Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[VIDEO: Chrysler has 300 ways to pitch its sedan for 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/video-chrysler-has-300-ways-to-pitch-its-sedan-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/video-chrysler-has-300-ways-to-pitch-its-sedan-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/video-chrysler-has-300-ways-to-pitch-its-sedan-for-2010/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Chrysler 3002010 Chrysler 300C2010Chrysler3002010Chrysler300c300CBBDOcar adcar commercialCarAdCarCommercialchrysler 300chrysler 300Cchrysler adchrysler commercialChrysler300Chrysler300cChryslerAdChryslerCommercialcommercialpentastarThu, 15 Oct 2009 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Nardelli confirms Chrysler hard at work on new Durango, 300 and Charger]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/24/nardelli-confirms-chrysler-hard-at-work-on-new-durango-300-and/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/24/nardelli-confirms-chrysler-hard-at-work-on-new-durango-300-and/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/24/nardelli-confirms-chrysler-hard-at-work-on-new-durango-300-and/#commentsFiled under: ,



Chrysler chieftan Bob Nardelli sent a letter to "all employees, dealers, suppliers and other stakeholders" to explain what's happening at the smallest of the Detroit trio. Everything done now falls under one of three umbrellas: enhancing the core, which is improving products, quality, and dealer and customer relations; extending the business with new products or by growing existing products into new areas; and expanding the market with global alliances to fill gaps in the product portfolio.

At the bottom line, Chrysler has lowered its fixed costs by more than $3.4 billion, and has also saved money by achieving the lowest warranty claim rate in the company's history over the past 12 months. Some of that savings - and the bridge loan - are being poured into product renewals: Chrysler plans 24 new vehicle launches from now to 2011, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Charger and Durango, and the Chrysler 300.

The push into technologies and segments will commence in part with Chrysler's ENVI electric vehicle program, the new Phoenix V6 engine, and the potential tie-up with Fiat. The Pentastar aims to have one electric car in production by 2010, four in production by 2013.

The Fiat tie-up would give the Italian company a 35% stake in Chrysler in return for Chrysler getting access to Fiat's small car platforms. The deal is still pending some serious due diligence, but no money would change hands, and Nardelli reassures his readers that none of the taxpayer money would go to Fiat. Nardelli also mentions that the union would also give Chrysler a jedi tutor in the area of restructuring, since Fiat only recently turned itself around. Follow the link for the rest of Nardelli's words.

[Source: The Scoop]

Nardelli confirms Chrysler hard at work on new Durango, 300 and Charger originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jan 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto industryAutoIndustrybob nardelliBobNardellichryslerchrysler 300cchrysler fiatChrysler300cChryslerFiatdodge chargerdodge durangoDodgeChargerDodgeDurangoenvietcjeep grand cherokeeJeepGrandCherokeeSat, 24 Jan 2009 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Next Chrysler 300 gets evolutionary exterior, "huge leap" in interior]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/26/next-chrysler-300-gets-evolutionary-exterior-huge-leap-in-int/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/26/next-chrysler-300-gets-evolutionary-exterior-huge-leap-in-int/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/26/next-chrysler-300-gets-evolutionary-exterior-huge-leap-in-int/#commentsFiled under: , ,



When the Chrysler 300 dropped on an unsuspecting public in 2004, it was all crisp edges and upright stance, with a bulldog face to help drive home the message of urgent thrust delivered by a reborn Hemi V8. Chrysler's got a refreshing in the pipeline for the 300, and that's giving designers fits. It's akin to sophomore album syndrome - when the original is a huge hit, how, exactly, do you follow it up? Chrysler designers are invoking the Porsche philosophy used to update its 911 through the generations as a roadmap for the 300's body changes, so don't expect anything too dramatic on the outside.

Inside, however, will be where the real action occurs. While not the worst interior Chrysler puts out, it's certainly got room for improvement. Cerberus chairman Steven Feinburg is reportedly passionate about improving the quality of Chrysler's offerings, and the lower quality materials we have today are being jettisoned in favor of more competitive finery. Whether that means competitive with what's out there right now, or as good as what everyone else will have by the time the new 300 hits the market, we don't know. Equipment levels, too, are an area where Chrysler wants to improve. Look for more technology and features that are better executed in the new 300, which the design staff has hopefully not managed to whack with an ugly stick in the name of "continued distinctiveness," or some other marketing double-speak for "we couldn't do better, so we did weird."

[Source: Wards Auto]

Next Chrysler 300 gets evolutionary exterior, "huge leap" in interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 May 2008 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>300 redesign300Redesigncerberuscerberus capitalcerberus capital man...cerberus chryslercerberuscapitalCerberusCapitalMan...cerberuscapitalmanag...CerberusChryslerchryslerchrysler 300chrysler 300 redesignchrysler 300cchrysler llcChrysler300Chrysler300cChrysler300RedesignChryslerLlcMon, 26 May 2008 18:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler's Aussie workers build awesome 300C SRT8 Project E490]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/07/chryslers-aussie-workers-build-awesome-e490/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/07/chryslers-aussie-workers-build-awesome-e490/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/07/chryslers-aussie-workers-build-awesome-e490/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click image for photo gallery

In the months leading up to the Melbourne Motor Show, there was apparently a rogue group of Chrysler Australia employees working on a top secret "customer evaluation vehicle project." What they came up with was rolled out at the show as the Chrysler E490. The team took a Chrysler 300C SRT8 Touring (what we in the States call a Dodge Magnum) and swapped out the stock wheels, slapped on a (quite tasteful, actually) body package and bolted a cold-air induction system onto the 6.1 liter Hemi. The E490 name is supposed to invoke memories of Australia's legendary Dodge E49 Chargers, though they were V6-powered coupes.

The E490 is quite stunning, and we expect Chrysler Australia will get a good "customer evaluation" from the vehicle. Chrysler Australia estimates the cost of the E490 would be $84,990 AUD if it were offered as an optional package.

[Sources: WorldCarFans, FullBoost]

Gallery: Chrysler 300C E490

Chrysler's Aussie workers build awesome 300C SRT8 Project E490 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Mar 2007 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrysler 300cchrysler 300c touringchrysler 300c touring e490chrysler australiachrysler e490Chrysler300cChrysler300cTouringChrysler300cTouringE490ChryslerAustraliaChryslerE490Dodge E49Dodge E49 ChargerDodgeE49DodgeE49Chargere490e490 australiaE490AustraliaWed, 07 Mar 2007 14:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler cusses in never-aired gag ads]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/26/chrysler-cusses-in-never-aired-gag-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/26/chrysler-cusses-in-never-aired-gag-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/26/chrysler-cusses-in-never-aired-gag-ads/#commentsFiled under: , ,


WARNING: Video is NOT work or kid friendly. Contains adult language, and unlike Binky, it ain't bleeped.

Our friends at Jalopnik discovered Chrysler's new online-only ad campaign a few days ago. Now the Jalopnik team has unearthed what is supposedly Chrysler's ad agency, BBDO Detroit, having a little fun with the Folgers coffee takeoff in the originals. We have to say, the originals are attention-getting and original (OK, an original takeoff on an old Folger's ad), but the edgier gag ads do more to stimulate our car-buying gland.

One more gag ad joins the two original ads after the jump.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Continue reading Chrysler cusses in never-aired gag ads

Chrysler cusses in never-aired gag ads originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Nov 2006 09:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>300cchrysler 300cchrysler adchrysler advertisingchrysler gag adchrysler gag adschrysler online adsChrysler300cChryslerAdChryslerAdvertisingChryslerGagAdChryslerGagAdsChryslerOnlineAdsdaimlerchryslerdaimlerchrysler advertisingdaimlerchrysler online advertisingDaimlerchryslerAdvertisingDaimlerchryslerOnlineAdvertisingjeepjeep adjeep advertisingjeep commanderjeep gag adjeep gag adsjeep online adsJeepAdJeepAdvertisingJeepCommanderJeepGagAdJeepGagAdsJeepOnlineAdsonline adsonline advertisingOnlineAdsOnlineAdvertisingSun, 26 Nov 2006 09:51:00 EST<![CDATA[What will Wall Street do with no Town Car?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/what-will-wall-street-do-with-no-town-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/what-will-wall-street-do-with-no-town-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/what-will-wall-street-do-with-no-town-car/#commentsFiled under: ,



UPDATE 1 - Ford announced this morning (9/15) that it will continue to offer the Town Car beyond 2007. More after the jump.

In New York City, black Lincoln Town Cars are almost as common as yellow cabs. Workers who stay late at their offices often pick up the phone, dial a livery service, and collapse into the back seats of the ubiquitous Lincs for the ride home. This sequence is replayed in urban centers across the country. The Detroit News knows this, and wonders what's going to happen if the big Linc goes to automotive heaven after 2007 as has been rumored.

The article mentions the Mercury Grand Marquis and the Chrysler 300C as potential replacements. While this could be a golden opportunity for the Chrysler 300 (and its long-wheelbase variant) to move in, and maybe the Cadillac DTS as well, we'll bet on the Merc and its Ford Crown Vic twin.

Why? They're built on the same platform, have the same powertrain, and equally substantial trunk space. Fleet versions are available with a 6" wheelbase stretch, which takes care of the discrepancy in rear-seat room. Fully-loaded examples are almost as plush, and importantly, servicing them should be no different than servicing the Town Car. We don't see why livery services would want to move away from the Panther platform cars, which have more than proven themselves in America's urban jungles as taxis, police cars, and upscale chauffered rides like the Town Car.

(Continues after the jump)

[Source: The Detroit News]

Continue reading What will Wall Street do with no Town Car?

What will Wall Street do with no Town Car? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Sep 2006 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cadillac dtsCadillacDtschrysler 300chrysler 300 long-wheelbasechrysler 300 lwbchrysler 300cchrysler 300c long wheelbasechrysler 300c lwbChrysler300Chrysler300cChrysler300cLongWheelbaseChrysler300cLwbChrysler300Long-wheelbaseChrysler300Lwblincoln reach higherlincoln town carLincolnReachHigherLincolnTownCarreach higherReachHighertown carTownCarThu, 14 Sep 2006 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Open-air mafia: 2010 Chrysler 300C]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/10/open-air-mafia-2010-chrysler-300c/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/10/open-air-mafia-2010-chrysler-300c/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/10/open-air-mafia-2010-chrysler-300c/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Sure, it may seem like a stretch, but when Chrysler develops the new LX platform, the idea of a retractable-hardtop sedan is certainly on their minds.

The current front-engine, rear-drive platform will be due for a refresh towards the end of the decade and Motor Trend maintains that in order to make the most (money) from the LX's evolution, DaimlerChrysler needs to use the new platform to underpin as many vehicles as possible.

Currently, the LX is only found under the Dodge Magnum, Charger and Chrysler 300C, but as the market evolves, so will D.C.'s offerings. The new 300C will undergo a thorough redesign by 2009, utilizing the new platform to its fullest extend, which may include the aforementioned retractable hardtop.

Earlier this year, rumors were swirling that DaimlerChrysler would partner with ASC, who unveiled their own version of an open-air 300C at this year's Detriot Auto Show. Unfortunately, the conversion proved to be too expensive to adopt on a large scale and was also a cloth top, versus the retractable hardtop design that's currently in vogue. Forward progress is being made however, as D.C. is collaborating with the Canadian parts supplier Magna Steyr on the development and production of a "vario-roof" design.

Open-air mafia: 2010 Chrysler 300C originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Sep 2006 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrysler 300CChrysler300cDaimlerChryslerLXretractable hardtopRetractableHardtopSun, 10 Sep 2006 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Esquire magazine picks its '10 Most Awesome Autos']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/30/e/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/30/e/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/30/e/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

As Esquire magazine appears to have forgotten to post its "10 Most Awesome Autos" feature from its May issue online, Terry Box at the Dallas Morning News has been kind enough to accommodate list fanatics. The men's magazine actually made a pretty good show of picking its 10 favorite cars under $50,000. No defining criteria other than price and editorial opinion appears to have been employed, so take these for whatever they're worth. In no particular order and without further delay, the envelope, please ...

  • Lotus Elise ($42,990):
  • Chevrolet Corvette ($44,490)
  • Mazda 6 ($19,670)
  • Infiniti G35 coupe ($33,200)
  • Ford F-150 ($19,640 to $37,005)
  • Audi A3 3.2 DSG ($34,700)
  • Subaru Legacy GT ($28,795)
  • BMW 3-Series ($30,900 to $44,900)
  • Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution ($29,149)
  • Chrysler 300C SRT8 ($42,695)

 So, did Esquire get it right, or is it missing something? 

[Sources: Dallas Morning News; Esquire; Lotus]

Esquire magazine picks its '10 Most Awesome Autos' originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Apr 2006 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Audi A3AudiA3BMWBMW 3-SeriesBmw3-seriesChevroletChevrolet CorvetteChevroletCorvetteChevyChevy CorvetteChevyCorvetteChrysler 300CChrysler300cDSGEsquireFord F-150FordF-150Infiniti G35InfinitiG35Lancer EVOLancerEvoLotusLotus EliseLotusEliseMazda 6Mazda6Mitsubishi LancerMitsubishiLancerSRTSRT8Subaru LegacySubaruLegacySun, 30 Apr 2006 16:59:00 EST