Nissan and General Motors are doing battle for the ownership of Chrysler, but the first of the joint venture models between Chrysler and Nissan debuted at the Sao Paulo Motor Show. Wearing the 'Trazo C1.8by Dodge' name, this rebadged Nissan Versa gives Dodge new access to the compact sedan market in Latin American markets.
As the name implies, the Trazo is powered by a 1.8L can be run on gasoline or F-100 ethanol, and the DOHC 16 valve engine, utilizing variable valve timing, offers excellent fuel economy and 122 horsepower. The Trazo C1.8 by Dodge can be ordered with either a manual or automatic transmission. The interior is similar to that found in the US-sold Versa, with chrome trim around the large three gauge cluster, and high back bucket seats offering comfort and support.
The Trazo C1.8 by Dodge joins the Avenger, Caliber, Caliber SRT4, Journey, Nitro and Viper on the list of Dodge models offered outside or North America, and the C1.8 is the first vehicle made under the recent agreement between Nissan and Chrysler, with the next generation Nissan quarter ton truck to be the second vehicle in the partnership, using what is expected to be a rebadged Ram, right down to the Hemi power.
This has been a bit of a sore spot with Dodge faithful, seeing both Nissan made Chrysler products, but also the thought of the fabled Hemi under the hood of a Nissan.
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