Chrysler's added a few features to get geeks' motors running over the years, but internet access is definitely a fresh direction. Apparently cars rolling off the line this and next year will have some kind of cellular data access (we're not yet sure if that's through an straight MVNO or piped through machine to machine data service like Jasper Wireless) and in-car WiFi first as an option, and then eventually standard. Details are sparse but we hear kids can spend, like, hours on the Facebook and the MySpace, so chalk another one up to team parents keeping team back-seat occupied.

[Via Autoblog, thanks Andrew]

Let's face it, car designers need to look deeper for next-generation designs these days. In a more carefree time, you could put two nasty, rectangular hunks of metal on top of one another, stick on a few over-sized tires, mount a faux-wood steering wheel to the dash, and call it a Ford. These days, it's a buyer's market -- and you need to step up your game. Enter Chrysler's Jeep Renegade 2008 concept, a design boosted directly from the collective unconscious (namely, the minds of Halo players everywhere) that looks like a tank, yet runs on a lithium ion-powered electron motor and a small Bluetec diesel generator, giving this never-to-be a combined 110 MPG range. Roof mounted gatling gun and Covenant-destroying missiles not included.

One may wonder how on Earth a wheel manufacturer can top the sheer gaudiness displayed on the world's biggest spinners, but apparently, somebody's already all over it. Shown at SEMA 2007, the pictured Chrysler 300 was sporting a set of LED-equipped wheels (PimpStar, anyone?), each of which contained its own (effectively worthless) color display. Unfortunately, all we have to go by is a short video (posted after the jump, if you dare) which incorrectly calls the car a Bentley, so as you may expect, we've no idea how much coin these will demand. But then again, your money would probably be better spent on in-car electronics -- or pretty much anything else, to be frank.

Intelligent roadways are nothing new, as we've seen project after project (and even countries) look at varying ways to keep drivers informed whilst cruising about, but a new rendition showcased at CeBIT is looking to utilize P2P networking in order to spread pertinent information about road hazards to drivers behind the mishap. SmartWeb, which is being coordinated by the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence along with a myriad of other corporations, would allow vehicles to detect hazards (such as an oil slick or road block) and pass the information on to surrounding vehicles in order to hopefully prevent accidents and give motorists ample time to locate a detour. This doesn't mark the first time P2P has been used for the betterment of mankind, and the data would reportedly be conveyed via a "dashboard screen or through a mobile handset," potentially adding yet another distraction to overload our brains while trying to remain between the blinking yellow lines. Of course, those of you with real-time traffic updates are already on top of the game, but we could definitely see this technology being marketable to thrill-seeking cops looking to pinpoint information feeds coming from speeding criminals.

Sure, there's a gazillion aftermarket offerings out there loaded with niceties such as iPod connectivity, Bluetooth capabilities, and even flash memory expansion, but Chrysler is hoping to lure in customers who'd rather have their dashboard already pimped out when it rolls off the showroom floor. Slated to hit Sebring models first -- with the Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Nitro to follow suit -- the MyGIG head unit rocks a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, voice-activated controls, 20GB hard drive, "3D-like" navigational maps, real-time traffic updates, and a USB 2.0 port supporting JPEG / MP3 transfers, while also controlling the (optional) U-Connect Bluetooth handsfree system. Opting to support all DAPs (rather than taking the iPod-only approach that many automakers have), it sports an aux input just in case ripping CDs directly on the HDD doesn't interest you. Another impressive feature is the unit's reported ability to play back DVDs via the built-in optical drive (while in park, obviously), or you can hookup the forthcoming Wii or PlayStation 3 to the dual video inputs fpr keeping you and your co-riders entertained should you hit a traffic jam (or LA stoplight). If you aren't much on custom installations, or just needed a good excuse to get in a new set of wheels, the MyGIG head unit will be a $1,700 option when it drops this fall.

[Via Gizmag]

When it comes to implementing high-tech innovations inside the passenger cabin, it's usually names like BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus leading the pack, so we were a little surprised to see Chrysler seemingly beat all those luxury manufacturers to the punch with a hot (and cool) new cupholder for the 2007 Sebring. Not only does this dugout look like it does a great job protecting your beverage from tipping, it's actually got both a heating and cooling mechanism that will keep your coffee at a piping hot 140 degrees Fahrenheit or your soda at a chilly 35 degrees. You'll be able to pick up the new cupholder sometime in Q4 of this year for around $20,000 (note: price includes car).

[Via AutoSpies]