Click here for a video of the Chrysler Imperial concept from the Detroit Auto Show.

Reviving yet another classic nameplate, Chrysler unveiled the Imperial concept at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show. This Chrysler 300-based luxury-oriented concept sits on a 123-inch wheelbase and is 3 inches longer and 6 inches taller than the 300. The 4-door has rear-hinged "suicide" rear doors and rides on 22-inch wheels. Power comes from a 340-hp Hemi V8. Unlike Dodge's Challenger concept or Chevrolet's Camaro concept, the sedan's styling cues don't evoke a specific imperial ancestor. Rather, the car's design draws from significant imperial styling components seen throughout many decades. For example, the brushed aluminum headlamp pods mimic the free-standing headlights seen in imperials from the '30s and '60s. The floating ringed circular taillamps are reminiscent of early 1960s models. Although plans for future production of this concept weren't discussed, execs say this vehicle would sit just above the 300 in the lineup with its "six-figure image at a much lower price."

Click here for a video of the Jeep Compass from the Detroit Auto Show.

First shown in concept form at the 2005 International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany, Compass makes its production debut at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show. It's the first Jeep to place on-road manners over off-road prowess. Compass comes in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive models, and is an attempt to reach out to customers that wouldn't normally consider a Jeep. It features standard 17-inch wheels, brake traction control, three-mode stability control, antilock brakes with rough road detection, curtain side airbags, and traction control. Unique options include articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate for tailgating or other outdoor activities, a rechargeable and removable cargo lamp, a sliding center armrest with flip-up storage, and interior fabrics that repel stains and odors. The sole engine is a 172-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder mated to a 5-speed manual or optional CVT. Production will begin in spring 2006 at the Belvidere, Illinois plant.

Click here for a video of the Jeep Wrangler from the Detroit Auto Show.

Jeep unwrapped the much-anticipated redesign of its aging Wrangler at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show. The latest version of this venerable 4x4 rides on a 2-inch-longer wheelbase and is 5.5 inches wider than the previous generation. Cargo space is increased by 2 inches and a new, lockable under-floor storage area has been added. Responding to customer criticism, Jeep redesigned the hard and soft tops. The hardtop has three removable and configurable panels: one over the driver, another over the front-seat passenger, and a third over the rear seats. The soft top, called Sunrider, can also be configured in three ways: fully removed for open-air riding, partially opened for the sunroof option, or fully open over the driver and front passenger areas. Underhood, Jeep's 4.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine is replaced by a 3.8-liter 205-horsepower V6. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard and a 4-speed automatic optional. Jeep claims Wrangler's off-road capability is enhanced by added ground clearance and an available electronic disconnecting front sway bar. Standard on all wranglers is a stability-control system with a three-mode feature that allows the driver to select between full-on, partial-on, or full-off modes. Look for Wrangler to hit showrooms in autumn '06.

Dodge phased out its entry-level compact Neon last year, and debuted its replacement this year at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show. Unlike the sedan-only Neon, Caliber will come as a 4-door wagon and offer available all-wheel drive. It aims to compete with vehicles like the Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix. Caliber is 1 inch shorter, 1 inch wider, and 4 inches taller than Neon. With a base model MSRP of $13,985, the Caliber costs $410 less than its predecessor and is intended for consumers looking for something different in the entry-level compact-car class. Three 4-cylinder engines are available. standard on the SE model is a 1.8-liter with 148 hp. The two optional engines for SXT and R/T models are a 158-hp 2.0-liter or a 2.4-liter with 172 hp, respectively. Two transmissions will be offered, a 5-speed manual and a continuously variable automatic. All-wheel drive, a CVT, ABS, sport suspension, performance steering, leather steering wheel with radio controls, tonneau cover, an autostick feature, chrome interior and exterior accents, and 18-inch aluminum wheels are standard on R/T. Caliber will be available in u.s. dealerships in the first quarter of 2006 and is being produced at DaimlerChrysler's Belvidere, Illinois, assembly plant.

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