Detroit Preview: 2011 Chrysler 200 Super S by Mopar

Since we have a long way to go for the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Chrysler decided to give us a glimpse of what its in-house performance division Mopar is readying for the firm's redesigned Sebring, the 200 sedan, at next week's Detroit Motor Show.

The styled-up 2011 Chrysler 200 Super S by Mopar seen in the teaser rendering here features a black and grey two-tone body and a full aero kit plus a lowered suspension, larger 19-inch alloy wheels and numerous accessories that will most likely be available for the production model in the near future. Hit the break for the full list of accessories and parts featured on the Detroit motorshow car.

2011 Chrysler 200 Super S by Mopar Accessories and Parts

Black and Tungsten paint scheme
Gloss black grille surround
Recessed wing badge
Gloss black mesh grille
Gloss black lower mesh grille
Fog light bezel with light bar
Brake induction openings
Vented hood
Lower chin spoiler
19-inch wheels
Aero sill cladding
Mopar ghost decal
Gloss black belt molding
Gloss black mirror cap
Mopar Katzkin leather seats
Decklid spoiler
Tungsten painted license plate visor
Rear valance
Bright exhaust tip

Dodge Boss Says Chrysler is considering New Barracuda

Is there room in the U.S. market for an another retro-style muscle car? According to Ralph Gilles, Chrysler's chief designer and boss of the Dodge brand, the answer to that question is yes. At last week's SEMA aftermarket show in Las Vegas, Gilles told show-goers at the Mopar stand that he is "seriously thinking of how to revive the Plymouth Barracuda."

"There's a lot of pressure on us to bring the 'Cuda back," said Ralph Gilles. Speaking with reporters he added that "the customers have (been) stomping their feet for it."

Being that the Plymouth brand was phased out from the Chrysler Group's portfolio back in 2001, if the 'Cuda were to be revived, it would probably be marketed under the Chrysler brand. And like the original 1970s model, it would be based off the current Dodge Challenger.

This is not the first time that Chrysler Group has toyed around with the idea of bringing back the 'Cuda nameplate, but due to ownership changes and of course, last year's bailout, the company was forced to put all plans on hold.

Over the past years, we've seen a few concept models of the Cuda. At the 2007 edition of the SEMA Show, there was a custom-made build called the "BBP Project 'Cuda". That's the one featured in our photo gallery here.

The 'Cuda concept was handcrafted by Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters, which coincidentally, was the same company that manufactured the original Challenger Concept that lead to the current production model.

Though many might think that it isbased on the Challenger, the 'Cuda study is actually built on shortened version of a brand new 2007 Charger SRT8. The design of the car was inspired by its 1970-74 "E" Body ancestors. It was auctioned off by Barret Jackson in 2008 for $159,500. Metalcrafters also created a convertible version of the 'Cuda concept, which you can check out here.

Source: USA Today , Concept photos: Barret Jackson

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Xenatec Shows Off its "Dream Cars": Bentley SUV, BMW 6-Series Sedan and More

Now that their limited production Maybach 57S Coupe (see here) has made the rounds, here are some of the other proposals from Xenatec. Since the company's specialty is chassis modification (and the necessary body work thereafter), they've got some ideas for a lengthened (and shortened) "dream cars".

Have a look at the gallery below and see what tickles your fancy. The SUV limos are a bit much, but the rag-top conversions don't look too bad (especially the CLS and 300).

Other winners include the standard limo conversions (like the Flying Spur and 300C), while big-time no-no's include that ridiculous 7-Series with the bubble top and the extended R8 and Carrera.

For those of you who thought the Porsche TranSport pickup was interesting, have a look at what Xenatec would do with the Cayenne to create a sport truck. Still want a Porsche truck?

By Phil Alex

Photos: Xenatecgroup

Chrysler Reportedly Kills Sebring Name, Gives Birth to Nassau

According to a news report from the Detroit Free Press, Chrysler's super-refreshed Sebring replacement will be called the Nassau, after executives decided the Sebring name has been "tarnished". More like utterly destroyed.

For those of you unfamiliar with the Nassau name, it's derived from a few previous Chrysler concepts (most recently the 2007 Nassau 4-door coupe/wagon concept) and the location where Bond won his Aston martin DB5 in a poker game.

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne explained one reason for the name switch, referencing Chrysler's poor image/entry in the mid-size segment: "If you look at the Sebring and benchmark it against the competition, it's not where it needs to be." Hopefully a redesign and a new identity will help out.

A more Euro-centric feel for the car will also help out where Chryslers are going to be pushed as Lancias (i.e. anywhere but North America).

We can expect a fully redesigned interior that will hopefully have a little more character and a little less cheap plastic (Chrysler's goal here is Buick, after all), while power will come from Chrysler's 2.4 liter 4-cylinder or the new Pentastar V6.

One thing's for sure: as long as it gets the 2007 concept's nose, something will have gone right in the world.

By Phil Alex

Via: Detnews

Chrysler Nassau Photo Gallery