And you thought the American versions were bad quality ……..you ain’t seen nothing yet ;-(

I actually really like the 300C ……just got to be a little too high priced.

Interesting stuff, never saw the Maserati coming…

So… an Italian sport sedan based on a Chrylser platform based on OLD Mercedes platform/ transmission, which Chrysler engines. Isn’t that like run of a copy of a copy of a copy through a Xerox?

(sorry… with, not which)

There… you see the difference? These guys are actually planning, not mulling. Or if you want to go back to when Cerberus was in charge… stalling.

I do love Maserati (my family had a ‘74 Bora), but to have a Chrysler product underpin a Maserati vehicle is pretty unthinkable. Welcome back Chrysler TC by Maserati http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_TC_by_Maserati

But will it use genuine Chrsyler plastic on the dashboards?

It will be interesting to see the Italians (Maserati) throw a beautiful design on that fat and bloated platform…

the new upcoming 300c is supposed to have a very nice interior. also i wonder if they did work on the underlying platform it self because they did not call it a face lift what they have changed to the 300c.

I’m interested. This could be a flop, but it could also be really cool. I’m betting on the latter.

SEE!!! Chrysler does contribute, good buy Fiat…

What a joke, Maserati, Chrysler…

I’m laffing so hard i’m lost for words

And Beatus, Fiat is PRAYING for the latter!

So am I, Eff1Fifty. I put $500 down on it at the Sahara…

Just kidding.

But I am hoping this works out for the better. It would really be good for Chrysler AND Fiat.

Obviously you guys missed the 2008 LX interior updates but whatever. Obviously you guys missed the fact that the most shared components between the LX cars and Mercedes were forced down Chrysler’s throat and most of it is electronic.

I guess you guys missed the statements by Autoweek and former Chrysler Engineer Burke Brown saying that while Mercedes provided many components, “few parts are straight out the Benz bin.” He cited the front suspension as having a lower roll center and wider track, for example. Another Chrysler engineer actually suggested that the LX had simply continued the LH front suspension, with minor changes.

Chrysler was forced to use the downgraded 5 speed version of the Mercedes trans instead of the one used the Ram. Chrysler was forced to use the Mercedes E class traction control, electronic stability systems, axles, wire harnesses, automatic transmissions (downgraded to five speeds from six so Chrysler won’t go into Mercedes turf – even as GM and Ford create a new six-speed automatic), steering columns, and some seat componetry

It should be emphasized that the LX was designed, engineered, and developed in America, with minimal reliance on the Mercedes parts bin. It is not a cost-constrained E-Class Mercedes with Chrysler or Dodge bodywork. Rather, it is a modern, capable, sport/luxury platform with world-class NVH and performance levels. In short, it’s a pleasant surprise. The 2011 replacement is a complete reword of the car, not just a reface. Everything from the ground up is being tweaked and balanced for a better vehicle this includes an 8-speed automatic to eventually replace the Mercedes 5 speed which will certainly surprise everyone.

I love how quickly people bash Chrysler… yet when the 300 came out in 2005 it was heavily awarded and loved for the fact that it brought back a rear wheel drive V8 sedan that everyone truly craved. How quickly some of you internet couch potatoes forget that.

The next 300 will be a great platform, just like the current and will be great for Fiat… hopefully Chrysler will make some money on the deal.

Just as I predicted—models with electrical problems on the way. Or put another way, Yea , I sure want to buy a FIAT

Johnny -

“There… you see the difference? These guys are actually planning, not mulling. Or if you want to go back to when Cerberus was in charge… stalling.”

I will add one more ……….finally “destroying”……;-(

ACRcpe45 -

Well – my good friend use to be a very high V.P. and worked for Chrysler financial for many many years…. He says one thing – they did this before with Fiat and it really SUCKED / DIDN’T WORK.

He should know – he was in the board meetings with the Italians ……

And here we go again ……i hope things are different – the 300 has a shot to be a great car.

Cross swaping electronics from European vehicles is NOT a good thing, regardless of the problems
with the “home grown” variety…..

sctdiverdown…

I know plenty about the tC cars and debacle that it was… but both companies, especially Fiat, are far from the same as they were when that occured. Nearly as many of those cars were not accepted and crushed by Chrysler was were delivered.

Obviously, cross shopping electronics with Mercedes hasn’t been all that bad, the transmissions on the other hand stink because Chrysler is stuck paying a lot of money for them. Almost every manufacture uses something similar to the ESP system used by both Chrysler and Mercedes. It is simply a Continental AG system, and It isn’t exactly rocket science by any stretch, even GM uses it.

I can’t guarantee everything is going to work out, my main point was the point out the ignorance of some people as they assume a car isn’t good just because it says Chrysler. Most people on the internet just love to pick on a company just because they can even though they know jack crap about the car they talking about.

Assumptions on the internet… eveyone has an butthole too.

Very true ACRcpe45 …….believe me, i am rooting for them. My buddy lived and breathed Chrysler,
when he talks – i listen.

I personally think the Crossfire was a great car – the interior should
have been a little more upscale for the price, i have driven many. But nothing on the road looked liked
it, and it was a blast to drive if you had a manual.

The “Firepower” was interesting and i wish they would have built it …..but like the NSX, it’s done.

Assumptions may be like buttholes – but you have got to remember, based on PAST experiences with Fiat, if you’re walking into a potential ****storm, you better know which way the wind is blowing ……

I thought the second variation would be an Alfa Romeo model.. not a Maserati.

I love how the morons say the 300’s interior is sub par, yet nobody mentions the new C-class that is basically the same thing and twice the price..LOL

Oh wow, a screen pops out of the dash..other than that its the same plastics everywhere.

ACRcpe45

Wow !1 You are one of the few people who truly knows how Mercedes Raped Chrysler. Chrysler was doing great in the 90″s and that is why Mercedes wanted them so badly. Chrysler had billions in the bank and had new advanced platforms ready for production. Mercedes Slashed and Burned, came up with the Cheesy Journey, Compass Nitro Platform with Dime Store Plastic Interiors. Chrysler was about to produce this

The 1999 Dodge Charger R/T concept car
http://www.allpar.com/cars/concepts/dodge/charger-1999.html

-Sarge

I will be the first to admit that for the past few years Chrysler has had lousy cheap looking interiors in their vehicles. Hell my wife’s 2007 Jeep Compass that I leased was probably one of the worst interiors I had ever seen. That being said, when I saw the 2009 Compass I was in shock, the interior quality was day and night. The Compass interior changed and actually looked good. Same thing with Dodge Ram. Mercedes never did Chrysler any favors when they were partnered. Now that Chrysler is away from Diamler they seem to know how to make interiors again.

D.O.A

AFSOCSARGE- What you said about what Mercedes did to Chrysler is true but before you go bashing the “Cheesy Journey” you really need to check out your sources first. I currently own a Dodge Journey and absolutely LOVE it!! And while there are SOME plastics on the door panels, there is soft touches as well, NOT “dime store plastics”!!

P.S: ACRcpe45: You are so right about the statement you made-”Most people on the internet just love to pick on a company just because they can even though they know jack crap about the car they are talking about.”

Mariah

I’m clad you love your Journey no insult was intended, my point was more that they could have been even better vehicles. That cost cutting was Mercedes motivation with these series of vehicles. The 2009 models and beyond have and will be leaps and bounds better.

You should enjoy this article
Chrysler Warps Time To Improve Interiors
Chrysler is finally learning that in the world of vehicle interiors, it’s all about the details
http://www.autofieldguide.com/articles/110802.html

-Sarge

Nice article, Sarge. That only brings good news for Chrysler. I’m hoping for the best.

Can’t do it. Can’t watch FIAT trash itself like this.

im so glad chryslers done with Mercedes..that charger they were gonna do was chip fooses design…but yeah too many ppl bash chrysler for no reason..just automatically assume..i used to be like that tho…against dif companys tho