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April 19, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – The new Chrysler 200 series vehicles provide customers elegant, well-crafted mid-size vehicles with an extraordinary level of standard content and an exhilarating driving experience. From the ground up, the new 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan and convertible have been redesigned and upgraded to deliver great American design and engineering, with a value proposition that exceeds expectations.

Now, with the introduction of the S models, Chrysler expands the lineup, offering customers production vehicles with a one-of-a-kind style. The S models have the same DNA as the traditional models, but with an entirely different appearance and attitude. While the traditional Chrysler models make a style and luxury statement, the S models create a different path through the Chrysler brand, taking style in a whole new direction, with a completely different attitude.

“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.”

Chrysler 200 S Sedan

With an elegant style, refined ride and handling characteristics, an exquisitely-crafted interior, a new powertrain and an abundance of standard safety features, the Chrysler 200 sedan is beautifully inspired and a remarkable value. The Chrysler 200 provides drivers a little more style and elegance in segment traditionally known for its “sea of sameness.”

The new 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan S model brings a distinct style with a little bit of attitude for the customer that wants to express their individual style, at a price that makes sense.

Distinctive exterior design elements exclusive to the S model include a unique front grille with an S model-only Chrysler winged badge with a black background, body color mirrors and door handles, black background headlamps for a little extra attitude, distinctive 18-in. aluminum wheels with dark painted pockets and “S” badging.

The interior exclusive design features include a perforated leather steering wheel; leather, heated front seats with Digital suede inserts and an embroidered “S” on the front head rests; suede door trim bolsters; a black headliner and a standard Boston Acoustic sound system with a 276-watt CD/DVD/MP3/30 gigabyte hard drive media center with Uconnect® voice command.

The new 2011 Chrysler 200 provides drivers an agile, confident, handling performance in all driving situations, whether it’s commuting to work, a weekend adventure on twisty roads or going out with family and friends. Virtually every part of the suspension has been re-engineered or redesigned for 2011, including 26 of 30 suspension bushings. The suspension geometry was completely re-engineered. The track is an inch wider, tire width has been increased from 215 to 225 mm and the Chrysler 200 has been lowered 12 mm in the front and 6 mm in the rear for a lower, wider, more substantial stance.

Customers will drive with confidence in the Chrysler 200 and experience less body roll, reduced vehicle shake on uneven road surfaces, improved isolation on rough roads, better steering precision, response and feel and increased grip with new premium tires.

The 2011 Chrysler S sedan is powered by the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine which produces a best-in-class horsepower rating of 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, but still achieves an exceptional 29 miles per gallon EPA highway fuel economy rating The 3.6-liter Pentastar engine is mated to the 62TE six-speed automatic transaxle.

Cabin quietness has been upgraded, resulting in one of the quietest cabins in the segment, and allowing passengers to enjoy their conversations, largely devoid of outside noise. Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) were reduced and 45 new sound deadening treatments were added, including an acoustic glass windshield, laminated side glass usually only found in higher priced vehicles and new sound absorption materials throughout the vehicle.

An abundance of standard safety and security features in every 2011 Chrysler 200 model offer consumers peace of mind at a price they can afford. The 200 sedan’s standard safety features include: standard advanced multi-stage front passenger air bags, active head restraints, electronic stability control (ESC), front seat side air bags, side curtain air bags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic traction control, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child seat anchor system and available Uconnect® voice command. The 2011 Chrysler 200 is Insurance Institute for Highway Safety “Top Safety Pick.”

The 2011 Chrysler 200 S has a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $26,790 (including $750 destination).

Chrysler 200 S model sedans are available to order now and will begin arriving in U.S. dealer showrooms in the second quarter.

Chrysler 200 S Convertible

The new 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible offers consumers an open-air driving experience featuring elegant craftsmanship inside and out, a fun, yet refined driving experience, innovative technology, an abundance of standard safety features and an extraordinary level of standard content. The 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible is an exciting alternative for customers who want the benefits of a coupe and the true open-air freedom of a convertible, all at a surprising value.

Redesigned and re-engineered for 2011, the Chrysler 200 Convertible is unique in the standard specialty segment as a true mid-sized convertible that comfortably seats 4 adults and has enough room in the trunk, even when the power top is dropped. Consumers can choose from two automatically latching tops, a body-color painted steel, retractable hard top, or a cloth soft top, both of which can drop with the press of a button on the key fob.

The new 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan S model brings a distinct style with a little bit of attitude for the customer that wants to express their individual style, at a price that makes sense.

Distinctive exterior design elements exclusive to the S model include a unique front grille with an S model-only Chrysler winged badge with a black background, body color mirrors and door handles, black background headlamps for a little extra attitude, distinctive 18-in. aluminum wheels with dark painted pockets and “S” badging.

The interior exclusive design features include a perforated leather steering wheel; leather, heated front seats with Digital suede inserts and an embroidered “S” on the front head rests; silver accent thread and a standard Boston Acoustic sound system with a 276-watt CD/DVD/MP3/30 gigabyte hard drive media center.

The 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible models provide drivers a fun, confident, handling performance in all driving situations, whether it’s commuting to work or a weekend adventure on scenic roads. Virtually every part of the suspension has been retuned or redesigned for 2011, including 22 of 28 suspension bushings. The suspension geometry was completely re-engineered. The track is an inch wider, tire width has been increased from 215 to 225 mm and the Chrysler 200 has been lowered 12 mm in the front and 6 mm in the rear for a lower, wider, more substantial stance.

Customers will drive with confidence in the Chrysler 200 Convertible and experience less body roll, reduced vehicle shake on uneven road surfaces, improved isolation on rough roads, better steering precision, response and feel and increased grip with new premium tires.

The 2011 Chrysler S Convertible is powered by the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine which produces a 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, but still achieves an exceptional 29 miles per gallon EPA highway fuel economy rating The 3.6-liter Pentastar engine is mated to the 62TE six-speed automatic transaxle.

With every available safety and security feature standard in the new 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible, consumers receive peace of mind at a price they can afford. The 200 Convertible’s standard safety features include: advanced multi-stage front passenger air bags, front-seat-mounted side air bags, electronic stability control (ESC) with brake assist and traction control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), Brake Override, active front-seat head restraints, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child seat anchor system, remote keyless illuminated entry, SentryKey engine immobilizer and security alarm.

The 2011 Chrysler 200 S has a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $32,490 (including $750 destination).
The Chrysler 200 Convertible S model will begin arriving in U.S. dealer showrooms later this spring.

The 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan and convertible models are built at the Sterling Heights (Mich.) Assembly Plant.

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(from Chrysler Press Release) All-new 2011 Chrysler 300 Sedan Makes Its World Premiere With Head-turning American Design Combined With World-class Refinement, Craftsmanship, Innovation and PerformanceWith its elegant proportions and head-turning style, the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 takes the ‘most award-winning car ever’ to new heights – combining the best of the nameplate’s more than 55-year history with world-class quietness, craftsmanship, execution and premium materials

• The all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan delivers grand-touring performance and world-class ride and handling with best-in-class V-6 engine power and new second-generation E-segment chassis architecture
• Uconnect® Touch delivers the segment’s largest standard touchscreen radio (8.4-inch) and offers state-of-the-art connectivity, segment-leading Garmin® navigation with world-class functionality and SIRIUS Travel Link for real-time weather, fuel prices and more • New active safety features include adaptive-forward lighting, Forward Collision Warning and Blind-spot Monitoring to bring the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan’s safety and security feature list to more than 70
• The all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan arrives in dealerships in Spring 2011, delivering the performance, quality, technology and refinement of the world’s best sedans starting at $27,995 (including destination)

January 10, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – Delivering the stylistic distinction, technological innovation, premium E-segment sedan features and quality at a legendary value, the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan made its world premiere at the 2011 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), writing a new chapter in the brand’s legendary history, while setting a new course for the American brand.

“The all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 is an icon of American ingenuity and symbolizes the greatness Detroit-designed vehicles offer the streets, highways and boulevards of the world,” said Olivier Francois, President and CEO — Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “From its premium materials, state-of-the-art connectivity features, new chassis architecture and best-in-class power, the all-new Chrysler 300 embodies the brand’s new attitude in every detail. And to ensure our all-new Chrysler flagship delivers more than unmistakably bold and powerful American style to our customers, the Chrysler 300 team benchmarked the craftsmanship, technology and refinement of the segment’s best sedans to deliver a new world-class quality and performance symbol at an attainable price.”

The all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan embodies the essence of the new Chrysler brand: delivering passion for design, people and the environment through expressive design, state-of-the-art connectivity and world-class levels of quality and efficiency.

A Collaboration of Detroit Style With World-class Craftsmanship

With more than 55 years of elegant proportions and head-turning style, the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 delivers contemporary styling with design details unexpected in the segment. At the front, an all-new grille features seven deeply sculpted horizontal blades that express precision. The liquid-chrome finish of the blades and the new Chrysler wing badge provide a unique contrast against the beautifully drawn bright-chromed grille surround. Illuminating the road ahead are signature “key slot” headlamps with a scalloped lower edge. Inside, bi-functional projector headlamps are nestled next to LED-illuminated daytime running lamps, which together form a “C” shape for unmistakable on-road presence.

The profile of the all-new Chrysler 300 features the distinctive proportions of its predecessor with added design refinement for a more tailored appearance. Dramatic front-fender forms rise above the sculpted hood and are echoed by rear-quarter forms, which rise above the deck lid and travel down the vertical taillamps for an unmistakably bold signature silhouette. For improved aerodynamics and visibility, the all-new Chrysler luxury flagship’s windshield has been raked back 3 inches, while rolled-framed doors with thinner pillars improve outward visibility by 15 percent.

Elevating the all-new Chrysler 300 sedan’s rear-view presence is an integrated deck-lid lip spoiler with the new Chrysler wing badge proudly centered below. Jewel-like rear taillamps feature harmonious LED illumination, while signature “light pipes” illuminate for an alluring nighttime appearance. Straddling the vertical lamps, Chrysler 300 sedan’s rear fascia integrates a chrome appliqué that seamlessly connects the taillamp elements while emphasizing the road-holding stature of the flagship sedan. Hinting at the flagship sedan’s performance are two fascia-mounted oval dual exhaust tips.

Luxurious Environment with Premium Materials and Best-in-class Comfort

Combining world-class accommodations with American style, the all-new Chrysler 300 sedan’s interior delivers expressive style, authentic materials, passenger comfort features and precise fit and finish. Substantial interior upgrades on the all-new Chrysler 300 consist of soft touch materials, premium interior trim, available heated and ventilated Nappa leather seats, and real wood appliqués on the instrument panel, doors, center console and steering wheel.

Designed to exude a luxurious environment, the 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan features cast-skin instrument and door panels with three-dimensional dual gloss graining for a premium appearance and suppleness. Bright chrome contrasted with satin chrome accents give the Chrysler flagship sedan the appearance of milled aluminum. For added detail, a new instrument cluster features two large gauge faces with Sapphire Blue illumination and chrome ring accents. Providing a premium and contemporary environment is an all-new Sapphire Blue LED-illuminated ambient interior lighting.

Delivering best-in-class comfort, all-new seats were engineered with premium architecture and include a serpentine (S-shaped) spring suspension, all-new front-seat backs with four-way lumbar system that actuates up/down and fore/aft, and variable density foams applied in the lower seat, seat back, and bolsters for enhanced comfort “tuning.”

Designed for Passionate Drivers Who Value Substance and Individuality

Redesigned from the ground up, the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 is the freshest entry in the U.S. standard full-size vehicle segment. While the standard full-size segment share has consistently held around 4 percent for the last 3 calendar years, the all-new Chrysler 300 series sedans will re-ignite the segment delivering elegant style, grand-touring performance, best-in-class seat comfort and the precision and quality of the world’s best E-segment luxury sedans at an attainable value.

Buyers of the 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan are inspired by thoughtful innovation, are passionate about driving and are interested to express their creativity and distinct personality through new experiences. The all-new Chrysler flagship sedan meets their demands by combining superior styling, confident handling, and the craftsmanship, premium details and technology that reinforce driving as a fun and pleasurable experience.

All-new 2011 Chrysler 300 series sedans are available in the United States in four highly equipped models: Chrysler 300, 300 Limited, 300C and 300C AWD. In addition, the Luxury and SafetyTec Groups provide customers with high-value content and innovative technology directly targeted for their specific needs.

Engineered with The Characteristics to Take on the World’s Best

Engineered and executed to deliver a world-class luxury sedan experience, the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan’s world-class body structure and chassis deliver a level of quality, capability and refinement that rival the best E-segment competitors from Europe, Asia and North America.

Maximizing its new ultra-rigid structural design, the all-new Chrysler 300 features quietness among the best in the segment. The all-new Chrysler flagship’s unibody packages material and structural design improvements, including two premium-composite underbody panels that provide more than eight feet of acoustic insulation, dual-pane acoustic windshield and front-door side glass, body-cavity silencing foam, under-flush rolled-framed doors with triple seals and acoustic wheel-well liners, all helping to absorb road noise and quiet the cabin.

The all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 features Chrysler Group’s new second generation E-segment architecture with redesigned front- and rear-suspension geometry delivering world-class handling, and all-new premium suspension hardware for world-class refinement. The all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan’s suspension delivers the grand-touring performance expected from premium European luxury sedans, to make this all-new American flagship one of the best driving sedans in the world.

Taking its new second-generation E-segment architecture further, the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300C AWD delivers precise all-weather handling, world-class refinement and a lowered ride height for a more tailored appearance. The all-new Chrysler 300C AWD features a 0.5-inch (13 mm) tighter tire-to-fender fitment, a 0.15-inch (4 mm) lowered overall ride height and larger 19-inch wheels with wider P235/55R19 all-season performance tires.

Best-in-class 292 Horsepower with All-new Aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 Engine

Engineered to provide exceptional in-town and highway efficiency and performance, the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 and 300 Limited models feature the newest powertrain from the automaker – the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. When compared to the previous V-6 engines, fuel economy is improved by up to 8 percent with EPA-ratings of 18 city /27 highway.

Delivering 292 horsepower (up 63 percent) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (up 36 percent) compared with the previous 2.7-liter entry-level engine, the new Pentastar V-6 engine also produces 42 more horsepower (up 16 percent), and 10 lb.-ft. more torque compared to the 3.5-liter V-6.

World-class Power and Efficiency with 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 Engine and its Fuel Saver Technology
Performance has been a hallmark of the “letter series” Chrysler 300 models since 1955, and the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300C builds upon that legacy with the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine delivering 363 horsepower, 0-60 mph performance in less than 6 seconds and up to 25 highway mpg. In addition, the engine’s innovative Fuel Saver Technology allows for seamless transition between smooth, high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. When running in four-cylinder fuel saver mode, the engine delivers up to 20 percent improved fuel efficiency.

Most Advanced All-wheel Drive (AWD) System in the E-Segment


The all-new 2011 Chrysler 300C AWD model features a segment-exclusive active transfer case and front-axle disconnect system to improve fuel economy by up to 5 percent. No other major automotive manufacturer offers the combination of these two independent technologies. The Chrysler 300C AWD sedan’s innovative AWD system seamlessly transitions between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and AWD with no driver intervention. When AWD is not required, the system automatically disconnects the front axle to maximize fuel economy while still providing the outstanding fun-to-drive performance and handling inherent in RWD vehicles.

World-class Precision, Execution and Quality Deliver Long-term Performance and Refinement

Chrysler’s commitment to providing customers with a new level of quality and craftsmanship started at the very beginning of the 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan’s development.

The Chrysler 300 sedans were benchmarked against best-in-class vehicles from Europe, Asia and North America to ensure world-class refinement for attributes such as material quality, interior quietness, seat comfort, and smooth and responsive handling characteristics. Chrysler engineers evaluated more than 320 physical characteristics of benchmark vehicles – including aspirational vehicles priced tens of thousands of dollars more than the all-new Chrysler 300 series sedans.

The 2011 Chrysler 300 was one of the first Chrysler Group vehicles to be evaluated by the company’s Perceived Quality team at the digital design phase. The Perceived Quality team evaluates vehicles from the perspective of the most discriminating customer and works with designers and engineers to enhance the fit-and-finish, surface quality, material options and even the sound quality of moveable parts like doors and storage bins.

Beginning with the all-new vehicles developed for the 2011 model year, Chrysler Group has increased the number of reliability testing miles by 50 percent. Chrysler engineers tested the 300 series sedans for more than 7 million miles during its reliability and durability evaluation in the company’s scientific labs, at the proving grounds and on public roads in various climates.

State-of-the-art Connectivity with Segment’s Largest Touchscreen Infotainment Center

The all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan’s Uconnect® Touch integrates world-class infotainment and convenience technologies to keep passengers connected, comfortable and secure.

From touchscreen navigation to dual-zone climate controls, to the ability to check fuel prices and personalize convenience features, Uconnect Touch makes life in the all-new Chrysler flagship sedan an excellent experience for the driver and passengers. Chrysler 300 and 300 Limited models come standard with the Uconnect Touch 8.4 model, featuring easy-to-use controls to provide class-leading technology. With its massive 8.4-inch touchscreen display and user-friendly touch-key categories, information on the Uconnect Touch is clearly displayed and connecting and controlling personal mobile devices is simple.

The premium Uconnect Touch 8.4N model is available on the Chrysler 300 Limited and standard on the Chrysler 300C and 300C AWD models and includes more customer-convenient amenities than ever before, including the integration of segment-leading Garmin® navigation and SIRIUS Travel Link with real-time fuel prices, movie listings, sports updates and weather.

All-new 2011 Chrysler 300 Offers More Than 70 Advanced Safety and Security Features

The all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 features more than 70 safety and security features, including standard Keyless Enter-N-Go and electronic stability control (ESC) with segment-exclusive Ready Alert Braking and Rain Brake Support safety features to improve overall vehicle handling and performance.

Chrysler brand’s signature SafetyTec Group is available on the 2011 Chrysler 300 Limited, 300C and 300C AWD models and packages many first-time-available features including adaptive-forward lighting (AFL), high-intensity discharge (HID) projector high and low-beams with automatic headlamp leveling, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with adaptive-cruise control (ACC), Blind-spot monitoring (BSM) with Rear Cross Path (RCP) detection, ParkSense® front and rear park assist system, LED-illuminated rear fog lamps, exterior mirrors with supplemental turn signals and approach lamp (300 Limited adds HomeLink universal transceiver, rain-sensing wipers and SmartBeam® headlamps to the package group).

In addition, standard front-row reactive head restraints, standard full-length side-curtain air bags, driver’s knee bag and standard front seat-mounted side-thorax air bags offer enhanced occupant protection to passengers in the event of a collision.

World-class Manufacturing (WCM) Transforms Brampton to Launch the All-new Chrysler 300 Sedans
For the Brampton plant, the launch of the Chrysler brand’s all-new flagship sedan had to be nothing less than world class.

In preparation for the launch of the Chrysler 300 series sedans, employees at Chrysler Group LLC’s Brampton Assembly Plant, located outside of Toronto, began transforming the facility as part of World Class Manufacturing (WCM), an extensive and thorough process to restore all facilities to their original and maximum functionality.

While Chrysler Group implemented manufacturing programs in the past, what makes WCM different is that it fully engages people in eliminating waste and empowers them to take ownership of the process.

To further improve the quality of the all-new Chrysler 300 sedans, a new Metrology Center was installed at Brampton. Used throughout the Fiat manufacturing system, the $20 million, 35,000 square-foot facility reflects the company’s heightened dedication to quality. Brampton joins Jefferson North Assembly Plant as one of the first Chrysler Group facilities and one of only a few Canadian automotive manufacturing facilities to utilize such technology.

The Metrology Center employs more than 30 people, who are responsible for measurement and validation of the body geometry. The tools within the Metrology Center are used to verify the capability of the vehicle’s entire sheet metal structure to the smallest of tolerances, as small as a human hair. The aim is to identify possible deviations between the product and the process.

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We are looking forward to a full debut at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. Check out these pictures below and let us know what you think.

The article was done by someone going under the creative name of “the Mechanic.”  Rumor has it he was a former Detroit exotic dancer, sometime salesman, and later editor for The Advocate.  Actually, we’re not really sure.  Nor do we care.

So here is a summary of Inside Line‘s predictions:

The BMW 5 Series GT and Honda Accord Crosstour will be colossal failures.

The Chevy Volt will be a sales flop.

Bob Lutz will abandon GM and move to Chrysler.

The feds will find out that Tesla and Fisker investment is a waste.

The Camaro will burn out.

The Toyota Tundra will be axed.

Michael Schumacher’s F1 comeback will go nowhere.

Subaru will emerge as the hottest Japanese brand.

Mercury will be dropped.

Korea will dominate.

The real shame here is that this guy’ll get two or three of these things right, the rest wrong, and still have a job.  At least he’s giving us something to whine about.

The Fiat Group’s is looking to kill two birds with one stone.  Lancia is Fiat’s entry-level luxury brand, a sort of Italian Buick.  And like Buick, Lancia has been suffering from a stale image.  Fiat execs’ strategy will gradually merge the American Chrysler and the Italian Lancia into one.  The new Lancia Delta will be the first bilateral vehicle, set to be showcased this coming year.  The Chrysler 300 will serve as the basis for Lancia’s next full-size saloon, the Sebring will cover the next mid-sizer, and the Dodge/Chrysler crossover architecture will be exported to Italy.

The Firepower seemed like the next logical step in the Viper evolutionary chain. The old Dodge two-seater had grown a little long in the tooth by 2005, no longer the raw road monster it had once been. The Firepower closely resembled the Viper, but progressed the design to appear more upscale–even lavish–with chrome, creases, and leather.

Being a Chrysler, the Firepower was more about grand touring than all-out performance. The 6.1 L Hemi V8 put out seventy-five fewer horses (425 total) than the Viper’s V10, but the coupe made up for it with its shiny interior, stylish looks, and claimed 4.5 sec. 0-60 time.

It doesn’t take a scientist to see where the problems lay. The Firepower would’ve ended up as another low-volume, low-dollar exotic (a la the Viper). Oddly enough, the Firepower’s rumored target price was a mere $50,000. Of course, it never would’ve sold for such a low sum without major sacrifice.  A shortage of company dollars and a lack of demand left the Firepower to the already-packed Chrysler bin.  Soon after its mid-decade debut, the Chrysler Group began its slow meltdown…which we are still seeing today.

There’s been a lot of hype surrounding Alfa here in the US.  With all the talk of the pretty cars and Italian style, observers ignore the horrid rep Alfas (and Fiats) have in reliability.  For the past decade, Alfa-Romeo’s been trying to serve as the Italian Audi–which comes to a wannabe BMW.  The overweight, front-drive convertibles and trouble-prone saloons aside, Alfa’s place in the Euro sales charts has been slipping big-time.  Total sales are down by almost half of what they were a decade ago.  Alfa and Fiat heads are looking to converge the Euro-American vehicles with Chrysler corresponding to Alfa and the dying Lancia, and Dodge hooked-up to Fiat.  We’re betting on the Marchionne Magic burning out by 2015.

“It was all about the unions. The unions didn’t want to have their very generous contracts renegotiated so we put $80 billion into both General Motors and Chrysler, and anybody believes that Chrysler is going to survive, I’d like to meet them.”

So goes Senator John McCain.

The Arizona senator spoke to The Detroit News while attending a Phoenix racing event.  McCain’s grim prediction comes amid the continually declining state of the Chrysler brand and dismal words for CEO Sergio Marchionne’s business plan.

McCain went on: “We see the automotive industry, and my heart goes out to the citizens of Detroit, really in the tank, and yet we have manufacturing plants all over the South, which are not bound by some of the labor rules and contracts that make them non-competitive.”

Image courtesy of Caricature Shack.