For the fifth year running, Lancia will be the main sponsor of the Venice International Film Festival, the 67th edition of which is due to run from the 1st to the 11th of September this year. No related posts. www.starovore.co.uk | 9/5/10 4:17 PM

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 8.25.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 8/25/10 11:49 PM

The Lancia Stratos is a racing legend and auto icon, winning the World Rally Championship from 1974 to 1976 and still making auto enthusiasts go all reverential when it comes up in conversation. Four years ago a wealthy German businessman named Michael Stoschek decided he wanted a new one, so he called Pininfarina and had them design it. Presumably, he then wrote a check with more zeroes than a Japanese WWII aircraft carrier. That is why today we have that malevolent ebony wedge he is standing next to, the new Lancia Stratos.

The design was begun by Jason Castriota, designer of the Ferrari 599, then turned over to Luca Borgogno when Castriota left Pininfarina for Stile Bertone. The carbon fiber bodywork sits on the shortened chassis of a Ferrari F430. But having lost all that weight in the conversion from aluminum to carbon fiber yet still using the F430's 483 horsepower engine, the Stratos should be monumentally fast.

There are 24 other wealthy folks out there who might get to find out whether that's the case. Although Stoschek paid for the car's development, Fiat is considering a limited run of 25 as a way to showcase the Lancia brand especially before it returns to America. Those who wish to be among that 25, assuming it happens, should know how to properly arrange these words: is, object, cost, no.

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Michael Stoschek's Wild Child: the New Lancia Stratos originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Lancia Stratos - LanciaStratos - Lancia - Ferrari F430 - Jason Castriota www.luxist.com | 8/25/10 8:00 PM

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Lancia

We've already seen the new Lancia Stratos from various angles, just never enough of them at one go. Finally, we've got a complete picture of the retro racer made new. Knowing there's a 483-horsepower engine from a Ferrari F430 underneath all that carbon fiber bodywork, and a shortened chassis, the remaining mysteries concern the interior and how the Stratos performs.

So now that we've come to the bittersweet end of the striptease, someone cue up the video and let's see her shimmy. In the meantime, have a fuller gander at the Lancia Stratos in the gallery of high-res photos below.



[Source: Carscoop ]

New Lancia Stratos continues slow striptease originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read  | Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 8/25/10 6:59 PM

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Specialty, Design/Style, Lancia

The New Lancia Stratos project has made itself even more legitimate by getting a full-blown presence on the web. Well... kinda. While there is a fresh website for the New Stratos, much of the car's precious details are blacked-out. We assume that will change leading up to the car's official debut, which the website confirms will take place in November.

We also learn that the Stratos revival is a private project by Michael Stoschek, a successful businessman who heads the fifth-largest auto parts supplier in Germany and campaigned as a vintage rally car driver, along with his son Maximilian. As rumored, the New Stratos is indeed based on the guts of a Ferrari F430 and its bodywork is crafted completely from carbon fiber, allowing for a power-to-weight ratio of less than five pounds per horsepower and a 50:50 weight distribution.

Confirmation also comes that Jason Castriota was in charge of the design at Pininfarina until he left for Stile Bertone. Pininfarina's Luca Borgogno apparently completed the project, including its interior. It's not yet decided if this car will be a one-off (there is currently only one in existence) or if a small production run of 25 units will be completed. We supposed that would depend on demand for the car and by how much it would cost to reproduce. We vote yes, obviously.



[Source: New-Stratos.com ]

New Stratos project gets itself a website, confirms Ferrari F430-based originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read  | Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 8/17/10 8:30 PM

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Ferrari, Lancia

The Lancia Stratos revival project that we've been hearing about for the past week or so is much farther along than we thought, as engineers did some running at northern Italy's Balocco test track in late June. For the first time, we've seen the new car alongside an original Stratos and the designers have done a remarkable job in recreating the classic's unique shape, size and proportions.

This new Stratos arrives during the 40th anniversary year of the Marcello Gandini-designed Stratos Zero concept, whose name was later resurrected for the rally car and homologation special. Like the 1970s-era Stratos, power reportedly comes from a Ferrari engine, this time a V8 probably donated from the F430 . (The original used the 2.4-liter Dino V6.) Italiaspeed reports that the new car is so true to the concept of the original that it even has door-mounted helmet storage. The bodywork has apparently been crafted in carbon fiber and as many as five prototypes may already be running. If so, this is not likely the one-off that was originally speculated, but a car that could see a limited production run like the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione .

Check out Top Gear's take on the original Stratos after the jump . For a good history lesson on the Lancia Stratos, pick up the September 2010 issue of Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car at your local bookstore, as one of this month's feature vehicles is a 1976 Stratos, and the article has an informative backgrounder on the car's journey from design concept to rally icon.



[Source: Italiaspeed ]

Continue reading Modern-day Lancia Stratos gets real

Modern-day Lancia Stratos gets real originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Aug 2010 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read  | Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 8/14/10 5:35 PM

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Classics, Lamborghini, Maserati, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Design/Style, Lancia

Monterey coverage continues with one of Friday's staples. Concorso Italiano has been one of Monterey's largest gatherings of primarily Italian vehicles for years. Laguna Seca Golf Ranch played the hospitable host, giving throngs of Italian-car lovers the opportunity to get up close and personal with hundreds of le belle macchine .

Lamborghini , Maserati , Alfa Romeo , Fiat , Lancia , DeTomaso and Ferrari , were well represented - long lines of each marque appearing almost mirage-like down the fairways of Laguna. You know those shots you've seen of exotic cars lined up outside the factory? Multiply those by ten. It is absolutely crazy. Special gatherings honored the Ferrari F40, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary of U.S. citizenship. The Italians were never really that great at dates, as the F40 was originally intended to be a 40th anniversary treat for Enzo himself to celebrate the company's 1947 birth. Unfortunately, it appeared around 1990 instead. Don't even get us started on the F50.

Concorso has hosted several smaller manufacturers over the years as well. Not just the oddball makes that few people have ever heard of, but also fledgling companies that have sometimes risen to prominence - or fallen infamously. This year, Superformance showed off the new Zagato-penned Perana Z-One. The European GT styling combined with Corvette power reminds us of the classic Italo-Amercan mashups from DeTomaso, Iso , Bizzarrini and the like. The Z-One is gorgeous, and we were blown away by its build quality. We're negotiating some seat time to give you the full rundown, but for now, check out the gallery and you'll see why Concorso Italiano has become one of the world's greatest events for lovers of Italian machinery.



Photos by Frank Filipponio / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

Monterey 2010: Concorso Italiano celebrates all things Italia originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Aug 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 8/14/10 2:29 PM

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 8.10.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 8/10/10 11:40 PM

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Government/Legal, Safety, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Lexus, Lincoln, Earnings/Financials

Chris, Sam and Dan come back for Episode #190 of the Autoblog Podcast, and this time around we talk about Chrysler's profit announcement, the Top Gear USA trailer, Honda's latest recall, the Buick Verano . We also touch on a Ferrari-based Lancia Stratos tribute and GM's prospects for selling Chevrolet Volts . We kick the ball around on a single question before calling it a night right at the hour mark. Thanks for listening, see you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #190 - Chrysler profit, Top Gear USA and small Buicks


In the Autoblog Garage:

Ford F450 Super Duty
Lexus RX450h
Lincoln MKT

News:

• Chrysler Profit
• Top Gear USA Trailer
• Buick Verano
• Lancia Stratos tribute
• GM says Chevrolet Volt will find buyers

Hosts:
Dan Roth , Sam Abuelsamid , Chris Shunk

R untime: 67:26

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Autoblog Podcast #190 - Chrysler profit, Top Gear USA and small Buicks originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 8/10/10 10:15 PM

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Specialty, Luxury, Lancia

The story of the coachbuilt Lancia Stratos gets more curious by the day. Although it appeared that the homage was a Pininfarina-designed one-off for a wealthy and anonymous European, Car & Driver has done some snooping of its own and reports that it wasn't exactly designed by Pininfarina and it won't exactly be a one-off.

Supposedly in the works for four years, word is the new Stratos was penned by Jason Castriota when he was still at Pininfarina before departing for Stile Bertone. Italiaspeed has a sketch of a Stratos with a different front end, signed by Castriota, that was published in the Japanese magazine Zoom . If that sketch is accurate it could jibe with what a tipster wrote to us, saying that the client had asked the front end be changed to something more traditional. Even though the C/D notes the photo above as having been taken on Pininfarina's roof, according to C/D it is Bertone that will get credit for this new Stratos - and we supposed Castriota will, too, eventually.

The best news for all those commenters disappointed that there would be just one: rumor is this thing is going into production. If true, it would be a huge deal for Lancia, an underperforming brand with rebadged Chryslers that would have this to parade around the world. Everyone wins. And to that shadowy, monied-up American, if you made this happen, we salute you.

[Source: Car & Driver ]

Rumormill: Lancia Stratos revival won't be one-off, production planned originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read  | Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 8/10/10 9:24 PM

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Fiat, Specialty, Luxury, Lancia

Turns out Italiaspeed had it right : the remade Lancia Stratos spotted on a Fiat test track in Milan is a coachbuilt one-off for a European client, and has nothing to do with Fenomenon . As the story goes, a certain unnamed industrialist asked Pininfarina - not Bertone, the Stratos' original designer - to pen a body with a traditional front end true to the icon.

Of several tips we've received on the car, one stated that the body would fit over a greatly-shortened Ferrari F430 chassis and retain the F430's V8, "so just like the original car it will try and kill you." Although this isn't the best news for anyone hoping for a Stratos revival, we can't wait to see this bespoke Stratos on display at some future show. Hat tip to Lindz.

Rumormill: Lancia Stratos is a Pininfarina-designed one-off originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Aug 2010 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 8/8/10 2:25 PM

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 8.5.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 8/5/10 11:39 PM

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Europe

The internets recently caught fire after what appeared to be a new Lancia Stratos was spotted hustling around a Fiat test track in Italy. At this point, it's still difficult to tell whether the car is an all new project from the company that brought the world some of the most wicked rally beasts of all time or if a bored exec simply decided to take the 2005 Fenomenon Stratos Concept Car out for a quick run around. If that latter possibility is true, the car has received a little bit of front fascia work since it took a spin on the show circuit some five years ago.

Whatever the case, the crew at Fiat Blog have come up with a few renderings to help those of us with imagination impairments figure out exactly what the car would look like from all sides. Here's a hint: It's as hot as you'd expect an Italian wedge to be. So far, all we know is what Italispeed - the site that broke the shots originally - has suggested, which is that the car we've all been drooling over is a one-off project for one very wealthy individual. Head over to Fiat Blog for a look at all of the rendered goodness. Thanks for the tip, Sean!

[Source: Fiat Blog ]

Spy Shots: Clearer look at reborn Lancia Stratos emerges originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 8/5/10 4:29 PM

Nearly four decades after the Lancia Stratos was unveiled, a new modern reinterpretation was caught by spy photographers while testing at Fiat's Balocco test track.

www.topix.net | 8/4/10 4:51 AM

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 8.3.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 8/3/10 11:45 PM

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Spy Photos, Classics, Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Design/Style

What appears to be an updated version of the showstopping Fenomenon Stratos concept car of 2005 has cropped up in a couple of previously unseen spy shots. Essentially an updated version of Lancia 's all-conquering World Rally hero of the 1970s, the Fenomenon Stratos debuted back in 2005 at the Geneva Motor Show , where it went down a storm. Limited production was expected to follow in 2006 and 2007, but aside from images of an open-topped variant making the rounds , the car fell off the radar.

Taken by an anonymous photographer, these shots were allegedly snapped on a Fiat test track near Milan, though it isn't immediately clear when the images were taken. ItaliaSpeed indicates the pics were taken on June 21, but firm information seems scarce, and it's possible they could actually be older images just now coming to light. What's perhaps most interesting is that the car in these photographs boasts a different, more conservative front fascia (perhaps for better aerodynamics than the somewhat lift-happy look of the concept), and the split-screen windshield has disappeared, suggesting that there have been further developments on the project since it was last shown. Like the original, plans called for the Fenomenon Stratos revival to rely on Ferrari power, albeit with two extra cylinders. At the time, it was understood that the mid-mounted V8 from the 360 Scuderia would find its way into the engine bay, although we have no indication as to what's powering the car in the photos.

Does this mean that Lancia itself has taken up the torch on this car? Or has a wealthy benefactor kick-started life into a stillborn project for a tasty one-off (as suggested by Italiaspeed) - à la James Glickenhaus ? Or has development been proceeding all this time? Or are we just getting too excited over the prospect of one of our all-time favorite supercars getting back out on the road, if only in spirit? Have a look at the shots below and let us know what you think.



[Source: ItaliaSpeed ]

Spy Shots: Mysteriously sexy Lancia Stratos redux spotted working out originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 8/3/10 6:27 PM

Filed under: Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows, Fiat

There was undoubtedly some freaking out at the annual Fiat Freakout held at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC this year. The Freakout is more respectably referred to as the annual gathering of Club Fiat-Lancia Unlimited, where owners and fans show their vintage love. This year, Fiat North America CEO Laura Soave personally rewarded the assembly with news that they would get first dibs on the first five hundred Fiat 500 s to come to America, called the "Prima Edizione."

The special allotment will come in White, Red and Gray, get manual transmissions and special badging, and buyers will be able to choose their build number. Assuming the club members don't sponge up every one of Prima Edizione models, Fiat says it will give others a chance to get hold of one at "a later date" at www.ciaofiat.com . More details in the press release and in the video after the jump .

Continue reading First U.S.-market Fiat 500 Prima Edizione reserved for Fiat fans

First U.S.-market Fiat 500 Prima Edizione reserved for Fiat fans originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 7/12/10 4:01 PM

Chrysler Group LLC’s Jeep brand will become the subsidiary’s primary global make in the first half of next year as Fiat SpA emphasizes the Lancia nameplate in Europe, a top executive said. www.businessweek.com | 6/20/10 12:02 PM

Chrysler's Canadian workers haven't received official word that they'll be building Fiat's Lancia-brand luxury vehicles, but a union leader says it would be "perfect" for the company's Brampton, Ont., plant. www.ctv.ca | 6/10/10 6:03 PM

Filed under: Chrysler, Lancia

Without any small-car offerings, Chrysler has an incomplete product lineup. Ditto for Lancia . But Fiat's other offspring lacks larger vehicles. Since Fiat controls both brands, it looks like a match made in heaven, right? Maybe, but not just for North America.

Fiat has announced that it will drop the Chrysler lineup in Europe and instead re-badge the Pentastar lineup as Lancias. The combination of Lancia and Chrysler leaves Fiat with too many European dealerships, so the Italian automaker also announced the cancellation of 350 Chrysler and Lancia dealer contracts beginning May, 2011. Chrysler and Lancia CEO Olivier Francois tells Automotive News that the plan is to create an "integrated network comprising about 800 dealers and over 1,000 dealerships." The only country in Europe that will continue to sell Chrysler products is the UK, where Lancias haven't been sold since 1991.

The next big challenge for the dealerships that make the cut is to increase floor space to make room for a new, larger model lineup. And if everything goes as plan (does it ever?) Chrysler/Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne is looking to increase Chrysler/Lancia sales in Europe from 132,500 vehicles in 2009 to over 300,000 units in 2014.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Chrysler name gone from Europe, cars will remain as rebadged Lancias originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 6/8/10 9:30 PM

Filed under: Concept Cars, Chrysler, Design/Style, Lancia

Lancia 's website links to Centro Stile, the design section of the brand, where you can find all manner of concepts drawn by the same people who might be trading crayons with Chrysler's designers by the end of the year. There are a couple of oldies in the bunch, but then there's the sketch above, a concept coupe, and a new take on the Ypsilon supermini that's rumored to be under consideration as a Chrysler bound for the U.S.

The thing that gets us most about these sketches is how utterly far away they are from Chrysler's design language, stoking all kinds of questions about how the two brands will be combined. Sergio Marchionne has said that because Chrysler and Lancia don't overlap in terms of vehicle sizes, the two brands could be joined to create a full line-up. Based on these designs we're thinking there will be a Jekyll and Hyde line in there, because we just can't wrap our heads around the pictured coupe with goggle-eye headlights and a giant grille.

Have a look at the other sketches in the gallery of high-res photos below, and maybe you can tell us how a Lancia Ypsilon becomes a Chrysler Ypsilon and doesn't look like a bad episode of "Will it Blend?"



[Source: Carscoop ]

Lancia Centro Stile sketches would make interesting Chryslers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 May 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read  | Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 5/25/10 5:58 PM

We'll be recording the latest episode of the Autoblog Podcast this evening and, like most episodes, we'll be answering questions from listeners. If you'd like to ask a question about any of our discussion topics, just use the Q&A box below to submit them. Likewise, anyone can vote for the best questions so we know which are the most popular.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #179

• Toyota and Tesla to partner on EV production in California
• Officially Official: Buick Regal GS is a go
• Ford said to be preparing Explorer-based pursuit-rated SUV for police duty
• Obama kicks off drive to enact tough fuel economy standards through 2025
• Pennsylvania to conduct seatbelt checks by aircraft
• Lancia Centro Stile sketches would make interesting Chryslers

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UPDATE: The Q&A module has been fixed and is now accepting questions. Ask away!

Q&A for this week's Autoblog Podcast [FIXED] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 May 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 5/24/10 8:45 PM

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Rumormill, MISC

Between the Fiat 500 and the Alfa MiTo (to say nothing of the Lancia Ypsilon ), Italy's got plenty of Mini rivals on the road. But it could gain another, if emerging reports prove accurate in the long run.

The rumors center around the revived De Tomaso. The dormant sportscar marque was recently acquired by one Gianmario Rossignolo, a former chief executive of Lancia who was previously linked to a take-over of Bertone. Rossignolo has some ambitious plans in place for his new company, acquiring a former Pininfarina factory in the Piedmont region of Italy, where he reportedly plans on building a line of sportscars, luxury sedans and sport-utes. Now reports suggest a premium hatchback to rival the Mini could be in the cards as well.

Any truth to it? Too soon to tell, but Rossignolo's De Tomaso is expected to debut something new in Geneva next year, so if we sit tight, we just might find out.

[Source: OmniAuto.it ]

Report: De Tomaso planning Mini rival? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 May 2010 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read  | Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 5/17/10 6:33 PM

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Lancia

Think of past models like the Integrale and the world-conquering Stratos and you'd be hard-pressed to imagine a Lancia going the subtle route, but the Italian automaker is releasing a subtle special edition of its Delta hatchback called the Hard Black. Decked out in matte black paint, the special Delta doesn't lack for chrome, but the 18" wheels can be had in optional black paint as well, while inside black leather and Alcantara coat the cabin.

Mated to either a 200-horsepower, 1.8-liter direct-injection turbo four or a 190hp 1.8-liter turbo diesel, the Hard Black edition comes packed with adaptive suspension, dual-zone climate control and the Blue&Me connectivity system developed with Microsoft. Having been announced in Geneva, the Delta Hard Black is now going on sale in Europe for 31,300 euros (~$40k), leaving us to wonder what a Chrysler might look like with the anti-shine treatment. Not bad, we'll take it.



[Source: OmniAuto.it ]

Lancia hits the matte with Hard Black edition Delta. We ponder a Chrysler version. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 May 2010 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read  | Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 5/14/10 2:59 PM

European customers looking for a more elegant, subtle premium hatchback have a new option on their hands: the Lancia Delta Hard Black. Based on the Delta, the Hard Black edition features matte black paint and a black interior done up in leather and Alcantara micro-suede. Chrome trim offsets the decidedly un-glossy paint scheme, while the 18-inch alloys can be had in black or silver finish to the buyer's taste.

The Hard Black edition Delta also comes with a host of optional equipment as standard, and with either a 200-horsepower, 1.8-liter, direct-injection turbo gasoline engine or a 190-horsepower, 1.8-liter turbo diesel. Prices start at 31,300 euros, or about $40k in American greenbacks. Though for the time being Lancia doesn't market in North America, its partnership with Chrysler could bring the Delta to American shores in the near future.

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Lancia Delta Hard Black Edition originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 12 May 2010 05:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lancia - Chrysler - Lancia Delta - Petrol engine - Hatchback www.luxist.com | 5/12/10 10:01 AM

Filed under: Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, Dodge, Maserati, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Luxury, Lancia

It would seem that Fiat head Sergio Marchionne is nothing if not ambitious. Following the seven-hour-long marathon presentation of Chrysler's latest business plan back in November of 2009, the giant Italian automaking alliance has just released its own five-year business plan, which includes Fiat, Maserati and Ferrari in addition to announcing the long-awaited return of the Alfa Romeo brand to the United States as a full-range automaker.

We'll start with Ferrari... for obvious reasons. Kicking off a series of six new models will be a replacement for the four-seat 612 Scaglietti , which is destined to add a hybrid powertrain to its impressive V12 engine. Next up is a convertible version of the new 458 Italia sometime next year, and later another 458-based model that will be much more track focused, like the 430 Scuderia .

Staying with the Prancing Horse lineup, we should see a new range-topping Ferrari to take the mantle from the discontinued Enzo hypercar, very likely to see an engine utilizing forced induction along with a lightweight platform. The 599 GTB will get a replacement as well, and the recently released California will see itself updated and granted an M designation.

Like what you're hearing so far? There's plenty more where that came from, make the jump for the rest of the goods.

Continue reading Fiat unveils five-year product plan, we dissect in detail

Fiat unveils five-year product plan, we dissect in detail originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 4/22/10 1:01 AM

Filed under: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Lancia

According to the comprehensive five-year plan which Fiat /Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne unveiled today, the next generation of Alfa Romeos are slated to be based on a Chrysler platform.

Among those models will be the replacement for the current Spider, as well as the new Giulia sedan and wagon. These three models - which will replace the outgoing 159, Brera and Spider - were previously thought to borrow their underpinnings from a modified version of the C-segment platform that underpins the new Giulietta, but have now been revealed to be merged into Chrysler platforms, arriving in 2012 (Giulia) and 2013 (Spider). Although Marchionne didn't specify which Chrysler platform this will be, sources suggest it could be a modified version of the antiquated Mercedes-derived architecture that underpins the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Challenger .

In addition to the Alfa's adoption of Chrysler architecture, Marchionne indicated that Chrysler and Lancia are set to be further integrated, with common products (including a new compact minivan and the replacement for the Ypsilon supermini) sold as Lancias in continental Europe and as Chryslers in North America and the UK. With the exception of the Challenger, Charger and Viper , Dodge and Fiat products will be similarly integrated, while Jeep is slated for an increased overseas market presence.



[Source: Motor Trend ]

Report: 2013 Alfa Romeo Spider, 2012 Giulia to be based on RWD Chrysler platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read  | Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 4/21/10 8:31 PM

Exotic Italian automaker Maserati has been undergoing a series of personnel changes among its top executives, one that has seen the meteoric rise of one talented American.

Last year Mark McNabb - a former top exec for such luxury brands as Cadillac, Saab, Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz - was named CEO of Maserati's North American operations. Now McNabb has been named chief commercial officer for the parent company back in Modena.

In what has become typical style for top execs in the Fiat/Chrysler empire, McNabb will carry both portfolios, continuing to run the New Jersey office in addition to overseeing the company's global commercial efforts. He'll be reporting to Harald J. Wester , who runs Maserati as well as Alfa Romeo and Abarth, while their colleague Olivier Francois , for another example, runs both Lancia and the Chrysler division.

Filed under: Wheels

Maserati's North American CEO called up to Modena originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 22:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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www.luxist.com | 4/7/10 3:01 AM

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Toyota

We've seen no lack of superminis specially outfitted by fashion labels, from the the Citroen DS3 by Yves Saint Laurent and the Mini Clubman by Agent Provocateur to the Fiat 500 by Diesel and Lancia Ypsilon by Versus . This, however, is another story altogether.

Toyota 's European operations has teamed up with Belgian chocolatiers Neuhaus to come up with the special-edition iQ N-Collection. Limited to just 700 units, the Neuhaus edition city car comes in two flavors: Chocolate brown or cream butter, each with correspondingly delicious interiors and the requisite special badging. The car that looks tastier than the Aston Martin Cygnet and which could be the perfect dessert to follow the Oscar Meyer weinermobile, although the tasty duo is currently only available in Germany. Pricing comes in at for 14,600 euros (~$19,500), or about 1700 euros more than a base iQ with the same 1.0-liter VVT engine



[Source: OmniAuto (translated )]

Toyota iQ N-Collection by Neuhaus gives Germans their chocolate fix originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 3/26/10 12:43 PM

It seems the latest trend with premium hatchbacks is to tie in with a major fashion label, sit back and see how it turns out. Recent examples have included a Lancia Ypsilon by Versus , a Fiat 500 by Diesel and a constant stream of Minis decked out for the annual Life Ball by the likes of Missoni, Versace, Agent Provocateur and The Blonds. Now Citroen is ready to join the party with this one-of-a-kind DS3 adorned with the logo of Yves Saint Laurent.

The special-edition DS3 was created for a retrospective event honoring the fashion label and its departed founder, and was used to shuttle celebrities and VIPs around Paris. Unfortunately, the tie-in with YSL seems to have gone no further than a special paint job and a logo on the roof. Which may be more than the fashion-forward DS3 needs, but less than we expected.

Filed under: Wheels

Citroen DS3 for Yves Saint Laurent originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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www.luxist.com | 3/19/10 11:01 AM

Filed under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Chrysler, Fiat

We're all very excited that the cute little Fiat 500 will be making its way Stateside next year, and if new reports are to be believed, it turns out that the U.S.-spec 500 will actually be better than the one already on sale in Europe. Inside Line reports that when the Americanized 500 starts production in Mexico this December, it will be built on the automaker's new baby car A platform, which will also underpin the 2011 Fiat Panda and Lancia Ypsilon.

So, how is this an improvement? The new platform will provide improved crash protection (meeting the strict U.S. standards), along with reductions in noise, vibration and harshness over the current 500. Other markets will not get this update, however, because the cost of switching platforms simply isn't feasible for a car that isn't receiving a complete overhaul (sorry, Europe).

Additionally, Fiat is still deciding what the official name of the U.S.-spec 500 will be when it goes on sale next year. The obvious decision is to leave the numeric 500 name in place, though the automaker is considering using the Italian spelling, Cinquecento , instead. Honestly, we don't care what they call it - we're just glad the little guy is coming our way soon.



[Source: Inside Line ]

Report: U.S. market Fiat 500 to get upgraded platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read  | Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 3/16/10 9:30 PM

Filed under: Europe, Lancia

With the popularity of the Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Evo , it'd be easy to dismiss the likes of the Lancia Delta HF Integrale as a relic of the past. But make no mistake about it: The roadgoing version of this Italian rally machine is as exotic and desirable as any supercar to come from the same country. All the more reason, then, to be appalled at this unfortunate conversion job.

It appears that some garage in Italy has taken an Integrale (possibly two, according to reports), chopped it up and stretched it into a limousine. If you're thinking that an all-wheel drive hot hatch is the worst possible candidate for limo-ification, we're with you. Whether the conversion job retains the all-wheel drive system remains a big question mark, however, with power coming from either the Integrale's eight-valve 2.0-liter turbo four or the Evo's 16-valve version.

Oh, and the best part? It's for sale, courtesy of Italian classifieds site Autoscout24, for the princely sum of €99,000 (or about $136,000 by current exchange rates). Have a look in the gallery below, just don't expect to see one of these popping up at the local Chrysler dealership with a Pentastar on the nose .



[Source: Autoscout24 via CarScoop ]

How much is that stretched Lancia Delta HF Integrale in the window? $136k, that's how much originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read  | Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 2/10/10 12:23 AM

Filed under: Hatchback, Chrysler, Rumormill, Luxury, Lancia

Too close for comfort or exactly what the Pentastar needs, that depends on your point of view. But Chrysler and Lancia - the two pseudo-premium brands under the Fiat-Chrysler partnership - are growing closer by the day.

After Fiat chief Sergio Marchionne took over in Auburn Hills, he placed the Chrysler division under the leadership of Lancia CEO Olivier Francois . More recently, Marchionne said the two brands could be merged within the year. Meanwhile on the product end of things, a report several months ago forecasted that the Lancia Delta - the freshest produce in the company's apple cart - could make it Stateside as a Chrysler, which was followed up by the unveiling of just that at the Detroit Auto Show . Now a new set of rumors suggest the Delta could enjoy some company from the Old Country on this side of the Atlantic.

The current Lancia Ypsilon (pictured above in special Versus edition trim) is the brand's smallest product. It dates back to 2003 and had a minor facelift in 2006, but is in dire need of replacement. A couple of years back, reports of a prospective follow-up positioned the next-gen Ypsilon alongside the Fiat 500 and Alfa MiTo in the Fiat group's three-pronged attack on the Mini brand. Whether that proves accurate or not in the long run, the newest reports indicate that the Ypsilon could, like the Delta, be re-badged as a Chrysler, potentially taking the Java name from the concept car Chrysler showcased at the 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show .



[Source: BurlappCars.com ]

Rumormill: Next-gen Lancia Ypsilon could come Stateside as a Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read  | Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 2/8/10 3:58 PM

Alfa Romeo and Maserati - two of Italy's most storied auto marques - have been more closely integrating over the course of the past several years. But now with the Fiat empire under which both brands lie growing to accomodate Chrysler, Alfa and Maserati are set to cooperate even further following the appointment of Harald J. Wester as chief executive of Alfa Romeo.

Executive reshuffles happen all the time in the auto industry, especially in the Fiat group as of late. But usually a new appointment means the vacation of another. In Wester's case, however, he'll be taking over Alfa Romeo in addition to his role as CEO of Maserati. Not only that, but he'll remain CEO of the Abarth performance brand as well, plus chief technical officer for the entire group.

As with the appointment of Lancia CEO Olivier Francois as head of the Chrysler brand, we can expect Alfa, Maserati and even Abarth to work more closely in the near future, most critically in North America where Maserati has been preparing the ground for Alfa and Abarth to return.

Filed under: Wheels

Maserati CEO Harald Wester Named Head of Alfa Romeo originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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www.luxist.com | 1/25/10 11:02 PM

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 1.20.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 1/21/10 12:20 AM

Fiat's boss Sergio Marchionne is saying that Chrysler could be fully merged with Fiat by the end of the year.

www.topix.net | 1/20/10 11:21 PM

Filed under: Concept Cars, Europe, Crossover, Chrysler, Fiat, Lancia

Remember the nameless Chrysler Lancia (pictured above) from last week's Detroit Show ? According to a report from Autocar , there's a good chance that the vehicle (a reskinned Delta) is more than just an exercise in filling up space in Cobo Hall. Fiat's boss Sergio Marchionne is saying that Chrysler could be fully merged with Fiat by the end of the year.

Why would Mr. Marchionne merge two such seemingly distinct and storied brands into one? Because they fill holes in each others' lineups. "In Europe, Lancia is an undersized, underdeveloped brand, with nothing bigger than the Delta. Chrysler, which has a true global reach, has nothing smaller. Put them together and you have a full line-up," said the boss.

As for last week's Pentastar badged Lancia Delta, it could happen... maybe . "The rebadged Delta could quite possibly make a Chrysler vehicle," explained Marchionne, who went on to explain that a Chrysler'd Delta would not conflict with Lancia. Why? Fiat won't be selling any Lanica-badged Lancias in the United States. If that's the case, the merger would be similar to how Renault-Nissan does business, and hopefully not as... how to put this... plain rotten as DaimlerChrysler turned out.



[Source: Autocar ]

Report: Marchionne says Chrysler and Lancia could be merged within a year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 1/20/10 5:32 PM

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, Chrysler, Luxury

If you plan on visiting the 2010 Detroit Auto Show when it opens to the public, head to the Chrysler display, specifically the area where they've cordoned off the Chrysler Lancia concept. Behind that rebadged Lancia Delta is a large video screen playing a Chrysler promotional video. Nothing special, right? Wrong. The video in question is apparently showing sneak peeks of future Chrysler models. We were too busy asking Chrysler spokespeople why the Lancia was even at the show (to which they offered little insight) to even notice.

While a few different vehicles/concepts are shown in the video, the most obvious and interesting is what could be the next-gen Chrysler 300. From what little we can see of it, the car appears to be a concept version of the next-gen 300 that we may see unveiled in the near future, possibly at the Chicago Auto Show in February or New York Auto Show in April.

While we don't have the video itself, there is some hand-held footage of the Chrysler Lancia concept on YouTube with the video playing on the wall in the background. That's after the jump , but you can also view some screen grabs in the gallery below. Thanks for the tip, Joseph!



[Source: YouTube , Picasa ]

Continue reading Next-gen Chrysler 300 previewed in auto show video?

Next-gen Chrysler 300 previewed in auto show video? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 1/15/10 6:58 PM

Filed under: Car Buying, Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Ferrari, Lancia, Racing

Last sold on these shores in 1982, the Lancia brand has pretty much slipped into obscurity for most Americans, but there was a time when Lancia was on top of the world. From the mid-'70s to the early-'90s, Lancia racked up an impressive tally of international race wins and championships with its doorstop-like Stratos and Montecarlo successor. With the recent Chrysler/Fiat nuptials, the Lancia brand is having a bit of a renaissance, but only as a source of future badge-engineered Chryslers . That's why it's so refreshing to come across something like the car we just found on Craigslist: A genuine Lancia LC2 Group C racecar.

In 1983, Lancia introduced the LC2, a closed-cockpit Group C car co-developed with Ferrari. It went up against the legendary Porsche 956, and later the 962, with a big power advantage courtesy of the dual-turbocharged Ferrari V8 in the engine bay. Its 720 horsepower helped the LC2 win a string of pole positions, but the car wasn't very reliable. It did win a few races for Lancia from 1983-1986, and continued to run in privateer campaigns until the early '90s, but Lancia eventually dropped out of sportscar racing altogether at the end of 1986 in order to concentrate on rallying. The Lancia Delta went on to be one of the most successful rally cars in history, but the LC2 remained the pinnacle of Lancia's rise to glory in international sportscar racing.

The LC2 available on Craigslist is chassis number 2 of just 5 ever built. It ran under the works Martini livery from '83-'86 scoring a win at the Imola 1000K in 1983 at the hands of Teo Fabi and Hans Heyer. Bob Wollek and Alessandro Nannini piloted 002 to a fastest lap after winning the pole at Le Mans in '84. It finished 8th in that 24 hour run, but followed up with a 246-mile-per-hour Mulsanne Straight clocking the following year when it qualified P3 and finished 6th. Chassis number 002 ran in more races than any other LC2 before retiring in 1986. Riccardo Patrese, Michele Alboreto, Mauro Baldi and Lucio Cesario were the other drivers who got seat time in Chassis 002 before it was sold off to a private party in 1988.

Canepa recently put 4,000 hours and $350,000 into a 100-point restoration of the car and is now offering it for sale at $1,250,000. That might seem like a lot of money for a racecar that only scored one win and never really lived up to its promise, but it's not likely you'll find another LC2 cheaper anytime soon. For fans of the Lancia marque, the LC2 ranks right up there with the Fulvia HF, 037 Rally and Delta S4 in the pantheon of Lancia racecars.



[Source: Canepa Design via Craigslist ]

Craigslist Find of the Day: Rare Lancia LC2 Group C racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 1/15/10 12:31 AM

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Podcasts, Hybrid, Government/Legal, Technology, Ford, GM, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Toyota, Fiat, Electric, Luxury, Lancia

Rapier-witted analyst Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics joins Chris, Sam, and Dan for Episode #160 of the Autoblog Podcast. Announcements and news have heated up after taking a holiday break, and we jump right in. First up, it's the speculation that four million fewer car sales might signal the end of days for the automobile. Once that's thoroughly mulled over, we move on to the Mercedes S400 Hybrid before talking about new engines that would bolster Porsche's efficiency, and discuss a turbocharged four-cylinder Mercedes C-Class coupe . Ford's VEBA payment is next before we touch on what's coming in Detroit. We wrap it all up by listing our #1 vehicle of the decade in a variety of categories. We hope you have as much fun listening as we did recording. See you next week!

Until next time, quality podcasting exists at Joystiq and Engadget . Let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com , reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey , or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763) . Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #160 - Analyst Jim Hall raises the Podcast IQ

Autoblog Podcast #160 - Analyst Jim Hall raises the Podcast IQ originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read  | Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 1/5/10 6:20 PM

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Etc., Chrysler, Maserati, Ferrari, Fiat, Lancia

We're not likely to see a new TC by Maserati on display at Chrysler's North American International Auto Show stand, but a quick glance away from the rebadged Lancia Delta and Fiat 500 we're all waiting to eyeball will be machinery from Ferrari and Maserati. Last year, Ferrari stayed out of the Detroit Auto Show altogether, but for 2010, Chrysler, Maserati, and Ferrari are all under the Fiat, SpA corporate umbrella. Taking advantage of that, shuffling has gone on to put the group's exotic wares at the Detroit show, right between Dodge and Jeep.

Positioning the high-end rides in the show's equivalent of the Bowery might be the best (or only) way for the likes of Dodge and Jeep, which have no new product with which to draw foot traffic, to gain a "contact high" of visibility. Anyone wishing to ogle the Italian exotica (and honestly, who doesn't?) will have no choice but to navigate through the lesser corporate cousins from Chrysler on the way to and fro. Crafty, Sergio, very crafty.

[Source: The Detroit News ]

Strange Bedfellows: Ferrari and Maserati to share stand space with Chrysler in Detroit? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Jan 2010 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read  | Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 1/2/10 7:08 PM

Filed under: Chrysler, Fiat, Lancia

Another morsel to come out of Fiat's 2-year plan is the short term product plan for Lancia , a brand that the parent company has been accused of neglecting for quite a while. In addition to the usual refreshes and facelifts, the truly juicy bit is that Fiat plans 17 new vehicles over the next two years, and Chrysler platforms will provide the basis for four Lancias.

Next month's Detroit Auto Show is expected to host the first "new" Chrysler product: a rebadged Lancia Delta. An SUV is expected to follow sometime next year, then a midsize sedan and convertible, a luxury sedan, and a minivan in 2011. The real meat that we're still missing is how these vehicles will really be created. How much of the initiative will be badge engineering, and how much will be genuine, clean-sheet engineering.

Fiat wants Chrysler's global sales to more than double by 2014, to 2.8 million. If that number is accurate, that would mean Sergio Marchionne expects Chrysler to account for more than half of his targeted five million global sales for the entire Fiat Group by 2014 -- and that group just grew thanks to Fiat's swallowing up Zastava. Marchionne is said to be thinking about a successor because he "can't work 24/7 forever." With plans like these, we can't imagine he'll be sleeping or stepping aside any time soon.

[Source: Carscoop via GM Inside News ]

Lancia's near future to be built on Chrysler platforms originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Dec 2009 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read  | Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 12/26/09 9:06 PM

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Hatchback, Chrysler, Maserati, Ferrari, Fiat, Rumormill, Electric, Lancia

Just because Chrysler won't be holding a press conference at next month's Detroit Auto Show doesn't mean that America's third-largest automaker is coming to the party empty-handed. Far from it, in fact, assuming there's truth to the rumors that the Pentastar will be showing off both an electric version of the soon-to-be-US-bound Fiat 500 along with a Chrysler-ized version of the Lancia Delta hatchback.

While the Chrysler-branded concept is said to be nothing more than a standard-fare Delta emblazoned with Chrysler's trademark chrome fascia , the electric Fiat 500 is a bit more interesting. We've heard that the automaker's erstwhile ENVI group was disbanded and assimilated into the rest of the company's product development workforce, so we're curious to see the integration of a battery-powered drivetrain into the little urban runabout. Will it be a fully-functional vehicle or just a mock-up of what could potentially be possible?

Not surprisingly, we'll also be treated to the rest of the Fiat 500 lineup, including the 500C Cabriolet (no word on bikini-clad models ) and the sporty 500 Abarth. Finally, tucked into a corner of the Chrysler booth in Detroit will also reportedly be such premium Italian machinery as the Ferrari 458 Italia and the Maserati GranCabrio . Hey... if you've got it, why not flaunt it, right?



[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: Chrysler to bring electric Fiat 500, hatchback concept to Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read  | Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 12/22/09 9:28 PM

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Mercedes-Benz

There have been a lot of non-auto vehicles that have graced the pages of Autoblog. We regularly cover bikes, and occasionally other modes of transportation as well. We even cover the occasional boat, especially if it has ties to the automotive industry. We've seen amphibious cars , catamarans , yachts , sailboats , and even wooden boats that look like cars . None of those, however, capture our attention as much as speed boats. Whether inspired by Chevrolet , Jaguar , Ferrari , Spyker , Porsche , Audi or Lancia , they set our hearts aflutter just as much as their landbound dopplegangers. Now we can add Mercedes-Benz to the mix.

Set to launch at the 2010 Miami International Boat Show in February is this sleek Cigarette Racing boat. The new craft is said to be inspired by the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG , although the concept sketch they've provided us doesn't show any gullwing hatches. We're not sure if it will be powered by AMG engines, but the 42-plus-foot boat is expected to be good for 120 mph with its twin staggered powerplants. Cigarette says their newest offshore racer "will feature more than 100 innovations included in the design, development and rigging of the boat."

We can't wait to see the real thing in the water early next year. Until then, you can read the full press release after the jump and click above for a larger image.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Ship Shape: Mercedes-Benz AMG and Cigarette Racing to launch SLS-inspired boat

Ship Shape: Mercedes-Benz AMG and Cigarette Racing to launch SLS-inspired boat originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 12/16/09 8:58 PM

Filed under: Videos, Chrysler, Celebrities

This is... different. To summarize, a new commercial by Chrysler is agitating for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's (a.k.a. Burma's) pro-democracy leader and lightning rod who has been under one form of house arrest or another for twenty years. The thirty-second spot was originally created to be part of sister-brand Lancia's sponsorship of the 10th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates. Says Oliver Francis, the new President and CEO of Chrysler and Managing Director of Lancia:

"We produced the TV film in honor of all those who put their lives at stake in the hopes of making the world a better place. In particular, those men and women who are still prisoners, like Aung San Suu Kyi. For Chrysler, this is a chance to use our brand image to join with others in the fight for peace and to knock down the walls that divide us. We at Chrysler believe in doing the right thing and making a difference."

The spot opens with a Chrysler 300 driving next to the some still-standing sections of the Berlin Wall. It then passes by a mural of Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela. We then see three Nobel Laureates getting out of the back of 300s: Muhammed Yunus, founder of the micro-lending Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, Polish union leader and president Lech Walesa and former leader of the USSR Mikhail Gorbachev.

As to whether or not a car company should be advocating in favor of peace and democracy, all we'll say is we're glad Chrysler is not fighting against 'em. Be sure to check out the video and press release after the jump .

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chrysler ad gets political, advocates for release of Myanmar Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

VIDEO: Chrysler ad gets political, advocates for release of Myanmar Nobel Peace Prize Laureate originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 12/4/09 7:58 PM

Filed under: Classics, UK

Now we're talking! If there's one thing we're in favor of its pushing cars to their breaking point. See LeMons . But what about pushing cars past their breaking point? Like across Africa? That's exactly what British journalist and adventurer Brian Milton did in 1968 when he took a 1937 Austin 7 Ruby and drove it across the Sahara Desert to meet his fiancee.

Mr. Milton has written a book about his forty-one year old adventure entitled Alexa -- the Life and Death of an Austin 7 Ruby . And to our ears, it sounds wonderful:

"I motored 1,800 miles on rough track across the Sahara... I reached a Nigeria that was wracked by civil war... I survived. But alas, my Austin 7 did not. We crashed once and ran out of water twice in the Sahara. I drove 2,000 miles on three pistons and 900 miles without brakes, lights, shock absorbers or starting motor or handle."

Mr. Milton has sent a copy of Alexa to none other than Jeremy "Torques" Clarkson , asking the Top Gear star to go on and recreate his 1968 adventure. While some might argue that driving a Lancia Beta Coupe across the desert might get Jezza off the hook, we'd totally watch him and May and Hammond kill themselves in something as dodgy as an Austin 7. Interested in reading about Brian Milton's adventure? Alexa can be purchased right here .

[Source: East London Advertiser ]

UK adventurer challenges Clarkson to cross Sahara in 1937 Austin 7 Ruby originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 10/29/09 11:02 PM

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, Maserati, Lancia

The last time Chrysler and Maserati got together , America was blessed with what appeared to the entire world to be little more than a gussied-up two-seat Chrysler LeBaron convertible with a removable hardtop and opera-style windows. Apparently, since that last marriage between Detroit and Modena proved so, ahem, successful, reports indicate that the two companies may once again join forces now that Fiat controls proceedings at both the Trident and the Pentastar.

According to Automotive News , Fiat has plans to build 50,000 vehicles per year at the former Carrozzeria Bertone near Turin that it procured a few months back. That output will be made up of two sedans - one carrying a Maserati badge and one sold as a Lancia - that will be based on the rear-wheel drive underpinnings of the next Chrysler 300.

Both vehicles will reportedly use versions of the upcoming new V6 engine from Chrysler, the first application of which will be in the 2011 Grand Cherokee . The Lancia could be a replacement for the current Thesis sedan while the Maserati would theoretically slot below current Quattroporte.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: Fiat may use next Chrysler 300 platform for Lancia, Maserati originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read  | Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 10/28/09 12:20 PM

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chrysler, Fiat

Fiat exec Olivier Francois has a big reputation that's based on results. As head of the Lancia brand, he has garnered it more attention than it's had in many years, and the marque sells more cars more consistently. He has done this with a flair for marketing that begs for attention, and if it takes controversy to get attention then so be it. Fiat chief Sergio Marchionne chose Francois to be the CEO of Chrysler vehicles and run the Chrysler Group's marketing, advertising and brand development and strategies. It is expected, then, that he will bring his risque marketing ways to the house of The Pentastar.

Francois was the man behind the Lancia ad that had Richard Gere driving the new Delta into Tibet. As if that weren't enough, the ad was shown during the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics. You can imagine how happy the Chinese were about that, but the larger story was that it worked: the ad and the controversy got play everywhere, and Fiat only had to make a formal apology to China to get on with business. Francois also made a commercial that honors Aung San Suu Kyi, a political prisoner in Myanmar.

This is the kind of advertising, though, that's more acceptable, and probably more effective, in Europe. In America, a commercial about a robot committing suicide is cause for protests, and VW's Routan campaign in which people have babies in order to justify buying the minivan is decried as insensitive by people who can't have babies. America is not the first country where one would test the limits of corporate daring or broadcast a ribald sense of humor to a mass market audience. The complete remaking of Chrysler and the company's former history of not being just another carmaker could give Francois room to bang up against some cultural boundaries. But we'd still advise Fiat to keep a crisis PR team on hold. Follow the jump to see the Delta commercial.

[Source: Ad Age ]

Continue reading REPORT: Controversial ads expected from Fiat exec heading Chrysler marketing [w/VIDEO]

REPORT: Controversial ads expected from Fiat exec heading Chrysler marketing [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read  | Permalink  | Email this  | Comments www.autoblog.com | 10/21/09 7:18 PM

Filed under: Podcasts, Budget, Hybrid, Technology, Tokyo Motor Show, Chrysler, Dodge, Toyota, Tokyo Auto Salon, Alternative Fuel, Lancia

Episode #149 of the Autoblog Podcast, the first frost edition, has arrived. The Tokyo Motor Show is coming up, and there have been a couple previews of what to expect there. The Toyota FT-86 concept has had everyone abuzz with its heralding as the spiritual successor of the much-beloved AE86 of the 1980s. Also building excitement for Tokyo is Subaru's Hybrid Tourer concept. Moving on from Asia, we touch on Lancias being rebadged as Chryslers before wrapping up with Chrysler and Fiat's collaboration on an electric car . Very last, we hit up some questions before calling it a night and going to sleep off our ailments. Keep the feedback rolling in to Podcast at Autoblog dot com , thanks for filling our survey with data, and we'll see you soon for #150! Remember, if you get lonely, there's always Joystiq and Engadget . Thanks for listening!

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Autoblog Podcast #149 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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