Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler

It doesn't take a seasoned auto analyst to look at Chrysler's current product portfolio and see a rag-tag unit of long-in-the-tooth cars, trucks and crossovers. And other than the introduction of an all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee in the next few months and the next Dodge Durango arriving later in the year, Chrysler's product portfolio appears to be pretty bleak in the near term.

To bridge the gap between the upcoming Fiat-inspired Chrysler products, the folks in Auburn Hills are working with their overlords in Turin, Italy to whip up some serious overhauls to key products over the next 12-18 months. Among the vehicles scheduled for an extreme makeover is the Chrysler 300, which has been left to fend for itself almost completely unmolested by engineers or designers since its introduction in late 2004. A report by the Wall Street Journal claims that the overhaul of the Chrysler flagship sedan has been bumped up to November to help slap a tourniquet on Chrysler's traumatized sales numbers.

The next 300 will reportedly receive serious cosmetic upgrades to the front and rear fascia in addition to a far more luxurious and attractive interior. The rear-drive sedan will also receive Chrysler's new Pentastar V6, which promises 280 or more horsepower and fuel savings of up to 20 percent versus the current vehicle.

As much as we loved the 300 when it first hit the scene, the aging sedan has become a symbol of just how much Chrysler has to improve to again become relevant. Here's hoping November brings a vastly improved 300 (along with an equally impressive Dodge Charger) to give Team Pentastar a much-needed shot in the arm.


Gallery: Future Chrysler models spotted in video



[Source: Wall St. Journal - Sub. Req.]Report: Chrysler pushing 300 launch up to November originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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