Looks like some leaks have made their way regarding the future product line up for Chrysler/Fiat. If the 200C resembles the photo above then we as consumers are in for a real treat.(that is one beautiful car) Fiat seems to planning an all out assault in just about every segment of the market. Their main opponent is time but Marchionne seems up to the challenge!

From AutoGuide.com:

The folks at AllPar seem to have gotten hold of a list of production dates for all Chrysler products this year, including everything from a revised Chrysler 300 to the Fiat 500. The AllPar team is also claiming to have some pretty big news on future Chrysler engines, including the elimination of the HEMI 6.1-liter V8 (in favor of a 6.4) and new versions of the Pentastar V6. Plus, the 200C (pictured above) has also reportedly been approved for production – but with a gasoline engine.

The first model set to hit production is the Viper, followed by the Ram Chassis Cab models and then the 2011 Grand Cherokee in May. In November, production for a significantly revised Avenger and renamed Sebring will begin, as well as new Dodge/Chrysler minivans and full-sized models (Charger, Challenger, 300) followed in December by the North American production of the Fiat 500.

Read the full article here.

If Fiat plans to bring the Punto Abarth 500C to the states, get ready for some real fun in the small car segment. We can only hope Sergio includes this little beast as part of his North American plan for Fiat/Chrysler.

From AutoGuide.com:

Fiat’s performance-minded Abarth brand will unveil two new models, based off of Fiat products that were introduced last year. Up first is the Abarth 500C, an upgraded version of the Fiat 500C (the C, standing for convertible). The car isn’t technically a convertible, but rather features a retractable cloth top and retains the roof rails. Power comes from Fiat’s turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder with 140-hp, allowing for a 0-62 mph time of 7.9 seconds. Also included are upgraded wheels, brakes, a new suspension setup, aero kit and stylish two-tone paint scheme. There’s no official word, but we’re likely to see this model join Fiat’s lineup in North America in the next several years – after the standard 500 and 500C are introduced.

Read the full article here.

With all the talk about the lack of product for Chrysler and Dodge, the Detroit Free Press takes a harder look and some feel there is a lot more in the works than most give credit. In the next 12 to 18 months, look for a totally new experience when you enter a Chrysler/Dodge/Fiat showroom. The Chrysler comeback might be closer to reality than most of us could have imagined.

We feel the barometer will be how well the Fiat 500 performs when hitting the showroom floors later this year!

We all know Chrysler won’t reap the benefits of its alliance with Fiat until 2012, but that doesn’t mean the cupboard is bare. To the contrary.

This year, Chrysler plans to introduce three new vehicles that are acknowledged leaders in their segments and one new model that gets it into a growing and potentially lucrative new market.

The first Fiat model, the 500, will also arrive, giving Chrysler dealers a sophisticated and chic little car that’s smaller and considerably less expensive than the Mini Cooper.

Read the full article here.

The folks at Chrysler/Fiat have to be excited about the news that the Fiat 500 will go into production in Mexico this December! This little machine is an eye grabber and can’t come soon enough for the dealerships that will well it as a Fiat 500. The competition with the Ford Fiesta and Chevy Cruze should make for some good sport. I hear some of the salespeople at Chrysler dealerships are already comparing Marchionne to the legendary Lee Iacocca! Time will tell but hey, nothing like setting the bar high!

From AutoNews.com:

TOLUCA, Mexico (Reuters) — Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said Chrysler will invest $550 million in Mexico to begin production of the compact Fiat 500 model car.

The investment will retool a production site developed by Chrysler, which emerged from bankruptcy in June under the management control of Fiat. The investment will allow the plant outside Mexico City to begin production by December, said Marchionne, who also heads Fiat.

Read full article here.

We are very interested to check out the new offering from Fiat/Chrysler with a Lancia badge. If it’s anything like the Delta that would be a great first step in introducing the new brand to potential U.S. customers.

From AutoGuide.com:

Contrary to previous reports that Chrysler will not present any new models at the Detroit Auto Show in just a few weeks, there is now word that the struggling U.S. automaker will show a new car based on a Lancia platform. The Lancia badge is a sub-brand under Fiat, which now runs Chrysler.

There is no word on what sort of a vehicle it will be, but Fiat is eager to help Chrysler where it needs help most – in the small and mid-size car market. This new model would be the first idea of how Fiat intends to integrate its European designs into the North American marketplace.

Read the full article here.

Oh Boy! Folks are getting uptight that Chrysler has hired an Italian Ad Agency (Armando Testa) for their latest 300 TV ad. Some are just plain ripping the socially conscious ad and some are just upset that they went overseas to hire an agency. If this is so horrible then start ripping all of the D-3 for buying parts overseas. If the parts are of good quality and the right price you don’t hear much complaining. If the ads turn out to be effective and the agency costs are reasonable the complaining will subside as well. If not…..look out!!

From the Detroit Free Press:

“If they’re so hell-bent on taking on social causes,” said Peter De Lorenzo, creator of AutoExtremist.com, “Why don’t they take the money and make a contribution to the food banks in and around this region instead?”

Last month, Chrysler’s former advertising agency, BBDO, announced it would close its Troy and Windsor offices early next year, leaving about 500 people out of work.

To read the entire article, click here.

Even though the new product is still 12 months away you can feel something different already with Chrysler.

The new ads you see on T.V. for the Ram trucks, the optimism from Marchionne and the hope for survival! Can they pull this thing off? Don’t know the answer to that question but Marchionne appears geared up to give it one heck of a try.

From the Detroit News:

Chrysler Group LLC survived bankruptcy but the success of its strategy now hinges on convincing consumers to buy its cars and trucks in the critical next 12 months.

That’s a significant hurdle given that most upgrades to Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models are a year away.

Still, the Auburn Hills automaker is lucky to be in business a year after seeking a government bailout and being pushed into Chapter 11 bankruptcy by the Obama administration. It has a new name, a new partnership with Italy’s Fiat SpA, new management and a new way of developing, manufacturing and selling vehicles that top executives say will help restore profits by 2011.

Read the rest of the article here.