Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Fiat contemplating sub-brand to compete with Dacia, Datsun]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/fiat-contemplating-sub-brand-to-compete-with-dacia-datsun/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/fiat-contemplating-sub-brand-to-compete-with-dacia-datsun/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/fiat-contemplating-sub-brand-to-compete-with-dacia-datsun/#commentsFiled under: ,

Fiat badge

You can add Fiat to the admittedly short list of automakers considering a low-cost brand to rival Dacia. The inexpensive Eastern European brand from Renault-Nissan has performed on the balance sheet like a premium model line, and the money the alliance is taking off the table is encouraging other players to deal themselves in. Pretty soon Nissan's Datsun sub-brand will join the Dacia party, going on sale in Russia, Indonesia and India and will claim even more rubles, rupiahs and rupees for the parent company. Volkswagen recently said it will make a decision this year on a budget line for the Chinese market. With the euthanasia of Lancia and plans to move the Fiat brand upmarket, company CEO Sergio Marchionne wonders aloud to Automotive News Europe whether there could be room for a new budget brand underneath Fiat.

We're told that the initiative has been in the idea box for five years and even moved to the stage of name considerations, like Innocenti, but worries about profit kept it from realization. If such a range were to be developed, Marchionne says it couldn't be built in Italy and stay within budget, and the company is "analyzing its manufacturing capacity outside of Europe to see if a low-cost brand is viable."

Fiat contemplating sub-brand to compete with Dacia, Datsun originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daciadatsunemerging marketsfiatlancianissanrenaultsergio marchionneTue, 05 Feb 2013 08:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20448318/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/05/fiat-contemplating-sub-brand-to-compete-with-dacia-datsun/20448318/article-detail.xml 20448318 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fiat-badge-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fiat-badge-1.jpg <![CDATA[Online Find Of The Day: 1992 Italdesign Aztec Barchetta is street-legal awesomeness]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/21/online-find-of-the-day-1992-italdesign-aztec-barchetta-is-stree/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/21/online-find-of-the-day-1992-italdesign-aztec-barchetta-is-stree/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/21/online-find-of-the-day-1992-italdesign-aztec-barchetta-is-stree/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

1992 Italdesign Aztec Barchetta - front three-quarter view

Where do concepts go when their auto show circuit life is over? For many, it's off to the scrap heap, while others manage to find their way into various automotive museums and private collections. Yet it is a select few that enjoy the honor of actually being driven on open roads. What you see here is the latter.

In 1988, design house Italdesign brought its wildly futuristic Aztec Barchetta concept to the Turin Motor Show. Visually, there were a lot of things going on here with the design, including spacecraft-styled rear quarter panels, see-through doors and a bold dual cockpit design. The body was constructed out of aluminum, Kevlar and carbon fiber. Additionally, the coupe features an intercom so the driver and passenger can hold conversations at speed.

While the styling is fit for an auto show floor, the mechanicals are borrowed from some of Europe's rallying greats, including the 250-horsepower five-cylinder of the Audi Quattro and a transmission borrowed from the Lancia Integrale's parts bin.

Yet you'll deduce from the 1992 model year on our headline that this isn't the same car that premiered in Turin in 1988. That's right, this is a street-legal production car. As the story goes, Myakawa, a Japanese industrial corporation, bought the rights to the concept and had German-based Audi tuner, Motoren-Tecknik-Mayer (better known as MTM) produce the Aztec Barchetta in very limited numbers. The first one built performed exhibition laps at the 1992 Monaco Grand Prix, and the originals sold for hundreds of thousands when new.

Very few were made (estimates vary wildly, from 15 to 50), with this model being assembled in EU spec. The seller, Specialized Vehicle Solutions, Ltd. of Manchester, England, is offering this silver example with just 75 miles on the odometer, though the listing doesn't disclose how much it's asking to digital tire-kickers.

Online Find Of The Day: 1992 Italdesign Aztec Barchetta is street-legal awesomeness originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aztecaztec barchettabarchettaitaldesignitaldesign azteclanciamotoren technik mayermtmmyakawaFri, 21 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20409405/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/21/online-find-of-the-day-1992-italdesign-aztec-barchetta-is-stree/20409405/article-detail.xml 20409405 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/italdesign-aztec_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/italdesign-aztec.jpg <![CDATA[Lancia to live on with models built in America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/04/lancia-to-continue-on-with-models-built-in-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/04/lancia-to-continue-on-with-models-built-in-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/04/lancia-to-continue-on-with-models-built-in-america/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Lancia Thema

Motor Trend reports that Lancia isn't headed for the scrap heap after all. Chris Brown, a spokesperson for Chrysler, told MT the automaker will live on and continue to manufacture its Ypsilon hatchback in Italy. The remainder of the brand's vehicles will be built in America by Chrysler. What's more, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has said future Lancia models will be co-developed with Chrysler. That's a big shift from what we heard last week. As you may recall, the German site Automobilwoche reported the sun was poised to set on the Lancia brand for good, due in part to economic woes in Europe.

Under the rumored plan, Fiat would then push Maserati farther downmarket to help fill the gap. As it turns out, Marchionne was simply talking about further platform sharing between Fiat and its profitable American brand. That means we can likely expect to see more Lancia-badged Chryslers prowling the streets of Europe very soon.

Lancia to live on with models built in America originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Nov 2012 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslereuropelancialancia discontinuedsergio marchionneSun, 04 Nov 2012 12:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20370019/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/04/lancia-to-continue-on-with-models-built-in-america/20370019/article-detail.xml 20370019 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/lancia-thema-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/lancia-thema-628.jpg <![CDATA[Marchionne plans to kill off Lancia]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/02/marchionne-plans-kill-off-lancia/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/02/marchionne-plans-kill-off-lancia/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/02/marchionne-plans-kill-off-lancia/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Lancia grille

Lancia is dead. Long live Lancia.

The European financial crisis has claimed another victim. This time it is not a racing program or production facility, but an entire car brand. Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has announced the shuttering of the storied Italian make as part of a "larger strategic correction" to right Fiat's current financial woes. That kind of dashes any plans for a Stratos comeback.

According to German site Automobilwoche, the move is part of a larger effort that would see Fiat spread product offerings over more vehicle segments, including the premium market. Still, Fiat will continue to present the Panda as the "pillar of the brand, and will be rebadged as a Jeep in the near future.

With news that Fiat could post a 700-million-euro loss for 2012, the killing-off of Lancia starts to come into context. According to Marchionne, the company may not break even again until 2015 or 2016. The hope of shuttering the Lancia brand is to further consolidate underpinnings and cut costs by platform sharing and rebadging of Fiat, Jeep, and Chrysler products, hopefully pulling the Italian automaker out of the red.

Marchionne plans to kill off Lancia originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Nov 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslereuro crisiseurocrisisfiatlancialancia closedsergio marchionneFri, 02 Nov 2012 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20369025/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/02/marchionne-plans-kill-off-lancia/20369025/article-detail.xml 20369025 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/lancia-grille_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/lancia-grille.jpg <![CDATA[New Stratos lines up at the 2012 Rally Isla Mallorca]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/08/new-stratos-lines-up-at-the-2012-rally-isla-mallorca/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/08/new-stratos-lines-up-at-the-2012-rally-isla-mallorca/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/08/new-stratos-lines-up-at-the-2012-rally-isla-mallorca/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Just because Ferrari nixed the New Stratos doesn't mean the existing high-performance wedge can't have a little fun on its own. This past March, the F430-based tribute to the rallying great led a littany of classics as the pace car for the Rally Isla Mallorca. The 2012 race marked the one-year anniversary of its debut at the event.

The vintage race consisted of 14 stages, totaling 280 miles, and the New Stratos led the way every time. The number zero affixed to the side marked the New Stratos as the pace vehicle, and signaled the impending classics fast approaching behind it.

The modern interpretation of the classic Italian racer was piloted by the Brose team, which consisted of Michael Stoschek and Dieter Hawkranke. Each evening, when racing ceased, the Stratos, as well as the vintage racing entrants, would take go on display in the yachting community of Portals Nous. However, those who ventured into the mountainous terrain on which the rally was held benefitted from seeing the New Stratos in action. You can see it in action, as well as the classic racers, by watching on the video below.

Continue reading New Stratos lines up at the 2012 Rally Isla Mallorca

New Stratos lines up at the 2012 Rally Isla Mallorca originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homage carslancialancia stratosnew stratosrally carsstratostribute carsvideovintage racingWed, 08 Aug 2012 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20295851/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/08/new-stratos-lines-up-at-the-2012-rally-isla-mallorca/20295851/article-detail.xml 20295851 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/stratos-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/stratos-628.jpg <![CDATA[Lancia contemplating Chrysler 300-based Thema coupe?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/15/lancia-contemplating-chrysler-300-based-thema-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/15/lancia-contemplating-chrysler-300-based-thema-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/15/lancia-contemplating-chrysler-300-based-thema-coupe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Lancia Thema

Head overseas and you may run into a Chrysler 300 wearing a distinctly foreign badge: that of Lancia. The awkward stepchild of the Fiat group rebadges Chrysler vehicles as their own and gives them nameplates from their own back-catalog. Lancia calls its rebadged 300 the Thema, but aside from the handle, it's pretty much the same. But could Chrysler's Italian cousin prompt the development of a coupe version?

According to the latest churn of the rumormill, yes, it could. Chrysler has already used the platform for the two-door Dodge Challenger, a vehicle that isn't officially offered in Europe. When Auburn Hills wanted to offer the Dodge Magnum in Europe, it gave the low-slung power-wagon bodystyle to the 300, but with that model out of the way, why not a two-door?

The question for us, of course, is - were Lancia to go ahead with such a development - could it make it back over to the States? An Italian-designed American two-door might satisfy a market (however small) that was last filled in the late 1980s Chrysler TC by Maserati and the Pininfarina-designed Cadillac Allanté.

Lancia contemplating Chrysler 300-based Thema coupe? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jun 2012 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>300chryslerchrysler 300chrysler 300 coupelancialancia themalancia thema coupeFri, 15 Jun 2012 17:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20259232/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/15/lancia-contemplating-chrysler-300-based-thema-coupe/20259232/article-detail.xml 20259232 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/110214lthema_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/110214lthema.jpg <![CDATA[Rebadged Dodge, Chrysler model sales a mixed bag in Europe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/rebadged-dodge-chrysler-model-sales-a-mixed-bag-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/rebadged-dodge-chrysler-model-sales-a-mixed-bag-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/rebadged-dodge-chrysler-model-sales-a-mixed-bag-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

2012 Fiat Fremont (a.k.a. Dodge Journey) in black


Fiat, in an attempt to make its purchase of Chrysler more profitable, has been marketing rebadged Dodge and Chrysler models in Europe with mixed results.

Europeans apparently love the Fiat Freemont, known as a Dodge Journey here in the States. Fiat sold almost 6,500 of the crossovers over there in the first quarter and hopes to move 30,000 by year's end. Sales were helped by Fiat's large European dealer network as well as an MSRP lower than the model it replaced. Since the Journey is built in Mexico, it can be imported into Europe tariff-free, which helps keep the sticker price lower.

On the other hand, sales of the Lancia Thema (Chrysler 300) and Lancia Voyager (Dodge Grand Caravan) are not doing so well due to several factors. One is the limited reach of the Lancia brand outside Italy. Then there's the 10 percent import tariff since they're both built in Canada, a yearly 500 euro luxury tax (about $630 USD) on the Thema, and a limited advertising budget for the two cars.

Only 1,342 Voyagers were sold in Europe in the first quarter of this year, which means the 11,000 unit goal for the year will probably be missed. Lancia sold only 480 Themas during the same period, well short of the 2,500 Fiat had hoped to sell.

Rebadged Dodge, Chrysler model sales a mixed bag in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 May 2012 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>300chryslerchrysler+europechryslereuropedodgeeuropefiatfiat freemontgrand caravanjourneylancialancia themalancia voyagerFri, 18 May 2012 15:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20240693/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/18/rebadged-dodge-chrysler-model-sales-a-mixed-bag-in-europe/20240693/article-detail.xml 20240693 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/fiat-freemont-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/fiat-freemont-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Rally legends at Spa is music to our ears]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/rally-legends-at-spa-is-music-to-our-ears/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/rally-legends-at-spa-is-music-to-our-ears/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/rally-legends-at-spa-is-music-to-our-ears/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Legend Boucles de Spa is a historic rally held in the Ardennes Forest around Spa, Belgium, and it commemorates the actual Boucle de Spa rally races held for 37 years from 1953 to 1990. The drill is simple: lots of drivers plotting vintage machinery at various levels of anger through the trees.

Hundreds of cars run, some like the Ferrari 308 you'd never think to choose for rallying, while others like the various Lancia, Ford and ducktail Porsche racers are just good to see on the road again. There's over 11 minutes of high-def footage after the jump, and mercifully, the only soundtrack are the cries of exhausts that aren't anywhere near street legal. Enjoy.

Continue reading Rally legends at Spa is music to our ears

Rally legends at Spa is music to our ears originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>belgiumferrari 308historic racinglancialegend boucles de sparacrallyrallyingspavideovintage racingTue, 28 Feb 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20181384/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/28/rally-legends-at-spa-is-music-to-our-ears/20181384/article-detail.xml 20181384 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/bouclesdespa_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/bouclesdespa.jpg <![CDATA[New Stratos DOA, neo Alpine possible?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/new-stratos-doa-neo-alpine-possible/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/new-stratos-doa-neo-alpine-possible/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/new-stratos-doa-neo-alpine-possible/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

New Lancia Stratos

Stick a fork in it. The New Stratos is done. Reports kicking around the web have confirmed Ferrari has put the nix on any hopes of a production run. As you may recall, the New Stratos prototype was built off of the bones of a Ferrari F430. Pininfarina supplied the vehicle's carbon fiber skin, and Ferrari CEO Luca di Montezemolo was so taken with the project that he personally put down a hot lap in the wedge. That affection was fleeting, however. The minds behind the New Stratos have reportedly confirmed Ferrari doesn't want to cooperate with any company that could build a direct competitor to its products.

Listen closely and you'll hear the sound of our hearts breaking, bit by bit. There is some good news in all this gloom, however. The group behind the New Stratos has begun talks with Renault, and the French manufacturer may be keen to let the company craft a new take on the Alpine A110 Berlinette. Game on.

New Stratos DOA, neo Alpine possible? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a110alpinealpine a110ferrarilancialancia stratosluca di montezemolonew stratosrenaultrenault alpinestratosWed, 04 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20140190/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/04/new-stratos-doa-neo-alpine-possible/20140190/article-detail.xml 20140190 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/lancia-stratos-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/lancia-stratos-628.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat Group bringing bagful of new models to Bologna Motor Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/21/fiat-group-bringing-bagful-of-new-models-to-bologna-motor-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/21/fiat-group-bringing-bagful-of-new-models-to-bologna-motor-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/21/fiat-group-bringing-bagful-of-new-models-to-bologna-motor-show/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Fiat 500 for Bologna 2011

Of all the major international auto shows on the calendar each year, the Bologna Motor Show may not rank among the most important. But it is vital for the Fiat Group, whose numerous brands make up more than just one lion's share of the Italian auto industry. As such, it's not a show for Fiat to take lightly, and this year, it's coming with a whole mess of new debuts.

Discounting Maserati and Ferrari (who kind of do their own thing), the Fiat Group divisions are displaying a freshly facelifted version of the Fiat Sedici, a Fiat 500 Nation Limited Edition, Lancia Ypsilon Black&Red edition and four new specials from Abarth.

2012 Fiat SediciSix years since its launch, the Sedici (Italian for Sixteen, the product of 4x4 - also known as the Suzuki SX4) has been been treated to a minor facelift. Available in three trim levels, buyers can choose between a 120-horsepower 1.6-liter four or a 135-hp 2.0 MultiJet diesel in either front-wheel drive or selectable all-wheel drive.

The Fiat 500 Nation Limited Edition will be offered in both hatchback and convertible versions, of which a suitable 500 examples of each will be offered. The American version of the hatchback is painted blue with Stars & Stripes graphics, while the cabrio comes in white with similar graphics and a red roof.

The Black&Red edition of the Lancia Ypsilon, meanwhile, is distinguished by four color choices - two reds, a black and a two-tone black and red scheme - with either 69-hp 1.2-liter gasoline engine or a 95-hp turbodiesel.

Finally, Abarth is coming to Bologna in full force with four special editions. The 595 Turismo and Competizione models pack a 160-hp version of the Abarth's 1.4-liter turbo four with two flavors of style. The 695 Assetto Corse takes 205 horsepower to the track, while the Punto Scorpione packs a 180-hp 1.4-liter four for a 7.5-second sprint to 62 mph, distinguished by matte-on-gloss black finish and a special snowboard in an edition limited to 99 examples.

An additional "by Abarth" package is also on offer for the Fiat 500 TwinAir that offers some of the visual excitement of an all-out Abarth performance model without modification to the 85-hp two-cylinder engine.

Like what you see? Check out all the images in the high-resolution galleries - one above, one below and two more after the jump - along with the plethora of press releases detailing each of these new debuts.

Continue reading Fiat Group bringing bagful of new models to Bologna Motor Show

Fiat Group bringing bagful of new models to Bologna Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 bologna motor show2012 fiat sedici500abarthabarth 595abarth 595 competizioneabarth 595 turismoabarth 695abarth 695 assetto corsebolognabologna 2011bologna motor showbologna motors howfiatfiat 500fiat 500 nationlancialancia ypsilonlancia ypsilon blackredsedicisx4ypsilonMon, 21 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20111401/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/21/fiat-group-bringing-bagful-of-new-models-to-bologna-motor-show/20111401/article-detail.xml 20111401 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/595-competizioneweb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/595-competizioneweb.jpg <![CDATA[Overseas-only Chrysler 300C wagon killed off]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/23/overseas-only-chrysler-300c-wagon-killed-off/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/23/overseas-only-chrysler-300c-wagon-killed-off/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/23/overseas-only-chrysler-300c-wagon-killed-off/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

2007 Chrysler 300C SRT8 Touring

Well, we can all stop hoping for a new Dodge Magnum.

Chrysler-Lancia CEO Saad Chebab told Autocar that there will be no Touring version of the redesigned Chrysler 300 built for Europe, saying that wagon sales in the U.S. are not robust enough to justify development costs for a five-door version of the platform. If Europe isn't getting a Chrysler wagon, we certainly aren't going to see a Dodge version here.

The previous-generation Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 both spawned wagon variants, the Dodge Magnum for the U.S. market and the Chrysler 300 Touring overseas. The Magnum was never a hot seller, though it had its fans - ourselves included - and Autocar says the 300 wagon was popular both in the U.K. and on mainland Europe.

But with Fiat calling the shots now and post-bankruptcy budgets at Chrysler still tight, we're guessing any money that could have been spent putting a new Magnum on the road went elsewhere. Like rebadging the 300 and other Chryslers as Lancias.

Overseas-only Chrysler 300C wagon killed off originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler 300 touringchrysler 300c touringdodgedodge magnumfiatlanciastation wagonwagonSun, 23 Oct 2011 09:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20087611/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/23/overseas-only-chrysler-300c-wagon-killed-off/20087611/article-detail.xml 20087611 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2007-chrysler-300c-srt8-touring-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2007-chrysler-300c-srt8-touring-opt.jpg <![CDATA[How do you say "Chrysler minivan" in Italian? "Lancia Voyager"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/20/how-do-you-say-chrysler-minivan-in-italian-lancia-voyager/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/20/how-do-you-say-chrysler-minivan-in-italian-lancia-voyager/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/20/how-do-you-say-chrysler-minivan-in-italian-lancia-voyager/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Lancia Voyager

The Chrysler-Fiat merger has already spawned some nicely badge-engineered Chryslers for the U.K. market, and now comes payback. The 2012 Lancia Voyager goes on sale in Europe this month, and if it looks like a Chrysler Town & Country Limited, well, that's because it is.

Save for some rather tastefully applied badging identifying the upscale Italian brand - and the removal of the TC's chrome bodyside molding - we're hard pressed to see much difference between the U.S. and Euro versions of the people mover, at least on the surface. Underhood, however, Lancia will be offering a 2.8-liter common rail turbodiesel that's unavailable in the States.

While the diesel is only rated at a meager 163 horsepower, its 265 pound-feet of torque is more than the Pentastar V6 gasoline engine, which is also an option overseas. Fiat says the diesel Voyager is good for 30 miles per gallon in the European combined cycle; the 283-horsepower Pentastar manages just 22 mpg in this application.

This would be the place where we would normally grumble about not getting the diesel version here in the U.S., but we're not going to do that this time. After all, it's just a Chrysler minivan. See the full press release after the break.

Continue reading How do you say "Chrysler minivan" in Italian? "Lancia Voyager"

How do you say "Chrysler minivan" in Italian? "Lancia Voyager" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 lancia voyagerchryslerchrysler-fiat mergerfiatlanciaminivanvoyagerThu, 20 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20086325/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/20/how-do-you-say-chrysler-minivan-in-italian-lancia-voyager/20086325/article-detail.xml 20086325 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lancia-voyager_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lancia-voyager.jpg <![CDATA[Sights and sounds of the old and new Lancia Stratos in San Marino]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/16/sights-and-sounds-of-the-old-and-new-lancia-stratos-in-san-marin/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/16/sights-and-sounds-of-the-old-and-new-lancia-stratos-in-san-marin/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/16/sights-and-sounds-of-the-old-and-new-lancia-stratos-in-san-marin/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

New Lancia Stratos video

There's nothing like Europe's enthusiasm for motorsports. While our nation's lawyers have cornered our high-horsepower endeavors into tri-ovals and road courses, Europeans have no problem setting up a few hay bales and handing over public streets to a slew of vintage rally kings for an exhibition of carbureted glory. Such was the case at the recent 2011 Rally Legend event in San Marino, Italy, where the town's quaint lanes were cleared for a pack of Lancia Stratos HF racers.

The event also enjoyed a very special visitor: the newest interpretation of the epic wedge. A fan took the time to video a few passes by various racers, including the New Stratos, to give us all an idea of what the beast sounds like under a flogging. With 540 horsepower barking through eight very Italian cylinders, the New Stratos sounds like it looks; fantastic. Hit the jump to check out the clips for yourself.

Continue reading Sights and sounds of the old and new Lancia Stratos in San Marino

Sights and sounds of the old and new Lancia Stratos in San Marino originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Oct 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 rally legends2011 rally legends videolancialancia stratos hfnew stratosnew stratos videorally legendsrally legends videostratosstratos hfSun, 16 Oct 2011 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20082139/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/16/sights-and-sounds-of-the-old-and-new-lancia-stratos-in-san-marin/20082139/article-detail.xml 20082139 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/new-lancia-stratos-video-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/new-lancia-stratos-video-628.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler 200 Convertible gets Lancia-fied as the Flavia Cabrio]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/14/lancia-flavia-cabrio-frankfurt-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/14/lancia-flavia-cabrio-frankfurt-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/14/lancia-flavia-cabrio-frankfurt-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lancia Flavia Cabrio

Here in the United States, we're slowly reaping the benefits of the Chrysler-Fiat partnership. The adorable little 500 is starting to find homes across the country and much of the rest of the Chrysler lineup is about to get a healthy dose of Italian injection. Too bad, then, that we aren't exactly returning the favor to our European friends. After all, this new Lancia Flavia Cabriolet is just a Chrysler 200 Convertible with a bit of Italian frosting.

Still, the 200 Convertible is improved over the "I'll take the bus, thanks" Sebring convertible it replaces, and as it is in America, we can see it being a hot commodity among rental car companies throughout Europe. The much-improved 200 sedan will not be joining its topless Flavia kin overseas.

Chrysler 200 Convertible gets Lancia-fied as the Flavia Cabrio originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2002011 frankfurtcabrioletchryslerchrysler 200chrysler 200 convertibleflaviafrankfurtfrankfurt motor showlanciaWed, 14 Sep 2011 10:23:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20042355/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/14/lancia-flavia-cabrio-frankfurt-2011/20042355/article-detail.xml 20042355 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/lancia-flavia-cabrio-frankfurt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/lancia-flavia-cabrio-frankfurt.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler 200 Convertible reborn as Lancia Flavia Cabrio for Frankfurt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/02/chrysler-200-convertible-reborn-as-lancia-flavia-cabrio-for-fran/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/02/chrysler-200-convertible-reborn-as-lancia-flavia-cabrio-for-fran/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/02/chrysler-200-convertible-reborn-as-lancia-flavia-cabrio-for-fran/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

lancia flavia cabrio

"Hello, Europe... are you ready to rock?" "We can't hear you!" "We said... 'Are you READY TO ROCK?!'" Well you're in luck, because it's nearly time to drop your tops and rock out to the all-new Lancia Flavia Cabrio! Ignore your American friends when they try to tell you it's just a Chrysler 200 Convertible wearing Lancia badges, they're all just jealous.

The Lancia Flavia Cabrio is set to make its debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, along with a host of other new Lancia products. The 175-horsepower 2.4-liter I4 and six-speed automatic transmission come standard, and will make sure to push your butt back into its fine, fine (optional) leather. Sure, you can use the whole seat... but you'll only need the edge.

Check out the Lancia Flavia Cabrio in all its high-resolution glory in the gallery. There you'll also get to check out the new Thema, Voyager, Ypsilon and Delta. Rock on!

*Update: engine layout corrected to I4

Continue reading Chrysler 200 Convertible reborn as Lancia Flavia Cabrio for Frankfurt

Chrysler 200 Convertible reborn as Lancia Flavia Cabrio for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>200 convertible2011 frankfurtchryslerchrysler 200 convertibleflaviaflavia cabriofrankfurtfrankfurt motor showlancialancia flavia cabrioFri, 02 Sep 2011 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20033877/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/02/chrysler-200-convertible-reborn-as-lancia-flavia-cabrio-for-fran/20033877/article-detail.xml 20033877 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/lancia-flavia-cabrio-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/lancia-flavia-cabrio-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler 200 sedan staying home, only convertible going to Europe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/29/chrysler-200-sedan-staying-home-only-convertible-going-to-europ/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/29/chrysler-200-sedan-staying-home-only-convertible-going-to-europ/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/29/chrysler-200-sedan-staying-home-only-convertible-going-to-europ/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

chrysler 200 convertible

Fiat is getting ready to stick For Sale signs on the Chrysler 200 in the European market. However, it seems only the 200 Convertible will be making the trip across the pond, where it will wear Lancia Flavia badging.

Why is the sedan stuck stateside? Fiat executives find it too costly to add a diesel option, and feel the 200 sedan won't sell well without an oil-burning powerplant under the hood. The convertible, however, is viewed as an attractive offering (in a manner of speaking) despite the gas-only powerplant.

Good news, American business travelers - you can now rent yourself a droptop Sebring 2.0 while jet-setting in Europe, too.

Chrysler 200 sedan staying home, only convertible going to Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler 200 convertiblefiatlancialancia flavialancia flavia cabrioletMon, 29 Aug 2011 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20029412/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/29/chrysler-200-sedan-staying-home-only-convertible-going-to-europ/20029412/article-detail.xml 20029412 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/chrysler-200-convertible_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/chrysler-200-convertible.jpg <![CDATA[Marchionne creates unified management team to oversee Fiat and Chrysler]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/28/marchionne-creates-unified-management-team-to-oversee-fiat-and-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/28/marchionne-creates-unified-management-team-to-oversee-fiat-and-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/28/marchionne-creates-unified-management-team-to-oversee-fiat-and-c/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Sergio Marchionne

"We have now reached the right moment to step on the accelerator of the Fiat-Chrysler integration," Sergio Marchionne said this week in a statement regarding his appointment of a single management team for both companies. According to Automotive News, four regional chiefs - North America, South America, Europe and Asia - will be in charge of Fiat and Chrysler effective September 1.

Marchionne will retain his position as Chief Operating Officer for North America. Gianni Coda, Fiat's head of purchasing, will now run the operations in Europe, while Cledorvino Belini - formerly the head of Fiat Brazil - will take charge of South America. Michael Manley, head of Jeep, will oversee up Asia.

The newly formed Group Executive Council (GEC) is the highest decision-making executive body within the company, outside of its Board of Directors. In addition to the four regional COOs, each individual brand will have its own head, consisting of Olivier Francois (Fiat), Lorenzo Sistino (commercial vehicles), Harald Wester (Alfa Romeo/Abarth/Maserati), Saad Chehab (Lancia/Chrysler), Michael Manley (Jeep) and Reid Bigland (Dodge).

Marchionne creates unified management team to oversee Fiat and Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abarthalfa romeochryslerdodgefiatharald westerjeeplanciamarchionnemaseratimichael manleyolivier francoissergio marchionneThu, 28 Jul 2011 16:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20003713/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/28/marchionne-creates-unified-management-team-to-oversee-fiat-and-c/20003713/article-detail.xml 20003713 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/marchionne-lean-hand-gesture_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/marchionne-lean-hand-gesture.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari standing in the way of Lancia Stratos revival's production?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/12/ferrari-standing-in-the-way-of-lancia-stratos-revivals-producti/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/12/ferrari-standing-in-the-way-of-lancia-stratos-revivals-producti/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/12/ferrari-standing-in-the-way-of-lancia-stratos-revivals-producti/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

New Stratos by Pininfarina
New Lancia Stratos - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ferrari is not exactly a company we'd categorize as territorial. Competitive, sure. But territorial? Hardly. Not when you the upper end of sister-company Maserati's GranTurismo range starts nudging into the Ferrari California's market, and not when the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione attracted Maranello's customers, too. But the New Stratos project seems to be a different story.

Like the original, the revived Lancia supercar relies on Ferrari mechanicals. And, as its creators point out, Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo only had good things to say about the outcome. But saying nice things and backing it up with support are two different matters entirely. All the more so for specifically getting in the way.

According to the project's website, they've reached a bit of an impasse as Ferrari is not allowing its suppliers - namely Pininfarina, which put the New Stratos together - to take the car from the one-off it currently is to a limited production prospect. This despite the more than 40 preliminary orders its backers have received from prospective buyers.

As a result, the people behind the New Stratos are looking into other avenues for production. But while there are lots of coachbuilders out there that could probably do a very nice job at it, we have to wonder which of them would be willing to raise the ire of the Prancing Horse should they go against its influential management's dictates.

Ferrari standing in the way of Lancia Stratos revival's production? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ferrarilancialancia new stratoslancia stratosnew lancia stratosnew stratosstratosTue, 12 Jul 2011 14:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19989342/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/12/ferrari-standing-in-the-way-of-lancia-stratos-revivals-producti/19989342/article-detail.xml 19989342 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/stratos_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/stratos.jpg <![CDATA[New Stratos gets rallied, needs more dirt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/24/new-stratos-gets-rallied-needs-more-dirt/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/24/new-stratos-gets-rallied-needs-more-dirt/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/24/new-stratos-gets-rallied-needs-more-dirt/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

New Stratos
Lancia Stratos at the Sachsenrallye in Germany - Click above to watch video after the jump

When we first got word that someone was taking the time to resurrect the legendary Lancia Stratos, our minds immediately leapt to visions of the lethal little wedge meticulously dissecting the meandering ribbons of a rally stage. Apparently, that was exactly what was on Michael Stoschek's mind when he had the newest Stratos interpretation commissioned.

Stoschek recently entered his reimagined Lancia in the 2011 Sachsenrallye in Zwickau, Germany, and spent the better part of the competition caning his creation around the course. What exactly does a 532-horsepower, Ferrari-sourced 4.3-liter V8 sound like when spun in anger? Like the wailing of the gods.

We dig the fact that Stoschek is putting his darling child to work in the best way possible. At, 2,750 pounds, the Stratos looks to be a rocket on all accounts, and watching the machine careen through public streets flips all the right switches. But we aren't easily satisfied. We won't have a canary-eating grin on our lips until we see this thing tearing it up on a gravel stage. Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself.

Continue reading New Stratos gets rallied, needs more dirt

New Stratos gets rallied, needs more dirt originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>germanylancialancia stratosMichael StoscheksachsenrallyestratosFri, 24 Jun 2011 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19976033/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/24/new-stratos-gets-rallied-needs-more-dirt/19976033/article-detail.xml 19976033 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/stratosvid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/stratosvid.jpg <![CDATA[New Stratos takes to the track, teaches history lesson]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/09/new-stratos-takes-to-the-track-teaches-history-lesson/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/09/new-stratos-takes-to-the-track-teaches-history-lesson/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/09/new-stratos-takes-to-the-track-teaches-history-lesson/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2011 Lancia Stratos
New Lancia Stratos becomes a part of history - Click above to watch the video

The new Ferrari F430 Scuderia-based Lancia Stratos has been the darling of the interwebs since it was first teased in 2009. Over the last two years, it's made it from a simple sketch to a very real, very fast, very rare tribute to a true motorsports legend.

To give the car the introduction it deserves, its builders have combined footage of the original Stratos tearing its way through Europe's rally passes with film of the new car doing its thing on a modern race track. The effect is a hoontastic history lesson and tribute to both cars.

Unfortunately for us, the video is entirely in German, but the footage is cool enough to bridge any language barrier. The full 13-minute video resides after the jump. Continue reading.

Continue reading New Stratos takes to the track, teaches history lesson

New Stratos takes to the track, teaches history lesson originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 May 2011 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 lancia stratoslanciastratosvideoMon, 09 May 2011 12:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19934781/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/09/new-stratos-takes-to-the-track-teaches-history-lesson/19934781/article-detail.xml 19934781 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/lancia-stratos-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/lancia-stratos-lead.jpg -1 2