The Cinderella story of Chrysler’s resurrection is almost impossible to believe. Once on the verge of bankruptcy and insolvency, the last-minute marriage to Fiat spared hundreds of thousands of American jobs and now Chrysler is selling top-notch cars and is raking in profits. Much of that has to do with the stewardship of Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne.
It was Marchionne that long-standing news program 60 Minutes decided to talk to about Chrysler’s rebirth. But it was a brief segment interview with SRT brand leader Ralph Gilles that got our attention. Did Chrysler inadvertently reveal a concept car in the interview?
It would seem so. Most of the segment (which can be watched in its entirety here) focuses on Sergio, save for a minute or two with Gilles. Over Gilles’ shoulder, we can see the brilliant red, pillarless roofline of what looks to be a coupe concept car. There are razor-thin sideview mirrors and a trunk-integrated spoiler, leading us to believe this is definitely more concept than production car.
Which leaves us wondering…what could it be? Rumor has swirled that Chrysler plans to replace the big Challenger with a smaller and lighter Barracuda, so that is one possibility. It could also be a new Alfa Romeo, as Fiat plans to bring the brand back to American shores. Honestly, it could be anything…though judging from the shiny paint, whatever it is, it is damn near ready.