North American Fiat 500C

Fiat has unveiled the 2012 North American-spec 500 Cabrio at the New York International Auto Show.

Distinguishing the 500C is its powered dual-layer cloth roof that features a glass rear window and a spoiler with built-in central brake light. Retractable to multiple positions, it can even be folded fully back while driving at speeds of up to 50 mph (80 km/h).



Fiat describes the interior of the 500C as ‘airy and roomy’, although that probably depends on how many people are sat inside at the time, and the size of those people. Claimed interior space is 76.2 cubic feet (2,157 litres), while the luggage compartment is 5.4 cubic feet (152 litres).



Perhaps to distract from the its petite size, Fiat is offering a myriad of colour permutations that allow 500C owners to create a potentially unique car. There are fourteen paint finishes, three roof colours, two interior colour themes and twelve seat colour and material combinations for them to choose from.

Like the hatchback, only one engine is available for the 500C: a 101 bhp (75 kW / 102 PS) 1.4 litre unit that produces 133 Nm (98 lb/ft) of torque.



Thanks to MultiAir valve gear technology, it allows the 500C to achieve reasonable EPA ratings of 30 mpg US (36.0 mpg UK / 7.8 l/100km) for City and 38 mpg US (45.6 mpg UK / 6.2 l/100km) for Highway when paired to the five-speed manual transmission. Alternatively, there’s a six-speed automatic for those not keen on changing gear themselves.



Fiat is offering two trim levels for its new convertible. The entry-level 500C Pop includes the five-speed manual gearbox, Bluetooth telephone connectivity, air conditioning, heated powered door mirrors, tyre pressure monitoring, seven air bags and a trip computer. But, rather meanly, it only gets 15” steel wheels.



The premium 500C Lounge comes with the six-speed automatic transmission plus Sirius Satellite Radio, automatic climate control, Bose audio system with six speakers, chrome door mirror caps, security alarm and 15” aluminium wheels.



Just because the 500C is small, it doesn’t mean it’s cheap. When sales start in late spring, the Pop will have an MSRP of $19,500 and the Lounge is going to cost $23,500.



To put those amounts into perspective, sister brand Chrysler sells the 200 Touring Convertible at an MSRP of $26,445. It may not be as chic as the Fiat, but it’s much larger, more practical and its EPA Highway fuel economy of 31 mpg US (37.2 mpg UK / 7.6 l/100km) isn’t too bad.



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Lancia / Chrysler Ypsilon

The Lancia product offensive continues. Following news of the Thema, Grand Voyager, Flavia Concept and Flavia Cabrio Concept comes a first look at the brand new Ypsilon.

Although it has been around in various guises since 1996, the Ypsilon will be unfamiliar to most people in the UK and Ireland, simply because Lancia abandoned those markets years ago.



However, this next generation model is going to be built in right-hand drive form too, albeit badged as a Chrysler.



The Ypsilon’s thing is supermini luxury; rather a small niche, but that theme continues unchanged. Luckily, what has been altered is the awkward styling that blighted previous versions. Sure, it’s still distinctive, but it just works a lot better. And now, for the first time, the Ypsilon is a five-door.

Buyers will be able to choose from three trim levels - Silver, Gold or Platinum - and four engines.



The two petrol options are a 68 bhp (50 kW / 69 PS) 1.2 8V Fire unit, or an 83 bhp (62 kW / 85 PS) 0.9 litre two-cylinder TwinAir motor. Diesel devotees are catered for by a 93 bhp (69 kW / 95 PS) 1.3 MultiJet II turbodiesel engine, and there’s also a dual-fuel version of the 1.2 litre petrol that can run on LPG.



To minimise CO2 emissions and fuel use, all Ypsilons come equipped with a start / stop system, gear shift indicator and Goodyear EfficientGrip low rolling resistance tyres.



After its debut at the Geneva International Motor Show, sales of the Lancia Ypsilon are set to begin in June for key European territories. The Chrysler Ypsilon meanwhile will arrive in British and Irish showrooms from September.



Giving customers peace of mind will be a longer warranty period, up from the usual 36 months to 96 months. Available across the entire Lancia range, the newly lengthened warranty will cover almost everything on the car, and there won’t be any mileage restrictions. It will be offered first in Italy, Portugal and Spain from April onwards, with other European markets adopting it later in 2011.



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Chryslers become Lancias

It might upset some Lancia traditionalists, but the marque’s initial Chrysler-based models have been revealed ahead of their debuts at the Geneva International Motor Show.



First up is the Thema, which is a badge-engineered Chrysler 300.

Resurrecting the Thema name - last used in the mid-1990s - this new edition focuses on comfort and luxury. For example, Lancia is claiming best-in-class noise levels, thanks to various acoustic panels and laminated glass all round. Recent Chrysler interiors haven’t been the brand’s strong point, but the Thema’s cabin is said to feature soft-touch materials, redesigned seats, wood trim inserts and optional leather upholstery.



Available in either Gold or Platinum specifications, both come with Uconnect telematics as standard. Based around an 8.4” touch screen, the system controls climate control, telephone and audio functions, as well as the Garmin satellite navigation that is included with the Platinum version.



Of course, being a reworked Chrysler 300 means the Thema is rear-wheel drive, a factor that will better equip it to compete with the established rivals from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar.



Three engine choices are on offer. For petrol fans there’s the Chrysler Pentastar 3.6 litre V6 which produces 292 bhp (218 kW / 296 PS) and 353 Nm (260 lb/ft) of torque. Connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, it’ll accelerate the Thema from rest to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.2 seconds, before taking it up to a top speed of 142 mph (230 km/h). Combined cycle consumption isn’t too bad at 34.0 mpg (8.3 l/100km), while CO2 emissions are 199 g/km.



However, the majority of buyers will probably opt for either of the two diesels. Both are VM 3.0 litre V6 units and are paired with a five-speed automatic gearbox. The difference is in their outputs, with one generating 187 bhp (139 kW / 190 PS) while the other has 220 bhp (164 kW / 224 PS).



Sales of the new Lancia Thema are due to begin in October across continental Europe. The Chrysler nameplate remains for the UK and Ireland, though.



Replacing the aged Phedra MPV is the Lancia Grand Voyager. Based on the Chrysler Grand Voyager (otherwise known as the Town & Country in North America), the lack of a name change highlights what little alterations have been applied during its metamorphosis into a Lancia.

Available in Silver, Gold or Platinum trim levels, specification includes the Uconnect system, a nine speaker audio set-up and a rear reversing camera.



The existing 2.8 litre common rail diesel from the Chrysler Grand Voyager is carried over. With 161 bhp (120 kW / 163 PS) and 360 Nm (265 lb/ft) of torque, combined cycle consumption is 33.6 mpg (8.4 l/100km) while CO2 emissions are 227 g/km. As would be expected, performance is respectable rather than electrifying, with a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 12.8 seconds and a 115 mph (185 km/h) top speed.



Alternatively, a 3.6 litre V6 petrol engine will be offered. Delivering 279 bhp (208 kW / 283 PS), it comes with a six-speed automatic transmission as standard. Naturally, fuel economy is considerably worse than the diesel option manages, averaging just 22.9 mpg (12.3 l/100km).



Finally - for now at least - are the Flavia Concept and Flavia Cabrio Concept. Essentially just a pair of rebadged Chrysler 200 models, Lancia is saying both could have European launches within six months - a timescale that doesn’t seem overly ambitious. After all, how long does it take to swap over the front grille and lights?

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Journey becomes a Fiat

Dodge will stop offering its Journey in Europe, choosing instead to market the vehicle as the Fiat Freemont on this side of the Atlantic.

Such a move comes as no surprise. Indeed, when Fiat Group Automobile unveiled its 2010-2014 Business Plan earlier this year, it was made clear that for Dodge ‘outside of the US, only models consistent with the strong American image of the brand, such as the Challenger, Charger and Viper, will be distributed. In addition, some products will be gradually integrated with the Fiat brand in Europe…’



The good news for potential Freemont customers is that Dodge gave the Journey an extensive overhaul for the 2011 model year. Changes included retuning the suspension for improved ride and handling, recalibrating the steering for more feel and increasing the soundproofing for more refinement.

Interior quality - arguably a factor that has prevented recent Chrysler Group products from performing better in Europe - received attention too, and Dodge is now claiming ‘world-class levels of craftsmanship and comfort’ for the Journey. If true, that should help the Freemont succeed in an extremely competitive market sector.



North American buyers can currently specify either a 173 bhp (129 kW / 175 PS) 2.4 litre I4 or 283 bhp (211 kW / 286 PS) 3.6 litre V6 Pentastar engine for their Journey, both of which are petrol-powered. It’s unclear whether these will also make it into the Freemont, but a 168 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS) 2.0 litre diesel engine from Fiat is a certainty. To help extend the Freemont’s appeal, expect all-wheel drive to be offered as an option, as it is for the Journey.



The Freemont, which will be built alongside the Dodge Journey in Toluca, Mexico, replaces the ancient and slow-selling Ulysse MPV. Originally introduced back in 2002, the Ulysse shares its underpinnings with the Lancia Phedra, Citroën C8 and Peugeot 807.



Sales of the Fiat Freemont are due to begin in June 2011, following a debut at next March’s Geneva International Motorshow.



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No UK return for Lancia

First of all, Lancia had intended a return to the UK market in Summer 2008, spearheaded by the then new Delta. That plan was delayed for a year because the dealer network wasn’t ready, and the company recognised it also needed a second model for those dealers to sell.

Then the brand’s re-launch was postponed indefinitely, a victim of the prevailing tough economic conditions.



Now, following the presentation of Fiat Group Automobile’s 2010-2014 Business Plan, it seems almost certain that Lancia will never return to the UK.



That’s because the Chrysler and Lancia ranges are to be fully integrated in Europe, a consequence of Fiat taking a 20% stake in Chrysler back in June 2009. It has also been decided that all of the unified range will be branded Lancia in continental Europe, while the Chrysler badge will be used for the UK and Ireland.



As well as the Delta, the Lancia line-up currently consists of the Ypsilon supermini, Musa small MPV and Phedra MPV (part of the Citroen C8, Fiat Ulysse and Peugeot 807 family).

Chrysler meanwhile only sells the 300C saloon and Grand Voyager MPV in the UK at present, the PT Cruiser and slow-selling Sebring no longer being offered.

The combined range will look like this:

• Ypsilon continues, with an all-new five door model scheduled for 2011.


• Delta remains in production, but will be joined in 2012 by a new-model compact saloon and station wagon.


• Musa will remain on sale until 2012, with no replacement planned.


• Phedra is to be phased out during 2010.


• 300C will be replaced by a new version in 2011.


• Grand Voyager remains on sale, to be replaced in 2014.


• 2013 will see the introduction of a large saloon (primarily for North America) and a crossover model.

Fiat has set a target of 295,000 Chrysler / Lancia sales across Europe in 2014, to be handled by over 1,000 dealers.

Chrysler 300 Awards

The 300C was the 2005 Motor Trend Car of the Year and was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 2005 and 2006. It also won the North American Car of the Year and Canadian Car of the Year Best New Luxury Car awards.2008 Chrysler 300 OC Party Limo Bus Chrysler 300 chrysler-300-c-tuning-geiger. the Chrysler 300

2009 Chrysler Aspen Discontinuation

On October 23, 2008, Chrysler announced that the shutdown of the Newark Assembly facility producing the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen would be moved up to the end of 2008, effectively ending production of the Aspen and Aspen Hybrid for the 2009 model year. Production ceased on December 19, 2008.First Drive: 2009 Chrysler2009 Chrysler Aspen HybridFirst Drive: 2009 Chrysler2009 Chrysler Aspen

Chrysler Sebring Sedan Trim levels:

LX - 2000-2003LXi - 2000-2003base - 2004-2005Limited - 2004-2005Limited Platinum Series - 20042008 Chrysler Sebring Sedan.chrysler sebring 2006 sedan2009 Chrysler Sebring SedanExplore the Chrysler Sebring2009 Chrysler Sebring Sedan2007 Chrysler Sebring sedan2007 Chrysler Sebring.2009 Chrysler Sebring SedanChrysler Sebring Sedan offers

2010 Chrysler 300 Future

Chrysler plans to launch a redesigned version of the Chrysler 300 in 2010. Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli stated: "In the pipeline for 2010: A brand new 300, a brand new Charger ... a brand new Jeep, the pipeline is full, plus we have these smaller vehicles coming through partnerships and alliances"2010 Chrysler 3002010 Chrysler 3002010 Chrysler 3002010 Chrysler 3002010 Chrysler 3002010 Chrysler

2010 Chrysler Sebring Sedan Fuel

All engines used in the Chrysler Sebring accept regular unleaded gasoline. Only the 2.7L DOHC 24V 6 Cylinder Flex-Fuel engine (offered in North America only, not export versions) can accept regular unleaded or E85 Flex-Fuel.2010 Chrysler Sebring Sedan2010 Chrysler Sebring Sedan2010 Chrysler Sebring Sedan2010 Chrysler Sebring Sedan2010 Chrysler Sebring Sedan2010 Chrysler Sebring Sedan2010 Chrysler

Europeans in Detroit

Interesting to see a couple of re-badged European cars on display at the 2010 Detroit show earlier this month.



Following its takeover by Fiat, Chrysler clearly couldn’t be bothered to do too much with the Lancia Delta, not even going to the trouble of changing its model name. A minor tweak to the grille seemed to be enough.



The Chrysler Delta.  Or is it?

Buick meanwhile appeared to make a bit more of an effort with the Regal, its version of the Vauxhall / Opel Insignia. The GS shown featured a 252 bhp four cylinder turbo engine. Not quite the 321 bhp that the six cylinder Insignia VXR / OPC has, but it should still be rather quick, with a 0 - 60 mph time below six seconds.

Chrysler 300 2010 incredible Specs

Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli stated: "In the pipeline for 2010: A brand new 300, a brand new Charger ... a brand new Jeep, the pipeline is full, plus we have these smaller vehicles coming through partnerships and alliances".Chrysler 300 2010Chrysler 300 2010Chrysler 300 2010Chrysler 300 2010Chrysler 300 2010Chrysler 300 2010Chrysler 300 2010Chrysler 300 2010Chrysler 300 2010Chrysler 300 2010Chrysler

2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic Images

2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic2010 Chrysler