Fiat Group's Revised 2010-2011 Product Plan, Includes Chrysler-Based Sedans, Convertible and MPV for Lancia, 8C GTA for Alfa

During a Tuesday meeting in Rome with representatives of the government and trade unions, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne revealed the Italian group's product plan that has been revised after the alliance with the Chrysler Group earlier this year. We already told you about the introduction of Fiat's new twin-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine on the 500 mini next year, but let's see what else the group has in store for the European market.

Bypassing the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Fiat Doblo van that we already know about, Fiat's product plan concentrates on Lancia, a brand that up until now, was clearly neglected by the Italian firm. That's going to change now that Fiat has linked Lancia's portfolio with Chrysler's lineup.

First of all, 2010 will see a minor facelift for the Ypsilon mini and Musa mini MPV as well as a model year update on the Delta that is rumored to be revealed with a Chrysler badge at next month's Detroit auto show.

2011, however, promises to be a significant year for Lancia as Fiat plans to introduced four new vehicles -all of which will be derived from Chrysler models- to the brand's European lineup.

These include a mid-size family sedan and convertible (a Lybra successor most likely based on the Sebring), a new flagship luxury sedan (Thesis replacement that's rumored to be based on the 300) and a large MPV (probably the Town and Country).

In 2011, Fiat will also gain a Chrysler Group-derived crossover model while the most important introduction for the brand will be the next-generation Panda that will be offered with the firm's new twin-cylinder turbocharged engines.

Other than the new compact-sized Giulietta, Alfa Romeo's plans include a model year update for the 159 sedan, the presentation of the more hardcore 8C Competizione GTA and a light facelift for the MiTo supermini.

As you can see, Marchionne's plans for Alfa do not include the long awaited SUV / Crossover model nor a replacement for the 169. Apparently, the focus on the Lancia brand comes at the cost of Alfa's future...

All in all, over the next two years, the Fiat Group is planning the launch of 17 new models and upgrades of 13 existing models.

PS: The opening photo is a Carscoop photoshop

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible Revealed in Official Design Pictures

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible Revealed in Official Design Pictures

Not that the styling of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible hasn't been previewed in the virtually undisguised prototypes that have been caught by numerous spy photographers testing in and around the Nurburgring as well as other locations in Europe, but these grainy black and white pictures that were filed with the EU trademark office are the official deal.

Set to arrive in Mercedes-Benz showrooms sometime during the first half of 2010, the topless version of the new E-Class Coupe keeps the four-seat layout of its tintop twin and like the Audi A5 Cabrio, it doesn't use a retractable metal roof opting instead for a lighter and more compact-sized canvas top.

Don't expect to see any surprises under the hood as the 2010 E-Class Convertible will be offered with the same four-, six- and eight-cylinder engine options (depending on the market) as the latest coupe model including a 204HP 2.2-liter diesel and a 5.5-liter V8 petrol with 388HP.