2009)
I love how people talk about cars they've never driven. I've driven the 300 and the magnum, It wasn't a pleasing experience. It's not exactly the old E-class, just some parts from it. Chassis isn't the same. The high metal, small window layout made me feel like I was in a bucket. It's not that engine or chassis that's bad, but it was the interior feel and visibility. Though it's not a tight car, but maybe due to visibility it felt claustrophobic.
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FThorn 8:13AM (10/28/2009)
It rides similar to the 300E. I had both. Of course newer/different wheels, tires, rubber all make cars feel different. But very similar nonetheless.
MemphisNET 8:20AM (10/28/2009)
You are correct on what it is (some rear-end suspension bits and a transmission) but I have a Magnum R/T and think it's a fantastic ride. Sure, the interior is a little blah (especially if you paid full price, which I don't think many people did) but considering the size and weight of the bugger, its a great car. I'd like to find a 2008 and trade up because they fixed all the minor annoyances and interior that year -- unfortunately they're hard to find in R/T or SRT trim because of the 7month production run.
LesPaul1 6:55PM (10/28/2009)
I have to agree the magnum is pretty good and it's definitely a smooth, powerful, useful vehicle. Could fit lots of people and has huge trunkspace. For some reason it felt better than the 300. Does anyone know the differences in feel for the 300 vs magnum.. can't get my finger on it.
Soccer Mom 8:53AM (10/28/2009)
Chrysler TC again...
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keep the change 9:06AM (10/28/2009)
So Chrysler, who has a chronic problem of failing to sell enough cars in America, is teaming up with Fiat/Lancia/Alfa/Maserati, car companies that themselves have failed to sell enough cars in America - more than once. So if you take one company with a bad American reputation for quality, and combine it with an Italian company with a bad American reputation for quality, hopefully the end result will be a market success?
In mathematics, if you add two negative numbers, you get a negative. However, if you multiply two negative numbers you get a positive result. Perhaps, Fiat is thinking that if you multiply the bad aspects of Chrysler with the bad aspects of Fiat, the product will be a positively irresistible car in America.
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Eduardo 9:16AM (10/28/2009)
a rear-wheel drive Lancia saloon... something I've been dreaming for a couple of years. it would be great to have a RWD grand tourer by Lancia as well.
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F50 9:47AM (10/28/2009)
Sounds good, but building them all at Brampton sounds too much, they should re-open the Durango/Aspen plant at Delaware and re-tool it to build the next LX Cars.
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MD Drew 10:39AM (10/28/2009)
I for one just hope to see the Phoenix V6 and a good diesel option make it into the Wrangler by 2012. The current engine is crap.
As far as the cars go, I will wait with curious detachment...
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