“The new 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Edition is more than just our flagship car, it’s the trophy for the tireless majority, an automobile designed and built to meet the most discerning of expectations,” said Saad Chehab, president and CEO of the Chrysler Brand. “It’s fitted with a paddle-shifting eight-speed transmission found only on cars twice its cost, dressed with the highest-grade Italian Poltrona Frau leather and finished with hand-sanded real wood found only in exotic cars—all to deliver a surprising combination of hyper craftsmanship, style, technology and ‘über’ best-in-class fuel economy at 31 mpg.”

And all that’s just the tip of the very premium iceberg for the new 300 Luxury Series, which also offers:

• A choice of two award-winning powerplants, including the Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-liter HEMI V8
• The only 360-degree heated steering-wheel rim in the segment, accented by a sophisticated chrome ring
• The largest infotainment system touchscreen (8.1 inches) in the segment
• The segment’s most advanced all-wheel-drive system, with both an active transfer case and a front-axle-disconnect feature
• 12-way power-adjustable driver and front-passenger seats, both with four-way power lumbar adjustments
• Two-mode cooling and heating functionality for front and rear seats
• New die-cast paddle shifters
• 20-inch polished-face wheels (RWD models) or 19-inch aluminum wheels with painted pockets (AWD models)
• Platinum chrome fascia accents, exterior mirror caps and door handle accents
• A model-specific platinum-chrome grille surround highlighting a platinum-chrome mesh grille
• Power-adjustable pedals with memory
• A power backlight sunshade
• Thick 18-ounce Berber floor mats
• Ambient lighting
• Dual heated/cooled cup holders
• Auto-dimming/auto-tilt driver’s-side mirror

Yet, as mentioned above, even with all this premium content, the Luxury Series also delivers segment-best EPA ratings in both rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations, achieving up to 19 mpg city/31 mpg highway/23 mpg combined in the former and 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway/21 mpg combined in the latter.

The 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series will debut in the first quarter of 2012, with pricing that starts from $40,145.

It looks like the Chrysler Group’s recent wave of new products is cresting at the right time: Eight of the automaker’s vehicles—including at least one from every brand—were named 2012 “Best Buys” in a recent evaluation from industry watchdog Consumers Digest.

Among them were:

Chrysler 300—Now offering the only eight-speed automatic transmission in its segment, along with the driver’s choice of up to 363 hp or 31 mpg highway

Chrysler Town & Country—Which introduces further value—and premium content—for 2012 with standard leather seating and a standard rear-seat DVD system for all models

Jeep Grand Cherokee—Adding more hardware to a trophy case that also welcomed “SUV of Texas,” “Luxury SUV of Texas,” and “Active Lifestyle Vehicle” awards in just the past two weeks

Dodge Challenger—Including the 2012 Challenger R/T, packing a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 capable of 375 hp, 410 lb.-ft. of torque and 25 mpg highway

Dodge Durango—Showcasing the kind of driving dynamics that help put the “sport” back in “sport utility vehicle”

Dodge Grand Caravan—This year offering a new American Value Package with an MSRP that makes it the most affordable minivan in the country: $20,995

Ram 1500—Boasting three cab sizes, three box lengths, three engines (including a HEMI), five- and six-speed automatic transmissions, part-time and on-demand four-wheel-drive systems, four axle ratios and13 trim levels to meet the needs of any truck lover

Fiat 500—Blending fuel economy, safety, quality, a nimble driving experience and undeniable Italian style

“It’s a tremendous honor to have so many vehicles named as ‘Best Buys’ by Consumers Digest,” said Doug Betts, the Chrysler Group’s senior vice president for quality. “We have gone to great lengths to enhance the craftsmanship and quality of all of our vehicles. These awards are evidence that we’re producing cars, trucks, crossovers, minivans and SUVs that customers—and critics—appreciate.”

Now on a streak of 19 straight months of year-over-year sales gains, the Chrysler Group sold 114,512 vehicle in October, driving deliveries up by 27 percent—the highest mark of any full-line automaker and better than Hyundai and Kia. And significantly, the automaker’s performance included a 40 percent leap in retail sales.

Other highlights from October included:

• Ram, Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep each increased sales by more than 20 percent.
• Deliveries of the Chrysler 200 were up more than 405 percent over the vehicle it replaced.
• The Jeep Compass set an all-time sales record, lifting sales 566 percent to 5,179 units, while the Jeep
• Wrangler posted its top October sales ever—the vehicle’s fifth consecutive monthly sales record.
• Sales of the Dodge Avenger improved by 145 percent, and those of the Dodge Journey by 36 percent.
• The Ram pickup clocked 21,037 deliveries last month, its best October performance in four years, and the new Ram Cargo Van entered the market for the first time.

That kind of momentum is likely to continue, too, as the Chrysler Group also recently announced that eight of its vehicles, including at least one from each division, were Consumers Digest “Best Buys” for the 2012 model year. The award-winners were the Chrysler 300 and Chrysler Town & Country; Jeep Grand Cherokee; Ram 1500; Fiat 500; and Dodge Durango, Dodge Grand Caravan and Dodge Challenger.

“It’s a tremendous honor to have so many vehicles named as ‘Best Buys’ by Consumers Digest,” said Doug Betts, senior vice president for Quality, Chrysler Group LLC. “We have gone to great lengths to enhance the craftsmanship and quality of all of our vehicles. These awards are evidence that we’re producing cars, trucks, crossovers, minivans and SUVs that customers—and critics—appreciate.”

The newest Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivan models have been named Top Safety Pick for 2012 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Both minivans achieved the highest score of “Good” in rollover tests, as well as frontal, side, and rear crash protection.  In order to be considered, vehicles must have standard electronic stability control systems.

“Safety-conscious parents shopping for a family hauler should be pleased with today’s minivan choices,” said David Zuby, the Institute’s chief research officer.

For 2012, both minivans offer more than 40 standard or available safety features. Front seat mounted airbags, three-row side curtain air bags, driver-side knee blocker air bag and all-speed traction control are among the standard safety features. Both models also include an available SafetyTec group with features including ParkSense rear park assist, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection.

“With the latest addition of Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country, Chrysler Group has 11 vehicles that have been named Top Safety Pick since we began our unprecedented launch of new vehicles a year ago and is unsurpassed,” said Scott Kunselman, senior vice president – engineering. “This latest recognition by IIHS underscores our commitment to engineering safety and security across all vehicle segments. As we continue our product transformation, we’ll continue to engineer new technology and more capabilities into all our vehicles.”

The Professional Rodeo Cowboy’s Association (PRCA) and Ram Trucks have announced that the Ram Truck Top Gun Award will return to the 2011 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Dec. 1-10, in Las Vegas. The award honors the top cowboy or cowgirl who earns the most money in a single event across the punishing 10-day PRCA ProRodeo finals.

In order to win the specially wrapped Ram 3500 Heavy Duty the entrant must earn more money overall in a single event than anyone else in the field of 119 competitors.

In 2010, Trevor Brazile bested J.W. Harris to capture the inaugural Ram Truck Top Gun Award and said, “It put a whole new perspective on this NFR … there are a lot of times when you’re roping for a championship and you don’t take chances, [but] you’ll take a lot of chances for a Ram truck.”

“Given the success of this innovative award last year we are thrilled with Ram Truck’s decision to continue their support,” said PRCA Commissioner Karl Stressman. “This award celebrates a huge accomplishment by a cowboy or cowgirl and gives our fans the chance to cheer on their favorites in a cross-event, winner-take-all battle.”

The winner of this year’s Ram Truck Top Gun Award at the WNFR will be awarded a one-of-a-kind wrapped Ram 3500 Heavy Duty Longhorn Laramie truck, a Commemorative Firearms one-of-a-kind Ram Truck Top Gun-branded commemorative rifle, and a Montana Silversmiths buckle. In addition to being recognized during the 10th Round of the WNFR at the Thomas and Mack Arena, the winner will also be celebrated during the PRCA’s World Champions Awards Show and 10th Night After Party, in conjunction with the Mirage and Rodeo Vegas.

“The PRCA have always been great partners because it is easy to see that the competitors and the fans are as passionate about their sport and their trucks as we are here at Ram,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico. “The Ram Truck Top Gun Award recognizes the cowboy or cowgirl who gives it their all with Guts and Glory. That’s the same spirit we live by here at Ram Truck. We’ll be looking forward to giving away that Ram Laramie Longhorn.”

Fans will be able to follow the Ram Truck Top Gun race during the Finals through our WNFR live scoreboard on prorodeo.com, Facebook.com, or the live telecasts on GAC Network.

Saying that it ranks “among the best upscale sedans” on the market today, the automotive experts at Consumer Reports had plenty of praise for the refreshed Chrysler 300 during a recent comparison test. Chrysler’s flagship sedan had been thoroughly upgraded for 2011, and the results drew CR comments like:

• “The 300 is the best Chrysler car we’ve seen in decades.”
• Its 5.7-liter HEMi V8, capable of 363 hp, is “quick, muscular,” and “delivers strong performance,” even as “many customers would be happy” with the car’s base Pentastar V6, which “provides better fuel economy with still-strong acceleration.”
• That performance “is now complemented by responsive handling and a more comfortable ride.”
• “Thanks to a major upgrade, its roomy interior is now quieter and more luxurious.”
• The cabin “is plush and well-finished with large and straightforward touch-screen controls.”
• “Driver visibility is much improved.”

But even after praise like this, Chrysler remains dedicated to continuously improving the 300, which offers a lineup that’s been fine-tuned to appeal to more customers for the new model year. Available in three different configurations—300C, with sophisticated yet avant-garde styling; 300S, for the ultimate in American luxury; and 300 SRT8, the flagship’s flagship that is also the most powerful, best-handling Chrysler sedan ever—the 2012 models offer a wide range of new standard and available content. And this includes the first automotive application of the premium “Beats by Dr. Dre” audio technology, as well as the first advanced eight-speed automatic to launch in a domestic vehicle.

The new transmission, from ZF, is particularly worth noting, as it helps the Chrysler 300 deliver V6 EPA ratings unsurpassed by any segment rival: 19 mpg city/31 mpg highway/23 mpg combined with rear-wheel drive and 18/27/21 with all-wheel drive.

The 2012 Chrysler 300 is in dealerships now.

As unlucky drivers across the country already know, colder weather isn’t merely just around the corner–it’s already here. That makes right now the perfect time to prepare your vehicle for the unique challenges of winter driving, and Mopar, as the Chrysler Group’s accessories and customer-care division, is the perfect resource for expert tips on doing just that. Hit the jump to see Mopar’s Top 10 tips.

1. Brakes: Cold weather is slippery weather, so be sure to check brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, calipers, wheel cylinders, and even the parking brake to ensure optimum stopping capabilities.

2. Tires: All tires—including the spare—should receive a thorough inspection that includes both the tread and sidewalls. It’s especially important to be on the lookout for uneven or excessive wear, since they can be indicators of other potential problems. And always keep tires properly inflated; it reduces both premature wear and fuel costs.

3. Battery: Most people don’t realize this, but summer heat is one of the primary causes of winter battery failures. Test your battery now, before the cold really sets in, and pay close attention to corroded terminals and bulges or cracks in the battery case.

4. Wiper blades: You need every advantage you can get in snowy conditions, and that includes fresh wiper blades. And conveniently, Mopar now offers innovative “Beam Blades” that were specifically designed for superior all-weather performance and resistance to snow and ice clogs.

5. Shocks and Struts: The winter season means pothole season, and that means servicing your vehicle’s shocks and struts to maintain a smooth ride in all driving conditions.

6. Engine oil: Using clean oil with the right viscosity is always vital to keeping your engine running smoothly, and that’s more important than ever when faced with the stresses of freezing temperatures.

7. Fluid levels: Check and change all vehicle fluids and lubricants, including antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid, per factory recommendations.

8. Engine belts and hoses: Again, check factory recommendations then check the parts, replacing them with quality-tested components from Mopar.

9. Air filter: Help your engine breathe more easily—and save fuel—with a new filter that delivers a clean and unrestricted flow of air.

10. Headlamps and taillamps: Shorter days require longer periods of driving with the lights on, so inspect and test all your vehicle’s lamps to make sure they work properly and are properly aligned.

“Now is the time to prepare your vehicle for the upcoming winter-driving season,” said Jim Sassorossi, Mopar’s head of sales and product development. “Preventative maintenance helps vehicles perform at optimum levels in a variety of conditions.

“With original-equipment Mopar parts, our factory-trained technicians provide full service to Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, SRT and Fiat vehicles,” Sassorossi added. “And with the addition of proven, quality-tested parts from Magneti Marelli, we also service all domestic and most import vehicles as well.”

The new ad, entitled “My World,” features the JLo’s song “Until It Beats No More” and shows the singer driving a Fiat 500 Cabrio from Manhattan to the Bronx, where she grew up. The ad “explores her personal take on how life in the New York City borough continues to inspire her to be tougher, to stay sharper and to think faster.”

The Cabrio also makes an appearance in Lopez’s music video, “Papi,” along with a 30-second trailer for the video, which aired on local and national networks.

Yet another fleet of plug-in hybrid electric Ram 1500 pickups has been launched, this time in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The city will take possession of four trucks that are a part of a larger national demonstration fleet of 140 vehicles. This fleet will be used during the next three years to evaluate customer usage, drive cycles, charging, thermal management, fuel economy, emissions and impact on the region’s electric grid.

Chrysler has also delivered Ram 1500 PHEV trucks to the city of Yuma, Ariz., to take full advantage of hot weather and conduct thermal testing in the desert southwest. Other cities that have received the demonstration PHEV Ram 1500 pickups include San Francisco and Sacramento, Calif., Charlotte, N.C., Boston, Mass., and Albany, N.Y.

“Cities have been carefully selected to help Chrysler Group LLC collect a wide range of data,” explained Abdullah Bazzi, senior manager of Chrysler’s advanced hybrid vehicle project. “Auburn Hills is in our backyard and offers a combination of suburban and rural driving that is ideal as a test cycle for these vehicles. The constant charging will allow us to measure the impact on battery life and charging efficiency.”

Although there are no plans in place to produce the PHEV truck being tested, its powertrain may lead to an advanced hybrid vehicle for public consumption in a few years. The PHEV Ram 1500 includes a liquid-cooled 12.9kWhr lithium ion battery pack and a 6.6 kilowatt (kW) on-board charger. The powertrain also includes a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine and a two-mode hybrid transmission. Chrysler’s Fuel Saver technology is also included.

“Auburn Hills has worked diligently to implement policies and procedures to create a municipal infrastructure that accommodates the growing use of hybrid electric vehicles,” said Pete Auger, Auburn Hills city manager. “We have taken a leading role in smart planning for alternative energy options that will fuel tomorrow’s vehicles.”

The recent struggles of Chrysler are quickly becoming a thing of the past as the automaker just had another stellar sales month. In September, Chrysler sold 127,334 vehicles, a 27 percent increase compared with sales in September 2010. The company’s 27 percent sales increase was driven by retail sales that were up 50 percent.

Specific models that contributed to a successful month included the Chrysler 200 and Chrysler 300 sedans, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Compass, Dodge Journey crossover, Ram pickup truck, and the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans.

“Irrespective of the economy, strong products equal strong sales and with our retail sales up a whopping 50 percent that is exactly what we have,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand and Head of U.S. Sales. “September was also our 18th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth and we have now gained more retail market share than anyone else in the country. There is no double dip downturn going on around here.”

Chrysler Group brands that posted sales increases last month include Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram Truck brands. The Ram Truck brand’s 42 percent sales increase led the way with the largest percentage gain of all the brands. The recently re-launched Fiat brand also continues to gain momentum, just as the brand teams up with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation to produce 250 “Pink Ribbon” limited-edition Fiat 500 models.