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Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Report: Fiat to Raise Chrysler Stake to 30 Percent within the Next Few Weeks

Fiat SpA is planning to increase its Chrysler LLC Group stake to 30 percent in the next few weeks, according to insider sources quoted by Bloomberg news. The Italian company, which currently holds a 25 percent stake in Chrysler, will get an additional 5 percent from the U.S. government after it will meet two performance criteria.

The first condition is that 90 percent of Fiat's Latin American dealers must offer Chrysler vehicles as well. To satisfy this request, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne plans to sell Chrysler models rebadged as Fiats in Brazil, Latin America's largest market, where the Italian brand holds the number one spot.

New Chrysler Dodge Mopar 2011

The Chrysler Group’s Mopar brand is on to its next project, this time based on the new 2011 Dodge Charger sedan. The factory-customized version of the rear-wheel drive Dodge saloon follows in the footsteps of last year’s Mopar ’10 Challenger and will be a limited edition model.

"After the success of our Mopar '10 Challenger, we moved on to the iconic Dodge Charger and added even more performance," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group's service, parts and customer-care brand. "As a new company, we will continue to leverage the heritage of the Mopar brand at every turn."

For the time being, we only get a single illustration of the Mopar ’11 Charger as the Detroit automaker said it will release details of the vehicle later this month. However, the picture reveals that the special edition Charger will keep the Mopar ’10 Challenger’s black color scheme with contrasting racing stripes and gloss black alloy wheels along with a variety of other Mopar enhancements.

Chrysler Offers First Look at New Dodge Mopar ’11 Charger Special

Monday, April 4, 2011

Fiat to Introduce Two New Dodge-Based Sedans in China and Russia by 2013

As time goes by, Fiat SpA’s integration with the Chrysler Group LLC deepens and the results become more evident with the two carmakers making several plans for the future. Speaking at Fiat's annual shareholders meeting on March 30, Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne revealed plans to launch two new Dodge-based sedans in China and Russia.

The first sedan will be a compact model built on the next generation Dodge Caliber, which is expected in the USA next January. According to an Autonews report, this model will enter production in China in the second half of 2011, while timing for the Russian launch has not yet been disclosed. The other four-door saloon will be a mid-size model based on the replacement for the Dodge Avenger, which is scheduled for launch in the USA in 2013. It will go on sale in China and Russia the same year.

Jeep to Show Six New Vehicles at Moab Easter Safari

At the upcoming 45th annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari event that takes place in Utah from April 16-24, the Chrysler Group will display six new vehicles, including two Jeep Wrangler concepts. The company revealed two teaser sketches of the Jeep Wrangler “Renegade” and “Pork Chop” editions, which are modified versions of the standard Wrangler. Further details are to be released closer to the event. Read more »

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

FatChance 2.0: The Very First Customized 2011 Chrysler 300 [with Videos]

The original Chrysler 300 is perhaps one of the most popular cars in the tuning industry here in the States, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that the Detroit automaker is using the car’s successor to tap into the custom scene.

The very first customized 2011MY Chrysler 300 is called the Fatchance 2.0 and it made its debut alongside the firm’s “S” concept cars at this past weekend’s Annual Spring Festival of LXs in California (see here). The low-rider 300 was crafted by John Fortuno aka Fatchance, who apparently caught the attention of Chrysler with his first generation 300-based FatChance 1.0.

Chrysler Teases 2011MY 300, 200 and Town & Country “S” Concepts at LX Spring Festival

Chrysler found the perfect opportunity to preview its upcoming range of ‘S’ models at the 6th Annual Spring Festival of LXs in Irvine, California this past weekend. The Detroit automaker showed off the “S” trimmed 2011MY 300 sedan, 200 Convertible and Town & Country in concept forms, though all three models are scheduled to enter production later this year starting with the 200 this spring.

According to Chrysler, the “S” treatment is a cosmetic package designed to appeal to younger customers that want something more “edgy” in terms of style. On the 300, this translates to a bespoke gunmetal finish, a new front grille, smoked headlamps and taillights, beefier alloy wheels in a unique design, a boot lid spoiler and if we’re not mistaken (since Chrysler has not released any official details), a lowered suspension. The interior also receives a makeover with red leather seats sporting the “S” logo and bespoke trim.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Fiat Still Keen on Moving Headquarters from Italy to the USA, or so it Claims

In February, at an industry conference, Fiat SpA and Chrysler LLC Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne suggested that that the Italian automaker could eventually merge with its Detroit counterpart and move its corporate headquarters from Turin, Italy to the U.S.A.

Soon after, Fiat’s Chairman John Elkann, the grandson of Gianni Agnelli family who owns 30 percent of Fiat, stated the company had no plans to leave Italy. Marchionne also backtracked, but only after a meeting with Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi and other politicians, saying no final decision has been made and that nothing would be decided on the carmaker's future headquarters until 2014.

Fast forward to March and a lengthy article on Reuters regarding Sergio Marchionne and future of the company, where the subject of Fiat’s headquarters is once again put on the table.

"The location where you establish the legal HQ is where you pay taxes," said the second top Fiat source. "If I pay 70 percent tax in Italy and only 30 percent in the U.S., it's a no brainer where to go."

Friday, March 18, 2011

Donations for Japan Continue, Fiat Offers €100,000, Mercedes-Benz gives €2 Million

The donations for Japan keep coming in, with Mercedes-Benz’s parent company Daimler announcing today that it will provide €2 million (about US$2.8 million at today’s exchange rates) as immediate aid for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in the Asian country. Daimler said it has approximately 13,000 employees in Japan through its subsidiaries Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation, Mercedes-Benz Japan, as well as Daimler Financial Services.

The Fiat Group, which includes Alfa Romeo, Lancia, the Fiat brand, Abarth, Maserati and Ferrari, also announced a donation for relief efforts in Japan, albeit a much smaller amount at €100,000 (about $US140,000).

While we’re not saying that this is a competition as all donations are welcome, we can’t but think that Fiat’s contribution, which equates to roughly half the price of a new Ferrari model or around 0.8% of the total compensation Ferrari boss Luca Cordero di Montezemolo and Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne received in 2010, is somewhat embarrassing for the size of the Italian company.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Chrysler Sues 'Pure Detroit' Clothing Retailer for Using its ‘Imported from Detroit’ Slogan

The Chrysler Group LLC is suing a three-store retailer called ‘Pure Detroit’, which sells locally inspired merchandise, for using the automaker’s "Imported from Detroit" slogan that premiered earlier this year in a Super Bowl commercial staring rapper Eminem.

According to a copy of the lawsuit obtained by the press, Chrysler argues that the local business began selling t-shirts with the ‘Imported from Detroit’ tag line shortly after the two-minute Super Bowl ad hit the air. The company added that it had applied to register ‘Imported from Detroit’ as a trademark for “various uses, including branded clothing”, on January 18, 2011.

Chrysler 300 - It Still Has It...

Although Daimler has flipped the lights on its stint in the Chrysler building, they left behind a house warming gift for new Italian owner Fiat. As Fiat unpacked the goods to examine what was in the toy box, they found a jewel – the Mercedes E-Class-based rear-driven chassis under the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger. It’s little secret by now that Chrysler is working up a new 300 for 2011 that will hold its place at the top of Fort Pentastar, but there is still a lot to love about the current sedan.

Most of the changes for 2010 center on convenience and finesse. Keyless entry and starting are standard on the 300C, as is ParkSense® reversing assistance. Touring editions will wear chromed door handles, facia accents, and heated chrome mirrors. Side curtain airbags are available on all models.

Economy-minded drivers will choose the Touring edition and its 2.7-litre V6 engine to achieve 18/26-MPG city/highway. The Heritage Edition comes with Chrysler’s 5.7-litre HEMI V8 engine, with multi-displacement technology (shuts down four cylinders during cruising), that pumps out 360 horsepower and 389 lb.-ft. of torque while still achieving 25-MPG highway. To make things even more exciting, Heritage editions come stocked with Boston Acoustics 5.1 surround sound, 20-inch chrome wheels, performance steering, and upgraded shocks.

As winter sets in, it is time to face the realities of slick roadways. As in past years, Chrysler offers the 300 with AWD. The system features an active transfer case with front axle disconnect to provide all-weather traction when you need it, and only when you need it. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Brake Assist, traction control, and four-wheel anti-lock brakes also do their part to keep it between the ditches.

If you want a high-powered, yet surprisingly-efficient, rear-drive super sedan, you can check out expensive German models; Daimler will be happy to sell you a Mercedes. Or, you can buy the still stunning Chrysler 300 for a base price of $28,010. Even the Italians know a good German-American sausage when they see it. Competitors include the Ford Taurus, Nissan Maxima, and Honda Accord.

Chrysler Delta - Chrysler’s Italian Peep Show

Since Fiat took control of Chrysler last summer, auto enthusiasts have been waiting for clues to how the Italian automaker will integrate the brash American with its global plans. The company provided a peep show at the Detroit auto show by placing a new grille and updated Chrysler logo on the Lancia Delta.

In the Lancia tradition, styling is functional, yet elegant. From a pointed nose with said chrome grille, the body flows back into a sleek wagon profile. Large alloy wheels, black roof, and body surfacing give it an expensive appearance.

The interior is clearly Italian with upscale leather seats, thick leather on the steering wheel, attention to detail, silver finishes, and a cooled center armrest. The car is roomier inside than a similarly sized compact like the PT Cruiser. If Ferrari were to design a compact car interior, the Lancia Delta’s wouldn’t be far off. Six airbags, advanced electronic stability control, sliding folding rear seat, heated outside mirrors, and CD/MP3-player with steering wheel controls set standards in the compact class.

In Europe, Lancia offers a range of engines from 1.2 to 2.0 litres, with turbo and diesel options, that produce 120 to 165 horsepower. Using Fiat’s Multiair technology, they are some of the most fuel-efficient powerplants offered anywhere in the world and would be more than competitive in the U.S.

Chrysler placed the Delta on its stand at the North American International Auto Show without any explanation – it was just there, rotating with sexy models fawning over it. So, what’s the deal? According to Automotive News, the car is Chrysler/Lancia CEO Olivier Francois’ personal ride. As a trial balloon, he ordered the design staff to modify the car to see what it would look like as a Chrysler.

If the Fiat/Chrysler partnership is to work, the American part will have to make full use of compact and mid-size cars from the Italian part. You can judge for yourself, but I don’t think the Delta is a bad start. Upscale Italian models could be just what Chrysler needs to set itself apart. I’m sure there’s much more to come.

Chrysler Sebring Convertible

Sebring is probably the Chrysler nameplate most familiar to the public. Extensively available in rental fleets, a Sebring of some stripe can be seen at nearly every intersection. This is both good and bad for Chrysler. On one hand, Chrysler sells a lot of Sebrings that it otherwise wouldn't sell; on the other hand, it's never good for a nameplate's retail business to be so widely perceived as rental fodder.

Prejudice, however, doesn't serve one well in social settings or when vehicle shopping. This is true with the Sebring Convertible. Is it the best drop top on the road? Nope; but with a starting sticker of $28,590 for the base LX version, it is reasonably priced and loaded with standard features such as a power convertible top, full power accessories, cruise control, air conditioning, and a six-speaker audio system with a six-disc in-dash CD player and auxiliary audio input. The Mini Cooper S is the only other four-seat drop top that manages to sneak under the Sebring's entry-level price and that's only by about $700.

Building on the LX content are two additional trims: Touring and Limited. At $35,445, the top-of-the-line Limited replaces the LX and Touring's power soft top with a power hardtop. Here again, when price is a factor, the $33,140 Volkswagen EOS is the only four-passenger, hardtop convertible to better Sebring Limited's sticker. Moreover, Sebring has more rear-seat legroom and cargo room than either the Cooper S or EOS convertibles.

Chrysler didn't do much tinkering with the Sebring for 2010. Generally Chrysler is in a holding pattern on standby for the larger changes that are expected to come as Fiat becomes more involved in its product lineup in 2011 and 2012. Chrysler found only four Sebring improvements worth mentioning in press material describing the 2010 Sebring: smoother hood, new wheels, redesigned gauge cluster and front-seat active head restraints.

Each of Sebring Convertible's three trim levels derives its giddyup from a different engine. The base LX uses a 173-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The Touring offers a few additional ponies with its 186-horsepower 2.7-liter V6. At the top of the Sebring food chain is the Limited's 235-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. Funneling engine output to the front wheels in the LX and Touring is a four-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed driver-shiftable automatic serves the same function in the Limited.

Most Greenies won't be overwhelmed with the mpg numbers of any version of the Sebring Convertible. The LX offers the most fuel-stingy option, posting an EPA fuel-economy estimate of 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Offering only a modest increase in performance, the Touring's EPA numbers are less impressive at 16 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Actually posting a better highway mpg than the Touring, the EPA ranks the Limited at 16 mpg city/27 mpg highway.

My test convertible was the Limited. Even with the added weight of the steel hardtop, it accelerated with subdued gusto. This is not a convertible targeting performance enthusiasts; so expecting too much, even from the Limited, will leave you wanting more. However, the Limited delivers spirited acceleration and decent handling. The steering is a bit vague, but again, it's perfectly acceptable for every-day driving.

Scoring well in both the government and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests, the Sebring Convertible offers a number of safety features such as four-wheel antilock disc brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution and front-seat side-impact airbags. However, if electronic stability control is high on your list of must haves – and it should be – you will have to move up to either the Touring or Limited trim and then pay an extra $425 to add it as an option.

As convertible interiors go, Sebring provides better than average accommodations. Furnished for four, it offers liveable passenger space, even for those in the rear seat. With the hardtop lowered, two bags of golf clubs will still fit easily in the trunk – four bags of clubs with the top up. There are 13 cubic feet of trunk space and that's about as good as it gets in a convertible.

The Limited comes standard with leather seating. This elevates the passenger experience while enhancing the overall appearance of the cabin. Chrysler made almost no effort to disguise the amount of plastic at work inside this cabin. The styling, however, is appealing with the analog clock located high in the center of the dashboard offering a nice up-level touch. Beefier front-seat side bolsters would help, but the front seats are comfortable enough.

Operating from the remote key fob, the power top raises and lowers in about 30 seconds with just the push of a button. The Limited also features automatic climate control, heated front seats, trip computer and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with redundant audio controls.

There are fancier, quicker, more expensive convertibles out there; but if your demands don't trend to the high end, the Sebring Convertible will allow you to get some sun in your face without emptying your bank account. It may not be glamorous, but it is competent and gets the drop-top job done.

Chrysler 300C SRT8

A lot of folks think that muscle cars are exclusively two-door coupes. The Chrysler 300C SRT8 begs to differ. Sure, it's a "luxury performance sedan" that competes with long-distance, high-speed cruisers like the BMW M5 and Audi S6 at a much lower price, but the first time you get on the gas and the HEMI V8 under the hood smacks you in the backside with an unmistakable roar, there's no doubt that this car has the heart of a dragstrip monster. The equipment puts this car in the luxury performance sedan class, but that V8 growl is all muscle car.

The 300C broke ground when it first hit the streets, offering high-luxury looks and a rear-drive powertrain at a relatively affordable price. At the time, Chrysler was a part of Mercedes, and the brand took advantage of a bit of German engineering to produce a handsome family sedan with solid, European-influenced construction. The deal was sweetened with the introduction of the high-performance 300C SRT8.

The looks of the Chrysler 300 haven’t changed much since its introduction in 2005. The massive grille and four-element headlights that dominate the front aspect of the Chrysler 300C SRT8 are familiar, but don’t look outdated thanks to body-colored inserts that make for an imposing monochrome look. Luxury and performance are nicely blended with 20x9-inch Alcoa wheels wrapped in high-performance 245-series rubber and a unique aluminum grille. The 300’s upright silhouette and low-roof, high-sides stance give it a unique road presence. Subtle ducting has been added for brake cooling, and a small spoiler at the rear is a real aerodynamic aid, not a show piece.

No holds were barred when it came to the 300C SRT8's powerplant. Chrysler installed the big-gun 6.1 HEMI V8 under the hood of its flagship sedan, naturally. 425 horsepower is a lot of grunt, and the HEMI delivers with the appropriate soundtrack. Chrysler claims a sub-five second 0-60 mph run, and the seat-of-the-pants meter says that's accurate. When it comes to real-world performance, the 300C SRT8 has no problem running with a Chevrolet Camaro SS. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard, and it's strong enough to control the horsepower without resorting to harsh, unpleasant shifts, and good gear spacing means that it doesn't run out of steam at higher revs or extralegal speeds.

As you might have guessed from the German influence on the 300C's development, this car was developed with long-distance freeway travel in mind, and that’s a task at which it excels. The 300C uses a fully independent suspension consisting of a short-long arm front setup and a five-link rear. This base has been tightened up with new springs and bushings and the obligatory fat anti-roll bars. The 300C SRT8 gets unique suspension knuckles that lower the car about half an inch compared to the working-class version. This is a big sedan, but it can run with smaller sports coupes thanks to excellent front-to-rear weight balance. The standard Electronic Stability Program with traction control has been retuned so that it doesn't kick in and spoil the fun--until absolutely necessary, of course. In slippery weather, it contributes to docile handling. The 300C SRT8's crazy horsepower is tethered to reality by massive brakes whose big red Brembo calipers are visible behind the wheels. The vented rotors measure 360 mm up front and 350 in the rear and will bring the 300C SRT8 to a halt from 60mph in a nosebleed-inducing 110 feet.

The advantage the 300C SRT8 sports over the average muscle car is that it is a large, comfortable sedan, with two broad seats up front and room for three across at the rear. Splitting the difference between sports cars and sports sedans, the 300C SRT8 does a good job of combining the best elements of both. Inside, comfortable yet grippy sueded seats hug the driver and front-seat passenger. Unique to the 300C SRT8 are "Performance Pages" in the electronic driver-information screen that allow real-time checking of 0-60 times, skidpad measurements, and other performance statistics. Available options include Chrysler’s uconnect tunes system with a 30GB music hard drive, touch screen, a six-CD changer and DVD/MP3 capability, adaptive cruise control, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a navigation system, Sirius satellite radio a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

Critics will complain that the 300C SRT8's familiar design and arguably outdated chassis give the edge to the Germans in refinement. Chrysler makes up for that disparity with pure, unadulterated fun, a quality that's often lacking in luxury sport sedans. The 300C SRT8 even gets hit with a gas guzzler tax, like a proper muscle car should. Even with that $1700 added, however, the 300C SRT8's $44,865 MSRP undercuts the competition by a significant margin. It's serious fun.

Chrysler's GEM - Global Electric Motorcar

This column is about a very unusual car. It is called the GEM, which stands for Global Electric Motorcars. This company was actually founded in Michigan back in 1992. The guys were former engineers with General Motors, but sold the company, which now is part of Chrysler. My wife Judy and I have both driven the GEM and it handles well and is fun to drive.

GEM made its first vehicle in 1998 which was an all-electric, 48 volt, two passenger model that could go almost 20 mph. It is almost like an enclosed golf cart. In that same year – 1998 – the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration designated a new classification of motor vehicles called the NEV – Neighborhood Electric Vehicles. These are low-speed cars generally driven at resorts, malls, large building complexes, colleges, shuttle services, and similar places. However, they are allowed to be driven on public roads IF they meet certain safety standards.

These safety standards include having three point safety belts, headlights, windshield wipers, and safety windshield glass. Since most golf carts do not include all of these, they are not considered street legal, but GEM cars come equipped with all of this. The down side – is that the term “street legal” only applies to public roads posted at a speed of 35 mph or less.

GEM cars today usually achieve a speed of 25 mph and have a range of about 30 miles on a single charge. Like a golf cart, they plug into a standard 110 electric outlet and take about six hours to fully recharge. The GEM cars are 100% electric and have zero (0) tailpipe emissions.

GEM cars come in six different models, ranging from a small two seater to a larger pickup-style version. They are very capable with payloads ranging upwards to 1500 pounds. There are a lot of options and accessories available as well.
The good news is that they are very economical to operate. It costs approximately two cents a mile based on current electrical costs. The base model begins at just $8392 and the higher end models are slightly higher than $10,000.
I have taken several test drives in GEM cars and I like them. They are not designed for long trips and over-the-road driving. But for short-distance transportation over low-speed roads, they are great. They are capable and convenient and ideal for many everyday situations.

Check out the GEM cars yourself by contacting a Chrysler dealership or checking on the internet at www.GEMCAR.com

Chrysler Sebring Convertible - fun-in-the-sun

We usually advocate ignoring the top trim level of any vehicle, opting for a mid-level trim with the proper engine and transmission and then adding options as desires and budget dictate. This usually means a modicum of savings because you are not saddled with a plethora of stuff in the manufacturer’s inventory attached to the top trim no matter how delicious, but irrelevant, they may be.

Today, however, we are going against our usual advice and recommend the top-of-the-line 2010 Chrysler Sebring convertible simply because the lesser models are deficient in several important ways depending on trim level.

In full regalia, the Sebring offers an intriguing four-person open-air vehicle that provides the safety and security of a steel roof, a full array of modern creature comforts, decent performance paired with acceptable gas mileage, and a sharp-looking cruiser in top-down configuration.

The thing that makes the Sebring convertible attractive to segment shoppers is there’s simply not much competition in the family affordable four-seat category. It's limited to just a few vehicles including the Volkswagen Eos and the Ford Mustang.
If you want the most affordable Sebring or if you want a soft top — one of the Chrysler's more unusual features is a choice of tops — you will have to settle for an inferior product.

The base LX trim level starts at a healthy $28,590 including destination, but comes with an ancient 4-cylinder engine and an even more ancient 4-speed automatic transmission. It deals out 173 horsepower and only adequate gas mileage of 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway with a combined rating of 24 mpg. Not much in this day and age.

Move up to the Touring starting at $29,950, which also comes with the soft top, and you will get another ancient engine, the 2.7-liter V-6 making a 186 horsepower mated to the aforementioned 4-speed automatic. Gas mileage is unremarkable at 18/26. Zero to 60 in either configuration is around 10 seconds.

So that leaves the Sebring Limited starting at $35,445, with a more modern drivetrain and a steel retractable top (the steel top is not available as an option on the lower two trim levels).

The Limited comes with Chrysler’s 3.5-liter V-6 generating 235 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque mated to a six-speed automatic. It powers the two-ton open-air machine in adequate fashion measured at around 8 seconds from 0-to-60. Fuel efficiency, likewise, is minimally adequate at 16/27.
The Limited compares favorably with the steel-top Volkswagen Eos at $32,740 and the soft-top Mustang GT V-8 starting at $33,845.

If you remember, as we do, the previous-generation Sebring convertible — which ran through the 2006 model year — had generous rear-seat leg room. But inexplicably it doesn’t fully translate to the new car, which is the same size and actually comes with a slightly longer wheelbase.

Still the Sebring is a four-passenger vehicle, but we were confounded when our usual backseat passenger and our usual front-seat rider had to seriously compromise to gain enough leg room in back.

What’s with that? Then we did some research and found that leg room has been cut almost two inches in the current car compared to the previous edition. It now measures 33.5 inches. Previously it was 35.2 inches. For comparison, the Sebring sedan riding on the same 108.9-inch wheelbase has more than 36 inches of rear legroom. It seems most of the lost back seat space was put into the trunk, which is very generous for a convertible. That bid steel top had to go someplace. Cargo capacity with the top up is a sedan-like 13 cubic feet.

On the road we found the Sebring offered a very pleasant ride, decent performance, a commendably quiet interior, easy-to-read gauges, and intuitive switchgear. The 3.5-liter engine works well with the six-speed offering adequate performance for most situations. The Sebring has consistent handling, but steering is too light at highway speeds. It does firm up in the slow going. Brakes are just about right with pedal feel commensurate with stopping power.

The Sebring is a boulevard cruiser, not a back-road carver. Get too frisky on the sweeps and body roll will quickly reign in your enthusiasm. But most people purchasing the Sebring don’t run hard and fast on tight turns and should be satisfied in “real-life” driving.

The Sebring Limited carries a large amount of standard equipment, but it’s more what is not available or what is not standard that stands out. For instance, dual climate control — standard on most cars over $30,000 these days — is unavailable. And stability and traction control, standard on many vehicles over 20 grand, is a $425 option and unavailable on the base trim level. Our test vehicle came with navigation that included a 30-gig hard drive for $1,200 bringing the bottom line to $37,110.
People shopping in this segment need to determine what they like when making a decision from a very limited selection. Certainly the top line Sebring Limited is worth a look for that mid-sized, fun-in the-sun vehicle.

Chrysler 200 - New premium midsize from the Pentastar

Chrysler’s Sebring was a decent enough car, pleasant to drive, with a full load of interior tech. It just never lived up to the standard set by its bigger brother, the 300C, or benchmarks in this very competitive class. Interior quality was also not up to standards and gave a wide space through which journalists drove their criticisms. A redesign and re-engineering of the Sebring brings virtually an all-new vehicle, known from 2011 onward as the 200.

There’s no getting around the Sebring’s left-over roofline, but the rest of the 200 is as elegant as Chrysler deserves. It is the first Chrysler to wear the new chrome grille with wavy inserts and the brand’s updated winged logo without the old-timey ribbon inside. Projector beam headlamps, LEDs at the rear, and delicate sculpting give the 200 an expensive look befitting an entry-luxury car.

Chrysler also promises the plastic-laden interior of the Sebring has been banished to the recyclers. Refined instruments, thickly-cushioned seats, padded door and dash materials, and a new dashboard design raise up the 200. Passenger and luggage space, never a problem in the Sebring, should remain about the same.
The 200 will be powered by a new generation of four-cylinder and V6 engines. Base models come with a 2.4-litre I4 matched to either a four-speed or six-speed automatic transmission. Up-level models come with Chrysler’s new 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. Ride and handling have been improved for more driving feel. Combined with a stiffer body structure, the car should be noticeably tighter and refined.

It will be a few more years before Chrysler gets an entirely-new product line-up, but the 200 proves the company can design some elegant looking sedans that are nice to drive. It will take more than one sedan to prove Chrysler is back to its former glory, but we haven’t seen the next 300C yet. That will be the convincer. Both the new 200 and 300 sedans will be available later this year.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Chrysler Launches New “Imported from Detroit” Merchandise – And no, They’re Not Made in China…

Chrysler has released a new dedicated lineup of clothes and apparels featuring the brand’s “Imported from Detroit” motto, which first appeared on the 200 Super Bowl commercial with Eminem. And yes, the possibility that the merchandise may not be made on this side of the world did cross our minds too, but Chrysler’s website put those dastardly doubts to rest stating that the clothes and apparels are all made in the USA.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Volkswagen Routan Subject to the Same Recall as Chrysler Minivans

Given that the Volkswagen Routan is built on the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan platforms in a Chrysler plant, it comes to no surprise that the German model is being subject to the same recall as its American twins. In a filling to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Volkswagen said some vehicles may experience inadvertent ignition key displacement from the run to accessory position while driving causing the engine to shut off.

Friday, March 11, 2011

First Interior Photos of Lancia’s Version of the Chrysler 300, the 2012 Thema

Even though Lancia's press site still has only one exterior photo of the Thema (who needs more when you can take a look at the Chrysler 300?), the Italians went straight to posting the first interior pictures of their American-sourced flagship sedan. If you like drama, don't read on, this isn't for you. Believe it or not –ahem- the 2012 Lancia Thema's interior looks exactly the same as Chrysler's.

Our “spot the differences” approach led to the conclusion that, Lancia logo aside, everything else in the cockpit is identical to what one can see in a Chrysler 300. Except of course the different leather upholstery and trim color scheme chosen for the photo shoot. The two sister cars share the blue-tone instrument panel lighting and the analogue clock as well, however, in this color and trim setup the Thema looks a bit more refined than its American counterpart.

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