Shhh.... Chrysler-Badged Lancia Delta Appears at the Detroit Motor Show [Updated]

-New Photos Added-

Talk about a crappy representation of a thinning yet still major player in the U.S. automotive scene like Chrysler and its Dodge and Jeep brands. Not only did Fiat Group's bosses decide to skip a press conference at the 2010 NAIAS in Detroit but they didn't even bother -at least until the time that this post was written- to issue a press release on the Chrysler-badged Lancia Delta that was displayed at the firm's booth...

Not to pat ourselves in back, but our photoshop of the "Chrysler Delta" that we showed back in December was spot on as we correctly predicted the shape and more importantly, the styling of the chrome grille.

We did however overestimate the Fiat Group's rebadging capabilities as the unnamed Detroit Show car retained the Italian model's alloy wheels - we'll keep that in mind for next time.

There's no official word on the group's North American plans for the 4,522mm-long (177.9-inches or about the same size as the VW Jetta) hatchback, but we would like to hear your thoughts on the matter and in particular, if the Delta's styling would appeal to American consumers. Have your say in the comment section below.

Lancia Delta Hatchback

Shhh... Fiat Brings 500 BEV Electric Concept Car to Detroit

As you've probably already guessed by the title of this post, neither Fiat nor Chrysler published any details on the Fiat 500 BEV concept model that was showcased alongside the 500 Abarth at the American automaker's Detroit Motor Show stand. Nothing new here as we're in the dark about the "Chrysler Delta" also.

The car's name stands for Battery-Electric Vehicle and from what we've heard, it's pure study as Fiat has no plans to introduce a production version of the concept - at least not in this form.

To make a short story longer, the 500 BEV features a similar bodykit to the Abarth model minus the tail pipes at the rear as well as new alloy wheels.

Inside, the concept model gets sumptuous leather seats finished in red and a sport steering wheel accented by red stitching while the traditional gear lever has been replaced with push-button controls.

Dodge Refreshes and Renames Nitro Lineup for 2010, 4.0-Liter V6 Standard Across the Range

The Chrysler Group has revised and renamed its Dodge Nitro range for 2010. The SUV's lineup now comprises of the Heat, Detonator and Shock trim grades, all of which are now powered by a 4.0-liter V6 with 260HP and 265 lb.-ft. (359 Nm) of torque (the previous entry level 210hp 3.7L V6 is discontinued).

All 2010 models come with more standard content including 20-inch alloys, eight premium speakers with a 368-watt amplifier and 9-inch subwoofer, deep-tinted glass, Uconnect Phone, iPod Control, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, speed control and security alarm.

The MSRP for the base 2010 Dodge Nitro Heat is set at $23,995 and includes a $745 destination fee.

Building on the former SXT model, the new Nitro Detonator model features 20-inch Mopar polished/painted alloys, hood decal, eight speakers plus subwoofer, remote start, ParkSense rear-park assist and color-keyed premium cloth interior that matches the exterior paint color. The 2010 Nitro Detonator is priced at $25,995 (including $745 destination).

Finally, the Nitro Shock adds heated leather seats and a sun roof to the Detonator model and is priced at $26,995 (including $745 destination).

Dodge offers the 2010 Nitro in nine exterior colors, including a new Detonator Yellow Clear Coat.

New Chrysler Town & Country Walter P. Chrysler Signature Series Special

Joining the new 300 S6 and S8 in Chrysler's 2010MY lineup is the special edition Town and Country Walter P. Chrysler Signature Series. Equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine features several upgrades included a more luxurious interior with seating and trim combinations in Dark Slate Gray and Light Shale finished with French-seamed stitching, unique Macassar Range wood trim and satin finishes on the instrument panel and doors.

On the outside, the special edition model gains an available Deep Cherry Red Pearl Coat exterior paint, unique seven-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, chromed belt, fascia accents and body-side moldings, roof rack with cross bars and "Walter P. Chrysler Signature Series" front door badging.

Pricing for the 2010 Chrysler Town & Country Walter P. Chrysler Signature Series is set at $33,365 (including $820 destination) with sales to begin in the first-quarter of 2010.

Fiat Group "Revitalizes" Chrysler's Lineup with Special Edition 2010MY 300 S6 and S8

To be completely fair, we weren't expecting the Fiat Group's tie up with Chrysler to produce immediate results in such a short period of time, but we doubt that this is of any concern to consumers that want to see new products rolling into in the Detroit automaker's showrooms.

We're still waiting to see if the rumors about a Lancia Delta-badged / based Chrysler turn out to be true, but for the time being, Chrysler's Detroit Show offerings will include the new 2010MY 300 S6 with a 250HP 3.5-liter V6 and the S8 with a 360HP HEMI V8.

Both models benefit from a series of exterior and interior improvements as well as equipment upgrades.

The 300 S6 and S8 are distinguished on the outside by their blacked-out grilles with chromed surround, body-color fascia accents, darkened headlamp bezels, chromed door handles, "shaved" doors with body-color mirrors and large 20-inch polished face wheels with painted pockets.

Interior highlights include a unique leather steering wheel with carbon weave accented, red stitching and brushed silver spokes, seats upholstered in a combination of dark gray leather and suede brushed aluminum accents on the instrument panel center stack, center console side trim and upper-door trim. The carbon-weave door-pull handles with red accent stitching round off the interior upgrades.

The 300 S6 and S8 models also feature a 13-speaker Kicker audio system with a 322-watt amplifier and 100-watt subwoofer, Uconnect Phone, iPod Control and SIRIUS Satellite Radio.

The new Chrysler 300 S6 and 300 S8 will go on sale at Chrysler dealerships in the spring of 2010.