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Iveco spotted testing jacked-up Daily 4x4 in the snow

The Italians go up against the Mercedes Sprinter with the Fiat Ducato, better known around these parts as the Ram ProMaster. But that's not the only full-size van associated with the burgeoning Fiat empire. So too is the Iveco Daily, and here we're looking at the latest version. Spied undergoing cold-weather testing in the snow, this version of the Daily is a chassis cab with a cargo bed, a jacked-up suspension and four-wheel drive. The chassis cab is just one of a number of configurations available for the Iveco Daily, which is perhaps more commonly seen on roads across Europe and around the world as a cargo van or mini-bus. But the 4x4 looks new to our eyes. Now if you're scratching your head and wondering what Iveco is and where it stands in the growing Fiat Chrysler Automobiles empire, the short of it is that it doesn't. Not quite, anyway. Once part of the Fiat Group, it's now part of CNH Industrial – otherwise known as Case New Holland – whose largest shareholder is the same Agnelli-owned Exor holding company that controls the largest share of FCA. That doesn't mean that the Daily, in this form or any other, will make the jump to the North American market any time soon – as an Iveco, a Ram or under any other brand – but as far as professional-grade machinery goes, this piece of forbidden fruit is looking pretty cool. Featured Gallery Iveco Daily 4x4: Spy Shots Image Credit: CarPix Spy Photos Fiat Automakers Truck Commercial Vehicles Off-Road Vehicles iveco iveco daily

Mopar teases four of 'nearly 20' SEMA Show concepts

Yesterday it was Chevrolet. Today, Mopar has dropped some SEMA knowledge, releasing a quartet of teaser images that give us some indication of what kind of cars, trucks, and crossovers Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram will be showing in Las Vegas. Like Chevy, Mopar's concepts utilize both production and concept accessories, although Fiat Chrysler has gone a bit more indepth on at least one of its concepts. Immediately, the most tantalizing teaser is the one shown above. Yes, that's the back of a Challenger, and aside from the bright orange accents on the gray body, you should take notice of the badge mounted on the spoiler – yes, that says "GT AWD." To be honest, such a vehicle wouldn't be a huge shock, as both the Challenger's LX platform-mates, the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300, are offered with all-wheel-drive options. Still, adding such a vehicle to the production cycle would give Dodge a leg up on the rear-drive only Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. Aside from that concept, FCA has also released teasers of a Ram-based concept, a 300-based concept, and what we're guessing is a Fiat 500X. We can't wait to see what the actual Fiat concept has to do with kiteboarding. As for the 300 and Ram, there's not a lot of hints on what sort of styling details they'll contain. The Chrysler has additional LED accents and what we're guessing is matte blue paint, while the Ram is based on a Hemi-powered 1500 with Rebel styling cues. This is just a very tiny sample of Mopar's final SEMA roster, which include "hundreds" of parts. There should also be a total of 20 vehicles covering all four former Chrysler Group brands, as well as Fiat. Naturally, we'll have plenty to report on each vehicle once the SEMA show kicks off in the next couple weeks.

GM, FCA retain financial advisors amid merger rumors

Well, here we go again. Despite allegedly shutting down the idea of a merger, General Motors has retained financial advisors to, well, advise it on Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' advances. GM brought in New York-based Goldman Sachs, while FCA is currently working with Switzerland's UBS. Another source told Reuters that GM was working with Morgan Stanley, as well. But what does all this mean? Well, as we know, FCA boss Sergio Marchionne still has his eyes set very much on merging his automaker to combat what he claims are the prohibitive costs that come from developing today's vehicles. And while GM has said "no thanks," to a merger, the FCA boss is still looking to shareholders of the world's third-largest automaker to force the issue. Rather than a sign of an impending merger, voluntary or otherwise, between the two automotive powers – analysts called a hostile move by FCA "beyond ambitious," after all – retaining financial advisors on both sides could be viewed as just good business. News Source: ReutersImage Credit: Paul Sancya / AP Chrysler Fiat GM Sergio Marchionne FCA