FatChance 2.0: The Very First Customized 2011 Chrysler 300 [with Videos]

The original Chrysler 300 is perhaps one of the most popular cars in the tuning industry here in the States, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that the Detroit automaker is using the car’s successor to tap into the custom scene.

The very first customized 2011MY Chrysler 300 is called the Fatchance 2.0 and it made its debut alongside the firm’s “S” concept cars at this past weekend’s Annual Spring Festival of LXs in California (see here). The low-rider 300 was crafted by John Fortuno aka Fatchance, who apparently caught the attention of Chrysler with his first generation 300-based FatChance 1.0.

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Chrysler Teases 2011MY 300, 200 and Town & Country “S” Concepts at LX Spring Festival

Chrysler found the perfect opportunity to preview its upcoming range of ‘S’ models at the 6th Annual Spring Festival of LXs in Irvine, California this past weekend. The Detroit automaker showed off the “S” trimmed 2011MY 300 sedan, 200 Convertible and Town & Country in concept forms, though all three models are scheduled to enter production later this year starting with the 200 this spring.

According to Chrysler, the “S” treatment is a cosmetic package designed to appeal to younger customers that want something more “edgy” in terms of style. On the 300, this translates to a bespoke gunmetal finish, a new front grille, smoked headlamps and taillights, beefier alloy wheels in a unique design, a boot lid spoiler and if we’re not mistaken (since Chrysler has not released any official details), a lowered suspension. The interior also receives a makeover with red leather seats sporting the “S” logo and bespoke trim.

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Chrysler Launches New “Imported from Detroit” Merchandise – And no, They’re Not Made in China…

Chrysler has released a new dedicated lineup of clothes and apparels featuring the brand’s “Imported from Detroit” motto, which first appeared on the 200 Super Bowl commercial with Eminem. And yes, the possibility that the merchandise may not be made on this side of the world did cross our minds too, but Chrysler’s website put those dastardly doubts to rest stating that the clothes and apparels are all made in the USA.

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Chrysler Fires Employee for Using F-Word on Detroit Drivers in an Official Tweet

If this isn't the definition of irony, we don't know what is; the company that not only prides itself for being from Detroit but has also built its entire marketing campaign around its Motown city roots posted a tweet cursing Detroit drivers!

“I find it ironic that Detroit is known as the #motorcity and yet no one here knows how to fucking drive,” read the tweet on Chrysler’s official Twitter account earlier this morning. Shortly after, it was removed and Chrysler posted an apology.

If you’re thinking that this may have been the work of an outsider, you’re partially right. As it turns out, an employee of the social media company that runs Chrysler’s Twitter account New Media Strategies (NMS) posted the specific tweet. Chrysler quickly found out who the culprit was and not surprisingly, terminated the employee.

We can understand his / her frustration – hell, we’ve all cursed other drivers at some point, but unless the perpetrator mixed his personal account with the one he or she handles for Chrysler, the move doesn’t really make any sense. Chrysler’s official statement follows after the jump.

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VIDEO: Chrysler's "Born of Fire" Super Bowl Ad Starring the New 200, Eminem and the City of Detroit

Chrysler, unlike other automakers that were teasing and showing off their Super Bowl ads well before Sunday's event, held back giving viewers their first taste of the brand's two-minute long commercial in the third quarter of the game. The new TV spot, called “Born of Fire," showcases the all-new 2011 Chrysler 200 and reveals the brand’s new tagline, “Imported from Detroit.”

The commercial, which features singer Eminem driving the 200 through Detroit, is as much about the brand and the revamped mid-size sedan as it is about Detroit and the town "that’s been to hell and back.” Overall, we'd say the ad conveys an honest and somewhat emotional message to consumers about the 200 as well as Chrysler in general.

“Super Bowl advertising is about making a statement and capturing the attention of the audience,” said Olivier Francois, President and CEO, Chrysler Brand and Lead Executive for Marketing, Chrysler Group LLC."‘Born of Fire’ is designed to generate conversation about the brand and the new 2011 Chrysler 200. The spot reflects where the brand is headed and pays tribute to our industrial roots.”

“The new tagline was created to convey the message that one does not have to cross an ocean to obtain luxury, it's available right here,” Francois added.

As touching as the Chrysler's new TV spot may be, we can't help but wonder if the rumors about a Lancia-badged version of the 200 turn out to be true, how will the Italians advertise the car in Europe?

VIDEO: New Chrysler Ad Emphasizes the Importance of Style

In its latest commercial, Chrysler takes a trip down memory lane, showcasing some of its vintage models and wonders what ever happened to the glamour and style that these cars represented. And you guessed it; according to Chrysler, good 'ol American style is making a comeback on the firm's new models like the recently launched 300 sedan. Video available after the jump.

Chrysler and EPA Working on Hydraulic Hybrid System for Passenger Cars [with Video]

Chrysler and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a new partnership to explore the possibility of adapting the EPA's hydraulic hybrid system for passenger cars and light-duty vehicles. Developed by the EPA, the hydraulic hybrid system is currently used in industrial applications, including large delivery trucks and refuse trucks, but Chrysler, keen on developing a new portfolio of hybrid vehicles, wants to adopt it for use on passenger vehicles.

“The EPA and Chrysler are working together to explore the possibilities for making this technology affordable and accessible to drivers everywhere," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "This partnership is further proof that we can preserve our climate, protect our health and strengthen our economy all at the same time”.

The focus will be on adapting the technology to a Chrysler Town & Country minivan powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine. The hydraulic system includes a 117 cc engine pump, a 45 cc drive electric motor and 2-speed automatic transmission, with an additional 14.4-gallon high-pressure accumulator storing the fluid for the system.

Power is produced as the engine torque drives the hydraulic pump, which, in term, charges the accumulator up to 5,000 psi. The pressure energy is then directed through the axle hydraulic motor to the driven wheels. As long as there’s enough pressure, the thermal engine remains off, thus reducing fuel consumption.

“In this hydraulic hybrid project, the Chrysler Group and EPA will evaluate and, hopefully, validate fuel-efficiency gains and greenhouse gas reductions”, Marchionne said. “One of the aims of Chrysler Group’s integration efforts will be to meet driver expectations for smooth and quiet operation, so that Americans will want to buy and will enjoy driving vehicles with this technology”.

Chrysler and the EPA plan to have a running demonstration vehicle by 2012. The automaker also announced that it would introduce 150 Ram 1500 trucks with a plug-in hybrid system in the near future, as part of a project with the U. S. Department of Transportation.

The video below shows an industrial application of the hydraulic hybrid system.

New Chrysler 300 gets its Public Debut at NAIAS 2011 [with Video]

To say the new 300 sedan is an important model for the future of the Chrysler Group is an understatement. This was more than evident at the firm's press conference at the Detroit motor show today, segments of which you can watch in the video after the jump.

The overhauled for the 2011 model year full-size sedan boasts new sheetmetal as well as a significantly improved interior and a modern 3.6-liter V6 engine with 292HP that joins the 363HP-strong 5.7-liter V8 Hemi. Last week, Chrysler announced pricing information for the 300, which starts at $27,995 for the entry-level V6 model and tops out at $41,145 for the V8 version with AWD (click here for more details).

“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.”