In case you didn't realize Fiat was calling the shots now at Chrysler, Fiat announced late yesterday that Paolo Ferrero, Fiat's vice president of product engineering, will now head up the Chrysler Powertrain division. He effectively replaces Bob Lee, a popular executive with engineering and MBA degrees, who is credited with the "resurrection" of the Hemi V8.
Chrysler said in statement that Ferrero will be "directly responsible for all powertrain activities for Chrysler Group, with a focus on technology-sharing with the Fiat Powertrain Technologies organization.
"Additionally, he will provide indirect oversight of powertrain manufacturing, testing, quality, and international operations while also ensuring strong integration and alignment with the Chrysler Group vehicle engineering organization and other supporting functions."
Likely, then, Ferrero will push toward the manufacture of Fiat's current range of four-cylinder engines at Chrysler's Dundee engine plant, writes Auto Observer's Bill Visnic, which has plenty of capacity now that Hyundai and Mitsubishi are officially out of the GEMA deal. The introduction of dual-clutch transmission technology is a strong possibility, too. It's unclear, though, what this development might mean for Chrysler's new Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 engine scheduled to launch next year in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Auto Observer: Fiat's Guy to Run Chrysler Powertrain; Hemi Future Cloudy
felonious says:
08:33 AM, 09/23/09
I can't see how this decision could possibly come back to bite them in the future...
notabigdeal says:
01:43 PM, 09/23/09
It would be funny/tragic to see a Dodge Challanger with a fuel sipping turbocharged fiat V4/6 engine. Wonder how that would go...
estreka says:
03:25 PM, 09/23/09
Chrysler has some of the worst engines in the industry. While unpopular, this is probably a smart move.
inlinesix says:
09:23 PM, 09/23/09
I agree this is the direction that Fiat should go.
julianb says:
09:38 PM, 09/23/09
The biggest question fiat has to answer is, "Can they develop chrysler vehicles better or worse than previous models."
Product development is what I'm scepticle about, as they don't understand why chrysler is comparable to Cadillac, and Lincoln. Also, their alfa romeos are pretty ugly, with exception of the 8C, which has a ferrari powertrain.
If Chrysler sucks up all Fiats money, what will happen next...?
wetwilly says:
12:28 AM, 09/24/09
"That thing got a Multi-Air?" doesn't have the same ring as "That thing got a Hemi?"
redgeminipa says:
04:32 AM, 09/24/09
A note to "notabigdeal": 4 cyl engines only come in 2 configurations: horizontal (Subaru) or inline (everything else). Nobody makes a "V" 4 engine, and it really infuriates me that morons don't know what the "V" stand for. In my recent search for a Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition with the 3.0 "H" 6 engine, I won't even consider looking at one if the seller refers to the engine as a "V" 6. If you're going to chime in on a car related post, at least learn the basics so you look less foolish.
cb_racer says:
06:15 AM, 09/24/09
Fiat has never been known for building quality cars. They make cheap junk, that's all they make.
I once did a briefing in Torino with a Fiat executive and he said "We have a perception problem in the market. People believe our cars have low quality. We have to improve our quality to change that." Duh!
iskch says:
09:19 AM, 09/24/09
Note to redgeminipa:check your data. "nobody makes V-4 engines" In general terms or automobile terms? If you put it in general terms the answer is " YES " They make V-4 engines for Motorcycles. If you look back for cars they made some too. F.Y.I