Lancia auto news

Report: Rebadged Dodge, Chrysler model sales a mixed bag in Europe

Fiat, in an attempt to make its purchase of Chrysler more profitable, has been marketing rebadged Dodge and Chrysler models in Europe with mixed results.

Europeans apparently love the Fiat Freemont, known as a Dodge Journey here in the States. Fiat sold almost 6,500 of the crossovers over there in the first quarter and hopes to move 30,000 by year's end. Sales were helped by Fiat's large European dealer network as well as an MSRP lower than the model it replaced. Since the Journey is built in Mexico, it can be imported into Europe tariff-free, which helps keep the sticker price lower.

On the other hand, sales of the Lancia Thema (Chrysler 300) and Lancia Voyager (Dodge Grand Caravan) are not doing so well due to several factors. One is the limited reach of the Lancia brand outside Italy. Then there's the 10 percent import tariff since they're both built in Canada, a yearly 500 euro luxury tax (about $630 USD) on the Thema, and a limited advertising budget for the two cars.

Only 1,342 Voyagers were sold in Europe in the first quarter of this year, which means the 11,000 unit goal for the year will probably be missed. Lancia sold only 480 Themas during the same period, well short of the 2,500 Fiat had hoped to sell.

Report: New Stratos DOA, neo Alpine possible?

Stick a fork in it. The New Stratos is done. Reports kicking around the web have confirmed Ferrari has put the nix on any hopes of a production run. As you may recall, the New Stratos prototype was built off of the bones of a Ferrari F430. Pininfarina supplied the vehicle's carbon fiber skin, and Ferrari CEO Luca di Montezemolo was so taken with the project that he personally put down a hot lap in the wedge. That affection was fleeting, however. The minds behind the New Stratos have reportedly confirmed Ferrari doesn't want to cooperate with any company that could build a direct competitor to its products.

Listen closely and you'll hear the sound of our hearts breaking, bit by bit. There is some good news in all this gloom, however. The group behind the New Stratos has begun talks with Renault, and the French manufacturer may be keen to let the company craft a new take on the Alpine A110 Berlinette. Game on.

Official: Fiat Group bringing bagful of new models to Bologna Motor Show

Of all the major international auto shows on the calendar each year, the Bologna Motor Show may not rank among the most important. But it is vital for the Fiat Group, whose numerous brands make up more than just one lion's share of the Italian auto industry. As such, it's not a show for Fiat to take lightly, and this year, it's coming with a whole mess of new debuts.

Discounting Maserati and Ferrari (who kind of do their own thing), the Fiat Group divisions are displaying a freshly facelifted version of the Fiat Sedici, a Fiat 500 Nation Limited Edition, Lancia Ypsilon Black&Red edition and four new specials from Abarth.

Six years since its launch, the Sedici (Italian for Sixteen, the product of 4x4 - also known as the Suzuki SX4) has been been treated to a minor facelift. Available in three trim levels, buyers can choose between a 120-horsepower 1.6-liter four or a 135-hp 2.0 MultiJet diesel in either front-wheel drive or selectable all-wheel drive.

The Fiat 500 Nation Limited Edition will be offered in both hatchback and convertible versions, of which a suitable 500 examples of each will be offered. The American version of the hatchback is painted blue with Stars & Stripes graphics, while the cabrio comes in white with similar graphics and a red roof.

The Black&Red edition of the Lancia Ypsilon, meanwhile, is distinguished by four color choices - two reds, a black and a two-tone black and red scheme - with either 69-hp 1.2-liter gasoline engine or a 95-hp turbodiesel.

Finally, Abarth is coming to Bologna in full force with four special editions. The 595 Turismo and Competizione models pack a 160-hp version of the Abarth's 1.4-liter turbo four with two flavors of style. The 695 Assetto Corse takes 205 horsepower to the track, while the Punto Scorpione packs a 180-hp 1.4-liter four for a 7.5-second sprint to 62 mph, distinguished by matte-on-gloss black finish and a special snowboard in an edition limited to 99 examples.

An additional "by Abarth" package is also on offer for the Fiat 500 TwinAir that offers some of the visual excitement of an all-out Abarth performance model without modification to the 85-hp two-cylinder engine.

Like what you see? Check out all the images in the high-resolution galleries - one above, one below and two more after the jump - along with the plethora of press releases detailing each of these new debuts.

Continue reading Fiat Group bringing bagful of new models to Bologna Motor Show

Report: Overseas-only Chrysler 300C wagon killed off

Well, we can all stop hoping for a new Dodge Magnum.

Chrysler-Lancia CEO Saad Chebab told Autocar that there will be no Touring version of the redesigned Chrysler 300 built for Europe, saying that wagon sales in the U.S. are not robust enough to justify development costs for a five-door version of the platform. If Europe isn't getting a Chrysler wagon, we certainly aren't going to see a Dodge version here.

The previous-generation Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 both spawned wagon variants, the Dodge Magnum for the U.S. market and the Chrysler 300 Touring overseas. The Magnum was never a hot seller, though it had its fans - ourselves included - and Autocar says the 300 wagon was popular both in the U.K. and on mainland Europe.

But with Fiat calling the shots now and post-bankruptcy budgets at Chrysler still tight, we're guessing any money that could have been spent putting a new Magnum on the road went elsewhere. Like rebadging the 300 and other Chryslers as Lancias.

Official: How do you say "Chrysler minivan" in Italian? "Lancia Voyager"

The Chrysler-Fiat merger has already spawned some nicely badge-engineered Chryslers for the U.K. market, and now comes payback. The 2012 Lancia Voyager goes on sale in Europe this month, and if it looks like a Chrysler Town & Country Limited, well, that's because it is.

Save for some rather tastefully applied badging identifying the upscale Italian brand - and the removal of the TC's chrome bodyside molding - we're hard pressed to see much difference between the U.S. and Euro versions of the people mover, at least on the surface. Underhood, however, Lancia will be offering a 2.8-liter common rail turbodiesel that's unavailable in the States.

While the diesel is only rated at a meager 163 horsepower, its 265 pound-feet of torque is more than the Pentastar V6 gasoline engine, which is also an option overseas. Fiat says the diesel Voyager is good for 30 miles per gallon in the European combined cycle; the 283-horsepower Pentastar manages just 22 mpg in this application.

This would be the place where we would normally grumble about not getting the diesel version here in the U.S., but we're not going to do that this time. After all, it's just a Chrysler minivan. See the full press release after the break.

Continue reading How do you say "Chrysler minivan" in Italian? "Lancia Voyager"

Official: Chrysler shows off new Lancia-based Delta and Ypsilon models

The spawn of the Chrysler-Fiat merger has made its way to the English market, in the form of the 2012 Chrysler Delta and 2012 Chrysler Ypsilon. If they look familiar, that's because these cars are cribbed directly from the Lancia range.

The Ypsilon is available with Fiat's 0.9-liter TwinAir, which earned International Engine of the Year honors. If that's too small, there's a 1.2-liter four-pot and 1.3-liter turbodiesel available, as well. The Delta gets two different 1.4-liter options, including a 140-hp, 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder. On top of the 1.4s, there are also 1.6- and 2.0-liter engines available.

Both cars have just gone on sale in the UK, and Chrysler hopes these reworked Italians will improve the brand's meager share across Europe.

Continue reading Chrysler shows off new Lancia-based Delta and Ypsilon models

Frankfurt: Chrysler 200 Convertible gets Lancia-fied as the Flavia Cabrio

Here in the United States, we're slowly reaping the benefits of the Chrysler-Fiat partnership. The adorable little 500 is starting to find homes across the country and much of the rest of the Chrysler lineup is about to get a healthy dose of Italian injection. Too bad, then, that we aren't exactly returning the favor to our European friends. After all, this new Lancia Flavia Cabriolet is just a Chrysler 200 Convertible with a bit of Italian frosting.

Still, the 200 Convertible is improved over the "I'll take the bus, thanks" Sebring convertible it replaces, and as it is in America, we can see it being a hot commodity among rental car companies throughout Europe. The much-improved 200 sedan will not be joining its topless Flavia kin overseas.

Official: Chrysler 200 Convertible reborn as Lancia Flavia Cabrio for Frankfurt

"Hello, Europe... are you ready to rock?" "We can't hear you!" "We said... 'Are you READY TO ROCK?!'" Well you're in luck, because it's nearly time to drop your tops and rock out to the all-new Lancia Flavia Cabrio! Ignore your American friends when they try to tell you it's just a Chrysler 200 Convertible wearing Lancia badges, they're all just jealous.

The Lancia Flavia Cabrio is set to make its debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, along with a host of other new Lancia products. The 175-horsepower 2.4-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission come standard, and will make sure to push your butt back into its fine, fine (optional) leather. Sure, you can use the whole seat... but you'll only need the edge.

Check out the Lancia Flavia Cabrio in all its high-resolution glory in the gallery. There you'll also get to check out the new Thema, Voyager, Ypsilon and Delta. Rock on!

Continue reading Chrysler 200 Convertible reborn as Lancia Flavia Cabrio for Frankfurt

Report: Chrysler 200 sedan staying home, only convertible going to Europe

Fiat is getting ready to stick For Sale signs on the Chrysler 200 in the European market. However, it seems only the 200 Convertible will be making the trip across the pond, where it will wear Lancia Flavia badging.

Why is the sedan stuck stateside? Fiat executives find it too costly to add a diesel option, and feel the 200 sedan won't sell well without an oil-burning powerplant under the hood. The convertible, however, is viewed as an attractive offering (in a manner of speaking) despite the gas-only powerplant.

Good news, American business travelers - you can now rent yourself a droptop Sebring 2.0 while jet-setting in Europe, too.

Report: Marchionne creates unified management team to oversee Fiat and Chrysler

"We have now reached the right moment to step on the accelerator of the Fiat-Chrysler integration," Sergio Marchionne said this week in a statement regarding his appointment of a single management team for both companies. According to Automotive News, four regional chiefs - North America, South America, Europe and Asia - will be in charge of Fiat and Chrysler effective September 1.

Marchionne will retain his position as Chief Operating Officer for North America. Gianni Coda, Fiat's head of purchasing, will now run the operations in Europe, while Cledorvino Belini - formerly the head of Fiat Brazil - will take charge of South America. Michael Manley, head of Jeep, will oversee up Asia.

The newly formed Group Executive Council (GEC) is the highest decision-making executive body within the company, outside of its Board of Directors. In addition to the four regional COOs, each individual brand will have its own head, consisting of Olivier Francois (Fiat), Lorenzo Sistino (commercial vehicles), Harald Wester (Alfa Romeo/Abarth/Maserati), Saad Chehab (Lancia/Chrysler), Michael Manley (Jeep) and Reid Bigland (Dodge).