2012 Chrysler 300 Sedan Teaser Site Launched, First Pictures Released

Just like they did with the redesigned Sebring, which now carries the name 200, Chrysler's marketing team is preparing us for the launch of the 2012MY 300 with a special dedicated website that includes numerous cropped images of the firm's most important new model.

The pictures appear to confirm Chrysler's styling turn to softer and less muscular shapes and design elements on the outside combined with more elegant and upscale interiors, as first seen on the Sebring's replacement.

Along with the design makeover, the 300 will benefit from a reworked chassis and of course, the addition of the company's new Pentastar V6 with a displacement of 3.6-liters. A 5.7-liter V8 Hemi with rear- or optionally all-wheel drive will complete the initial offerings with a more potent SRT8 model expected to be introduced down the line.

From what we've heard, the new 300 will make its world premiere at the upcoming 2011 Detroit Show in mid January, though it is possible that Chrysler will release more information and pictures of the car before its first public outing in motor town.

Link: Chrysler

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2011 Chrysler 300: New Gallery with 23 High Res Photos

It's taken a while, but we finally got our hands on a collection of photos of the 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan that we can share with you. Set to have its world premiere at next month's Detroit Motor Show, Chrysler's flagship sedan is expected to go on sale in the States around spring of 2011, while there has also been talk about a Lancia-badged version named Thema, which could be revealed in Europe towards the end of next year.
Chrysler has yet to release official info on the redesigned 300, however, the powertrain lineup is expected to be similar to its Dodge Charger twin, offering buyers the option of a new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 or the 5.7-liter V8 Hemi, as well as the choice of rear- or all-wheel drive.
In terms of the exterior design, out goes the bad boy / gangster look of the first generation model, and in comes a more elegant, almost Buick / Lincoln-like styling approach with far more softer lines and heaps of chrome trim.

We don't have many official pictures of the interior yet, but from the various shots that have made their way onto the internet (see here), the cabin appears to have been redesigned from the ground up, featuring a more luxurious and upscale, but somewhat conservative, appearance.

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Lancia to Unveil Chrysler 200-based Model at Geneva Show, may name it Flavia

*The above image is a Carscoop illustration

It appears that all those the rumors regarding future Lancia models are true as the Italian automaker is gearing up for this year’s Geneva Auto Show with several new additions to its line-up.

At the Detroit Motor Show, Fiat Group execs revealed that along with the Chrysler 300-based Thema flagship, Lancia will also unveil its own version of the Chrysler 200. The mid-size model will be offered in both sedan and convertible body styles, and is destined to replace the Sebring in the European market.

“The new Chrysler 200 will come – cabriolet included – to Europe as a Lancia, and Flavia is a very good hint as its possible name,” Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne said on the sidelines of the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

It is believed that Lancia's version of the Chrysler 200 will feature only a few minor styling tweaks over its American counterpart including a unique grille and Euro-spec bumpers. However, Lancia-Chrysler CEO Olivier Francois told reporters that the Lancia model will gain a manual transmission and a diesel option.

The Chrysler...ization of Lancia will continue with a Town and Country/Voyager-based minivan that will go on sale in 2011 together with the Thema, followed by the 200-based sedan in early 2012.

The Italian company said it hopes the three Chrysler-based models will give Lancia an image boost and generate higher profit margins, as they’re going to be positioned above the Delta, currently the company’s largest offering.

Last but not least, the Geneva Show will mark the debut of the Ypsilon replacement that will hit showrooms in June. Offered for the first time in a 5-door version, Lancia plans to sell 130,000 units a year of the new Ypsilon and boost overall sales to 300,000 vehicles in 2014 from 112,000 in 2009.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Autonews [Sub. Req.]

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