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Will the Chrysler 300 go front-wheel drive?

FCA chief executive Sergio Marchionne hinted last week that the strapping rear-wheel-drive Chrysler 300 sedan could go front-wheel drive for its next generation using the underpinnings from the Chrysler Pacifica minivan. Speaking at the Pacifica's production launch in Windsor, ON, Marchionne said, "this plant and this architecture is capable of making the 300 successor, the front-wheel, all-wheel-drive successor," Reuters reported. Perhaps realizing he appeared to be announcing a dramatic shift in product strategy, Marchionne backpedaled in response to a follow-up question, noting only that the Ontario factory is "capable" of making the sedan. "It's capable. It's not a commitment," he said, according to Reuters. The 300 is currently built in Brampton, ON, alongside the mechanically similar Dodge Charger and Challenger. The platform, known as LX in enthusiast circles, is an evolution of Mercedes-based chassis pieces that date to the DaimlerChrysler era. Marchionne's comments didn't cover the Dodges and left a lot open to interpretation. The 300 could switch to front- and all-wheel-drive and focus on a more civilized, elegant ride character, leaving the Charger and two-door Challenger as traditional rear-wheel-drive muscle cars. That strategy would further differentiate the Chrysler and Dodge car lines. Additionally, the Charger's RWD platform makes it a popular police vehicle, and both Dodges are offered in top trim as 707-horsepower Hellcats. Switching to front-wheel drive would seemingly complicate both of those endeavors. Rumors have also swirled that Alfa Romeo could contribute RWD underpinnings for Dodge. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2015 Chrysler 300 View 92 Photos Design/Style Chrysler Dodge Off-Road Vehicles Performance Sedan chrysler pacifica

Murdered-out minivan: 2018 Chrysler Pacifica gets new S package

Minivans are generally considered cool in an ironic sort of way. No one drives a Honda Odyssey or Chrysler Pacifica because it's hip. People drive minivans because no other type of vehicle offers such a good mix of fuel economy, practicality and space efficiency. Still, automakers are doing their damndest to make sure kids set sail from school in the best-looking breadbox around. In order to spice things up, Chrysler is now offering the S appearance package on the Pacifica. Chrysler offers a similar package on the 300. On the Pacifica, the $595 S package can be added to any Touring Plus, Touring L, Touring L Plus or Limited models. The Pacifica S gets gloss black accents on the front and rear fascias including the grille, headlights and rear valance. The Chrysler wing badges on the front and rear are both done up in gloss black. A black roof rack is optional on the Touring Plus and standard on all other trims. 18-inch wheels are standard while 20-inch wheels can be added to any S-equipped car for an additional $995. The interior gets blacks seats with grey accents and the S logo. The steering wheel gets grey stitching and piano black accents, while the instrument cluster and door panels get trim in what Chrysler is calling Anodized Ice Cave. Really, it just looks like a different shade of grey. The front overhead console, headliner, visors, second- and third-row cargo lighting bezel, A-pillar trim and center console are all done up in black. Other changes for 2018 include standard SafetyTec, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all models. 4G LTE WiFi will be optional. 2018 Chrysler Pacificas will hit dealer showrooms in the next few months. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Featured Gallery News Source: FCA Chrysler Minivan/Van chrysler pacifica

UAW chooses FCA as lead bargaining company

The United Auto Workers has chosen Fiat Chrysler Automobiles as its lead bargaining company as it seeks to finalize new contracts with the 140,000 or so workers represented by the union. That doesn't mean the UAW won't continue to talk with Ford and General Motors. "All three companies have been working with UAW bargaining teams toward a collective bargaining agreement and continue to do so," UAW President Dennis Williams said in a statement. It does mean, however, that any deal the UAW strikes with FCA will form the basis of bargaining talks with the other two American automakers. Contracts between the UAW and the Detroit Three automakers are set to expire tonight at midnight. If no deal is made, both parties may vote to extend the previous contract. Industry analysts polled by The Detroit News suggest that a deal with FCA might be the most difficult to reach, since it is the smallest and least profitable of the three US car companies, and because of its high percentage of second-tier workers. There's a super short statement on the matter from the UAW, and there's an equally concise confirmation from FCA. Feel free to read them below. Detroit – The UAW this afternoon announced that FCA US LLC will be the lead target in Big Three auto talks. "All three companies are working hard toward a collective bargaining agreement. At this time, the UAW has selected FCA US LLC to be the lead bargaining company," said Dennis Williams, President of the UAW. "All three companies have been working with UAW bargaining teams toward a collective bargaining agreement and continue to do so." -------- Statement regarding the Status of Contract Talks between FCA US LLC and the UAW FCA US LLC confirms that it has been selected as the company to set pattern on a collective bargaining agreement with the UAW. As negotiations are ongoing, the Company can offer no further comment at this time.