2012 Chrysler 300S

2012 Chrysler 300S

2012 Chrysler 300S

The performance-tuned, muscle-bound 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 may hog most of the limelight, but it isn't the only variant of the 300 sedan to receive some modification for the 2012 model year. Perhaps the most significant news lies with a new transmission: select V-6-powered cars will now be offered with an eight-speed automatic.
The news isn't all that surprising, considering Chrysler formally announced the gearbox last summer. The eight-speed automatic is licensed from German powertrain supplier ZF, and until Chrysler can fully retool its transmission plant in Kokomo, Indiana, the automaker will be buying completed transmissions directly from the supplier.
Although the new transmission may ultimately be available on all 300 V-6 models, for now, it's only confirmed for the new 2012 300S -- and only when built with both Chrysler's 3.6-liter V-6 and rear-wheel drive (opt for either all-wheel-drive or the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, and you're relegated to the aging, Mercedes-Benz-derived five-speed automatic). The model, available with either V-6 or V-8 power , is much like the new 2012 200S in that it dresses up both the 300's interior and exterior appearance. Cosmetic tweaks include body-colored accents in the front fascia, a unique black chrome grille insert with matching black headlamp bezels, and large 20-inch polished aluminum wheels with black painted accents.
Inside, 300S models are treated to piano black interior trim; a 10-speaker, 522-watt audio system developed by Beats by Dr. Dre; and cloth-trimmed 12-way power sport bucket seats up front. V-6 300S models are also available with the Luxury Package, which adds premium Nappa leather trim, a heated steering wheel, power tilt and telescoping steering colum, heated and cooled cup holders, satin chrome door sill accents, LED footwell accent lighting, and programmable memory functions for mirror, seat, and pedal settings. These features are standard on V-8-powered 300S models, as are LED-illuminated gauges, rain-sense windshield wipers, a back-up camera, and Homelink transponder.
Those seeking further luxury from the 300 can opt for the new Executive Series trim, which is available only on the V-8-powered 2012 300C. Chrysler describes the model as its "most luxurious flagship sedan ever," and to that end, packs the car with all sorts of premium goodies. Executive Series cars receive an instrument panel and door panels wrapped in leather, two-tone Nappa leather seating, hand-sanded wood accents, heated and cooled front and rear seats, and berber floor mats with nubuck trim. Outside, Executive Series cars differ from run-of-the-mill 300Cs by way of a unique grille, which plates both the surround and the horizontal blade inserts in a platinum chrome finish.
Look for 2012 300 models, including both the 300S and 300C Executive Series, to roll into Chrysler showrooms nationwide later this fall.

 2012 Chrysler 300S

2012 Chrysler 300S

2012 Chrysler 300S

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

The ultimate Chrysler lead sled is back in business and badder than ever. Returning with a new look, more power, and updated technology features, the all-new 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 coming to the 2011 New York auto show is the latest creation from Chrysler's Street and Racing Technology squad. As it's done with 300s past, the SRT team has taken an already solid package and made it faster, meaner, and even a smidge greener.
For starters, the exterior of the new 300 SRT8 has been sculpted to match its high-performance character. The front end retains Chrysler's newly reshaped wing badge, but the SRT8 model gets a unique front valance and a blacked-out mesh grille.
The SRT8 sits a half-inch lower than the standard 300 on 20-inch alloy wheels, lending it a more imposing stance. Out back, there's a new chrome-accented lower fascia and dual 4-inch-diameter exhaust pipes. The available Black Chrome package adds black chrome grille surrounds, rear valance, and exclusive black chrome wheels.
Chrysler's SRT team didn't skimp on power, endowing the SRT8 with 465 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque from its 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 -- an improvement of 40 horsepower and 45 pound-feet over the previous 300 SRT8's 6.1-liter unit. With the help of an active intake manifold and high-lift camshaft, the new engine produces more torque at lower rpm, and cam phasing optimizes power at higher rpms. Chrysler estimates the 300 SRT8 can click off 0-60 mph in the high four-second range and will top out at 175 mph.

 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

 

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i

2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i

2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i

It's no secret that BMW's been plotting to return a four-cylinder engine to its U.S. lineup post-haste, and we've finally seen the first result as BMW debuted the Z4 sDrive28i at the New York auto show today. Though the engine hood release was disabled on the display car, within that yellow snout should reside an all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
While you might guess that the new four-cylinder Z4 would slot underneath the current naturally-aspirated inline-six in the lineup as a bargain-priced, entry-level model, but we're wagering that's not the case. With 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, the new turbo-four should be more than a match for the current 255-horse, 220-lb-ft six, especially when considering the four's lighter weight. The four's smaller size also allows it to be mounted further back and lower in the Z4's chassis, providing both better weight distribution and a lower center of gravity. With that in mind, expect the new turbo-four, already slated for the upcoming X1 CUV, to gradually replace the naturally-aspirated six across BMW's model range.
The new engine is a smorgasbord of BMW's latest technology, including high-pressure fuel injection, BMW's proprietary double VANOS variable camshaft control system, and Valvetronic, BMW's variable valve timing setup. The turbocharger, BMW says, is also an impressive piece, being driven by two exhaust ducts rather than one (hence its TwinPower Turbo name). This technology is partly to thank for the turbo-four's improved fuel economy over the six, which according to BMW could be a 20-percent improvement. That potentially means a bump from the six's current 18/28 city/highway mpg rating, to 22/34 mpg.
While final EPA figures and pricing information will be announced closer to the car's launch later this year, we predict that the return of a four-cylinder engine could mean big things for the small Z4.

 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i

2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i

 

2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

 2012 Audi A7 Sportback

Audi claims that one small strip (1.2 inches wide, 0.08 inch thick) of the high-strength, lightweight, hot-shaped steel used in much of the new A7 Sportback's body is so strong that it could suspend five A7s, each one roughly 4000 pounds. That's one strong bookmark. Arguably more noteworthy than the super steel is the fact that feathery aluminum makes up nearly 20 percent of the Sportback's bod, including the hood, hatch, doors, and front fenders, resulting in a relatively light curb weight. A BMW 535i xDrive GT, in comparison, tips the scales with about 700 extra pounds.
But what really makes Audi's new blend of coupe, sedan, and wagon so special? Ah, that would be its elegant and sporty sheetmetal, a dead ringer for the drop-dead-gorgeous Sportback concept unveiled at the 2009 Detroit auto show. Full LED headlamps are available (Xenon plus lamps are standard), while the taillamps are made up entirely of LEDs, sans the reverse light. Moreover, the side-view mirrors sport LED indicators, and the CHMSL is a thin LED strip that extends above the back window across the width of the hatch. At the base of the rear deck resides an integrated spoiler that subtly sleeps until 80 mph, when it extends upwards for increased down force. Back to those side mirrors: They're mounted on the doors, a la the R8, to give the A7 a more sports-car feel. Another subtle but significant design cue is the small, rear window incorporated into the sweeping C-pillar that harks back to that of the 1969 100 Coupe S.

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

 

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

2011 Jeep Wrangler Mojave

2011 Jeep Wrangler Mojave

2011 Jeep Wrangler Mojave

Under the management of Fiat, the Chrysler Group has pursued an important strategy -- steady product improvement. This includes the gradual introduction of new trim levels on existing models to improve the appeal of its overall lineup. The latest model to receive an incremental update is Jeep's iconic Wrangler.
Introduced in 2007 and treated to a comprehensive interior revamp at the beginning of the 2011 model year, Jeep is now showing off the Mojave trim level of the brand's spiritual leader, the third-generation JK Wrangler. The package is a combination of some of the most popular features of the other trim levels for the Wrangler, including the side steps from the Sahara trim, and the wheels and tires from the legendary and beloved Rubicon model.
The icing on the cake is a unique graphics package consisting of lizard decals and fender graphics. To add some flair to the interior, the lizard graphic is embossed on the front seats. Beefing up the exterior is a black fuel-filler door and taillight guards. The Mojave trim package will be available on both the standard Wrangler and the four-door Unlimited starting in June.
Unfortunately, there's nothing new to report in the way of mechanical upgrades. The Mojave soldiers on with the 3.8-liter pushrod V-6 and six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. It's widely expected that the company's new 3.6 liter Pentastar DOHC 24-valve V-6 will appear for the 2012 model year with significantly improved power and fuel economy over the current powertrain

 2011 Jeep Wrangler Mojave

2011 Jeep Wrangler Mojave

 

2011 Jeep Wrangler Mojave

2011 Chrysler 200 S

2011 Chrysler 200 S

2011 Chrysler 200 S

Chrysler's new 200 is head and shoulders above its predecessor, but the standard sedan and convertible apparently do little to appeal to a youthful audience. Chrysler recently added the 200 to its S sub-brand in an effort to draw a younger audience to its smallest offering.
Following closely in the 300 S footsteps, both 200 variants receive a plethora of equipment aimed squarely at the younger buyers. Chrysler's goal is to pack the cars full of desirable equipment, while keeping its price reasonable, which it appears to have accomplished.
Exterior elements found on the S models are easy to spot and distinguish them from standard 200s. Chrysler started by yanking nearly all the car's chrome accent pieces and replaced them with less flashy bits. The grille and headlight surrounds are swapped for toned-down black parts, while side mirror caps and door handles now match the body color. Those tired of chrome will also be pleased with the 18-inch machined, multi-spoke wheels with black inserts packaged as standard equipment. Unique badges found expressly on S models replaces the blue background for black on the Chrysler winged emblem.
The exterior may be a breath of fresh air, but the interior is equally impressive. Seating surfaces are wrapped in perforated leather, with the front pair getting suede inserts, S embroidery on the headrests, and heaters. Chrysler's Uconnect infotainment system comes standard and is paired to a Boston Acoustics stereo pumping 276 watts through six speakers. Suede door trim and a black headliner further separate the S model from standard 200s.
Power comes from the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Pricing starts at $26,790 and $32,490 for the sedan and convertible, respectively. Dealers have already begun taking orders and 200 S models are expected to begin arriving on lots in the coming weeks.

 2011 Chrysler 200 S

2011 Chrysler 200 S

 

2011 Chrysler 200 S