Check out these little gems... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MercFan · #1 06-17-2009, 11:48 AM

Have you heard of these trucks? THey are coming to a Chrysler dealership near ya... ::

http://biodiesel.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/419605551/m/276107371

Think this is a truck that I'd like to own, rather than my Dodge Bohemoth RAM that barely fits in my oversized garage... Why couldn't American car companies figure this out?! Guess the foreign firms have to come in and show 'em how it's done. Can't wait to test drive one.

James

LUVMBDiesels · #2 06-17-2009, 12:34 PM

I like them too...

Here is the flip side of the story:

Chrysler model line to be made over

Will improve range of small cars, boost mileage

BY MARK PHELAN • FREE PRESS AUTO CRITIC • June 11, 2009

Chrysler's model line will get a profound makeover as it uses platforms and technologies developed by Fiat to broaden and improve its range of small vehicles and boost its fuel economy.

Here's a look at what's coming.
Minicars: The fashionable little Fiat 500 is to come out of Chrysler's plant in Toluca, Mexico. Chrysler may also use the award-winning 500's platform as the basis of a small car for one of its own brands.
Subcompact: The B-segment platform underpinning the sporty Alfa Romeo MiTo will provide Chrysler with the basis for small cars to compete with models like the Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta and Toyota Yaris. Dodge is virtually certain to get a subcompact. Chrysler, and even Jeep, might, too.
Compact: The platform Chrysler will use for most vehicles is being developed to replace the Alfa Romeo 147, Fiat Grande Punto and Lancia Delta.
Alfa Romeo: Fiat plans to build the upcoming Alfa Milano sport sedan and station wagon in one of Chrysler's plants. Another Chrysler plant could build a sporty midsize crossover for the iconic Italian brand. Alfa may also get a larger sport sedan based on the next generation of Chrysler's excellent 300 platform.
Other Alfas, including the famous Spider roadster, Giulia sport sedan and MiTo subcompact, will probably come from Europe.
Powertrain: Fiat's innovative Multiair variable valve-timing system will boost the fuel economy and power of many Chrysler engines. Fiat four-cylinder engines will probably go into production at Chrysler's plant in Dundee. Chrysler will also produce Fiat's new dual-clutch transmission for use in small cars.
Contact MARK PHELAN: 313-222-6731 or phelan@freepress.com

H-townbenzoboy · #3 06-17-2009, 12:38 PM

Cool! I don't know if this warranted or not, but knowing that they were made in India makes me question how safe they are in accidents.

lutzTD · #4 06-17-2009, 01:07 PM

2.2 diesel 6 speed mini PU.... sign me up. If I could find a good diesel 6spd combo Id swap one into an S10 or Ranger in a heartbeat

lutzTD · #5 06-17-2009, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H-townbenzoboy

Cool! I don't know if this warranted or not, but knowing that they were made in India makes me question how safe they are in accidents.

they will have to pass our laws to be sold here, Uncle Sam takes good care of us

MercFan · #6 06-17-2009, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lutzTD

they will have to pass our laws to be sold here...

Sounds like they already may have passed the EPA tests - I gather that they are scheduled to show here in US later this year...

Hatterasguy · #7 06-17-2009, 03:06 PM

Hmm, might be worth a look.

In four or five years when I'm in the market for a new truck I might cross shop them against an F150. Which by that time will hopefully have a small diesel option.

cscmc1 · #8 06-17-2009, 03:34 PM

I saw (and posted, I think) something about these in one of the automotive rags last year; they were suggesting that they'd be here soon. They sound like nice trucks! Wish there was a manual transmission option, though.

Edit: here's the post I was thinking of. I guess it's been in the works longer than I though. That was from '07.

Mahindra to bring diesel to US

cscmc1 · #9 06-17-2009, 03:54 PM

I believe there is a Mahindra diesel Jeep (the old, flat fender style, no less) at Geilenkirchen Air Base in Germany; it's been there both times I have been to that base, and I'd LOVE to get my hands on one like it!

LUVMBDiesels · #10 06-17-2009, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cscmc1

I believe there is a Mahindra diesel Jeep (the old, flat fender style, no less) at Geilenkirchen Air Base in Germany; it's been there both times I have been to that base, and I'd LOVE to get my hands on one like it!

Mahindra makes CJ5s under license from Jeep.
I doubt that FIAT would let them bring in a CJ no matter how old the model is. Although knowing FIAT I could be wrong!

cscmc1 · #11 06-17-2009, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUVMBDiesels

Mahindra makes CJ5s under license from Jeep.
I doubt that FIAT would let them bring in a CJ no matter how old the model is. Although knowing FIAT I could be wrong!

Yup, there are Mahindra CJ's all over the place, but I agree -- we'll probably never see them here. Mahindra CJ's aside, it's too bad the Big 3 can't get with the program and show us some of the goodies the rest of the world gets... imagine being able to choose from even half the little turbo diesels that the European market gets from GM, Chrysler, Ford, and their holdings.

Hatterasguy · #12 06-17-2009, 05:16 PM

If they prove to be as well made, comfortable and capable as the pickups we have over here they could be interesting.

Are these full size or little pickups? If I can't carry a full sheet of plywood in the bed its useless to me.

cscmc1 · #13 06-17-2009, 05:20 PM

Gimme an old Toyota Hilux diesel any day... another great truck we never got. Oh well...

Hatterasguy · #14 06-17-2009, 05:21 PM

I'd love an F150 with a 4 cylinder Cummins, or Toyota diesel in it.

TheDon · #15 06-17-2009, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

If they prove to be as well made, comfortable and capable as the pickups we have over here they could be interesting.

Are these full size or little pickups? If I can't carry a full sheet of plywood in the bed its useless to me.

dude, have you seen what they carry on mopeds in India?

I'd rather drive this little truck than a Cherry... I can't wait for these things to hit the USA.