Hybrid 300 approved?

Not long after decrying the expense of hybrids, Sergio Marchionne has commented that the 300 would be sold with an eight-speed automatic hybrid variant in 2013.

The news indicates that Chrysler has either moved past the GM-BMW-DaimlerChrysler “automatic transmission based” hybrid system used on Durango and Aspen for a short time, or will set it up with “false gears” to reduce what some customers consider to be an odd feel from the continuously variable transmission.

Eight speed automatics are to appear in future Chrysler rear wheel drive cars and all wheel drive cars with longitudinal-mount engines, including V6 models. Originally, rumor had the eight speeds in SRTs and trucks only. Front wheel drive and all wheel drive cars with transverse-mounted engines are to get nine-speed automatics at some point after the eight-speeds arrive, most likely in late 2011 or 2012.

The news was reported by Automotive News and Motori Online.