Chrysler shows off new Fiat-based sedan at special dealer presentation

Chrysler has showed off several of its planned models at a special dealer presentation held this week at the carmaker’s design dome in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Among the new models was the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan, and according to the Wall Street Journal a compact sports sedan from Fiat that will form the basis for a new Chrysler version.


The proposed alliance between Fiat and Chrysler still hasn’t been finalized and with the government’s deadline for restructuring falling at the end of this month dealers understandably are nervous. Add a looming bankruptcy to the mix and stress levels for most dealers will likely be going through the roof. The show off may settle tensions a little and offer some hope.

On hand at the event was Chrysler’s design chief Ralph Gilles who confirmed that the Chrysler version would use the Fiat chassis but will have unique exterior sheet metal. Chrysler doesn’t have a compact sedan in its lineup at the moment and has lacked one ever since the Dodge Neon was discontinued back in 2006. With consumers in the U.S. continuing to downsize to smaller vehicles, even with fuel prices back at the $2 per gallon mark, Chrysler needs to fill the gaping void in its lineup.

There’s been no mention of which Fiat model was shown at the presentation but Chrysler has previously revealed that it will build a sedan based on the Italian carmaker’s C-Evo platform, which currently underpins cars like the Fiat Bravo and Lancia Delta.

Chrysler, in its original viability plan submitted to the U.S. Treasury back in February, showed that it could expand its lineup for very little cost by borrowing several future Fiat models. The alliance will possibly see up to seven new Fiat and Alfa Romeo models sold in the U.S., including some that will be produced in North America for the first time.