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Jan 15, 2012 | 0 comments | View Post

Chrysler betting big on diesel, others wait

Chrysler’s plan to sell a diesel version of its Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV in North America shows the company is heading in a different strategic direction than most of its competitors.

In addition to the Grand Cherokee, Chrysler is likely to introduce diesel engines on the Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Durango and possibly other SUVs.

“We think that the market is ready to listen to a diesel story,” Chrysler and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne said last week.

Today’s improved diesel engines are more fuel efficient than gasoline engines, but they cost as much as $1,500 more.

Some automakers — such as Ford, General Motors, Honda and Toyota — have put more effort into developing hybrid or electric vehicles.

“To some extent, it’s a cultural thing,” said Mike Omotoso, senior manager for powertrain forecasts for LMC Automotive. “The Chrysler powertrain strategy is really being driven by Fiat, and Fiat is a European company specializing in small diesel engines.”

Marchionne said 90% of Jeep Grand Cherokees sold in Europe have diesel engines because gas prices in Europe are substantially higher than in the U.S. In Europe, Chrysler uses a diesel engine made by VM Motori, an affiliate of Fiat, which owns 58.5% of Chrysler.

In the U.S., Chrysler produces the Grand Cherokee and the Dodge Durango at the same plant in Detroit.

“Once we install a (diesel) in a Jeep Grand Cherokee, the installation on the Durango is rather easy,” Marchionne said.

Mike Manley, president and CEO of the Jeep brand, said Jeep enthusiasts have long clamored for a diesel version of the Wrangler.

“Off-roaders like diesel because of the torque that it brings to the vehicle,” Manley said. Ford, in contrast, is pressing forward with its direct-injected, turbocharged engines marketed under the EcoBoost name for cars, crossovers and SUVs.

Ford expects to build about 560,000 EcoBoost engines this year and 1.5 million annually by 2015. On F-150 pickups, about 40% of Ford buyers have opted for these smaller engines.

“Our diesel strategy is focused on (larger) trucks,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of the Americas, referring to Super Duty pickups, 60% of which are sold with diesels.

John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai North America, said he would rather spend the additional money it takes to develop and build diesel engines on improving gasoline engines.

Over the last several years, Hyundai has launched four cars that get 40 m.p.g. on the highway with direct-injected gasoline engines (Veloster, Elantra, Accent and Sonata). In 2011, Hyundai sold 214,132 of those models.

“If you can get your gas engine within 13% of the efficiency of a diesel engine, it makes it worthwhile,” Krafcik said.

Historically, American consumers have been reluctant to buy cars with diesel engines because they remember the smelly, loud cars automakers sold in the 1970s and 1980s.

Also, diesel fuel costs more than gas in the U.S. According to AAA, diesel fuel is selling for an average of $3.87 a gallon in the U.S. compared with an average of $3.39 for unleaded regular and $3.66 for premium.

But a diesel engine is about 30% to 35% more fuel efficient than a gas engine in the same vehicle.

Joe Bakaj, head of Ford powertrain engineering, expects more diesels in North America after 2016 when European emissions standards change to become closer to U.S. regulations.

Europe regulations are aimed at carbon-dioxide emissions while the U.S. regulations center on smog-producing nitrogen oxides, making it expensive to create different systems in each region.

Next year, GM plans to add diesel versions of its Chevrolet Cruze and Cadillac ATS, a compact car revealed this week at the Detroit auto show.

Volkswagen began selling cars with diesel engines in the mid-1980s. Today, the German automaker offers five cars and crossovers with diesel engines. Last year, about 70,000, or 21% of the 324,000 cars and crossovers sold by Volkswagen in the U.S., came with diesel engines.

Audi will offer a choice of gasoline or diesel in the Audi Q3 Vail compact crossover to be in the U.S. in 2014, said Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen.

http://www.freep.com/

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Jan 15, 2012 | 0 comments | View Post

Chrysler Mobile Showroom hits road for national tour

Employees, suppliers and affinity partners of the Chrysler Group will get the chance to check out the all-new and significantly-refreshed lineup of 2011 models during the 2011 Chrysler Road Tour, which kicks off this week. With 95 stops on the extensive 19-week tour that provides employees the opportunity to talk, where they work, with product specialists about the 2011 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram Truck models, as well as the 2012 Fiat 500 model.

“This is a terrific way to discover everything you want to know about our 2011 models without leaving work and in a no-pressure environment,” said Reid Bigland, president/CEO for Dodge and head of U.S. Sales. “After employees examine our new 2011 models in this unique mobile showroom experience, they can visit their local dealers to purchase or lease their favorite vehicle.”

The one day at each stop event includes vehicle demonstrations, complimentary food, beverages and prizes plus event souvenirs. As an added bonus, the tour includes a photo op with Kurt Busch’s No. 22 NASCAR Dodge Charger. Where space allows, employees will have a chance to test drive certain vehicles. The product specialists will explain discount programs available to employees. They need only ask to receive explicit instructions on how to find their local dealer and take advantage of those discounts.

Admittedly the real stars of the 2011 Chrysler Road Tour are the vehicles. From popular family haulers like the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Durango MPV, to the rugged 1500 Ram pickup and all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee – the 2011 Chrysler Road Tour has a vehicle for every need.

Other models featured include the Chrysler 200 sedan, star of the Imported from Detroit Super Bowl commercial, and the thoroughly refreshed Chrysler 300 luxury sedan. For those seeking fuel efficiency, the new 2012 Fiat 500 deliver just that, along with timeless functionality, efficient design and up-to-date technology – is also on this tour. Of course, no slight is meant the new Dodge Charger or Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, along for the ride as well.

The tour, which opened June 6 at Continental Automotive Systems in Auburn Hills, MI., has also visited well-known suppliers as Delphi, Valeo, HP Enterprise Services and Inteva Products this week.

http://www.torquenews.com

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Jun 12, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post

2011 Dodge Durango R/T Hemi AWD – Short Take Road Test

Through its first two generations, the Dodge Durango was sort of an enthusiast secret, a quietly competent and unusually fun-to-drive SUV. After shepherding a last-gen truck for 40,000 miles, we concluded, “Does it get better than this? Maybe. But not much.” Sales of the Durango certainly didn’t get any better. After moving 137,148 of the trucks in 2004, Dodge watched Durango sales nosedive to barely half that just two years later and a mere 21,420 in 2008, after which point the Durango disappeared.

Now it’s back. If you studied only the critical dimensions, which are nearly dead-on with the old truck’s, you’d be forgiven for thinking Dodge spent the interim working on a mere face lift. But you’d be wrong. For starters, there’s the small matter of the absentee frame. The formerly body-on-frame Durango now rides on a unibody platform it shares with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and which Mercedes-Benz will employ under its next ML and GL.

Durango Tango

While its Jeep cousin perpetuates that brand’s dirt fetish, the Durango pursues sport in a different discipline. The two trucks’ suspension layouts are the same, but the Dodge is longer than the Jeep by a full 10 inches, with an extra five between its axles. Additionally, the Durango’s shock and spring rates are stiffer and it has larger anti-roll bars. The R/T further stiffens the shocks and springs, and lowers the ride height by 0.8 inch. Like the Heat and Citadel trims, the R/T includes 20-inch wheels.

2011 dodge durango rt inline 1 2011 Dodge Durango R/T Hemi AWD Short Take Road Test

All that stiffening paid off. The Durango is a handler, with minimal body roll—particularly for something so tall. It’s also very well balanced: Note that its 51/49-percent front-rear weight distribution is the sort of figure that gets us excited about sports sedans. There’s just a touch of understeer at the limit, and a delightful enthusiasm for rotation, which is easy to control and rein in with the all-wheel-drive system. We recorded 0.81 g of stick on the skidpad, better by 0.06 than the non-R/T ’Rango we tested.

Steering like this is a treat in an SUV. It’s slow off center—all the better for relaxed highway tracking—but effort builds as the limit nears and the wheel offers a good amount of feedback. And the R/T’s hero brakes need just 169 feet to stop the big bruiser from a freeway tempo. The brakes also exhibited tremendous resistance to fade: Five back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back panic stops varied in length by only three feet. The downside to the R/T package is serious tromp from the 20s. They crash over bumps and potholes, and the stiffer suspension sends hefty tremors through the body shell and steering column. It’s an expected trade-off in a performance vehicle, but not one we anticipated finding in an SUV. The complaints might be quieter, however, were our roads smoother.

Superb Seats, Sub-Par Seats

With the tilting/telescoping steering wheel standard on all Durangos, it’s easy to find the perfect driving position, and the front seats fit the sporty persona. They are comfy and supportive, with the right amount of bolstering for a sporty family vehicle—enough to let you know they care, but without encouraging the sort of driving that’ll have the rugrats screaming in their child-safety seats. The Magnum-esque window line and thick C- and D-pillars (necessary to meet rollover standards) do hinder visibility, however.

2011 dodge durango rt inline 3 cd gallery 2011 Dodge Durango R/T Hemi AWD Short Take Road Test

The rearview camera, part of a $695 package that also includes navigation, is a worthwhile investment. The vehicle we tested also came with the rear-seat DVD entertainment package ($1695), which, interestingly, requires the sunroof ($850)—a ceiling-mounted entertainment system and a sunroof often are an either/or proposition. Another $695 netted the towing package—with the Hemi, the Durango is rated to tow up to 7400 pounds—and $750 was wasted on the adaptive cruise control. A base, two-wheel-drive Durango Express starts at $30,045, while pricing for the all-wheel-drive R/T begins at $38,715. Our total was $43,400, eye-watering but not totally unreasonable for a workhorse family vehicle with a stonking V-8.

Every Durango except the two-row-only Heat comes with standard seating for seven. The second- and third-row seats both fold flat, but, in order to do so, they are very thin, with hard cushions. And, while they flop with simple one-handle actuation, the effort required to raise them is substantial. Maybe Dodge is trying to help American moms tone their arms. Also, third-row volume shrinks nine cubic feet compared to the last Durango’s. This used to be one of very few SUVs that could comfortably haul three rows of adults, but no more. At least with the second row folded, access for the kids is easy.

This is all the more reason to sit in the left-front seat, where your right foot gets to conduct the Hemi underhood. It’s standard on the R/T, and optional on the Citadel and Crew—$1495 for rear-drivers, $1895 with all-wheel drive. (The Heat and Express only get the V-6.) With an iron block, pushrods, a 5800-rpm redline, and port fuel injection, the Hemi seems out of date compared to today’s high-tech mills, but high tech is hardly a prerequisite for great sound. The audio argument might be the best reason to upgrade to the barrel-chested V-8.

2011 dodge durango rt inline 4 cd gallery 2011 Dodge Durango R/T Hemi AWD Short Take Road Test

Hemi Hardship

Satisfying as the Hemi sounds, though, fuel-economy ratings drop from a (not particularly) high of 16/23 mpg city/highway for the rear-drive V-6 to 13/20 for an all-wheel-drive V-8. We got 15. And we hoped the Hemi Durango would be fleeter, but its 7.4-second 0-to-60 time only bested the rear-drive sixer by one second. There are two factors conspiring against the Durango: its tremendous weight (5512 pounds of proof that unibody does not mean light) and odd gear spacing. Fuel economy is the goal of the latter, and a tall fifth gear is crucial to achieving it, but there are better ways to get there than this. First is so tall that, driving around town, we initially believed the Durango was starting off in second—it’s not out of first until almost 50 mph, and second stretches nearly all the way to 90. Oddly, third—more of a “two-and-a-halfth”—only gets you another 10 mph before redline looms again.

We understand that most buyers won’t be experiencing many redline 90-mph shifts in their Durangos, but this annoyance manifests in other, more mundane ways, particularly when passing. This is Dodge’s dual-second-gear transmission, so there are two ratios for second: one used for upshifts, and an even taller one used during kickdowns. If you’re caught behind a FedEx truck trundling along at 50 mph and pull out to pass, the downshift puts the Hemi around 3300 rpm, a long pull from the 5150-rpm power peak. Instead of two-and-a-halfth, what this trans really needs is a one-and-a-halfth. Manually actuated shifts do bring rewarding rev-matched downshifts, though, reminding us of the hot-rod Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. Still, we’re looking forward to the imminent arrival of a transmission with at least one more ratio.

We’re not surprised by how much the powertrain reminds of the SRT8 Jeep, but what really surprised us is how much the chassis does, too. With its engaging dynamics on top of sharp looks and a satisfying engine, the Durango is relatively rewarding from the driver’s seat. But could it get better than this? With comfier seats for the rest of the crowd and a more-modern transmission, yes it could.

http://www.caranddriver.com

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Apr 13, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post

Chrysler Incentives Push Hemi V-8, Leasing In February

Chrysler has added a few cash-back incentives to its new 2011 model lineup, including more cash on the hood for high-output V-8 Ram trucks. More importantly, this time around Chrysler is offering some attractive lease deals. However, most of the cash incentives on the 2010 models are gone with the lone exception of the 2010 Dodge Challenger, which has $2,000 cash back.

The 2011 Dodge Nitro gets another $500 tacked onto its cash-back plan, which now totals $3,000. There’s another $1,000 added on the Caliber, so buyers can get up to $2,500 cash back on that model. Most of the redesigned models like the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango and the Chrysler minivans don’t have any cash incentives, but they do have fairly attractive financing deals.

If you want to get a better deal on one of Chrysler’s newer models, there are lease deals to be had such as $199 a month for the Dodge Avenger or Chrysler 200 or $359 a month for the new 2011 Dodge Charger R/T.

Most of the incentives below expire Feb. 28.

Ram Trucks

* No Charge Hemi Incentive: 2011 Ram pickup trucks can choose a Hemi engine as a no-charge option
* Engine Bonus Cash: 2011 V-6 Rams get $500 bonus cash; V-8 and diesel engines get $1,000 bonus cash
* 2011 Dodge Ram 1500: $1,000-$2,000 cash back or 2.9% financing for 60 months
* 2011 Dakota Laramie crew cab 4X4: 0% financing for 72 months

Dodge

* 2011 Avenger (Mainstreet, Lux and Heat trims): $750 cash back or 2.9% financing for 60 months
* 2010 Challenger: $2,000 cash back or 0% financing for 60 months
* 2011 Caliber (all): $2,500 cash back
* 2011 Caliber (excluding Mainstreet): $1,500 cash back and 0% financing for 60 months
* 2011 Caliber (Mainstreet): $1,000 cash back and 0% financing for 60 months
* 2011 Challenger (R/T only): $1,000 cash back and 3.9% financing for 60 months
* 2011 Charger: 2.9% financing for 60 months
* 2010 Grand Caravan: 0% financing for 72 months
* 2011 Journey (Lux and Crew): $1,750 cash back or 3.9% financing for 60 months
* 2011 Journey (Express and R/T): $750 cash back or 3.9% financing for 60 months
* 2010 Journey: 0% financing for 72 months
* 2011 Dodge Nitro: $3,000 cash back or 0% financing for 60 months

Jeep

* 2011 Compass: $1,000 cash back or 2.9% financing for 60 months
* 2011 Liberty: $2,500-$3,500 cash back or $1,000 and 0% financing for 60 months
* 2011 Patriot: $1,000 or 2.9% financing for 60 months
* 2011 Grand Cherokee: 1.9% financing for 60 months

Chrysler

* 2011 Chrysler 200 (excluding LX trim): $750 cash back or 2.9% financing for 60 months
* 2011 Town & Country: 2.9% financing for 60 months
* 2010 Town & Country: 0% financing for 72 months

Lease Deals

Dodge

* 2011 Avenger Mainstreet: $199 per month for 36 months, $2,999 due at signing
* 2011 Charger R/T: $359 per month for 36 months, $2,499 due at signing
* 2011 Durango Express AWD: $359 per month for 36 months, $2,499 due at signing
* 2011 Grand Caravan Crew: $309 per month for 36 months, $2,799 due at signing
* 2011 Journey: $299 per month for36 months, $2,499 due at signing
* 2011 Nitro Heat 4X2: $239 per month for 36 months, $2,499 due at signing

Jeep

* 2011 Compass 4X2: $239 per month for 36 months, $2,499 due at signing
* 2011 Grand Cherokee: $369 per month for 36 months, $2,499 due at signing
* 2011 Liberty Sport 4X$: $329 per month for 36 months, $2,499 due at signing
* 2011 Patriot: $229 per month for 36 months, $2,499 due at signing
* 2011 Wrangler two-door Sport 4X4: $299 per month for 36 months, $2,499 due at signing
* 2011 Wrangler Unlimited Sport 4X4: $349 per month

Chrysler

* 2011 Chrysler 200 Touring: $199 per month for 36 months, $2,999 due at signing
* 2011 Chrysler Town & Country: $319 per month for 36 months, 2,799 due at signing

*Lease and finance deals vary by region and year/model/trim availability. Higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. Lease excludes taxes, titles and fees.

http://blogs.cars.com/

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Feb 19, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post

Jeep clears new hurdles

It’s been a long time since the original Jeep Grand Cherokee debuted in 1992, replacing both the Grand Wagoneer and smaller Cherokee with a single vehicle.

Jeep’s midsize SUV has done well for itself, building upon the Jeep legacy and establishing a strong following in the ’90s, but the landscape has changed significantly over the past decade. With the increasing success of crossover SUVs that put more emphasis on car-like convenience than off-road capabilities, the Grand Cherokee has found itself with more competition than ever. In order to recapture the attention of consumers who are more concerned with cargo space than approach angles, some serious rethinking was necessary.

The evolution began in 2005, with the introduction of a Grand Cherokee that was significantly more refined, comfortable, and luxurious than its predecessors. However, while it was a major improvement in almost every way, the 2005 model didn’t present itself very well. It could still go toe-to-toe with traditional SUVs such as the Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota 4Runner, but lacked the eye-catching styling necessary to compete with the more daring and intriguing designs of crossovers like the Ford Edge and Nissan Murano.

Thankfully that’s not an issue with the new 2011 model, which is easily the best-looking Grand Cherokee to date. Designed for both on-road and off-road adventures, the fourth-generation Grand Cherokee pays tribute to its origins while adopting the car-like qualities we’ve come to love in crossovers.

The result is an SUV that feels purpose-built for two completely different worlds–an impressive feat, to say the least.

The base Laredo trim is priced comparably to the Explorer, Pathfinder and 4Runner at $38,000, but you’re not getting a whole lot in terms of standard equipment. In contrast, a base 4Runner comes with a moonroof and a power liftgate–neither of which are found on the Laredo–and does it for slightly less. In order to take the next step and truly compete with less-expensive crossover SUVs, Jeep is going to have to improve the value proposition. With that quick and easy fix, the Grand Cherokee could quickly make up all the ground it has lost over the past 10 years.

DESIGN

With a smoother and more aerodynamic exterior, the Grand Cherokee certainly has a crossover “feel” about it. Off-roading purists may be concerned about the use of a unibody platform, but Jeep is still amongst the best when it comes to developing all-terrain trucks, and the Grand Cherokee is no exception.

Though it pushes the envelope on styling, the Grand Cherokee is still in line with Jeep’s look and feel, making it easily identifiable. Notable design cues include the shallow notch cut into the hood and the hidden hinge for the flip-up rear window that gives the liftgate an almost seamless look.

From the moment you get in, you get a sense of Jeep’s renewed commitment to design and execution. The cabin is beautifully done, with wraparound trim, high-quality plastics and even an optional wood-accented steering wheel.

One minor issue is the plastic panel covering the steering wheel, which leaves some slightly rough edges above the crossbar, right where drivers will tend to hook their thumbs.

PERFORMANCE

Power comes from a 3.6L V6 with 290-hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, or a 5.7L V8 producing 360-hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. For the moment, Jeep has declined to offer a diesel engine.

The new V6 is an excellent engine, generating 38 per cent more horsepower and 11 per cent more torque than last year’s V6. However, while there’s lots of power available, the engine lags a bit at low RPMs before full acceleration kicks in.

Where handling is concerned, the Grand Cherokee can hold its own against all but the sportiest of crossover SUVs. The steering is predictable, with a hint of understeer, and the road feedback is very good. As a result, the Grand Cherokee is a fun-to-drive and confident SUV in practically any conditions.

Off-road enthusiasts have their choice of three 4×4 systems (Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II), along with a new Selec-Terrain system that enables the driver to specify the type of terrain being tackled. As well, there’s the Quadra-Lift air suspension, which can position the Grand Cherokee at five different heights for optimized ride comfort and performance.

ENVIRONMENT

Usability is excellent in the Grand Cherokee, with the stereo display mounted up high where you can see it at a glance and controls placed logically and conveniently. Of particular note is the black-and-white LCD screen set between gauges, which is well-designed and easy to read without being too distracting.

In-cabin storage space is reasonable, but there’s room for improvement. The glove box is decent, but the centre console and map pockets are on the small side. That said, the rear cargo space is huge, with sides that slope outward to maximize volume and split-folding rear seats that provide a truly flat load floor.

The front doors open almost 90 degrees, which isn’t quite as useful as it sounds. While that’s nice for getting kids and cargo out of the rear doors, it’s easy to accidentally swing the front doors too wide open, in which case they might hit an adjacent parked car.

While the Grand Cherokee may not include a standard sunroof like the 4Runner, it does at least offer a choice. Unlike most vehicles, which offer either a traditional, front-only sunroof or a dual-pane, panoramic roof, Jeep lets owners pick between the two options.

FEATURES

Starting at $37,995, the Grand Cherokee is available in Laredo, Laredo X, Limited, and Overland trim levels, and tops out at $49,995.

Standard equipment includes ABS, traction control, stability control, cruise control, air conditioning, tilt/telescope steering, remote keyless entry, power-adjustable driver’s seat, six-speaker CD/MP3 stereo and front/side-curtain airbags.

Features available as options or standard on upper trim levels include Xenon headlamps, sunroof, CommandView dual-pane sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, navigation system with backup camera, backup sensors, remote starter, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel and upgraded nine-speaker audio systems with hard-drive storage. Jeep also sells a number of off-road and towing packages.

Fuel efficiency for the 3.6L engine is rated at 13.0L/100km in the city and 8.9L/100km on the highway.

THUMBS UP

Superb design; thoughtful interior; confident driving characteristics.

THUMBS DOWN

Minimal features on base model.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The Grand Cherokee will take you wherever you want to go in style.

COMPETITORS

Ford Explorer

The redesigned, 2011 Explorer ranges in price from $29,999 to $44,199, with a 3.5L V6 producing 290-hp and 255 lb-ft of torque.

Similar to Jeep with the Grand Cherokee, Ford has upped the ante with a daring new design that represents a significant departure from the boxy Explorers of the past.

Nissan Pathfinder

The $37,948 Pathfinder is powered by a 4.0L V6 with 266-hp and 288 lb-ft of torque. It was briefly sold with a 5.6L V8 borrowed from the Titan pickup, but Nissan has dropped the option.

Updated this past year with a more rounded front end that softens its boxy, upright styling, the Pathfinder continues to play the role of tough, off-road-capable SUV, leaving the flash and style its Murano sibling.

Toyota 4Runner

$36,820 is the price for a 4Runner, powered by a 4.0L V6 with 270-hp and 278 lb-ft of torque and employing a classic, body-on-frame platform.

Toyota offers a wide range of SUVs, from the RAV4 and Highlander crossovers to the rock-hopping FJ Cruiser and full-size Sequoia.

The long-lived 4Runner fits somewhere in the middle and — like the Grand Cherokee — has a very loyal fanbase.

http://www.nsnews.com/

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Feb 19, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post

Award finalists include electrics, Chrysler SUVs

Two Chrysler SUVs and two electric cars stood out as the most outstanding cars and trucks of the year, according to a panel of the nation’s top automotive journalists who are voting on this year’s North American Car and Truck of the Year.

The Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee, both built in Detroit off the same truck platform, as well as the extended-range electric Chevrolet Volt and all-electric Nissan Leaf were among six finalists for the award.

Ford’s redesigned 2011 Explorer and Hyundai Sonata also were named finalists Dec. 16 at an event hosted by the Automotive Press Association in Detroit.

The North American Car and Truck of the Year awards are different from other industry awards because they are given by a jury of 49 veteran automotive journalists from Canada and the United States.

Winners of the contest will be announced Jan. 10 at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

This year, the jury considered more than 50 vehicles. Of those, the jurors voted to put 14 cars and 14 trucks on the ballot.

Here is a closer look at the finalists:

—Dodge Durango: While the Durango is built on a unibody platform, rather than a SUV’s traditional body-on-frame platform, the stout truck pulls 6,200 pounds with a V-6 engine and 7,200 pounds with a V-8.

Pricing for the three-row SUV starts at $30,045 for the Express model with rear-wheel-drive and at $32,045 for the all-wheel-drive version, including an $850 destination charge.

—Ford Explorer: Launched this month, the 2011 Explorer can handle the off-road demands of most weekend warriors and easily travels over deep sand ruts and steep hills even though it is built off of the same platform as the Ford Taurus sedan.

The new Explorer gets 25 miles per gallon on the highway, a 25 percent improvement over the outgoing model. It’s also loaded with safety features, including an industry first: optional inflatable rear seat belts.

—Jeep Grand Cherokee: Introduced in July, sales of the redesigned Grand Cherokee have surged. In November, for example, sales increased 256 percent compared with the same month a year ago. Critics have applauded the Grand Cherokee for its vastly improved interior and new engine.

—Chevrolet Volt: After nearly four years of anticipation, many car critics are saying the Volt’s performance is impressive. With a starting price of about $41,000, the Volt travels between 25-50 miles on an electric charge before a gasoline-engine switches on to generate more electricity.

—Hyundai Sonata 2.0-liter: Sales of the Hyundai Sonata have surged 65.9 percent through November, making the redesigned midsize sedan among the most popular cars in America.

—Nissan Leaf: The compact, battery-powered Leaf boasts zero emissions. The Leaf has an advantage over the Volt because its starts at $32,780 before federal tax incentives, or several thousand dollars lower than the Volt. However, it has an EPA-rated cruising range of just 73 miles on full batteries and a long charging time.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/

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Dec 24, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post

New Chrysler Pentastar V-6 Engine Earns ‘Ten Best’ Kudos from Ward’s Automotive

Newest Chrysler engine recognized by the Editors of Ward’s Automotive as one of the “Ten Best” for 2010
Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 cited for exceptional fuel economy, emissions and power
New engine destined to be workhorse in many Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge cars and Ram trucks

Chrysler LLC Powertrain’s newest engine, the Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6, has been recognized by Ward’s Automotive as one of the ‘Ten Best” engines for 2010.

Introduced in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the new engine will soon be available in 10 vehicles across the 2011 Chrysler line-up including Chrysler 200, 300 and Town & Country minivans; Dodge Avenger, Challenger, Charger, Durango and Journey, and Dodge Town & Country . By 2014 the new Pentastar V-6 is expected to account for more than one third of the powertrains in the Chrysler line-up and will substantially contribute to achieving an overall corporate fuel efficiency improvement of 25 percent.

“We designed the new Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 to meet a variety of requirements in terms of fuel efficiency and power for passenger cars, minivans and sport utilities,” said Bob Lee, vice president of engine engineering and advanced propulsion systems for Chrysler. “Already we are looking forward to adapting future technologies to the Pentastar V-6 as they become available for even more fuel efficiency and performance.”

“Every year, Ward’s Automotive recognizes the industry leaders in engine technology,” said Drew Winter, editor at Ward’s Automotive. “The new Pentastar delivers on all fronts including fuel economy, lower emissions and power.”

Slated to be Chrysler’s new workhorse V-6, the new 3.6-liter Pentastar will replace seven current V-6 engines ranging in displacements from 2.7 – 4.0-liters by 2013.

http://www.prnewswire.com/

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Dec 08, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post

Dodge Ram Laramie Longhorn named Truck of Texas

The Dodge Ram Laramie Longhorn edition was named as the TRUCK OF TEXAS after an extensive weekend of competition in the San Antonio – Bulverde area. The Laramie Longhorn follows in the footsteps on many great vehicles receiving the award in the 20-year history of the Texas Auto Writers Association.

Other top awards went to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Juke, and Ford’s MyTouch system. Vehicles were arranged by categories, such as heavy-duty trucks, compact crossovers, or luxury SUV’s. Competition was intense, with each manufacturer bringing their best of the best. Workers were present all day, wiping the dirt and dust off. Individual winners were named for each category.

Almost 40 automotive journalists gathered for a long weekend of testing and evaluating approximately 60 trucks, SUV’s, and CUV’s in off-road and on-road areas. The majority of driving took place at the historic Knibbe Ranch near Canyon Lake. The test drive route took the journalists up and over steep rocky areas in the famed Texas Hill Country, through small ranch creeks, and along the gravel riverbed edge of the Guadalupe River. There were a few mishaps, including some cut tires on the sharp rocks and at least one vehicle bogging down in the swift-flowing waters of the Guadalupe.

Mike Herzing, current President of the Texas Auto Writers, commented, “This years’ Rodeo was filled with excitement, surprises, and extraordinary emphasis on products. Manufacturers all represented themselves with great vehicles and knowledgeable people.” Manufacturer representatives were more numerous than the journalists due to the coveted awards. The awards translate into more sales and more sales translate into more money for the car companies.

Public Relations representatives, engineers, designers, planners, and even executives were present to attempt influence in the evaluation and voting process. Mark Fields, President of the Americas for Ford and Fred Diaz, President of Ram Division for Dodge was both present, as were other high-ranking individuals. Although there were no overt attempts to “buy votes”, there were plenty of ball caps, tee-shirts, key chains, and other small items handed out to the voting journalists.

The trophies, custom-made belt buckles, and other awards will be presented at a special banquet to be held November 12, 2010 at Space Center Houston.

The Truck of Texas is the Dodge Ram Laramie Longhorn. The Laramie Longhorn had been unveiled at the State Fair of Texas in late September and is classified as a Full-Size Luxury pickup.

The SUV of Texas is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Jeep’s popular SUV has had significant changes made to their newest model. The Jeep Grand Cherokee was introduced several months prior to the Rodeo and has had significant mention in the automotive press.

The CUV of Texas is the Nissan Juke, recently unveiled and new on the market. This small Crossover is based on a car platform but performs like a small SUV.

The Truck Line of Texas is Ford Motor Company, maintaining its significant emphasis on providing a wide variety of products for the buying public. The Most Outstanding Feature award also went to Ford Motor Company for its new MyFordTouch. MyFordTouch is an extension of the popular SYNC and uses voice interaction with controls for the radio, climate control, navigation, and more.

2010 Truck Rodeo Category awards included:

Full- Size SUV – Jeep Grand Cherokee 4×4

Mid-Size SUV- Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4×4

Compact SUV – Subaru Forester

Full-Size Luxury SUV – Cadillac Escalade Hybrid 4×4

Mid-Size Luxury SUV – Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid

Full-Size Luxury CUV – Lincoln MKT

Mid-Size Luxury CUV – Cadillac SRX Turbo

Compact CUV – Nissan Juke

Mid-Size CUV – Ford Edge Limited

Full-Size CUV – Chevrolet Traverse AWD

Full-Size Pickup Truck – Ram 1500 Outdoorsman Crew Cab 4×4

Mid-Size Pickup Truck – Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4×2 Texas Addition

Luxury Pickup Truck – Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn

Heavy Duty Pickup Truck-Ram 2500 Power Wagon Crew Cab 4×4

http://www.examiner.com/