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Monday, 29 January 2007
Written by Steve Rothfuss
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More bad news is coming out of the automotive sector as a result of higher gasoline prices. The Chrysler group has announced a 20 percent roll-back of the current 5.7L HEMI V-8 production. Daily output will change from 1,600 units down to 1,300 engines. In 2004, DCX launched the 300C, which took the American large sedan market by storm. They instantly started selling more than 40% of all LX vehicles (300C, Magnum, Charger) powered by the HEMI engine, essentially becoming a brand within a brand for the Chrysler Group. However, after another summer of $3.00+ for a gallon of gas, sales of large trucks are slumping and people are running to smaller, more MPG friendly vehicles. The Dodge Durango alone has seen a sales drop off of 41% this year. With this kind of market shift, who knows what the future will hold for upcoming products like the Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro. |
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Monday, 29 January 2007
Written by Tim Beggs
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Chrysler seems to have a marked lead on several fronts as of recent. The Mopar magic doesn't stop with the upcoming Dodge Challenger, as there are plans in order to release four-door retractable-top sedan to the automotive market. The current proposal, set for a 2010 launch, would be the first of its kind to be produced; a veritable twist on Mercedes-Benz's CLS "four-door coupe". Chrysler has chosen Austro-Canadian specialty manufacturer Magna Steyr to construct the planned 300 retractable sedan in North America. A complex folding steel roof covering the four doors of a large sedan might seem a challenge, but Magna Steyr is one of the biggest suppliers in the business. If Chrysler can pull this off without a hitch, it will add more even more panache to keep the company at the forefront of cutting-edge design concepts. |
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Monday, 29 January 2007
Written by Steve Rothfuss
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Way back in 2002, Jeep (DaimlerChrysler Corp.) released the all new Jeep Liberty. The Liberty was revolutionary because of the IRS front suspension but what Chrysler didn’t know was the Liberty would become known as a “cute UTE.” Leading the Liberty to be considered, by some, as not tough enough to replace the extremely off-road popular Jeep Cherokee. So fast forwarding to present time, DaimlerChrysler Corp is getting ready to launch the brand new Dodge Nitro. Even though the Nitro has a Dodge badge on the grille, a Jeep version of the same platform will be released early next year. Larger on the outside and inside, more rugged looking and more powerful: The all new Dodge Nitro will carry an introductory price of $19,885 while the top of the line R/T will start at $27,630. |
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Monday, 29 January 2007
Written by Tim Beggs
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A little over one month ago we introduced the Sebring sedan which is expected to go on sale sometime this fall. This convertible Sebring (photos) was spotted driving around the streets of Metro Detroit. It is still fully camouflaged and the picture quality is not necessarily studio-worthy, but rather of spy caliber. Expect the front and rear end of the car to look similar to the sedan model. Most of the interior and powertrain options will be shared between the sedans and convertibles. An expected but unconfirmed feature for the new convertible will be a retractable hard top in lieu of the standard soft folding top. The convertible version should start production a few months later than the sedan in late winter or early spring of 2007. |
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Monday, 29 January 2007
Written by Steve Rothfuss
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Jeep continues to expand its lineup into two unique categories: Traditional and Modern. Vehicles with sleek shapes fall into the modern category. Where, the traditional category is reserved for the boxy looking, rugged going Jeeps that we all remember. The Jeep Commander certainly falls into the later of the two. |
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Monday, 29 January 2007
Written by Administrator
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Most of us already know about Jeep’s latest offering. It’s a spin-off from the new Dodge Caliber that has many people scratching their heads. The Jeep Compass is built on a unit-body frame carrying the first ever FWD [facing east-west] engine under the hood. Jeep’s smallest SUV carries a bold design for the urban adventurous types looking for a smoother, more fuel- efficient ride around their city while retaining some off road ability. Despite the FWD platform, there will be an option for an off road oriented AWD system on both trim lines [Sport & Limited] to help with all weather driving ability. The major difference or ‘Jeep’ difference is that you can lock the power transfer in a 50/50 split for the front and rear drivelines unlike other AWD offerings. Another Jeep feature is a 3-mode terrain selector: Full Mode, Snow Mode and Full Off mode. Truly, it will be an all around Jeep that will meet the needs of many. |
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Monday, 29 January 2007
Written by Tim Beggs
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When demand exceeds supply it can cause some interesting things to happen. In the case of the Dodge Caliber, this “problem” is a good deal. Chrysler group CEO Tom LaSorda is glad to have this “headache”. "I really like having issues like this - having demand greater than supply," LaSorda said during a recent interview at Chrysler group headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan. While it’s still early to call the Neon replacement a total success, early figures are quite promising based upon the thousands of sales recorded thus far. "That indicates a particularly strong launch and potentially a very strong product - a combination of a new product with a trend in the industry that's playing right into it," he said. Check out more over at Autoweek. |
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Monday, 29 January 2007
Written by Tim Beggs
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While the PT Cruiser is celebrating its 6th anniversary of production, the Chrysler group has yet to decide upon a future model to help continue the bloodline. With only minor changes in store for next year's model, several concerns and questions abound regarding what should be done for styling and muscle in the Cruiser. Chrysler group COO Eric Ridenour said there is still debate within the company about how retro the next PT Cruiser may be. "That is always an issue when you have a car that is unique - what do you do next?" Some think the car deserves more power, from a V6 powerplant. Others think more power should be delivered from the HEMI line. Who will win, DMC? Will the HEMI break new ground or will the Nitro steal the PT's thunder? |
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Monday, 29 January 2007
Written by Tim Beggs
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One of the least viewed and more alluring cars back at the January auto show in Detroit was the Diamondback Viper coupe, crafted by American Specialty Cars & powered by a 650hp V10 tuned by McLaren Performance Technologies. The possibility of ASC building the concept car is quite strong and the reception by Mopar fans will likely be one of open arms. After all, who wouldn't like more power (tuned V10), better looks (vented hood), and less weight (85 pounds)? If money is plentiful, who wouldn't want a car that would be at 60mph from a stop in 3.5 seconds or less? Sign me up. Check out more of the Diamondback over at AutoWeek. |
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Monday, 29 January 2007
Written by Tim Beggs
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A wave of Dodge's recent releases is continuing to spread across the nation. The Dodge Charger and Magnum production facility's presence in Bramalea, Canada (part of Brampton, just northwest of Toronto) has spurred a recent city purchase of the Charger police special edition of the Charger. The HEMI-powered Charger will do quite well on the fast paced streets of Brampton today, as it likely will in other metropolitan areas. An aging fleet of other makes and models will lead many municipals to Dodge as a viable choice for service vehicles. Rumor has it that some passenger cab organizations are even eyeing the new Charger. Check out more of the Brampton story involving the new Dodge Charger police car special. |
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