The Detroit-3 have been outperforming expectations so far this year, but none more than Chrysler. Left for dead by the side of the road two years ago and nearly liquidated in bankruptcy, it is staging a Phoenix-like recovery despite having the skimpiest of resources. Masterminding its revival has been CEO Sergio Marchionne, who has displayed an instinctive understanding of the American psyche as well as the Chrysler customer, making deft improvements in a struggling product line while displaying a knack for connecting with his audience.