8e40 Glimpse of Chrysler's future reveals cause for excitement | Times Free Press
Glimpse of Chrysler's future reveals cause for excitement
September 24th, 2011 in Carscruisin
I just got a 700-mile glimpse of Chrysler's future, and there's plenty to look forward to. Good fuel economy, terrific handling, a quiet, comfortable ride and roomy interior, for a start.
Fiat, maker of this 2012 Cabrio convertible, is helping Chysler build better small cars.
Fiat, maker of this 2012 Cabrio convertible, is...
I reviewed the Giulietta earlier this month, but the car's real significance lies in what it means to Chrysler's future.
In a word: Everything. Its platform and powertrain are vital to Fiat's plan to remake Chrysler into a profitable, stable maker of world-class small and midsize vehicles.
Nobody questions Chrysler's ability to build big vehicles. The Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ram pickup and Town & Country and Grand Caravan minivans are among the best of their kind. Chrysler's problem is that its midsize and compact vehicles generally ranged from average to awful. Fiat, on the other hand, is really good at small cars.
On paper, it's a match made in heaven. Chrysler's fate depends on how it works on the road and in showrooms.
The Giulietta is the first car to use Fiat's C-Evo platform. It delivered outstanding handling, stability and comfort during my test.
Chrysler engineers and designers are working around the clock adapting C-Evo for U.S. customers. They've added two inches to the wheelbase for more rear legroom and an inch of width. They're crafting new bodies and interiors that look and feel like they belong in Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealerships.
A flood of new vehicles based on CUSW will reshape Chrysler's model line over the next three to four years. They will include replacements for the midsize Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger, compact Jeep Compass and Patriot and more.
You can't buy the Giulietta in America, incidentally. Maybe the next generation, sometime after 2014, but not the current model that went on sale in Europe last year. I got mine thanks to supplier Honeywell, which makes the turbocharger that allows its little engine to combine a brawny 180 pound-feet of torque with impressive fuel economy.
Chevrolet Cruze challenging for top of compact car market
8e40 Glimpse of Chrysler's future reveals cause for excitement | Times Free Press
Glimpse of Chrysler's future reveals cause for excitement
September 24th, 2011 in Carscruisin
I just got a 700-mile glimpse of Chrysler's future, and there's plenty to look forward to. Good fuel economy, terrific handling, a quiet, comfortable ride and roomy interior, for a start.
Fiat, maker of this 2012 Cabrio convertible, is helping Chysler build better small cars.
Fiat, maker of this 2012 Cabrio convertible, is...
I reviewed the Giulietta earlier this month, but the car's real significance lies in what it means to Chrysler's future.
In a word: Everything. Its platform and powertrain are vital to Fiat's plan to remake Chrysler into a profitable, stable maker of world-class small and midsize vehicles.
Nobody questions Chrysler's ability to build big vehicles. The Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ram pickup and Town & Country and Grand Caravan minivans are among the best of their kind. Chrysler's problem is that its midsize and compact vehicles generally ranged from average to awful. Fiat, on the other hand, is really good at small cars.
On paper
, it's a match made in heaven. Chrysler's fate depends on how it works on the road and in showrooms.
The Giulietta is the first car to use Fiat's C-Evo platform. It delivered outstanding handling, stability and comfort during my test.
Chrysler engineers and designers are working around the clock adapting C-Evo for U.S. customers. They've added two inches to the wheelbase for more rear legroom and an inch of width. They're crafting new bodies and interiors that look and feel like they belong in Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealerships.
A flood of new vehicles based on CUSW will reshape Chrysler's model line over the next three to four years. They will include replacements for the midsize Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger, compact Jeep Compass and Patriot and more.
You can't buy the Giulietta in America, incidentally. Maybe the next generation, sometime after 2014, but not the current model that went on sale in Europe last year. I got mine thanks to supplier Honeywell, which makes the turbocharger that allows its little engine to combine a brawny 180 pound-feet of torque with impressive fuel economy.
Chevrolet Cruze challenging for top of compact car market