Autoblog

REPORT: Chrysler planning second Fiat-based compact sports sedan

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:56:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hatchback, Chrysler, Fiat

Fiat Bravo - Click above for a high-res image gallery

For Chrysler, the cornerstone of its proposed alliance with Fiat is for the Italian automaker to supply its domestic partner with smaller, more fuel efficient platforms and drivetrains. It's been assumed that the Fiat 500 would be one of the vehicles Chrysler plans to market in the U.S., but according to a the Wall Street Journal, it may have more than a subcompact up its sleeve.

According to the report, Chrysler showed its (troubled) dealers the automaker's future products today in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and along with the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and a revised Chrysler 300, a "sporty little sedan" produced by Fiat was in attendance.

Chrysler's head of design, Ralph Gilles, told dealers that the automaker intends to have its own version of the car, with Fiat providing the chassis and Chrysler designing the exterior.

Although the WSJ's source didn't specify which Fiat was shown, informed speculation says that it was likely the Fiat Bravo, which would make a killer Dodge Caliber replacement and would finally provide Chrysler with a true successor to the Neon after its demise in 2006.

Gallery: Fiat Bravo

[Source: WSJ]

REPORT: Chrysler planning second Fiat-based compact sports sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Motor Show: Fiat Bravo in the flesh

John Neff — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback

click above image to view 45 high-res shots of the new Fiat Bravo

Everything the Italians do is sexy, not just Ferraris and Lamborghinis. We know the Alfa Romeo Brera is auto erotica, but who knew how drop dead gorgeous this little economy car from Italian automaker Fiat would be? Well, we had a guess, which is why we sent international Autoblogger Alberto Ballestin over to the Fiat booth straight away to get some seat time in the new Fiat Bravo. Dipped in a thick coat of Candy Apple Red, the Fiat Bravo on display looked delicious parked next to an equally yummy Fiat spokeswoman. We were a little concerned that the heavily doctored press shots that first impressed us would give way to disappointment on seeing our first live pics, but it turns out the new car's simple yet classic lines impress even in the flesh.

Though we would have likely spent too much time walking round and round the new Bravo on its display stand, Alberto got down to business and crawled inside of one to test the interior. He's reporting that fit and finish is definitely improved over previous small cars from the big boot, and that the materials, in particular the soft plastic used on top of the dash, feels very rich. He had a few issues with some handles in the car, but was impressed with the inclusion of a USB interface to stream music to the car's stereo from a portable music device.

There are three gas engines available that offer 90, 120 and 150 horsepower, respectively, as well as a pair of diesels pumping out 120 and 150 horsepower. We'll admire the new Fiat Bravo from afar, for like most of the vehicles in Geneva this week, arrival in the U.S. is not an option.

Gaze at the simple beauty of the Fiat Bravo in our high-resolution gallery or check out the full press release from Fiat after the jump.

[Source: Fiat, Autoblog Spanish]

Gallery: Fiat Bravo

Continue reading Geneva Motor Show: Fiat Bravo in the flesh

Geneva Motor Show: Fiat Bravo in the flesh originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Mar 2007 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat plans to double Alfa Romeo, Lancia sales

Stuart Waterman — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 17:56:00 EST

Filed under: Trends

Italy's Fiat Group, flush with the success of its flagship Fiat brand, has plans to more than double the sales volume of its niche-market Alfa Romeo and Lancia brands by 2010.

The aggressive target will put Alfa Romeo sales at 300,000 units annually, from 125,829 in 2005. Alfa Romeo plans to sell 180,000 units in 2006. (We're hoping that U.S. market sales will play a role in Alfa Romeo's growth.)

Sales of the Lancia brand were only 113,783 in 2005, but Fiat plans to increase sales to 300,000 units by 2010.

Meanwhile, the Fiat brand is powering ahead, with 2006 year-to-date sales in western Europe up 28 percent over 2005, driven by the success of its new A and B segment cars, the Panda and Grande Punto. Fiat's new C-segment hatchback, the Bravo, will be launched early next year, followed by the new Fiat 500 minicar (shown in spy garb at right). A new "family car" is also said to be in the works.

[Source: Reuters, Italiaspeed]

Fiat plans to double Alfa Romeo, Lancia sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jun 2006 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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