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Chrysler to build new sedan in U.S. based on Fiat C-Evo platform

 
12 9,294 views May 8, 2009

alfa romeo 149 rendering 001

Chrysler has confirmed it will launch a sedan based on Fiat’s C-Evo platform, which will underpin the new Alfa Romeo 149 (Milano)

Chrysler has confirmed it will launch a sedan based on Fiat’s C-Evo platform, which will underpin the new Alfa Romeo 149 (Milano)

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The alliance between Fiat and Chrysler still has just been finalized and with the government’s deadline for restructuring falling at the end of this month dealers understandably are nervous. Add a looming bankruptcy to the mix and stress levels for most dealers will likely be going through the roof.

To settle tensions a little and offer some hope, Chrysler recently showed off several of its planned models at a special dealer presentation. Among the new models was the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan, as well as a compact sports sedan based on Fiat’s C-Evo platform.

On hand at the event was Chrysler’s design chief Ralph Gilles who confirmed that the Chrysler version would use the Fiat chassis but will have unique exterior sheet metal. The C-Evo platform, incidentally, underpins the popular Fiat Bravo and it will also be used for the upcoming Alfa Romeo 149 (Milano).

The information, which was first reported by Bloomberg, was acquired from a court filing issued by Chrysler. It revealed that the new sedan will be built in the U.S. but didn’t state which plant or under which brand the car will be sold. A previous bankruptcy filing also revealed that Chrysler’s agreement with Fiat includes four platforms and two engine and transmission combinations.

Chrysler doesn’t have a compact sedan in its lineup at the moment and has lacked one ever since the Dodge Neon was discontinued back in 2006. With consumers in the U.S. continuing to downsize to smaller vehicles, even with fuel prices back at the $2 per gallon mark, Chrysler needs to fill the gaping void in its lineup.

Chrysler, in its original viability plan submitted to the U.S. Treasury back in February, showed that it could expand its lineup for very little cost by borrowing several future Fiat models. The alliance will possibly see up to seven new Fiat and Alfa Romeo models sold in the U.S., including some that will be produced in North America for the first time.
2010 Alfa Romeo 149 rendering
Chrysler and Fiat viabilty plan
Alfa Romeo Milano spy shots

HI-RES GALLERY: alfa romeo 149 rendering 001

HI-RES GALLERY: chrysler fiat swap 001

HI-RES GALLERY: 2010 alfa romeo milano spy shots 004




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Comments (12)

  1. ma_mitzo avatar mitzo Posted: 4/27/2009 7:11pm PDT

    They had me up to "Chrysler sheet metal." What a shame.
     
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  2. ma_hmph avatar hmph Posted: 4/28/2009 12:23am PDT

    Ummm, on that slide, the MiTo is described as a minivan, and is illustrated with a 149 picture?? Either this is illegitimate, or it's no wonder that Chrysler are falling apart - they would be if this is the way their research team always acts...
     
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  3. ma_54chevyman avatar 54chevyman Posted: 4/28/2009 6:22am PDT

    Smooth and advanced. USA leaps forward!
     
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  4. ma_area75 avatar area75 Posted: 5/2/2009 6:43pm PDT

    Chrysler-Fiat Sedan by area75

    http://www.area75.com.ar/blog/2009/05/02/chrysler-sedan-20102011-plataforma-fiat-c-evo/

    Jorge L. Fernández
    www.area75.com.ar
     
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  5. ma_mitzo avatar mitzo Posted: 5/8/2009 8:31am PDT

    The car in Jorge's link actually looks pretty good. Why no hatch?
     
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  6. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 5/8/2009 10:57am PDT

    They had me up to "Chrysler sheet metal." What a shame.

    Actually the design of the new Ram was a step forward and according to people who have seen then in person the next 300 and Charger are gorgeous with great interiors.
     
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  7. ma_gazzed avatar gazzed Posted: 5/8/2009 4:48pm PDT

    They should rethink and maybe revive Dodge Hornet Concept which could go against Nissan Cube and Kia Soul... also include 200 EV which looks better than 300C.
     
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  8. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 5/8/2009 6:25pm PDT

    They should rethink and maybe revive Dodge Hornet Concept which could go against Nissan Cube and Kia Soul... also include 200 EV which looks better than 300C.

    They were going to build it when Nissan was supposed to build them a small car, no idea where that is going now.
     
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  9. ma_54chevyman avatar 54chevyman Posted: 5/9/2009 10:50am PDT

    Bring it over give it to my dad to drive for 6 months what ever breaks upgrade it and sell it! Nice!
     
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  10. ma_NaBUru38 avatar NaBUru38 Posted: 5/9/2009 6:46pm PDT

    MotAuth folks, unless you have a Schulte exclusivity deal, I seriously suggest you to look at Area75's designs and consider to ask him for the ones you may need.
     
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  11. ma_Mike avatar Mike Posted: 5/10/2009 1:38am PDT

    Heard a great one the other day; New Fiat-Chrysler slogan "Fiat-Chrysler, it's supposed to make that noise."
     
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  12. By montay Posted: 11/19/2009 6:29pm PST

    here lets try this i still believe the imperial should have been the update for the 300c and the phaeton with a modified front fascia of the 200c could have been the imperial........
     
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