The "Good" Chrysler Thread: Making Vanilla, Vanilla

[Exorcet]

So u still live in the 700 liters / 199 BHP era?

I don't know what you're referring to. Last I checked, the Viper made 600 hp / 512 ci.

And last I checked, HP/displacement has never done a thing for a car ever, except earning bragging rights.

If you're asking if I'm of the opinion that performance is better than bragging rights, then I most certainly am. The Viper's V-10 is a very good engine (I'd call it one of the best, but it's too heavy unlike Chevy's light weight LS7, or the S7's 427 ci V-8), especially since it doesn't try to be a 100 HP/L poser powerplant.

 

[Philly]

Chrysler has 8 new offerings for 2010!

Eight new sticker packages, that is. Oh, and the ACR-X.

*Jalopnik*

Chrysler has taken the art of blowing smoke up consumer asses to a new level at this year's Detroit Auto Show, unveiling enough paint-and sticker-special editions to fill an entire gallery. Nitro Detonator? Really? Let's take a depressing look.

Click through each of the images in the gallery below to read more about how Chrysler's trying to fool you into thinking they've actually got something going on at this year's Detroit Auto Show. Unless, of course, you're looking for a Nitro "Detonator."

We'll put it to you this way — we knew the "Detonator" was coming and we didn't even think it was important enough to let you know about it. How's that for confidence?

Yes, Chrysler. That's how you show us that something productive is happening at Auburn Hills. Yes, we know stuff is on the way, but something, anything new to show us what you've done would be nice.

 

[Jim Prower]

Ah, shaddup. They need to do SOMETHING more than twiddle their thumbs and wait for Fiat to finalize the lower end of the lineup. They have '09s rotting on the lot. Would you rather they sit on their asses and do nothing? We should start seeing '11 model finalizations by Summer.

It's far too early in the Chrysler/Fiat relationship to see anything production-ready from the relationship. The only car Fiat has marginally ready for US regs is the 500.

 

[Tornado]

And the PT-Cruiser package has been planned for over a year, I believe.

In any case, if they actually produce the beefed-up Wrangler and the pre-blinged 300Cs, I'm sure people would bite anyways.

 

[Omnis]

Would you rather they sit on their asses and do nothing?

Yes.

 

[Tornado]

One thing I'm curious about is why they didn't just bring a bunch of Fiats over here anyways.

 

[Jim Prower]

One thing I'm curious about is why they didn't just bring a bunch of Fiats over here anyways.

That little safety/emissions regulations hitch.

 

[Tornado]

A car doesn't have to pass safety and emissions tests to sit on a turntable inside a convention center.

 

[Jim Prower]

You've got a point, there.

 

[Philly]

It's far too early in the Chrysler/Fiat relationship to see anything production-ready from the relationship. The only car Fiat has marginally ready for US regs is the 500.

I'd like to see a concept or maybe a Fiat in there or something, like mentioned before. It's Detroit. If there's anywhere they should try and get something out, it's their home show.

They previewed the Charger way back in summer. They could have a concept for that. Or have they been able to show off their new interiors yet?

 

[buickgnx88]

Bah, I have one of the original Wrangler Islanders, and I can say it was more than just a few decals and some special seat covers. Heck, the decals looked way better than the bare few they stuck on the new version.

 

[Keef]

And the PT-Cruiser package has been planned for over a year, I believe.

They still make the PT Cruiser?

 

[JCE]

Not after this year I believe. And all this is pointless. Just bring us the good stuff.

 

[homeforsummer]

They still make the PT Cruiser?

They've been threatening to make the thing with a new shiny grille for a year or so, but what it really needs is a new model. It's nice enough but it's just too old now. People still pretty obviously buy into retro (MINI, 500, even the Beetle is still selling) so a new one would sell easily, I'm sure. Especially if it's not a generic mix of "retro-look" styling and actually took hints from a particular model in their history, such as the Royal or something.

 

[Moglet]

Black wheels on the yellow 500. I swear to god if they introduce those for the US market but don't bring them to the UK I'll set fire to a showroom. (I know it's only an early graphic thing but still)

 

[YSSMAN]

At least the Jeep Islander is cool. But for Jeep people, they could do anything to the Wrangler and still sell a billion of them a year.

Hooray Chrysler. Just let your mind go blank and let the Italians take over.

 

[McLaren]

Chrysler has 8 new offerings for 2010!

Eight new sticker packages, that is. Oh, and the ACR-X.

*Jalopnik*

Yes, Chrysler. That's how you show us that something productive is happening at Auburn Hills. Yes, we know stuff is on the way, but something, anything new to show us what you've done would be nice.

I'm not honestly surprised they started doing this on the lower end models. Chrysler has had Dodge doing this tactic to the SRT-10 Vipers just to boost some sales for years now.

 

[Jondot]

And the PT-Cruiser package has been planned for over a year, I believe.

Did dipping the bottom half of the car in silver paint really take them a year to think up?

Also that Nitro makes me want to cry.

 

[Northstar]

Also that Nitro makes me want to cry.

The fact the Nitro hasn't been outlawed makes me want to cry.

 

[homeforsummer]

I suspect I'm the only person in the world who actually doesn't mind the Nitro. Apart from owners, obviously. I'm not keen on the colour scheme of the one above but the shape of them is great, it's like a big RC car which appeals to the kid in me. Apparently they have pretty crappy handling, but it's not like Dodge claim it'll get around the 'Ring in eight minutes...

 

[YSSMAN]

So, this exists

I'm not surprised, but not exactly disappointed either. Chrysler just needs a nice small car so they can scrap the PT Cruiser. The Chrysler team was so inventive, they called it the Chrysler Lancia.

 

[Jim Prower]

well...could have a re-name. Looks awesome, though.

That wouldn't happen to be the Delta, would it?

EDIT: After reading the article, it is, indeed, the Delta. I might call this one, "Airflow" in this market, though. I think that name suits it, somehow. Further research puts it on the Bravo platform, but expanded slightly, and a heavy emphasis on luxury. Just what Chrysler needs.

So long as SRT and Fiat collab on an Integrale/SRT-4 version....

 

[Moglet]

An electric 500 'concept' has appeared;

http://www.businessweek.com/news/20...se-of-fiat-ties-with-lancia-electric-500.html

and it looks good in that shade of silver with those wheels;

http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=fiat+500&s=rec

Damnit why did I choose a white one?!

 

[Jim Prower]

Also interesting in that area is that Chrysler will basically become Lancia everywhere but Europe.

 

[Keef]

Chrysler Lancia.

I will walk into a dealership and ask for a drive in a Lancia Delta. No buddy, that's not a Chrysler, Chrysler is dead. That is a Lancia.

 

[homeforsummer]

Yeah, changing the grille does not make a Lancia a Chrysler.

 

[Jim Prower]

I will walk into a dealership and ask for a drive in a Lancia Delta. No buddy, that's not a Chrysler, Chrysler is dead. That is a Lancia.

Yeah, changing the grille does not make a Lancia a Chrysler.

So why am I actually excited?

 

[homeforsummer]

Because it might even actually be good?...

Though it still won't be a Chrysler. In fact, it's not really even a Lancia. It's a Fiat Bravo, reskinned as a Lancia and then rebadged as a Chrysler. But it's a decent enough Fiat and admittely the Lancia body suits it being a Chrysler more than the Fiat one would (though the Fiat one is prettier...)

 

[Jondot]

But it's a decent enough Fiat and admittely the Lancia body suits it being a Chrysler more than the Fiat one would

What, 'cause it's more bloated and weird looking? I must agree

 

[YSSMAN]

The FIATs continue to Invade!

That'd be the 500 BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), powered by the now defunct Chrysler ENVI powertrain. The black one, next to it, would be not just a 500 Abarth, but an Esse Esse version.

Yes kids, the 500 is that much closer to coming to America.