That's what you get for showing off. WARNING: Extreme language. And the video is pretty damn loud when they scream.

It's pretty obvious at this point that Cerberus doesn't want to keep Chrysler, and turbulent economic realities have scuttled what few available prospects there would have been for new ownership. Some have openly wondered whether team Pentastar is even working on new products at all. Product development VP Frank Klegon insists that new Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models are on their way, and he points to the next 300/Charger as proof.


Klegon told Automotive News at the LA Auto Show that the 2011 redesign of these two large, rear-wheel-drive sedans will beat projected 2011 CAFE standards. That feat will be accomplished with improvements to aerodynamics, axle ratios and upgraded engines. Klegon mentioned that the upcoming Phoenix engines, the development of which has not been cancelled, would motivate the Charger and 300. The new Phoenix family of V6 engines will have variable valve timing, cylinder deactivation and direct injection among its many efficiency increasing technologies. Automotive News also mentioned that Chrysler may employ an eight-speed automatic transmission to further improve performance and fuel economy. We don't know of any Chrysler transmission projects that are this ambitious, and Daimler currently utilizes only seven cogs in its Mercedes lineup, but suppliers like Aisin and ZF already have 8 speeds on the market.

Source: AutoBlog

It's official: Chrysler plans to launch redesigned versions of the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 in 2010.

The Auburn Hills automaker's plan to launch redesigned versions of the full-size cars in 2010 was an open secret in Detroit, but it was something that Chrysler officials never talked about in public.

That is until this week when Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli confirmed it.

"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," Nardelli said. "I think the product cadence at Chrysler is coming back strong."

As the Free Press first reported, Chrysler is planning a "product renaissance" for 2010 when it will launch seven -- perhaps eight or nine -- new vehicles.

Source: Free Press

Chrysler LLC finally has a hybrid coming to market and executives promise it's just the beginning. The Auburn Hills automaker, which debuted its new hybrid Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen here recently, says it could quickly and easily expand its environmentally friendly offerings.

"These are our first hybrids, but they are not going to be our last," Michael Berube, a senior manager for Chrysler brand marketing, told reporters taking test drives of the Hemi-powered hybrid SUVs this week. "In the future, hybrid and another fuel-saving technology will come in all sizes, shapes and colors."

Chrysler has partnered with General Motors Corp., Daimler AG and BMW AG in the development of a Two-Mode Hybrid System and intends to use the powertrain in future models. The most logical next vehicles are their rear-wheel drive sedans and trucks.

The Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen hybrids will hit dealerships in August, and Chrysler plans to follow next year with a hybrid version of the Dodge Ram pickup truck. The 4-by-4 Durango and Aspen, as well as the Ram pickup are all rear-wheel drive based vehicles.

Looking at Chrysler's lineup, executives hinted that the automaker's next hybrids could come in the form of its rear-wheel drive sedans, the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger; however, they declined to confirm development plans beyond the SUVs and the pickup truck.

Source: Detroit News

New fuel-economy regulations are threatening to kill off a whole generation of new, rear-drive vehicles planned by a handful of manufacturers. But at one company, the mainstay rear-drive sedan is sticking around–mainly because there’s no budget to change its orientation.

Chrysler’s plans for its large 300/Charger sedans include a major makeover for the 2011 model year. But while Chrysler’s new managers have been dropping hints about the future of the HEMI engine, there’s not much they can do about the rear-drive layout of the big sedans.

A switch to front-wheel drive could improve the fuel economy of the sedans, but reports to TCC say that there’s no money set aside to make the switch to front-wheel drive. The Canadian plant where the 300/Charger and new Challenger are built formerly was outfitted to build front-drive sedans, back when the plant produced the Chrysler “LH” cars in the early 2000s.

The revamp in the works for the early part of the next decade will be fairly substantial. Chrysler is said to have decided that a bold styling statement is critical to the lineup’s sales success–but certain features of the car, like its low roofline, will change to give the cars a more updated look.

Source: CorConnection

Nick Morley and Matthew McConville have been arrested in Macedonia after an alleged hit and run incident which left one man dead and his wife fighting for her life.

The 67-year-old died on his way to hospital and his wife was in a critical condition after a Porsche taking part in the super car race crossed the road at speed and ploughed into their VW Golf.

The drivers of the Porsche 911 Turbo Techart which Macedonian TV station A1 named as Nick Morley and Matthew McConville, allegedly got out of their crashed car and ran off.

The station said they later climbed into another car, a BMW, and tried to leave the country. Eye witnesses alerted police and the pair were arrested at the border.

As a sign of respect the organizers have decided that this year’s Gumball 3000 Rally will not travel any further and will end in Bratislava this evening, May 3rd 2007.