Being the year of the snake on the Chinese zodiac calendar, 2013 is a marvellous year to reintroduce the passion and enthusiasm of the Chrysler’s majestic Viper sports car. Almost a year since the return of the Viper as the halo vehicle of SRT, 640 horses of American supercar muscle still resonates a bite with motoring enthusiasts. Mounting a return to the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, the SRT Viper GTS-R vehicles bravely fought against established GT organizations fielding the Chevrolet Corvette C6R ZR1 and Ferrari F458 Italia. The 2013 Sebring resulted with a 5th place from the top-placed #91 Viper. Introduced at last year’s New York International Auto Show, the SRT Viper reappears at the 2013 exhibition with a rare, special edition model. The 2014 SRT Viper TA (Time Attack) pushes the V10 powered performance car towards optimized speed and handling.

From first sight, the 2014 SRT Viper TA instantly shows it means business. A unique Crusher Orange paint colour covers the Viper TA paying homage to the muscle car character of the 1960s. Black 2D TA logos stand out on the bright SRT Viper body. Besides the aesthetic pleasure the Viper TA’s exterior presents, the body is the starting point for enhancing the SRT vehicle’s already-high performance credentials. Carbon fiber front splitter and rear spoiler adds immediate focus towards a time attack package. Pirelli P Zero Corso tires spin on lightweight Sidewinder II wheels. Peeking through the wheels, you’ll also see brake calipers painted with a black anodized finish.

A package created with input from racers, the 2014 SRT Viper TA receives a completely reengineered suspension and chassis. Suited for manoeuvres at near-torturing stresses, the special edition TA package excels in providing capable handling. Featuring firmer dampening than the Viper GTS, the 2014 SRT Viper TA finds increased road-holding ability through two-mode, driver-adjustable Bilstein Damptronic shock absorbers. Upgrading from the aluminum structural X-brace, a lighter but stronger carbon fiber brace maintains the integrity of the 2014 SRT Viper TA. SRT claims the 2014 Viper TA model’s chassis structure integrates 50 percent greater torsional rigidity.

Inside the two-person cockpit of the 2014 SRT Viper TA, a black overall shade is set-off by Crusher Orange accent stitching. Seating, steering wheel, upper doors, and the shifter are some spots highlighted through the stitch detailing. Driver and passenger ride in premium ballistic fabric racing seats sourced from renowned motorsport name Sabelt. Sculpted using a resin transfer molding method, the process is instrumental for the 2014 SRT Viper TA’s lightweight seating. The Sabelt racing seats feature three-point seatbelts with the option to add a six-point racing harness.

Accounting all the weight-saving modifications, the 2014 SRT Viper TA tips the scale at 3,348 pounds. The TA edition of the Viper sports car is 83 pounds lighter than the standard Viper GTS and 26 pounds less than the curb weight of the SRT Track Package version. Shaving off some pounds, the Pirelli tires can make better use of the engine’s horsepower than ever before. The TA model features the handcrafted, all-aluminum 8.4 liter V10 engine beats under the iconic long hood of the SRT Viper. Churning out the same 640 horsepower and 600 pounds feet of torque as a Viper GTS, weight reductions under the TA modifications will naturally make for a more energetic, slipperier snake. While straight line acceleration could see a boost, road course performance with the TA package should be the most thrilling endeavour. The 2014 Viper TA’s brake system, created in cooperation with Brembo is up to the task of controlling the wild 640 horses.

The TA-equipped SRT Vipers go on sale during the third quarter of this year. A short production run assures the Crusher Orange vehicle will crush many hearts. Production of the special edition 2014 SRT Viper TA is restricted to a very tight 33 examples.

Information and photo source: Chrysler Group

Much like postage stamps and cable television, the cost of automobile ownership always appears to grow more expensive with each passing year. According to the AAA (American Automobile Association), there is proof that increased costs are indeed the reality for car owners inside the United States. In study released early last year, vehicle operating costs were on average 1.9 percent compared to the year prior. For motorists considering the 2013 Dodge Dart, a new remedy could bring some alleviation to the upfront costs of new car buying.

Adapting a principle that has been commonly deployed for wedding couples, imaginative marketing performed by Chrysler Group is presenting prospective Dodge Dart owners with an on-line registry for buying a 2013 model year car. First advertised on television this weekend during the NFL’s NFC Championship game broadcast, the Dodge Dart Registry allows individuals to seek to have a car wholly or partially funded through the generosity of others.

Users go to the Dodge Dart Registry website and create a user account to start their own account. The first step in creating a personal registry is to build up a virtual 2013 Dodge Dart complete with standard and optional equipment. A user will next add information including the reason they want to receive funds for a new Dart. In seeking money for the registry, the user can specify length of their campaign and the amount they would like to have contributed to their potential vehicle purchase up to a maximum of $30,000. Once a registry profile is created, it is viewable through the on-line site and is sharable through social media such as Facebook and Twitter.

Perhaps best suited for family and friends to contribute to your new vehicle, the Dodge Dart Registry presents the ability for practically any willing party to send a cash gift. When a person funds a registry, their gift is recorded as a component on the 2013 Dodge Dart. Organized in tiers, Tier 1 gifts would involve items such as park brake lever that could be bought for as little as one dollar. The registry’s items transition up to Tier 4 items such as the Dodge Dart’s engine or high-end optional equipment. This experience provides both the registrar user and the contributor with a greater understanding of the Dart sedan.

Even though the Dodge Dart Registry is designed so owners can raise funding for a vehicle, there is no actual promise that the money gifted will go to a purchase. Whether or not the goal is met, the money raised in the registry is issued in the form of a secured check (less a five percent commission fee and an additional four percent processing fee). In honesty (or maybe dishonesty), the money can be spent in whatever way the recipient chooses. However, similar to the case of a wedding registry, it would be highly inappropriate to keep the gifts.

An interesting method for Dodge to draw the 2013 Dart more freely into the social media fray, auto companies have been actively working to integrate more sale elements on-line. Kia Motors and General Motors have used major Internet marketplace eBay as a new car retail channel. The Dodge Dart Registry is an amusing way to incorporate a community aspect in the new car purchasing experience to what could be American drivers worthy of a hand. It would be interesting if this registry experiment would ever be expanded to the SRT Viper. Soliciting gift money to buy a six-figure supercar might be the catalyst to breaking up families and friendships.

Information, photo and video source: AAA, Chrysler Group

Reaching an end to another year, 365 days can be summed up by a number of successes and failures; the same can be said for the automotive field of 2012.

Vehicle premiere, discontinuation of models, safety recalls and other tidbits of news have been the subject matter for this as well as other automobile resources this past year. In what is a traditional pattern among news outlets, this article is taking time to look back at what the previous 12 months brought to car culture. The following examples are some spotlight moments involving automobiles in 2012.

Viper Returns as SRT Brand Vehicle

The discontinuation of the Viper supercar took the cherry off the top of the automaker’s sundae in 2010. Accepting the fact that a very potent Dodge Challenger SRT8 maintained some performance creditability for the Chrysler division, fans venomously desired the high-performance vehicle behind a reptile-inspired name. A car steered by a culture even the auto company was not immune to, the New York Auto Show marked the return of the Viper supercar. Under the newly assembled, performance-oriented SRT brand, a 640-horsepower V-10 engined dream machine materialized. Back with a vengeance, the SRT Viper took a bite at the American Le Mans Series with the Viper GTS-R for selected 2012 events starting at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

Hyundai-Kia Busted on Fuel Economy Miscalculation

For anyone who has purchased a new car and boiled with outraged when fuel mileage was not as advertised, 2012 brought some high profile attention to this costly pet peeve. After an investigation by the United States EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) into 13 Hyundai and Kia brand vehicles the Hyundai Motor Company was pressed to knowledge they misstated fuel economy. Affecting popular products built between the 2011 to 2013 model year, Hyundai Elantra, Santa Fe as well as the Kia Shortage are some of the vehicles revealed to receive less fuel mileage than originally stated. The worst offender in terms of fuel economy was the automatic-equipped Kia Soul observed in producing six miles per gallon less in highway gas mileage.

Upon admitting the error, Kia and Hyundai owners of affected vehicles by lower fuel economy received special debit cards that will reimburse for the increased fuel consumption. Estimated to cost 100 million dollars, some civil attorneys filing suits to the problem could potentially make the price higher. There are many indications now the Hyundai-Kia fuel economy embarrassment could be etching the soil of even more investigations into misquoted fuel calculations. Bad news for automakers, the news has been terrific for lawyers filing class-action lawsuits.

Audi Hybrid Claims Historic Le Mans Win

The 2012 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans was a technological showcase. Occupying paddock 56 was the radical Nissan Deltawing race car exhibiting clever lightweight engineering as an unclassified experimental entrant in the race. In the fight for victory in the prototype category, Audi’s R18 e-tron quattro diesel powerplant combined with an electric motor became the biggest newsmaker of the sports car season. Fielded by Team Joest, the Audi R18 e-tron quattro was brought to the Circuit de la Sarthe with just a single race of development. For the Le Mans 24-hour race, the two hybrid race machines entered by Audi crossed the finish line first and second place. The Audi R18 e-tron quattro became the first hybrid vehicle to win the French sports car classic.

Battle of the Super Pony Cars

As sharply rising fleet fuel economy averages threatens to put a cap on horsepower (or at least the way will get performance in future new cars), there is a very real possibility that free-spirited, American supercars could eventually be forced to practice more civility. Acting as a refreshingly defiant scene in the face of zero-emissions vehicles as well as downsized powerplants, Ford and Chevrolet grabbed pony car performance echelons untouched from a factory-prepped version.

Rolling out the 580-horsepower Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 early in the year, General Motors’ pre-production enthusiasm was hindered by Ford’s latest Shelby GT500. Seeing the high-performance Camaro in the horizon, the response from Ford was a 662-horsepower presented as a 2013 model year vehicle. The latest motoring extremes of the supercharger-induced Ford Shelby GT500 and the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 revisited the muscle car era where street-going horsepower was not subject to compromises. However, with both vehicles north of the $50,000-range, the super pony car lifestyle is about as accessible as an entry-level Tesla Model S.

Sun Sets on Suzuki’s Automotive Business

In November, American Suzuki Motor Corporation filed for bankruptcy and announced the winding down of their 27-year effort of distributing automobiles to the United States. Operating as a very small vehicle niche in later years, sales of vehicles like the Grand Vitara crossover and the Kizashi sedan in the United States were ultimately not enough sustain the product line-up for the future. Despite concerns that Suzuki vehicles could now possess lower resale values as part supplies and customer support after warranty periods will be tainted, sales of automobiles have been showing an upward pattern ending off November claiming by 22 percent compared to 2011.

Chrysler, Dodge Drops NASCAR Effort After 2012 Season

After five wins and 23 top-ten finishes on the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup tour, Brad Keselowski claimed the 2012 stock car title. Driving a Dodge Charger, it was the first time since 1975 that the brand powered a competitor to the series championship. With the triumph in 2012 came realization that 2013 will not feature a title defence from a Dodge. Early in 2012, Keselowski’s NASCAR team Penske Racing had announced a switch to Ford for the upcoming season. Unable to find a suitable anchor team in the present NASCAR series or the Nationwide Series, Chrysler chose to pull the plug on support of racing activities. It also means the sharp-looking 2013 Sprint Cup version of the Dodge Charger will not be joining the Chevrolet SS and Ford Fusion on NASCAR race tracks.

Brad Keselowski was also involved in a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series moment of glory with Chrysler Group. Ryan Blaney won the September race at Iowa Speedway driving a Keselowski-owned Ram pickup truck. The first victory for the Ram brand, Blaney’s win was the first for a Chrysler division truck since March of 2008.

Tesla Shocks Many with Model S

A car that almost didn’t come to be as Elon Musk’s all-electric automaker has been tethering on financial disaster, Tesla’s luxury four-door sedan certainly made a charge forward in the battery-powered car segment.

An eye-catching sports sedan, technological innovation at the heart of the Tesla Model S. Safe to say the Tesla Model S is not likely to become an all-electric equivalent to the Ford Model T in changing the way we travel. However, requiring around $50,000 (after government tax credits) for a base example, the price of the Model S positioned at roughly half of their outgoing Roadster. Tesla is showing electric vehicle can edge towards cost effectiveness.

Nine years since the Toyota Prius, two years after the plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt, the Tesla Model S became the 2013 Motor Trend’s Car of the Year. The award’s first all electric vehicle winner the Model S sedan was admired for its technological as well as design. At this point, only one of the company’s harsher critics Mitt Romney could be quieter than the Tesla Model S sedan’s electric motor. For the record, I am tiring of the electric vehicle puns as much as I suspect readers are.

Battery Blunders for Electric Vehicles

As electric cars have become more prevalent, it is perhaps inevitable that electric vehicles join the rest of the production car culture with the occasional recall. However, with so many new electrified vehicles entering the marketplace in 2012, quite a bit of noise was created around some popular battery-dependant cars.

At the beginning of 2012, the plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt was placed under a safety recall after a federal crash test later led to a fire. Linked to a damaged battery coolant system following the crash, the Chevy Volt’s problem was quickly addressed.

Another plug-in hybrid car, the Fisker Karma, has been connected to more troublesome battery saga. A late 2011 recall of the Karma because of a battery fire risk was only a start to a series of teething problems resulting with a start-up auto company and their new vehicle. Similar to the Chevrolet Volt, the cooling system for the Karma’s battery was the culprit that time as well as a later recall in August. The Fisker Karma was also the recipient of a lot of embarrassment when a Consumer Reports test vehicle shut down during evaluation. Ultimately found to be a construction flaw at Fisker’s battery supplier A123 Systems, the issue compounded issues with the latter company. Entered into Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October, A123 Systems was ultimately sold to Wanxiang America Corporation founded by Chinese businessperson Lu Guanqiu.

Google Revolutionizing How People Will Not Drive

In 2012, the Google driverless car or self-driving car fleet has achieved over 300,000 miles of travel with 50,000 performed without a human driver. Despite the many concerns regarding autonomous vehicles roaming the roads and highways, work by Google is continuing to gain steam.

2012 saw new freedoms introduced for the Google driverless Car project as the state of Nevada and California where tests can be performed on public roads. Unrelated to Google, mining company Rio Tinto announced they were created a driverless train for operating in Western Australia by 2014. A popular cultural icon among anyone following technology, the Google driverless car concept was also a subject of a NASCAR April Fool’s Day joke. As the driverless vehicles earned the right to operate on roadways, it is unclear if the car had to pose for an ugly license card picture.

Information source: A123 Systems, Audi AG, Chrysler Group, Google, NASCAR, Suzuki, Tesla Motors
Photo source: Audi AG, Bryan Czobat/Autostock, Chris Nagy, Google

In an era where an increasing amount of business can be done without ever having to set eyes on a customer or employer, many lines of employment continue to require the ability to make a face-to-face presentation. Service-based and sales businesses demand automobiles that fulfill specific duties linked in to making income.

Whether proceeding through the path of purchase or car leasing, current economics necessitates a business-focused vehicle must also be affordably priced and have low cost of operations. There may also be a benefit that a more budget-friendly vehicle in regards to making the important first impression. If a plumber or electrician shows up at a job site in a Bentley, a client could think their hired professional is looking after someone else’s interests rather than what is attached to work. The following list is a few examples of vehicles that could prove suitable for winning or maintaining customers.

Ram Cargo Van

Derived from a leading minivan that has evolved from nearly 30 years of innovation, the Ram Cargo Van was added Chrysler Group’s work duty brand for the 2012 model year. Visually differing from a Dodge Grand Caravan with metal paneling over what would be the rear passenger side windows, the Cargo Van within the Ram brand fosters a professional, business-like capability. Boasting best in class payload and towing capacity, the Ram Cargo Van is propelled confidently with the 283-horsepower, 3.6 liter Pentastar V-6 engine. Commercial vehicle duty components such as an engine oil cooler, stronger suspension and a beefed-up electrical system is standard equipment on the Ram Cargo Van for a dependable performance.

The current design Ram Cargo Van could be discontinued with the likelihood a European-sourced Fiat Group small vehicle will join the large ProMaster in late 2013 or 2014.

Nissan Cube

Demand for Nissan’s quirky Cube compact utility vehicle has taken a measurable drop in 2012. Nevertheless, the wacky little Nissan Cube’s standout style and impressive practicality are notable qualities that have lent itself appropriately to commercial use.

Powered by a 122-horsepower 1.8 liter, reasonable city performance combines with fuel economy that registers at 25 miles per gallon city and 30 miles per gallon highway. For the 2013 model year, commercial entities searching for a fleet vehicle might be unnerved by the reality that Nissan has discontinued the cargo version of the Cube. However, the 2013 model Nissan Cube still provides meaningful urban utility. A maximum cargo space of 58.1 cubic feet allows the facilitation of light deliveries or transport, the Nissan Cube is a rare case where a flashy, attention-grabbing machine has a useful presence. Without doubt, The Nissan Cube can look rather spiffy in the business graphics applied through vehicle wraps.

Ford Transit Connect

A popular work van for professional enterprises entering into a contract hire (a process businesses in the United Kingdom lease vehicles), the Ford Connect Transit sizable cargo capacity paired with a relatively compact size has been a key selling point that eventually brought the van to North America in 2009.

Built on the same platform that conceived the first generation Ford Focus, the Transit Connect embodies car-like handling that comes through front-wheel drive and two liter, four-cylinder powerplant. An impressive 135.3 cubic feet of cargo space and able to haul items of 51.1 inches high upright, the Transit Connect operates as the automotive equivalent of a multi-tool. The Ford Transit Connect’s large side panels have the added benefit of providing a sizable billboard to potential customers.

Reshaped with a major touch-up for the 2014 model year, the Transit Connect is set to be taken even more seriously in the commercial vehicle realm.

Mazda CX-5

When an occupation does not require someone to get their hands dirty, making a good first impression on clients would benefit with a vehicle that projects confidence and a strong worth ethic. An all-new, well-mannered crossover vehicle, the Mazda CX-5 is an affordable way to convey attentive properties.

Ideal for real estate agents and other professionals who actively require a vehicle for acquiring income, the 2013 Mazda CX-5 is smart mover. KODO-derived (also known as Soul of Motion) exterior styling, a peppy 155-horsepower, 2-liter inline-four cylinder prescribing to Mazda’s SkyActiv technology and a full array of safety features make the CX-5 crossover vehicle a good candidate for a company car. An available navigation system incorporating TomTom GPS technology will be insurance that you will always arrive at important meetings on time.

With the right vehicle in the new year, making 2013 into a financially prosperous time is reachable.

Information source: Chrysler Group, Ford Motor Company, Mazda Motor of America, Nissan North America

Photo source: Chris Nagy, Chrysler Group, Ford Motor Company

What do you do when you have two vert successful minivans recognized as leaders in their segments? If you’re Chrysler, you think about killing one of them. Combined sales of the Town and Country and Dodge Caravan make Chrysler the clear leader in the segment it first pioneered in the 1980s.

The most recent update to the two models focused on addressing shortcomings in the interior. Despite being badge engineered, the two models have different characters. Normally we are against rebadging. In this case though (along with GMC at General Motors), we think it makes a lot of business sense.

For instance, we have never liked the Caravan and instead prefer the Town and Country. This is the case for many people; two vans sell to different buyers. Recently, the Chrysler Group has been talking about eliminating one of the models in favor of a crossover. The Detroit Free Press reports that Chrysler still hasn’t made its decision. According to the newspaper, Chrysler is showing off four concepts to its customer clinics. They include a new Dodge minivan, a new Chrysler minivan, a new Dodge crossover and a new Chrysler crossover. Our opinion is to leave the existing setup in place.

Who is to say that buyers of the Caravan will move over to the Town and Country and vice versa? Cut the Caravan and you lose a lot of volume, cut the Town and Country and you lose volume as well as higher margins. In addition to leaving the existing set-up in place, we think Chrysler should green-light the crossover. Does Dodge really need another crossover? No. The difficult situation with Chrysler is that executives have signaled their intent to make Chrysler more of a luxury brand. The problem with that is they need to wholeheartedly commit to that decision, and that means no more cars like the 200 or fleet specials. And like it or not, the T&C minivan is part of Chrysler’s image for the foreseeable future. It will be interesting to see what decision they make. Clearly they are hesitant about making a major mistake. We’ll see how this all plays out soon enough.

When Chrysler inspired the modern minivan segment almost 30 years ago, the expectations from the vehicle were quite modest. With an audio cassette player serving as the most high-tech equipment, the minivan’s first appearance in late 1983 was dependent on offering superior space and ergonomics few other vehicles replicated at the time. As the automotive sector reaches the end of 2012, the one-time novelties of the first Dodge and Plymouth minivans are now properties of so many crossover vehicles as well as a few other minivans. Chrysler Group survived while Detroit Three rivals General Motors and Ford Motor Company had pulled the plug on the segment (though Ford will re-enter the family van marketplace with the Transit Connect Wagon for the 2014 model year).

Facing expensive foreign auto company choices from Toyota, Nissan and Honda, Chrysler products had remained appreciated in terms of a family’s pocketbook. The only under-$20,000 minivan sold in 2013, a top-model Dodge Grand Caravan costs $10,000 less than a Toyota Sienna. The Chrysler Town & Country has competed in the premium family hauler market but shares the Grand Caravan’s low operating cost. Chrysler innovative path in the minivan segment is attributed to 78 firsts for the vehicle class. Persevering as an innovative family-mover, Chrysler’s minivans for 2013 will have a high-tech edge far advanced from the cassette deck on the original vehicle.

Debuting on 2013 model year Dodge Grand Caravan and the Chrysler Town & Country, the segment’s first entertainment system to utilize Blu-Ray DVD technology will be provide passengers with near-cinematic delight. A very rare factory-installed Blu-Ray player, second and third row occupants inside the Chrysler minivans can now watch HD (high-definition) video discs as well as regular DVDs. The addition of Blu-Ray compatibility is coupled with nine-inch overhead-mounted screens broadcasting in a picture quality four times greater than previous technology. With two video screens, Chrysler’s new Blu-Ray entertainment system can play two separate movies.

Adding Blu-Ray capability, the new-for-2013 entertainment ensemble for the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans also includes other features favouring the tech-savvy family. With high-definition monitors in place, an HDMI port can allow popular video gaming systems to be played by backseat passengers in all visual glory. RCA input and a 12-volt outlet can be readily found for connecting devices. In regards to laptop computers, digital cameras, tablets and other electronic items using USB connections, two slots on the Blu-Ray enabled 2013 Chrysler minivans allow multimedia connectivity as well as charging. A 115-volt power inverter insures that the rear compartment has the capacity to operate as a moving family room.

While the package will definitely be on the Christmas list of children who ride for hours in the backseat while parents are searching for an 80s rock or news radio station, all that HD multimedia excitement could certainly cause a noisy situation as Nemo or the action from The Avengers movie pulsates the vehicle. Thanks to two wireless headphones, the sound is minimized.

The Blu-Ray capable rear seat HD entertainment system will be optional on SXT, Crew and R/T versions of the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan. While extra on the Chrysler Town & Country Touring L model, the new entertainment array will be standard on the S and Limited trim levels in 2013.

Blu-Ray’s inclusion in automotive entertainment is coming on the advent of a home theater revolution. Online services such as Netflix and Apple iTunes has allowed many of us to evolve beyond the physical disc or storage device in order to consume popular media. In a year or two, the next major step will obviously be the first vehicle to incorporate a video on-demand system.

Information and photo source: Chrysler Group

As you can tell from the wide assortment of automotive announcements coming after a relative summer drought in stories, the Los Angeles Auto Show is set to open at the end of this week. While a great deal of a the releases and premieres at the 2012 edition of the Los Angeles car show will revolve around regular commuter cars or crossover vehicles, Chrysler Group has devoted part of their show presentation to selling the Ram brand to commercial customers. Launching a division dedicated to worksite trucks, the Ram nameplate and followers received anticipated confirmation for a new large van joining the line-up later in 2013.

The 2014 Ram Promaster will be based on the Fiat Ducato panel van. When the Fiat Group buy-up of Chrysler Group took place, we knew that a resulting trend would numerous future products for North America would share platforms with Fiat-related vehicles. With the Dodge Dart already serving as a favourable expression of the mechanical fusion progress, the Ram ProMaster will be the next for what will be several future products following the globalized platform model.

Just announced the ProMaster van as a 2014 model set for sale sometime during the summer of next year, details are still sketchy towards many related topics. While a diesel engine would be very viable for commercial use, buyers of the Ram ProMaster might be searching for more power than the Ducato’s maximum 130 horses produced from a 2.3 liter engine. When it comes to looks, an official image of the 2014 Ram Promaster has yet to be released (hence, the picture above is the Fiat Ducato van). Chrysler has indicated the Promaster’s exterior will be significantly shaped to conform to Ram brand DNA.

Chrysler lost the Sprinter van as a result to the disastrous merger with Daimler-Benz dissolving. Lauded by parcel delivery services and other contractors, Mercedes-Benz proceeded to sell the Sprinter upward from 2010. When it comes to European-based professional vans being sold in the United States, the Dodge Sprinter was ultimately served as a forerunner of things to come. With the Ford E Series being replaced by the Transit van, General Motors will become the only manufacturer of full-sized commercial vans using a North American specific vehicle.

The Ram ProMaster’s entrance in later 2013 will place the Chrysler Group in what is a vehicle segment as busy as the people who use large vans. Nissan entered the North American market late last year with their NV series of utility vans while Ford’s sale of the Transit is set for production roll-out in the near future.

Information source: Chrysler Group
Photo source: Fiat Group

Is the era of the big American sedan over? Not if the 2012 Chrysler 300 has anything to do with it. Ford finally cancelled the Panther cars recently and left the unibody, front-wheel drive Taurus in its wake – the same has happened at Chevrolet with the Impala. Chrysler stands alone with its full-size, rear-wheel drive sedan. The 300 has a formula that resonates with a lot of people.

In about 2004/2005, among the American automakers it was the Chrysler Group (then under the ownership of Daimler) that had serious momentum. That was primarily do to a due of hit products: the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. The brash, rear-wheel drive 300 sedan in particular captured America’s attention, and it sailed over the six-figure sales mark. Sales petered after a while, as it lost its hit product. That left Chrysler free to focus on fixing what needed to be improved.

At the time of its introduction many noticed elements of the car that needed fixing: the interior’s design and quality, for instance, were substandard. Fast forward to today and Chrysler is back on the upswing, after a bankruptcy process that resulted in a partnership with Fiat. The 300 is perhaps the best example of what the company is capable of.

When looking at the 2012 300, you can’t help but get the impression that it is from a different era – and we say that in the most positive light, as the 300 is thoroughly modern in every aspect. The type of luxury it gives off is a feeling of optimistic, flamboyant Americana. Art Deco comes to mind – the stunning shade of brown and two-tone combination of tester’s interior played a big part in that.

When images of the new 300 first surfaced a while back, reaction on the internet wasn’t enthusiastic to say the least. That’s because 300 wasn’t considered a revolutionary change. Many thought that some of the swagger of the previous car was taken out. However, photos didn’t (and don’t) do this car justice. Leave it to skilled designers to know what we want before we want it. In person and on the road the 300 has an incredible presence. We’ll admit to never being huge fans of the previous 300, inside or out. Its main redeeming quality (to us) was the fact that it was driven by the rear wheels. The previous generation 300 looks downright crude and unsophisticated in comparison to the new model. It’s amazing what a reworking of a sound overall shape can do. From the day we saw the new 300 in person it made an impression.

Another thing that doesn’t quite come across in pictures is just how big the 300 is. It is a large car, with a heft that you can feel from behind the wheel. Space is abundant – look behind you and there is ample room for rear seat passengers, look ahead and the long hood stretches out before you. Our tester was equipped with an array of sensors that made parking a snap.

On the road, the 300′s suspension is properly tuned for its mission – comfortable, quiet cruising. There is some body roll at speed but things are pretty tight and well controlled. It’s a road trip vehicle we’d pick in a heartbeat, and rear seat passengers would concur. The length of the car enables a gentle rake of the rear seatback – a detail you don’t notice as much until get in a smaller car where space is a luxury.

The centerpiece of the 300 lineup (for most anyway) is the 300C with a 363 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V-8. To our ears, there is no doubt what is under the hood. Step on the accelerator and the 300 shoots forward with a roar, reaching 60 mph in under six seconds. Loaded up with every option in the book, our tester rang in at about $47,000.

The current 300 has moved up to a whole new level versus the previous car. It is playing in a luxury arena, and the price tag is there to match. Chrysler has responded to the sales data it sees, determining that the mix is skewing toward loaded models. High-end Executive Edition models and other special edition trims have been trotted out to take advantage of this. For years Chrysler has tried to pitch the idea that it is a luxury brand, and it has largely fallen on deaf ears.

With the 300 at least, the claim can be taken seriously. The fact that there are still decidedly mainstream models in the stable though, such as the 200, means that there is a lot of work left to do. To move forward as a brand, Chrysler has to figure out exactly what it wants to be. We’ll leave that to the brand experts to figure out though. The bottom line is this: if Chrysler’s upcoming models (next-generation 200 we’re looking at you) are anything up to the standard set by the 300, we’re looking forward to the brand’s future.

See how much this car should cost you. Hint: It's not MSRP - get Free Price Quotes at Edmunds.com

Disclaimer: This tester was provided by the manufacturer for the purposes of evaluation

Last year the Chrysler 300 got a complete makeover, and this year the 2012 model still received some significant changes. There are some new models that have joined the lineup. A sporty Chrysler 300S that we’ll be reviewing this week, the new Chrysler 300C Luxury Series, and a new Chrysler 300 SRT8 super-sedan. The Chrysler 300S is a sportier 300, and comes with extras like 20-inch wheels and a firmer suspension.

The Chrysler 300 is a full-size four-door sedan that is comfortable, quiet and a cruiser. It can be ordered with a V6 or V8 powerplant and comes with an optional eight-speed automatic. The Chrysler 300 is one of just a few rear-wheel-drive sedans that can be purchased for less than $35,000 making it a good choice for driving enthusiasts.

Chrysler 300S gets visual exterior treatments

Outside, the 300S receives a number of visiual treatments that set it apart from the standard version. The S gets a gloss-black grille and headlight housings framed against monochrome bodywork. The 300S looks a little more menacing as it also comes with large dark wheels and the S just looks more aggressive. Chrysler would like it to compete with the Cadillac CTS-V and it could be a poor man’s version of the Mercedes-Benz AMG E-Class.

The sedan is big and the driver can feel it the moment he or she sits behind the wheel. Interior dimensions and roominess are generous in the front and rear of the cabin. The 300S also has a luxury feel to it. The thick leather-wrapped four-spoke padded steering wheel offers an immediate luxury experience. On the S model, magnesium paddle shifters rise behind the horizontal spokes letting the driver know this a sport model and meant for spirited driving.

A luxury cabin

This S tester also came with Radar Red luxury-leather bucket seats with the S logo added for visual flare. The materials in the cabin are first rate and the S interior feels sporty.  The driver’s seat offers plenty of adjustability and the tilt-telescoping steering wheel makes it easy to find a comfortable seating position. The S model comes with a number of standard luxury features and offers even more optional goodies.

This 2012 Chrysler 300S AWD tester comes with a V6 and 8-speed automatic transmission ($35,820) The S model gets body-color trim with gloss-black grille and headlight trim, matte carbon and piano-black cabin trim, 300S logo on the leather seats, and keyless entry with remote start.

300S options include UConnect with 8.4-inch touch screen, Garmin navigation, Sirius Travel Link with Real Time Traffic and Sirius satellite radio ($795). the large, 8.4-inch screen is easily understood at a glance and easy to operate. Other available options include a Safety Tech package ($2,420) and also a Luxury package ($3,250).

An award-winning powertrain

The standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 is an award winning engine. It comes with double overhead cams, 24 valves, and variable valve timing that aids flexibility and good fuel economy. The V6 produces 292 horsepower and 260 lb ft of torque. The 3.6-liter powerplant is high-revving and delivers strong acceleration.

The Pentastar V6 is mated to a new highly efficient eight-speed automatic with E-Shifter. The automatic achieves improved fuel-mileage because it allows easier acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. The V6 with AWD achieves 18/27 city/highway fuel mileage which is the same as the rear-drive with the five-speed automatic. At 50 mph, the 300 eight-speed will cruise all day long at just 1000 rpm’s allowing moderate interstate cruising using minimal fuel.

The 2012 Chrysler 300 with the eight-speed also gets a new shifter. It has four positions (PRND) and a +/- gate to the side for manual operation. The new shifter could be a weak point for the big sedan. The short stubby shifter looks like an inverted silver putter. The unit is actually an electronic switch and needs to be pushed properly to find the right gear. It’s easy to get the wrong gear and can be a bit confusing and it definitely takes getting used to.

Smooth and comfortable on the road

Driving the big 300S sedan feels much like driving a more expensive German luxury sedan. The 300S is smooth and comfortable, but if you need the power, the V6 has ample power to move all that weight with confidence. The four-door  S is not a sports sedan, but the sport suspension offers enough stiffness to give it a sporty feel. Body roll is acceptable when taking tight corners, and the electric-assist steering has good weighting and feel.

The available All-wheel drive is worth the extra cost and gives the sedan better stability in either wet or dry conditions.The ride height on 2012 Chrysler 300 AWD models is slightly lower than on 2011 models giving it a sleeker profile.

Overall, the 2012 Chrysler 300S V6 AWD is a roomy car that offers comfort, all-wheel-drive capability, enough power for most situations and has a unique  presence. At $35,820, it offers a good value.

See how much this car should cost you. Hint: It's not MSRP - get Free Price Quotes at Edmunds.com

Photo Credit: John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR

As summer is reduced to a matter of a few weeks, we are confronted with the realization that, for many, pleasure goes the way of serious work. The 26th race in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 2012 season, the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond International Raceway is a situation where an entire season of efforts can prove very rewarding or very costly. A 0.75-mile, so-called “drivers race track”, Richmond International Raceway’s placement is seen as perfect to align the 12 drivers who will participate in the 2012 stock car racing playoff. While many drivers in the top-10 were locked into the Chase, the presence of Kasey Kahne, Jeff Gordon, Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards relied on their results in the Federated Auto Parts 400.

In qualifying for the Richmond International Raceway‘s Saturday night affair, Chevrolet Impalas soared to supremacy taking four of the top five spots on the 43-car grid. The #88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr earned the privilege of his first pole of the year. A race scheduled for 7:44pm, the 300-lap Federated Auto Parts 400 was delayed by rain for over an hour. When the rain stopped falling and the track dried, Earnhardt Jr led the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series field to green for the night. For the first 58 laps of the Federated Auto Parts 400, Dale Earnhardt Jr delighted his sizable fan base by leading often giving up the lead only to allow Jeff Gordon to lead two laps and later Michael McDowell led for a lap under caution when leaders pitted during the race’s competition caution on lap 48.

Photo Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images

The first challenger to Dale Earnhardt Jr came from Denny Hamlin and the #11 Fed-Ex Toyota. A two-time race winner of the late summer Richmond International Raceway event, Hamlin was hunting for a third-straight NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory as he passed the #88 car on 59 laps. The lead changed hands between Dale Earnhardt Jr and Denny Hamlin several times over the course of the next 100 laps.

Rain once again interfered with the pivotal NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on lap 155 forcing competitors back to pit lane and the race to be red flagged. While no work was allowed on the stock cars as they sit idle under the rain delay, it would be obvious some drivers and teams were able to plan strategy to better their performances. After over 51 minutes under the red flag, the race resumed and there would immediately be some changes on track compared to the race fans were used to seeing prior to the latest bout of rain showers.

While Dale Earnhardt Jr grabbed the lead of the Federated Auto Parts 400 on lap 156, the #88 Chevrolet piloted by NASCAR’s most popular driver would be passed once again by Denny Hamlin a few laps later. After the short-lived leading stint was over for Earnhardt Jr, he began to backslide from the top of the field at Richmond. Earnhardt Jr and the #88 Hendrick Motorsports team would be fighting to reclaim handling for the rest of Saturday night NASCAR race. Ultimately, the race’s pole-sitter would only muster a 14th place finish.

As the race crossed halfway distance, Denny Hamlin would continue to lead often at Richmond International Speedway foregoing the lead for only a handful of laps between lap 159 to lap 284. Leading a total of 202 of the race’s 400 laps, Hamlin would not be the winner of the Federated Auto Parts 400. Due to a necessary pit stop in the late laps of the event, the #11 Toyota fielded by Joe Gibbs Racing came across the line an unceremonious 18th after a night’s hard work.

Surging from 28th place on the starting grid, the #14 Chevrolet piloted by driver/owner Tony Stewart took the lead on lap 285 away from Denny Hamlin. Stewart was only to hold to the race lead for 15 laps before teammate Ryan Newman took possession of the race’s top spot at lap 300. Without a single yellow flag in after lap 282, the Federated Auto Parts 400 turned into a strategy affair with only 100 laps remaining.

On lap 313, the Michael Waltrip Racing-owned #15 Toyota of Clint Bowyer emerged to take the lead at Richmond International Raceway. With fuel economy called into question through the late stage of the event, Bowyer had just the right amount of Sunoco race fuel in his car to motor to a second NASCAR Sprint Cup win in the 2012 season. Clint Bowyer overcame a spinout earlier in the race to comfortably align himself as well with the 2012 NASCAR Chase thanks to his victory at Richmond.

Photo Credit: Patrick Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR

With the top-10 in the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers championship locked in the 10-race Chase, the two wild card spots went to drivers who have won races and/or highest in points. Hendrick Motorsport cars of Kasey Kahne and Jeff Gordon secured both wild card spots. By three points, Gordon bested Joe Gibbs Racing’s Kyle Busch for the final Chase spot.

After three straight weekends of night races, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts the Chase with a Sunday afternoon 400-mile event at the Chicagoland Speedway on September 16th.

NASCAR Sprint Cup

Federated Auto Parts 400

Richmond International Raceway

Race Results

2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Chase Contenders

For the past several weeks, automobiles have been associated with the word “recall” in an unflattering manner as almost every major carmaker appears to have been bitten by gremlins. However, one Hollywood remake places Chrysler within a different state known as Total Recall.

Part of a futuristic chase scene in the newly released 2012 Total Recall film, hover vehicles wear Chrysler and Dodge badges. Wildly unrecognizable to anything currently on the streets today, Chrysler and Dodge branded hover cars operating in the world of 2084 reveals a high-speed, high-tech form of personal transportation. Swappable steering column and the ability to travel along highways running 100s of feet above the ground are a few features found on the hover vehicles presented with Chrysler badging. Perhaps a far-reaching piece of imagination, it is questionable if the Chrysler hovercrafts will become the future of transportation our children and grandchildren could grow accustomed to.

The Total Recall movie is yet another where the huge Hollywood side business of product placement bequests items such as soft drinks, restaurants and electronics onto the film screen. Auto companies have also been heavily involved in this common practice of on-movie advertising.

For futuristic movies such as the new Total Recall film, the forward look into tomorrow can be quite off target. Not only for the progression of technology, when product placement is involved in a movie it can turn embarrassing. The Sci-Fi classic 1982 Blade Runner was famously regarded as a cursed movie for several companies featured with sale, bankruptcy or a disastrous product (such as Coca-Cola when they changed their formula in 1985). Pan-American World Airways was a corporate shadow that did not make it to the time of 2001: A Space Odyssey or extraterrestrial travel. In Back to the Future II, Hill Valley of 2015 was depicted as a futuristic environment where a Pontiac dealership resided in the town’s square. Much like the flying cars, hover boards, and hydrating pizza, we’re on a path to enter our year 2015 without the arrowhead badge adorning new automotive products.

Though 2084 is a long way forward in time with no absolute predictions to the state of this planet, Chrysler Group’s involvement the new Total Recall movie released in 2012 is a celebration to the real-world restructuring of a company. Three years ago, so many people would have considered the during existence of Chrysler into the latter half of this century to a situation in a comedy. In fact, the business health of the Pentastar brand corporation up to the release date of the Total Recall remake would have been a great, Hollywood success story. Along with the Total Recall movie, Chrysler had also engaged in cross-promotion with the latest Batman movie The Dark Knight Rises. In a television commercial, a Chrysler 300 Sedan was produced under an “Imported from Gotham City” spot.

In a Chrysler advertisement shown on television recently, the 2084 Chrysler hovercars is joined by the 2012 Chrysler 200 convertible.

Information, photo and video source: Chrysler Group

In Tuesday, the hearts of many Mopar fans could be heard breaking. The President and CEO of the SRT (Street and Racing Technology) as well as Chrysler Group’s motorsport program Ralph Gilles delivered a sad announcement that will effectively park the 12-season old NASCAR Sprint Cup program as well as the Nationwide Series after 2012. In a pop announcement, Gilles officially declared that Chrysler would not be supplying any support to Dodge Chargers or Challengers racing in the premier stock car racing ranks.

While a shocking story, the announcement does not come as a surprise. Back in 2009 when Chrysler Group requested bailout funding to help with their structural bankruptcy, the involvement in NASCAR was criticized as being an expensive sponsorship venue. While Dodge did not have to leave motorsports, there was consolidation of their NASCAR program. In 2011 and 2012, the Dodge efforts circulated almost exclusively around Penske Racing for NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Nationwide competition with a driver line-up including Brad Keselowski. Just days after the this year‘s Daytona 500, the Roger Penske-owned racing organization had broadcasted a commitment to Ford for the upcoming 2013 stock car racing season. Attempts were made to find a suitor for the Dodge brand inside the Sprint Cup Series. NASCAR insiders had indicated Furniture Row Racing team (currently campaigning a Chevrolet Impala) as a potential Dodge Charger backer in 2013 with a possible two-car team forming. At the end, the no deals materialized to save the Chrysler-backed involvement. “A number of opportunities emerged, and our team worked diligently to put a structure together to fit our overall business and competitive objectives. While we have been pleased and enthused with the amount of interest from teams and sponsors over that time, in the end, we simply couldn’t develop the right structure.,” said Ralph Gilles.

Possessing a storied history for stock car racing that involves a total of 215 race wins in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Dodge‘s modern return to competition was eager to rekindle past greatness. Following Lee Petty winning the first NASCAR race in 1953 in what is known as the Sprint Cup Series, the major feat for the auto brand would be David Pearson clinching the 1966 driver’s championship in a Charger. For the Dodge make itself, two manufacturer’s championship in 1970 and 1975 were highlights for their participation in major league stock car racing. Withdrawing from NASCAR after the 1977 season ended with Richard Petty claiming a championship with the Dodge Charger, other Dodge products made a few appearances in NASCAR competition for several years afterwards. Racing a #43 Dodge Magnum to limited success during the 1978 season, Richard Petty and his team were even considering the use of a Dodge Mirada in 1981 for the Daytona 500 but were unable to achieve competitive speeds in testing. The decision to abandon the Chrysler product in favour of a Buick won Petty his seventh Daytona 500. A few other attempts in campaigning the Dodge Mirada would ultimately end in disappointment.

Dodge’s first claw-back into NASCAR occurred when they fielded several teams of Ram pickups in the new-founded Truck Series in 1995. As many predicted, the Truck Series effort ultimately led to the return of the brand to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2001. Collecting 55 wins since its comeback (a number that could rise with 15 races left this 2012 season in Sprint Cup), Dodge drivers would fall short of a Sprint Cup championship. Remarking to the departure of the Dodge brand from the top stock car racing series, NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France stated, “Dodge has been a great partner to NASCAR for many years, and they have been part of numerous memorable moments throughout our history,”. France understands that the Chrysler Group was making a business decision.

Earlier this year, Dodge (in an presentation that awkwardly involved their departing NASCAR partner Penske Racing) presented a 2013 Charger that was designed to correspond with styling perimeters offering more visual identity for next season‘s Sprint Cup schedule. With Chrysler’s support withdrawn, that stock car will not be present on the racetracks in 2013 based on the complexity of factory support in the Sprint Cup Series. There could be a different story in the Nationwide Series as no major rule changes could technically allow the Dodge Challenger the appear next season but it is highly unlikely based on the lack of manufacturer support.

Ending what will become 18 seasons of support in NASCAR dating back to the brand’s participation in the Truck Series, there will only be three vehicle makes represented in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Without knowing what competition awaits in the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, the remaining car makes Ford, Chevrolet and Toyota could be the new focus for disenchanted Mopar fans at the racetrack.

Information source: Chrysler Group, NASCAR
Photo source: Chrysler Group

Since the early part of the 20th century, the evolution of technology has caused us to constantly re-evaluate the gap between necessity and luxury. Remembering the Motorola ‘brick’ cell phones the few high-flying socialites carried during the 1980s, the majority of the public gladly waited to get home to converse with a friend. Today, as we all seem to talk on our portable devices, we share the newest free app we acquired on our high-powered smartphone. One of the many cases where luxury becomes normality, the car industry was founded as a prestige business that is now largely everyday technology.

Electric starting, radio and even heating were once considered luxury items on automobiles in a time where motorists (the ones who had adapted to motor vehicles) accepted a laborious chore by simply driving. All these accepted components to modern vehicles where one-time premium conveniences are features existing as commonplace on almost every automobile. In the bitterly hot summer heat, air conditioning units hum in buildings and increasingly more in modern vehicles.

Mobile air conditioning was first introduced to trains and buses in the early 1930s because of the shear size of the early assembly. In 1935, heating and cooling company giant Carrier tested an automotive air conditioner unit. Weighing 600 pounds, the impractical demonstration of personal vehicle air conditioning required its compressor to be mounted on a car’s roof. Able to find a more compact solution to packaging the cooling equipment, now-defunct American automaker Packard introduced the first made air conditioner available on a passenger car. Taking up a sizable portion of the truck, the Packard air conditioning system was far from today’s counterparts. Cadillac would also add air conditioning as an option on vehicles in 1940 with the upcoming World War Two ultimately cooling down the market.

Like many pieces of technology, air conditioning would need to be revisited later in order to gain better marketplace acceptance. Years after the Second World War, Chrysler Corporation refined the cooling technology. In 1952, Chrysler Corporation (who was at the same time producing stationary air conditioner units) brought the temperature-reducing technology to the 1953 Imperial. So popular, the Chrysler brand expanded air conditioning across their vehicle line-up as an option just two years later with most automakers following suit with the unique feature. By 1969 as automatic climate control was being rolled out for comprehensive cabin temperature balance, 54 percent of cars sold in the United States were equipped with air conditioning.

60 years since the effective implementation of air conditioning in automobiles, the one-time creature comfort has turned into an expectation at the new car dealership. Through the 1990s, air conditioning prevalence grew as the feature started to become a ‘no-cost’ extra used to more less expensive vehicles off the lots. Eventually, automakers made the job for the dealerships easier by expanding standard air conditioning across the brand line-ups and soon even onto base model vehicles. Today, even the least expensive vehicle in the United States marketplace, the 2012 Nissan Versa S sedan, is sold with a climate control system including no-cost air conditioning.

Motoring through some of the hottest days of the year in North America, many of us will eagerly click on the air conditioning system whether it is for a long commute or a Sunday drive. Unfortunately, as interior accommodations fill with the refreshing comfort of cooled air, the relaxation from the harsh natural environment will be accompanied by an uninviting truth. Using energy otherwise devoted to powering vehicle movement, air conditioner units draw on either the engine or electric power on EV products striping away valuable fuel mileage. The US Department of Energy broadly appraised air conditioning running on maximum could reduce fuel mileage by 2 to 25 percent (generally around 15 percent is a good all-around estimate). In most cases, air conditioning use is comparable driving with the windows open. During a heat wave, however, vehicle occupants will without doubt accept a compromise in driving performance for a cool, gentle machine-made breeze.

With the automobile bringing solace to the feet and muscles of people, the mechanical companionship with air conditioning has clearly proven to be a thoroughly refreshing way to travel.

Information source: National Academy of Engineering, Nissan North American Incorporated, Popular Mechanics, January 1996 pg. 12
Photo source: Chris Nagy, Chrysler Group, General Motors, Nissan North American Incorporated

In the new Fiat-Chrysler Group order, Lancia and Chrysler are the brands paired together. Unfortunately, we haven’t seen anything from Lancia brought over here. We’d particularly like to see the Delta; it’s been teased at various auto shows bearing a Chrysler logo, but nothing came of of it.

In Europe though, the 300, 200 Convertible and Town & Country minivan have been brought over to be sold as Lancias. We know, it’s pretty weird – Chryslers being sold as Italian cars? The Lancia brand is struggling though, and Fiat decided the only way to save it is new product. Right now the future of the brand isn’t certain.

The 300 is rebadged as the Thema flagship, and it has a gorgeous interior that had made its way to the United States on up level trims. One thing we’ve never got here in the U.S is a 300 Coupe. The only coupe on the 300′s platform is the Dodge Challenger. Autoblog.nl reports that Lancia could be looking into one though. Lancia hasn’t been showing much life, but Fiat appears to be committed to the brand. If Fiat intends to move forward with Lancia, a luxury coupe could be an image car it needs. Lancia really only competes in the Italy though, and Italian market is quite weak.

So, the business case wouldn’t make much sense for an Italian-only vehicle. Selling it in the U.S and other global markets too though? That might work. The report isn’t clear whether it would just be a version of the 300 or once styled specifically for Lancia. We’d be fine with either. The rendering depicts a low-slung coupe version of the 300, and it is a stylish big coupe. There’s a lot of rumors that fly around; this is one of the ones we’d be surprised to see come about. Hopefully it does though. We’re looking forward to the next-generation Chrysler/Lancia models. We think Chrysler’s models will be positively impacted by Lancia’s Italian input.

It has been eluded to that the younger people are not embracing car ownership with the same value as they did 40-50 years ago. Expense after expense, the need to live smaller in this current society, fortunately technology has grown more compact to grant otherwise immobilized individuals with the ability roam a virtual expanse. Eager to apply my love for automobiles with my working lifestyle (where I write about automotive-related interests), a unique computer peripheral caught my eye. For the past 6 months, I have been navigating my computer with the Roadmice wireless car mouse.

Buying one of these dream cars as an early Christmas gift for myself when a retailer posted a sale on the product, I had a choice of the Viper SRT 10, Nissan 370Z, Ford GT and the Jaguar XKR. Roadmice also offers the Chevrolet Corvette, Chevrolet Camaro, Lamborghini Murcielago and Chrysler PT Cruiser among their full product line-up. Frankly, I would have been partial to a Chevrolet Camaro if one was available in store but c’est la vie. Taking about 20 minutes to deliberate on the style I wanted, I would chose the Viper SRT 10.

Buying mine through retail, Roadmice also provides an online purchase option where the full variety of their unique peripherals is sold. The wireless versions of the car-based computer mice sell for $39.95 or $49.95. The set includes the car-based mouse, 2.4 GHz USB receiver and a protective cover for the Roadmice product. Roadmice also offers wired computer mice at a price of $19.95 for those willing to forego the flexibility of cordless interaction. I was able to buy just under $40 for my mouse in store after taxes and a nominal electronic recycling fee (that I strongly suspect is being spent all government executives could have a lobster dinner to decide what to do with the 5 cents).

However, the small fee was worth the puzzlement of the checkout clerk when she was trying to realize why an electronic recycling charge was added to the item. She didn’t realize initially it was actually a computer mouse. The Roadmice computer mouse products are incredibly well detailed to the form of their real-life inspirations. Tires, spoilers as well as every louver and air opening is accounted for on a Roadmice computer mouse. When I purchased my Viper SRT 10, I actually considered the ergonomics of each design. The Nissan 370Z was a little taller than the others and the Jaguar XKR was one of the flattest of the four I studied in store. I found some of the vehicles were more natural choices as a computer mouse. I scratched the Ford GT off the list due to the large air outlets of the vehicle’s hood residing within the buttons of the Roadmice computer mouse. Even with the Roadmice Viper SRT 10, the high-detail appearance can be difficult to keep clean.

A Designer device compatible for PC as well as Apple MAC products, the Roadmice computer mice features two-buttons, a scrolling wheel and accurate optical sensing. It is best to keep the mouse on a smooth surface for the best performance. Perhaps the most eye-catching detail is the functioning headlamps for the Roadmice vehicle. Illuminating in a bright blue, the lights can be turned on and off by a small switch on the bottom of the device. Frankly, I wished for a better location for the switch such as maybe a button on the rear license plate.

My only major quarrel with the Roadmice wireless car mouse is battery life. While the Roadmice website indicates that the two AA batteries can last up to 3 months in the mouse, I believe the forecast could be optimistic for most users. Perhaps being a heavy user of my Roadmice wireless car mouse, I have never experienced a month without having to change the batteries at least once. Extending the battery life would require the minimal use of the headlamp effect. The Roadmice wireless car mouse includes an automatic shut-off after a certain time of non-use.

In six months with my Roadmice wireless car mouse, I give high marks to my Viper SRT 10 themed device. While clearly a premium product at its price point, Roadmice wireless car mouse is one of those times likely to be parked on any auto enthusiast’s desk.

Information source: Roadmice
Photo source: Chris Nagy