New York Auto Show 2009: Next-gen Chrysler 300C - a sneak peak at next 300 interior

During the Jeep Grand Cherokee press conference this morning, Chrysler vice chairman Jim Press gave the assembled journalists a sneak peak at the interior of the forthcoming Chrysler 300. While little more than a quick glimpse at of the instrument panel flashed up on the screen for a moment, we were able to grab this snapshot for you. We're sorry that the resolution is not as crisp as we'd like it to be, but until Auburn Hills slips us a high-res jpeg, we figure you'd still enjoy an advanced look.

What it shows is an all-new instrument panel of what looks to be a higher-end model (note the abundance of woodgrain trim and leather surfaces), with the centerpiece being a new widescreen navigation system housed in an oval-shaped enclosure flanked by curved air vents. As expected, there is a wood and chrome-ringed steering wheel, switchgear in the standard places (including dual-zone climate control), a gated console shifter, and what looks to be a very large center console.

The interior is markedly more conservative than what Chrysler teased with the 200C Concept from January's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but admittedly, that concept was designed to give a future glimpse of the 300's kid brother, the Sebring). The 200C employed such show car details as a chrome single-spoke steering wheel, a screen in place of the main gauge binnacle, and a sophisticated all-in-one climate/stereo/nav unit that flowed out of a center console.

Despite that, the 300 "spy shot" looks to be a major leap forward in terms of unified style and potentially materials.

No definitive word yet on a date when the rest of the car will be revealed, so for now, 300 fans, you'll have to be content with this.

2009 New York Auto Show: Chrysler Electric ENVI Concepts

Unlike most automakers with EV concepts, Chrysler is not focusing on just one electric car. Instead, the company is trying to cut costs and improve quality by designing a full line of electric cars on a common platform.

Chrysler recently introduced three advanced electric-vehicle prototypes, while expressing its intention to broaden its all-electric and Range-extended Electric Vehicle portfolio across its vehicle lineup. At the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Company unveiled updated versions of those vehicles -- along with two new electric vehicles -- reinforcing a commitment to developing and bringing to market a broad array of advanced electric vehicles for the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands. Chrysler will produce at least one of these vehicles for North American markets in 2010 (and European markets after 2010), with at least three more models to follow by 2013.

Chrysler's ENVI-powered Electric Vehicles utilize just three primary components. These include an electric motor to drive the wheels, an advanced lithium-ion battery system to power the electric-drive motor, and a controller that manages energy flow.

The result of ENVI's Electric Vehicle technology is a completely new driving experience that delivers instantaneous acceleration and responsiveness. The electric-drive technology enables a new standard of quiet, smooth and efficient operation. Recharging a Chrysler all-electric vehicle is a simple one-step process: plugging into a standard 110-volt household outlet. The recharge time can be cut in half by using a typical 220-volt household appliance power outlet. Chrysler's Range-extended Electric Vehicle Technology The Range-extended Electric Vehicle combines the electric-drive components of the ENVI Electric Vehicle with a small gasoline engine and integrated electric generator to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed. This provides the positive attributes of an Electric Vehicle with the driving range equivalent to today's gasoline-powered vehicles -- with no compromises in performance. ENVI's Range-extended Electric Vehicles can travel 40 miles on battery power alone using zero gasoline and producing zero tailpipe emissions. A small internal combustion engine and integrated generator produces electricity that extends the range to 400 miles. Range-extended Electric Vehicles offer environmental responsibility without giving up driving range, comfort or utility. The recharging process and time for a Range-extended Electric Vehicle is the same as an all-electric vehicle, using either a 110-volt or 220-volt outlet.

New York Auto Show: Mercedes-Benz ML 450 hybrid

The road to production for the Mercedes-Benz ML450 hybrid hasn't always been smooth, but now that the Germans have shown off the new SUV here at the New York Auto Show (following its early debut at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show), they'll be happy to tell you just how amazing and luxurious this SULEV people-hauler is. The numbers start with a respectable 21 city/24 highway mpg rating. With a 3.5-liter V6 Atkinson cycle engine and a 288V NM battery pack, the ML450 hybrid can go 1.8 miles and up to 34 mph on battery power alone (take that, Toyota Prius!). The hybrid powertrain altogether has a combined output of 335 horsepower, so providing adequate power to move the giant SUV was clearly just as large a priority as fuel economy. The ML450 hybrid features Mercedes' first application of the Two-Mode hybrid powertrain it co-developed with General Motors and Chrysler - similar applications also appear in the Chevrolet Tahoe Two-Mode Hybrid, Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen Hybrids. How does it ride? All we can say for now is, stay tuned. We're about to hop in one and see for ourselves, but in the meantime for more technical details, see Mercedes' spec sheet (page 1, 2) and the complete press release after the jump.

New York: Chrysler gives a sneak peak at next 300 interior

Next-gen Chrysler 300C interior - Click above to enlargeDuring the Jeep Grand Cherokee press conference this morning, Chrysler vice chairman Jim Press gave the assembled journalists a sneak peak at the interior of the forthcoming Chrysler 300. While little more than a quick glimpse at of the instrument panel flashed up on the screen for a moment, we were able to grab this snapshot for you.What it shows is an all-new instrument panel of what looks to be a higher-end model (note the abundance of woodgrain trim and leather surfaces), with the centerpiece being a new widescreen navigation system housed in an oval-shaped enclosure flanked by curved air vents. As expected, there is a wood and chrome-ringed steering wheel, switchgear in the standard places (including dual-zone climate control), a gated console shifter, and what looks to be a very large center console.The interior is markedly more conservative than what Chrysler teased with the 200C Concept from January's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but admittedly, that concept was designed to give a future glimpse of the 300's kid brother, the Sebring). The 200C employed such show car details as a chrome single-spoke steering wheel, a screen in place of the main gauge binnacle, and a sophisticated all-in-one climate/stereo/nav unit that flowed out of a center console.Despite that, the 300 "spy shot" looks to be a major leap forward in terms of unified style and potentially materials. No definitive word yet on a date when the rest of the car will be revealed, so for now, 300 fans, you'll have to be content with this.