Up for inspection this week is the Chrysler 300C with all-wheel drive, or maybe we should say “300Cs.” The vehicle gods have smiled upon the humble editors of AutoGuide; stars aligned, a comet passed and the tarot cards gave a thumbs up because two of us have been graced with essentially the same car.

This presents a unique opportunity to post a Five-Point Inspection from two different points of view. Black-belt Features Editor Sami Haj-Assaad spent a week with a Luxury Series model of the 300C, while Associate Editor extraordinaire Craig Cole tooled around in a whitewashed Glacier Edition. Are these two AutoGuide scribes in agreement about this Chrysler or is there dissent among the ranks?

Dodge just announced that it will offer the “Redline” package previously restricted to the V6 Challenger in its R/T V8 model.

The car will make its debut during the 2013 Chicago Auto Show next week featuring the familiar 5.7-liter HEMI V8, which offers up to 375 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. That power is sent to the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic with wheel-mounted paddle shifters and a selectable “sport” mode.

Dodge debuted the Redline package last year during the New York Auto Show, although it was only available on the V6 model. Just like that car, the package mixed with V8 power brings the same 20-inch wheels along with other performance enhancements. Those include a stiffened suspension, bigger brakes, re-calibrated steering and a host of appearance tweaks.

As with the V6 model, this car’s wheels feature a thin red stripe around the outer edge that matches similar stripes outlining a thick red line running over the car. The only difference, apart from the obvious engine change, is that this car doesn’t seem to get the more aggressive axle ratio that the V6 model did.

That’s a shame because as exciting as appearance packages might be to some buyers, the real value came with how the Rallye Redline V6 would feel punchier to drive.

Then again, the package isn’t as expensive on the V8 model either. When Dodge announced it last year on the V6, it cost a $3,750 premium. Arguably a reasonable value given the shift in performance from a comparatively lukewarm engine, decking the hotter V8 out will only cost $1,995 when the package becomes available at dealers in spring.

GALLERY: 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T Redline

Discuss this story at ChallengerTalk.com

Dodge just announced its 2013 Charger AWD Sport models — a mechanically mild update that offers value by bundling previously separate options.

Dodge really didn’t improve the car very much for 2013, but the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 gets a mild power boost to 300 hp thanks to a cold air intake and new exhaust system. Despite the power increase, the car still gets the same estimated milage: 18 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway.

Dodge says the sport package is actually a 40 percent savings over buying the individual options it’s composed by. With SXT and SXT-plus all-wheel drive models the package costs $1,395, or $1,195 with the R/T and R/T plus all-wheel drive car.

More often than not, it’s debatable if these packages are worth the cost, but in this case it might actually be worth while. You’ll get the usual visual upgrade parts like a gloss black grille border, special 19-inch wheels wrapped in all-season performance tires and a rear spoiler.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Dodge Charger Review

Of course, you might save money buy bundling all those items, but it would still be a waste of money if things stopped there. Fortunately, they don’t. Buying the package also means you’ll have a re-calibrated transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

You’ll also get an upgraded stereo with eight speakers and two subwoofers.

Discuss this story at ChargerForums.com.

Dodge Charger fans have something new to look forward to in 2013 as the brand brings back it’s higher-performing Daytona package for $36,495.

Debuting today on the floor at the 2012 L.A. Auto Show, the car sources power from a Hemi V8 for 370 hp which will enjoy performance gains thanks to a high-speed engine controller, performance steering and suspension, a sport mode and paddle shifters.

It also gets a series of styling changes just like previous Daytona packages to set it apart from the normal Charges. Those changes include a low rear spoiler, matte black hood accents and a matching roof, and “Daytona” decals on the rear quarter panels. Dodge also throws in a set of 20-inch polished aluminum wheels with a matching black finish on the spoke sides.

Inside, the car gets black leather seats with blue stitching, piping and matching “Daytona” lettering stitched in. Finally, the package includes a 552-watt sound system.

GALLERY: 2013 Dodge Charger Daytona

With the oil crisis of the ‘70s many predicted the death of the V8 engine, but it has continued to solider on. With Chrysler and Infiniti execs recently commenting that there’s no place for eight-cylinder cars in the future of their respective brands, this time, are the V8 engine’s days finally numbered?

Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat and Chrysler gives an ominous take on the V8 muscle car, like the Dodge Challenger, saying that very soon these types of cars will be as “rare as white flies.” There’s a deep heritage of eight cylinder engines in the Chrysler group, and it’s hard to imagine the American automaker will do without them. The company’s 5.7L Hemi V8 engine is good for up to 390-hp and 407 lb-ft of torque and is used in sedans, off-roaders, pickups and SUVs. SRT models get a larger 6.4-liter unit making as much as 470-hp.

With the V8 engine in more than half of the group’s products, the company will have to re-tool a significant amount of its range if the Chrysler group’s CEO is right about the disappearing V8.

Infiniti CEO Johan de Nysschen said something similar to Marchionne, commenting that no new Infiniti products will get a V8 engine.

Traditionally, Infiniti only used V8s in its higher-end vehicles. While the top of the line Infiniti M sedan has a large 5.6-liter V8, lower trims of the car are available with two other engines which have proven to be more popular with the market, including the speedy M35h hybrid. The Japanese luxury brand also uses V8s in its FX and QX SUVs, but with fuel economy ratings of 14/20 and 16 mpg combined, no one is buying them with fuel-savings in mind.

While the Nissan luxury brand doesn’t release information on the volume of V6 to V8 engines sold in its individual vehicles, Kyle Bazemore of Infiniti Communications has confirmed that, “We sell more V6-equipped Infiniti FX35 and M37 models than we do FX50 and M56 versions.”

NEW V6 ENGINES OUTSHINING OLD V8s

Eight-cylinder engines have always been a bit thirsty, but that gasoline lust always came with the promise of power. However, thanks to a handful of new advancements in engine technology, V6 engines now produce similar power ratings to many V8s, but with better fuel economy.

“New technologies are enabling better performance out of the V6 engines, with the added benefit of fuel economy over the V8,” says IHS Engine Analyst Jeff Jowett. “Direct Injection and turbocharging are just two examples of how automakers are getting more out of V6s”

Looking at Ford’s twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine in the Ford F-150, power is rated at 365-hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. That V6 makes more power than Ford’s current 5.0L V8 and is almost up to the torque ratings of Ford’s 6.2L V8. Not only that, but the EcoBoost engine in the 4WD F-150 gets at least two miles per gallon more than the V8 offerings. Furthermore, the EcoBoost V6 is selling more than V8.

As much as consumers want better fuel economy in their vehicles, the government has an important factor in automakers cutting V8s from the range. The Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards are looming over automakers, forcing them to reduce the average fuel economy of their whole fleet of vehicles. Automakers are expected to bring the average fuel economy up to 54.5 mpg by 2025, an increase of over 50 percent from 2016′s proposed average of 35.5mpg. Killing off the gluttonous V8 is the easiest option for increasing a company’s CAFE number.

WHO’S GOING TO MISS TWO CYLINDERS?

“’Where do we need a V8?’ That’s what the automakers are going to be asking themselves right now,” said Jowett. Ford has defied conventional wisdom and proven that a V6 can match or even out-sell a V8 in a pickup truck. Considering that success, Ford’s rivals may follow suit.

Sports cars and performance oriented vehicles are the next to be scrutinized. What kind of performance can be attained with a V8, that can’t be done with a modern V6? Look at the iconic American muscle cars like the Camaro, Challenger and Mustang. All of them are available with a V6, but is that the answer?

“For the purists, I don’t see them losing the V8 in performance cars,” said Devin Lindsay, HIS powertrain analyst. “It always needs to be an option.”

However with the automotive industry gaining more of a global mindset, engines can be different from region-to-region. Ford’s Mustang is rumored to land in Europe, but with an optional EcoBoost engine, but its success will be difficult without a V8. “The V8 just adds authenticity to it, that’s what makes it American” said Lindsay. Vehicles from Maserati, and the Chevrolet Corvette have the big V8 engine to thank for their distinct performance characteristics and personality. It just wouldn’t be the same without a big eight-cylinder engine.

That means that the V8 is most likely to disappear from the range of sedans. The Chrysler group, has already made progress with this by providing the solid 3.6L V6 as an alternative to the Chrysler 300C and Dodge Charger sedans. According to Allpar.com, a site devoted to Chrysler Group news, the Pentastar V6 is slated to be mated to turbochargers in the next few years. A twin-turbo version of the V6 would put out somewhere near 420-hp, while a single turbo model is estimated to net 370-hp. Advancements like this would make the V8 that used to reside in Chrysler products look ancient in comparison.

THREATENING THE THIRSTY GIANTS

Turbochargers aren’t the only thing threatening V8s. Gas-electric hybrid powertrains are sitting in places where V8s would normally be used. Lexus is making that move in its RX450h crossover and GS450h luxury sport sedan. These vehicles use a combination of a V6 engine  and electric motors to provide a feel that’s comparable to a V8, but with far better fuel economy.

Diesel is another alternative that’s being explored to replace V8 torque, although adoption in North America has been slow. European automakers like Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz offer diesel V6s in bigger vehicles that would traditionally use V8s. The diesel engines in the Volkswagen Toureg TDI and the Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTEC both offer a generous amount of torque and are competitive against the V8 competition, and still offer some towing capability at a price-point similar to that of a V6.

FAR FROM DEAD

“We’ve heard it all before” said Jowett, and he’s not alone in suggesting prophecies of the death of the V8 are premature. Still, as technology and advancements in engine efficiency continue, the V6 will continue to catch up to the power of the V8, while delivering more miles per gallon. The V8 may not yet be dead in sports cars or trucks and utility vehicles, but it may become the option in a minority of them, while the V8’s days under the hood of a sedan have most certainly come to an end.

Already a popular choice among law enforcement agencies, the mean-looking Dodge Charger Pursuit will add an active all-wheel drive system to improve traction under slippery conditions.

While active all-wheel drive is nothing new, Chrysler’s take on it is unusual. That’s because such systems can usually be found in front-drive vehicles rather than road-hungry Hemi-bearing monsters like this.

“Adding available all-wheel-drive capability to the already popular Dodge Charger Pursuit will broaden the Charger’s appeal to police departments that are accustomed to dealing with rough winters and adverse weather conditions,” said Chrysler executive Peter Grady. “With the Charger Pursuit now offering dual capability of both rear- and all-wheel-drive, we’ll be able to meet the needs of our police fleet customers across the country.”

Generation after automotive generation, Ford’s Crown Victoria dominated police fleets, but the automaker’s decision to retire its rolling billy club left opened  an opportunity for others to step in. While Ford is also already offering new police vehicles, other makes are becoming increasingly common as well.

Now, the Charger has something to hold over the rest of its segment.

“The Dodge Charger offers the most sophisticated all-wheel-drive system in its class,” said Dodge CEO Reid Bigland. “Only [the] Charger offers a front-axle disconnect that seamlessly transitions from the outstanding performance and handling of rear-wheel drive to the all-weather traction of all-wheel drive, with class-leading fuel economy and iconic styling.”

GALLERY: Dodge Charger Pursuit

Set to go on sale this fall, Chrysler has announced plans to offer a special “Glacier: edition of its 300 sedan. 

Offered with either the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 making 300 hp or the larger 5.7-liter, 363-hp Hemi V8, the car will come with all-wheel drive regardless of engine choice.

Billed as the “ultimate all-weather athlete,” Chrysler will also give the car a different appearance package inside and out. On the outside, that will mean a black chrome grille and black gloss accents as well as 19-inch aluminum wheels in a satin carbon finish.

Inside, the 300 Glacier Edition gets piano black accents, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, embroidered floor mats and “matte carbon hydrographic accents.” Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but an all-wheel drive “Luxury” level 300 starts at $44,520 so don’t expect it to be any less than that.

Chrysler just announced pricing for the 2013 line of RAM pickup trucks, marking the brand’s introduction of its Pentastar V6 engine mated to an eight-speed transmission meant to contend with Ford’s popular EcoBoost.

In a segment previously governed as much by brand loyalty as actual vehicle quality, Ford made a shrewd gambit by offering its V8 killing EcoBoost, forcing an answer from both Chevrolet and Chrysler. While the bow tie brand still seems to be speechless, Chrysler is dropping the one-size-fits-all Pentastar into the RAM 1500 with the eight-speed for the first time in 2013, though the Hemi will remain as well.

Carrying a starting price of $23,585, admission for the new RAM is almost identical to Ford’s non-turbo V6 option, at least in terms of money. With 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque the truck is hardly a slouch, but utterly fails to compete with the Ford’s Ecoboost from a power perspective.

Then again, Chrysler has been quick in the past to point out that Ford’s reliance on turbocharging could prove to be expensive for consumers in the long run. A turbocharged engine can require more care than a naturally-aspirated motor, which could be arguably cheaper to maintain.

For those that won’t consider committing construction site blasphemy, the 5.7-liter Hemi sits atop the RAM range, now paired with the eight-speed transmission as well, promising to improve fuel economy.

In top trim, the Laramie Longhorn Crew with four-wheel drive costs $48,415. As a generously-appointed truck it swings in with a significantly smaller price tag than much of Ford’s luxo-truck line. For example, a well-equipped F-150 Platinum with the EcoBoost V6 will cost around $54,300.

GALLERY: 2013 RAM 1500

Official details from the automaker as still unreleased, but that hasn’t stopped a photo and an illustration from revealing what the Jeep Grand Cherokee TrailHawk Edition will look like.

Jeep enthusiasts seem to fall under two broad categories: those who drive off road and those who dont. While that’s a label general enough to slap on any driver, it takes on a special meaning with the trail-focused Chrysler subsidiary. That’s why every so often a special edition crawls out of the mud and onto
showroom floors. In this case it’s the Grand Cherokee TrailHawk Edition seen above.

White paint with matte gray accents surrounded by red pin striping and a matching grille set the truck apart, though there’s a lot more to the package than paint and plastic. It also gets an air-lift suspension, an electronic limited-slip differential, off-road tires, Mopar rock sliders and a 5.7-liter Hemi providing power.

Fantastic as all that is, it’s important to remember that the special edition will probably come with a hefty premium. Pricing isn’t available this early, but as any off-roading enthusiast knows, looks are only good until the first tree branches leave scratch marks, or a pokey rock punches into the fender.

[Source: JeepGarage]

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

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

The Big three do some things really, really well: like building pickup trucks that turn construction guys giddy. While each company has had their fair share of foibles over the past decade they’ve managed to stay more-or-less true to themselves.

That’s why you might be really surprised to find out that Chrysler announced plans today to deliver ten plug-in electric hybrid (PHEV) Dodge Ram 1500s to DTE Energy of Detroit.

Many members of the truck community would probably snort at the idea of marrying hybrid technology with their go-to workhorse, but Chrysler isn’t convinced it’s such a bad idea. So far they have distributed a total of more than 100 test vehicles throughout U.S. cities with the intent to gather market research.

“Cities have been carefully selected to help the Chrysler Group LLC collect a wide range of data,” said Abdullah Bazzi, senior manager of Chrysler’s advanced hybrid vehicle project.

Chrysler maintains that this is strictly a test program for now with no plans for production versions of the trucks in the future, but the trucks will driven over the next three years to evaluate several factors that the company will use.

They plan to test charging performance, real-world performance, city drive cycles and fuel economy. Just because there’s hybrid technology on board, don’t assume these trucks are packing less of a punch. They have the option to run in four or two-wheel drive to save fuel but you’ll find a plenty-potent 5.7-liter Hemi under the hood.

The project, funded both by Chrysler and the Department of Energy, is also developing a similar fleet of 25 PHEV Town & Country minivans.