Benvenuti amici!
Modifications & customizations are big in the world of FIAT Chrysler Automobiles. For people like me, keen to keep the personalization of their daily driver as close to stock as possible, the ability to go straight to the automaker factors big. Fortunately, there are USAmerican and Italian solutions in the family. These go-tos are synonymous with the brands they service and have become mainstays in car culture.
Modifications & customizations are big in the world of FIAT Chrysler Automobiles. For people like me, keen to keep the personalization of their daily driver as close to stock as possible, the ability to go straight to the automaker factors big. Fortunately, there are USAmerican and Italian solutions in the family. These go-tos are synonymous with the brands they service and have become mainstays in car culture.
Dodge, the performance focused automobile division, wholly owned by FIAT S.p.A. when the Italian company acquired Chrysler Group LLC, began life as a parts/assemblies supplier to industrial giants like Ford Automobiles. The spirit of the Dodge Brothers Company lives on through another FCA Division… MoPar or Mopar (Motor Parts). As the name of the company suggests, MoPar has a distinct focus on mechanicals. MoPar was established in 1937, some years after Chrysler bought Dodge Brothers Automobiles.
While Dodge evolved into a mid-level sedan & truck range, MoPar continues what built the legend of Horace & John Dodge. But, unlike the company it replaced, MoPar only supplies customer care and performance parts to owners of Chrysler-related automobile brands... especially Dodge. In fact, the two have become so integrated, 'Dodge guys' proudly exclaim "MoPar or No Car".
Magneti Marelli is an electronics, computers and performance systems developer, founded in 1919 by FIAT S.p.A. and Ercole Marelli. Much like the FIAT-Bianchi-Pirelli partnership, Autobianchi, Magneti Marelli was founded with the primary purpose of ensuring Italian motorized innovation is consistent… and constantly rolling through automotive & racing language barriers.
The Magneti Marelli logo can be seen in nearly every Motorsport on the planet. Be it Formula One, World Rally and/or Moto Grand Prix, fans of speed & power… especially in an Italian motorized vehicle... have been celebrating the brand for nearly a century.
[FIAT] Taking the merger route, after the acquisition of Chrysler, has sparked some question as to whether MoPar and Magneti Marelli will be merged and abandon the separate house model they enjoy today. To some degree, I can understand the worry. After all, FIAT recently retired the Chrysler Pentastar logo (linked to MoPar since the '70s). But good business-sense says fear not. It is cost effective for the automaker to keep both going strong… each serving fans on either side of the Atlantic. If rumors prove true, and FIAT does move all 500 production to Europe, there will be even more reason for dedicated aftermarket resources.
Need more convincing?
Despite Chrysler & FIAT sharing DNA with Alfa Romeo, the directions taken with said DNA could not be more different.
Evolution: MoPar or No Car
Magneti Marelli is an electronics, computers and performance systems developer, founded in 1919 by FIAT S.p.A. and Ercole Marelli. Much like the FIAT-Bianchi-Pirelli partnership, Autobianchi, Magneti Marelli was founded with the primary purpose of ensuring Italian motorized innovation is consistent… and constantly rolling through automotive & racing language barriers.
Performance for the People Since 1919
[FIAT] Taking the merger route, after the acquisition of Chrysler, has sparked some question as to whether MoPar and Magneti Marelli will be merged and abandon the separate house model they enjoy today. To some degree, I can understand the worry. After all, FIAT recently retired the Chrysler Pentastar logo (linked to MoPar since the '70s). But good business-sense says fear not. It is cost effective for the automaker to keep both going strong… each serving fans on either side of the Atlantic. If rumors prove true, and FIAT does move all 500 production to Europe, there will be even more reason for dedicated aftermarket resources.
Need more convincing?
Despite Chrysler & FIAT sharing DNA with Alfa Romeo, the directions taken with said DNA could not be more different.
FCA revives the Dart name
The new Chrysler 200 finally lives up the badge
Sergio Marchionne has made the wise decision of tasking Dodge with a performance focus in mid-sized sedans and muscle cars, while the folks at Chrysler are responsible for creating classy mid range sedans with performance capabilities. The Chrysler camp has also spliced Alfa DNA strands into that of the Jeep brand. The resulting product stays true to the 'all-American' vibe the fans expect… while allowing the Italian influence to unleash the creativity of homegrown engineers & designers.
In contrast, the modern day FIAT side of the house infuses their signature small and compact runabouts with fuel efficiency & performance grown from the same DNA. In the North American market, the parent brand has introduced four models… none of which could be mistaken for anything in the Dodge-Chrysler product line.
The Icon Returns: In Pop, Sport, Lounge & Turbo
Get Stung: ABARTH terrorizes the runabout world
The City Lounge: FIAT expands the 500 famiglia
500X: The City Lounge drives beyond city limits
Each model is what one would expect from the European legend. FIAT specializes in putting together a stylish, simple package… keeping things interesting with a dash of technological and/or performance bonuses. Still to come is the long-awaited FIAT side of their work with Mazda. The smart money is on that entry further distinguishing the brand from its American cousins.
FCA has been careful to introduce a large range of models, from the same gene pool, without succumbing to an inbred stable of rebadged selections. At the end of the business day, these models and their respective badges deserve dedicated aftermarket OEM parts & service… MoPar & Magenti Marelli hold their own and then some. On the rare occasion they do play together, well, let's just say they cause a stir.
Evil Alliance: Mopar Marelli 500 ABARTH Venom
Vivere.Amare.Guidare.
Ciao!
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