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

Continue reading: Chrysler 300C Ruyi Design Concept @ the 2012 Beijing Motor Show

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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

Continue reading: Chrysler announces 300 Luxury Series Sedan

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Lancia-Chrysler CEO Olivier Francois has talked of the new Lancia Thema and the direction the Italian brand is going, in an interview with German magazine Handelsblatt. It’s an interesting mix to have a French CEO heading a new Italian-American merger where the Italian brand has just borrowed heavily from its US cousin to update its fading range.

Francois is bullish about the new Thema. He says: “Whoever drives the new Thema will understand that it’s the best of the E segment. Lancia competition in Europe and America per Chrysler will be Audi, BMW and Lexus.” So just how much hope is being invested in the new Thema and are we talking Chrylser, Lancia or both?

On hearing this declaration on the new possibilities that Lancia will compete in the luxury field, there will be more than one raised eyebrow. It’s where Lancia has always wanted to play, but where of late, it has missed the mark. Francois explains his reasoning thus: “If our cars have excellent quality, performance and technology, and are less expensive than the competition, why shouldn’t customers take them into consideration?”

Continue reading: Olivier Francois: Lancia to compete with BMW, Audi through 300C/Thema

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