When Chrysler entered bankruptcy protection, its product lineup was decidedly barren. Team Pentastar has addressed that issue in the months since it sought government protection, and the fruits of all that labor have begun to pay off with the launch of 16 new and dramatically refreshed vehicles for 2011.

New products like the 2011 Chrysler 300 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee have no doubt helped improve Chrysler's portfolio, but AutoWeek reports that the sheer scope of the overhaul may have truncated the 2011 model year. Many of the 2011 models in dealerships now didn't arrive until the first quarter of 2011, while others, like the 300 and Dodge Durango are just now trickling into showroom floors across America.

The late roll-out of 2011 models won't be repeated for 2012, as Chrysler spokesperson Ralph Kisiel reportedly told AW "most of our 2012s go into production during the month of July." Dealers will begin ordering 2012 models as early as May.

Chrysler's shortened run of 2011 models isn't exactly normal, but we're guessing that it won't matter much to dealers. After all, if 2012 models are arriving this summer, then the 2011s will just be getting in the way.


Gallery: 2011 Chrysler 300: First Drive



Photos copyright (C)2011 Rex Roy / AOL



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