Chrysler has brought to the 2012 Beijing Motor Show a special version of its 300C sedan that will be released on the Chinese market only, the 300C Ruyi Design Concept. In order to celebrate the return of the American manufacturer on the Asian markets, the 300C has been painted with a special Maximum Steel black color that emphasizes the elegance of the model without affecting its athletic looks.

Exclusive paintjob aside, this limited edition 300C comes with a newly designed set of 22″ 10-spoke alloys and a mildly revised front end, now featuring a slightly different grille and a newly designed bumper. From a mechanical point of view though, the original 300C powertrain has been left untouched, with its 292 hp 3.6-litre V6 Pentastar engine, 8-speed automatic gearbox and rear-wheel drive being its main, basic features.

As for the cabin, the Chrysler 300 C Ruyi Design Concept comes with new materials and top notch contrasting finishing. A few drawings inspired by the Chinese culture can be spotted on the backrests of the seats, a phenomenon that is becoming kind of trendy on the cars that are being marketed in that country. Needless to say, the car comes with all sorts of accessories and systems that you would expect in a car of this class, but if you would like to know more about this special 300C, check out Chrysler’s official press release right after the jump.

View the full Chrysler 300C Ruyi Design Concept @ the 2012 Beijing Motor Show photo gallery

Chrysler Brand Commemorates Return to China with Premiere of Chrysler 300 Ruyi Design Concept at 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition

• Chrysler brand returns to China with multi-awarded Chrysler 300C and world-renowned Chrysler Grand Voyager
• Sales of production Chrysler 300C sedan to begin in June 2012
• Chrysler 300 Ruyi design concept blends modern American design and technology with tradition-rich Chinese symbols

Today, the Chrysler brand announced its return to the China market at the 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. To commemorate this important occasion, Chrysler unveiled the 300 Ruyi design concept, a vehicle based on the innovative Chrysler 300C sedan and catering to the tastes of Chinese customers.

The ruyi and its significance in Chinese tradition inspired designers in creating the unique concept vehicle especially for China. Ruyi means “as one wishes” and takes the form of a curved decorative object, like a scepter, that symbolizes prosperity. A ruyi is often crafted of precious materials with beautiful design, carrying a promising meaning of abundant good fortune.

“We celebrate our reentry into China with a vehicle that symbolizes an auspicious beginning for the Chrysler brand,” said Saad Chehab, President and Chief Executive Officer – Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “By integrating our distinctive American design and technology with timeless Chinese inspiration, we are looking to attract an emerging set of customers who are driven and dare to be different. We look forward to gathering the reaction of Chinese customers to the Chrysler 300 Ruyi, to surprise them with future models incorporating elements that we can see today in this design concept.”

The Chrysler brand also displayed the 300C sedan and Grand Voyager MPV – the first two models to arrive for sale in China. The Chrysler 300C Luxury Series will be equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission mated with the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar® V-6 engine and will begin sales in mid-2012, while the Grand Voyager is planned to follow in the fourth quarter of this year.

Since 1925, the Chrysler brand has delighted customers with daring American design, leading technology, craftsmanship and premium features ever since the first Chrysler vehicle was sold. Now the brand is returning to China with a promise to deliver upon those values, with a proposition that exceeds expectations.

Chrysler 300 Ruyi Design Concept
Cultural cues from the Chinese ruyi were the inspiration behind the Chrysler 300 Ruyi design concept. Looking to enhance the car’s upscale and urban composition, designers started with a Maximum Steel exterior color and added dark chrome to the exterior door handles, grille surround and lower grille tracer.

The premium Chrysler wing badges and headlamps contrast with low side sills, rear fascia and dual exhaust tips, giving the car an elegant yet sporty look.

Final exterior touches include a polished ruyi-inspired signature grille with dark chrome throats, bluish steel-grey tinted glass (to be in harmony with the Maximum Steel body color), a ruyi Chinese character badge on the deck lid and a ghosted speed stripe running along the side character lines.

Probably the most exotic exterior feature, and one that pays direct homage to the ruyi, are the proud 22-inch concept alloy wheels. These ten-spoke wheels feature spokes designed with a curvature reminiscent of a ruyi scepter. The spoke faces are polished with dark chrome pockets, and the Chrysler wing badge is placed on the center caps.

Interior appointments are given many unique finishes like black chrome on the outer dash vents, navigation screen and center dash vent surrounds, gauge rings, steering wheel rim and door handles. Brushed patterned trim is incorporated in the center console, upper door panels and flanking the dashboard. Machined metal accent trim is found surrounding the shift gate, both center console storage areas, upon the door and on the steering wheel spokes.

Highlighting the interior are custom seats with light-tone leather-wrapped seating surfaces with suede center inserts and side bolsters. Contrasting French stitching, black piping and a ruyi-inspired cloud form (embossed onto the seat backs) complement the sophisticated interior appointments.

The Chrysler 300 Ruyi concept is equipped with the “Engine of the Year” 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels.

A traditional ruyi has a long S-shaped handle and a head fashioned like a cloud. Ruyi symbolize authority, prosperity and good luck in Chinese tradition, and they date back to the Han Dynasty in the first century AD, especially flourishing during the Qing Dynasty (starting in the 17th century) when they became highly valued gifts. Ruyi are often associated with cloud motifs and can be found in art and architecture, appearing in knot and rug patterns, sculpture, paintings and even modern corporate logos.

Chrysler 300C for 2012
Integrating the first eight-speed automatic transmission in a U.S. luxury sedan, the 2012 Chrysler 300C sedan offers world-class technological innovation, craftsmanship and quality while delivering stylistic distinction, fuel efficiency and premium E-segment sedan features at a legendary value.

Arriving to China will be the Chrysler 300C Luxury Series, designed to be the most luxurious and fuel-efficient Chrysler flagship sedan ever. Exclusive interior features include ultra-premium leather and hand-sanded matte wood trim, power-adjustable front seats, and ventilated and heated front and rear seats.

On the exterior, large polished-face aluminum wheels and platinum-chrome accents give the Chrysler 300C Luxury Series an upscale look. Premium amenities include the segment’s largest touchscreen infotainment system and many more state-of-the-art amenities and connectivity features.

The Chrysler 300C Luxury Series features the ZF 8HP45 eight-speed automatic transmission paired with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine for better power, performance, refinement and fuel efficiency.

The Chrysler 300C is available with more than 60 safety and security features and recently earned the highest five-star safety rating from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for front driver and overall vehicle scores. In addition, the Chrysler flagship sedan was named a “Top Safety Pick” by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Chrysler brand was named the “Most Ideal Popular Brand” in AutoPacific’s 2011 Ideal Vehicle Awards, based on U.S. owners’ ratings of their 2011 cars and trucks.

About Chrysler Brand
With a spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation, the Chrysler brand has a proud American heritage and strong foundational values that go back to 1924, inspired by founder Walter P. Chrysler.

Nearly 90 years later, each new Chrysler vehicle continues to personify the original vision for the Chrysler brand: standout design, superb engineering and technology, and exotic features at a great value.

Chrysler Group LLC manages vehicle marketing, sales and service – together with alliance partner Fiat Group – in more than 120 countries around the world.

Chrysler gives a further boost to the campaign “It’s halftime in America” and for the occasion broadcasts a new commercial starring the 300. The advert is titled “My Son Steven” and has been described by Olivier Francois with these words: “A father’s pride in his adult son making his own way in life - writes the Chief Marketing Officer of Chrysler- This commercial encourages one to dream big, set your own course and shoot for the stars”. “It’s halftime in America” with Clint Eastwood was elected the second most successful advertising campaign during the 2012 Super Bowl.

One of the commercials that Chrysler had aired during the last Superbowl was not dedicated to any specific model, it was a sort of statement about Detroit’s new found fighting spirit recited by Hollywood’s legend Clint Eastwood. The striking speech - which was shown during the half time break - appeals to the patriotic heart of the US to not give up, even though it’s a tough time for the home economy, and can be considered the second chapter of the famous Eminem ad that was broadcast during the same event last year. Definitely well made.

The all new 2013 Dodge Dart might be stealing the show at Chrysler’s stall at the 2012 NAIAS, but there are some other interesting models on display. One of these models is the Chrysler 700C Concept, arguably one of the most mysterious cars at the event. This three-row minivan showed up in Detroit completely unannounced, and the utter lack of official data about it do not help us to figure out which sort of vehicle it actually is. It could be a mere exercise in style, a sort of anticipation of the design language that Chrysler might use for its future MPVs, but we would just be speculating here.

Another interesting presence at this year’s Chrysler booth is the 200, which is expected to appear in Europe as well within a few months with a Lancia badge. The model is in Detroit in both hardtop and convertible configurations, but there is also the 200S, a spiced-up version of the quiet 200 sedan developed by MoPar that is available in two steps called Stage 1 and Stage 2. The former comprises a new aerodynamic kit, 18″ rims and chrome inserts, while the latter adds a more performing suspension, sports exhaust and an upgraded air-intake system. However, the standard Pentastar V6 engine has been left untouched.

View the full Chrysler 700C at the 2012 NAIAS photo gallery
View the full Chrysler 200 at the 2012 NAIAS photo gallery

The undisputed star of Dodge’s stand at this year North America International Auto Show is definitely going to be the Dart, the new C-segment car developed on the same platform that generated Alfa Romeo Giulietta, but even though the carmaker would like to maintain the focus on the brand new hatchback, the Dart is not going to be the only new car at the event in Detroit.

For this reason, Mopar (the automobile parts and service arm of Chrysler Group LLC) will also be in Michigan to present a pair of new models: the Chrysler 200 Super S and Dodge Charger Redline. The former is a spiced-up version of the - frankly - not too exciting Chrysler 200 that will come with the Super S package. The most distinctive features of the model in comparison to its ‘basic’ counterpart are a specifically developed aerodynamic package (composed of lip spoiler, side skirts, trunk lid spoiler and diffuser), satin chrome accents (for the front grill, fog lights trim, badges and rear light bar) and 18″ “S” alloys. If you would like the performance of the car to mirror its new found aggressive look, there is also a ‘Stage Two’ kit available, consisting of a coil-over suspension, a cold air intake and a new exhaust system.

The Dodge Charger Redline make use of three different Mopar tuning kits which will be made available in 2012. The first one includes an add-on chin spoiler, door scoops and a rear spoiler (all of which made of carbon fibre), 20″ ‘Black Envy’ wheels and a matt black roof. The second kit comprises a cat-back performance exhaust, a front-tower cross-brace and tower brace caps and high-performance Mopar brake linings. Finally, stage three gives us the power boost we were waiting for in the form of a high-output version of the 426 Hemi V8 crate engine that weighs about 45 kg less and adds 220 hp to the power of the standard V8 Charger, for a total output of 590 hp. Too bad that this third step has been designed for racing use only, meaning it is not street-legal. To find out more about these two models, see the official Press Release after the jump.

Chrysler Group LLC Introduces Chrysler 200 Super S by Mopar

• 2012 Chrysler 200 sedan modified using Mopar parts and accessories
• Stage One appearance package amplifies refined styling of Chrysler 200
• Stage Two amplifies performance with coil-over suspension, cold-air intake and cat-back exhaust
• Mopar package will be available on Chrysler 200S sedans in 2012

Auburn Hills, Mich. , Jan 2, 2012 - Chrysler Group LLC’s Mopar brand set its sights on the 2012 Chrysler 200. The Chrysler 200 Super S by Mopar is a rolling showcase for the latest Mopar exterior parts that will be available for the 200 sedan in 2012. The Chrysler 200 Super S by Mopar will debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show.

“The Super S is Mopar’s interpretation of the Chrysler 200,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “The extensive list of high-quality Mopar parts enhances the performance and appearance of our Chrysler 200.”

For Stage One, Mopar’s long list of modifications starts at the front of the car with a large chin spoiler, satin chrome fog light trim, satin chrome grille surround and mesh in the upper and lower grilles. The upper grille is gloss black with a recessed Chrysler wing badge.

Body sides feature new side sills, satin chrome belt molding, black chrome “200″ badges and gray or hyper black 18-inch “S” alloy wheels.

From the rear view, the new look is capped off by a new trunk lid spoiler, satin chrome light bar and a matte black lower diffuser with attached exhaust openings.

Stage Two adds performance with a coil-over suspension, which also lowers the center of gravity for the vehicle. In addition, Stage Two includes a cold-air intake and cat-back exhaust.

This Mopar package on the Chrysler 200 Super S will be available on Chrysler 200S later in 2012. Mopar’s Chrysler 200 Super S will be one many Mopar-modified vehicles that will debut during the 2012 auto show season.

About Chrysler 200

The 2012 Chrysler 200 sedan delivers exceptional value without compromise. With a sophisticated design, high-quality craftsmanship, technology that keeps passengers entertained and connected, the peace of mind having every available safety feature as standard equipment and a choice of powertrains that offer excellent fuel economy and exceptional power, drivers and passengers will not only enjoy the drive, but look forward to it. The 2012 Chrysler 200 is an exciting alternative for customers that want style and substance, all at a surprising value.

The 2012 Chrysler 200 provides drivers an agile, confident, handling performance in all driving situations, whether it’s commuting to work, a weekend adventure on twisty roads or going out with family and friends.

The 2012 Chrysler 200 is offered with the proven 2.4-liter World Gas Engine and is available mated to a four-speed or six-speed automatic transmission, for an exceptionally fun and fuel-efficient driving experience. The 2.4-liter I-4 engine produces 173 horsepower (129 kW) and 166 lb.-ft. (225 N•m) of torque and has an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 21 miles per gallon (mpg) city and 30 mpg highway mated to the four-speed automatic transmission and 20 mpg city and 31 mpg highway when mated to the six-speed automatic transmission. The available 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, one of Ward’s “10 Best Engines”, provides an even more exhilarating driving experience that offers customers the best of both worlds – exceptional V-6 horsepower and fuel economy. The new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine is mated to the 62TE six-speed automatic transmission and produces 283 horsepower (211 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) of torque. It has an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 19 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

The 2012 Chrysler 200 sedan is available in four different configurations in the United States. The Chrysler 200 LX, 200 Touring, 200 Limited and 200S models are packed with style, innovative features and a dynamic driving experience, at an excellent value.

Mopar® Introduces Dodge Charger Redline Infused With New High Output 426 HEMI® Aluminum Crate Engine and More Aggressive Style

• New 2012 Dodge Charger Redline features three available Mopar® stage kits for factory-tuned performance
• Stage One features aerodynamic exterior components and interior accents
• Stage Two features bolt-on performance parts for improved power, handling and braking
• Stage Three features new high-output version of the powerful aluminum-block Gen III 426 HEMI® V-8 crate engine, delivers 590 horsepower
• Dodge Charger Redline will debut at 2012 North American International Auto Show

Auburn Hills, Mich. , Jan 2, 2012 - Delivering performance and an even more aggressive look, the 2012 Dodge Charger Redline is a 426 HEMI®-powered showcase of new Mopar® performance kits that will arrive later this year. The Dodge Charger Redline vehicle with all three Mopar performance stage kits will debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show.

“Since the 1960s, the Mopar Brand has built a long history of adding power and performance to the Dodge Charger – and with the Redline, we Moparized the new Charger with modern-day performance and style while giving a nod to our storied past,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “With three kits, Mopar offers a tailored choice for every customer.”

Stage I: Aerodynamic Carbon Fiber Exterior Components and Interior Accents

Based on the 2012 Dodge Charger R/T model, Mopar’s list of Stage I modifications includes a full-width Mopar carbon fiber chin spoiler to give the Charger Redline a more aggressive appearance. Matching the Redline Tri-coat paint, the two-piece grille features a body-color painted-grille surround with black signature “crosshair” insert. Large 20 x 8-inch Mopar Black Envy Wheels feature a Pitch Black-painted wheel face with polished accents. Mopar carbon fiber door scoops highlight Dodge Charger Redline’s signature body-side scallops and include heritage “R/T” badging to pay homage to the historic 1970 Charger model. A three-piece Mopar carbon fiber rear spoiler adds additional down force and provides an even more dynamic look. Emphasizing Dodge Charger Redline’s fastback silhouette is Mopar’s vinyl roof graphic in matte black.

The Dodge Charger Redline’s cockpit design features premium materials and is further enhanced with a Mopar aluminum shift bezel and aluminum instrument panel bezel with Redline perimeter accent. For a more enthusiast-desired look, Mopar pedal covers are made from stainless steel and feature a rubberized pattern for improved traction.

Stage II: Mopar Bolt-on Performance Parts Deliver Improved Power, Handling and Braking

Designed and tested straight from the factory, the Dodge Charger Redline features Mopar’s Stage II performance kit to enhance its already world-class power, handling and braking.

Allowing the Dodge Charger Redline’s legendary HEMI® V-8 engine to perform at its optimal level, Mopar’s cat-back performance exhaust system delivers an increase in horsepower and a menacing “throaty” sound. Under the hood, a front-tower cross-brace and front tower brace caps provide increased structural stability for improved handling dynamics. For ultimate braking capabilty, high-performance Mopar brake linings are track tested and deliver fade-resistance during hard braking use.

Stage III: Mopar’s Gen III High Output 426 HEMI V-8 engine, with 590 Horsepower on Tap

Delivering 220 more horsepower than the 2012 Dodge Charger R/T, the Charger Redline features the new high-output version of the powerful and lightweight Gen III 426 HEMI V-8 crate engine (for race/off-road use only).

With its legendary 426 cubic-inch “Elephant Motor,” the Dodge Charger Redline delivers 590 horsepower via a lightweight aluminum V-8 engine block that shaves more than 100 lbs. from the traditional cast-iron crate version. The new Gen III High Output 426 HEMI engine is professionally built and includes a stout, balanced lower reciprocating assembly that features a forged-steel crankshaft with six-bolt mains at 2, 3 and 4, and cross-bolted 4-bolt mains at 1 and 5. H-beam style rods are made from forged steel and coupled to forged 11:1 compression ratio aluminum pistons. Included is a revised windage tray to provide excellent oil dispersion and prevents oil aeration by the crankshaft.

The Gen III High Output 426 HEMI engine’s valvetrain starts with a more aggressive roller camshaft with .639 intake and .628 exhaust lift and cylinder heads that feature the latest designs for exceptional flow characteristics. To help stabilize the valvetrain at high engine rpm, tie bars are available.

Mopar cast-aluminum valve covers and billet fuel rails are also included in the Dodge Charger Redline’s Stage III performance kit.

Mopar-First Features

Mopar has introduced numerous industry-first features including:

• Vehicle-information apps: first to introduce smartphone vehicle-information applications, a new channel of communication with consumers
• Electronic owner manuals: first to introduce traditional owner manuals in a DVD and brief user-guide format
• Wi-Fi: first to offer customers the ability to make their vehicle a wireless hot spot
• Electronic Vehicle Tracking System (EVTS): first to market with a new interactive vehicle tracking device that sends owner a text when vehicle is driven too fast or too far based on pre-set parameters
• 2011 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak: first to introduce a 500-plus cubic-inch V-10 drag-race package car
• Camper trailers: first to introduce off-road camper trailers
• WiTECH: first to support vehicle diagnosis and software updates leveraging off-the-shelf personal computers and a dedicated wireless tool network.

Chrysler announces the all-new Chrysler 300 Luxury Series Sedan, a new flagship that will hit the US market in early 2012. The car is following in the footsteps of the 300C and 300S Executive Series announced at the New York Auto Show earlier this year, and will be available with two engine options: the Chrysler 300 Luxury Series will come with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine producing 292 hp, whereas the 300C Luxury Series will be powered by a larger 5.7-litre HEMI V8 unit with 363 hp.

The most distinguishing features of the new line will be the heavily revised interior (now with Premium Nappa leather, Real Natural Pore Mocha wood trim with matte finishing and world-class craftsmanship and refinement courtesy of their new Italian allies), an 8-speed automatic transmission (courtesy of renowned German company ZF), 12-way power-adjustable driver and front-passenger seats with two-mode ventilation and two-mode heated seats for both front and rear passengers, “platinum-chrome” trim on front grille, door mirrors and handles, and 19″ or 20″ polished wheels for AWD and RWD versions respectively. Besides, Chrysler 300 Luxury Series Sedan comes with the largest touchscreen infotainment system in its segment.

The Chrysler 300 is the model on which the Lancia Thema is based on, therefore this new line might even appear in Europe at some point, although with a different name and badge. Click on the ‘Continue Reading ‘ link below to see the official Press Release.

View the full Chrysler 300 Luxury Series Sedan photo gallery

All-new Chrysler 300 Luxury Series Sedan: The Most Luxurious and Fuel-efficient Chrysler Flagship Ever

- All-new 300 Luxury Series expands the 2012 Chrysler 300 lineup with more personality, style and efficiency
- Exclusive Luxury Series appointments include ultra-premium leather, hand-sanded matte wood, world-class craftsmanship and refinement – all to deliver the most luxurious Chrysler sedan ever
- Chrysler 300 is the first domestic luxury sedan to feature a state-of-the-art eight-speed automatic transmission
- Best-in-class 31 highway miles per gallon (mpg) and best-in-class all-wheel-drive fuel economy with eight-speed automatic transmission and award-winning 292 horsepower, 3.6-liter aluminum Pentastar® V-6 engine
- Chrysler 300 Luxury Series models start at $40,145 and arrive in the first-quarter of 2012

December 27, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Designed to be the most luxurious and fuel-efficient Chrysler flagship sedan ever, the 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series combines ultra-premium leather – once limited to some of the most exotic Italian luxury cars – with world-class refinement and handling, state-of-the-art safety and connectivity features and eight-speed automatic transmission with Pentastar® V-6 engine for 31 best-in-class highway mpg.

“The new 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Edition is more than just our flagship car, it’s the trophy for the tireless majority, an automobile designed and built to meet the most discerning of expectations,” said Saad Chehab, President and CEO – Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “It’s fitted with a paddle shifting eight-speed transmission found only on cars twice its cost, dressed with the highest grade Italian Poltrona Frau leather and finished with hand sanded real wood found only in exotic cars – all to deliver a surprising combination of hyper craftsmanship, style, technology and ‘uber’ best-in-class fuel economy at 31 mpg.”

The new 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series expands the Chrysler flagship sedan lineup further with a fuel-efficient V-6 engine option, in addition to the top-of-the-range Chrysler 300C Luxury Series sedan with its powerful 363 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine with Fuel Saver Technology.

World-class luxury with expressive styling details
The all-new Chrysler 300 and 300C Luxury Series are the most highly appointed sedans the brand has ever offered.

Exclusive interior features found on the Chrysler 300 and 300C Luxury Series sedans include either Black or Mochachino Poltrona Frau® “Foligno” leather-wrapped instrument panel, cluster brow, center console side panels and upper front- and rear-door panels. Premium Nappa leather covers the door armrest, bolster and center console armrest. Black or two-tone Mochachino seats are wrapped exclusively in supple Nappa leather and include 12-way power-adjustable driver and front-passenger seats (including four-way power lumbar) with two-mode ventilation and two-mode heated seats for both front and rear passengers. Black or two-tone Mochachino leather-wrapped steering wheel - with all-new die-cast paddle shifters - features a unique chrome accent ring to highlight the segment-exclusive 360-degree heated rim. Completing the interior environment is specially selected Natural Pore Mocha wood trim featuring a matte finish to enhance the beauty of the real wood.

On the exterior, large 20-inch polished face (rear-wheel drive (RWD) only, 19-inch with all-wheel drive (AWD) and painted pocket aluminum wheels, provide the 2012 Chrysler 300 and 300C Luxury Series sedans with an even more planted and road-holding look. Platinum chrome fascia accents, exterior mirror caps and door handle accents provide an even more upscale look. Topping off the unique exterior is a platinum-chrome finished grille surround with platinum-chrome mesh grille for a truly distinctive appearance.

Premium amenities include the segment’s largest touchscreen infotainment system (8.4-inch) Uconnect® Touch 8.4N with Garmin® navigation, SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link, LED-illuminated instrument cluster with driver-selectable color EVIC, power tilt and telescoping steering column with memory, power-adjustable pedals with memory, power backlight sunshade, premium 18-ounce Berber floor mats satin chrome lower door sills with “Chrysler” logo, dual heated/cooled cup holders, ambient lit foot well lighting, LED illuminated interior door handles and front and rear map pockets, premium carpeted trunk mat, HomeLink universal transceiver and power exterior mirrors with memory, driver mirror auto-dimming and auto-tilt in Reverse.

Available in RWD or with the segment’s most advanced AWD system, the 2012 Chrysler 300 and 300C Luxury Series models arrive at Chrysler dealerships in the first-quarter of 2012. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (including $825 destination) of these Chrysler 300 models is:

- Chrysler 300 Luxury Series (RWD) $40,145
- Chrysler 300 Luxury Series (AWD) $42,495
- Chrysler 300C Luxury Series (RWD) $42,895
- Chrysler 300C Luxury Series (AWD) $45,245

Democratization of technology: segment-first eight-speed automatic transmission
Once available only on premium import vehicles costing twice as much, the 2012 Chrysler 300 is the first domestic luxury sedan to feature an eight-speed automatic transmission. This new segment-exclusive ZF 8HP45 eight-speed automatic transmission expands the world-class power and fuel-efficiency of the 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series and delivers class-leading fuel efficiency with respect to:

- Best-in-class highway fuel economy (31 highway mpg)
- Best-in-class V-6 AWD fuel economy (18 city and 27 highway mpg)
- Best-in-class combined fuel economy (23 with RWD, 21 with AWD)
- Unsurpassed city fuel economy (19 city mpg RWD, 18 mpg AWD)
- Overall unsurpassed fuel economy in its class (19 city and 31 highway mpg with RWD)

The addition of three more gear ratios in the proven ZF eight-speed automatic transmission design help to reduce the gaps normally associated with upshifting and downshifting. Combined with the award-winning 292 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, passengers will experience world-class levels of refinement due to small, evenly spaced ratios that provide quicker acceleration and smoother shifts.

Delivering up to a 17 percent fuel economy improvement compared with the previous generation six-cylinder Chrysler 300 AWD models, the new 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series AWD combines the new eight-speed automatic transmission, fuel-efficient 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine and the segment’s most advanced AWD system for maximum all-weather traction and efficiency.

Chrysler 300’s AWD system (both V-6 and V-8 engines) features a segment-exclusive active transfer case and front-axle-disconnect system to improve real-world fuel economy. No other major automotive manufacturer offers the combination of these two independent technologies. Chrysler 300’s innovative AWD system seamlessly transitions between RWD and AWD with no driver intervention. When AWD is not required, the system automatically disconnects the front axle to maximize fuel economy while still providing the outstanding fun-to-drive performance and handling inherent in RWD sedans.

During a recent event for the presentation of the new Thema, Lancia managing director Saad Chebab denied rumors of a possible station wagon version of Chrysler 300 as the investment required for the project would be too high in relation to the profit it might bring. “Sales in the US for estates are too slow to justify the development costs” Chebab said, adding that, by extension, no plans for a Lancia Thema estate are in the works either.

Chebab then revealed that a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission will replace the five-speed gearbox on rear-wheel drive models in 2012, and that a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine will also be made available alongside an all-wheel drive version in the course of the same year.

via | Autocar

A company called Arete Trading Pte Ltd. placed an unusual classified ad on the Alibaba buy-and-sell website about 150 Chrysler Neon produced in 1997. All units are for sale and - apart from the fact they are covered by a thick layer of dust - seem to be in perfect conditions. Plus, none of them has ever run a single mile. The ad specifies that the whole lot is made of right-hand drive cars and each unit is on sale for 1350 dollars. Unfortunately, the provenance of this stock is unknown.

Chrysler has released today the official pictures of its own Ypsilon model, the the re-badged variation of the Lancia model bearing the same name. The new car will not cross the Atlantic, it will go on sale in the British and Irish markets, the only two European countries where the American brand has survived the cut following its merger with the FIAT group.

There is not much difference between the Italian and the American versions of the small city car: badges, grills anf little else. The car will enter the British market with the same range of engines used by its Lancia-badged counterpart: two petrol engines - a 900 cc Twin-Air (85hp) and a 1.2 Fire (69 CV)- and a 1.3 MultiJet II diesel engine (95 CV). All units will be equipped with start-stop system and 5 speed manual transmission.

View the full Chrysler Ypsilon photo gallery

After Fiat gained a 53.5 percent stake in Chrysler recently, the move to integrate the two brands has come closer as news from the US is that Sergio Marchionne has now been named Chrysler chairman. Not a lot will probably change in the daily running of things as some of the restructuring across brands has already occurred, but it does give Marchionne a nice title and indicates that the Italian brand plans to continue consolidating operations in the new Fiat-Chrysler deal.

Marchionne will stay on at the moment as both Fiat and Chrysler CEO but the move upwards is an interesting one and we’ll be curious to see if anyone else in the near future will fill one of those CEO roles. In the meantime, plans are that Fiat will rise to a nearly 60-percent stake in the American manufacturer by the end of the year.

Source | Autoblog

Saying “Lancia Voyager” is going to take some getting used to, especially for the US market but luckily they get to keep the original. The Voyager model rounds out Lancia’s offering at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show after the Flavia Cabrio, Thema and the updated versions of the Ypsilon and Delta.

The new Lancia Voyager is much like the Thema in terms of being a rebadged Chrysler, and the Italian brand can once again be thankful that the American lineup is providing some essential models to their range - talk about throwing a lifeline. With minimal changes to the design and interior finishes, the Voyager comes with the 3.6-litre V6 Pentastar engine with 287 hp, and a 2.8-litre diesel with 163 hp.

The diesel gets decent fuel economy figures, stated to be 7.9 l/100 km and and the petrol comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. On the inside we get standard Nappa leather seats, heated steering wheel, LED lights and Uconnect multimedia system. An optional nine-inch screen is available for the rear passengers.

Making itself a truly luxury brand, Lancia has leaned heavily on the Chrysler lineup and we’ll be curious to see how things pan out in the future, especially for the Voyager. The name says it all really, and this is one impressive MPV. But will it work for Europe? It’s on the big side of things, and certainly to American tastes but we guess if you’ve got a large garage and a guaranteed parking spot at work on the old continent, it could do rather nicely. When does Lancia go with the “thank you Chrysler” press release?

When you read that about half of all vehicles sold on the European car market are diesels you understand just what it means to launch something like a sedan model without a diesel variant on the old continent - like shooting yourself in the foot. So for this reason, according to Automotive News, the Lancia-Chrysler partnership has decided to leave the Chrysler 200 in the US and bring only the convertible model to Europe as the Lancia Flavia cabriolet.

The news builds on recent reports that the Lancia Flavia project had been postponed indefinitely - or at least until the 2013 model rolled around with some added European design input. According to the ANE report, it was too expensive to develop and fit a diesel engine in the Chrysler 200. So why does the cabrio get to travel when its hardtop sister doesn’t?

The answer to that is that the Lancia Flavia cabriolet should be good looking enough to still attract customers, according to Fiat insiders. Like the difference between a sister who wears a turtle neck and the sister who goes for cleavage instead… forget the diesel, it’s all about tops off and summer motoring.