Models pose in front of a Fiat 500 Cabriolet at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September.
On Nov. 4, we'll get our first look at Chrysler's future.
That's the day Fiat plans to reveal its five-year plan for the Chrysler Group, which includes Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep. Fiat owns 20 percent of Chrysler and effectively controls the automaker.
We don't know the details yet, but it's already clear Fiat is more sincere about sharing its technology and engineering capability than Mercedes-Benz ever was during DaimlerChrysler's brief and blighted existence.
Here's a rundown of key Fiat technologies Chrysler should get:
Multiair valve control
The award-winning valve-control system can reduce fuel consumption 10 to 25 per cent and cut emissions by 40 to 60 per cent. Multiair uses electronic and hydraulic controls to vary an engine's valve timing and run more efficiently.
Multiair also improves torque, so you can replace existing engines with smaller ones without harming a vehicle's performance.
The Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde subcompact sport coupe's 1.4-liter Multiair engine produces 170 horsepower and gets 41 mpg in European tests.
The system can be added to most of Chrysler's current engines relatively simply and inexpensively.
Small-displacement engines
Fiat builds a wide range of engines smaller than anything Chrysler has. Chrysler's engine plant in Dundee could build four-cylinder engines from a Fiat family that includes displacements as small as 1.2 litres.
The Dundee plant's current production ranges from 1.8 to 2.4 litres. Those engines, developed jointly with Hyundai and Mitsubishi while Chrysler was part of DaimlerChrysler, have been a disappointment in terms of power, refinement and fuel economy.
Multiair should be a key component of the new engines. Complementary technologies like turbocharging and direct injection of gasoline can raise power and reduce fuel consumption even more.
Dual-clutch transmissions
Chrysler transmission development was decimated by the DaimlerChrysler and Cerberus regimes. The automaker's Mercedes-derived five-speed automatic functions adequately in big vehicles, like the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Dodge Ram pickup, but Chrysler canceled a joint venture with Getrag that was to produce dual-clutch automated manual transmissions for smaller models.
Dual-clutch transmissions combine the mechanical components of a manual gearbox with the shifting of an automatic to boost fuel economy. Chrysler needs Fiat's upcoming dual-clutch gearbox, but may have to modify it or come up with another alternative for midsize models.
Diesel
Fiat's fuel-efficient diesel engines should be a key part of Chrysler's lineup. Fiat is a world leader in the technology, which can cut fuel consumption 30 per cent versus a comparable gasoline engine.
Fiat has a strong motivation to get Americans to buy more diesels as an alternative to hybrids, in which it has little expertise. In addition, the diesel Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs Chrysler built during its alliance with Daimler have a loyal following.
Watch for Fiat to promote its diesels for Jeeps and Dodge and Chrysler passenger cars.
A rumored plan to replace the Cummins diesel in Dodge Ram trucks with a Fiat engine is more problematic. The Cummins name is solid gold with truckers, and the engine-maker's badge on Ram heavy-duty pickups is a major asset for the Ram.
Connectivity
Fiat was the first automaker to develop a system with Microsoft to provide hands-free operation of devices like mobile phones and iPods.
Ford dominates the U.S. market for this feature with Sync, but Fiat's expertise can help Chrysler catch up.
In Europe, Fiat uses the software to provide some features Ford does not offer here, including a nifty online community called Ecoville, where drivers compete to be the most fuel-efficient in real-world driving.
While Ford's system has the snappy and intuitive name of Sync, Fiat calls its European application Blue & Me. Chrysler should come up with a more understandable and appealing name for the nifty feature.
Fiat should also reveal many of the vehicles in Chrysler's future lineup Nov. 4.
--Detroit Free Press
Shakeup at Chrysler
DETROIT -- Chrysler Group LLC is replacing two of its recently named brand CEOs, spinning off its Ram trucks as a separate brand, and asking its top designer to take on the added responsibility of CEO of the Dodge car brand.
Gone are Mike Accavitti, formerly president and CEO of the Dodge brand, and Peter Fong, who held the same titles for the Chrysler brand. Fong resigned for personal reasons and Accavitti is pursuing other interests, Chrysler said in a statement.
In their place will be Fred Diaz Jr., president and CEO of the newly created Ram brand; Ralph Gilles, who adds the title of president and CEO of Dodge cars to his current position of senior vice-president for product design, and Olivier Francois takes over as president and CEO of Chrysler brand
Francois comes from Fiat Group Automobiles, where he serves as head of the Lancia brand, a position he retains. He also will lead worldwide marketing strategies, brand development and advertising for the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge car and Ram brands.
Diaz has been the director of Chrysler's Denver business centre, overseeing the automaker's dealers in the Mountain West region. Mike Manley survives as president and CEO of the Jeep brand. Manley also will be responsible for implementing the co-operation agreements for distribution of Chrysler Group products through Fiat's international distribution network.
Joseph Veltri, who led the truck and SUV product planning team, is promoted to head of all product planning.
-- Detroit Free Press
