Chrysler was in dire straits earlier this year, and while bankruptcy is now behind the Pentastar, the battle that looms ahead will prove if Chrysler can truly remain a viable company. Chrysler’s hope rests with Fiat, the Italian car comglomerate who took a 30% stake in Chrysler as part of the bankruptcy proceedings. While we’ve heard much and seen little thus far in regards to the future Chrysler lineup, the Detroit International Auto Show should give some hint as to the direction of Chrysler/Fiat.
One such car sure to make a big impression (in a small way) is the universally hailed Fiat 500 subcompact. Supposedly, Fiat will have an electric version of the 500 on display in Detroit next month.
This is about all Chrysler/Fiat will have to show off at Detroit, and are even foregoing holding a press conference. I guess an electric 500 will have to speak for itself. Car reviewers across the Atlantic have hailed the 500 as an excellent, compact commuter car. The 500 will be the only Fiat on sale in North America when it reaches our shores in 2011. Fiat plans to bring four versions of the 500 to America, including a coupe, convertible, wagon, and the Abarth sport hatchback.
The 500 is 33 inches longer than the SmartCar, seats four people, and will be built in Mexico. Chrysler will have all four versions of the 500 at Detroit, including the 175 horsepower sporty Abarth version. The other 500′s will get by on the 100 horsepower 1.5 liter FIRE engine. The 500 will also reportedly get the 2-cylinder, 0.9 liter turbocharged engine for 2010 over in Europe that makes between 80 and 105 horsepower.
Does an electric Fiat 500 stand a chance? Chrysler canceled its short-lived ENVI program after just a few months, and made more realistic projections about how much of its fleet will be electrified in the new few years. Are they serious about an electric 500 now, or still putting on a show for their Washington overlords?
Source: Autoweek | Image: Fiat
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About Christopher DeMorro
All yea!!
This car will really save chrysler. Yea Dont build that that awesome SUV called the Aspen. It was one nice SUV. This little firecracker is simply AWESOME!!!Maybe they will park it next to a Viper or a Challenger. Get real!!
All yea!!
This car will really save chrysler. Yea Dont build that that awesome SUV called the Aspen. It was one nice SUV. This little firecracker is simply AWESOME!!!Maybe they will park it next to a Viper or a Challenger. Get real!!
Made in Mexico?WTF!
Made in Mexico?WTF!
So let me get this straight: U.S. taxpayers pumped over $7 billion into Chrysler so it can bring us Mexican-built Fiats?
Sad.
So let me get this straight: U.S. taxpayers pumped over $7 billion into Chrysler so it can bring us Mexican-built Fiats?
Sad.
nice car, i sure would by it.
nice car, i sure would by it.
No Robin, US tax payers paid $7 billion and now, for a start, a chrysler factory in mexico, is not going to sit idle or shut down, but actually produce a product which might generate some prfits.
No Robin, US tax payers paid $7 billion and now, for a start, a chrysler factory in mexico, is not going to sit idle or shut down, but actually produce a product which might generate some prfits.
Anyone here wear blue jeans? Guess where the majority of those are made… “Hecho en Mexico…”
Your’re probably typing on a PC where the majority of the components are made in China…
You’re also probably using electricity that was produced by BC Hydro, Hydro One Ontario or Hydro Quebec in Canada…
!Get over it!
Anyone here wear blue jeans? Guess where the majority of those are made… “Hecho en Mexico…”
Your’re probably typing on a PC where the majority of the components are made in China…
You’re also probably using electricity that was produced by BC Hydro, Hydro One Ontario or Hydro Quebec in Canada…
!Get over it!
The Aspen was a dog and yes, this is a hot firecracker!
Chrysler will put the plant back into operation that has previously built the PT Crusiers. They are building the engines for this car in Detroit. The people who say that keeping Chrysler alive probably are buying Chinese made products at Walmart!
Yes, the 500 will be parked alongside the older Chrysler products. Hey, if you want Chrysler to still survive you should applaud Fiat’s efforts to keep them going. They would have already closed up shop.
I for one, and very excited about the new 500 and will buy one as soon as I can. Sporty, safe, and fuel efficient!
The Aspen was a dog and yes, this is a hot firecracker!
Chrysler will put the plant back into operation that has previously built the PT Crusiers. They are building the engines for this car in Detroit. The people who say that keeping Chrysler alive probably are buying Chinese made products at Walmart!
Yes, the 500 will be parked alongside the older Chrysler products. Hey, if you want Chrysler to still survive you should applaud Fiat’s efforts to keep them going. They would have already closed up shop.
I for one, and very excited about the new 500 and will buy one as soon as I can. Sporty, safe, and fuel efficient!
I would buy a diesel in a heartbeat. No chance anyone will sell me an electric or a hybrid in the foreseeable future.
I would buy a diesel in a heartbeat. No chance anyone will sell me an electric or a hybrid in the foreseeable future.
This is so exciting I wish I could check it out!
Absolutely loving the new cars coming out from Fiat this year…and now this!
This is so exciting I wish I could check it out!
Absolutely loving the new cars coming out from Fiat this year…and now this!
I’d buy one today! give me a fuel efficient 4 seater convertible that drives like a go cart!!! i miss my old MG Midget from my college days…this car has great iphone capabilities too…ship it now Chrysler…get rid of all that gas hog junk
I’d buy one today! give me a fuel efficient 4 seater convertible that drives like a go cart!!! i miss my old MG Midget from my college days…this car has great iphone capabilities too…ship it now Chrysler…get rid of all that gas hog junk