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Posts tagged chrysler 300
Report: Chrysler to veer away from ‘Imported From Detroit’ message?
Apr 17th
Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler
Claim some ground, control that ground and then expand. Chrysler, wandering the Earth like Kane from Kung-Fu when it came to brand message after the bailouts, pulled off the first two feats in only 120 seconds when its “Imported from Detroit” commercial aired during the 2011 Super Bowl. Two years later and now that the brand has a center in the minds of consumers, the Chrysler Group’s head of marketing, Olivier Francois, says it’s time to move away from the “Detroit” component of that slogan and express the “Imported” aspect.
It is, more precisely, about positioning Chrysler as genuine competition for imports and not Ford or General Motors, but rather Toyota on quality or Audi on technology. A report in Forbes said that Francois not only “wants to attract import owners to Chrysler vehicles by focusing on quality, technology, fuel economy and style,” but to “take back the lead in these four things.” That is the new understanding he wants people to infer from the idea of Detroit – that the nation’s car capital isn’t just a patriotic rallying point but a lively competitor for established giants.
Chrysler has been running ads that no longer refer to Detroit, and recent efforts have linked a specific character to each brand – like Jenny with Jeep and Steven with the Chrysler 300 – to create brand separation. Francois hasn’t detailed what he plans to do to bolster Chrysler’s upscale pretensions, but his efforts would be helped by CEO Sergio Marchionne loosing the pursestrings and the arrival of strong new product.
Chrysler to veer away from ‘Imported From Detroit’ message? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Chrysler recalling over 200k vehicles across its brands
Apr 10th
Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram
With more than 200,000 units across six separate recalls and almost all of its brands, it appears that Chrysler has officially jumped headfirst into the recall pool this month. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued three official recalls for the automaker, and The Detroit News is reporting that the automaker itself has announced three more.
The biggest of the recalls applies to about 120,000 Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger and Chrysler 300 models for 2011 and 2012 due to faulty wiring harnesses for the seat-mounted side airbags, which could lead to these airbags not deploying in the event of a crash. A little more than 60,000 two-wheel-drive versions of the 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro and 2008 Jeep Liberty SUVs are being recalled due to a heat shield that could cause the driveshaft to break, which if that isn’t bad on its own, could then hit underneath where the airbag sensor is mounted, causing the airbags to deploy. Wrapping up NHTSA’s recall notices, about 20,000 Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass models for 2012 are also being recalled due to a problem with the fuel tank transfer tube that could lead to the vehicle stalling. The LX car recall campaign is going into effect this month, while the other two will start next month – all three notices are posted below.
In addition to the official NHTSA recalls, The Detroit News is also reporting that Chrysler is recalling more than 16,000 Ram trucks and a small number of Dodge Dart sedans. Around 6,500 2013 Ram 1500 trucks will be recalled due to an improper adjustment of the parking brake cable from the factory, while 7,000 Cummins-powered 2013 Ram Heavy Duty trucks are being recalled due to an engine cover that does not have as much heat resistance as it is supposed to. Finally, a total of 46 Dodge Dart sedans are being recalled due to a problem with the brake calipers and/or parking brake.
Continue reading Chrysler recalling over 200k vehicles across its brands
Chrysler recalling over 200k vehicles across its brands originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Report: Chrysler 300 diesel could get green light
Apr 3rd
Filed under: Sedan, Chrysler, Diesel
Word has it Chrysler is keen to shove its new turbo diesel V6 into a range of models. Wards Auto reports Chrysler President and CEO Saad Chehab has made it clear the automaker is investigating the possibility of using the 3.0-liter oil-burner in the 300. While speaking at an Automotive Press Association luncheon, Chehab said, “It’s a matter of how much the customer is willing to pay for that premium. That’s the only issue with it.”
The Chrysler 300 is sold as the Lancia Thema in Europe complete with a diesel of its very own, and since the Jeep Grand Cherokee is now available with the diesel V6 here in the States, it only makes sense that the engine could potentially show up on the 300 order sheet. Opting for the 3.0 V6 in the Jeep Grand Cherokee will set you back an additional $4,500, however.
Chehab also said the engine could make an appearance in the next-generation Chrysler 200, which is set to debut next year.
Chrysler 300 diesel could get green light originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Official: Chrysler unveils Dodge Charger SRT8 392, 300 SRT Concept to the faithful
Mar 26th
Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Performance, Chrysler, Dodge, Design/Style
Our man Steven J. Ewing recently spent some time in a 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee, and while he found a lot to love – particularly underhood – he didn’t care for the sedan’s retro-steeped visuals, preferring the standard SRT’s look instead. Perhaps he’ll dig this throwback look instead. Over the weekend, Chrysler unveiled this handsome 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 392 Appearance Package at the eighth annual Spring Festival of LXs, a gathering of Charger, Challenger and Chrysler 300 enthusiasts held in Irvine, California.
Unveiled by SRT CEO Ralph Gilles in front of an estimated 2,500 Spring Fest goers, the 392 features 20-inch Black Vapor Chrome alloys set off by a black-painted roof panel, hood bulge, spoiler and mirror caps. Additional exterior changes include model-specific striping and badging along with the requisite serialized dash plaque inside. The 392 will be available in five colors – Billet Silver Metallic, Bright White, Hemi Orange, Plum Crazy and the TorRed pain seen here.
Performance-wise, the 392 remains unchanged from standard SRT8s, but that’s hardly a slight – the 6.4 liter Hemi V8 continues to churn out 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. Like other 2013 SRT8s, the 392 benefits from the institution of a new launch control system and a retuned three-mode adaptive suspension.
The 392 package will make for a rare beast – just 392 examples are planned between the 2013 and 2014 model years, with dealers slated to begin taking orders in April. Interested? Ordering your SRT8 with 392 limited-edition frosting will cost an addition $2,495 on top of the SRT8′s $45,250 base price and $995 delivery fee.
In related news, Chrysler also used Irvine’s LX Fest to test the waters of a 300 SRT Concept which featured a non-metallic paint trimmed by blacked-out mirror caps, taillamps and window surrounds. The Black Vapor Chrome wheels have also been given a matte finish. While purely a concept for the moment, we’d be shocked if something like this didn’t show up in dealers sooner rather than later.
Continue reading Chrysler unveils Dodge Charger SRT8 392, 300 SRT Concept to the faithful
Chrysler unveils Dodge Charger SRT8 392, 300 SRT Concept to the faithful originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Auctions: 1956 Chrysler Diablo Concept dances with the devil for $1.375 million at Barrett-Jackson [w/video]
Jan 19th
Filed under: Concept Cars, Classics, Convertible, Auctions, Videos, Chrysler, Specialty, Design/Style
It’s always special when a classic concept car goes up for auction, and that was surely the case as this 1956 Chrysler Diablo Concept crossed the auction block at the 2013 Barrett-Jackson event with a top bid of $1,375,000.
Designed by the famed Virgil Exner Sr. in collaboration with Italian styling house Ghia, this show car is said to have been designed in a wind tunnel after being drawn by Exner himself. Underneath the beautiful bodywork lies the chassis of a 1956 Chrysler 300, fitted with a 392-cubic-inch V8 engine with dual four-barrel carbs.
You may have a hard time telling from the live image gallery above, but this machine measures just under 21 feet long. That’s classic Americana with Italian flair. Read the official auction description and watch a video of the Diablo Concept crossing the auction block below.
1956 Chrysler Diablo Concept dances with the devil for $1.375 million at Barrett-Jackson [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Jan 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Official: Chrysler 300 Glacier edition ready to chill with AWD
Jan 19th
Filed under: Sedan, Chrysler, Luxury
It seems that word is finally out on the redone Chrysler 300, as evidenced by the fact that the model’s sales almost doubled last year compared to 2011 (when the distinctive sedan was a little slow out of the gates). One thing that’s likely helping the car is a growing number of unique models like the 300S, 300 SRT8 and the new 300C John Varvatos Luxury Edition, and now one more trim has joined the lineup. Initially announced back in September, the 300 Glacier is on sale now with a starting price of $36,845 (*not including a $995 destination charge).
Designed with cold-weather climates in mind, the 300 Glacier is only available with all-wheel drive. Chrysler says the Glacier will run an additional $1,500 over the 300S AWD off which this car is based, but that extra money gets unique 19-inch aluminum wheels, an exclusive Glacier Blue Pearl Coat paint job and special interior treatments including piano black accents and fancier leather seats and stitching. Like the 300S, power from the Pentastar V6 has been bumped up to an even 300 horsepower (up from 292 hp) with the aid of a cold-air induction and freer-breathing exhaust. Naturally, the 363-hp Hemi V8 is still available, too.
For more information, scroll down to check out Chrysler’s official press release.
Continue reading Chrysler 300 Glacier edition ready to chill with AWD
Chrysler 300 Glacier edition ready to chill with AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Jan 2013 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Report: How the demise of Lincoln’s Town Car has kick-started a limo revolution
Dec 30th
Filed under: Sedan, Cadillac, Chrysler, Ford, Toyota, Specialty
The deaths of the Ford Crown Victoria and the Lincoln Town Car have meant overhauls of three high-profile American fleets: police, taxi and livery car. Just as police fleets are more open to considering other options and a Nissan van is the new face of the NYC taxi, livery car companies are looking at replacements for the Town Car beyond The Blue Oval. Ford, via Lincoln, has made an MKT Town Car (pictured), but an article in the Detroit News claims “it has failed to win over most of the big limousine companies.” The upstarts trying to move in include livery and limo editions of the Cadillac XTS, and livery specifications of the Toyota Avalon and Chrysler 300.
Each of those challengers, however, faces challenges. The Town Car was a workhorse, American, rear-wheel-drive sedan with plenty of rear legroom. Cadillac has been in the livery space before but with decontented models that were about selling the brand, not its luxury. It is taking the opposite approach with the XTS, pointing out that its livery edition is “contented in the upper half of the XTS range.” Still, the CEO of Michigan’s largest livery company says “it’s quite a bit smaller than what we’re used to,” and he also prefers rear-wheel drive.
The Chrysler 300 is rear-wheel drive, and American, which matters to some companies, but Chrysler hasn’t yet revealed the livery package for it. The livery Avalon marks Toyota’s first time getting into that business in the US, a natural step after having done so well with taxi clients and with the Town Car out of the way. Still, the livery client is a different to taxi buyers, so the Avalon could face other soft-touch hurdles.
Don’t expect to see any of them flooding the streets immediately. The US fleet of the world’s largest livery firm remains 85 percent Town Car, and companies are still finishing their research into what drivers and passengers want. But a brave new black car world beckons, and it look like it won’t include nearly as many Lincolns as it used to.
How the demise of Lincoln’s Town Car has kick-started a limo revolution originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Dec 2012 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Official: New Chrysler 300C Motown Edition spot features music mogul Berry Gordy Jr.
Dec 21st
Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Design/Style
We’re not sure if you heard, but Chrysler likes to celebrate the fact that it’s from Detroit. You know, with the whole “Imported from Detroit” campaign featuring Eminem? It seems brand synergy may have reached its peak in the form of the Chrysler 300 Motown. According to Chrysler, this special edition sedan sedan “pays tribute to the Motor City’s resurgence and determination through Detroit-born style and world class ingenuity.” In real terms, that means extra chrome bits here and there, including a chrome grill and 20-inch polished “heritage” style aluminum wheels, all accented with black Chrysler and “Motown” badges.
Inside, the 300 Motown gets unique Pearl White Nappa leather seating, while the rest of the interior fittings are black. In a nice nod, the Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system’s SD card reader has been pre-loaded with 100 tracks from original Motown artists. That collection of music pumps though the 10-speaker Beats Audio system, complete with 12-channel amplifier. The 2013 Chrysler 300 Motown is set to arrive this spring, with an MSRP of $32,995, which does not include a $995 destination charge.
This special edition is no random celebration of Detroit’s music, as “Motown: The Musical” is arriving to the Lunt Fontanne Theater in New York City today. To that end, Chrysler has a new television spot, featuring Berry Gordy Jr., founder of Motown Records. Check out the video and learn more about the new 300 Motown by scrolling below.
Continue reading New Chrysler 300C Motown Edition spot features music mogul Berry Gordy Jr.
New Chrysler 300C Motown Edition spot features music mogul Berry Gordy Jr. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Dec 2012 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Report: Chrysler to challenge locals with less-costly 300 SRT8 in Australia
Dec 20th
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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Official: Dodge announces Sport package for AWD Charger
Dec 17th
Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Chrysler, Dodge
We normally think of the Dodge Charger (and its Chrysler 300 brethren) as being rear-wheel-drive muscle sedans, but we mustn’t forget about the fact that all-wheel drive is available as well. And in an effort to give the AWD models a bit more presence, the all-season Dodge sedan will be getting a new sport package for the 2013 model year.
The AWD Sport pack – available on SXT, SXT Plus, R/T and R/T Plus trims – gets you a raft of visual upgrades including a gloss black grille, unique 19-inch wheels and a body-color rear spoiler. Inside, the package adds paddle shifters and sport seats in either cloth or leather, depending on trim.
This Sport pack retails for $1,395 on SXT models with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, and $1,195 on R/T cars with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine. As part of the new package, the eight-speed automatic transmission also receives a more aggressive sport setting.
Interested customers can order their cars now, with production spanning from December until February. See the new Sport model for yourself in the gallery above (and yes, we’ve asked Chrysler to pass along some photos that have the whole car in the frame), and scroll down to read the full press blast.
Continue reading Dodge announces Sport package for AWD Charger
Dodge announces Sport package for AWD Charger originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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