This mule, which appears to be an Alfa Romeo Giulietta, could foreshadow an upcoming Dodge compact, the highly-anticipated “40 mpg” car that was the final condition of the U.S. Treasury’s 2008 bailout and sale to Fiat of the Chrysler Group.
Already seen in Michigan a few months ago, this shot was taken in the Los Angeles area on Sunset Boulevard by friend of Motor Trend, Tony Biel. If you look closely, you can see the Michigan plates on this example as well.
Unlike the sub-par Caliber compact quasi-crossover, the Giulietta-based Dodge is expected to have suitably buttoned-down European road manners. Powertrains and engines are unknown at the moment, but a turbocharged version of the 1.4-liter MultiAir four cylinder is a good bet. And although Fiat has a full lineup of diesel engines in the European market, there are no inidcations one way or the other if the U.S. will get an oil-burner, at least not initially.
Photo Credit: Tony Biel
Motor Trend
