Those of us that remember the 1980s remember the odd mix of excitement and revulsion that was the Chrysler TC by Maserati. At the time, the only thing possibly more futuristic than the third-gen Quattroporte was the Aston Martin Lagonda. And while we knew the Bi-Turbos looked hot, it would be weeks years before we knew what piles of garbage they actually were. Meaning that Maserati was hot. 80s hot. And Chrysler was… anything but. The maker of minivans, cruddy little K-Cars and FWD Shelbys, nothing said “snore” quite like post-bailout, Lee Iaccoca Chrysler. Until the TC by Maserati showed up. Suddenly, the K-Car was hot. If only for fifteen minutes. Jump.

As you no doubt know, Chrysler has once again hooked up with a storied Italian brand, only this time it’s looking to be much more than badge deep. According to Automotive News (subscription required) Fiat will be doing much more to its US Bound cars than spray painting Mopar on the hood. Due to the totally arbitrary, non-standardized lattice-like matrix of differing safety and environmental regs between American and Europe, the Italian cars are going to have to be considerably reworked before rolling off Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep lots. The changes include bigger airbags, reworked engines, headlights, indicator lights and bumpers. All of which should take about 18 months. Hey, that green Nuovo Doblo up top just might be the next Jeep Liberty. [Source: Automotive News]