Chrysler Designates FIAT Dealers

In a move that shows their clear intentions, Chrysler has started designating new franchises for the FIAT brand in the USA.

The initial list of new dealerships selling the Italian brand included dealerships in New York, Massachusetts, California, Washington, Pennsylvania, and Maine. Now the list is increasing to other parts of the country. Some dealers who closed their doors during the ‘08/’09 crisis are happy to take the FIAT brand. One former Saturn dealer in Florida is happy to hang the Italian logo where GM’s forgotten import fighters were once sold.

It seems that Chrysler is doing its best to avoid the mistakes made by FIAT in the US in the 70s and 80s. Back then the Turin brand did not have a dedicated dealership basis, instead the Italian cars were sold by a mixed match of dealerships that included Ford, GM, and Chrysler dealers and a few odd import sellers. Without their own dedicated shops, auto maintenance suffered, as most mechanics had poor training on FIAT maintenance, which led to the stereotype that the brand had poor build quality and shoddy engineering.

As reported earlier on Car Throttle, the Italian brand will be launched in the US by the diminutive 500, the first car from the manufacturer sold in America in 25 years. The car headed to the USA will be built in Mexico, and will come in regular coupe version, convertible, a much awaited sporty Abarth hot hatch, and a high roof, four door version.

The launch will be followed by the FIAT Panda, a sub compact that is smaller than most other cars sold in North America. The Panda’s launch could include the interesting four wheel drive Panda Cross model, although rumors say this version of the Italian car could also reach US shores under a Jeep badge to replace the Compass. It is not sure whether Jeep drivers will like an even smaller Jeep in their stable, specially one that is not US designed, or whether FIAT/Chrysler marketers will want a four wheel drive FIAT stealing sales from small Jeeps.

FIAT is now one of the main brands in Europe, and has received very good reviews in Europe for the quality of their cars. The question is whether The USA is willing to forgive or forget the “Fix It Again Tony” moniker that has plagued FIAT since the 1980s.

Chrysler 200 Could Become a Lancia in International Markets

Product funding at Chrysler was cut severely as it headed into negotiations process with the Fiat Group. Unlike competitors General Motors and Ford, there has been a startling dearth of new products available on the market.

After the ensuing partnership, development was ramped up. We’re beginning to see the fruits of that with Chrysler’s introductions of vehicles like the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango and Chrysler 200.

The partnership with Fiat has resulted in the 500 minicar coming to our shores. Now, the Chrysler 200 could be heading overseas as well, badged as a Lancia.

There has been much talk about the potential for sharing between Lancia and Chrysler. But until now that has mostly been for all-new models farther out. But reports circulating now point to the the 200 possibly seeing duty overseas.

Olivier Francois is the CEO of both Chrysler and Lancia brands and told AutoNews that “We are running numbers to see if it could become a profitable business case.”

One issue with importing the 200 from the U.S to sell internationally is the lack of a diesel option in our market. In Europe, availability of a diesel is a must. The current Sebring however, is available in select European markets with a 2.0-liter CRDi turbodiesel engine.

It would seem like a no brainer to sell as a Lancia, but another obstacle is a short shelf life planned for the 200. As a mid-cycle enhancement to the Sebring mid-size sedan, an all-new model to do duty for both Chrysler and Lancia is slated for 2013.

That would provide only a short time on the market. The price tag for converting it for suitable use as a Lancia is around €50 million ($70 million).

That includes redesigned grille and other design elements, as well as modifications to accommodate a diesel engine. Fiat has to be certain that money will be recouped, hence the numbers being crunched right now

New Chrysler Designates FIAT Dealers

In a move that shows their clear intentions, Chrysler has started designating new franchises for the FIAT brand in the USA.

The initial list of new dealerships selling the Italian brand included dealerships in New York, Massachusetts, California, Washington, Pennsylvania, and Maine. Now the list is increasing to other parts of the country. Some dealers who closed their doors during the ‘08/’09 crisis are happy to take the FIAT brand. One former Saturn dealer in Florida is happy to hang the Italian logo where GM’s forgotten import fighters were once sold.

It seems that Chrysler is doing its best to avoid the mistakes made by FIAT in the US in the 70s and 80s. Back then the Turin brand did not have a dedicated dealership basis, instead the Italian cars were sold by a mixed match of dealerships that included Ford, GM, and Chrysler dealers and a few odd import sellers. Without their own dedicated shops, auto maintenance suffered, as most mechanics had poor training on FIAT maintenance, which led to the stereotype that the brand had poor build quality and shoddy engineering.

As reported earlier on Car Throttle, the Italian brand will be launched in the US by the diminutive 500, the first car from the manufacturer sold in America in 25 years. The car headed to the USA will be built in Mexico, and will come in regular coupe version, convertible, a much awaited sporty Abarth hot hatch, and a high roof, four door version.

The launch will be followed by the FIAT Panda, a sub compact that is smaller than most other cars sold in North America. The Panda’s launch could include the interesting four wheel drive Panda Cross model, although rumors say this version of the Italian car could also reach US shores under a Jeep badge to replace the Compass. It is not sure whether Jeep drivers will like an even smaller Jeep in their stable, specially one that is not US designed, or whether FIAT/Chrysler marketers will want a four wheel drive FIAT stealing sales from small Jeeps.

FIAT is now one of the main brands in Europe, and has received very good reviews in Europe for the quality of their cars. The question is whether The USA is willing to forgive or forget the “Fix It Again Tony” moniker that has plagued FIAT since the 1980s.

New cool fast Chrysler 300 Teased reviews

After a good amount of teasing, in October we finally got to see the Chrysler 200 in its entirety. The new 200 is a centerpiece of Chrysler’s plan to boost sales and profits. A slew of refreshed models are arriving for the 2011 and 2012 model years.

Introduced in 2004 as a 2005 model, the 300 has proved to be a very successful product for Chrysler. The company is hoping for a repeat with the refreshed 300 and for similar success with the mid-size 200 (hence the name change).

The 300 has gone quite some time without a refresh – 2012 is a substantive update but, like the 200, not an all-new one. Based on spy shots and Chrysler’s released images, the car looks to debut a less brash, more toned down look.

Inside, expect Chrysler’s renewed attention to detail and material upgrades to feature prominently. The 300 has been in development the longest of the redesigns and as Chrysler’s flagship, should be the most impressive show of the company’s prowess to date.

Will the update be enough to respark the 300′s sales once again? We doubt the refreshed 300 will get a similar reception to the original. In 2005, the 300 was the “it” car and sales reflected that.

Now, sales have fallen back to earth, hitting levels more typical of a vehicle in its segment. However, as one of the few American rear-wheel drive sedans on the market, with the force of a strong marketing campaign and good reviews the new model could see a nice uptick in sales.

New Chrysler 300 Gets Early Reveal

North American International Auto Show is just around the corner, next month. After a difficult last few years the 2011 Detroit show seems to continue a reputation as the largest and most glitziest you around. NAIAS is the place to a new Chrysler 300 is officially unveiled.

With so many deals taking place in one day that a lot of broken embargoes, the models show that even. 300 new Chrysler 200 sedan as it is boring, but boredom is officially over - Motor Trend has gone and published pictures of it all.

It's not like the spy shots and puzzles give a clear idea of what to expect before, but it's the first time we see the car fully. The character of the car has clearly changed - the new 300 looks wider and lower, due to the horizontal lines.
Old cars look brutal, while the new 300 pays for a quieter, more sophisticated look. In front of the sign Audi headlamps, the debut of LED lights running graphics represented.

Something about the car in front, late 1960-1970 Chrysler subtle atmosphere. Then you'll look back and subtlety is thrown into the box beam unabashadly retro design with chrome details.




Part of the car is a complete interior, but it seems a solid upgrade from 300, in agreement with the competition rules. The big question is whether the seller of the Chrysler needs right now.

New Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum Are IIHS Top Safety Picks

Chrysler’s 2011 models are being rolled out, to generally very positive reviews. One thing is clear is that the company really stepped up its game in refinement and design. But what about other key areas, like safety?

They have been improved as well. New testing results for the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger have been released, and they have scored “Top Safety Picks.”

This is a huge improvement over the previous models, which when equipped with side impact airbags, garnered the second-lowest rating available.

The cars were tested under more stringent test standards than the federal government – these tests require a car to withstand 5.37 times its weight. This is in the interest of rollover protection. The two LX cars aced these tests.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s tests are far more intensive than the federal government’s tests. The IIHS is a non-profit organization funded by automotive insurers.

The goal? To save lives and reduce costs, of course. Car insurance discounts can be obtained when selecting vehicles that are safer, or less likely to be stolen. It is in the interests of insurance companies and manufacturers to work together on this.

All State’s Auto Insurance Programs can even offer rebates for a safe driving record. There isn’t really a list of IIHS sponsors, so it is always good to compare auto insurance. You can check out the IIHS’ press release after the image below,

2011 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 earn TOP SAFETY PICK award

The redesigned Dodge Charger and twin Chrysler 300 earn the Institute’s top safety accolade for the first time after achieving good ratings for front, side, rollover, and rear impact protection. The TOP SAFETY PICK designation recognizes the vehicles that afford the best overall crash protection. In addition to good crash test ratings, winners must have electronic stability control (ESC), an important crash-avoidance feature, which is standard on the Charger and 300.

Chrysler significantly improved the safety performance of these vehicles for 2011. The previous generation Charger and 300 earned the second lowest rating of marginal for side impact protection, even when equipped with head-protecting side curtain airbags. The previous cars were also rated marginal for rear impact protection. This is the first time that these cars have been rated in the Institute’s roof strength test for rollover protection. The roof of the Charger withstood a force equal to 5.37 times the car’s weight. By comparison, the current federal standard is 1.5 times weight. ESC, which was optional on the previous generation models, is now standard.

The new ratings bring to 7 the number of Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep models earning the Institute’s highest safety designation.

Chrysler 300 Gets Early Reveal

The North American International Auto Show is just around the corner, beginning next month. After a rough past couple of years, the 2011 show looks continue Detroit’s reputation as the biggest, glitziest and most important show around. NAIAS was supposed to be the site of the new Chrysler’s 300′s official unveil.

With so many introductions taking place on one day, a lot of embargoes get broken showing models before then though. Chrysler has been teasing the new 300 sedan as it did the 200, but the teasing is officially over – Motor Trend has gone and released photos of the whole thing.

Its not as if spy shots and teasers didn’t give us a clear idea of what to expect before, but this is the first time we get to see the car in its entirety. The character of the car has clearly been changed significantly – the new 300 looks wider and lower, thanks to a horizontal front grille.

The previous car had a brash appearance while the new 300 goes for a more sedate and refined look. The front has hints of Audi, with headlights that debut a prominent LED-running light graphic.

Something about the car’s front end gives off a subtle late 1960s-70′s Chrysler vibe. Then you look at the back and the subtleness is thrown at the window for an unabashadly retro taillight design with chrome detailing.

The part of the car we have yet to see entirely is the interior, but it looks to be a solid update that will bring the 300 in line with the competition. The big question is if it will be the sales hit Chrysler needs right now.

New Chrysler Releases “Head-to-Head” of 200

The new 300 is in the news a lot lately, as Chrysler was teased and images slowly leaked to the media. Previously it was 200, which was the subject of long leakage image campaign.

Now it is finally here and reviews of a number of companies, and car. As expected, the 200 is a game changing. Chrysler Sebring, without competing with the best of what they had to work, and 200 might as well.
What to give the Chrysler 200 is an alternative to mid-size segment. As expected, the Chrysler 200 is spreading like the best thing since sliced bread. For this new head-to-head video sites around the Internet praised the car. We let you be the judge of how the load to 200 racers.

New Chrysler 200 Convertible Photos Leak

Chrysler has been busy redesigning their lines - 300 Fighter debuted at the North American International Auto Show. 200 mid-size sedan, which came before he draws an important part of the plan for 2011.

200 is based on the Sebring and redesigned with a much better style, new interior, a different name.

convertible model has not been established with the binding springs Geneva Motor Show in March elections. It is the model 2012 with the sedan 2011th We should not wait until then to see if a car like the photos leaked online.

Convertible model will be similar changes in the salon, which means that changing things like the front and rear fascia, and interior.

Since the mid-cycle enhancement (MCE) is a not-yet complete redesign elements instead of the previous model.

This back and still see a bit heavy and awkward. But 200 is certainly an update that improves the car so much inside and out. Look at the photo gallery below, the new convertible.

New 2012 Fiat 500 and Chrysler

Mopar, Chrysler parts must be fixed services market after the different models for the Detroit Auto Show next week, including a 2012 Fiat 500 and Chrysler 200 sedan.

On the outside, the Fiat 500 with a touch of chrome including mirrors, fuel door and exhaust tips. There is also a roof rack, snowboard on the roof and cover labels in double blue.

Inside, 500 sheep door with the 500 logo design with leather accents in blue and black carbon fiber look and handbrake grip.

500 available in black, with wheels in gloss black.

Chrysler 200 gets three-inch lower suspension and is available in black or tungsten.

Accessories include a glossy black frame with black grille, hood vents, lower spoiler and decklid spoiler. Inside the leather finish in the Mopar Katzkin. 200 vehicles in 19-inch wheels.

Chrysler area of the 1964 New York world's fair

from http://www.rodsnsods.co.uk/forum/chat/post-random-pic-thread-7157/page175

for some photos of the unusual engine appearing building that Chrysler had built to showcase it's cars and trucks, I just posted them 2 weeks ago:
http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2010/12/1964-worlds-fair-display-chryslers.html

New Chrysler's French President Loves Eminem

The reveal of Chrysler's "new" products kicked off with Eminem's "Lose Yourself" and the company's French North American President Olivier Francois trying, semi-successfully to recite the lyrics.

Detroit Auto Show: 2011 Chrysler 300【Video】

The new 2011 Chrysler 300 was fully revealed at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

Buyers of the 2011 Chrysler 300 are inspired by thoughtful innovation, passionate about driving and are interested to express their creativity and distinct personality through new experiences. These all-new Chrysler flagship sedans meet their demands by combining superior styling, confident handling, and the craftsmanship, premium details and technology that reinforce driving as a fun and pleasurable experience.

The 2011 Chrysler 300 is powered by the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, replacing the previous 2.7-liter unit. Output of the 3.6 V6 is 292 horsepower and torque is 260 pound-feet. EPA city/highway fuel economy is 18/27 miles per gallon. The V6 is standard on the 300 and 300 Limited. The 363-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is fitted to the Chrysler 300C and 300C AWD.

The car will also offer a raft of new features including an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Chrysler’s much-improved Uconnect interface, thick acoustic glass, front and rear park assist, blind spot warnings, rear cross-path detection and adaptive cruise control. Gilles also promised more safety features than any domestic competitor. You may also notice the windshield is raked back even further, the windows are larger and Gilles hinted that the car may even be a bit lighter than the old model.

Inside, the interior is nicely-equipped with items such as dual-zone automatic climate control, Uconnect Touch, black comodo elm trim, and LED ambient lighting. If that isn't impressive enough, moving up to the 300C trim level adds Nappa leather upholstery, GPS navigation, olive ash trim, and heated / ventilated seats. Trim levels 300 Limited and 300C AWD are also available.

A base model starts at $27,995, with variations up to $43,940 for a loaded 300 with all-wheel drive. Production began Jan. 7; on sale now.






Press Release

All-new 2011 Chrysler 300 Sedan Makes Its World Premiere With Head-turning American Design Combined With World-class Refinement, Craftsmanship, Innovation and Performance

• With its elegant proportions and head-turning style, the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 takes the ‘most award-winning car ever' to new heights - combining the best of the nameplate's more than 55-year history with world-class quietness, craftsmanship, execution and premium materials

• The all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan delivers grand-touring performance and world-class ride and handling with best-in-class V-6 engine power and new second-generation E-segment chassis architecture

• Uconnect® Touch delivers the segment's largest standard touchscreen radio (8.4-inch) and offers state-of-the-art connectivity, segment-leading Garmin® navigation with world-class functionality and SIRIUS Travel Link for real-time weather, fuel prices and more

• New active safety features include adaptive-forward lighting, Forward Collision Warning and Blind-spot Monitoring to bring the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan's safety and security feature list to more than 70

• The all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan arrives in dealerships in Spring 2011, delivering the performance, quality, technology and refinement of the world's best sedans starting at $27,995 (including destination)

January 10, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Delivering the stylistic distinction, technological innovation, premium E-segment sedan features and quality at a legendary value, the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan made its world premiere at the 2011 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), writing a new chapter in the brand's legendary history, while setting a new course for the American brand.

"The all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 is an icon of American ingenuity and symbolizes the greatness Detroit-designed vehicles offer the streets, highways and boulevards of the world," said Olivier Francois, President and CEO - Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "From its premium materials, state-of-the-art connectivity features, new chassis architecture and best-in-class power, the all-new Chrysler 300 embodies the brand's new attitude in every detail. And to ensure our all-new Chrysler flagship delivers more than unmistakably bold and powerful American style to our customers, the Chrysler 300 team benchmarked the craftsmanship, technology and refinement of the segment's best sedans to deliver a new world-class quality and performance symbol at an attainable price."

The all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan embodies the essence of the new Chrysler brand: delivering passion for design, people and the environment through expressive design, state-of-the-art connectivity and world-class levels of quality and efficiency.

A Collaboration of Detroit Style With World-class Craftsmanship
With more than 55 years of elegant proportions and head-turning style, the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 delivers contemporary styling with design details unexpected in the segment. At the front, an all-new grille features seven deeply sculpted horizontal blades that express precision. The liquid-chrome finish of the blades and the new Chrysler wing badge provide a unique contrast against the beautifully drawn bright-chromed grille surround. Illuminating the road ahead are signature "key slot" headlamps with a scalloped lower edge. Inside, bi-functional projector headlamps are nestled next to LED-illuminated daytime running lamps, which together form a "C" shape for unmistakable on-road presence.

The profile of the all-new Chrysler 300 features the distinctive proportions of its predecessor with added design refinement for a more tailored appearance. Dramatic front-fender forms rise above the sculpted hood and are echoed by rear-quarter forms, which rise above the deck lid and travel down the vertical taillamps for an unmistakably bold signature silhouette. For improved aerodynamics and visibility, the all-new Chrysler luxury flagship's windshield has been raked back 3 inches, while rolled-framed doors with thinner pillars improve outward visibility by 15 percent.

Elevating the all-new Chrysler 300 sedan's rear-view presence is an integrated deck-lid lip spoiler with the new Chrysler wing badge proudly centered below. Jewel-like rear taillamps feature harmonious LED illumination, while signature "light pipes" illuminate for an alluring nighttime appearance. Straddling the vertical lamps, Chrysler 300 sedan's rear fascia integrates a chrome appliqué that seamlessly connects the taillamp elements while emphasizing the road-holding stature of the flagship sedan. Hinting at the flagship sedan's performance are two fascia-mounted oval dual exhaust tips.

Luxurious Environment with Premium Materials and Best-in-class Comfort
Combining world-class accommodations with American style, the all-new Chrysler 300 sedan's interior delivers expressive style, authentic materials, passenger comfort features and precise fit and finish. Substantial interior upgrades on the all-new Chrysler 300 consist of soft touch materials, premium interior trim, available heated and ventilated Nappa leather seats, and real wood appliqués on the instrument panel, doors, center console and steering wheel.

Designed to exude a luxurious environment, the 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan features cast-skin instrument and door panels with three-dimensional dual gloss graining for a premium appearance and suppleness. Bright chrome contrasted with satin chrome accents give the Chrysler flagship sedan the appearance of milled aluminum. For added detail, a new instrument cluster features two large gauge faces with Sapphire Blue illumination and chrome ring accents. Providing a premium and contemporary environment is an all-new Sapphire Blue LED-illuminated ambient interior lighting.

Delivering best-in-class comfort, all-new seats were engineered with premium architecture and include a serpentine (S-shaped) spring suspension, all-new front-seat backs with four-way lumbar system that actuates up/down and fore/aft, and variable density foams applied in the lower seat, seat back, and bolsters for enhanced comfort "tuning."

Designed for Passionate Drivers Who Value Substance and Individuality
Redesigned from the ground up, the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 is the freshest entry in the U.S. standard full-size vehicle segment. While the standard full-size segment share has consistently held around 4 percent for the last 3 calendar years, the all-new Chrysler 300 series sedans will re-ignite the segment delivering elegant style, grand-touring performance, best-in-class seat comfort and the precision and quality of the world's best E-segment luxury sedans at an attainable value.

Buyers of the 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan are inspired by thoughtful innovation, are passionate about driving and are interested to express their creativity and distinct personality through new experiences. The all-new Chrysler flagship sedan meets their demands by combining superior styling, confident handling, and the craftsmanship, premium details and technology that reinforce driving as a fun and pleasurable experience.

All-new 2011 Chrysler 300 series sedans are available in the United States in four highly equipped models: Chrysler 300, 300 Limited, 300C and 300C AWD. In addition, the Luxury and SafetyTec Groups provide customers with high-value content and innovative technology directly targeted for their specific needs.

Engineered with The Characteristics to Take on the World's Best
Engineered and executed to deliver a world-class luxury sedan experience, the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan's world-class body structure and chassis deliver a level of quality, capability and refinement that rival the best E-segment competitors from Europe, Asia and North America.

Maximizing its new ultra-rigid structural design, the all-new Chrysler 300 features quietness among the best in the segment. The all-new Chrysler flagship's unibody packages material and structural design improvements, including two premium-composite underbody panels that provide more than eight feet of acoustic insulation, dual-pane acoustic windshield and front-door side glass, body-cavity silencing foam, under-flush rolled-framed doors with triple seals and acoustic wheel-well liners, all helping to absorb road noise and quiet the cabin.

The all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 features Chrysler Group's new second generation E-segment architecture with redesigned front- and rear-suspension geometry delivering world-class handling, and all-new premium suspension hardware for world-class refinement. The all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan's suspension delivers the grand-touring performance expected from premium European luxury sedans, to make this all-new American flagship one of the best driving sedans in the world.

Taking its new second-generation E-segment architecture further, the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300C AWD delivers precise all-weather handling, world-class refinement and a lowered ride height for a more tailored appearance. The all-new Chrysler 300C AWD features a 0.5-inch (13 mm) tighter tire-to-fender fitment, a 0.15-inch (4 mm) lowered overall ride height and larger 19-inch wheels with wider P235/55R19 all-season performance tires.

Best-in-class 292 Horsepower with All-new Aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 Engine
Engineered to provide exceptional in-town and highway efficiency and performance, the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 and 300 Limited models feature the newest powertrain from the automaker - the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. When compared to the previous V-6 engines, fuel economy is improved by up to 8 percent with EPA-ratings of 18 city /27 highway.

Delivering 292 horsepower (up 63 percent) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (up 36 percent) compared with the previous 2.7-liter entry-level engine, the new Pentastar V-6 engine also produces 42 more horsepower (up 16 percent), and 10 lb.-ft. more torque compared to the 3.5-liter V-6.

World-class Power and Efficiency with 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 Engine and its Fuel Saver Technology
Performance has been a hallmark of the "letter series" Chrysler 300 models since 1955, and the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300C builds upon that legacy with the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine delivering 363 horsepower, 0-60 mph performance in less than 6 seconds and up to 25 highway mpg. In addition, the engine's innovative Fuel Saver Technology allows for seamless transition between smooth, high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. When running in four-cylinder fuel saver mode, the engine delivers up to 20 percent improved fuel efficiency.

Most Advanced All-wheel Drive (AWD) System in the E-Segment
The all-new 2011 Chrysler 300C AWD model features a segment-exclusive active transfer case and front-axle disconnect system to improve fuel economy by up to 5 percent. No other major automotive manufacturer offers the combination of these two independent technologies. The Chrysler 300C AWD sedan's innovative AWD system seamlessly transitions between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and AWD with no driver intervention. When AWD is not required, the system automatically disconnects the front axle to maximize fuel economy while still providing the outstanding fun-to-drive performance and handling inherent in RWD vehicles.

World-class Precision, Execution and Quality Deliver Long-term Performance and Refinement
Chrysler's commitment to providing customers with a new level of quality and craftsmanship started at the very beginning of the 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan's development.

The Chrysler 300 sedans were benchmarked against best-in-class vehicles from Europe, Asia and North America to ensure world-class refinement for attributes such as material quality, interior quietness, seat comfort, and smooth and responsive handling characteristics. Chrysler engineers evaluated more than 320 physical characteristics of benchmark vehicles - including aspirational vehicles priced tens of thousands of dollars more than the all-new Chrysler 300 series sedans.

The 2011 Chrysler 300 was one of the first Chrysler Group vehicles to be evaluated by the company's Perceived Quality team at the digital design phase. The Perceived Quality team evaluates vehicles from the perspective of the most discriminating customer and works with designers and engineers to enhance the fit-and-finish, surface quality, material options and even the sound quality of moveable parts like doors and storage bins.

Beginning with the all-new vehicles developed for the 2011 model year, Chrysler Group has increased the number of reliability testing miles by 50 percent. Chrysler engineers tested the 300 series sedans for more than 7 million miles during its reliability and durability evaluation in the company's scientific labs, at the proving grounds and on public roads in various climates.

State-of-the-art Connectivity with Segment's Largest Touchscreen Infotainment Center
The all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan's Uconnect® Touch integrates world-class infotainment and convenience technologies to keep passengers connected, comfortable and secure.

From touchscreen navigation to dual-zone climate controls, to the ability to check fuel prices and personalize convenience features, Uconnect Touch makes life in the all-new Chrysler flagship sedan an excellent experience for the driver and passengers. Chrysler 300 and 300 Limited models come standard with the Uconnect Touch 8.4 model, featuring easy-to-use controls to provide class-leading technology. With its massive 8.4-inch touchscreen display and user-friendly touch-key categories, information on the Uconnect Touch is clearly displayed and connecting and controlling personal mobile devices is simple.

The premium Uconnect Touch 8.4N model is available on the Chrysler 300 Limited and standard on the Chrysler 300C and 300C AWD models and includes more customer-convenient amenities than ever before, including the integration of segment-leading Garmin® navigation and SIRIUS Travel Link with real-time fuel prices, movie listings, sports updates and weather.

All-new 2011 Chrysler 300 Offers More Than 70 Advanced Safety and Security Features
The all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 features more than 70 safety and security features, including standard Keyless Enter-N-Go and electronic stability control (ESC) with segment-exclusive Ready Alert Braking and Rain Brake Support safety features to improve overall vehicle handling and performance.

Chrysler brand's signature SafetyTec Group is available on the 2011 Chrysler 300 Limited, 300C and 300C AWD models and packages many first-time-available features including adaptive-forward lighting (AFL), high-intensity discharge (HID) projector high and low-beams with automatic headlamp leveling, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with adaptive-cruise control (ACC), Blind-spot monitoring (BSM) with Rear Cross Path (RCP) detection, ParkSense® front and rear park assist system, LED-illuminated rear fog lamps, exterior mirrors with supplemental turn signals and approach lamp (300 Limited adds HomeLink universal transceiver, rain-sensing wipers and SmartBeam® headlamps to the package group).

In addition, standard front-row reactive head restraints, standard full-length side-curtain air bags, driver's knee bag and standard front seat-mounted side-thorax air bags offer enhanced occupant protection to passengers in the event of a collision.

World-class Manufacturing (WCM) Transforms Brampton to Launch the All-new Chrysler 300 Sedans
For the Brampton plant, the launch of the Chrysler brand's all-new flagship sedan had to be nothing less than world class.

In preparation for the launch of the Chrysler 300 series sedans, employees at Chrysler Group LLC's Brampton Assembly Plant, located outside of Toronto, began transforming the facility as part of World Class Manufacturing (WCM), an extensive and thorough process to restore all facilities to their original and maximum functionality.

While Chrysler Group implemented manufacturing programs in the past, what makes WCM different is that it fully engages people in eliminating waste and empowers them to take ownership of the process.

To further improve the quality of the all-new Chrysler 300 sedans, a new Metrology Center was installed at Brampton. Used throughout the Fiat manufacturing system, the $20 million, 35,000 square-foot facility reflects the company's heightened dedication to quality. Brampton joins Jefferson North Assembly Plant as one of the first Chrysler Group facilities and one of only a few Canadian automotive manufacturing facilities to utilize such technology.

The Metrology Center employs more than 30 people, who are responsible for measurement and validation of the body geometry. The tools within the Metrology Center are used to verify the capability of the vehicle's entire sheet metal structure to the smallest of tolerances, as small as a human hair. The aim is to identify possible deviations between the product and the process.