First Fiats/Alfas in the US

Fiat said it will start building the 500 and the Panda in Mexico for the US market. (Panda becoming a Jeep) in 2011.
The Alfa Romeo MiTo will be built in the US alongside a small Dodge Hornet based on the same platform.

They also mentioned that the next Sebring (as well as the next Liberty and Caliber) will be based on Fiat's C platform.
The current stunning looking Lancia Delta is based on the same platform.

I think 2011 is a long time. The current 2nd generation Panda came out in 2003. Maybe they mean to say the one will get in 2011 will be a 3rd generation, other wise Jeep will be getting an 8 year old design.


What do you think?
Good news?

2.4 Liter for the new Buick Lacrosse

GM announced today that the base engine for the 2010 Lacrosse will be their new 2.4 Liter with 182hp.
They are hoping to get 30MPG HWY with this engine.
Unfortunately, the smaller engine will only be available in the base model.
Although they might change their mind later like they did with the Malibu.

3.0 Liter and 3.6 Liter V6s are still available or standard of the other versions.
Audi is on a similar path and won't even offer a V6 on the A4 anymore, at least in the US.
It looks like even near luxury car buyers are warming up to the idea that a good 4 cylinder engine is just fine.

We do live in a country where the speed limit is mostly 65 and a gallon of gas is pretty much over $3 now....