Today we took a first-hand look at the most powerful of the four vehicles Mopar doctored up for this year’s Chicago Auto Show, the Mopar Chrysler 300 ’12.

In case you don’t recognize that name — it’s actually just a dressed up Chrysler 300, albeit with a price tag that jumped about $10,000 over the entry-level Hemi 300. For $49,700, you get a somewhat sinister black-and-chrome color scheme helped by blue pinstripes that set the car’s lines back in sight. 20-inch glossy black rims complement the matching grille and paint job.

The 300 ’12 interior is full of black leather with blue stitching to match the striped outside. The seats also get blue Mopar emblems embroidered in them, though they look gaudy in a car at that price.

You won’t find any engine changes here, the same 5.7-liter Hemi V8 making 363 horsepower is mated with a 5-speed automatic transmission, but it’s going to feel more punchy off the line thanks to a more aggressive differential. Drivers may also notice improved handling thanks to a stiffer suspension.

Have a look at our gallery and tell us what you think in the comments section below.

GALLERY: 2012 Mopar 300 ’12

During the closing speech at this year’s National Automobile Dealers’ Association convention in Las Vegas on February 6, former president George W. Bush said he’d bail out US automakers again in a heartbeat if he had to.

Speaking in front of some 22,000 dealers from the US and around the world, the former president (shown above visiting the GM plant in Fairfax, KS while still in office), said that although he was a firm believer in the free market economy and corporations having to pay for consequences resulting from bad decision making; he also believed stepping in to save Chrysler and General Motors was the right thing to do.

“Sometimes circumstances get in the way of philosophy,” he said, yet if it came down to saving the US auto industry, “I would make the same decision again.”

While still in office, Bush pushed through a rescue package of some $25 billion in emergency aid; $4 billion set aside for Chrysler, while some $13.4 was allocated to GM. This was followed by an additional $60 billion from the Obama administration in 2009.

Chrysler paid back its loans last May, six years ahead of schedule and posted a net profit of $183 million for 2011, it’s first time in the black since 2005. GM, so far has paid back about $23 million of the money it borrowed, though some 26 percent of the company is still owned by the US Treasury.

Bush’s speech at the NADA convention was littered with humor, including remarks that he missed some of the perks of being C-in-C. “I had to stop at some of the stoplights coming from the airport,” he said, jokingly.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

It was only a matter of time until Fiat‘s small car DNA seeped into Chrysler‘s veins and morphed a small car capable of competing with the Ford Focus and Honda Civic, the Chrysler 100.

Truth be told, that already happened with the Dodge Dart, which we reported on during the Detroit International Auto Show last month. That said, it’s still significant that the company is going to launch something new in that segment, considering they haven’t really appealed to the compact market. That is, unless you call a PT Cruiser appealing, which we flatly refuse to do.

The 100 will borrow underpinnings from Fiat, just like the Dart, though this one will be a five-door instead of a sedan that looks a lot more like the Alpha Romeo Giulietta (pictured above).

Speaking of looks, the car spied by Road & Track has some interesting touches we didn’t see when the first concept debuted at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. For example, we can see that the rear door handles are hidden, not something common to American cars. It also looks as if the head and tail lights will sport LEDs.

We don’t have details, but the fact that there will be a Dodge and Chrysler version of essentially the same car will position the company nicely to offer product differentiation. The Chrysler will likely be more comfort-oriented, leaving the Dart open as a sportier version for younger consumers.

[Source: Road & Track]

Did you think that every automaker’s secrets were revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit? Think again.

At least ten new models will debut at this year’s Chicago Auto Show, which kicks-off this Wednesday, February 8th. Here’s a quick round up of what to expect:

Acura

The ILX Sports Sedan will debut, and replace the TSX. The new ILX will be based on Honda’s Civic platform, and share the powertrain choices. Additionally, the ILX will show off three engines, including a Hybrid. The ILX will be targeted towards a younger crowd, and is being called a “gateway” to the luxury brand lineup.

Joining the ILX will be a new RDX. The popular SUV will be redesigned and will show off a wider track, a longer wheelbase and a new V6 engine. The RDX will be showing off some new technologies as well, including Pandora Internet Radio, and a Text-to-Speech SMS voice texting.

See the rest of our Chicago Auto Show preview below:

Chrysler

Mopar will take most of the show, debuting Mopar models of the Fiat 500, Dodge Dart and Jeep Compass. Additionally, a few kits of the Mopar Chrysler 300 will be shown off.

Ram Trucks will also make an appearance at the show, with the Laramie Limited editions of their pickups, that showcase a comfortable interior decked out in high gloss and leather.

Ford

Ford will bring out a convertible of its ultimate pony car, the GT500. The same 650-hp V8 that’s in the standard GT500 will still be here in the convertible, but we’ve yet to hear if the 200 mph top speed will stick around.

General Motors

GMC’s Acadia will be showing off its new look in Chicago. This 2013 version will be the crossover’s first major styling change since it first appeared in 2006. The Acadia will be the first of many new 2013 GMC models to get a new grille, and will likely be kitted with the new Intillilink infotainment system.

Two other GM crossovers will be redesigned in the same vein: the Buick Encore, and Chevrolet Traverse.

Hyundai

A new Elantra Coupe will be Hyundai’s latest showing at Chicago. This would mark the first time the Elantra has ever been made as a coupe, and will be based on the sedan, and will likely be a bit sportier. Sales could begin as soon as spring.

Additionally, a new version of the Elantra wagon will be seen at the show. The new wagon, will be based on the European Hyundai i30 is expected to launch this summer in North America.

Kia

Imagine a Soul with some sport. What you’ve got in mind is Kia’s Trak’ster, a concept that was designed by Kia’s California team, and will be seen and explained in Chicago. Many details of the car are still in limbo, hopefully Chicago will help clear things up.

Nissan

Fans of the sporty Z cars will be happy to know that the 2013 refresh of the 370Z will be at the Show.

Also, a new version of Nissans commercial truck, the NV will be seen. The NV200 will be a five passenger model to be used primarily as a taxi. The bigger NV1500/2500 and 3000 also be on the floor, including a version for up to 12 passengers.

Toyota

The 2013 Land Cruiser will be launched this month, and we’ll get a preview of the floor-room model in Chicago. The new model will show off a new headlights, side mirrors, taillights, as well as new chrome side molding.

Volkswagen

A new diesel powered Beetle will hit the show floor at Chicago. The new Bug will have three trim levels, and VW tells us it will get 29-mpg city, and 39 mpg highway.

To stay up to date on the latest Chicago Auto Show news, visit our coverage page here.

One-upping its own Super Bowl from last year wasn’t going to happen for Chrysler, but that didn’t stop the once-beleaguered automaker from continuing to spread its Imported from Detroit message.

Replacing Eminem in this year’s spot is the gruff-voiced Clint Eastwood, extolling the virtues of America, pushing through the tough times and moving into the future in a spot that aired during the big game’s half time and appropriately named “It’s Halftime in America.”

Watch the ad below:

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And watch last year’s ad here:

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To encourage engineers to push the internal combustion technology forward, Republican Congressman Dan Lungren has introduced a bill that will reward a handsome $1 billion in Federal prize money to the first U.S. automaker that can successfully sell 60,000 mid-size sedans that are capable of achieving 100 mpg on gasoline.

In 2007, the X Prize Foundation held a contest with a similar format called the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize. Participating teams were challenged to create a vehicle that was capable of reaching 100 mpg, travel safely in highway speeds, and emit less than 200 grams of carbon dioxide per mile. The winner of the challenge would receive a $10 million reward that will be used to fund the project to become a mass-market vehicle. Unfortunately, none of the vehicles were deemed commercially viable for mass production.

But now that it has been 5 years since the Automotive X Prize, the technology may be closer to our reach if not already attained. However, unlike the Automotive X Prize, Congressman Lungren would only award the winner after 60,000 units of its landmark 100 mpg mid-size sedan have been successfully sold. Not only does the bill ban vehicles of radical shapes and sizes like the Aptera, but 60,000 units is a daunting number that’ll effectively discourage any startup automaker. Compounded with the restriction to U.S. automakers only, the bill suggests a three-way battle between GM, Ford, and Chrysler.

While the bill does not necessarily suggest that a hybrid system is off limits, the aim is to encourage technological advances in the internal combustion gasoline engine, which rules out diesel technology as well. Given the parameters, perhaps earning the prize is much more difficult than it seems.

There’s no question that Chrysler‘s “Imported from Detroit” Super Bowl ad from last year will be a tough act to follow, nonetheless the automaker is doing what it can to exceed expectations again.

Sticking with a gritty theme, albeit in a different style, Chrysler has enlisted the services of veteran actor and director Clint Eastwood, who is expected to give the country a tough talking to in Walt Kowalski style, though we doubt the ad will feature a 1972 Ford Gran Torino Sport or off-color banter.

Like “Imported from Detroit,” this year’s commercial will air for two minutes during this Sunday’s Superbowl XLVI. Considering that it costs around $3.5 million for just 30 seconds of air time during the game, Chrysler is clearly feeling lucky about making the audiences’s day this year.

[Source: wxyz action news]

Watch the ad below:

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It’s cool to be in the car business again. If in doubt, just ask President Barack Obama, who recently spent time sampling and sitting in a number of new vehicles at the 2012 Washington DC Auto Show.

Although as President, Obama isn’t permitted to drive, something he’s lamented in a number of speeches and interviews, that doesn’t necessarily stop him from getting behind the wheel.

During his 20 minute tour of the show, Obama sampled some 18 different vehicles, all we might add, built by the Detroit three, Ford, Chrysler and General Motors. Vehicles ranged from fuel sippers like the 2013 Chevy Malibu Eco and Ford Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid, to muscle machines like the Corvette ZR1 and Shelby GT500.

Sitting in a Jeep Grand Cherokee, Obama (shown above during an earlier visit to the Jeep plant in Toledo), remarked to Dodge Brand president Reid Bigland that his first new vehicle was GC and asked him how the current model was selling. Bigland jokingly responded that the President’s former ride would now be worth a lot of money, citing the fact that Obama’s Chrysler 300C is currently listed on eBay for $1 million.

Although the President stated that the “US Auto Industry is back” and the fact that “GM is back Number One, shows the kind of turnaround that is possible when it comes to American manufacturing,”  despite, as he believes the fact that some (namely Republicans) were willing to sit back and watch the industry die, there were still a number of automakers who weren’t entirely pleased by the President’s visit to the auto show.

Mike Stanton, president of Global Automakers, which represents Honda, Hyundai, Nissan and Toyota among others, was miffed that Obama essentially ignored a number of US built vehicles from these overseas brands that were rolled out especially for the White House visit.

“We are terribly disappointed that the President did not spend time with our manufacturers who have created jobs, employ more than 80,000 people in the United States, invested more than $43 billion and last year built more than 3 million cars here,” he declared.  Ouch. That said, given Obama’s remarks at the DC show and the image above, we can only wonder what the President thinks about Fiat.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Sergio Marchionne, the CEO of Chrysler Group LLC, has been in the media a lot lately thanks to his successful reinvention of Fiat and Chrysler as profitable companies. Announcing a $183 million net income for 2011 was a good way to start off the day for the surely elated Marchionne.

Having brought the company back from the brink of extinction, Marchionne felt the need to reach out to his colleagues with a letter to inspire confidence in them for the future. You’ll find the highlights below.

“Dear Colleagues, For the second straight year, we have delivered on the ambitious financial targets we set as part of the five-year plan that we revealed to the world on Nov. 4, 2009. In the results that we announced today, we posted net income of $225 million in the fourth quarter, and full-year net income of $183 million. We also reported a modified operating profit of $508 million in Q4 2011, and $2 billion for the total year.”

Marchionne continues to provide all of the positive numbers Chrysler has been posting lately, and went on to some motivational words to his workers.

“Based on the Company’s 2011 achievements, I am pleased to inform you that a performance award payment will be made to all eligible salaried and represented employees. This is a reward that you have earned. The more difficult the task, the more satisfying it is to overcome all obstacles. You have been to hell and back, and you defied predictions of our demise. Your efforts rewrote the history that so many naysayers had forecast. As we move forward with Fiat, let’s remain flexible in order to continue to achieve and take advantage of changing conditions while maintaining the same high level of passion and integrity that has brought us the measure of success we have had so far.”

While some of the “to hell and back” references are a little cheesy, no one can deny the steps forward Chrysler and Fiat have made since 2009. To end off his letter Marchionne touts himself as a proud CEO and tells his employees to take personal pride in their work.

“Now it’s time to stay steadfast on our path, guided by the same commitment and same values that we have used to steer toward a better destiny. Make tough, informed decisions; hold yourself and others accountable; and together we will write yet another successful chapter in our history. I am proud to be with you in the reconstruction of a great Chrysler.”

[Source: Detroit News]

It seems, from a financial standpoint, things are getting better for Chrysler Group.  The company reported a total net income of some $183 million last year.

This money earned, included a $551 million loss, required to service outstanding debts (namely repaying the money it owed to the US Treasury and Canadian governments in full, some six years ahead of schedule and we might add, with interest).

Considering that a year ago, Chrysler reported a net loss of $652 million and that 2011′s income exceeded estimates, the report represents rather good news.

In fact, in the fourth quarter of 2011 alone, Chrysler earned some $225 million (versus a loss of $199 million in Q4 2010) even though it’s been introducing a number of new or significantly refreshed vehicles, programs, which tend to eat up considerable resources.

As of this month, Chrysler has achieved all the goals laid out two years ago following the companies restructuring. This, plus performance resulting from transactions, has led Fiat S.p.A,to increase its stake in the company to some 58.5 percent.

Upon the announcement of  Chrysler’s 2011 earnings, Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne (shown above) declared, “the house is in good order. We are proud of the work we’ve done. Now we greet a new year of high expectations with our heads down, forging ahead and focused on executing the goals we’ve set for ourselves as a company.”

Since its reveal at the Detroit Auto Show, the new 2013 Dodge Dart has received a lot of positive reactions and Dodge intends to make it even better. Based on the Italian Alfa Romeo Giulietta platform, the solid European chassis will be further finessed for sport and performance under the care of Ralph Gilles and the magicians of SRT. The SRT4 is back!

While many of the components are carry-overs from Alfa Romeo, the SRT-4 will likely create an engine that produces no less than the 285-hp and 265 lb.-ft. of torque found in the forerunning Caliber SRT4. A likely powerplant would be a larger displacement, turbocharged and intercooled variant of the Dart’s Tigershark 2.0 liter engine.

Other hardware upgrades include stiffer springs and dampers, larger wheels, and stickier rubber. As for the exterior, think modern day Neon SRT4 as the Dart SRT4 will be stylized with aggressive yet functional vents, scoops, and rear spoiler.

Pricing on the SRT4 should fall near $30,000.

GALLERY: 2013 Dodge Dart

[Source: Motortrend]

Discuss this story at DartForums.com

The Mopar ’12 300, as it’s being called, is a souped up version of the 2012 Chrysler 300.

Earlier today we published a story featuring a gallery with four Mopar-modified cars, which will appear at next month’s Chicago International Auto Show. Since then, the company released detailed information on them. Here’s what we’ve learned about the Mopar ’12 300.

On the outside, the car features a black on black look that suggests improved performance. A single blue pinstripe runs from the front fender to the tail lights, keeping the car from looking more like a piece of auto-shaped obsidian than a sedan.

20-inch glossy black wheels with a matching blue stripe are wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1s. Just above those wheels, the car sports “Mopar 75” fender badges that feature the Mopar Blue “omega” logo.

The interior is “monotone” black with die-cast aluminum paddle shifters, a thicker steering wheel and blue stitching. The sound system gets a boost too, featuring a 506-watt Alpine 9-speaker system.

Nothing changes under the hood aside from a new Mopar engine cover. The same 5.7-liter Hemi V8 making 363 horsepower is mated with a 5-speed automatic transmission that powers the rear wheels.

That power will feel a little different though, thanks to a more aggressively geared differential, which gets swapped from 3.06:1 to 3.91:1.

Though the 300 isn’t known for it’s nimble cornering, the Mopar ’12 edition will feel better than the 300C, which is minimum level Hemi version, thanks to a stiffer suspension.

The brakes also get a bit better, though it’s marginal for a car that weighs more than 4300 pounds. The Mopar package moves us up to bigger front brakes featuring two pistons over the standard single piston versions.

Before you buy one of these things, take a good hard look at what you’re getting. Sure, it looks different, but you had better be in love with the looks because at $49,700 you’re paying more than $10,000 for what amounts to a lot of makeup and marginally improved performance.

GALLERY: Mopar ’12 300