The Auto Blog .ru

God’s Own Engine Wrapped In The Most Appropriate Package

Though it’s cleverly disguised as an automobile, don’t be fooled. The 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is the world’s ultimate portable smoke generator. The fact that it can pull double-duty as a method of transportation is nothing but a quirky side benefit to its purpose in life. Consider it a value-added feature that helps justify its seemingly high $45,000 price tag.

It’s really quite ingenious. All that’s required to create your own massive plume of thick white smoke is premium-grade gasoline and two 245/45ZR20 tires, both of which are readily available, and both of which are consumed in roughly equal quantities. The actual process of making the smoke-screen is so simple even a caveman could do it. One step: Mash the throttle pedal to the floorboard. Done.

Strangely enough, during our First Drive of the beast, we found out that it’s possible to do other things with the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392. For instance, with a modicum of restraint at the specific point at which your right foot comes into contact with the throttle pedal, you can drive the 392 in a straight line. Equally as surprising, at least to those who know anything about classic muscle cars, the Challenger is even capable of traveling in directions other than forward, and for more than 1,320 feet at a time.

We’re just as shocked as you.

We decided to borrow one of these weapons of mass (tire) destruction for a week with two goals in mind: to see both how much smoke can be created from one set of tires (or one tank of gasoline, whichever comes first…) and how the most powerful Challenger fulfills the unlikely role of an everyday driver.

Continue Reading Review: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392…

Photos copyright (C)2011 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL

Continue reading Review: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 [w/video]

Review: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 [w/video]

God’s Own Engine Wrapped In The Most Appropriate Package

Though it’s cleverly disguised as an automobile, don’t be fooled. The 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is the world’s ultimate portable smoke generator. The fact that it can pull double-duty as a method of transportation is nothing but a quirky side benefit to its purpose in life. Consider it a value-added feature that helps justify its seemingly high $45,000 price tag.

It’s really quite ingenious. All that’s required to create your own massive plume of thick white smoke is premium-grade gasoline and two 245/45ZR20 tires, both of which are readily available, and both of which are consumed in roughly equal quantities. The actual process of making the smoke-screen is so simple even a caveman could do it. One step: Mash the throttle pedal to the floorboard. Done.

Strangely enough, during our First Drive of the beast, we found out that it’s possible to do other things with the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392. For instance, with a modicum of restraint at the specific point at which your right foot comes into contact with the throttle pedal, you can drive the 392 in a straight line. Equally as surprising, at least to those who know anything about classic muscle cars, the Challenger is even capable of traveling in directions other than forward, and for more than 1,320 feet at a time.

We’re just as shocked as you.

We decided to borrow one of these weapons of mass (tire) destruction for a week with two goals in mind: to see both how much smoke can be created from one set of tires (or one tank of gasoline, whichever comes first…) and how the most powerful Challenger fulfills the unlikely role of an everyday driver.

Continue Reading Review: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392…

Photos copyright (C)2011 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL

Continue reading Review: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392

Review: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392

Cadillac has some changes in store for the 2012 CTS, with an upgraded grille and a V6 that gains 14 horsepower versus the 2011 model. Aesthetic changes are limited to the front grille, where premium finishes have been added to better highlight the combination of frame and mesh. The Wreath & Crest logo has been tweaked (again), with brighter colors and raised ridges.

The big news on the power front is an upgraded 3.6-liter V6 that now delivers 318 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque; up from the current mill’s 304 horses and 273 lb-ft. GM engineers were able to improve power without impacting fuel economy by developing larger intake valves, an improved port design and adding a longer-duration intake camshaft. The aluminum V6 is also an impressive 20.5-pounds lighter for 2012, thanks to a composite intake manifold, a lighter front cover and high-strength connecting rods. The 3.6’s weight-loss program aids fuel efficiency (an EPA-estimated 18 city/27 highway) while also improving weight distribution, which is never a bad thing.

Also new for 2012 is a Touring package that adds a darker grille and 19-inch wheels on the outside and dark Sapele wood interior trim, steel pedals, sued inserts on the seats, shift knob and steering wheel inside the cabin. Finally, Bluetooth connectivity has been added across the range, while the Coupe, with its massive pair of rear flanks, gets standard blind-zone alert technology.

Hit the jump to read over the Cadillac press release.

[Source: Cadillac]

Continue reading 2012 Cadillac CTS line gets new grille, more powerful V6

2012 Cadillac CTS line gets new grille, more powerful V6

Subaru has just revealed this, the XV Concept, at the Shanghai Motor Show. Although it looks like an Outback with an arced roof, it’s a substantially smaller crossover – seven inches shorter in length, an inch narrower and about two inches lower. Even if considered a mini Outback with wheel-arch cladding, its design is said to be something completely new: “Protren,” defined as “express[ing] the integration of ‘authentic functionality as a professional tool’ and ‘urban and stylish design’.”

If you know what that means, then perhaps you’ll also understand the Electro Yellowgreen matte finish. What is easy to grasp is the full-length panoramic roof and the “silvery white leather” seating for five. Forward-looking concept bits can be found in the lighting elements and the EyeSight stereo cameras that project images on an LCD screen for the driver.

There’s no indication of us seeing the XV in production form, but we’ve got precedent in the form of the current Impreza-based Outback Sport (a car known as the XV in other markets). There’s a press release after the jump with more details and a high-res gallery below for your viewing pleasure.

Continue reading Subaru XV concept crossover unveiled in Shanghai

Subaru XV concept crossover unveiled in Shanghai

Nissan has joined the crowd of unveils at this year’s Shanghai Motor Show by introducing the 2012 Tiida. While we expect to get a closer look at the American version of this hatch later this week at the 2011 New York Auto Show, most of the juiciest details have already been served up on the other side of the globe. Along with some shapely new lines and reworked headlights, the 2012 Nissan Tiida comes packing a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. That’s different than the 1.8-liter lump found in the American Versa, though buyers can expect to see similar fuel economy.

Barring any major advancements in the vehicle’s already-efficient CVT gearbox, the EPA will likely brand the car with the same 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway rating. Not bad considering that the little econo-can rocks 122 108 horsepower.

Interestingly enough, Nissan has made mention of a new turbocharged version of the Tiida, though no actual specifics have been mentioned at this point. While that likely means the pint-sized hatch will soon be packing one of the company’s three-cylinder forced-induction engines, we’re dreaming about a Versa with the 188 horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter engine from the Juke under the hood. Follow the jump for Nissan’s official word from Shanghai.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading 2012 Nissan Versa gets early reveal as Tiida in Shanghai

2012 Nissan Versa gets early reveal as Tiida in Shanghai

In late 2010, Lincoln outlined a plan to cut 175 of its 500 metropolitan dealerships. The goal was to eliminate redundancy, while at the same time giving the remaining stores a better chance to succeed.

Six months into the plan, Bloomberg reports that The Blue Oval has so far cut 100 of those dealers, bringing the total amount of retail outlets in the top 130 markets to 400. The next step for the remaining dealers is to upgrade their facilities to include new training and staffing standards and perks like free car washes in the hopes of meeting or exceeding the buying experience at Lexus or BMW stores. Dealers have until August 31 to meet these new standards, which are said to cost up to $2 million per store. Those who don’t qualify may receive decreased marketing support from Ford. The Blue Oval is reportedly still offering to buy Lincoln dealers or pair them with Ford franchises.

There is no question that Ford is asking dealers to heavily invest in their dealerships, and at a time when sales are very, very poor. Lincoln sales are down 11 percent so far in 2011, while the industry at large has experienced a 20-percent sales increase. But while sales are slow now, Ford has promised to introduce seven new Lincoln models by 2014. Ford is meeting with the Lincoln dealer council this week to discuss changes in customer service, while also giving the select dealers a sneak peek at some next-generation Lincoln models.

[Source: Bloomberg Image: Stephen Brashear/Getty]

Ford cuts 20% of metropolitan Lincoln dealers

California lawmakers will soon be on the hunt for cheaper wheels thanks to new legislation. A perk of their job was a publicly-funded ride, costing taxpayers an average of $7,300 per year per vehicle. Now, the lawmakers will have to make do with a $300 monthly transportation allowance.

California is a state that’s looking to drastically cut its spending. According to the California Citizens Compensation Commission, this move will save $2.3 million over the next five years. Prior to the legislative change, taxpayers were shelling out for the vehicle lease, gas and insurance. The most expensive vehicle serving as a state-funded ride? Senator Ron Calderon’s Cadillac STS, which was slurping down fuel at an average rate of $83 weekly.

The lawmakers have a few months left to enjoy their vehicles. The new rule takes effect in December of 2011.

[Source: Los Angeles Times]

Report: California lawmakers lose their state-owned cars

The Mercedes-Benz Concept A has been enjoying lots of hype as the seductively-styled concept will donate most of its design cues to the upcoming 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-class. Now, the next small Mercedes has gotten even more enticing, with AMG reportedly hard at work on a 350-horsepower version of the diminutive Benz. Rumors of a baby AMG have been swirling for months now, but with the new styling comes new hope that the car will actually exist.

That much grunt goes a long way in any application, but in a car the size of the A-class, it’s borderline murderous. Word is AMG will attempt to rein in the herd with a four-wheel-drive system gleaned from Mercedes’ upcoming small SUV.

Details like what engine AMG will shoehorn into the A-class are nonexistent, though we’d expect it to be a tuned version of the 2.0-liter, turbocharged BlueEFFICIENCY four pot in the standard car. Whatever winds up motivating the baby ‘bahn stormer, with that much power and a possible four-wheel drive setup, it promises to be a stone riot. No word yet on whether the AMG A-class will make it to the States, but Mercedes is reportedly thinking about bringing the standard version here, which at least gives us a small shred of hope.

[Source: Top Gear]

Pocket Rocket: AMG reportedly working on 350-hp Mercedes-Benz A-Class

General Motors has joined the list of automakers who are hiking prices this year, thanks to increased oil and steel costs. Thanks to escalating prices worldwide, Toyota and Ford have both already implemented similar MSRP hikes.

On average, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC models will receive a price bump of $123 when the spike goes into effect May 2. According to the Detroit Free Press, General Motors’ brass notes that increased oil prices affect the cost of interior plastics, tires and filling the cars with fuel before delivery. Steel and other metals have gone up, too, making the price uptick a necessity.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

GM announces price hike on all 2011 models, blames cost of oil and metal

In the midst of governmental turmoil surrounding the national debt, the Senate has reached out to car guys, designating July 8, 2011 as the second annual Collector Car Appreciation Day. That day, any father-son team that has ever turned a wrench will be invited to take a few hours to celebrate all things automotive, whether at a car show, at the race track or just in the comfort of their own garage.

Last year, the Senate designated July 9 as the first-ever nationally-recognized celebration of cars. The event is designed to not only celebrate collector cars and car hobbyists, but to recognize the importance of the motorsports and car restoration industries as valuable providers of jobs across the country.

The United States Senate passed Senate Resolution 154 last Thursday after the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and its offshoots, the Automotive Restoration Market Organization and the Hot Rod Industry Alliance, asked Senators Jon Tester (D, MT) and Richard Burr (R, NC) to sponsor it. Senators Tester and Burr sit on the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, a non-partisan group of congressmen and senators who help represent the interests of motorsports in Washington.

What do you think of collector car appreciation day? Is it necessary to recognize the car hobby as a vibrant and valuable economic resource, or is it a frivolous waste of valuable time? Let us know in the poll below! Hop the jump for the full SEMA press release.

View Poll

Photos copyright (C)2011 Frank Filipponio / AOL

[Source: Specialty Equipment Market Association]

Continue reading Senate designates July 8 Collector Car Appreciation Day

Senate designates July 8 Collector Car Appreciation Day

If the calendar shows that a major auto show is upon us, that means it’s time for automakers to release teaser images and video. Since the 2011 New York Auto Show is about to open its doors, Infiniti has taken the opportunity to release a hazy sketch of a vehicle to be revealed… at Pebble Beach?

Called the JX, this luxury crossover teases with talk of three-row seating and flowing lines. Infiniti is mum on the details (diminutive press released posted after the jump) but we’re going to bet that this isn’t the J30 reborn. Crossovers are still a hot commodity, so Infiniti is looking to add another one to its current lineup.

More details will be available when the concept version is shown at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. We do know, however, that Infiniti trademarked the names JX20, JX25, JX25h and JX30. This means there could be a wide range of available engines, but it also means Infiniti could be taking the proper precautions to ensure the name they want is available once a powertrain is chosen. The production version will bow at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show before heading to dealer showrooms in the spring of 2012, as a 2013 model.

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Infiniti gets sketchy with JX three-row crossover

Infiniti gets sketchy with JX three-row crossover

Volvo is looking to gain a foothold in the fast-growing Chinese auto market, and the Swedish automaker is hoping to pique interest in the brand with a range-topping luxury sedan concept. The design aims to incorporate the simplicity of Scandinavian design while also trying to discern what the modern luxury car buyer really wants.

The Concept Universe bows at the Shanghai Motor Show to show what Volvo can do near the top-end of the large luxury sedan market. And although this vehicle is definitely a design study, Volvo doesn’t seem interested in hiding its intention of going upscale. Volvo CEO Stafan Jacoby calls the concept “a sneak preview of what people can expect from our next top-of-the-line sedan.”

The large concept features a coupe-like roofline that combines with a modern interpretation of the boxy Volvos of the past. Another homage to older Volvo models includes convex style lines between the wheel wells. Up front, the Concept Universe appears to borrow some lines from the Ford Interceptor concept from the 2007 Detroit Auto Show with its bumper-less front end that is rounded off all around. The grille is totally new for Volvo, with a series of shrinking, rounded rectangles; each smaller than the next.

Volvo design boss Peter Horbury feels the vehicle looks hand-crafted and durable, adding, “We will compete with the best with our special kind of Scandinavian Design. It is unmatched in performance and technology, but without superficiality or complication.”

We’re not so sure what to think of the Concept Universe, but we’re sure you’ll tell us what you think in the Comments below. Hit the jump to read over the Volvo press release.

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo Concept Universe previews next range-topping sedan from Sweden

Volvo Concept Universe previews next range-topping sedan from Sweden

While some have been quick to point fingers at the 2011 Chevrolet Volt involved in two separate incidents at the Barkhamsted, CT home of Storm and Dee Connors, General Motors has updated its earlier statement to improve the clarity of the situation. “While the Volt’s battery pack sustained damage,” says General Motors Global Electric Vehicle Executive Doug Parks, “it was not extensive enough or of the type that would suggest that it caused the fire.”

GM experts are working with fire officials in the small town in the Northwest corner of Connecticut to help determine the cause of the blaze that also destroyed a home-built Suzuki Samurai EV that Storm Connors had been chronicling on a blog. General Motors is confident that the engineering and systems in the Chevrolet Volt provide exceptional safety, and the vehicle’s involvement in this situation is one of circumstance, merely a damaged vehicle due to its parking spot, and not the root cause of the fire. Full statement posted after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading General Motors updates official statement about Chevrolet Volt in CT fire

General Motors updates official statement about Chevrolet Volt in CT fire

General Motors has officially debuted the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ahead of its global introduction at the Shanghai Motor Show. The model boasts a completely fresh design inside and out along with more efficient drivetrain options. GM says the new Malibu will compete in over 100 markets, though we have to imagine the vehicle will also be integral to the company’s plan to more than double its sales in China by 2015.

As a result, GM has shortened the Malibu overall, though the vehicle is both wider and offers more trunk space and more rear legroom than the previous-generation vehicle. That said, we’re told that those back thrones may be a tight fit head-room-wise for taller people.

Additionally, we understand that in the flesh, the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu wears more than a passing resemblance to the Lexus GS bloodline, though the squared-off taillamps are likely intended to draw parallels to the muscular Chevrolet Camaro. Unfortunately, those fancy LED pieces will only show up on higher-level LTZ trims. Up front, designers adapted some of the successful features of the last-generation car into a more aggressive aerodynamic shape.

Under the hood, buyers can look forward to a more-efficient 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The direct-injection mill delivers 190 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, though GM hasn’t released any mileage estimates at this point. Hit the jump to check out the full press blast.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading 2013 Chevrolet Malibu unveiled ahead of Shanghai Motor Show

2013 Chevrolet Malibu unveiled ahead of Shanghai Motor Show

The fifth installment of the Fast and the Furious series, Fast Five, is ready to debut this summer, unleashing another round of “nos”-fed hilarity. In anticipation of the promised vehicular mayhem, they guys at Inside Line caught up with Dennis McCarthy, the man behind the stable of hot rods featured in the movie.

The first is a one-off, tube-frame monstrosity of an offroad car hauler lovingly dubbed “Mongo.” Mongo was designed to assist Vin Diesel and Paul Walker in filching exotic cars from a moving train. To our eyes, Mongo looks ready to do just that, sporting a 600-plus-horsepower 502-cubic-inch Chevrolet V8, 7:10 gears and 18 inches of suspension travel. According to McCarthy, Mongo did his own stunts, completing a 75-foot jump and driving away unscathed. Wow.

The next sample on today’s palette is possibly the most famous car to come out of the Fast and the Furious franchise, Dom Toretto’s 1970 Dodge Charger. Though the car in the film sports a 900-horsepower supercharged Hemi, keeping costs low dictated a slightly tamer set up for the actual workhorses of the film. In stuntman-ready trim, the Charger sported a 400-hp Chevy small block (sorry, Mopar fans…) capped by a gutted BDS blower just for effect. According to IL, it’s loud, scary to drive and uncomfortable, just the way any self-respecting mock up should be.

The final car on the list is the star of the show, a replica of a 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, build by Mongoose Motorsports. It features the ubiquitous Chevrolet 502 big block, backed up by a Borg Warner Super T-10 four-speed stick. The combination rides on C3 Corvette suspension, which struggles to handle nearly 600 horses stuffed into a featherweight frame.

After weeks of abuse at the hands of Hollywood, none of the cars are feeling as healthy as they once were. That said, they all still run, which can’t be said for hundreds of other cars used in the movie. Added to that, they’ll all still burn up the rear tires with poise, showing they still have their dignity. Click past the jump to see all three cars in action.

[Source: YouTube via Inside Line]

Continue reading Video: Inside line drives a trio of Fast Five cars

Video: Inside line drives a trio of Fast Five cars

Our cohorts over at AOL Autos have gone through the trouble of creating a video to take a look at the history of the Volkswagen Beetle. With the People’s Automaker pulling the covers off the 2012 Beetle at this year’s New York Auto Show, there couldn’t be a more fitting time to crack open the history books and dive into the car’s past. Editor-in-Chief David Kiley narrates the informative clip and covers everything from the vehicle’s unfortunate beginnings to its widespread popularity in Germany and around the world.

The video features plenty of classic footage of workers assembling the Bugs themselves as well as more than a few great vintage advertising spots. There’s even an airborne Beetle for your viewing enjoyment.

Kiley helps remind us that the “New” Beetle was largely responsible for helping to save Volkswagen in America back when the brand was struggling to get a grasp on our market. Hit the jump to check out the clip for yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: A look back at the history of the Volkswagen Beetle

Video: A look back at the history of the Volkswagen Beetle

Back in 2008, gas prices soared past $4 per gallon and car buyers clamored for more efficient forms of transportation. But once fuel became affordable again, we’re guessing there were quite a few Honda Civic and Chevy Cobalt owners who longed for their old SUVs. The price of gas is skyrocketing yet again, but it appears that customers aren’t inclined to make that mistake again.

Consumer Reports recently polled 911 new car-buying adults to gauge the size of their next vehicle, and 56 percent responded that their next car or truck will be the same size as the one it replaces. The poll shows that a quarter of the respondents did plan to downsize, but another 19 percent were inclined to buy bigger the next time around. And if you’re 18-34, you’re more likely to up-size your next vehicle, in part because younger buyers will in many cases own a smaller vehicle because they are typically cheaper to purchase. This demographic also falls into the heart of family starting years, so children could be driving the growth.

Among those who wanted to downsize, 92 percent were looking for improved fuel efficiency, while 71 percent wanted less expensive repair costs and 67 percent were concerned about the environment. Improved reliability and a lower purchase price are also factors. Unsurprisingly, 80 percent of those who wanted a larger vehicle were looking for more space, while comfort came in second at 72 percent. Safety, reliability and lower maintenance and repair costs were also factors.

Hit the jump to read over the Consumer Reports press release, and let us know in the poll below whether you plan to up-size, downsize or retain the status quo when you buy your next vehicle.

View Poll

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Consumer Reports: Most car buyers not looking to downsize

Consumer Reports: Most car buyers not looking to downsize

Bugatti models have never lacked ambition, from the company’s original incarnation under founder Ettore Bugatti to its present-day operations under the Volkswagen Group. That unbridled moxie looks poised to gather pace with the brand’s forthcoming Galibier super sedan.

Not only will the Galibier be very exclusive and very costly, British magazine CAR is reporting that the W16 engine from the Veyron will be ported over with its dual-clutch gearbox, albeit with a twist – it will also be available with optional hybrid power. The dual-power system is being developed because an increasing number of metropolitan city centers are taking steps to curb or ban internal combustion cars firing up in downtown areas, and Bugatti owners aren’t exactly the type to take mass transit.

In an interview with the marque’s new president and CEO, Wolfgang Durheimer, CAR confirms the project is still in its early stages, with the final dimensions of the car and its chassis construction not yet settled upon. The design is expected to be finalized this fall, and the leading architectures in contention are a carbon monocoque like the Veyron or possibly an aluminum spaceframe.

While the Veyron’s production run has been earmarked at 300 units, the Galibier is to increase that tenfold to 3,000 units, but the price will still be steep – CAR estimates the privilege of ownership will cost upwards of £1 million ($1.62M dollars).

[Source: CAR]

Report: Bugatti Galibier to be available with hybrid power

The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is fresh off its global unveiling earlier today, and the good-looking hatch appears to be dead serious about appealing to the masses. Volkswagen will offer the Beetle with diesel and petrol powerplants and a convertible is expected to arrive for the 2013 model year.

Good stuff, but what about red-blooded enthusiasts? The German automaker could have simply pointed out the availability of the 2.0T model as the driver’s Beetle, but Team VW apparently has bigger and hopefully better plans. Car and Driver is reporting that VW has officially announced that a high-performance Beetle R will be available for U.S. consumption. C/D points out that the last Beetle also came in a hi-po RSi variant, though the hatchback was a Euro-only affair and it was a complete bust.

We’re more hopeful for the Beetle R, if only because the Beetle is more attractive and far more masculine in appearance than its predecessor. It could help, too, if VW offers the high-output 2.0T as the powertrain of choice. Under the hood of the Golf R, the boosted powerplant cranks out 265 horsepower, which should be more than enough motivation to make the Beetle R feel like a hot hatch star.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Report: High-performance VW Beetle R confirmed for U.S.

Chrysler is jumping the gun, so to speak, choosing to reveal two new family members ahead of the 2011 New York Auto Show. The 2011 Chrysler 200 S sedan and 2011 200 S convertible appear to be edgier than their non-S counterparts, which is because Chrysler has given them a shot in the styling arm, upping the visual appeal by a few degrees.

The 2011 200 S gets an S-specific Chrysler wing badge on the nose, body-colored side mirrors and door handles and a pair of headlamps with black backgrounds. Sitting underneath the fenders are four 18-inch aluminum wheels, which also all wear the S badge. Inside, the 200 S gets embroidered front headrests, heated leather front seats with suede inserts, suede door trim and a 276-watt Boston Acoustic audio system.

Under the hood, the 200 S gets the now-familiar 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, which is good for 283-horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an automatic transmission, the duo is good for 29 miles per gallon on the highway. The fixed-roof 200 S will set you back $26,790 while the drop-top costs $32,490. Both versions are expected to show up on dealer lots sometime this spring.

Be sure to check out the full press release posted after the jump.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading 2011 Chrysler 200 S and 200 S Convertible revealed ahead of New York

2011 Chrysler 200 S and 200 S Convertible revealed ahead of New York