Consumer Guide's Impressions of the 2011 Chrysler 300 & Dodge Charger

They're ready to play, but is the game already over? These redesigned big sedans promise better fuel economy, nifty new tech, and fresh styling, but only if Chrysler can make its taxpayer-funded alliance with Italian automaker Fiat work out.

What We Know About the 2011 Chrysler 300 & Dodge Charger

With the U.S. economy tanking and tougher fuel-economy standards just around the corner, 2009 is no time for Detroit to be talking about big, thirsty cars. But while Ford and General Motors have lately canceled plans for new rear-wheel-drive large sedans, Chrysler is going ahead with a redesigned 2011 Chrysler 300 and 2011 Dodge Charger.

Explore & Compare Other Options Reviews of All Chrysler Sedans Prices & Reviews of New Dodge Sedans All New Sedans Prices & Reviews

Why? Because there's no other choice. Though sales are way down in a recession-wrecked market, the Charger and 300 remain some of Chrysler's most profitable products, as their design and tooling costs have been largely amortized over the past five model years. (The 300 bowed for 2005, the Charger as an early '06.) More crucial, the new versions are ready to go.

Thanks to a promising alliance proposed by Sergio Marchionne, the CEO of Italy's Fiat Auto. The no-cash deal would give Fiat a stake in Chrysler and a ready-made sales and manufacturing base for a U.S.-market relaunch of the Fiat and Alfa Romeo brands. In exchange, Fiat would donate compact- and midsize-vehicle platforms and powertrains that Chrysler urgently needs to be competitive, not to mention meeting the stricter new fuel-economy standards that take effect in 2011. Former Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli estimated the value of the Fiat technology at $8 billion to $10 billion.

Chrysler and Fiat formalized their union this June, after the American automaker exited bankruptcy court. Of course, the 2011 Chrysler 300 and 2011 Dodge Charger were largely wrapped up well before Fiat came calling, but the joint venture means both models will actually go forward. The chances would be far slimmer if Chrysler had to go it alone.

So what can we expect? Based on information from the viability report Chrysler presented to the U.S. Government before their bankruptcy filing and outside intel, the 2011 Chrysler 300 and 2011 Dodge Charger appear to be heavy makeovers of the current LX-platform cars, with revised outer sheetmetal, a new-design V6 engine, and a couple of first-time features. Though Chrysler likely can't afford anything more, the company was known to be working on an updated "LY" architecture, and that could be the big surprise of this big-car redesign.

For more inside information on hundreds of new cars of today and tomorrow, check out:

• C­onsumer Guide New Car Reviews and Prices: Road test results, photos, specifications, and prices for hundreds of new cars, trucks, minivans, and SUVs from the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide.
• Chrysler and Dodge: Read Consumer Guide's full reports, including ratings, prices, specifications, and fuel economy.
• Large Cars: The 2011 Chrysler 300 & Dodge Charger will compete in the large car class. Here's Consumer Guide's roundup of all the large cars on sale today.
• 2009 Consumer Guide Best Buy and Recommended Award Winners: Check out which cars won our Best Buy and Recommended awards for 2009.
• Future Cars: Step into the automotive showroom of tomorrow with reviews, analysis, pictures, prices, and preliminary specifications on scores of vehicles that will be appearing next year and beyond.