Apparently, badge engineering is not lost in translation.
While the U.S. has to wait a little longer to see what the first batch of Fiat-based Chrysler products are going to look at, the vice versa of that relationship has been revealed.
Fiat has released photos and details of its new Freemont multi-purpose vehicle, and it looks an awful lot like a Dodge Journey.
That's because aside from a unique grille and front fascia, the seven-seat Freemont is essentially a ported version of the Journey, though customized in some areas to better meet the tastes of European customers, who’ll get the chance to buy one in June. Diesel engines and a revised suspension are the main differences, although Fiat claims an even larger use of soft-touch materials in the cabin than the recently refreshed Journey has to offer.
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Prices have not been announced, but an all-wheel-drive version of the Freemont powered by the same Pentastar V6 that is available in the Journey will follow after the vehicle’s launch.
The first Fiat redesigned to be a Chrysler or Dodge is expected to be revealed before the end of 2011. Chrysler’s head of design, Ralph Gilles, recently described the car as “awesome.” If it looks anything like the Giulietta from Fiat-owned Alfa Romeo that it is rumored to be based on, that could turn out to be an understatement.