Fiat CEO Sergio

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne may have succeeded in signing a deal with the Italian worker unions, yet decreasing demand in the struggling European market may still force him to take extreme measures.
And while Marchionne does not expect the situation in Europe to improve “at least until 2014", on the other side of the pond, he said that Chrysler's plants are already at full capacity, necessitating imports from the group’s factories in Canada, Mexico or Europe to satisfy a third of U.S. demand.
Therefore, as he told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, it’s a perfect opportunity for Fiat’s Italian plants to increase their production and make up for the drop in local demand by exporting models to the States.
On the other hand, failure to do so will have dire consequences: “All the plants will remain were they are”, Marchionne said. “But if exporting to the U.S. were not to happen, we would have to withdraw from two of the five operating sites.”
Even though he did not name which sites he had in mind, Automotive News Europe reported that according to sources, the facilities most likely to be axed are the Mirafiori plant in Turin and the Cassino in Central Italy.
Mirafiori has an annual capacity of 200,000 units. It is currently manufacturing the Fiat Punto, Alfa Romeo MiTo and Lancia Musa, and according to the group’s plan, it will also build a new compact Jeep SUV that will be available in Europe, the U.S. and other markets.
The Cassino plant, which has a capacity of 300,000 units a year, manufactures the Fiat Bravo, Alfa Giulietta and Lancia Delta C-segment models. Since the next-gen Giulietta will be exported to the U.S., Cassino needs to produce more vehicles in order to increase its chances of survival.
In the end, it all comes down to productivity as Marchionne is confident that the new agreement with the unions will enable Fiat’s Italian operations to succeed in their mission to export to the U.S.

Chrysler Review is a Concept Study for a Plush GT Coupe

Lawrence Tech student Colin Bonathan is a name some of our regular readers might remember. The young designer was responsible for the exterior styling of the Ford Motor Company-endorsed 2025 Lincoln Continental concept displayed as a quarter-scale model at this year's edition of the Detroit Motor Show.
We recently revisited his portfolio and discovered a new design project that he has been working on. This time, Bonathan dreamed up a styling proposal for a Chrysler-branded luxury GT coupe named Review.
We don’t know if what we see in these computer generated images is the final design or if Bonathan is still contemplating on the details, but the styling is impressive in an elegant way.
However, we can't help but notice that the design of the Chrysler Review's front end reminds us of the "GT by Citroën" supercar, which itself inspired the styling of many other concepts for the French firm such as the Metropolis saloon and the Survolt Coupe.
Take a look at the rest of the pictures after the break and tell us what you think about the Chrysler Review Coupe in the comments section.
Photo Credits: Colin Bonathan

PHOTO GALLERY

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept

Chrysler's concept for 2008 - the ecoVoyager - marries an elegant American design with fuel cell Range-extended Electric Vehicle technology.

Featuring crisscrossing forms defined by hard lines with fluid intersections, the style vocabulary of the ecoVoyager embodies Chrysler's harmonisation of functional technology with beautifully-styled exteriors and interiors.
The Chrysler ecoVoyager concept was developed for customers wanting a travel experience on par with a private jet, but without a lot of fancy gadgetry. These customers seek three critical attributes: elegance, simplicity and serenity.

The Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept Technology
The all-new Chrysler ecoVoyager's wheels are driven by an electric motor, with power primarily supplied by a lithium-ion battery pack capable of satisfying a consumer's typical daily commute of less than 40 miles.
The electric motor develops 200 kilowatts (268 horsepower), enabling acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in less than eight seconds. A regenerative braking system captures energy that would normally be lost and returns it to the battery, making the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept a very efficient and spacious vehicle.

The ecoVoyager takes advantage of a range extender - in this case, a small, advanced hydrogen fuel cell -- to extend the vehicle range for occasional long trips. With this advanced technology, the Chrysler ecoVoyager's total range is greater than 300 miles, while no emissions - besides water vapour -- come from the tailpipe along the way.
With the entire propulsion system located below the ecoVoyager's floor, space is maximized for utility of passenger and cargo.

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept Exterior
Expressive details of the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept include panoramic roof glass bisected by a centre spine, tight body overhangs and a dramatic boat-tail back end. The sinuous shapes of the window graphics, headlamps, tail lamps and grille openings are inspired by Chrysler's storied winged badge.
The curving trapezoidal shape of the ecoVoyager's grille is echoed by the clear lens-covered shadow box that houses the rear license plate. The sloping backlight features a similar shape, emphasizing the repeating harmony of the ecoVoyager's design elements.

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept Interior
By placing the front wheels of the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept farther forward than usual, designers were able to create greater interior roominess and increased legroom, especially in the rear seats.
In the ecoVoyager's spacious interior, the size, design and location of all controls have been rethought to provide its four pampered passengers the luxury of having every feature within effortless reach.

The Chrysler ecoVoyager's unconventional instrument panel features a broad, leather-covered angled surface, slightly V-shaped in plan view and fronted by a full-width display screen set just below the windshield. The left and right outer ends of this non-glare screen contain the side-view mirror image, while a third camera image in front of the driver serves as the rear-view mirror.


Unlike most instrument clusters, only currently-needed information is displayed, designed to be viewed above the steering wheel rim rather than through it (and requiring less up-down eye movement and refocusing). The front-seat passenger can view a movie without its moving images disturbing the driver. A slick, slide-out/retractable centre console - fitted with hot-key buttons and a mouse pad - replaces the functions contained in a conventional vertical centre stack.

The ecoVoyager's four individual chairs are contoured for personalised comfort. The seat framing is exposed, with under-seat storage drawers. Front seats have individual cantilevered, adjustable armrests containing the window controls and heat/massage switches, while individual rear-seat armrests fold into the cabin back panel. With the ability to store six 20-ounce bottles, the floor console dividing the rear seats accommodates hot or cold beverages.

Sleek, refined, efficient and superbly comfortable, the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept vehicle offers a new experience in stress-free travel.

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept Specifications
Vehicle Type: Range-extended Electric Vehicle (40-mile all-electric range with hydrogen fuel cell range extender), Two-row seating, four-passenger

Weight and Dimensions
* Weight/GVWR: 2750 lbs./3500 lbs.
* Length: 191.2 inches/4856mm
* Width at H-point: 75.4 inches/1915mm
* Height: 63.0 inches/1600mm
* Wheelbase: 116.0 inches/2946mm
* Couple 1-2: 45.4 inches/1154mm
* Front overhang: 34.0 inches/864mm
* Rear overhang: 41.2 inhces/1046mm
* Track front/rear: 65.6 inches/1666mm
* Approach angle: 15.0 degrees
* Departure angle: 20.9 degrees
* Turn circle: 40 feet/12.2m
* Maximum width: 75.4 inches/1915mm

Powertrain and Suspension
* Layout : Front wheel drive
* Motor: Single electric
* Power: 200 kW (268 hp)
* Regenerative braking
* Battery: 16 kWh Li-ion battery pack
* Range extender: Hydrogen fuel cell, PEM 45kW, 700bar (10,000psi) high pressure tanks
* Suspension
o Front - MacPherson Strut
o Rear - MacPherson Strut
Wheels and Tyres
* Tyre size front/rear: P235/45R22x8 30.3 inches/770mm
* Tyre manufacturer: Goodyear

Colour Scheme
* Exterior: Polar Ice Blue
* Interior: Dove Gray

Key Performance Attributes
* 0-60 mph: 8.8 seconds
* Standing ¼ mile: 12.9 seconds
* Top speed: 115 mph
* All-electric range: 40 miles
* Total range: 300 miles

Chrysler Pronto Cruizer Concept

Chrysler Pronto Cruizer Concept

The Pronto Cruizer had a 1.6 L I4 engine with a five-speed manual transmission borrowed from the second generation Dodge Neon. The design was also derived from the Neon, but with elements borrowed from another Daimler Chrysler concept car, the Plymouth Pronto. The Pronto Cruizer had a grille and fenders that rivaled the one used on the unique Plymouth Prowler. A roll-back fabric top was used on the Pronto Cruizer as well.

The scale model reproductions
The Pronto Cruizer was recreated as a scale model by Maisto after its rise of popularity. It was reproduced first as a 1:18 scale model with the basic Aztec Yellow paint job. Later, another scale model of the Pronto Cruizer was released by Maisto, this time having a theme from Marvel's Incredible Hulk.

Chrysler 300C Touring SRT UK Version, 2008

Chrysler 300C Touring SRT UK Version, 2008

The Chrysler 300C Touring is simply the most striking estate car on the road today. For 2008 Chrysler will make the 300C stand out even more - with a revised exterior and an updated interior across the range. Chrysler will also launch an entirely new Touring model in the UK - the diesel-powered 'SRT-Design'.

The exterior of the Chrysler 300C has been refreshed for 2008 with changes to the rear fascia and rear light clusters. The interior design has been enhanced with a new instrument panel and centre console design, highlighted with satin silver bezels. Soft touch surfaces on arm rests and door panels add to the comfortable interior while the new dark interior colour adds to the sophisticated feel. A new ignition key with one-touch start-up, a fully adjustable steering wheel as well as LED lighting in the front cup holders and front and rear door pockets all provide additional driver convenience.

In addition, seat-mounted air bags have been added to the front and side-curtain air bags to the rear for increased driver and passenger safety.

The MyGIG infotainment system is a new option that offers owners the very latest integrated onboard systems. There's MP3 player compatibility, a touch screen controlled navigation system featuring outstandingly clear graphical maps as well as the ability to store up to approximately 1600 songs on an integrated 20GB hard drive. The UConnect Hands-free Communication System uses Bluetooth technology to provide voice-activated wireless communication.

The Chrysler 300C Touring SRT-Design model includes all of these refinements and adds many of the visual enhancements that make the high-performance SRT-8 such a crowd pleaser. The SRT-Design is available as a Saloon or a Touring and features the economical 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine. SRT-Design features include SRT 20- inch alloy wheels, wheel arch spats and SRT-8 body kit as well as a chrome mesh grille. Inside, the SRT-Design gets MyGIG satellite navigation as standard as well as an SRT-8 steering wheel, SRT-8 leather sports seats and carbon fibre interior details.

Standard features on the Chrysler 300C Touring include Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and an all-speed Traction Control System, front and rear side-curtain air bags, Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, rain-sensing windscreen wipers and a rear park assist system. A leather interior, air-conditioning and heated driver and front passenger seats also come as standard on all vehicles in the range.

The 2008 Chrysler 300C Touring comes with a 3.0-litre V-6 engine that produces 215 bhp at 3800 rpm and 376 lb.-ft. of torque at 1600 rpm.