Lancia started delivering the first examples of its MultiAir-powered Delta model to European clients last month, which is good news for Chrysler fans: that car is slated to come to the US next year, as the Chrysler Delta.
What can we expect from (what is sure to be) Chrysler’s most fuel-efficient offering for 2011? Find out, after the break.
Fiat’s MultAir engine is technologically marvelous enough to have been named “Best New Engine of the Year” by a panel of 65 specialist journalists from 32 countries, with at least one journalist suggesting that Fiat could “start printing money” by licensing the idea to other car-makers. The 1.4 L version of the MultiAir employed by the new Delta seems to live up to the (considerable) hype, delivering a relatively peppy 140 hp and 40+ mpg performance (5.7 L/100 km), along with the dynamic qualities which have earned Deltas past a dedicated cult following among car enthusiasts. Combined with the MultiAir’s stop-start technology, fuel efficiency in stop-and-go traffic should rival the best diesel and mild-hybrid options currently available to US buyers …
… which means: if Chrysler dealers can hang on long enough, they’ll have a stylish, comfortable, and thoroughly modern offering to compete with the Prius and Fusion hybrids being sold across town.
The only thing potentially standing in the way of the new Delta’s success in the US will be the styling of Chrysler’s version. According to AllPar (a forum full of hardcore Chrysler fanatics) the best-case scenario is the “light-touch Americanization” shown here:
In the worst case, AllPar’s experienced photo’choppers envision a very pedestrian sedan version, as seen here:
Safe, conventional, and boring. Not exactly a recipe for thrills, but no worse than a Camry or Accord… and they won’t drive like the Delta (unless Chrysler screws that up, too, somehow).
Here’s hoping, then, that the MultiAir Delta gets here with its soul intact. If it does, I’ll be first in line. Really.
PHOTO SOURCE: Fiat Group S.p.A., AllPar.
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About Jo Borras
I hope they keep the 5 door version and I like the european version in black/white above more than the americanized chromed up version because the americanized one has too many body contours added for no reason. Chrome is ok in some amounts but the body lines added on the hood, bumper and wheel arches looks gaudy and awkward. It looks a bit like the Nissan murano, bu I hope it sits lower than the Murano, because that thing is too high, it drives like a truck.
I hope they keep the 5 door version and I like the european version in black/white above more than the americanized chromed up version because the americanized one has too many body contours added for no reason. Chrome is ok in some amounts but the body lines added on the hood, bumper and wheel arches looks gaudy and awkward. It looks a bit like the Nissan murano, bu I hope it sits lower than the Murano, because that thing is too high, it drives like a truck.
Only if they can keep the price under $30,000 USD. If it turns out to cost $50,000 or so, Chrysler is screwed.
Only if they can keep the price under $30,000 USD. If it turns out to cost $50,000 or so, Chrysler is screwed.
At 30K for the multi-air, I think Chrysler would be in the ballpark. At 50K, with something above 250hp, AWD, paddle-shifters, seriously long-travel suspension, and a galloping elephant somewhere in the grille, you’d have a hard time chasing away ready buyers.
At 30K for the multi-air, I think Chrysler would be in the ballpark. At 50K, with something above 250hp, AWD, paddle-shifters, seriously long-travel suspension, and a galloping elephant somewhere in the grille, you’d have a hard time chasing away ready buyers.