2010 Chrysler 300 Preview

Chrysler’s big rear-drive sedan will be re-invented sometime during the 2010 calendar year, by the fine engineering people in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and some of its design and engineering aspects might even be leveraged by the parent company, Fiat, for its big Lancia and Alfa Romeo products.


In the meantime, there are a few new items of note for model-year 2010…

300 Touring and 300 Limited are equipped with the 250-hp 3.5-litre V6, while 300C gets its motivation from the 360-hp 5.7-litre HEMI V8, and 300C SRT goes one better, with the 425-hp 6.1-litre HEMI V8.

Standard transmission is a 4-speed automatic. But optional on V6 models and standard on AWD and V8 models is the 5-speed automatic with Auto-Stick. Models equipped with this 5-speed debuted Chrysler’s fuel shut off technology (iDFSO), as a running change in model-year 2009.

Another recent Chrysler advance that debuted on the 300, is adaptive speed control, which uses radar to maintain a specific distance between the vehicle and the one in front of it.

This year 300 also gets a Fuel Saver Indicator (FSI), and Passive Entry. The latter is an enhancement to the remote keyless entry system, which allows you to lock and unlock the doors without having to press the transmitter lock or unlock the buttons.

Available on all Chrysler models for 2010 is the new uconnect Hands-Free Communication System, which allows you to place and receive calls over the stereo system (with your Bluetooth phone), and connect your i-Pod to the stereo via a factory-installed cable.

Pricing starts at $32,995.

Chrysler will display electric car at Detroit auto show

Chrysler Group LLC will show off new products at the Detroit auto show, after all, a source familiar with Chrysler's planning told The Detroit News.

The Auburn Hills automaker will show a battery-powered version of the Fiat 500 subcompact, a product of the company's partnership with Italian automaker Fiat SpA, the source said Tuesday. It also will present a Chrysler model based on Fiat's Lancia Delta, the source said.

Details of the company's plans are not public, and Chrysler recently said it would not show anything new at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, saying its plans were to show new vehicles that were actually ready for consumers to buy.

It isn't known whether Chrysler has decided to put the car into production, the source said. Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne, who holds the same title at Fiat, said last month the company plans to produce about 56,000 electric vehicles annually by 2014, and Chrysler may base its initial model on the Fiat Doblo van.

The cars to be shown in Detroit will signal how Fiat's designs will be incorporated into the lineup of Chrysler's products to help the company attempt to end losses after it emerged from bankruptcy.

Even with the news Chrysler will show two new vehicles, the company isn't on the press conference list.

The show opens to the media Jan. 11-12 and the public Jan. 14. Gualberto Ranieri, a Chrysler spokesman, declined to comment.

Chrysler 300 LX Platform To Be Used In Fiat’s Two New Sedans

Fiat announced that it will be bringing out two sedan models based on the Chrysler 300 LX platforms. This new development is as a result of Chrysler’s newly formed with the Italian auto giant. The news arose after a recent report that a former Bertone plant in Italy lately acquired by Fiat, is in preparation to build several new car models based on the existing Chrysler platforms.

Senior Vice President of Business Development of Fiat Group Automobiles and Fiat Powertrain Technologies Chief Executive Officer Alfredo Altavilla told the company’s union that the new vehicles would be based on Chrysler’s large car platform. Also, he announced that the company’s recently revealed Pentstar V-6 engine would be used for those cars. Based on latest reports, Fiat will build 50,000 units of Lancia and Maserati, two large rear wheel drive sedans. The former Bertone plant, renamed Officine Automobilistiche Grugliasco (OAG), will give the lead to the productions. The choice of LX platform from Chrysler can be justified with respect to the reports as they are rear-wheel drives commonly used in full-size cars. Introduced in 2005, it is also used in Dodge’s Magnum Charger.

2010 Chrysler Spotted

Though plans of Chrysler’s new vehicle’s announcement came as early as in February itself, and a few pictures were also released, the outcome was not yet clear as certain crucial details were left out. However, now that we have seen what the car looks like, it does cast an opinion that this is going to be one hell of a show stopper. The spy shots make it clear that Chrysler has gone for a rounded exterior instead of its usual pimp look.

From the front it has a definitive executive image, displaying an exceptionally smooth front side that looks less ferocious and more like a diplomat. Good combination of leather and wood paneling in the interior too adds up to the same result. Even though no official statement about the performance is out, fuel economy is said to be better by 22 percent. Options in the engine are a 2.7-litre, a 3.5-litre, a 5.7-litre and a 6.1-litre HEMI V8.

Also, for the diesel lover, there is a 3.0 litre turbo diesel engine. Since the news of the Fiat-Chrysler tie-up, there has been a rumor that in the very near future, Maseratis and Lancias would be on the road running on the RWD 300 platform. Also expected is the Lancia, featuring a new V6 engine that would be debuting in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. However, for the moment the focus is on the 2010 Chrysler. These pictures make it clear that the diplomat in Chrysler is finally out to ride the roads. What remains to be seen in this regard is will it rule the world or will it join the sidelines.

Chrysler Dreams of Electric Fiats

Chrysler will show some signs of life when it rolls into the Detroit auto show with — get this — an electric version of the Fiat 500.

Sweet!

Chrysler is bringing the electric 500 and a Lancia Delta sporting a Chrysler grille to the show, says Automotive News, citing “two sources familiar with the plans.” They’re just showpieces, and the sources tell Automotive News Chrysler has no plans to produce either one, but at least we’re seeing something outta Chrysler– even if it isn’t holding a press conference at the show.

We already knew Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne planned to bring the Fiat 500 to America, and if he includes the hot Abarth 500 in the deal we’ll ask to have him canonized. Chrysler reportedly disbanded its ENVI electric car team, but Marchionne’s plan included having many of those engineers work on other EVs.

The 500 — which, by the way, we love — is perfect for electric power. It’s small, it’s reasonably light and it’s perfectly suited to urban driving, so big range won’t be an issue. Finding room for the battery could be tricky, but that’s what engineers are for.

Chrysler to show electric minicar at 2010 Detroit auto show

A Fiat 500 vehicle is shown during a media preview of the 2009 New York International Auto Show in New York,
So Chrysler will display a battery-powered version of the Fiat 500 minicar at the show, but no decision has been made whether the car will be offered for sale in the U.S., according to people familiar with the plans.

The company will also show a version of the Lancia Delta mid-size hatchback with a Chrysler grille, as well as one or two models from Fiat’s luxury nameplates, Ferrari and Maserati.

Micro-Vett SpA, an Italian company, has produced a few Fiat 500s powered by a lithium polymer Kokam battery with 22 kilowatt-hours of capacity and a maximum speed of 60 miles per hour. The vehicle, which was unveiled at the London Motor Show in July 2008, can be driven 70 miles between recharging, which take between six and eight hours.

Last month, when Chrysler executives laid out their five-year plan there was no plan for a mass-market gas-electric hybrid or plug-in hybrid car before 2015. A hybrid powertrain offered in 2008 on a handful of Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen SUVs will be available in 2010 on the Dodge Ram light-duty pickup truck.

In 2011, Chrysler will launch a test fleet of 200 plug-in minivans and pickups developed through a federal grant.

Fiat’s green and gas-saving technologies revolve less around electric vehicles than its small cars and its Multiair electric valve technology, which it will fit to future Chryslers, said John Voelker editor-in-chief of GreenCarReports.com.

Chrysler will build the 500 at its plant in Toluca, Mexico, beginning late 2010. Initial plans are to produce 100,000 of the car a year -- half for sale in North America and half for sale in Brazil and Argentina. In addition, Chrysler is investing $179 million in its Dundee, Mich., engine plant to produce Fiat’s 1.4-liter engines with Multiair technology.

Multiair is a sophisticated technology that delivers up to 10% more power while cutting fuel consumption and carbon emissions by as much as 10% compared to similar engines.

2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser Preview

Not too long ago it looked like model-year 2009 would be the last for the Chrysler PT Cruiser.


It is the only Chrysler vehicle still based on the Neon platform, and the only one still using the Neon's old 2.4-litre engine.

Chrysler has now said that 2010 models will definitely be built, though maybe not a whole year's worth. And that there will only be one model — PT Cruiser Classic.

The sold powerplant for Cruiser Classic will be that 2.4-litre I4 hooked up to a 4-speed automatic.

The model is equipped, with standard four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, Electronic Vehicle Information Center, 16-inch aluminum wheels, tire pressure monitoring, cruise, air conditioning, and traction control.

There is also a bit of cosmetic razzle-dazzle to distinguish it as the last of the breed: Inside and outside are more chrome pieces.

But maybe 2010 won't even be its last year. Fiat boss, Sergio Marchionne, has gone on record that he likes the PT Cruiser. Considering it is already sold in Europe, maybe Fiat will find some future niche for the PT brand, either here in North American or elsewhere.

PT was one of the original "tall wagons," and its style is weathering well. Might it even be timeless?

Time has been harsher to other aspects of PT. The dash is definitely more dated, with lots of hard plastic and long-ago conceived switchgear. But the rear seats, and the front passenger seat fold forward, and there's that "parcel shelf" which PT pioneered.

With that older engine and a 4-speed automatic, the PT has never been a fuel economy leader. It handles quite well, even though it does exhibit some body roll.

If you've ever hankered for one of these retro-styled ride, model year 2010 might be your last chance to buy one new off the lot.

Chrysler to build new engine for Fiat 500

Chrysler Group LLC has announced it will invest US$179 million to build a new, fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine in Michigan, using Fiat technology, that will be used in the North American-built Fiat 500 in 2011.

The 1.4-litre Fully Integrated Robotized Engine (FIRE) will be built at the company’s Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) plant in Michigan, creating up to 573 new jobs industry-wide, with up to 155 of them in the Chrysler Group.

FIRE is a collaboration between Chrysler Group and Fiat powertrain groups, and will include Fiat’s advanced technologies to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy.

Engine production will begin in the fourth quarter of 2010. The first application will be the Fiat 500, which will go into production in 2011.

Chrysler has two plants at the GEMA complex and will produce the FIRE at the South Plant. The North Plant, opened in October 2005, produces the World Gas Engine, a family of naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engines.

2009 Chrysler Aspen

The 2009 Chrysler Aspen is available in two trim levels, Limited and Limited HEV. The Limited is available in two-wheel drive and 4WD, while the Limited HEV (hybrid) is 4X4 only. Standard equipment includes 18-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels, automatic headlamps, foglamps, rear park assist, a rear parking camera, a power tailgate, a power driver seat, a tilting steering column, a 40/20/40-split reclining second row, a 60/40-split-folding three-passenger third row, rear climate control, stain-repellent cloth upholstery, wood trim and an eight-speaker stereo with touchscreen controls, 30GB of digital music storage, an auxiliary audio jack and a CD player.

2009 Chrysler Sebring

2009 Chrysler Sebring offers hard top convertible as well as versatile entertainment options and optional all wheel drive

Chrysler redesigned the Sebring sedan two years ago and the convertible just last year. While the convertible’s performance won’t exactly light your hair on fire, it comes with your choice of three tops: a vinyl or cloth soft top or a retractable hardtop. The optional retractable hardtop is of particular interest. When raised, the hardtop hushes wind noise and creates a more all-weather-friendly car. The Sebring convertible also offers more top-down trunk space than other retractable hardtop convertibles — particularly the Pontiac G6, its closest competitor.

2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Affordable lots of room and a smooth ride are just a few things to like about the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser.

When the Chrysler PT Cruiser was introduced eight years ago, its retro look made it a heartthrob of sorts and inspired the sort of manic adoration not seen since Cabbage Patch Kids sparked soccer mom brawls in toy store aisles. In other words, it had all the earmarks of a fad — hot today, dead tomorrow. But its sales figures have shown surprising resiliency. Although the PT Cruiser falls well short of being the must-have superstar it was years ago, it continues to be one of the top sellers in the Chrysler stable.

In recent years, Chrysler has streamlined production of the compact hauler, and that trend continues for 2009. The GT model got its pink slip last year; this year, it’s the convertible body style that gets the axe. Also, a turbocharged inline-4 is no longer offered as an option on Touring models; it’s currently available only on top-of-the-line Limited models. The reduced availability of the turbo engine is unfortunate, since the Cruiser’s naturally aspirated engine offers rather lethargic performance.

2009 Chrysler 300

The Chrysler 300 is a big car that handles like a small car with an aggressive body style. The Chrysler 300 is a nice affordable car that everyone is sure to love.

The Chrysler 300 has distinctive styling that created high demand for the vehicle when it first debuted in 2004, but high gas prices have changed the automotive world significantly since then. The 300’s selling points are its commanding appearance and its range of powerful V8 engines. But with consumers looking for more fuel-efficient cars and questions about Chrysler’s long-term survival circling in the press, the market may have left the 2009 300 behind. At the end of 2008, the 300 was one of the slowest-selling vehicles in America.

The 300 is still an appealing car in many ways. It’s a cultural icon with its huge chrome grille and 20-inch wheels. It offers vast interior room and a top-notch V8 trim with competitive pricing. It loses points for a fairly low safety rating compared to its competition, and for Chrysler’s mixed reliability reputation.

Chrysler Crossfire Review

Chrysler Crossfire Review

The Chrysler Crossfire was officially unveiled on the 15th November 2003 and we were invited to drive both the automatic and manual variants at a Chrysler press day.

We brought our initial findings to you in our first Chrysler Crossfire review and nearly a year on we bring you a more in-depth road test and review.

The Crossfire is built in Germany in collaboration with Karmann who also produced the Ghia Coupe & Cabriolet the most beautiful bodies ever to adorn a VW chassis. The Crossfire combines a stunning American design with proven German engineering (39 percent of the new cars components are adapted from existing DaimlerChrysler technology) and the result is a larger than life coupe set to challenge the Audi TT, BMW Z4, Mazda RX-8, Nissan 350Z and Porsche Boxster.

The Crossfire is built around the outgoing Mercedes Benz SLK platform, and Chrysler have made a good job of shoehorning a Sports Coupe into a convertible platform, although it does compromise the interior layout. The advantage to Chrysler was that they could bring the car from concept stage to production car in less than two years, which is no mean feat.

We tested the Crossfire 3.2 V6 Coupe to find out if Chrysler's rear wheel drive, high performance Coupe can out perform Germany's finest.

Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabrio Review

Chrysler PT Cruiser Review

Cast your mind back to the original Fiat Multipla, with its unusual shape. People either loved it or hated it - the PT Cruiser evokes similar emotions.

The Cabrio version is no different and during the test week, it gained a lot of attention. However, not all interest was positive. Someone even went as far as saying that it looked like an upturned boat, so you can guess which side of the fence they were on.

But there’s no denying that it’s a head-turner, especially with the roof down. It sits some 62mm lower than the hatchback but has the same wheelbase and front track measurements and carries much of the styling from the hatch, which was updated last year and now features a smoother front and rear end and scalloped headlights.

The Cabrio is only available as a three-door, which is a shame because two extra doors would add greatly to the convenience factor. However, it isn’t feasible - the lowered height and the arc of the folding roof doesn’t allow for it. The compromise is extra-long front doors, which allow passengers to get in and out of the two rear seats. With the roof down, this isn’t too difficult but the seat belts are anchored to the inside of the car, almost adjacent to the rear passengers and again on the side of the front squab.

Chrysler Grand Voyager Review

Chrysler Grand Voyager Review

The all new Chrysler Grand Voyager was launched in March 2008 - replacing the popular outgoing model which had been with us since 2001. It also marks the demise of the more popular smaller Voyager.

The new Chrysler Grand Voyager is available with a choice of petrol or diesel engine, 6-speed automatic transmission and three equipment levels: LX, Touring and Limited. Prices start at £26,000 for the 2.8 CRD LX 6-speed automatic and rise to £33,000 for either the 2.8 CRD Limited 6-speed automatic or 3.8 V6 petrol Limited 6-speed automatic.

We drove the top of the range diesel model - the Chrysler Grand Voyager Limited fitted with a 2.8 CRD diesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox.

The new Chrysler Grand Voyager offers a choice of two engines: a petrol 3.8-litre V6 engine and the far more popular and sensible 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine that is commonly seen in the Jeep range.

Our test car was fitted with the 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine which outputs 161 bhp at 3800 rpm and produces 265 lb/ft of torque between 1600 rpm and 3000 rpm. Which propels the Grand Voyager from 0-62 mph in 12.8 seconds and onto a top speed of 115 mph.

The 2.8 CRD engine does seem to run out of puff up hill, which is especially apparent on the motorway. Of course the automatic gearbox changes down but it can all feel a little too lethargic to be enjoyable.

Chrysler Appoints Seven New Dealerships

The Chrysler 200C EV Concept

With the continued development of the network structure, founded on the key principles of network profitability and franchise cost reduction, Chrysler UK Ltd is delighted to announce the appointment of seven new dealerships.

This is further to the announcement in July when Chrysler introduced four new dealers, bringing the total to 11 new dealerships appointed in the last three months.

Strategically placed around the UK the new dealerships will allow new customers easy access to the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicle range as well as providing flexibility for current owners.

The seven new dealerships recently opened are Chrysler Stevenage, Chrysler Bishop's Stortford, Chrysler Hertford, Lancaster Southend, Triangle Chesterfield, Sunwin Derby and Drayton Chrysler Jeep & Dodge Shrewsbury.

Chrysler Stevenage, located at Gunnels Wood Road, has become an authorised sales and service dealership and oversees activity at two further dealerships; Bishop's Stortford on Stansted Road and Chrysler Hertford at Foxholes Business Park on John Tate Road.

Nick Spang, Dealer Principal at Chrysler Stevenage, said: "We are proud to be bringing the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands to the Stevenage area and look forward to an exciting future.

"Customers will receive the very highest level of care and service from a team whose goal is to turn the operation into a leading player in the region."

Located on Stephenson Road, Leigh-on-Sea in Essex, Lancaster Southend added the Chrysler franchise to its existing site. The dealership opened last month and have both sales and aftersales facilities.

Dealer Principal at Lancaster Southend, Paul Ivory, said: "With a strong and competitive product line-up and more great models on the horizon, these are exciting times for the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands. I look forward to playing my part in maintaining the standards of excellence that our customers expect."

Chrysler Dealers Ask for New Ads to Slow Sales Plunge

An assortment of new vehicles sit at a Chrysler dealership in Rochester Hills, Michigan

Chrysler Group LLC dealers have asked the company to pull new television ads and restore regional marketing budgets after U.S. sales declined 25 percent in November, people familiar with the matter said.

Members of Chrysler’s national dealer council, an advisory body to the automaker, called for the ads to be stopped in a phone call with the Auburn Hills, Michigan-based company’s sales leadership this week, said two people with knowledge of the request who asked not to be identified because the conversation was private.

Dealers, frustrated that narrower incentives and plunging sales are hurting their profits, are pushing back against Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne’s strategy. His five-year business plan, presented last month, aims to rebuild the company’s brands and reduce incentive spending. The transition could be “painful,” he said.

“It is a little difficult for us to understand because it is far different from what we were used to seeing,” said Larry Reid, owner of White Bear Dodge in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Reid was not on the call with management. “The message to us is that it is branding, branding, branding, and maybe that will work.”

The advertisements, which began in September, focus on lifestyles, and dealers complained that some only briefly show vehicles. One that began running last month shows ticking clocks while a voice describes a Jeep owner’s desire to not be constrained by the daily grind. In the final moments, it shows a Wrangler along with the tagline “I live. I ride. I am. Jeep.”

Show Vehicles

The dealers would like to have Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge ads that show the vehicles more and highlight features, price and available bargains to counter marketing claims of other automakers, the people said.

November Auto Sales: Chrysler

Chrysler Group said Tuesday its U.S. sales fell 25 percent last month from a year earlier on steep declines across major brands.

BY THE NUMBERS: Total sales in the month fell to 63,560 vehicles from 85,260 a year earlier. So far this year, sales are down 38 percent from the same period a year ago.

HOT MODELS: Chrysler Sebring Sedan sales jumped 84 percent to 2,674 units compared with November 2008. Crossover model Dodge Journey sales nearly doubled to 5,434 units. Still, overall sales among Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep brands were much lower than a year ago.