Earlier today, we reported that a Chrysler-badged Lancia could turn up on Chrysler's stand at the Detroit show next month and speculated that it could be the Delta. Now sources are telling Automotive News the same thing and that it will be joined by an all-electric Fiat 500.
According to Automotive News' sources, the Lancia model badged as a Chrysler on the show stand will indeed be the Delta and will feature a Chrysler family grille to go along with the badges. They say that while Chrysler doesn't plan to bring it or the electric 500 to the U.S. in the near future, the company is likely testing the waters with the Delta and production plans could come quickly if public reaction is good.
In addition to the all-electric 500 concept, Fiat will also bring the entire 500 line to Detroit. That includes the basic 500 coupe, the 500C convertible and the high-performance 500 Abarth. The gasoline-powered 500s are expected to go on-sale in the U.S. in late 2010. They will be powered by Fiat's 1.4L FIRE MultiAir four-cylinder engine, which produces 100 hp naturally aspirated and up to 175 hp when turbocharged. Chrysler and Fiat recently announced that the engine would be built at Chrysler's Dundee plant in Michigan while the 500 itself is built in Toluca, Mexico.
Performance enthusiasts in Detroit will also be in for a treat, as Chrysler will reportedly carve out a section of its stand to feature Fiat's high-end makes. On the supposed guest list are the new Maserati GranCabrio convertible and the Ferrari 458 Italia supercar. A Chrysler spokesman declined to identify which cars would be on the show stand, but confirmed that Chrysler and Fiat will not hold press conferences as they have no new production vehicles to show.
Thanks to: Motor Trend