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Future Maserati SUV will be powered by Chrysler, Not Ferrari
 
We’ve been drowning in rumors about a Maserati SUV for a little while now - ever since the Maserati Kubang Concept came out in 2003 - so the thought of some semi-concrete evidence was rather inviting. A few months ago, the new Maserati SUV was finally confirmed by the brand, who set a launch for sometime in 2012. That confirmation was followed with rumors of a Ferrari-sourced engine, but as it turns out, Top Gear is hearing that Chrysler will actually be the ones powering the bulkier Maserati. CEO of Chrysler Group and Fiat, Sergio Marchionne had said that the new SUV would carry a "rock and roll engine," possibly in both V8 and V12 variants. Current rumors suggest that the engine will actually be a Chrysler Hemi V8 with 465 HP and more torque than the original option. This engine will also fit better in the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee platform they have already confirmed for the Maserati model. Now, the future SUV will only be Italian on the badge, as the engine and chassis will be American made at Chrysler’s Jefferson North assembly plant. This should bode well for the SUV, since having a Ferrari engine would have undoubtedly hiked up the price. Expect to see the official launch of the Maserati SUV at one of the major auto shows in 2012. 2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser with Viper RT/10 engine
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is – or should we say, was – a car that you would never mistake for being a powerhouse. Retro-looking, sure. Snorting horsepower? Hardly. The only way you could give the PT Cruiser some street rep is to take out its four-cylinder mechanical guts and place something akin to a Dodge Viper’s powerhouse V10 in it, which, fortunately, is exactly what someone did to their beloved, little hatch. The result is a vehicle that epitomizes substance over style. On the outside, the first thing you’ll notice is the fact that this PT Cruiser was turned into a pick-up, which is weird enough on its own considering the retro hatch’s unmistakable profile. So without the rear doors and a hatch that has since been replaced with a pick-up bed, the PT Cruiser’s new profile lends itself a curious look. That is until you pop open the hood. Where a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine that produces 150 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque once resided is now an old 8.0-liter V10 engine that produces 500 horsepower to go with the Viper’s six-speed transmission, rear suspension, and steering rack. The car is said to have been built some years back, but given it’s uniqueness and downright peculiarity – not to mention the insane power under its hood – it’s still something that will catch your attention. Now is it enough to warrant a bid on eBay for more than the $13,100 price tag currently on display? We say absolutely only because something this weird with that much horsepower is bound to make anyone stand out in a crowd. 2011 Ram Long Hauler Concept
The Ram Long Hauler Concept Truck is a definite eye-catcher in every sense of the word, mostly because it seems to stretch longer than standard-sized pick-up trucks. Incredibly, all this is by design. Chrysler’s Ram brand has officially unveiled their latest concept creation, a 24-foot long quad-cab pick-up truck that’s so big it can actually carry up to 170 gallons of fuel in one go while trucking non-stop at a distance of over 1,600 miles before it needs to be fed again. The truck is based on the Class 5 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab, except that the whole thing has been extended to ridiculous lengths. Nothing about this pick-up truck screams ordinary. Even if it’s a concept, Chrysler is presenting it as an ideal ’work horse’ for people who might need to tow heavy trailers for long distances. Judging by the look of this mastadon of a pick-up truck, we already figured as much. Check out more details of the Long Hauler Concept, together with exhibit dates, after the jump. Full story2012 Chrysler 300S
Chrysler is further expanding their 300 line-up with the addition of the new 300S models, offered in both V6 and V8 versions. The new models will arrive at Chrysler dealerships in the fall of 2011. "No chrome . . . no wood . . . matte carbon fiber finishes . . . unique black or Radar Red leather . . . our biggest wheels, and world’s first integration of Beats by Dr. Dre audio technology – the best standard audio system period. This is the new Chrysler 300S and it has an attitude that comes through loud and clear," said Olivier Francois, President and CEO — Chrysler Brand and Lead Executive for Marketing, Chrysler Group LLC. "For the Chrysler brand, it’s not just about design, it’s about substance. And with the Chrysler team working with Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine for months, I know the new 300S with its mapped sound waves, designed algorithms and unique Beats Audio components are a direct result from our model collaboration – a partnership between an OEM and the music industry – that makes the 300S perform with the power to play music as the artist intended it to be heard." Hit the jump to read more about the Chrysler 300S. Full story 2012 Chrysler 200 S Convertible
After focusing on the 300 in a series of variants, Chrysler has moved on to the 200 Convertible with the unveiling of the S version at the 2011 New York Auto Show. The 200 S Convertible features more luxury and sporty characteristics than the standard version with an improved exterior and interior look. It also gets a more powerful engine in the V6 variety to bump up the power from the standard model by 110 HP. The new 200 S Convertible will go on sale later this spring with prices starting from $32,490. "The New York International Auto Show is the perfect place to debut the new 2011 Chrysler 200 S sedan and Chrysler 200 S convertible models," said Olivier Francois, President and CEO, Chrysler Brand – Chrysler Group LLC. "These vehicles are built with an unmistakable attitude and a signature style; and you could say the same of New York itself. The attitude may be ‘Imported from Detroit,’ but it’s definitely at home on Park Avenue." Hit the jump to read more about the Chrysler 200 S Convertible. Full story2011 Chrysler 300C Executive Series
Chrysler is on a mission to prove that their 300 is a car worth producing and apparently they think their path to success includes a series of different variants at the 2011 New York Auto Show. Next to the 300 SRT8, Chrysler has also brought the 300C Executive Series, a model designed to become the most luxurious Chrysler flagship sedan ever. The new edition will be offered with ultra-premium leather, world-class refinement and handling, and state-of-the-art safety and connectivity features. The new edition will go on sale in Fall 2011. The Chrysler 300C Executive Series will be distinguished by a chromed fascia, mirror, and door handle accents with a unique platinum chrome finish. The platinum chrome finish extends to the grille surround and the platinum-chrome sculpted grille. The luxury continues for the interior as the 300C receives a plethora of leather adornments. There is a Mochachino or Black Poltrona Frau "Foligno" leather-wrapped instrument panel, cluster brow, center console side panels, and upper front- and rear-door panels, which is combined with premium Nappa leather on the door armrest, bolster, and center console armrest. The seats will be covered in a two-tone Mochachino or Black Nappa leather and will be combined with a Natural Pore Mocha or Pore Gray real wood trim finished in a low-gloss. The luxurious add-ons continue with a long range of options including a Uconnect Touch 8.4N with Garmin navigation, a 160-mph LED-illuminated instrument cluster with driver-selectable color EVIC, and a HomeLink universal transceiver. The less exciting technological options include power-adjustable pedals with memory, a power backlight sunshade, power-folding chromed exterior mirrors with memory, and auto-dimming and auto-tilt in Reverse. Finishing the exterior of the 300C Executive Series are premium 18-ounce berber floor mats with nubuck trim, satin chrome lower door sills with the "Chrysler" logo, LED illuminated interior door handles, and front and rear map pockets. 2011 New York Auto Show Preview
We’ve been around the industry for quite some time now and for the most part, we know better than to expect the world from the New York Auto Show. Make no mistake, the event has always generated great attendance, especially since it’s being held at one of the world’s most important cities. But to peg the New York Auto Show in the same level as its counterparts in Geneva and Frankfurt is getting a little too ahead of oneself. Having said that, this year’s installment of the New York Auto Show is still something that’s worth keeping close eyes on, especially the number of concept cars that are scheduled to be unveiled to the world for the very first time. Here at Topspeed, we make it a point to give you guys a heads-up on what to expect for these type of shows - call it a preview, if you will - and this year figures to be no different. There are a number of cars scheduled to be unveiled when the doors of the New York Auto Show are opened on April 22, 2011. It may not be the number we come to expect from Geneva, but as far as quality is concerned, this year’s event figures to have plenty waiting to have their covers pulled off. Details after the jump. Full story Chrylser brings "race-inspired" concept to NY Show
Chrysler has finally offered us a few, yet scarce, details on the company’s line-up for the upcoming New York Auto Show. In just a few lines, Chrysler has announced that "the company will reveal a production vehicle and a race-inspired project vehicle that will appear at next week’s New York Auto Show." Along with the new vehicles showing their face for the first time, Chrysler will also announce a new strategic relationship that will enhance its service and parts business. A first preview of the two vehicles will be made tomorrow, April 13th, 2011 at 9AM, but until then we are only left with our speculations to keep us company. Chrysler has previously reported that there will be a more powerful version of the current Chrysler 300, most likely a production version of the 300S Concept revealed at the end of March. The production model is supposed to use the company’s new 6.4 liter V8 engine that will also be used in the future Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 where it will deliver more than 500 HP. 2011 Chrysler 300S Concept
A while ago, Chrysler had announced that the "SRT8" version of the new 300 model would be dropped and replaced by the "S" version. As a result, the company has revealed the 300S concept at the Spring Festival of LX in Irvine, California. This concept is a preview version of the production vehicle set to debut next year. The S version will be distinguished by a new grille, bumpers, headlights, alloy wheels, and aerodynamic improvements. The interior will also get some distinguishing marks with some dedicated coatings. Rumors also suggest that the S version will get framework calibration. Nothing has been said about the concept’s power just yet, but we surely expect it to be higher than the standard 300 model sporting a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 292 HP and 260 lb-ft of torque. Expect a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine with 363 HP for the production 300S. The Chrysler 300S will also have an equivalent on the European market where the Chrysler 300 is sold as the Lancia Thema. Check out the video of the reveal after the jump. Skip to the 2m, 10sec mark to get to the actual reveal of the car. Full story Topspeed’s Top 5 Car Commercials from Super Bowl XLV
Now that Super Bowl XLV has come and gone and the Green Bay Packers are bringing the Lombardi Trophy back home to Titletown, it’s now time to sit back and reflect on all the happenings of the day. Seeing as we’re a car site, we’re going to leave the sports analysis of the Packers’ 31-25 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers to other sites. Instead, we’re going to focus on something that hits close to home to us: cars. In particular, all the car commercials that we saw before, during, and after the Super Bowl. We don’t have the time to run through all the car ads that we saw, in part because some of them weren’t very good. Despite that, there were still some ads that struck a nerve in us. Whether it’s a funny commercial involving a pint-size version of a famous sci-fi villain or a serious message about a fallen city looking to rise back to prominence, we’ve picked out the 5 best car commercials from Super Bowl XLV. If you watched the game and caught a hold of all the ads, feel free to chime in with your own Top 5. But if you want to check out which ones we thought deserved mentioning, head over after the jump to see our list. Full story | featured reviews:Chrysler cars reviews2012
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