The Maya 300 is the result of collaboration between Maya, battery supplier Electrovaya, and technology backer ExxonMobil and is currently heading for fleet sales and possibly an urban car sharing scheme in Baltimore, Maryland. Its Electrovaya lithium ion batteries utilize ExxonMobil's co-extruded separator film to pack energy into the smallest possible size yielding a 12 kWh battery with a 60 mile range or a 27 kWh battery good for 120 miles. The car is motivated via a 15 kW permanent magnet motor (that's a stampede of 20 HP to the rest of us). Recharge times are 6-8 hours on 110V and half that at 220V.

The car is currently certified by the DOT for low speed use, thus the artificial 30 MPH speed limit, but engineers are confident it will meet all federal regulations for freeway capable vehicles as it's equipped with an all-steel body, safety cage and air bags. The intention is to have a Federalized car available to the public for around $20-25,000 in 2011. It's currently making the rounds at the Maryland Science Center, which will be launching their localized ride share and electric car rental program on August 1st, but you can get a ride between now and then with the purchase of a museum ticket.

After a strong showing from the upscale new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, it seems Chrysler may have finally stopped sticking Fischer Price interiors into their $30k+ vehicles and started using real materials. Gone are the days of gashing yourself on a seam-welded grab handle or smacking your not-so-funny bone on a rock solid armrest — or so we hope.

It's clear the interior isn't quite as advanced as what's found in the Chrylser 200C Concept, but it appears to take on the concept's philosophy of an MMI-centered layout.

[Cars.com]

We were treated not only to the BAT concept reveal, but also to several other fabulous historic cars that were in attendance. Chief among them was a 1957 Mercedes Benz 300 SL, fresh from a 100-point concours-quality restoration at Legendary Motorcar Company, making its worldwide debut. If you watch Dream Car Garage this car will look familiar, as it's been their resto project for 13 episodes. The car is actually owned by Southfield-based BASF, so naturally it's wearing a fresh coat of color-correct BASF paint. Damn impressive car — we'd say it's probably better now than it ever was.

And lets not forget another car in the Jalopnik Fantasy Garage, the 1948 Tucker Torpedo. This one is owned by RM auctions, which will be holding a preview event on Friday at Meadow Brook and an auction on Saturdayi. There's a lot on the blocks at this event, including the entrance to the old Packard Plant here in Detroit.

Things actually get rolling on Thursday, with the Second Annual Hangar Party. An event held at the Oakland County Airport, the Hangar Party puts a dozen vintage planes and historical cars together with liquid lubrication and tasty edibles. If you want to get to that one, you better move fast, as we'd bet tickets for the 'oo-la-la' event are getting scarce.

On the list of 'new and improved' for this year is the first-annual "Destination D'Elegance." The full-day event on Saturday before the Concours features free entry, a huge variety of modern supercars, demonstrations on restoration and collecting, a bevy of the worlds most heady modern superbikes and much more. Also notable: If you want to know how the Hyundai Genesis feels from the passenger or driver's seat, Hyundai will be having on-site ride-and-drives of the new kimchi-scented luxo-barge all day. This will be the one the plebes go to, as it's free, and the actual Concours has a steep $25 entry fee. We really want to get there and cover the Pabst-soaked yard-dart contests, but we'll see.

Oh yeah, then there's the actual Meadow Brook Concours D'Elegance set for Sunday. If you pay your ducats you can expect to see 225 of the finest motor cars in history. Like we mentioned, on hand will be the Mormon Meteor; a supercharged, inline-8-packing, Duesenberg Model SSJ (you'll see us licking it), a 1932 Helicron (give it a Google, it'll be fun), the only '56 Taylor Aerocar still in flying condition, 16 different V16 powered cars — with their engines displayed, and rarely seen Bill Mitchell styling concepts from GM's "Studio X" (sounds porny). Of course, that's far from everything. This year they've got a field of groundbreaking and historical Ferraris, so, you know, that should be pretty boring, as well as vintage motorcycles with sidecars. A little something for everybody.

Yes indeed folks, if you've never been out to the Meadow Brook Concours D'Elegance, this year wouldn't be a bad time to start coming. We'll be there as much as possible, bringing you fresh, wallpaper-quality images and car-induced, delirium-saturated prose. For details on events, times and locations, visit Meadow Brook Concours Online.

Love it or hate it, but you can't ignore this face. Like the nose of a space cruiser! Maybe Chrysler will retro-ize this look at some point.


And the taillights- wow! These cars didn't just look good; the 300s could get going pretty well, too. The standard engine was a 305-horsepower 383; if that wasn't enough, you could spring for the dual-quad 413 in the 300H, which gave you a mighty 380 horsepower... and if that wasn't enough, a 405-horse version was available. Sadly, you couldn't get a 4-speed from the factory, but dealers back then were generally willing to make such an option happen for those willing to pay.


The interior is very nice, although that can of starter fluid on the seat isn't a good sign.

The standard engine in the '64 300 was a 305-horse 383 V8. Of course, by this time the car might have had a 440 or 413 swap- you just never know with mix-n-match-friendly 60s Detroit cars.


No focus group would ever permit an automaker to have such a grille as this today; focus groups want bigger cupholders and a higher driver's seat, not vivid styling.


I like the "textured" paint, but those wheelwells deserved to be filled up by bigger tires.

The Car Connection is reporting:

"Chrysler's plans for its large 300/Charger sedans include a major makeover for the 2011 model year. But while Chrysler's new managers have been dropping hints about the future of the HEMI engine, there's not much they can do about the rear-drive layout of the big sedans."

"A switch to front-wheel drive could improve the fuel economy of the sedans, but reports to TCC say that there's no money set aside to make the switch to front-wheel drive."

Photo credit: Curtis Walker

New Jerseyite Pal-o'-tha-Jalop Jeff Musical likes to go out tooling around in his Audi A4. In fact, we're pretty sure he likes tooling around in his old A4 more than girls. Recently, he happened upon a man stranded on the side of the road in a 300C. Kind soul that he his, our man stopped to lend a hand. The stuck motorist turned out to be an Ohioan Chrysler tech on his way to NY to find a new job, seeing as he was so fed up with working for Cerberus' new acquisition, he couldn't stand it anymore. – Davey G. Johnson

Chrysler Technician: "Don't Buy Our Cars" [VOD Cars]

Related:
Even If Daimler Doesn't Want It Anymore, Chrysler Still Thinks It's "Engineered Beautifully" [Internal]

Despite the fact the German side of the German-American hybrid no longer wants anything to do with the 'merican side, the 'mericans are still trying to feel pretty inside. That's why they've released a set of four new ads touting their vehicles as being "engineered beautifully." That phrase apparently is the distillation of the fact that "...at its core, the Chrysler brand stands for stylish products, agile performance, refined quality and the confidence of being proud without being arrogant." Well, considering the fact that they're now seen as being Daimler-Benz's little whipping boy, I somehow don't know how much I agree with the fact that they're looking all that "proud" now, much less "arrogant." And don't even get us started on "agile performance" and make us bring up the new Sebring. But whatever it takes this jilted lover to get through the day, you know? Full release below the jump. – Ray Wert

Chrysler Brand Debuts Campaign with New "Engineered Beautifully" Theme Line Auburn Hills, Mich., May 7, 2007 -

Stunning design and innovative technology take center stage in the new Chrysler brand TV and print ads, which break on May 8, featuring the new theme line "Engineered Beautifully."

"More than 80 percent of the Chrysler brand product portfolio is all-new or refreshed in the last 12 months with the recent introduction of the all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible and the debut of the all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country later this year," said David Rooney, Director - Chrysler Marketing and Global Communications, Chrysler Group. "This is the perfect opportunity for us to showcase that there is more behind the sheet metal and distinctive style, and that every Chrysler possesses world-class quality and engineering at an extraordinary value."

Additionally, the all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible marketing launch is May 8. The Sebring Convertible ads mirror the tone and style of the new Chrysler brand creative.

The all-new Sebring Convertible offers a sleek and elegant design, exhilarating performance with excellent fuel efficiency and a spacious interior. It also offers what no other convertible has offered before - three automatically latching convertible top options: vinyl, cloth and a body-color steel hard top, all of which can be retracted with a push of a button on the key fob.

"Chrysler is, and always has been, a brand made by and built for people with a passion for great cars," said Rooney. "Products like the 300 and Town & Country put us at the forefront of the industry in terms of style and design. At the same time, we have made great strides to become competitive and even surpass our competition in terms of quality and engineering. While we have made great strides, the perception has not caught up with reality in the marketplace. Our new communications direction will help get that engineering message across."

At its core, the Chrysler brand stands for stylish products, agile performance, refined quality and the confidence of being proud without being arrogant. The new Chrysler brand direction will communicate these core values through a unique combination of both striking design and innovation technology. Overall, Chrysler promises superior engineering and stunning designs built around customer's needs ... at a price that will surprise and delight. No other manufacturer can make this claim. It's the way our vehicles come together that sets us apart. Simply put, Chrysler vehicles are ... Engineered Beautifully.

Following are descriptions of the new broadcast spots, including those for the Chrysler brand, Chrysler Sebring sedan, Chrysler Sebring Convertible and Chrysler 300.

Technology Throughout (Chrysler Brand :60)
This lead spot focuses on the innovative features within every Chrysler vehicle and the engineering behind those features. It uses a unique and original CGI technique to showcase the technology and engineering behind key features that enable Chrysler vehicles to seamlessly adapt to everyday driving situations.

The vehicle is slowed down on the film at the very instant that a feature is engaged. The viewer is then taken inside to see the technology and craftsmanship that lies beneath. This spot showcases and links together the Chrysler 300, Aspen, Sebring Convertible and all-new Town & Country, along with shared technology of Multi-displacement System (MDS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System. It closes with a shot of the Chrysler brand lineup and the new tag line "Engineered Beautifully."

Taking Care (Sebring sedan :30)
This spot clearly demonstrates how every Chrysler Sebring sedan is meticulously designed and built to meet the everyday needs of customers through purposeful technology, not superficial features. It also shows how each feature has been designed and incorporated to further enhance their driving experience.

This commercial begins with the customer. The car and its features build around the customer piece by piece, via a unique CGI technique, as they interact with the various features of the vehicle. At the end, all the pieces come together to deliver the best possible driving experience - a beautiful "custom built" Sebring sedan.

Key to Happiness (Sebring Convertible :30)
This commercial features a highly energetic and emotional execution of the new brand essence. The Sebring Convertible is featured in a stylized setting designed to showcase its beautiful design and advanced engineering. The main product features are set in unique type on black art cards to maximize impact. The emotional music track provides a consistent undertone for the overall message of styling, design and technology.

The commercial begins with a shot of the all-new 2008 Sebring Convertible, showcasing its beautiful styling. The new Convertible hard top is shown along with the unique art cards to match. We see a few of the new technological features of the vehicle as well. These features, technological advancements and stylish design messages culminate to invite the consumer to hold the key to happiness.

Success (300 :30)
This commercial maintains a consistent tone with the Sebring Convertible "Key To Happiness" spot as it features the beautiful Chrysler 300 in a stylized setting. The main product features are set in unique type on black art cards to maximize impact. The emotional music track provides a consistent undertone for the overall message of styling, design and technology.

The commercial begins with a reveal of the distinctive front end of the Chrysler 300. As the 300 approaches the city, art cards are displayed showcasing the many premium features it has available. The spot culminates in a bold statement that captures what the Chrysler 300 is all about.

Multiple vehicles (300/PT Cruiser/Sebring Sedan :30)
Again, keeping with the tone of "Key to Happiness" and "Success" this spot features the Chrysler 300, PT Cruiser and Sebring sedan in beautifully attractive and stylized settings that capture the essence of what the Chrysler brand is all about. The main product features are set in unique type on black art cards to maximize impact. The emotional music track provides a consistent undertone for the overall message of styling, design and technology.

This commercial communicates the Chrysler brand's leadership in fuel efficiency, as well as its commitment to building quality vehicles that are unique in their distinctive styling and incredible value. No more is that present than with the award-winning 300, the technologically advanced Sebring sedan, and the stylish, yet functional PT Cruiser.

The television schedule features prime-time network and cable shows such as Grey's Anatomy, Boston Legal, Ugly Betty, Dancing with the Stars, Conan O'Brien, The Tonight Show, NBA Playoffs, Big Break 7, Larry King, Anderson Cooper, Nancy Grace, Headline News, Law and Order CI, Law and Order SVU and Dog Whisperer. The ads will also appear on other channels including TNT, TBS, Food Network Style Network, ESPN, CNBC, Fine Living Network, Bravo and The Golf Channel.

The print ads follow the same creative direction for a consistent tone and message. Product is the star with bold photography on colorful backgrounds along with highlighted technology features. The Chrysler print ads will run in Automobile Magazine, Aspen Peak Magazine, Car and Driver, Food Wine, Forbes, Golf Digest, Golf For Women, Jet, Martha Stewart Everyday, Motor Trend, National Geographic, The New Yorker, Road and Track, Southern Accents, Sunset, Tennis Magazine, Traditional Home and Travel and Leisure.

In addition to the new advertising, the Chrysler brand will showcase the all-new Sebring Convertible through two programs done with Hearst and Forbes magazines. The Hearst Awaken Your Senses program includes advertising, Web activity (www.awakenyoursenses.com), product displays and test drive components with the grand prize of an all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. The Chrysler brand is also the exclusive sponsor of one chapter of the Forbes 90th Anniversary Issue and Networking Special Report covering lifestyle elements surrounding careers, entertainment, leisure and design.

Chrysler Brand
Driven by award-winning new models, the Chrysler brand has seen a dramatic increase in sales, market share and brand image. Since 1990, Chrysler brand sales have more than tripled. No other American automotive brand has grown as much during the same time frame.

The Chrysler brand's succession of innovative product introductions continues to solidify the brand's standing as the leader in great design, purposeful technology and value. With the launch of the all-new 2007 Chrysler Sebring sedan and the 2007 Chrysler Aspen - the first-ever full-size sport-utility vehicle for the brand - the momentum is sure to continue with the launch of the all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible and 2008 Chrysler Town & Country.

Chrysler recalls thousands of '07 vehicles [Reuters]

Related:
Fire In The Sky: Chrysler Recalls Breezes, Stratuses, Cirruses; DCX Makes Emissions Settlement, Will Recall 1.5M Jeeps, Dodges [internal]

...if you're in the market for a new vehicle and you're willing to take the 2006 model — you'll be able to get a helluva deal from your dealer. That is, if your dealer's looking to share that money — because anything not used out of the unadvertised "dealer incentive" goes right back into their pockets. That means there's now a good way to see if your Chrysler Group dealer's playing you a fair deal, or just playing you. – Ray Wert

$$$ for Chrysler dealers [Detroit News]

Related:
Chrylser, Chrysler, Pants On Fire!; Breaking! Whoa, Joe Shows Chrysler Group Sales That Don't Blow — DCX Up 4.7%, Beats Ford [internal]

Everyone knows how the rest of this pick-up line goes — but with this little bit of viral vid featuring a "little precision German" and then those "gag" ads we showed you over the weekend — one has to wonder where the 'merican side of the German-American hybrid's going with their combined marketing strategy. I mean yeah, it's funny — but hopefully, for Joe's sake, it's built on more than a YouTube vid and that horrid Nitro "world" ad. – Ray Wert

Related:
Ad Watch Exclusive: Chrysler Fires One Past The Censors; Ad Watch: The Dodge Nitro — Now With Twice The Time, Twice The Heaviness Of The Original Commercial; Chrysler Group's Marketing Man Makes You Wonder: "Hey Joe, Is It Time To Go?" [internal]

Looks like the folks at BBDO Detroit were having all sorts of fun while filming those web-only ads we found creative on earlier this week for the 'merican side of the German-American hybrid, creating a few different versions. But these two commercials for the Jeep Commander (above) and the Chrysler 300 (below the jump) are definitely on the "gag" side of the "alternate" spectrum — and you've got to admit, it's ballsy of them to have even finished the creative. Watch for yourself and try and see if you can circle the differences between the originals and these not-so-safe-for-work-speaker versions in Jalopnik's very own video Ad Watch edition of the popular bartop coin-op game, Photo Hunt — touch screen not included. – Ray Wert

Related:
Ad Watch: Chrysler Group's Looking For You To Make The Folgers Switch [internal]

Chrysler's using the same idea as the "if you can find a better car, buy it" ads — except this time they're striking straight into foreign territory with some humor in these web-only BBDO Detroit ads designed to push import-owners into buying new Chrysler Group vehicles. The first commercial, above is for the Chrysler 300 and below the jump we've got ads for the Dodge Caravan and the Jeep Commander. Best line of the entire campaign's got to be "Oh, thank you Chrysler!" and the running "smooth, good flavor" gag running through them all. Glad to see the Chrysler Group marketing team's moving over to the Detroit team with this campaign, else we'd be again looking at a Dr. Z-esque explosive blast of "flavorable" poop. And plus, haven't you heard — now that we've got a cell phone lane, Detroit's the new New York. – Ray Wert

Related:
Chrysler Group's Marketing Man Makes You Wonder: "Hey Joe, Is It Time To Go?" [internal]

Among Chrysler's SEMA show cars this year will be a rocked-out version of the 300C Long Wheelbase it's calling the Pullman. Recalling the Pullmann Mercedes W100s of the 1960s, a favorite of Hugh Hefner and South American puppet dictators alike, the Pullman features rear suicide doors, two sunroofs, chrome dubba-dubs, a Hotchkiss Sportline suspension and mild performance tweakage. It's derived with an eye toward calling attention to Chrysler's often overlooked 300C Long Wheelbase, which it showed off at the New York show earlier this year. Perhaps it'll even make the cover of Pimp's Life. – Mike Spinelli

[via Motor Authority]

Related:
Chrysler to Introduce Long-Wheelbase 300C Today; More on the 2006 SEMA show [internal]

"70 percent of the new cars sold in the US offer iPod connectivity as an option."

That's true — 70% of car models do offer it, but how many of them come equipped with it — and does showing a Chrysler 300 make sense, especially considering the well documented issue of the loss of aux-in when you go for the upgraded radio? Also, aren't they kind of pushing MyGig almost as a competitor to the iPod — at least in the car space? Just asking — maybe the Giz'll have the answers for us later on.

Apple Showtime Coverage [Gizmodo]

Related:
More iPod [internal]

Spied: 2010 Chrysler 300 Four-door Convertible [Motor Trend]

Related:
Chrysler Still Mulling 300 Convertible

Oh, the results? Is that what you're asking for? Well...

...the Chevy Impala and Toyota Avalon both received "good" ratings, the Buick Lucerne and Hyundai Azera received "acceptable" ratings and the Buick LaCrosse and Chrysler 300 received "marginal" ratings — all when tested with side airbags. Of the large cars tested without side airbags, the Chrysler 300, Ford Five Hundred and Ford Crown Victoria — all received ratings of "Poor." It should be noted that when the Ford Five Hundred was tested last year with side airbags, it received a Gold Medal — so it's got that going for it.

So remember kids, side airbags save lives.

Study: Side Air Bags Improve Safety [CBS/AP]
New side impact crash test results: Impala, Avalon are top large car performers [IIHS]

Related:
$40,000 in Protection: Audi A6, Infiniti M35 Top Frontal Crash-Test Ratings [internal]