Jeep Grand Cherokee

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JEEP Craves the fresh Grand Cherokee to become a successes. The tension is palpable, because this mostly all-new mid-size SUV is critical around the way ahead for Chrysler’s best brand. And yes, new Grand is great to look at. It’s bold, fresh and athletic, with short overhangs and chamfered curves, and so it must be being based on Mercedes’ ML platform.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep Grand Cherokee Interior

Gone are the clunky and awkward washboard side panels of the previous effort, gone is the complicated sub-frame mess that ran riot using the bodyshell. Here’s a solidly engineered effort, though with the loss of a good rear axle in favour of an all-independent multi-link rear axle set-up, and radical Europeanising of the interior, I can’t help but feel it’s made up of the world’s new cookie cutter: shades of Fortuner in the rear, a new Touareg with the side profile, a dash of, dare I say it ML and X5 to the profile. One can’t help but feel that the McDonalds world franchise philosophy has hit a home run with Jeep too. That away, the prominent wheelarches perfect, the seven-bar grille as distinctive as it can be, while liberal using of brightwork in the sills, side panels, window liners, rear bootlid and grille offers an avowedly American bling statement.

Post Title → Jeep Grand Cherokee

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2011 Chrysler Future Cars | super speed cars | used cars | cars

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Chrysler barely survived until 2009, remain alive with a marriage contract with Italian Fiat. Besides the accelerated 500, the largest beneficiary of this merger will not reach dealers for some time, but the new owner has breathed life signs in the pipeline Closed Star product once a dream.
In Detroit, Chrysler showed unbranded version of the Lancia Delta. This will rebadge a way to quickly give a little more fresh products, "Chrysler, in particular by going to the USA for Alfa Romeo in doubt again.
Here is what the future holds in store for Chrysler outside 500 of 2011 and the future of 300:
Chrysler to save Fiat? Small, medium level Multiair Fiat engines for Chrysler Chrysler "V-6, RWD Alpha platform
Sergio Marchionne save Chrysler post bankruptcy certain death last year. Outsiders put trust in senior superstar Fiat, though the five-year plan to light in November last year, raised the question whether Chrysler will soon be selling more than rebadged Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Lancia.
Although North American Chrysler "Jeep / Dodge / Ram dealers have consolidated to reduce product overlap, three of these brands are now little Fiat share basis through the lines of several species.
Brand President Francois Olivier said Chrysler will share out style with Lancia, who is also president of Francis. Ralph Gilles, still supports the design of the brand Chrysler Group's Dodge and discs, also plans to modernize its image and interior, with variations ranging from sweet and simple "to" luxury Uptown "and" Ultimate play "MRS. How 'Uptown luxury "Dodge Chrysler Lancia differently on? Probably the market significantly.
Fiat will apply technology Multiair new line of reactors larger than Chrysler and a new 2.0-liter V-6 closed its star. Fiat and Chrysler will build Multiair 1,4-liter four engine plant in Dundee, Michigan, and share four major and Pentagram Star V-6 with Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Lancia. Pentagram in Star is "protected" to cut short trips, very important for Europe. It is cast aluminum block and head with dual cameras continuously variable progressive.

Post Title → 2011 Chrysler Future Cars | super speed cars | used cars | cars

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2011 Chrysler 300C | super speed cars | used cars |

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Chrysler is on a mission to upgrade the line speeds up from birth, from bankruptcy last year, Chrysler 300C is one of the most significant cars in the group indexed refreshing. Almost ready to launch its 2011 models, new Chrysler 300C explored recently by our photographers to send in demo form. Quite honestly to the public for the first time, we can finally see the small details that distinguish the new century.
Changes, as expected, are mostly 300C end of 2011, with the same midsection we're seeing, because the application of the car early last decade. New releases kick off Chrysler emblem, the winged symbol of a long and streamlined in relation to the current object. The look is very chic. New projector-beam headlights were redesigned and improved LED lighting strips, but the front grille and bumpers, as well as Chrysler styling department. Rectangular air vents in the front are chrome-trimmed house and a new round foglights. While the cover is lifted, the median larger and bold vision more rounded.
Come back, tail light design is the most obvious change for both refurbished and decorated with chrome trim accents running down the middle and around the perimeter. chrome tail lights are also the same bridge that leads from his position at the top of a redesigned rear bumper and dual exhaust tips. The trunklid incorporate new tab subtly curved element in improving sports and restyled 300C badge.
Although the style of 2011 Chrysler 300C can finally be revealed in us, but we can only imagine the rest of the changes. We know that the car is, like most Chrysler lineup for 2011, received Star Pent new 3.6-liter V-6 engine, but in order to gain power, is still in the air. Furthermore, we expect the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 will be optional, but what that change may have gotten to be determined. It is the SRT8 version make a comeback, possibly with the new Dodge Challenger 470 hp, 392 cubic inch Hemi V-8? Stay tuned to Motor Trend for the answers.

Post Title → 2011 Chrysler 300C | super speed cars | used cars |

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GM Shares OnStar

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After 15 years as an almost-exclusive GM offering (Audi offered it briefly about a decade ago), General Motors is making OnStar available through its competitors. Vehicles from Ford, Chrysler, Toyota and Honda will soon feature OnStar, and aftermarket versions will be on the shelves at stores including Best Buy.

While I've consistently said I wouldn't part with 2 grand for a factory nav system, OnStar's list of features and price point make a lot more sense...and upgrades to the system happen on OnStar's end.

Full story at The Detroit News.

Post Title → GM Shares OnStar

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Fiat Increasing Stake In Chrysler, "No Immediate Plans" To Merge

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Looks like Fiat's going to increase its stake in Chrysler to 51% before the IPO comes along. But a full-on merger?  Sergio says "not now".

Full story from The Detroit News.

Post Title → Fiat Increasing Stake In Chrysler, "No Immediate Plans" To Merge

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Chrysler and Volvo Recalls: Engine Fires, Airbag Non-Deployment

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No, it's not just Toyota....Chrysler and Volvo are announcing recalls too. In Chrysler's case, it's leaking brake fluid that could cause an engine fire. For Volvo, it's airbags that might not deploy as intended.


Full story from The Detroit News.

Post Title → Chrysler and Volvo Recalls: Engine Fires, Airbag Non-Deployment

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Chrysler Skunk Werks | super speed cars

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Chrysler Group’s Skunk Werks | super speed cars Team Displays Lineup of Creative Gems

* The Skunk Werks Project Vehicles
* The Skunk Werks Team

Las Vegas, Oct 31, 2006 -

The annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show has witnessed the debut of a number of cutting-edge vehicles from Chrysler Group’s Skunk Werks team in the past few years. This year will be no different, as Mopar® and the SkunkWerks team will debut new custom vehicles at SEMA.

Chrysler Sebring Tuner

* Builders: DaimlerChrysler vehicle build shops
* 4.0L
* 285 horsepower and 295 lbs.-ft. of torque

Mission: Take the Chrysler Sebring and exaggerate its existing elements to create an even more dynamic and eye-catching tuner. Mission Accomplished.

The Chrysler Sebring Tuner’s exterior features new fascias with floating PIAA fog lamps, sill extensions, hood with air extractors, deck lid spoiler and HID headlamps. All front openings have been fitted with custom-stamped stainless-steel mesh accented with chrome bezels. To achieve the proper stance, the vehicle was lowered approximately 2 inches and fitted with larger “one-off” 20-inch wheels machined by Alcoa. Through the mesh wheels, one sees larger 13.5-inch cross-drilled rotors all the way around with Stoptech 4-piston calipers in the front and 2 piston in the rear.

To enhance the vroom factor, it’s fitted with a 4.0-liter engine mated to an automatic 6-speed transmission. The exhaust system was custom bent with components supplied by CORSA, finished off with dual 4-inch tips.

The interior features a unique combination of black with starbright silver accents creating a sophisticated and sporty environment. The more aggressively bolstered “SRT-style” seats have been leather wrapped by Katzkin and feature silver contrast stitching. The sound system has been upgraded by Boston Acoustics, with higher-output amplifier, broad-range frequency speakers, custom 10-inch sub enclosures and “My-gig” radio head unit. Driver interface has also been improved with leather-wrapped steering wheel, milled aluminum racing pedals and custom stainless steel cluster and clock supplied by US Speedo.

Post Title → Chrysler Skunk Werks | super speed cars

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Dodge Charger SRT-8

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Never underestimate the power of something that looks this mean.

It's kinda easy to do, given that the Dodge Charger has been with us for 5 years now and a new one's on the way. We've seen it too many times in airport car rental lots and giggled as Mark Harmon and the gang on NCIS make the 6-cylinder ones they drive try to look menacing.

But five minutes in a Charger SRT-8 is enough to wipe that smirk right off my face...and replace it with a great big ear-to-ear grin.

                             

Tromp on the pedal of an SRT-8 and the rear of the car is what everyone else on the road is going to see.

Yes, it has a Hemi. 6.1 liters worth, putting out 425 horsepower with 420 pounds of torque. The 5-speed "AutoStick" automatic transmission is up to the task, though a real six-speed manual would be ideal.  Whatever...the point is brute strength and the Charger SRT-8 delivers big time.

According to the window sticker that came with our tester, it's the official passenger car of NASCAR, which makes perfect sense. This is what NASCAR used to be. Take a big standard car, stuff the hairiest engine possible under the hood and hang on.

Sophisticated?

Refined?

Elegant?

No...but a big barrel of fun for a reasonable price. Base is $38,180. Yeah, that is awfully close to $40K. Find me this much performance for less than this money and maybe I'll change my mind.

Of course, you can load these up and that's just what the Dodge PR people did. This one had the SRT Option Groups II and III, roughly $2,800 worth of options including an upgraded radio, 13 high performance speakers, a 322-watt amplifier, a 200-watt subwoofer, surround sound, Uconnect, iPod control, a security alarm and a nav system.

Throw in the power sunroof ($950), HID headlamps ($695), performance tire and wheel upgrade ($250), rear seat video system (in a sedan?) ($1,480) and the inevitable gas guzzler tax (13 city/19 highway) of $1,700 and your bottom line after $750 destination charge is $46,850.

If your heart and your bank balance say yes, there's a lot of fun to be had here.

Post Title → Dodge Charger SRT-8

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Chrysler Recalls 700,000 Vehicles

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Ouch.

And bad timing, too...just after the first uptick in sales in what seems like forever.

Troubles? Two years worth of minivans where the sliding door wiring harness was improperly routed and could cause a fire and sticking or binding accelerator pedals on Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass models.

 

Post Title → Chrysler Recalls 700,000 Vehicles

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This Is How Fiat Sells Cars In Europe. We'd Recommend A New Agency Stateside.

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Though this does kinda explain that "kittens" minivan spot for the Dodge Caravan...

Post Title → This Is How Fiat Sells Cars In Europe. We'd Recommend A New Agency Stateside.

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Dodge's New Minivan Commercial

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I'd have kittens if I were a Dodge exec and the ad agency brought me this.  Yeah, I know they're swimming upstream with Toyota's "Swagger Wagon" spot for the Sienna:



And even, for that matter, the "punch dub" spot VW managed to whip up for its really-a-dodge-caravan Routan:




But dear Lord....some spots just shouldn't get past the storyboard stage...and sorry, Dodge...you've got one right now.

Post Title → Dodge's New Minivan Commercial

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2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Pricing

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The first of what's being described as a new product "avalanche" (though that's a Chevy, isn't it?) from Chrysler hits dealers next month and they're ready to talk price.

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will start at $30,995 (including destination charges). That's for the Laredo 2 wheel drive model, and it's $495 lower than the entry-level price on the '10.

The Laredo 4x4 is $32,995. Next step up is the Limited 2wd at $37,495, Limited 4x4 at $39,995 and top of the line is the new Overland 2wd at $39,495...$42,995 for the 4x4.

Given that it'll be fairly easy with options to run an AWD Overland past the 50 large mark, there will be a $20,000 range of prices on the new Grand Cherokee.

Missing in action, at least for now, the Grand Cherokee SRT-8.  Engine choices are a 290 horsepower V6 and a 360 horsepower 5.7 liter V8.

Post Title → 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Pricing

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Feds Probe Dodge Caliber Gas Pedal Problem

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NHTSA is looking into sticky accelerator pedals in as many as 161,000 Dodge Calibers. The supplier? The same one who supplied Toyota.

Full story from Automotive News.

Post Title → Feds Probe Dodge Caliber Gas Pedal Problem

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Global Rental Domination: Hertz Buys Dollar-Thrifty

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Hertz is dropping some significant change to acquire the competition...$1.17 Billion for Dollar-Thrifty.

Dollar was founded in 1965...Thrifty in 1958. They merged under then-owner Chrysler in 1990.

Full details of the deal at USA Today.

Post Title → Global Rental Domination: Hertz Buys Dollar-Thrifty

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Fiat By Chrysler, Chrysler By Fiat

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The five-year plan is coming into clearer focus and it looks....confusing.

Fiat's going to build a mid-size sedan in Italy. It will be sold mainly in America, replacing the Sebring. They'll also build a new compact Chrysler for the USA over there.

Meantime, Chrysler might build not one, but two SUVs for Alfa Romeo on American soil.

Automotive News (free registration required) has the game plan.

Post Title → Fiat By Chrysler, Chrysler By Fiat

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Alfa Comes Back To The USA

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Alfistis rejoice! After a decades-long absence, Alfa Romeo is coming back to America, thanks to the Fiat/Chrysler deal.

The product hits showrooms in 2012 and there's a lot of platform sharing with Chrysler.

Full details from Automotive News (free registration required).

Post Title → Alfa Comes Back To The USA

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Dodge Challenger SE Review

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So you want a Dodge Challenger, but can't swing either the price or insurance or gas for the Hemi-powered R/T or SRT-8?

$750 buys you the cosmetics that will make your six-cylinder SE look pretty darn good.

It's called the Rallye Group. 18" aluminum wheels, a bright fuel filler door, dual stripes, a carbon-fiber looking bezel on the instrument panel and a body-colored rear spoiler.

                             

Our tester was just as you see above...bright silver metallic with black stripes. It actually got more admiring looks than the last red Challenger that came through...possibly because those are seen so often.

Best part of the deal is the SE's base price of $22,735. Second best is the gas mileage: 17 city/25 highway.

If you can restrain yourself to the SE with the Rallye package, you'll come in around $26,200 with destination charges. But the tester Dodge sent loaded it up...Preferred Package 250, Sound Group, Leather Interior Group, Power Sunroof, Media Center....running the tab up to $31,175.

With my own money? Maybe the Sound Group for $645 (the media center is $1775 and while the hard drive and steering wheel controls are nice, most of that money is for a nav system...and I'm on the record as saying those are never money well spent....not when your cell phone probably has GPS mapping)...which would land just this side of 27 large.

At only 250 horsepower, you will get smoked at the stoplights by six-cylinder Camaros and Mustangs (and that's just the 2010 models...not the steroid sixes in the 2011 models)...but if it's looks you're after, this is pretty sweet.

Post Title → Dodge Challenger SE Review

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TireKicker Time Machine: 1962 Chrysler 300

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No, not a 300H...just a 300. But who's complaining?

                           

Judging by the temporary plate, this '62 recently found a new home and it appears the new owner was having some work done at this local shop.

Like yesterday's '55 Chevy Two-Ten, this big Chrysler appears to be all original and mostly all there.

                          

The single missing hubcap (right front) actually adds a bit of menace to this mean machine.

                       

Apart from the aftermarket steering wheel wrapper, the interior seems to be original and in very good shape, as well. If this one's been in Arizona for more than a couple of years, it must have been garaged or at least tucked away in a carport.

                       

And those canted headlights? Always loved 'em. A one-year deal for the big Mopar...and much more nicely done, in my opinion, than the 1960 Lincoln.

                        

So what's the difference between the 300 and the legendary 300 "letter cars" (the 300H in 1962)? Get the facts here.

Post Title → TireKicker Time Machine: 1962 Chrysler 300

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Dodge Grand Caravan SXT Review

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Ignorance is bliss.

During my week in the Dodge Grand Caravan SXT, I was won over...the user-friendliness, utility and ease of driving erased misgivings I had about the materials inside being a cut or so below that of a Honda Odyssey.

It was delivered without a window sticker, so I checked the Dodge website. Base price $27,825. Reasonable, bordering on a bargain.

I knew it was loaded...but I didn't realize how loaded until I asked for a copy of the sticker. This minivan had more than $13,000 in options...jacking the bottom line all the way up to $41,385. No longer reasonable nor a bargain.

So what could I live without if I were playing with my own money?

Well, Swivel 'n Go, which allows the second-row captain's chairs to turn and face the third row, with a stowable table between (just like the old VW vans) was novel and a hit with the kids, but it has its drawbacks...in order to give the driver and front passenger legroom and maximum distance from the airbags, the second row seats have to slide on their tracks toward the rear of the van...and then there's not much legroom for the four people face-to-face. We found that out with two tall teenage boys one afternoon. This car had about $725 worth of Swivel 'n Go related options, so I'd uncheck that option box.

But the biggest expense is the electronics extravaganza...a combination of uconnect (Dodge's cellular phone interface), navigation, an upgraded Infinity audio system (506 watts and nine speakers) with hard disc drive, a rear-seat entertainment system (DVD player and two screens, one for the second row and one for the third)and Sirius Satellite TV for live TV on the move (hope you like Disney Channel, Nickelodeon or Cartoon Network...they're the only channels it gets). All those together add up to $3500 worth of options.

Now, some of that (I'm a sucker for a good stereo and believe hands-free cellular communications should be standard equipment) is worth keeping...but Dodge's website doesn't make it look like they're in the a la carte option business anymore. It might not be possible to option one just they way I want it.

That's not unusual in the car business. The Japanese have been doing it that way for years, it reduces complexity and cost, and right now that's something Dodge's parent company Chrysler (and any American automaker, for that matter) need to do.

But it does mean that it's not easy to get a well-equipped (but not overloaded) $35,000 minivan instead of a $41,000 one...and once the Grand Caravan starts to lose the value argument, the other choices (Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna) begin to seem like smarter buys.

UPDATE: Recently had a 2010 Grand Caravan SXT and there's some good news. For beginners, base price has actually dropped to $26,730. The interior is marginally nicer than last years...no real revisions...just feels like the suppliers improved materials a quarter-notch.

But best of all, the option packages are re-worked. This one managed leather, Swivel 'n Go, a premium group including iPod controls and an upgrade to a 500-watt, 9-speaker Infinity audio system, 3-zone climate control and the 4.0 liter 6 for $34,100 after destination charges. And Dodge has a 4.0 liter engine discount of $630 (essentially making it free), so the bottom line ended up at $33,470.

That makes a lot more sense than $41,000 for the first one...and makes a favorable comparison with the VW Routan (same van, different styling and interior touches). Still, it ended up $1,200 more than the comparably-equipped Routan we tested(the Routan doesn't offer Swivel n'Go)..and we'd probably buy the Routan.

But this is likely all academic...we're about a week away from time in the new Toyota Sienna....rumored to be close to a game-changer.

Post Title → Dodge Grand Caravan SXT Review

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2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Build In May, Sell In July

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The product drought is coming to an end for Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep dealers. The 2011 Grand Cherokee begins production in May and should begin arriving in showrooms by July.

Full story from Automotive News.

Post Title → 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Build In May, Sell In July

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