Forget the Aftermarket: Mopar Introduces Eight Special Grilles, Six Styles of Wheels for the New Chrysler 300

Part of what made the first-gen Chrysler 300 such an irrefutable hit was its popularity with aftermarket parts suppliers and tuners; the car was a virtual blank canvas for customizers. Chrysler is courting those same people with its new 300—though this time, it won’t send them to the aftermarket without showing them the Mopar catalog first, wherein they will see no fewer than eight unique grille designs and six designs of custom wheels. The grilles include the standard seven-bar design with either bright or satin-finished chrome; another is a fine wire mesh insert in black or bright chrome; there’s a glitzy diamond-pattern lace insert in bright chrome; a ribbed, perforated black chrome grille á la the 2012 300C SRT-8; and our favorite, a 13-bar billet grille patterned after the grille of the original Chrysler 300. Prices are surprisingly reasonable, too, ranging from $310 to $750.
Wheel designs include three 20-inchers—a 10-spoke design in two finishes and one five-spoker in black chrome—a 19-inch “satin carbon” eight-spoke wheel intended for all-wheel-drive models, and two 18-inch five-spoke designs in two finishes. Prices for these start at $265 per rim and run up to $610 each.

Naturally, the tuning community will take the new 300 to the extreme, and will offer everything from grilles emblazoned with the Superman logo to scissor doors. But Mopar’s offerings are available right away, and bring that special manufacturer’s touch. With reasonable pricing, too, they should have no trouble finding buyers.
by blog.caranddriver.com

2011 Chrysler Town & Country Limited Review & Test Drive

When it comes to searching for transportation that can seat 7 or more passengers,  the Chrysler Town & Country is one of those vehicles to fit that demographic in America. This has been and continues to be on the forefront in the minivan segment.
The 2011 Chrysler Town & Country now introduces newly styled exterior, a slightly enhanced interior, and the new Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 engine.


At the heart of America, the minivan somehow still manages to find its way into many homes along side of the gas-guzzling SUV alternatives. With gas prices steadily rising, the minivan has become an attractive choice with families needing the extra seating. The new Chrysler Town & Country beckons to fill that void.

Some will argue that there is no such thing as a luxury minivan and I would have to somewhat agree with that notion. However, after spending a week in the new Chrysler Town & Country Limited edition, I must admit that if there really is such a thing as a luxury minivan, then the Town & Country Limited would fit the bill. My 2011 Town & Country Limited minivan was loaded with several luxury amenities offering a cushy ride that could put you to sleep. Setting the Town & Country apart from the similar Dodge Caravan are a few extra “luxury” features such as a heated steering wheel, rear power liftgate, upgraded leather appointed seats, keyless entry-exit with push-button start, Xenon headlights, 17-inch aluminum wheels, blind-spot monitoring w/ cross-path detection, heated front and second row seats, 6.5-inch touch-screen Garmin-based navigation/satellite stereo system and rear-seat dual-screen DVD/satellite TV entertainment system. The list of options that can be had on a new Town & Country is rather long but delightfully appeases to the needs of owners and potential buyers.

Driving the new Chrysler Town & Country can at times put you in a state of serenity but I am not sure that is such a good thing when nothing excites you except the surround sound coming from the rear-seat entertainment system. The ride of the Town & Country is soft, the softest out of any minivan I have driven. Fortunately, the shock rebound keeps the Town & Country civilized on bumpy roads but mushy around corners this has improved to a great extent over previous years Chrysler Town & Country. In other words, the Town & Country feels heavy at times. The Pentastar V6 engine with 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque does a decent job of toting around all 4652 pounds plus cargo. The Town & Country is noticeably slower than the comparable Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna V6 but still manages to provide a sufficient amount of passing power on the highway. The steering feel is a bit neutral, but the rack provides a great turning radius in tight spots for such a large vehicle.

Inside of the new Town & Country you will find ample seating for either 7 or 8 passengers depending on the configuration. My 7-passenger Town & Country surprisingly had comfortable 3^rd row power-folding seats. The 3^rd row is by far the easiest to fold out of the way via the power controls. The power folding 3^rd row (Stow n’ Go) offers the ability to fold them fully down or in a reclined configuration all with a push of a button. This is a major selling point for those looking for a minivan that offers easily obtainable flavors of rear seating and storage options. The three-zone climate controls add to the comfort for rear passengers with a full-set of controls to isolate them from the two front zones. Adjustable LED ambient lighting through the rear seating areas and roof put the icing on the cake for this ‘luxury’ minivan.

Overall the new 2011 Chrysler Town & Country is an excellent contender in the minivan segment. Given that the Town & Country is more of a subdued and luxury-appointed minivan, it may appeal to a certain type of buyer more-so than say the sportier Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey. Gas mileage has also been improved getting a good 17mpg city and 25mpg highway. The 20-gallon tank allows a long cruise range of up to 500 miles on a single fill-up. That makes the new Town & Country perfectly fit for a town or country cruise, no pun intended. The Limited edition Town & Country starts at $38,660 while my test vehicle came in at $40,410 with the optional Stow n’ Go power-folding 3^rd row seats and second row luxury bucket seats.  The Touring edition Town & Country starts at just $30,106.
by automotiveaddicts.com

2012 Chrysler 300C SRT8 Official Photos and Info - Auto Shows

Although this cat already escaped the bag a few weeks ago when our spy photographers nabbed some clear pictures of an unmasked 2012 Chrysler 300C SRT8, we still felt giddy as we sorted through the official details. Indeed, the particulars have us looking forward to overwriting fond memories of the last-gen car—an office favorite for its antics-inspiring 425-hp, 6.1-liter Hemi V-8—with ones created behind the wheel of the even burlier new model.
The Muscle
We’ll cut right to the meat and potatoes. As expected, the new SRT8 is packing a 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 engine, producing an “estimated 465 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque.” If those numbers hold up, they represent increases of 40 hp and 45 lb-ft over the outgoing model. The same five-speed automatic transmission is the only gearbox, but as in the 2012 Charger STR8, paddle shifters will live behind the flat-bottomed steering wheel. The wheel, Chrysler says, manipulates a livelier rack than before. The company expects 60 mph to arrive in the high four-second range and the quarter-mile to take just under 13 seconds. Although the new version will be heavier, we don’t see those times being difficult to achieve, as the last car hit 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and the quarter in 13.2 in our testing. A screen in the IP includes a function to keep tabs on your personal 0-to-60-mph times, maximum lateral acceleration, and quarter-mile times, among other numerical bragging points.
Along with, highway fuel economy is also projected to increase—this by an estimated 25 percent. To that end, the 6.4-liter gets cylinder deactivation, and an active exhaust system allows it to work over a wider rpm range. The engine and exhaust also are said to have a throatier voice, which is most excellent: SRT had a virtuoso as a base point of comparison (listen to the old SRT8 here).
A bit stiff riding at times, the old model should be trumped by the 2012 and its Adaptive Damping Suspension (ADS). Using variables that include vehicle speed, steering angle, steering speed, throttle position, and lateral force, the suspension automatically adjusts to road conditions and driving style. It offers a choice between Auto and Sport modes, with the latter giving the driver full control of shifting duties. The braking system carries over but cooling is likely to improve from a new belly pan with integrated brake ducting. New motor mounts will attempt to do away with the fun but admittedly un-luxurious muscle-car shake at idle.
The Luxury
Those seeking the luxury angle of the 300C SRT8 will find the updated interior from the regular 2011 300C a welcome change. Adding to the base car’s vastly improved materials, the SRT8 gets real carbon-fiber trim along with the aforementioned unique steering wheel. Like the normal 300, the center stack also features the 8.4-inch touch-screen display, but here it comes with standard navigation and can control an optional and monstrous 900-watt, 19-speaker Harman/Kardon stereo. Additional luxury can be had from the Premium Leather Interior package, which stretches so-called “Foligno” leather over the door uppers, the instrument panel, the cluster hood, and the sides of the center console. Nappa leather then takes over to finish the doors, armrest, and center armrests. It’s a far cry from the hard plastics of the recent past.
The Looks
Backing up the underhood muscle are the new front and rear fascias, side skirts, dual four-inch (!) softball-shooter exhaust tips, and unique 20-inch wheels. The kit adds definite visual spice to the already-zesty look of the 300, but you can go one step further: A new Black Chrome package swaps in upper and lower grille surrounds, a rear valance strip, and wheels rendered in the dark shiny stuff.
The SRT8 hits dealers in the third quarter of this year. We’ll take ours in all black with all the black chrome you’ve got.

2012 Chrysler 300 S / 300C Executive Series – Auto Shows

AWD returns to the V-6, and urbanites and suits each get their own Chrysler 300.
The redesigned 2011 Chrysler 300 has hardly cooled from the heat of the lights at this year’s Detroit show, but Chrysler is pushing onward, adding several new models to the 300 lineup at the New York affair. There, we’re being introduced to the fire-breathing 2012 300C SRT8, plus these new 300 S and 300C Executive Series offerings; they join the V-6 300 and the Hemi V-8–equipped 300C and 300C AWD. What it all means: Whether you’re looking for a 300 with big wheels and a bangin’ stereo, one fueled by righteous and furious anger, or one with fine leather and premium wood trim, Chrysler probably has a model for you.
by blog.caranddriver.com

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 at the 2011 New York Auto Show News and review

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 at the 2011 New York Auto Show News and review

Chrysler,news,review

• Competes with: Dodge Charger SRT8, Ford Taurus SHO, 2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec
• Looks like: The 300C got lower and angrier
• Drivetrain: 465-hp, 6.4-liter V-8 with five-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: Fall 2011

After a model year's hiatus, the SRT8 version of Chrysler's flagship sedan is back in the form of the 2012 300 SRT8. Based on the 300C, which was redesigned for 2011, the SRT8 boasts a 6.4-liter V-8 that generates 465 horsepower and 465 pounds-feet of torque, compared with 425 hp and 420 pounds-feet in the 2010 version's 6.1-liter. Chrysler says it does zero to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds.
More 2011 New York Auto Show Coverage
The transmission is a five-speed automatic with AutoStick gear selector plus steering-wheel shift paddles. Though EPA figures aren't out yet, Chrysler says the highway mileage increases by 25 percent over the previous model, which was rated 13/19 mpg city/highway.
A computer-controlled adaptive suspension is new for 2012. It has a Sport setting that firms up the ride, but the real value is the system's constant monitoring of, and adjusting for, driving conditions. The steering, which had been criticized for being numb and vague, has been revised.
The brakes employ vented and slotted discs. There are four-piston calipers at all four corners, though they're larger in the front.

The 300 SRT8 rests a half-inch lower than the 300 and appears lower still due to side sill extensions. Four-inch-diameter dual chrome tailpipes are integrated into the rear bumper. Twenty-inch aluminum wheels are standard, but an optional Black Chrome Package mutes the shine on the wheels, grille frame and rear diffuser.
Interior upgrades include SRT-branded sport seats and steering wheel, carbon-fiber trim and racing-style pedals. As in the previous generation, the 2012 SRT8 monitors and displays acceleration times, braking distance and g-force — this time on a new color display. The touch-screen mounted in the center of the dash shows this data and adds steering angle, yaw angle and engine output.

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 at the 2011 New York Auto Show

• Competes with: Dodge Charger SRT8, Ford Taurus SHO, 2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec
• Looks like: The 300C got lower and angrier
• Drivetrain: 465-hp, 6.4-liter V-8 with five-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: Fall 2011

After a model year's hiatus, the SRT8 version of Chrysler's flagship sedan is back in the form of the 2012 300 SRT8. Based on the 300C, which was redesigned for 2011, the SRT8 boasts a 6.4-liter V-8 that generates 465 horsepower and 465 pounds-feet of torque, compared with 425 hp and 420 pounds-feet in the 2010 version's 6.1-liter. Chrysler says it does zero to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds.
More 2011 New York Auto Show Coverage
The transmission is a five-speed automatic with AutoStick gear selector plus steering-wheel shift paddles. Though EPA figures aren't out yet, Chrysler says the highway mileage increases by 25 percent over the previous model, which was rated 13/19 mpg city/highway.
A computer-controlled adaptive suspension is new for 2012. It has a Sport setting that firms up the ride, but the real value is the system's constant monitoring of, and adjusting for, driving conditions. The steering, which had been criticized for being numb and vague, has been revised.
The brakes employ vented and slotted discs. There are four-piston calipers at all four corners, though they're larger in the front.

The 300 SRT8 rests a half-inch lower than the 300 and appears lower still due to side sill extensions. Four-inch-diameter dual chrome tailpipes are integrated into the rear bumper. Twenty-inch aluminum wheels are standard, but an optional Black Chrome Package mutes the shine on the wheels, grille frame and rear diffuser.
Interior upgrades include SRT-branded sport seats and steering wheel, carbon-fiber trim and racing-style pedals. As in the previous generation, the 2012 SRT8 monitors and displays acceleration times, braking distance and g-force — this time on a new color display. The touch-screen mounted in the center of the dash shows this data and adds steering angle, yaw angle and engine output.

By Joe Wiesenfelder

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 at the 2011 News and view picture

• Competes with: Dodge Charger SRT8, Ford Taurus SHO, 2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec
• Looks like: The 300C got lower and angrier
• Drivetrain: 465-hp, 6.4-liter V-8 with five-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: Fall 2011

After a model year's hiatus, the SRT8 version of Chrysler's flagship sedan is back in the form of the 2012 300 SRT8. Based on the 300C, which was redesigned for 2011, the SRT8 boasts a 6.4-liter V-8 that generates 465 horsepower and 465 pounds-feet of torque, compared with 425 hp and 420 pounds-feet in the 2010 version's 6.1-liter. Chrysler says it does zero to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds.
More 2011 New York Auto Show Coverage
The transmission is a five-speed automatic with AutoStick gear selector plus steering-wheel shift paddles. Though EPA figures aren't out yet, Chrysler says the highway mileage increases by 25 percent over the previous model, which was rated 13/19 mpg city/highway.
A computer-controlled adaptive suspension is new for 2012. It has a Sport setting that firms up the ride, but the real value is the system's constant monitoring of, and adjusting for, driving conditions. The steering, which had been criticized for being numb and vague, has been revised.
The brakes employ vented and slotted discs. There are four-piston calipers at all four corners, though they're larger in the front.

The 300 SRT8 rests a half-inch lower than the 300 and appears lower still due to side sill extensions. Four-inch-diameter dual chrome tailpipes are integrated into the rear bumper. Twenty-inch aluminum wheels are standard, but an optional Black Chrome Package mutes the shine on the wheels, grille frame and rear diffuser.
Interior upgrades include SRT-branded sport seats and steering wheel, carbon-fiber trim and racing-style pedals. As in the previous generation, the 2012 SRT8 monitors and displays acceleration times, braking distance and g-force — this time on a new color display. The touch-screen mounted in the center of the dash shows this data and adds steering angle, yaw angle and engine output.








 
by Joe Wiesenfelder

Chrysler Sales Drop Eight Percent in January 2010

Chrysler Sales Drop Eight Percent in January 2010

When it comes to sales, it's all about new product. For the time being, Chrysler doesn't have much of that, which may help to explain why sales in January 2010 slid 8 percent to 57,143 units.

Some may question the decision to split the Ram pickups from the Dodge brand, but it did help the latter to post a sales increase, something Chrysler's other three brands were unable to do. Dodge itself managed to eke out a 1-percent sales increase, while Chrysler sales fell 2 percent. Jeep sales were down 7 percent, while the Ram brand dropped 25 percent.



The Journey crossover continues to be the sales star at Dodge. 4790 examples were sold, marking a 55-percent increase over January 2009. Other notables included the Avenger sedan, up 44 percent to 3134 units, and the Grand Caravan, which jumped 34 percent to 4298. Caliber sales were up a scant 4 percent, while Challenger and Viper sales dropped 39 and 80 percent, respectively.

At Chrysler, the picture is slightly more grim. The Sebring witnessed a huge rebound, as sales jumped 85 percent to 3593 units. The Town & Country minivan continues to be the top seller, with 4531 examples (a 6-percent increase) moving off showroom floors. The remainder of the lineup, however, was sagging -- 300 sales were down 26 percent, and sales of the ancient PT Cruiser dropped 32 percent.

Jeep saw sales of its compact Compass skyrocket 52 percent to 1244 units, although the similar Patriot slid 7 percent to 1972 vehicles. The Grand Cherokee and Commander posted gains, up 6 and 22 percent, respectively. The Wrangler remains the brand's best-selling vehicle with 4888 copies sold in January, but is still off last year's number of 6362 units. The number-three seller, the Liberty, fell 11 percent to 2987 vehicles.

Slow truck sales truly hurt the Ram brand, which is comprised entirely of trucks. Sales of the new Ram pickup (especially in 1500 form) have helped bolster Chrysler as a company, but even Chrysler's best-selling vehicle saw sales slide 22 percent. Dakota sales, meanwhile, dropped 32 percent to 994 vehicles.

Source: Chrysler

Marchionne: A Chrysler-Lancia Merger Could Happen This Year

Marchionne: A Chrysler-Lancia Merger Could Happen This Year

The marriage between Chrysler and Lancia may come sooner than later. An Autocar interview with Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne says the two brands could merge their lineups by the end of this year.

"In Europe, Lancia is an undersized, underdeveloped brand, with nothing bigger than the Delta. Chrysler, which has a true global reach, has nothing smaller. Put them together and you have a full lineup," Marchionne said. "We could see the two converge as early as the end of the year."



Marchionne's statements nearly confirm reports of such platform dating to last October. The first example of such a merger could be the Chrysler-branded Delta that was on hand at the Detroit auto show. While details were nonexistent -- the concept didn't even have a name -- the hatchback provided a pleasant example of how the Fiat's products could appear stateside. We've also heard that Lancia could receive a luxury vehicle underpinned by the next-generation Chrysler 300C.

Chrysler May Abandon Sebring Nameplate

Chrysler May Abandon Sebring Nameplate

In an attempt to break away from its pre-bankruptcy form, Chrysler is possibly dropping the Sebring name for its revised midsize sedan, which is due late next year.

Chrysler is planning to significantly revamp its lineup in the near future, and is promising nine significantly upgraded vehicles -- Chrysler calls them "new" -- by the end of this year. The Sebring is one of those cars on the block. Apart from ditching most of the features found on the current car, CEO Sergio Marchionne suggests the new car may even ditch the Sebring nameplate.

“You’ll see a completely different animal,” said Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat and Chrysler Group, speaking about the Sebring replacement scheduled to go on sale in the fourth quarter this year. “Actually, we were having a discussion about what name this animal should have. The jury’s still out.”

While details about the upgraded Sebring are rather scarce, Marchionne says the changes will be significant. The most significant changes will come in the interior, where hard plastics currently abound. The new interior should look more like the new Ram trucks’ interior, with numerous leather appointments.



Chrysler’s significantly refreshed Sebring -- or whatever it will be called -- is due in the fourth quarter this year, along with eight other significantly upgraded Chrysler products. The Sebring refresh comes just over two years before the brand new model based off a Fiat platform debuts in 2013.

2010 Detroit: Let the Chrysler Badging Begin

2010 Detroit: Let the Chrysler Badging Begin

We've been told to expect rebadged products from the Fiat portfolio heading to Chrysler dealerships and this looks like the first step. Those looking for a Lancia Delta hatchback in the U.S. should be jumping for joy about now.

We heard a few weeks ago that the rebranding of Lancia vehicles was a possibility, but we were still pleasantly surprised to see a new model on Chrysler's stand next to a handful of badge-only special editions. In all that domestic rebadging, though, no one seems to have come up with a new name for the Delta. For now, it's simply known as the Chrysler Lancia. From the looks of things, it's a Lancia Delta with new-age Chrysler badges and a Chrysler corporate grille, and truth be told, it doesn't look that bad.

The real question is what this car represents. It very well could be a peek into the future Chrysler lineup, one populated with Fiat models. On the other hand,



it could also be a look at Fiat's strategy to rebrand some its models worldwide as Chryslers thanks to the American brand's better name recognition in some markets. For their part, Chrysler isn't saying why it's here, but it's a good bet that they're testing the waters in Detroit for Italian rebadges.

What do you think? Should Chrysler give this idea the go-ahead and start building Chrysler Lancias for the U.S. market? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

 source by automobilemag