Fiat to Introduce Two New Dodge-Based Sedans in China and Russia by 2013

As time goes by, Fiat SpA�s integration with the Chrysler Group LLC deepens and the results become more evident with the two carmakers making several plans for the future. Speaking at Fiat's annual shareholders meeting on March 30, Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne revealed plans to launch two new Dodge-based sedans in China and Russia.

The first sedan will be a compact model built on the next generation Dodge Caliber, which is expected in the USA next January. According to an Autonews report, this model will enter production in China in the second half of 2011, while timing for the Russian launch has not yet been disclosed. The other four-door saloon will be a mid-size model based on the replacement for the Dodge Avenger, which is scheduled for launch in the USA in 2013. It will go on sale in China and Russia the same year.

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Just Like the Real Thing: Lancia Stratos Replica with Thema 8.32 V8

The Lancia Stratos HF is the other Italian supercar of the 1970s. It may not be as well loved as some of the other greats � Lamborghini�s Countach, Ferrari�s Daytona or Maserati�s Khamsin � but it still holds a special place in many enthusiasts� hearts. So it should come as no surprise that Stratos replicas are somewhat prevalent, especially in Europe.

The ebay seller assures us the work was carried out by professionals (isn�t it always?) and -as usual- the vehicle is going for a lot less than its original asking price. The car is said to be built by a Mr. Bates who provided the chassis to UK �repli-car� kit manufacturer Hawk Cars. Perhaps coincidently, Hawk Cars also makes a Lancia Stratos replica kit.

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First Interior Photos of Lancia�s Version of the Chrysler 300, the 2012 Thema

Even though Lancia's press site still has only one exterior photo of the Thema (who needs more when you can take a look at the Chrysler 300?), the Italians went straight to posting the first interior pictures of their American-sourced flagship sedan. If you like drama, don't read on, this isn't for you. Believe it or not �ahem- the 2012 Lancia Thema's interior looks exactly the same as Chrysler's.

Our �spot the differences� approach led to the conclusion that, Lancia logo aside, everything else in the cockpit is identical to what one can see in a Chrysler 300. Except of course the different leather upholstery and trim color scheme chosen for the photo shoot. The two sister cars share the blue-tone instrument panel lighting and the analogue clock as well, however, in this color and trim setup the Thema looks a bit more refined than its American counterpart.

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New Ram Cargo Van is a 2012 Dodge Caravan for the Pro

The Chrysler Group�s Ram Truck division has lifted the wraps off its latest offering, the new Cargo Van or simply Ram C/V, which is nothing more than a 2012 Dodge Caravan in LCV guise with solid panels in the place of the rear windows and a flat load area.

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Lancia�s Glitzy Ypsilon Promotional Videos

Lancia has released new videos of its 2012 Ypsilon, the posh supermini that made its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this week alongside the subtly revised Delta and the Chrysler-sourced Thema sedan, Grand Voyager MPV, and Fulvia Saloon and Convertible (the last two shown as concepts).

The videos clearly link the new Ypsilon to fashion and luxury, essentially building on the image created by the supermini�s predecessors. Although the outgoing Ypsilon was perceived more of a lady�s car, the automaker wants to send the message that its successor targets both hairdressers male and female buyers.

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VIDEO: Eminem Meets Italian Opera at Lancia's Presentations of the 2012 Thema and Flavia Concepts

The 81st Geneva International Salon marked Lancia's biggest but also, most controversial motor show appearance in recent years. Biggest because Lancia rolled out a total of six new vehicles and concept models, most controversial because four of those cars including the Thema flagship, the Flavia sedan and convertible concepts, and the Grand Voyager MPV are nothing more than rebadged Chryslers.

Lancia and Chrysler CEO Oliver Francois presented the Chrysler 300-based Thema under the sounds of an odd music mix. "Introducing this car of two continents in Geneva became a very personal affair, therefore I personally worked out a little piece of music, a blend of two musical cultures, Eminem's typical Detroit beat with a touch of Italian opera," said Francois just before the 2012 Thema saloon entered the stage.

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Lancia Could Sell the Ypsilon and Delta in the U.S., Has No Plans to Revive HF Integrale or Fulvia

When announcing the new Ypsilon�s key role in Lancia�s turnaround strategy at a press event autocarsp attended in Turin, Italy, earlier this week, company officials told us that the small car could be sold in the States under the Chrysler brand if American buyers will show enough interest towards the recently launched U.S.-spec Fiat 500. Furthermore, the same could happen with the Delta.

On the other hand, Lancia's people told us the company has no plans to revive famous nameplates such as the HF Integrale and Fulvia, simply stating that there�s no market for Lancia sports cars.

Although in its current state, the new Ypsilon doesn�t comply with U.S. standards, Lancia Product Manager Claudio Nervi told us that it could be �easily federalized� and that logistically �it's not a problem, as the Ypsilon could be produced at the [Fiat Group�s] Mexican plant�. However, Nervi also pointed out the decision depends �on the performance of the Fiat 500 in the US�.

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New Lancia Ypsilon Given a Key Role in the Italian Brand�s Revitalization Plan

The upcoming 2011 Geneva Salon will probably be the most important motor show in Lancia�s recent history, as the Italian brand is trying to start off its revitalization plan with a push of new models. However, the recently unveiled Flavia and Thema sedans and Grand Voyager MPV didn�t quite catch the public�s eye due to the fact that they�re all rebadged Chryslers, while the Delta hatchback hasn't even come close in repeating the first generation model's success.

This leaves the new Ypsilon to fend for the 105-year old company�s honor. The Italian firm's new small car is considered to be a �pocket flagship� and has been given a key role in Lancia's turnaround strategy, thoroughly emphasized during a press event that autocarsp was invited to attend at the Fiat Group�s Centro Stile design center in Turin, Italy.

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Novo Lancia Stratos

O novo Lancia Stratos foi desenvolvido em parceria com Pininfarina. E utiliza o motor do Ferrari F430 Scuderia que tem 540 cavalos de pot�ncia.

Ele pesa 1247 quilos e faz de 0 aos 100km/h em apenas 3,3 segundos e chegar a velocidade m�xima de 274 km/h. O modelo foi todo desenvolvido em fibra de carbono.

2009 Lancia Delta

Click on images to enlargeThese are official images of the all-new Delta from Lancia that will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2008. Based on a modified Fiat Bravo�s platform, the new Lancia Delta will however be longer, taller and wider than its Fiat cousin. In essence, it is the production version of the Delta HPE Concept, last showcased at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. The new Lancia Delta will be powered by a range of turbocharged (Fiat-sourced) 1.4L and 1.6L engines (both petrol and diesel) with output figures ranging from 120hp to 200hp, depending on state of tune and boost level.