Earlier today, Chrysler and General Motor released their Viability Plans for the US Treasury. These plans are to show that the companies can become profitable again, provided this huge-assed recession we are in doesn’t become a full blown depression, as it looks to do.
But the plans themselves are not the interesting bits of news. It’s what’s hidden inside of them.
Inside the GM paperwork (available here as a pdf) is a picture of what looks to be a production version of the Cadillac CTS Coupe. It’s on page 65, and it squashes the rumor that the coupe GM had cancelled plans for the coupe. It’s still possible, but as their telling the US Government that they are going to build it inorder to get more money, chances are they will actually build it.
Over at Chrysler, in their plan (available here as a pdf), two vehicles were definitely shown for the first time – and there was no hint that these would be coming so soon! The 2010 Chrysler 300 sedan (on page 133) is a slightly restyled car from it’s current look. The front end is a bit smoother. But the interior is all-new.
On Page 131 is the new 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee, again a slightly redesigned version of the current with an all-new interior.
But the most interesting thing that Chrysler showed in their plans was (to me, at least) on page 113. On this page, Chrysler is showing how Fiat and themselves cross-over in some categories of vehicles. This, by itself, isn’t all that interesting. But, they show pictures of the cars from Fiat that are in the segments, most of which is the same picture of a covered vehicle. But there are three that are not covered – the Fiat 500, the Fiat Punto and the Alfa Romeo Mito.
Did Chrysler just confirm that these three cars would be coming to the United States once the alliance agreement is signed off on? Does that mean that one day soon, I will be able to go to a local dealer and get my hands on a new Alfa Romeo? Or Even a new Fiat?
If this is the case, all I can say is – FINALLY!!
I have wanted an Alfa since they left the US over 20 years ago, and now it looks like I might actually be able to get one. And I don’t care if it’s the Mito. It may be small, but it’s one hot ass car! Just look at the photo!
I’m already drooling in anticipation of being able to get my hands on one of these!
