Mopar introduces four customized cars

CENTER LINE, Mich., Jan. 31 (UPI) -- U.S. auto parts and service company Mopar gave the public its first look at its model year 2012 customized Chrysler vehicle Tuesday.

Mopar is Chrysler's parts and service division -- a marriage of the words "motor" and "parts."

For its 75th anniversary year, the company has launched the Mopar '12 300, which is both slick and fast, the firm said in a release.

The car can go from standing still to 60 miles per hour in just over five seconds.

The customized car, which is expected to sell for about $47,900 -- plus $825 for shipping -- is powered by a 5.7-liter, V8 Hemi engine that cranks out 363 horsepower. It is also outfitted with high-performance suspension, tires and brakes.

With its black-accented headlamps, and seven-bar black chrome grill, it is a car that Darth Vader might drive. It has a blue highlights, thin, blue body stripes and "20-inch by 8-inch Mopar forged aluminum wheels painted a gloss black.

The interior is also black with blue highlights.

The car has been designed unabashedly to elevate Mopar's brand recognition.

Mopar also launched a 2013 Dodge Dart 'GTS Tribute and a 2012 Fiat 500 "Stinger," with Mopar aftermarket stage kits.

In addition, the 2012 Mopar Jeep Compass "True North," gets a 2-inch lift and an "aggressive look and extreme personalization," Mopar said.