Fuel Efficiency: Facts About The Fiat/Chrysler Merger And The New Chevy Volt

The recent deal between Chrysler, and Fiat has sparked the public's interest concerning which models will be offered to American consumers. Here's the latest scoop: 7 models will be offered 4 will be dubbed Chryslers and the remainder to be sold as Fiats or Alfa Romeos. With their combined forces, these two auto manufacturers will have vehicles representing the minicar class up to the midsized sedan class. For Chrysler, the gaps in their product lines are filled. For Fiat, a new American audience awaits.

The subcompact Fiat 500 will be manufactured at the Toluca, Mexico Chrysler plant and could be available for purchase in the United States as soon as 2012. Additionally, Chrysler will be granted selling rights to a next-generation model of the Fiat Panda. The MiTo from Alfa Romeo will also be brought stateside to represent the subcompact class. In the compact class, the Alfa Romeo 147 is to be replaced - and there are talks of replacing the Dodge Caliber as well. Both of these replacements will utilize the Fiat C-Evo platform. Chrysler will also replace the Sebring and Avenger with models constructed atop a modified version of the C-Evo.

1.4L and 1.8L engines from Fiat will be licensed for production by Chrysler. Both engines have 4 cylinders and utilize a direct injection system that will help Chrysler to comply with the new fuel economy standards that will go into effect in the US as of 2011. Fiat will enjoy a 35 percent stake in the Chrysler Company and the right to display its vehicles in Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep showrooms. To further justify the trade, Fiat will be allowed to produce the new line of V6 Phoenix engines from Chrysler. With nothing set in concrete yet, the companies are set to release the final details of the deal by April 30.

Facts about the new Chevy Volt:

• The Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in electric vehicle (EV), that is powered only by its electric motor;
• A small gasoline powered engine is also included to generate electrical currents and keep the Volt's batteries charged;
• E-Flex architecture standards will accommodate multiple engine choices;
• A household electrical outlet will charge the Volt and an enable up to 40 miles of gasoline-free travel;
• The Chevy Volt is the perfect choice for traveling around the town running errands;
• Gas-free operation yields zero emissions;
• A T-shaped lithium ion battery distributes its weight down the central tunnel and above the rear wheels;
• After the initial 40 miles of gas-free traveling, the Volt can travel 360 more miles by utilizing the small gasoline generator/engine with a 6-gallon fuel tank to generate current and charge the battery;

Chevrolet, Chrysler, Fiat and Alfa Romeo are blazing a futuristic path to international oil independence. The people of the planet have awoken to a new age of environmental responsibility. Gas guzzling vehicles, although still loved by many for their luxury and power, may well soon be just memories.