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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Chrysler Concorde 'El Camino-ized'

Here's one way to make Chrysler's Concorde sedan stand out from the crowd; turn it into a "business in the front, party in the back" style pickup truck. While the styling may not be to everyone's taste, it's a unique creation and judging by the photos, the execution appears to be decent, to say the least. Check out the rest of the photos after the break.

Source: Cardomain

1953 Chrysler "Thomas Special" Coupe Fetches $858,000 at Meadow Brook Auction

A unique 1953 Chrysler "Thomas Special" coupe with coachwork by Ghia, far bettered its pre-sale estimate of $350,000 to $500,000 bringing a top bid of $858,000 at this past weekend's RM Auctions Vintage Cars of Meadow Brook sale in Michigan.

One of Chrysler's first "Idea Cars" of the 1950s, the dazzling coupe was designed by Virgil Exner and crafted by famed Italian coachbuilder and stylist, Ghia. Only six of these vehicles were produced for Chrysler, while Ghia built another 12 examples for themselves.

Underneath the slick bodywork, the coupe shared its chassis and drivetain with the regular production 1953 Chrysler New Yorker, with power coming from a 180HP, 331-cubic inch Hemi V8 linked to Chrysler's fully-automatic PowerFlite transmission. Only a handful of exterior components were borrowed from the standard New Yorker, including the tail lamp assemblies and bumpers.

Although it was originally named the Chrysler Special, the car soon became known at the "Thomas Special," having been presented - after its motor show obligations ended- to C.B. Thomas, then-President of Chrysler's Export Division.

Source: RM Auctions

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