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A 1.8-litre Alfa Romeo turbo engine for Chrysler?

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Khatir Soltani
The synergy between the Chrysler Group and partners Fiat/Alfa Romeo is becoming increasingly evident, and North American consumers may reap some of its rewards in the near future.

Alfa Romeo will be building a new 1.8-litre, four-cylinder mill delivering up to 300 hp and featuring an aluminum engine block, direct injection and a turbocharger.

The automaker said in a press release that the powerplant would be introduced to North America as part of its big comeback, which, by the way, is now slated for 2013 and not 2014 as recent info indicated.

The announcement is pretty intriguing, as Alfa Romeo has just launched a 1.7-litre Multiair turbo mill in the Giulietta.

So why market such a similar product?

Photos that have recently cropped up on the web show a compact car based on the Giuletta and bearing Dodge’s signature (a possible replacement for the Caliber), which leads us to believe that the engine will be introduced on our continent soon.

The rumour is based on the fact that Alfa Romeo plans on massively producing the engine in one of its Italian plants in 2013, coinciding with the scheduled launch date of the Caliber’s successor. What’s more, the mill apparently meets both US and European emissions standards.

Considering everything else we know, it’s likely that the new engine will be found under the hood not only of the Caliber’s replacement, but also models like the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200.

Does Chrysler Group has a big surprise in store for us?


Source: Car and Driver

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada