Archive for the ‘Rumor Mill’ Category

Chrysler board member Alfredo Altavilla has informed the press that Chrysler and Fiat are working on an electric car. Although he didn't provide specifics, Altavilla did say that the R&D process is "going very well" and that Chrysler is providing electric propulsion technology for the vehicle.

The news is notable because it's the first mention we've heard of a Chrysler/Fiat EV since the companies were merged in June. We're not likely to learn anything new about the vehicle before CEO Sergio Marchionne unveils the company's five-year plan on November 4 (formerly mid-October),  but it's never too early for speculation, right? Here's one...

Porsche's new overlords may be planning to let the new Panamera die a slow and painful death -- but not, apparently, before wringing every possible variant from the controversial model. Porsche insiders have confirmed previous rumors that the company is developing a convertible version of the Panamera, and of course, it'll come at a premium price.

Speculation about a Panamera drop-top began in May, when Porsche's R&D chief, Wolfgang Dürheimer, plainly stated that a convertible was already in the works. Dürheimer went on to reveal that the new model would lose two doors in the conversion process, thereby increasing body strength and...

If you were surprised by BMW's plans to revive the Isetta brand, this may fully blow your mind: the company is planning a new series of BMW vehicles called the "0-Series", which will be based on the third-gen MINI platform and feature front-wheel drive. The line should hit showrooms in 2013, appearing in three-door, five-door, and roadster versions. Sounds like another German automaker may be looking to compete in the growing citycar segment -- and scrambling to meet America's new emissions standards. [Jalopnik]