Auto & Car Blog

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge

Dodge is looking to spur sales in Germany while at the same time increase the country’s birth rate in a new marketing campaign that’s one for the ages. German women who come to a Dodge dealership with proof of procreation and the resultant pregnancy will get a discount on the Dodge car or minivan of their dreams. Apparently, the birth rate in Germany is precariously low, which has led Dodge to, ahem, conceive this idea. Expecting moms get nine months (clever) deferred financing if they can present proper proof of their pregnancy. Considering women have to pee on those sticks to find out if they’re preggo, we hope local German dealers have plenty of latex gloves and disinfectant on hand. When my wife had some odd cravings when she was pregnant, but never once did she ask for a Dodge. She did tell me once, however, that the Dodge Ram logo looks like a uterus, so maybe this campaign makes sense after all.

[Source: Obscene Desserts, Photo by Viewmaker | Creative Commons 2.0]

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Filed under: MPG, Chrysler

The unfortunate reality for Chrysler in North America is that aside from the new Ram, the Wrangler and the minivans, few of its products are considered desirable alternatives in their segments. At least part of that is due to what many consider - rightly or wrongly - to be outdated powertrains. That impression certainly won’t be helped by this latest release from Chrysler. When the Dodge Journey was launched in the European market this summer, it was offered with both a 2.0L turbodiesel engine and an optional 6-speed Getrag dual clutch transmission. Here in the home market we only have the option of four and six cylinder gas engines with automatic transmissions that have four and six ratios respectively.

To make matters worse, the Sebring and Avenger which were already available overseas with the diesel engine now also offer the dual clutch gearbox. The DCT uses a pair of wet clutches that are coupled to alternating ratios, one handling 1,3, 5 and the other taking care of 2,4 and 6. The electronic controls offer quick, seamless automatic shifting and a six percent reduction in fuel consumption than the four speed automatic. Over here we’re going to have to wait until 2010 to get DCT’s in Chryslers to go along with the new Phoenix engines. I’m generally a manual transmission kind of guy, but my experience with VW’s DSG has convinced me that DCTs can be OK. How come the Europeans get so much of the good stuff first?

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler expands dual clutch transmissions, we still can’t get one

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Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chrysler, Dodge, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, USA

When Chrysler introduced us to its EV line-up the other day some of us were a little taken aback. Although they hadn’t explicitly said so prior to the unveiling, the fact that they had shown off two ER-EVs and an all-electric concept at the last Detroit Auto Show led some to assume that one or more of these might be involved in this new unveiling. Obviously this was not the case. Instead we we’re treated to the somewhat dowdy Chrysler mini-van mainstay, a Jeep of SUV-like proportions and a freshly painted Lotus Europa with a UQM electric set-up. Oh yeah, there was also the peculiar Peapod.

That got us to thinking, what if Chrysler had of reached into its closet and pulled out some of its previous concept vehicles and presented them with electric drivetrains installed instead. Recycling is pretty green, no? They must have something from the not-so-distant past that had decent aerodynamics or some other quality that might give it an advantage as an EV over the ones they actually chose. We decided to take a look for ourselves and humbly share our choices after the jump.

Continue reading Five concept cars Chrysler could have used for its electric debut

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Filed under: Car Buying, Minivans/MPVs, Green, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge

With moms now actually reading EPA fuel economy figures on the window sticker before trying out the dozen cup holders found in most modern minivans, Chrysler went back to the engineering lab and knocked out a few more miles per gallon for its 2009 minivan offerings. Bragging that no other minivan offers better fuel economy than the 2009 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan, the automaker is boasting EPA figures of 17 city / 25 highway for the minivans when equipped with the automaker’s 4.0L six-cylinder engine and minivan-first 6-speed automatic. Considering that the original 1984 Chrysler Town and Country achieved 18 city / 21 highway with a 2.6L four-cylinder and three-speed transmission, we’ve clearly come a long way. To squeeze out the extra miles per gallon, Chrysler tweaked the large 4.0L V6 engine and then changed the ratios on the transmission. With a higher ratio first gear, and smaller steps between the new ratios, the minivans are quicker off the line and the engine doesn’t loose as much speed between shifts. The result is a fuel economy improvement of about 8 percent or about 2 mpg. Now, if the engineers could just do something about that minivan stigma…

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler ekes out additional 2 mpg on 2009 minivans

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Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

Chrysler’s co-president continued to talk up his employer’s plans for electrically-driven vehicles this week at a media luncheon in California. Press told the gathering that he had driven three different producible prototypes of plug-in hybrid vehicles recently. The vehicles have been developed by the new ENVI unit that was established in late 2007 specifically to work on electric vehicles. According to Press, the vehicles can accelerate from 0-60 mph in four seconds and have a range of over 300 miles. Press hasn’t said when these vehicles would be built, but earlier this summer, company officials indicated a 3-5 year timeline to produce such vehicles. If so that would put the company at least 1-2 years behind the expected launch of the Chevrolet Volt and a potential plug-in version of the Toyota Prius. For production, it’s likely that the performance of the cars would be dialed back significantly in order to increase electric range although a higher-performance Dodge vehicle is not out of the question.

[Source: Los Angeles Times]
Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

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Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Dodge

Next January’s Detroit Auto Show will mark the 20th anniversary of the Viper’s debut as a concept. Back then, every car in Chrysler’s lineup was still derived from the K-Car. The K-cars saved Chrysler from the jaws of bankruptcy, but an executive named Lutz decided the automaker needed a new halo car to generate some excitement as a new decade dawned. Another old guy named Carroll Shelby was sprucing up Daytonas and Omnis at the time, so they decided to revive an idea from earlier in his career. Together they created a minimalistic two-seater with a humongous engine that became an instant American classic. That basic premise lives on today in the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10 with only slightly less minimalism. Read on to find out what it’s like to live with a snake for a week.

Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10 [w/VIDEO]

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Filed under: Chrysler, LLC., Dodge, Jeep

There has been a lot of talk recently about whether Chrysler has the right products in the pipeline to compete in this brutally competitive automotive market. Company chairman Jim Press told a group of reporters in California that help is on the way in the form of seven new products coming in calendar year 2010. Chrysler top procurement officer John Campi stated recently that the number could be as high as nine, but we suspect the number disparity could be a result of Campi counting vehicle variations as separate models. Neither Campi or Press gave any details of upcoming models, but analysts think they know which products are coming our way.

Erich Merkle of Crowe Chizek and Co. sees only five vehicles arriving in 2010, including the next generation 300, Durango, Grand Cherokee, Charger, and the Nissan-based Dodge Hornet (or other small car). The Pentastar may also be counting separately hybrid versions of some of the models, but there is also a chance there’s an all-new model or two based on collaborations Chrysler has with other automakers that analysts don’t know about.

Press and Campi aren’t the only executives talking about future product, either. Chrysler top dog Bob Nardelli said last month that a new fuel efficient vehicle may coming as soon as next year as well, and we suspect that model could be the Hornet. Press stressed that it took years for Chrysler to end up where it is today, and that it will take at least three years to pull the privately owned company out of the abyss. It’s good to hear Chrysler is still alive an kicking, and we’re looking forward to seeing what the Auburn Hills, MI automaker has up its sleeve.

[Source: Free Press]

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Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Dodge

Chrysler has released official details of its refreshed 2009 Dodge Charger, changes to which most notably include a new-generation HEMI V8 in the R/T model that produces 368 horsepower and 395 lb-ft torque, up from 340 hp and 390 lb-ft. Sounds like someone’s going hunting for a G8 GT. The increase in power comes from a new variable valve timing system, and along with the continued use of MDS (multi-displacement system), the 5.7-liter V8 can achieve up to 24 mpg on the highway. The 6.1-liter HEMI V8 in the SRT8 and the 3.5-liter V6 in the SXT model remain unchanged, although the 2.7-liter V6 in the Charger SE drops from 190 to 178 horsepower.

On the outside the Charger gets a new taillamp design and the antenna has now been moved to the rear window. The SE model benefits from the upgraded interior of the R/T including satin silver trim on the door, center console, cup holder, and shifter bezel. The SE model also receives a trunk cargo net and premium floor mats. Follow the jump for the official press release with full details on the 2009 Dodge Charger.

[Source: Chrysler via CarScoop]

Continue reading 2009 Dodge Charger details released, including new 368-hp R/T

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A scaled-down version of the big and powerful Charger, the new 2008 Dodge Avenger midsize sedan lacks the larger car’s performance and handling, but offers several unique interior features that should please its owners.
While the Avenger can’t challenge the muscular rear-wheel-drive Charger or charming Caliber compact for the title of Dodge’s best car, it is […]

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Our man Noah was on hand to watch Dodge unveil the Demon concept, proving that no niche is safe from the butcher-than-thou automaker. Some think it’s a thing of beauty, others maintain that the crosshair grille has no place on a roadster. Regardless, most agree that this is strictly a design exercise, since going head-to-head […]

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Filed under: Dodge, RR of the Day

There are cheap recalls and there are expensive recalls. Luckily for the Chrysler Group the current recall of 86,333 ‘06 Dodge Rams built between Nov. 7, 2005, and April 27, 2006 amounts to little more than adding grease to wheel bearings. Unfortunately for 2006 Ram owners if this issue is left unchecked it can lead to road noise and vibration and can eventually result in a loss of control and a crash. The folks over at Chrysler did a nice job of catching the issue early and publishing the recall without dragging their feet.

No cases of lost control have been reported due to the defect.

[Source: Detroit News]

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time

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Filed under: New York Auto Show, Etc., Videos

Commercials are suddenly and inexplicably becoming more and more vogue. We understand the Super Bowl thing, but now some of the biggest hitters on YouTube are unreleased commercials. The folks that run the New York Auto show recognized the trend, and decided to award the top five automotive commercials of the year at the opening ceremony of this year’s show.

We tend to agree with most of the picks for best commercials, but the ‘most liked’ ad is one of the most annoying and unpleasant commercials ever. Luckily, one video that didn’t make the list was that annoying Dodge Nitro commercial where the vehicle passes through the Earth and lands in China. Unfortunately, the really cool Nitro commercial where the Nitro blows a junker sky-high while giving it a jump didn’t win either.

Take a hop after the jump to see the winners, and four of the five commercials. While you’re at it, let us know what you thought was the the best automotive commercial of the year.

[Source: The Car Connection]

Continue reading New York Auto Show’s Top 5 commercials

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time

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Filed under: New York Auto Show, Etc., Videos

Commercials are suddenly and inexplicably becoming more and more vogue. We understand the Super Bowl thing, but now some of the biggest hitters on YouTube are unreleased commercials. The folks that run the New York Auto show recognized the trend, and decided to award the top five automotive commercials of the year at the opening ceremony of this year’s show.

We tend to agree with most of the picks for best commercials, but the ‘most liked’ ad is one of the most annoying and unpleasant commercials ever. Luckily, one video that didn’t make the list was that annoying Dodge Nitro commercial where the vehicle passes through the Earth and lands in China. Unfortunately, the really cool Nitro commercial where the Nitro blows a junker sky-high while giving it a jump didn’t win either.

Take a hop after the jump to see the winners, and four of the five commercials. While you’re at it, let us know what you thought was the the best automotive commercial of the year.

[Source: The Car Connection]

Continue reading New York Auto Show’s Top 5 commercials

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time

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Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Trucks/Pickups, Dodge

click above for 83 high-res images of the 2009 Dodge Ram

Since both The New York Times and AllPar.com have already broken the embargo, we don’t mind telling you all you need to know about the 2009 Dodge Ram. The look is as aggressive as a Ram should be, but slippier through the air than past models. Instead of upping the ante with an even larger grille, Dodge designers instead tipped the angle of the grille forward to impart the face of their truck with a solid presence. Another interesting styling touch is molding the rear bumper around the two chrome tipped tailpipes instead of having the pipes just poke out beneath.

Mechanically speaking, the ‘09 Ram comes ready to play with a new 5.7L HEMI V8 with 380 HP and 404 ft.-lb. of torque (the Toyota Tundra’s 5.7L V8 produces 381 HP and 401 ft.-lb. of torque for comparison’s sake). There’s also a 4.7L V8 available with 310 HP and 330 ft.-lb. of torque and a 3.7L V6 making 215 HP and 235 ft.-lb. of torque. Transmissions include a six-speed manual and four- and five-speed automatics, and gear ratios run from 3.21 to 3.55 to 3.92 to 4.10. When optimally configured, the new Ram can sprint to 60 MPH in a mere 7 seconds. Snappy for a full-size truck, wouldn’t you say?

More after the jump, including the 2009 Dodge Ram’s official rap sheet and 83 high-res images in our gallery below.

Continue reading Detroit 2008: 2009 Dodge Ram breaks through the gate

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Filed under: Car Buying, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge, Jeep

It’s not getting any easier to be a Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep dealer. Last month, when Chrysler Financial asked banks and investors to renew their $30 billion line of credit, they came up about $6 billion short. To make matters worse, the investors forced the automaker to follow much tighter financial guidelines (including a requirement to get out of leasing). Now, the cash shortfall is forcing the financial division to significantly turn up the heat on their retailers. Over the next few months, the financial arm will jack up dealer floorplan interest rates, and levy hefty fees for vehicles that sit unsold on dealer lots. With sales way down (in August, Chrysler’s sales fell a sickening 34.5 percent — the steepest decline of any major manufacturer), cash-strapped dealers are obviously unhappy with the news. Many fear this may signal the start of a new retailer initiative to limit vehicle inventory, hurting sales even further. As expected in this industry, bad news for retailers often means good news for consumers. With the new fees on the horizon, dealers will be offering significant incentives to dump inventory over the next few months.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req’d]

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Filed under: Motorsports, Trucks/Pickups, Marketing/Advertising, Dodge

With the tightening of the purse strings at parent company Chrysler, the weakening economy and slow truck sales in general, Dodge has decided to pull out of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck series following the completion of this year’s festivities. This announcement should hardly come as a shock as Dodge made the decision to run just one factory-backed racer for 2008. That lone truck was being run by Bobby Hamilton Racing and we have no details on what the team plans to do for ‘09. The fact that Dodge has pulled support for the NASCAR Trucks has many pondering if the beleaguered automaker will do the same for the automotive side of the racing series. According to Dodge Motorsports senior manager Mike Delahanty, there are no reasons to jump to conclusions. We’ll keep our collective ears to the ground. Thanks for the tip, Hernando!

[Source: Bleacher Report / Photo: Bo Nash]

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