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Google-FCA deal is a coup for both sides

FCA made a savvy play this week to team with internet giant Google. It's not as sexy as partnering with Apple, but it's almost as good. This move positions FCA to expand its capabilities in the autonomous driving field, and connecting with Google could boost the automaker's image. FCA will provide Google with about 100 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivans specially developed for autonomous testing. Google will integrate its sensors and computers into the vehicles. They'll work together at a site in Southeast Michigan and test the prototypes on Google's private test track in California. It's looks like an equitable deal and a win for both sides. "This marks a watershed event for the auto industry on two major levels: contract manufacturing for high tech firms and allowing such firms a clear pathway into the brain of the car," Morgan Stanley researchers said in a note. Don't underestimate how big this is for Google. The deal more than doubles the size of the tech firm's fleet, and does so with the Pacifica, a potentially segment-defining entry. Currently, it's using Lexus vehicles and other modified prototypes as testers. Though FCA is the smallest of Detroit's carmakers, it's also viewed as nimble and willing to embrace change. The Jeep and Ram divisions are as strong as any brand in the industry, and the Hellcats and Viper reinforce FCA's enthusiast cred. Google doesn't need those things, but they're pretty cool associations, nonetheless. If Ferrari can try to position itself as a leather goods maker, Google can have a little octane in its system. While experts expect Google to eventually partner with other automakers or to license its technology (FCA chief Sergio Marchionne reportedly said the deal isn't exclusive), FCA is positioned to get a head start. IHS Automotive predicts there will be 10.5 million self-driving or driverless cars used around the world by 2030. General Motors, Mercedes, Tesla, Volvo, Ford, and others have launched or are planning to roll out their own versions of autonomous driving technology. For now, FCA goes from having no apparent autonomous plans to potentially being among the leaders, and Google secures a legitimate automotive partner. Like we said, it looks like a win-win. NEWS & ANALYSIS News: Sergio Marchionne is taking over the CEO job at Ferrari. Analysis: This is a consolidation of Marchionne's power over the famous Italian sports-car maker and racing team.

Fiat Chrysler patent shows a turbocharged inline-six engine

The rumor that Fiat Chrysler is developing an inline six-cylinder surfaced on Allpar more than a year ago. In a follow-up report in December last year, Allpar tapped its sources to add more information, like the codename "Tornado" and the plan for the turbocharged motor to replace the 5.7-liter Hemi V8. Even so, it only made sense to speak of the engine as a rumor at the time. Now we have our first bit of circumstantial evidence, Mopar Insiders having found a patent issued to FCA that uses drawings of an inline-six to describe a system for tracking elements in exhaust gases in a turbocharged inline-six. FCA applied for the patent on November 1, 2017, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted it April 2, 2019. As with everything else in a patent application, the drawing cannot be an accident. The U.S. PTO granted two other engine-related patents to FCA on March 19 and April 2 this year, and FCA used drawings of a V6 in both of those applications. The December Allpar report presumed one version of the Tornado engine would get a single, twin-scroll turbo and slot into service with Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram. Another version with twin turbos, and perhaps revised heads, could do time with Alfa Romeo, Maserati, and perhaps SRT. Mopar Insiders doesn't break down turbo count, but cites its sources as revealing an output range of 360 horsepower up to 525 horsepower. FCA's E-Booster technology, originally mentioned as a way to help a revived Alfa Romeo 8C get 700 hp, will enable larger turbos on performance versions of the Tornado I-6. E-Booster electrifies some aspect of the turbocharger — FCA hasn't got into the details yet — to eliminate lag while providing 25 percent more power. Mopar Insiders' output figures would give the engine long enough legs to replace the 3.2-liter and 3.6-liter Pentastar V6s, as well as the 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The site said the Tornado will also replace the canceled 7.0-liter Banshee V8. The 3.0-liter Tornado Global Medium Engine Turbocharged 6 (GME T-6), based on the Hurricane 2.0-liter GME four-cylinder (GME I-4), is expected to go into FCA products around the world. We'll wait to see how the PSA merger might affect allocation. Displacement will come in a hair below three liters so as to avoid tax thresholds in certain countries, and it was said engineers were trying to keep the inline-six no more than three inches longer than the 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder.

Marchionne backs off merger plans, could retire after 2018

FCA boss Sergio Marchionne is stepping back from plans to attempt a major auto industry merger like the oft-speculated deal with General Motors last year. According to Bloomberg, Marchionne now wants to grow his automaker through 2018, and then the 63-year-old could retire around the end of that year. Marchionne claims he received merger proposals last year, but he couldn't find an attractive enough partnership. "We went back to concentrate on the 2018 plan which would boost Fiat Chrysler's value and its position in a deal," he said to Bloomberg. He still believes that a big merger is possible, but "it will be someone else's duty," he said after previously hinting about possibly staying at FCA until 2020. Marchionne was clear that any chance for the GM merger was likely over. "I met Mary Barra less than a month ago in Washington," he told Bloomberg. "I don't think I will have another coffee with her. It won't happen again in the future." Now, the boss intends to spend the rest of his time at FCA building the automaker through its five-year plan, and his goal is to grow global deliveries to seven million units a year by 2018. To make that happen, the automaker will invest around $52 billion over that time to improve its brands' product slate. Marchionne began backtracking from the possible GM merger late in 2015 after it became clear that The General's board wasn't interested. Earlier in the year, he seemed more aggressive about the prospect by suggesting a hostile takeover with a bizarre metaphor about giving the company a hug. Related Video: News Source: BloombergImage Credit: Richard Drew / AP Photo Chrysler Fiat GM Sergio Marchionne FCA fca us