2012 Chrysler 300 Sedan Teaser Site Launched, First Pictures Released

Just like they did with the redesigned Sebring, which now carries the name 200, Chrysler's marketing team is preparing us for the launch of the 2012MY 300 with a special dedicated website that includes numerous cropped images of the firm's most important new model.

The pictures appear to confirm Chrysler's styling turn to softer and less muscular shapes and design elements on the outside combined with more elegant and upscale interiors, as first seen on the Sebring's replacement.

Along with the design makeover, the 300 will benefit from a reworked chassis and of course, the addition of the company's new Pentastar V6 with a displacement of 3.6-liters. A 5.7-liter V8 Hemi with rear- or optionally all-wheel drive will complete the initial offerings with a more potent SRT8 model expected to be introduced down the line.

From what we've heard, the new 300 will make its world premiere at the upcoming 2011 Detroit Show in mid January, though it is possible that Chrysler will release more information and pictures of the car before its first public outing in motor town.

Link: Chrysler

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Insidious Dodge Challenger is One Mean Looking Mopar

Now here's something any Dodge fan would be happy to have in their garage. This heavily customized 1970 Challenger is up for sale, and boy is she a beaut'. Designed and built by Dave Salvaggio in 2007, the "Insidious" Challenger is one very special piece of metal. What started life as an otherwise unremarkable slant six has had a full reworking inside, out and under the hood, transforming it into a real show stopper.

In terms of the exterior, the door handles, roof rail moldings and other trim pieces have been shaved off. The wheel arches have been re-contoured and new, flush fitting glass has been fitted. The grille and taillights are scratch builds and the hood, bumpers and front fenders have all been reshaped or replaced. The fuel filler cap was also relocate and the whole car finished in black pearl overlaid with olive and sandstone pearl.

Underneath the hood is a 426 Hemi crate engine from Mopar Performance with custom headers, custom exhaust and a Hillborn EFI unit. This is mated to a Tremec TKO 600 transmission and is said to be good for over 575 hp (429 kW).

To reign in all that power the chassis has been reworked and now incorporates four-wheel independent suspension and coilover springs. The whole thing sits on Symbolic TS15 20-inch wheels clad in Pirelli P-Zero tires, 245/35/20 at the front and 275/35/20 at the back.

Inside, the vinyl and polyester carpeting of the original have been replaced with leather and Wilton Wool. An Alcantara headliner has been fitted and the seats covered in Spinneybeck leather with suede inserts. The piston grip shifter, Tuff steering wheel and dashboard are also covered in leather.

The interior is rounded off with green-gold inserts on the doors and steering wheel, aircraft-style gauges by Classic Instrumentation and a Pioneer DVD sound system. All in all a very smart and well maintained machine that is on sale at R & H Collectibles of Ohio for US$159,000.

By Tristan Hankins

Link: RH Collectibles

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