Chrysler: What's New for 2012

What's New for 2012: All Makes

2012 Chrysler 200: The Chrysler 200 sees its exterior color palette expand to include Crystal Blue Pearlcoat and Deep Auburn. The 200 Limited convertible has an available black/pearl white interior color scheme for 2012, while the LX convertible has been discontinued. And the base LX sedan has its base price lowered by $1,000.

2012 Chrysler 300: Chrysler returns the 300C SRT8 to the lineup, and adds 300S and 300C Executive Series models. The new SRT8 promises to be a better performance sedan than its predecessor, thanks to a 470-horsepower 6.4-liter V8, along with a retuned suspension and overhauled cabin furnishings. We wish we could get something besides a five-speed automatic transmission to drive the rear wheels, but we certainly aren't complaining about the 300C SRT8's new adaptive suspension. Chrysler sourced Brembo hardware for the brakes, and the car wears 20-by-9-inch forged alloy wheels. Inside, there's a flat-bottom steering wheel, real carbon-fiber trim and a standard navigation system. A six-speaker Alpine stereo is standard, and there's a Harman Kardon system with 19 speakers on the options list. Adaptive cruise control and a collision warning system are also optional.

Available with either the 3.6-liter V6 or the 5.7-liter V8, and either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the 300S model is an attempt to reach out to younger buyers with taste. As such, the 300S is stripped of stigmatizing wood-grain trim and chrome wheels, and has piano black interior accents and black-accented 20-inch wheels with slender spokes. Seat upholstery is either black or Radar Red in hue; cloth is standard and leather is optional. And instead of a no-name stereo, each S comes with a 10-speaker Beats Audio system apparently tuned with input from Dr. Dre. Finally, there's the 300C Executive Series aimed at those of you seeking an out-and-out luxury sedan experience. The 5.7-liter V8 engine is standard, as is a premium-grade leather interior in either black or Mochachino. You also get elaborate stitching on the dash and real wood accents in either Mocha or gray. On the outside, matte-finish chrome accents abound and the 20-inch wheels are polished to match.

Finally, note that an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is optional on the base 2012 Chrysler 300 and standard on V6-equipped 300 Limited and 300S models. All V8 models soldier on with a five-speed automatic.

2012 Chrysler Town and Country: Leather seats and a rear DVD entertainment system are now standard on the Town and Country Touring, and all T&Cs have Sapphire Blue dash lighting this year. Cashmere Pearl, Crystal Blue and True Blue are new exterior paint choices.