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

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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.

Continue reading: Mopar to take new Chrysler 200 Super S and Dodge Charger Redline at the NAIAS

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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.

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The 2011 Geneva Motor Show featured the new Fiat-Chrysler deal strutting its stuff as the Lancia brand got a much-needed refresh in the form of a few rebadged Chryslers. Providing some new models in the range is essential to hauling Lancia out of a one-car line-up with the Ypsilon and into the real luxury market it presumes to occupy.

New reports from LeftLaneNews indicate though, that the Chrysler 200 - to be rebadged as the Lancia Flavia - may not make it to production under the Italian brand. It was launched strictly as a concept and its heritage with the Chrysler Sebring, an unpopular model in Europe, means the project may never see the light of day.

While the Lancia Them (Chrysler 300C) and the Grand Voyager will take on the task of bring Lancia into the large, luxury segment, the smaller Flavia in both sedan and cabriolet form now looks to be delayed. If the redesigned 2013 Chrysler 200 turns out to be a good model, the Flavia nameplate revival could occur with that future model.

The future Chrysler 200 will be based on the C-Evo platform and will get some European design input to make it more appealing on that market. With the current Flavia concept labelled as unprofitable, it will be a couple of years yet before Lancia gets its mid-size sedan which it’s going to need for any real credibility on the European car market.

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According to reports the Chrysler 200 could come to Europe as the Lancia Flavia. We had originally reported on the possibility of the Chrysler 200 in Europe as a fleet car, and now it looks like it could be rebadged as a Lancia model, bearing the name Flavia in statements from Sergio Marchionne, Fiat-Chrysler CEO.

Apparently Marchionne has said: “The Chrysler 200, cabrio included, will come to Europe under the Lancia brand and Flavia is a good proposal for a name.” According to the guys at Autoblog.it, the name is a joke at this stage (and we’re hoping they’re right). The Chrysler 300C will go on show at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show under the Lancia badge, and we could see the Chrysler 200 do the same.

Apparently the 300C could take on the historic name Thema under the Lancia brand, and a new Phedra is likely to appear as the European take on the Grand Voyager. The 200 sedan should only become a transition model as a new generation based on a Fiat platform should be available in 2013.

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Fiat could look to sell the Chrysler 200 on the European car market to lure more fleet customers to its ranks. The Chrysler would be sold as such in the UK and Ireland, while it would be rebadged as a Lancia in mainland Europe. Lancia and Alfa Romeo are Fiat’s big sedan brands but Sergio Marchionne has stated that it could make sense to bring the Chrysler 200 to Europe as a fleet model for business customers in markets such as the UK and Germany.

The car would have to overcome some hurdles before it could be considered ready for Europe with a big drawback being the lack of a diesel offering. The 200 will go on sale in the US with two petrol options, and Europe is a huge diesel market compared to the US. Diesel options are particularly attractive to fleets who opt for the better fuel economy.

Olivier Francois, CEO of Chrysler and Lancia is not convinced there is a business case for the Chrysler 200 in Europe, saying: “We are running numbers to see if it could become a profitable business case.” Costs in developing a diesel model and doing some redesign work could prove prohibitive in making a profit off the 200 in Europe. While the Chrysler 200 could prove an attractive model in the US, its brand presence in Europe is minimal and even Lancia struggles outside of its local market of Italy.

Source | AutomotiveNews

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