2010 Chrysler 300C SRT8
Chrysler’s newly formed ties with Fiat may soon see the Italian auto giant building two new bespoke sedans on the rear-wheel drive Chrysler 300 LX platform. The news follows a recent report claiming Fiat’s acquisition of a former Bertone plant in Italy was in preparation to build several new models based on current Chrysler platforms.
Last week Fiat powertrain chief Alfredo Altavilla told the company's unions that the vehicles will be based on Chrysler's large-car platform and will use the company’s recently revealed Pentastar V-6 engine.
According to latest reports, Fiat will build up to 50,000 units of two new large rear-wheel drive sedans: one a Lancia and the other likely to be a Maserati. Production will start at the former Bertone plant, which has been renamed Officine Automobilistiche Grugliasco (OAG), in late 2011.
The Lancia model is likely to be a new flagship sedan to replace the brand’s Thesis sedan in 2011, while the Maserati is likely to be a new entry-level model smaller than the Quattroporte and due in 2012.
Fiat is scheduled to make an announcement concerning the new models in during its five year plan announcement on November 4.
[Automotive News, sub req'd]
