Fiat Models Outlined in Chrysler Restructuring Plan

Chrysler has placed extraordinary reliance on its partnership with Fiat to bring itself back to profitability. The company plans to use as many as nine models from Fiat's lineup, up from the previouly reported seven. Details of Chrysler's stateside introduction of the Italian company's brands were introduced in their viability plan.

The viability plan, a detailed outline of Chrysler's reorganization, was a required element of the bailout loan agreement between the company and the U.S. government. Chrysler LLC already received $4 billion in federal loans, and they have requested an additional $5 billion.

Chrysler desperately needs compact vehicles, and gas sippers in their lineup. To accomplish this. they plan to bring the Fiat 500, Fiat Punto, and Alfa Romeo MiTo across the Atlantic. Other all-new vehicles getting interest include the Alfa Romeo Milano and Alfa Romeo Giulia as possible replacements for the 147 and 159 models. Additionally, the company will source an Alfa crossover, possibly based on the Kamal concept. A production unit of the Kamal is due in 2010.

Chrysler also plans to bring out a compact five-passenger hatchback, mid- to full-size model based on Fiat's lengthy C-Evo platform, and a model based on the large D-Evo platform.

Also being sourced from Fiat is the FIRE petrol engine line, including a 1.1-liter naturally aspirated unit and a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine. The Italian company's FAMB petrol, a 1.8-liter direct-injection turbocharged model. A similar unit is planned for the new Alfa Romeo 159, which will get about 200 hp. A better-tuned unit may provide up to 240 hp to the MiTo GTA.

Fiat is rumored to get around 25% of Chrysler LLC, and access to the Chrysler World Gas Engine and Phoenix V6 petrol engine. While these plans look like they could help, Chrysler still has not sealed the deal with Fiat. Fiat may be waiting to see if Chrysler gets the additional government funding before agreeing to the plan.