A Chrysler Sebring-Based Bentley Replica

Here’s a scary admission for you: I actually don’t mind the first generation Chrysler Sebring. It was sort of “Mustang-lite” in the styling department and is still a lot better looking than the latest incarnation of America’s middle-age spread, the almost universally despised third generation Sebring. And, as you no doubt know by now, we love us some eBay-found Euro reskins of fifteen plus year old American cars.

Today’s entrant is this, dare I say it, rather convincing replica of a 2009 Bentley Continental GT convertible or GTC based on a ’96 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. Fashioned in ghetto / Saudi Arabian sheik white with the typical, so-not-a-Bentley blinger rims that’d make even Lil’ Jon a lil ill, our wanna-B (you see what I did there?) comes complete with 175,000 miles on the clock and a full fibreglass body.
Before it leaves the seller’s hands, he or she claims to be fitting new carpet, a new windscreen, new door mirrors and a custom dual exhaust with genuine Bentley tips. All the buyer needs to do, we are told, is reupholster the seats, install a Bentley dash and centre console and fit a new convertible top, a new sound system and a sat nav system. And et voilà, your very own Bentley - sort of.
You have to admit, US$21,100 (€16,302) isn’t half bad for something that looks this good. You could get a ’96 Sebring for a lot less, but who wants one of those? You certainly can’t pick up a second-hand Bentley for this sort of money, that’s for sure. So, what’s the verdict? Would you or wouldn’t you? Let us know in the comments.

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Toyota Prius blossoms into...Chrysler 300

From our 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon "Strange But True" files comes this custom creation of what appears to be a second generation (judging by the interior door panels) Toyota Prius hybrid wearing a...Chrysler 300 front end. The show car also features sliding rear doors, lowered suspension, larger five-spoke alloy wheels, Chrysler 300-style tail lights and a high-end audio-visual system that replaces the rear seats. More pictures after the break.

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Alfa Romeo will Rebuild Under Fiat, Hopes to Move 500,000 Units by 2014

Fiat CEO Segio Marchionne has put the VW-Alfa Romeo rumors to rest...for now. Alfa will officially stay under its Italian parent's wing for at least a little while longer as Marchionne attempts to revive the ever-struggling Italian luxury automaker.
Alfa Romeo, as you may know, is not exactly pulling its weight; it is estimated that Fiat loses over $400 Million a year because of the upscale brand, which Marchionne says will have to move 300,000 units annually to earn money. For the record, Alfa is on pace for ~105,000 units this year, and Marchionne wants to hit 500,000 units by 2014 with the help of new models and the US market (possibly in 2012).
If and when Alfa does show up, America should get some cars that will aim to compete with BMW. That means on top of the entry-level Giulietta (no MiTo for us), we should get the mid-size Giulia luxury car to take on the 3-Series, a larger 169 based on Chrysler's RWD platform, and possibly a small soft-roader to compete with the X1 and X3. As for other possibilities down the line, look no further than the Alfa Romeo lineup: the Brera's successor, a new Spider, and a larger SUV are all possibilities in a perfect world.
Before any of this happens, though, Fiat, its multi-tasking head honcho, and its shareholders will soon have to make a very important decision: invest upwards of $2 Billion to pull Alfa Romeo back from the brink or ditch it and regroup.

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Chrysler 200 Convertible

We've already had our first in-depth look at the revised Sebring Convertible, which has been renamed to 200 Convertible, but now, Chrysler has releasing pricing a couple of months ahead of its market launch in the States. The new 200 Convertible is available in three trim levels (Touring, Limited and S), two engine choices including a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter V6, plus the option of a traditional soft top or a retractable metal hard top.

The range begins with the entry-level Touring model powered by a 173HP 2.4-liter four-banger matched to a six-speed automatic transmission, which is priced at $27,195 including a $750 destination fee. That brings the 200 Convertible in the same price range as Ford's 305HP Mustang Convertible V6, which starts at $27,495 (including destination and a $500 cash back).
Standard features on the Touring model include a cloth soft-top, leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated controls for audio and speed control; leather-wrapped shifter knob; air conditioning; MP3 radio with six speakers; front and side air-bags, electronic stability control with brake assist and traction control; automatic headlamps with LED light pipe accents; LED taillamps; power windows and locks; remote keyless and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Next up is the 200 Limited that is powered by the 283HP-strong 3.6-liter Pentastar engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It has a starting MSRP of $31,990 including a $750 destination fee.
On top of the standard features of the Touring, the Limited adds leather heated front seats; remote start; Media Center 730 touchscreen with 30 gigabyte HDD/CD/DVD/MP3 radio; Uconnect handsfree phone with Bluetooth; USB port for iPod/MP3 connectivity; electrochromatic rearview mirror; universal garage door opener; fog lamps; exterior chrome details and 18-inch alloy rims. 

Following the launch of the Touring and Limited variants, Chrysler will further enhance the 200 Convertible's range with the addition of the 'S' model. Offered exclusively with a V6 engine, the 'S' will come with several unique styling features such as a special finish on the grille, dark headlamp surrounds, bespoke 18-inch "tuner-inspired" aluminum wheels, black leather seats with suede inserts and a Boston Acoustics speaker system. The Detroit automaker did not announce pricing details on the 200 Convertible S.

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