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Chrysler to challenge locals with less-costly 300 SRT8 in Australia

Seyth Miersma — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 17:45:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Chrysler, Australia

Chrysler Australia is preparing to launch a new, slightly de-contented version of its 300 SRT8 performance sedan for the Australian market. The planned SRT8 model comes in response to feedback from Aussie buyers, many of whom have expressed interest in a car with the 300 SRT8's performance, but without all of the high-end features and the big sticker price.

The Chrysler 300 STR8 currently sells for around $66,000 Australian; the intended price for the new, stripped down version of the car is reported to be under $60k Australian. That would make the car an even stronger competitor for rear-drive, V8 powerhouses like the HSV Clubsport, which was recently reintroduced at $64,990 AU.

Russ Ruedisueli of Chrysler Australia tells the Brisbane Times that the lower-spec 300 will do away with things like adjustable suspension, adaptive cruise control and forged alloy wheels, while still offering the massively strong 6.4-liter Hemi V8. In fact, this "core" model SRT8 figures to be a bit quicker than the loaded version, thanks to a lighter curb weight.

SRT's Ralph Gilles has indicated that the core 300 SRT8 is being produced now, indicating that the models should be ready for Australian consumption by the middle part of 2013.

Chrysler to challenge locals with less-costly 300 SRT8 in Australia originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler and fashion designer John Varvatos team up for special edition 300 sedans

Jeffrey N. Ross — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chrysler, Design/Style, Luxury

Chrysler and John Varvatos, two award-winning entities with strong ties to the city of Detroit, have teamed up to create a pair of bespoke luxury sedans that showcase what can happen when the automotive world meets the fashion industry. The 2013 Chrysler 300C John Varvatos Limited Edition and Luxury Edition will both bring a new level of exclusivity to this stylish, full-size sedan.

Varvatos' self-named menswear fashion brand, John Varvatos, has a raw industrial look, but the designer is also heavily infused with the rock 'n' roll scene from his early interest in fashion to his involvement with the VH1 Save the Music Foundation where he is a board member. This mix of industry and rock 'n' roll can easily be seen in the new 300C models.

Each car will get a slightly different look and feel with the 300C John Varvatos Limited Edition coming in an exclusive Phantom Black tri-coat paint job as the basis of the car's dark and sinister appearance. All of the 300's regular bright chrome trim has been replaced by dark titanium accents (on the grille surround, daylight opening trim and the dual exhaust outlets) or black chrome on the front grille. Dark 20-inch, multi-spoke wheels and smoked LED taillight lenses finish off the eye-catching styling, and even Chrysler's signature wing badge has been darkened to match the rest of the exterior. The 300C Luxury Edition gets slightly different look with a platinum chrome mesh grille and polished wheels.

The 300C's fashion makeover gets even more intense inside. Looking like it came right off a John Varvatos runway, the Limited Edition gets features like the pewter metallic leather seats with exclusive Diesel Gray and black stitching to match one of Varvatos' leather jackets. Also, the instrument panel clock and gauge cluster has been redesigned to match the brand's watch design including what should be a stunning pearlescent white face with black bezels. The Luxury Edition's cabin steps things up even more with two color options for the Nappa leather seats and hand-sanded, matte-finished Natural Pore Mocha real wood accents. Both cars come with Chrylser's 8.4-inch UConnect system with a distinct "John Varvatos" screen display.

Chrysler has yet to announce the pricing or availability for either of these models, but it did say that the Limited Edition would in fact be produced in limited numbers.

Despite carrying the 300C name, the Limited Edition and Luxury Edition versions of this car will be available with both V6 and V8 engines as well as optional all-wheel drive. Up until this car, the 300C nameplate was used solely to distinguish cars equipped with the Hemi V8. Scroll down for the official press release.

Continue reading Chrysler and fashion designer John Varvatos team up for special edition 300 sedans

Chrysler and fashion designer John Varvatos team up for special edition 300 sedans originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler marks return to China with 300 Ruyi design concept

Noah Joseph — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, China, Chrysler, Beijing Motor Show, Design/Style, Luxury

Considering the rate at which the Chinese market gobbles up Buick models, you'd think it would be a prime market for Chrysler. Yet the House of the 300 wasn't present in China at all in recent years, as the brand has just announced at the Beijing Motor Show its return to the Chinese market.

In the coming months, it will begin selling both the 300C and the Grand Voyager, and to mark the occasion it has presented a special design concept of its top-of-the-line sedan. Much like sister-brand Jeep adopted the dragon symbol for its special-edition Wrangler, the Chrysler brand went with the Ruyi - a scepter-like object symbolizing prosperity and good fortune - for its 300 show car.

The design concept is distinguished by unique ten-spoke 22-inch wheels, dark chrome trim to complement the black paint and tone-on-tone "speed stripe," aero kit, custom grille, tinted glass and special badging. Meanwhile the interior is done up in a variety of metal finishes, with French-stitched beige suede and leather upholstery. Check it out in the gallery above and the press release by scrolling below.

Continue reading Chrysler marks return to China with 300 Ruyi design concept

Chrysler marks return to China with 300 Ruyi design concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler preparing two Chinese-influenced concepts for Beijing

John Neff — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, SUV, China, Chrysler, Jeep, Beijing Motor Show, Luxury, Off-Road

Chrysler has announced that in honor of the brand's return to the Chinese market, it's bringing two design concept to the Beijing Motor Show later this month. The first is a sharp-looking 300C with an all-black exterior, a set of very large wheels and a two-toned interior with light-colored leather seating surfaces. The seatbacks are embossed with some sort of symbol, what looks to be gusts of wind. Chrysler says this special 300C was "created specifically with Chinese elements in mind," but we'll have to wait a couple weeks to find out exactly what that means.

The 300C, however, is a wallflower compared to this Jeep Wrangler design concept that unabashedly wears its Chinese pride like a flag draped around its shoulders. Said to be inspired by the Year of the Dragon, the black Wrangler features dragon decals on its sheetmetal, some small and some very large, as well as a very ornate image of a dragon on the underside of the hood. The all-black exterior is set of with gold accents on the black wheels, as well as gold trim around the headlights and trademark seven-slat grille. Lastly, the lighting has been upgraded with a set of high-tech LEDs set within the Wrangler's traditional round headlamps. It may be strange to see all that Chinese iconography on something so American as a Jeep Wrangler, but it's no more stranger than an American flag-wearing edition of the Italian Fiat 500.

Continue reading Chrysler preparing two Chinese-influenced concepts for Beijing

Chrysler preparing two Chinese-influenced concepts for Beijing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Barack Obama's 2005 Chrysler 300C [UPDATE]

Zach Bowman — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Auctions, Etc., Government/Legal, Chrysler, Celebrities

UPDATE: Not surprisingly, President Obama's former daily driver failed to sell on eBay Motors with a starting bid of $1 million. The owner reportedly wants to list the car again closer to the presidential election this fall, and may lower the price as well as give some of the proceeds to charity.

History has yet to voice its opinion on the legacy of President Barack Obama, but one enterprising eBay seller is already looking to cash in on one very big piece of Obama memorabilia. A 2005 Chrysler 300C that allegedly belonged to the Commander In Chief (back when he was an Illinois senator) has hit eBay Motors.

As you may recall, Obama sent the big V8 sedan packing in favor of a Ford Escape Hybrid when he began his campaign for the presidency. The 300C currently has 20,800 miles. Obama is said to have put 19,000 of those on the clock himself between 2004 and 2007. With so few miles and a healthy 5.7-liter V8 under the hood, this is likely the nicest 300C you'll ever lay eyes on, but the buyer wants a pretty penny for the machine.

Right now, the vehicle has a starting bid of $1 million. Not surprisingly, even though the seller says he's got the paperwork to prove the vehicle's provenance, no one has stepped up with the coin. As of the time of writing, the auction has less than a day left on the clock. Head over to eBay Motors to have a look at the auction for yourself.

eBay Find of the Day: Barack Obama's 2005 Chrysler 300C [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler 300 gets even cushier with new Luxury Series

Noah Joseph — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chrysler, Luxury

Despite major improvements, public perception still lingers that most American luxury sedans don't quite approach the level of refinement and equipment offered by their imported competitors. And so it follows that Chrysler models fall shy of Lincoln and Cadillac, especially because their pricing is less dear. But the latest announcement from Auburn Hills aims to close that perception - and pricing - gap ever so gently.

Whereas in the past, the Pentastar automaker may have tried to sell the buying public on terms like "Corinthian leather" to sell their luxury automobiles, today, all it has to do is call up its friends (read: corporate overlords) in Italy to get some top-quality Potrona Frau leather (usually found in Maserati and top-of-the-line Alfa Romeo models) and hand-sanded wood trim sent over. The new-for-2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series is visually distinguished as well by "platinum-chrome" trim on the grille, door mirrors and handles, plus 20-inch polished wheels and all the bells and whistles Chrysler can muster. Starting at $40,125, it's also a good bit less expensive than other luxury cars its size cars with similar trappings.

Couple that with what Chrysler claims is the first eight-speed automatic transmission offered on a domestic luxury sedan and available all-wheel drive, and the 300 Luxury Series could just make luxury import buyers swing by their local Chrysler dealership for a closer look. Short of that, have a look at the high-res images in the gallery and the press release after the jump for a closer look.

Continue reading Chrysler 300 gets even cushier with new Luxury Series

Chrysler 300 gets even cushier with new Luxury Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Latest Chrysler "Imported From Detroit" ad trades in Eminem for poetry on Thanksgiving

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chrysler, Luxury

Edgar Albert Guest was a transplanted Detroiter, his family having moved from Birmingham, England to The Motor City well before Detroit earned that nickname. From there, he embraced the city and life itself, penning more than 10,000 poems with titles like "On Quitting" and "It Takes a Heap O' Livin'." His works had simple, inspiring themes that earned him the title of The People's Poet and the only-ever Poet Laureateship of Michigan. And it is he that Chrysler has turned to for its next Imported from Detroit commercial, advertising the 2012 Chrysler 300.

Guest's poem "See it Through," a lash of encouragement for the folks battling World War I, is spoken over snatches of Detroit still-lifes: children swinging, NFL fans tailgating, a grocer in his doorway. Underneath all that, Muddy Waters does a little bit of his version of "Mannish Boy." It doesn't have the shock and grit of Eminem's take, but it's just as good.

In fact, it's so good at recasting images of Detroit that we thought the city itself should do the same for itself, then AdWeek found out someone else already did. Boat Magazine, a biannual English magazine about cities, did its second issue on Detroit. To advertise it, Boat produced a video using voiceover of the same Guest poem and its own quotidian scenes of the city. Chalk up another one for high coincidence. If you missed the commercial during yesterday's Thanksgiving Day Lion's game, you can check it out after the jump - and we've even included the Boat Magazine vid for good measure.

Continue reading Latest Chrysler "Imported From Detroit" ad trades in Eminem for poetry on Thanksgiving

Latest Chrysler "Imported From Detroit" ad trades in Eminem for poetry on Thanksgiving originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports lauds Chrysler 300 improvement, Hyundai Genesis still tops

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Hatchback, Acura, Chrysler, Hyundai, Nissan, Electric, Luxury

"The best Chrysler sedan we've seen in decades," says Consumer Reports, in reference to the 2011 Chrysler 300. At the risk of damning a very fine car with faint praise, that may not be all that much of an accomplishment. And we'd have to add that the last all-new Chrysler 300, which hit the market in model-year 2005, was also the best Chrysler sedan the world had seen in decades.

That said, we agree - the redesigned 2011 Chrysler 300 is indeed a giant leap forward for the brand.

The previous-generation Chrysler 300 only managed to eke out a rather miserable score of 64 points, which placed it near the bottom of its class of upscale sedans. The redesigned 2011 model, though, earns an "Excellent" overall test score of 80. Also receiving Excellent scores are the 2012 Hyundai Genesis (which led the field with 92 points, according to CR) , along with the refreshed Acura TL and Toyota Avalon, all of which fall into the same upscale sedan classification.

In other news from CR, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid sedan did not fare well when tested against its non-hybridized siblings. With an overall score of 69, the Sonata Hybrid earned a full 20 points less than the highly rated gas-only Sonata GLS. CR cited poor handling and an unrefined drivetrain as reasons for the low score, saying that "the trade-offs in driveability, refinement, and braking performance are too high" versus the Sonata GLS.

Also tested by CR was the all-electric Nissan Leaf, which was blessed with an overall score of 78. The electron-fueled hatchback was praised for its low running costs of just 3.5 cents per mile, but it was held back by a highly variable driving range that plummeted to just 60 miles in the winter with the heat on. Driven gently in mild weather, CR managed up to 90 miles of range from the Leaf.

For all the details from Consumer Reports' latest round of automotive testing, check out the complete press release after the break.

Continue reading Consumer Reports lauds Chrysler 300 improvement, Hyundai Genesis still tops

Consumer Reports lauds Chrysler 300 improvement, Hyundai Genesis still tops originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New 'Imported from Detroit' commercial touts Chrysler 300's new 8-speed auto

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chrysler

Chrysler's latest commercial for the new 300 looks to tout the automaker's new eight-speed automatic transmission for 2012, which offers up to 31 miles per gallon on the highway when paired with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. That's commendable mileage for a large, rear-wheel-drive sedan, and Chrysler deserves credit for making it happen.

The Detroit-based automaker is also still pushing its "Imported from Detroit" tagline, which we like, and, as ever, has homed in on the community aspect by driving the 300 through downtown Detroit and through the suburbs to what appears to be a very nice home somewhere near the city. It's all pretty effective, we think, but there is one glaring issue with the commercial for those paying close attention.

The car pictured in all the driving shots is actually a 2012 Chrysler 300C (as mentioned in the disclaimers), which still comes with a five-speed automatic connected to the much-lauded Hemi V8 engine. There's a quick flash to the new shifter that connects the driver to the eight-speeder, but that's clearly not in the same car we see elsewhere in the ad. We don't really understand why Chrysler made that decision, as all the goodies you'd want to show off can indeed be had with the V6 model, but maybe that's why we're writers and not marketers.

In any case, check out the latest video in Chrysler's "Imported from Detroit" series after the break.

Continue reading New 'Imported from Detroit' commercial touts Chrysler 300's new 8-speed auto

New 'Imported from Detroit' commercial touts Chrysler 300's new 8-speed auto originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Chrysler 300 priced from $27,995*

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 12:56:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Chrysler

2011 Chrysler 300 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The most recent debut in Chrysler's 2011 model year refresh onslaught, the 300 flagship sedan, will make its official public debut at the Detroit Auto Show next week. It won't be long before the new 300 hits dealerships, and Chrysler has just revealed that its redesigned sedan will be priced from $27,995 (*including $825 in destination charges).

Four trim levels will be available from the get-go. The 300 and 300 Limited use the automaker's 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, rated at 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission and routed to the pavement through the rear wheels. Base 300s come standard with things like cloth seats, 17-inch aluminum wheels and new LED headlamps and taillamps; Limited models add leather trimmed seats, heated from seats, Uconnect voice command, a rear backup camera, premium audio system and 18-inch chrome wheels. Opting for the 300 Limited will set you back $31,995.

The higher-end 300C, priced from $38,995, uses Chrysler's well-liked 5.7-liter Hemi V8, and comes standard with amenities like a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, LED interior lighting, power folding mirrors and a host of more luxurious interior options. Adding all-wheel drive to that equation nets you 19-inch wheels wrapped in wider 235/55-series tires and pricing starts at $41,145. Available on 300 Limited, 300C and 300C AWD models is a new SafetyTec Group option ($2,795) that includes HID headlamps, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and a slate of beeping park aids.

The full details are available in Chrysler's press release after the jump, and keep your eyes peeled for the 2011 Chrysler 300 to debut at the Detroit Auto Show in just a few days.

Gallery: 2011 Chrysler 300

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading 2011 Chrysler 300 priced from $27,995*

2011 Chrysler 300 priced from $27,995* originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: 2011 Chrysler 300

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Chrysler

2011 Chrysler 300 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been endlessly teased and occasionally spied, and now it's official: the 2011 Chrysler 300 has arrived ahead of its world debut at the Detroit Auto Show next month.

As we've seen before, the exterior of the 300 is even more audacious than its predecessor, thanks to the liberal application of chrome below the headlamps, on the grille, coating the side mirrors and partially framing the tail lights and trunk. New LEDs are fitted up front, and while Chrysler hasn't released interior shots just yet, judging by what we've already spied and recently sampled in the automaker's latest offerings, the insides should be significantly improved.

Power will come from the same engines we've been familiarizing ourselves with over the last year, specifically Chrysler's new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and 5.7-liter V8, with power sent to either the rear wheels or all four depending on spec. Sales should begin in the first quarter of 2011, and expect pricing to hit closer to the 300's debut in Detroit.

Gallery: 2011 Chrysler 300

[Source: Chrysler]

Detroit Preview: 2011 Chrysler 300 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Chrysler 300 photos hit the web

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chrysler

2011 Chrysler 300 teaser - Click above for high-res image gallery

Our friends at Kicking Tires stumbled upon a series of teaser images from Chrysler showing off the revised-for-2011 Chrysler 300 sedan. Yes, our intrepid spy shooters have already offered up some pretty darn good photos of the car as it was being shot for marketing purposes, but it's always good to focus in on details like the new corporate-style grille, headlamps, taillamps and the sleek new winged Chrysler logo.

From what we can see, the next Chrysler 300 will continue the brand's march to the top of the upscale American sedan ladder that it first ascended way back in 2004 as a 2005 model. Yes, it's been that long since the boxy, gangsta-style machine hit the market - "due for an update" would be a serious understatement.

Expect the 2011 300 to come equipped with both the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and be available with either standard rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. We're counting on a full debut at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show in January, but in the meantime, feel free to peruse the image gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Chrysler 300 teasers

[Source: Kicking Tires]

2011 Chrysler 300 photos hit the web originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Chrysler 300C caught completely undisguised

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 12:37:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Chrysler, Luxury

2012 Chrysler 300C spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Our intrepid spy photographers have just caught the 2012 Chrysler 300C running around completely undisguised during a promotional video shoot (hence the full tint job). Now that all of the camouflage has been removed, we can clearly see the 300's reworked front and rear fascias. Up front, Chrysler's new corporate grille is flanked by stylish headlamps that use LED daytime running lamps. Out back, the taillamps are spruced up with chrome accents and a large chrome strip that runs the length of the rear bumper. It sounds like a lot of chrome, but it's quite tasteful, and looks downright sharp on a black car like this prototype.

Much like its sister car, the Dodge Charger, expect the updated 300 to be powered by both the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and 5.7-liter Hemi V8, with all-wheel drive available on certain models. Since Chrysler's flagship sedan is nearing the tail end of its development phase, a Los Angeles or Detroit show debut is a safe bet. See the sleek new 300 in our gallery of spy shots, below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Chrysler 300C

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: 2012 Chrysler 300C caught completely undisguised originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Dodge teases Viper V10-powered 300C [UPDATED]

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Videos, Chrysler, Dodge, Specialty

Chrysler 300C gets Frankensteined with a Viper V10 - Click above to watch video after the jump

Red Letter Dodge, the official Dodge blog, has an oh-so-short clip of a Viper-engined 300C doing a circle in a parking lot. Not a donut, mind you, just an out-and-back. The video itself is rather underwhelming, so don't say you weren't warned, but since it comes from an official outlet, we have to imagine that there'll be something far more compelling soon enough. For now, to get a taste of what a 300C hiding a Viper V10 looks and sounds like, check the vid after the jump.

UPDATE: And all that speculation (and hope) was for nought: reader Viper GTS-R wrote to let us know that the car was a project out of Florida and is nothing official. It is a manual transmission and Viper GTS-R also guesses that the engine came from a Ram truck, not the snake. Thanks for the tip, Viper GTS-R

[Source: Red Letter Dodge]

Continue reading Video: Dodge teases Viper V10-powered 300C [UPDATED]

Video: Dodge teases Viper V10-powered 300C [UPDATED] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Oct 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Chrysler 300C SRT8 remains a guilty pleasure

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 19 May 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Chrysler, New Car Reviews

2010 Chrysler 300C SRT8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

If the economic downfall of 2008 had happened just a few years earlier, the Chrysler 300C SRT8 probably wouldn't exist. Think about it: when the nation was on the verge of $4.00/gallon gasoline and people were doing everything possible to get out of their fuel-sucking SUVs and into smaller, more efficient vehicles, a 425-horsepower flagship sedan with a free-breathing 6.1-liter Hemi V8 doesn't make a whole lot of sense. But then again, did it ever?

The 300C SRT8 is the product of a pre-castrated Chrysler. This was a time of Viper-powered Rams, Hemi-powered Jeeps and SRT-badged Neons. "You want it, you got it." Chrysler wanted the 300C SRT8 to start a new trend of muscle sedans - a land where quarter-mile times reigned supreme, and booming exhaust notes were all that mattered. This trend never really caught on (save the Cadillac CTS-V, which has been honed to be one hell of a machine), and at the end of the day, Chrysler was left with a big, heavy, powerful sedan that didn't offer much in the way of refinement and carried a near-$50,000 price tag.

But despite its flaws - and there are quite a few - we still think of the 300C SRT8 as a guilty pleasure. It has all the ingredients of an American muscle car wrapped in a four-door, luxury(ish) package. We'd probably never buy one or recommend buying a new one to a friend, but if we're totally honest, there's still something about the SRT8 that gets us all giddy when one comes through the Autoblog Garage. Make the jump to find out why.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Chrysler 300C SRT8

Continue reading Review: 2010 Chrysler 300C SRT8 remains a guilty pleasure

Review: 2010 Chrysler 300C SRT8 remains a guilty pleasure originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 May 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Chrysler ad gets political, advocates for release of Myanmar Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Chrysler, Celebrities

Chrysler 300 in political spot - click above to watch the video

This is... different. To summarize, a new commercial by Chrysler is agitating for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's (a.k.a. Burma's) pro-democracy leader and lightning rod who has been under one form of house arrest or another for twenty years. The thirty-second spot was originally created to be part of sister-brand Lancia's sponsorship of the 10th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates. Says Oliver Francis, the new President and CEO of Chrysler and Managing Director of Lancia:

"We produced the TV film in honor of all those who put their lives at stake in the hopes of making the world a better place. In particular, those men and women who are still prisoners, like Aung San Suu Kyi. For Chrysler, this is a chance to use our brand image to join with others in the fight for peace and to knock down the walls that divide us. We at Chrysler believe in doing the right thing and making a difference."

The spot opens with a Chrysler 300 driving next to the some still-standing sections of the Berlin Wall. It then passes by a mural of Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela. We then see three Nobel Laureates getting out of the back of 300s: Muhammed Yunus, founder of the micro-lending Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, Polish union leader and president Lech Walesa and former leader of the USSR Mikhail Gorbachev.

As to whether or not a car company should be advocating in favor of peace and democracy, all we'll say is we're glad Chrysler is not fighting against 'em. Be sure to check out the video and press release after the jump.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chrysler ad gets political, advocates for release of Myanmar Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

VIDEO: Chrysler ad gets political, advocates for release of Myanmar Nobel Peace Prize Laureate originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Chrysler has 300 ways to pitch its sedan for 2010

Chris Shunk — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler

Click above to watch the video after the jump

It's not easy to market a vehicle that has been on the market for over five years with changes so imperceptible that we couldn't name them if we tried. Chrysler is in just such a situation with its flagship 300 sedan, which is most definitely getting long-in-the-tooth. That won't stop the Auburn Hills, MI-based automaker from pitching it, however, and the Pentastar is putting a genuine effort forward with its new ad for the old gangsta sled.

The new spot proclaims that the 2010 300 will put the life back in nightlife, and the spot combines several shots of gorgeous women having a great time intermingled with a few fancy shots of the 300C burning the late night candle at both ends. The ad is part of Chrysler's new "Connect" campaign, which appears to be the swan song for the Pentastar's long-time agency of record, BBDO. Hit the jump to watch the 30 second spot. The Chrysler 300 may be geriatric in car years, but it's still rear-wheel drive, its 5.7-liter V8 continues to pack 360 horsepower and it still looks pretty damn sharp in black.

[Source: Chrysler via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chrysler has 300 ways to pitch its sedan for 2010

VIDEO: Chrysler has 300 ways to pitch its sedan for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York: Chrysler gives a sneak peak at next 300 interior

Chris Paukert — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, Chrysler

Next-gen Chrysler 300C interior - Click above to enlarge

During the Jeep Grand Cherokee press conference this morning, Chrysler vice chairman Jim Press gave the assembled journalists a sneak peak at the interior of the forthcoming Chrysler 300. While little more than a quick glimpse at of the instrument panel flashed up on the screen for a moment, we were able to grab this snapshot for you. We're sorry that the resolution is not as crisp as we'd like it to be, but until Auburn Hills slips us a high-res jpeg, we figure you'd still enjoy an advanced look.

What it shows is an all-new instrument panel of what looks to be a higher-end model (note the abundance of woodgrain trim and leather surfaces), with the centerpiece being a new widescreen navigation system housed in an oval-shaped enclosure flanked by curved air vents. As expected, there is a wood and chrome-ringed steering wheel, switchgear in the standard places (including dual-zone climate control), a gated console shifter, and what looks to be a very large center console.

The interior is markedly more conservative than what Chrysler teased with the 200C Concept from January's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but admittedly, that concept was designed to give a future glimpse of the 300's kid brother, the Sebring). The 200C employed such show car details as a chrome single-spoke steering wheel, a screen in place of the main gauge binnacle, and a sophisticated all-in-one climate/stereo/nav unit that flowed out of a center console.

Despite that, the 300 "spy shot" looks to be a major leap forward in terms of unified style and potentially materials.

No definitive word yet on a date when the rest of the car will be revealed, so for now, 300 fans, you'll have to be content with this.

Photo Copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.

New York: Chrysler gives a sneak peak at next 300 interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dealer Advertising Fun: Chrysler 300C/Town & Country mashup

Alex Nunez — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Minivan/Van, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Humor

Click image to see the dealer ad

"Truth-enhanced" car dealer advertising is nothing new. After all, how many times have you seen a newspaper ad for a special on, say, a base model, when the accompanying image shows a fully-optioned, range-topping version of the car instead? It's your job to read the fine print and stay informed so that you're not disappointed by the crank-window special the salesman presents when you get there.

To that end, we'd like to offer a helping hand to potential customers of Lynnfield, MA's Kelly Jeep. If you visit their website and click on "New Vehicle Specials" (under New Vehicles), you'll find a listing for an '08 Chrysler Town & Country. Okay, fine -- but the image that's paired with the listing is the one above. It's the Photoshop love child of the Euro-spec 300C Touring and a Town & Country. In fact, it doesn't look half bad with the 300's front end, big wheels, and flared fenders. One might even be tempted to ask, "Damn, that thing got a Hemi?" Whatever the case, it's more appealing than the blandtacular actual Chrysler Town & Country, which is what the nice man at the dealership will be happy to show you. We understand that the car in the photo above is hidden away in a barn where the owner also keeps a stable of unicorns. Thanks to Koko for the tip (and the laugh).

Gallery: Dealer ad with photochopped 300C/Town & Country Mashup

[Source: Kelly Jeep]

Dealer Advertising Fun: Chrysler 300C/Town & Country mashup originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler 300/Charger facelift due in 2011, RWD sticking around

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:07:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chrysler, Dodge

While new fuel economy regs have put the General's rear-wheel-drive offerings into a holding pattern (we think), Chrysler will soldier on with its RWD LX platform into the next decade. According to The Car Connection, Chrysler plans to makeover the 300 and Charger in 2011, but the reason the Pentastar people are keeping it rear-wheel-drive isn't to sate the public's lust for FR cars, rather there's no budget to develop a new front-wheel-drive platform.

TCC's insider says that updates to the HEMI might be underway and that the new styling direction of the 300 will maintain the sedan's gangsta cues, but the low roofline will probably be nixed in favor of a larger greenhouse.

[Source: The Car Connection]

Chrysler 300/Charger facelift due in 2011, RWD sticking around originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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