Chrysler is in desperate need of a competitive small car that will compete with competitors like the Ford Focus, Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra. The Dodge Caliber just simply doesn’t cut it. Help is on the way thanks to Fiat. 
Chrysler is currently working on a new compact car for the Dodge brand that is going to be released in the first quarter of 2012. The new Dodge compact car is expected to be based on Fiat’s new C-Evo platform, which is also the basis for the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and the next Fiat Bravo. The Dodge compact car will be powered by a 1.4L engine that could put out up to 165 horsepower and will be mated to a six-speed dual clutch transmission. The car should get 40 mpg on the highway.
Tooling for the small car is expected to kick off at Chrysler’s Belvidere, Illinois plant in August and will most likely get our first look at the new Dodge compact at the LA Auto Show in November. A new name has been picked for the Dodge, but it hasn’t been revealed.
