Chrysler
Chrysler releases teaser images of new 300
Chrysler has released several teaser images of the new 300 sedan via a dedicated micro site. The site contains up to nine images and they indicate that the new 300 has a distinctive grille, unique headlights with LED, side LED indicators, more leather on the inside and so on. The new car is said to be more plush and feature more high quality materials in its interior.
There is also a nice-looking instrument panel (pictured above) with easy-to-the-eye blue lighting. The new 300 is likely to be launched with two engine options including a 3.6 liter V6 with 292hp and 353Nm of torque. The top-of-line model would use the 5.7 liter HEMI. This V8 unit churns out 370hp and 536Nm of torque. A 5-speed automatic would likely be the sole transmission option while all-wheel-drive would be an optional feature.
The new Chrysler 300 is slated for an official launch at next year’s Detroit Motor Show happening in January. Continue reading to view all teaser images. Read the rest of this entry.
Chrysler reveals the 2011 Avenger
What we have here is the facelifted Dodge Avenger which is basically a refaced Chrysler 200. Lets go over the changes. Apart from the obvious visual changes, the 2011 Avenger has a revised suspension with 26 out of 30 suspension bushings retuned or redesigned. The track is also an inch wider and the vehicle is 12 mm lower at the front and 6mm at the back.
The interior sports a new instrument panel, steering wheel, upgraded seats with new two-tone interior schemes and new soft touch armrests. The Avenger promises to be quieter with 45 new or upgraded sound-deadening treatments integrated into the vehicle. There is also new ambient lighting and other tech goodies including voice command functions for hands-free phones, USB, an iPod/MP3 jack as well as Bluetooth connectivity.
The 2011 Dodge Avenger comes with two engine options including a 2.4 liter 4-potter with 173hp and a range-topping 283hp 3.6 liter V6. This larger engine gets a 6-speed automatic. This transmission is also available as an option with the smaller engine.
Continue reading to check out an image gallery. Read the rest of this entry.
Chrysler 200 revealed earlier than expected!
Chrysler has released official images of the 200 mid-sized sedan earlier than expected. The 200 does look pretty good. Its exterior looks is courtesy of the 200C electric concept car which was shown at the 2009 Detroit Motor Show. Unfortunately we are still waiting for images of the interior and details on the specifications. As mentioned in our previous post, the 200 will be available with a 2.4 liter 4-potter linked to a 4-speed automatic or a 6-speeder.
The range-topping spot will be taken up by Chrysler’s new 3.6 liter V6, paired with the 6-speed automatic transmission. This V6 is able to churn out 283hp. This vehicle does look new, on the outside at least but it actually sits on the third-generation Chrysler Sebring’s chassis, a vehicle that this 200 replaces.
We would see a completely new model, build from the ground up in the next-generation 200. The 200 is expected to go on sale later this year with a convertible model rumored to arrive at an unspecified date. Continue reading to view more images. Read the rest of this entry.
Multiple teaser images of the Chrysler 200 shown
More news from Chrysler. The Pentastar has released several teaser images that depict the 200, which is pretty much a reworked Sebring with designs based on the 200C concept. The images reveal a new hood, modified headlights as well as a grille that points to Chrysler’s new grille design.
The Chrysler 200 is expected to be offered with a 2.4 liter 4-potter as well as with a 3.6 liter V6 which is good for 283hp. This engine will be paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. There will also be a 4-speed automatic.
More images and details will be released soon as the market launch is slated to take place later this year. Check out the teaser images in high-res glory after the jump. Read the rest of this entry.
Chrysler teases the new Charger’s interior
As we all know, Chrysler has released initial images and details of the 2011 Dodge Charger. However the company did not provide us an image of the interior. Looks like the wait is over, as a single teaser image depicting the interior has been released.
Although it is only a teaser, but we can notice the few changes and updates carried out inside. They include a new three-spoke steering wheel along with new door cards and a revised dashboard. The 2011 Dodge Charger also promises to offer higher quality materials in the cabin.
Other updates elsewhere include a new grille, new headlights, a full-width tail lamp with up to 164 LEDs, a new 3.6 liter V6 and more. Continue reading to view a high-res version of the image. Read the rest of this entry.
Chrysler models to be rebadged as Lancias in Europe
The Fiat and Chrysler alliance will lead to Chrysler models being rebadged as Lancias in Europe, a report by Automotive News revealed. Models that will carry the Fiat-owned brand include a new compact sedan and a mid-sized sedan that will be replacing the PT Cruiser and Sebring models.
The 300C sedan and the new Voyager minivan will be sold under the brand as well. At the end of the day the Chrysler name will disappear from mainland Europe. The Chrysler name will only be maintained in the UK and Ireland.
Fiat which owns 20% of Chrysler plans to consolidate and shrink Lancia and Chrysler dealers from the current 1,200 in Europe to about 350. The company also plans to sell up to 300,000 Lancia/Chrysler vehicles per year by 2014.
The Dodge brand which is owned by Chrysler would become a niche player in the region selling cars like the Charger, Challenger and Viper. Current Chrysler dealers that sell Jeep models will be given new dedicated franchise contracts for the 4×4 brand.
General Motors and Chrysler securing more government loans
We all know that the recent world economic crisis pushed both General Motors and Chrysler to the verge of bankruptcy and eventually both American auto companies have been given bailouts worth billions of dollars from the US government. With the financial surge both companies managed to steer themselves around the financial turmoil.
The recent news out of Detroit is that both General Motors and Chrysler are seeking more loans that collectively amount up to US$23 billion. The companies are applying the loans from US’ Department of Energy which has given out loans amounting to US$9 billion.
GM is requesting US$14.4 billion while Chrysler is applying for a US$8.55 loan. Both companies plan to use the loans to upgrade their factories. The loan program is part of an effort to stimulate the development of fuel efficient vehicles that use at least 25% less fuel compare to similar-sized models.
