Chrysler Blog
The latest news on the US auto manufacturer famed for The Viper.
Report: Chrysler reconsidering light-duty diesel for RamFiled under: Truck, Work, Chrysler, Dodge, Diesel 
During last summer's bankruptcy proceedings, New Chrysler chose not to contract Cummins to produce a light-duty diesel engine for the its Ram pickup trucks. At a rumored 5.0 liters of displacement, this diesel engine would have been somewhat less powerful but also less expensive and more fuel efficient than the larger 6.7-liter inline six-cylinder diesel, also supplied by Cummins, in heavy duty Rams.
Now our friends from PickupTrucks.com report that Dodge may be back in the light-duty diesel game. Joe Veltri, Chrysler vice president of product planning, reportedly said at the NTEA Work Truck Show, "We're in discussions with Cummins. There's no contract [with Cummins] but [a light-duty diesel] is in our plan."
As an aside, it seems as if the so-called light-duty engine could also find its way into the Heavy Duty 2500 and 3500 Ram trucks in addition to the expected 1500. "Does every guy need a 6.7-liter diesel? It could certainly package in a heavy duty," Veltri said.
[Source: PickupTrucks.com]Report: Chrysler reconsidering light-duty diesel for Ram originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsRattner: Auto bailout saved Michigan from bankruptcyFiled under: Government/Legal, Chrysler, GM 
Without the government bailout of General Motors and Chrysler, the U.S. auto industry would likely have two fewer domestic automakers and hundreds of thousands of high paying jobs would be history. The Detroit News reports that ex auto task force chief Steve Rattner recently told an audience at a bankruptcy conference that the state of Michigan and the city of Detroit would have faced municipal bankruptcy if Chrysler and GM were liquidated.
Instead, Rattner claims the government bailout not only saved untold thousands of jobs and two enormous American car companies, but the price tag for the government is shrinking as time goes on. Initial estimates by the task force showed that the auto bailout would cost U.S. taxpayers $20 billion or $30 billion after GM and Chrysler's initial stock sale, but Ratner claims that the current price tag is $10 billion or less. The estimated loss has gone down due in part to the fact that old GM's assets are worth more than previously estimated and The General is turning around its operations more quickly than originally thought. If GM continues to surprise and delight, the government may even make some money when it goes public with a stock offering this year or next.
Would the city of Detroit and the state of Michigan have gone bankrupt if GM and Chrysler were liquidated? There is no way to be sure, but if the government hadn't stepped in and bailed them out, its inaction would have probably cost taxpayers untold billions of dollars as well.
[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Neilson Barnard/Getty]Rattner: Auto bailout saved Michigan from bankruptcy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsUpdate: Texas high school gets to keep using Ram logoFiled under: Government/Legal, Chrysler, Dodge  Remember a couple weeks back when we told you about Chrysler's improbable legal battle against little Lake Mary High School in Florida? Chrysler's legal team put the smack down on the school for using the Ram logo as its school insignia, and the law jockeys in Auburn Hills, MI were giving the school until June 15 to remove all instances of the logo at a considerable cost to the school district and neighborhood taxpayers.
It appears cooler heads have prevailed at Chrysler, as Allpar is reporting that the school and automaker have made an agreement that allows the school to keep the admittedly perfect-for-a-football-helmet logo, at least until wear and tear requires their replacement. The reported agreement stipulates that the school must declare its partnership with Chrysler on signs stating "Lake Mary: Proud Partner of Chrysler." We think Chrysler should also sponsor the prom and provide a 300C stretch limousine for every senior. C'mon, think of the good will!
When we originally told you about the legal tussle between Lake Mary HS and Chrysler, we were more than a little critical of Team Pentastar for its legal action against the small school in a town of 15,000. It wasn't because Chrysler didn't have every legal right to protect its trademarks, but rather making a school district pay lots of money to remove a logo when it wasn't really damaging is just bad PR for a company that can ill afford any more bad PR. Compromise can be a very good thing, and it's nice to see that the folks at Chrysler see that. Good people of Lake Mary, Florida: feel free to continue purchasing vehicles from the Chrysler group.
[Source: Allpar] Update: Texas high school gets to keep using Ram logo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsAutomobile takes a look at the early history of 'sudden acceleration'Filed under: Classics, Technology, Audi, Chrysler 
Unintended acceleration didn't start with Toyota, nor did it start with the Audi 5000 - it's probably been around since the first man put a leg over what he thought was a tamed horse.
Automobile Magazine takes a look at the phenomenon of accidentally wide-open throttles circa 1957, when Chrysler began the process of putting Bendix Electrojet fuel injectors into four of its models. At one point, a test car flooded when the injector's signals were confused while passing a radio broadcast tower. It's a good read so we won't spoil it for you - follow the link below for the full story. And if you see the only remaining Electrojet-equipped Chrysler - the rest were retrofitted with carburetors - keep an eye on it...
[Source: Automobile]Automobile takes a look at the early history of 'sudden acceleration' originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Chrysler ends 25-month sales skid by sending 58% of new vehicles to fleetsFiled under: Chrysler, Dodge, GM, Jeep 
Just about every automaker posted February sales gains compared to the same month in 2009, and industry-wide sales were up 13 percent for the month. Even Chrysler posted its first year over year gain for the first time in 25 months, albeit by a mere 399 units. So is everybody at the company's Auburn Hills, MI headquarters celebrating? We're guessing the answer is no... due to the fact that a knee-wobbling 58 percent of those sales came to fleet customers.
Automotive News is reporting that only 35,832 of those 84,449 sales were made to retail customers. That's not good, folks. In better times, Toyota would be disappointed if it only sold 35,000 Carmry sedans to retail customers. When AN asked Chrysler about its low sales for the month, a spokeswoman reportedly said, "Fleet sales were very strong this month, and our company sales reflect that." Big fleet sales will reportedly be temporary, though, as the company still eventually plans to allocate only 25 percent of its sales to fleets.
But while that's bad news for Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealers, the company is likely at least happy that fleet customers are buying again. When the economy hit the skids in the fall of 2008, the fleet market went from a sales oasis for domestic automakers to a discount desert. Chrysler isn't the only automaker to rely on fleet sales in February, either. General Motors allocated 45,000 of its 144,000 vehicles to fleets, about 31 percent of its total sales.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd] Report: Chrysler ends 25-month sales skid by sending 58% of new vehicles to fleets originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFuture Chrysler production plans reportedly leakedFiled under: Coupe, Minivan/Van, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Hatchback, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep 
Chrysler, now led by Sergio Marchionne and the rest of the management crew brought in by Italian automaker Fiat, has big plans in place that will replace just about every single vehicle the American automaker currently offers. Judging from the purported list of new vehicle launches secured by the Mopar fanatics at Allpar, it would seem that new Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles will be hitting the market all through 2010 and well into 2011.
Looking over the list of 2010 production start dates, the first date to get excited about (barring the March 29th Viper production launch, of course - we're talking about for the mainstream market), is May 10th, which is when the thoroughly recreated Jeep Grand Cherokee will begin rolling down the assembly line. In mid-August, the 2011 Wrangler will make its initial appearance, and we're really hoping for a new powertrain combination for the venerable off-roader.
Towards the end of 2010, we should begin seeing the heavily revised Pentastar minivans along with the new Avenger and Sebring replacements, though the Chrysler midsizer seems likely to get a new moniker to erase memories of the current car. Finally, the three LX-based cars - those being the Challenger, Charger and 300 - will go into production in November, followed closely by the North American 2012 Fiat 500. Keep it together, Chrysler.
[Source: Allpar]Future Chrysler production plans reportedly leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentseBay Find of the Day: Sensational ex-Rat Pack Dual-Ghia L6.4 Barris KustomFiled under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Chrysler, Luxury 
1962 Ghia Barris Kustom - Click above for high-res image gallery
While perhaps not a household name, there was a time when the Dual-Ghia brand was the epitome of cool. Eugene Casaroll formed Dual Motors in the 1950's to build production versions of Chrysler's Virgil Exner-designed Fire Arrow show cars. Casaroll worked with Carrozzeria Ghia in Italy to build the restyled vehicles on Dodge chassis using Chrysler engines for motivation. Because of Ghia's contributions to the exterior styling, the cars were sold under the Dual-Ghia banner. Altogether, 117 D-Gs were sold from 1956-1958, mostly to the rich and famous.
As his health floundered, Casaroll concentrated more and more on his other business interests leaving Dual Motors Chief Engineer Paul Farago in charge of developing the follow-up model. The L6.4 was introduced in 1961 with a bigger 335-horsepower 383 engine, fresher styling and a big bump in price, going from $7,600 to a whopping $13,500. Only 26 L6.4s were sold before the company was finally shuttered for good in 1962, but those Dual-Ghias found their way into some interesting hands. Well-known Dual-Ghia owners included actors Desi Arnaz, Glenn Ford and Sterling Hayden, U.S. Presidents Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and Lyndon Johnson, and a certain group of legendary entertainers known as The Rat Pack. Dean Martin had one. So did Frank Sinatra. Eddie Fisher owned a Dual-Ghia. Even Peter Lawford had one. In fact, Lawford once owned the very car you see above.
This particular 1961 Dual-Ghia L6.4 is even more rare than most of the other 25 examples made, as one of eight cars modified by legendary Kustom Kar King George Barris. It was the second L6.4 produced and shares the prototype's lower roofline, but was also remodeled by George Barris at his Kustom Coachworks when it arrived in Hollywood. According to the eBay Motors listing, the headlamps were remodeled into flush oval Euro Headlamps (the original design were traditional ovals), and the turn signals were subtly hidden inboard behind the grille.
One of the regular Dual-Ghia L6.4 models recently sold for better than $400,000 up in Pebble Beach, so the current price of just over $100,000 seems like a steal. Of course, the reserve hasn't yet been met. There are still three days left to scrape together a little extra scratch if you're interested in reliving your Rat Pack fantasies. Check out the listing for even more details and take a peek at the gallery below for more high-res images.
[Source: eBay Motors]eBay Find of the Day: Sensational ex-Rat Pack Dual-Ghia L6.4 Barris Kustom originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 06:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsConsumer Reports releases annual list of American Top Picks, Ford the big winnerFiled under: Coupe, Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Crossover, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, GM 
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery
Each year that Consumer Reports offers up its annual list of Top American Picks, it seems less and less a consolation bracket and more like a reasonable set of choices. To wit, if you wanted the very best family-sized SUV (Chevrolet Traverse) or fullsize pickup truck (Chevrolet Silverado), Consumer Reports will tell you that you're best off choosing American, regardless of which list its from.
Further, CR has found the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan twins have proven to be more reliable than a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. Blasphemy, you say? To borrow a marketing phrase from the Blue Oval itself, Drive One and find out for yourself. We have, and we found out that it's a great car. Apparently, it's also reliable. Not surprisingly, the Fusion managed to earn two more awards in its hybrid guise, including CR's Best Overall Car.
All told, seven of the 10 awards handed out by CR went to Ford - an impressive performance. Two Top Picks were filled by vehicles from General Motors while Chrysler didn't have a single model on the list, which isn't particularly surprising since the Dodge Ram is the only model from the Pentastar that CR even recommends. Click here to check out the rest of the winners from CR.
[Source: Consumer Reports]Consumer Reports releases annual list of American Top Picks, Ford the big winner originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSears coming to the rescue of disenfranchised Chrysler and GM dealers?Filed under: Etc., Chrysler, GM 
General Motors and Chrysler dealers unsuccessful in government-mediated arbitration to save their franchises from closure are being thrown a potential life saver. This one, however, doesn't say U.S.S. Government on it, but rather, U.S.S. Sears Auto Center. The nationwide retailer want to expands its Auto Center operations that focus on service and sales and dealers with physical plants but nothing to put in them might be a workable option.
The upside for Sears is not only known dealer locations that are practically built to run Auto Center operations, but having folks who know cars representing the brand. The upshot for dealers would be the chance to run a potentially profitable business supported by a major brand, on top of which they could add used car sales. The first Chrysler-dealer-turned-Sears-outlet will be Coleman Auto Group in East Windsor, New Jersey, a conversion that happens next month.
Follow the jump to read the press release on the endeavor, and who knows, perhaps Craftsman and DieHard can succeed where Chrysler and GM couldn't.
[Source: The Car Connection]Continue reading Sears coming to the rescue of disenfranchised Chrysler and GM dealers? Sears coming to the rescue of disenfranchised Chrysler and GM dealers? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsHonda and Subaru top latest Consumer Reports automaker report cardsFiled under: Car Buying, Chrysler, Honda, Subaru  The time has come once again for Consumer Reports' annual Auto Issue, which means the respected magazine will hand out an updated list of the vehicles and brands that it recommends. Included amongst the pages are CR's so-called Automaker Report Cards, and the tippy-top and way bottom couldn't have been easier to see coming.
Much like last year (and the year before, and the year before...), Honda gets the nod as the head of CR's list, joined in this instance by fellow Japanese automaker Subaru. The leading duo each earned a score of 77 out of 100, putting them three points ahead of cross-town rival Toyota, who's score of 74 was no doubt affected when CR yanked its Recommendation off eight of its products following their recent recall and safety woes.
Hyundai, Nissan and Volkswagen also performed well, scoring ahead of Ford, which was the highest ranking American automaker on the list. Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Saab, and Volvo each earned plaudits for improving on their reliability scores from last year, leaving only one automaker to languish at the very bottom of the list. Drum roll please... Chrysler!
The Pentastar was the only company to score worse this year than last, though there was one lone bright spot shining from Auburn Hills: the Dodge Ram 1500, which is the only Chrysler model on Consumer Reports' Recommended list. Bravo. See the full press release after the break, and keep an eye on your mailbox or a newsstand near you for the complete Auto Issue.
[Source: Consumer Reports]Continue reading Honda and Subaru top latest Consumer Reports automaker report cards Honda and Subaru top latest Consumer Reports automaker report cards originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsAutoblog Podcast #167 - Excitement builds for GenevaFiled under: Podcasts, Geneva Motor Show, Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Kia, Lotus, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Citroën 
Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!
Episode #167 of the Autoblog Podcast is a fine quartet of Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Paukert and Dan Roth. We breeze through the Autoblog Garage, filled with a snow-tired Camaro, a pair of Audi cabrios and a Kia Forte Koup, before hitting the news.
Audi's updated RS5, with a clear-voiced 4.2-liter V8 is up first, followed by the want-it-now BMW 5 Series Touring. We're not done with Europe yet, kicking around the Mercedes-Benz F800 and Citroën DS3 Racing before heading across La Manche to check out the Lotus Proton PHEV and then discuss Kia's Magentis renderings. Wrapping it up, we surmise what Chrysler's purported refreshes might turn out to be and talk about the overwhelming crush of Toyota recall and Congressional hearing news before taking some questions and calling it a night.
Direct fanmail to Podcast at Autoblog dot com, review the show in iTunes, fill out our survey or even leave us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Until next week, hit up Joystiq and Engadget when podcast loneliness sets in. Thanks for listening!Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #167 - Excitement builds for Geneva Autoblog Podcast #167 - Excitement builds for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsChrysler recalls 312,000 2005-2006 minivans over airbag issue *UPDATEFiled under: Minivan/Van, Recalls, Safety, Chrysler, Dodge 
Just because Toyota may be garnering the most attention for its current recall crisis, it isn't the only automaker having issues. Chrysler has just released its own recall which affects more than 312,000 2005-2006 Town and Country, Caravan, and Grand Caravan models.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the minivan's front crash sensors may crack "under certain environmental conditions," which can then cause water to seep into the sensor. We're guessing that these environmental conditions refer to cold temperatures, since the list of states affected by this recall are mostly in the northern half of the U.S. If water does enter the sensor, it can trigger the airbag fault warning light and may hinder the performance of the overall airbag system.
In the event of airbag warning light illumination, owners are asked to have their vans serviced immediately to correct the problem. The full recall campaign will begin in June of this year, and owners can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403 for more information. Click through the jump to read the official NHTSA statement.
UPDATE: Chrysler informs us that this is not an official recall, but rather a "safety improvement campaign" that was reported in early January.
[Source: NHTSA]Continue reading Chrysler recalls 312,000 2005-2006 minivans over airbag issue *UPDATE Chrysler recalls 312,000 2005-2006 minivans over airbag issue *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsWelcome Home: Chrysler buys back plant from itself for $20MFiled under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, Dodge, UAW/Unions 
When General Motors and Chrysler were going through bankruptcy proceedings last spring and summer, we learned of several plants that were tagged for closure. Any time a plant closes, it's a huge blow to the area around the plant, as UAW factory jobs provide a good standard of living for thousands of area residents. Among the plants scheduled for moth balls was the Sterling Heights, MI facility that currently produces the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring, but a report from Automotive News shows that the plant may have new life.
Chrysler is reportedly buying the Sterling Heights plant back from the shell company set up to sell off Team Pentastar's bad debt. According to bankruptcy court documents, the facility reportedly fetched a sale price of $20 million; a mere fraction of the cost of a new plant, which can siphon a billion dollars or more. Old Carco, LLC reportedly didn't have any other offers for the plant, which was valued at up to $21 million. The move will likely ensure that the Avenger and Sebring will receive their purported major refresh and continue on the market for the foreseeable future. Also relieved are the 1,200 union and salaried employees who work at the plant.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd] Welcome Home: Chrysler buys back plant from itself for $20M originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Chrysler legal turns into schoolyard bully over use of Ram logo *UPDATEFiled under: Truck, Government/Legal, Chrysler, Dodge  About the same time Chrysler and Fiat executives were running through a marathon eight -hour look into the future with the world's automotive journalists, Pentastar lawyers were working over the principal at Lake Mary High School in Lake Mary, Florida. You may be asking yourself what Chrysler lawyers would want with principal Michael Kotkin when, just six months earlier, The Pentastar needed billions of taxpayer dollars to exit bankruptcy. Good question, for sure, but the answer appears to be pretty lame.
Moto Bullet reports that Chrysler's legal department has been all up in Kotkin's grill because the school's logo is a near-perfect match for the Dodge Ram logo. Team Pentastar ordered has the school to replace the company's favorite goat head as the school logo or risk having to drive a Sebring head into court. Chrysler lawyers even have several photos of the logo being used at the school in several different spots. The Seminole County School District has decided that the logo isn't worth an expensive legal battle, so the school, ranked in the top 1.4 percent nationally for academics, reportedly has until June 15 to remove it from the premises. But while avoiding court will likely save the district plenty of money, the school won't get out of this mess scot-free. Removing the horned-head from the school's gym floor alone will reportedly cost the school (read: local taxpayers) $15,000, or roughly the cost of a new science book for about 300 kids.
We don't want to pretend that we're experts on branding rights and corporate logos, but we just can't see what the harm is to Dodge if the brand and the school share the logo. After all, we're assuming the school isn't going to start making a competitive truck in wood shop. Principal Kotkin is still putting a positive spin on the situation, saying that Chrysler's actions have "galvanized my school," but unfortunately for Team Pentastar, the school's new battle cry sounds something like "I'll never buy a Chrysler as long as I live."
UPDATE: The Chrysler Group got in touch with Autoblog to tell its side of the story, which you can read after the jump.
[Source: Moto Bullet]Continue reading Report: Chrysler legal turns into schoolyard bully over use of Ram logo *UPDATE Report: Chrysler legal turns into schoolyard bully over use of Ram logo *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Feb 2010 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsMopar's 15 ways to make your custom Dodge Challenger look just like everyone else'sFiled under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Chrysler, Dodge 
2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 - Click above for high-res image gallery
According to Pietro Gorlier, (deep breath) President and Chief Executive Officer of Mopar Service, Parts and Customer Care, Chrysler Group LLC., (whew) the average Dodge Challenger owner spends about $600 on accessories and performance parts from Chrysler's Mopar catalog. Interestingly enough, the most popular single piece of aftermarket kit for the Challenger are Mopar's brushed stainless steel door sill guards. These bits add at least 10 extra horsepower, we're told.
Second on the list is Mopar's vehicle cover (an accessory we can wholeheartedly recommend), which is designed specifically to fit the Challenger. Consider us unsurprised that the chromed fuel-filler door and rear deck-lid Go-Wing Spoiler grab slots three and four - doesn't every single Challenger you see on the road have these installed?
And now for the Mopar pieces that actually improve the straight-line performance of the Challenger: cold-air Intake systems and cat-back exhaust systems for both the 5.7- and 6.1-liter Hemi V8s. Don't forget the stage 2 coilover suspension kit and Mopar strut tower brace to make the big musclecar handle and performance brake pads to haul it back down from speed. See the complete list of Mopar's best-selling Challenger parts and accessories after the break.
[Source: Chrysler]Continue reading Mopar's 15 ways to make your custom Dodge Challenger look just like everyone else's Mopar's 15 ways to make your custom Dodge Challenger look just like everyone else's originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsThat'll Fix It: Chrysler may drop Sebring name at next refreshFiled under: Sedan, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat 
2010 Chrysler Sebring - Click above for high-res image gallery
New products seem to be a scarce commodity at Chrysler, but a recent raft of reports emanating from Auburn Hills and, perhaps more importantly Turin, Italy, shows that storm clouds are gathering near The Pentastar's new product desert.
Chrysler brass recently gave members of the Economic Club of Chicago luncheon a sneak peak at the new Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, along with information about the arrival of the Fiat 500 by the end of 2010. Now the Detroit Free Press reports that Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne is talking major refresh for the Dodge Avenger and the Chrysler Sebring by the end of the year. And that's not all.
The Freep quotes Chrysler's multi-tasking CEO as saying that the Avenger/Sebring architecture has been torn apart and "You'll see a completely different animal. We're having a discussion about what name this animal should have. The jury is still out." The report goes on to say that it will be the Sebring that receives the name change, which makes sense considering the fact that Avenger sales have held up considerably (and relatively) better than the Sebring since both vehicles launched. Chrysler claims that the goal is to make changes where midsize customers will notice.
Stephanie Brinley at AutoPacific Group in Troy reportedly told the Free Press that Chrysler is somewhat limited in what it can accomplish with a refresh, but changes to ride and handling could be significant - and there's plenty of room for improvement. Another positive change could come under the hood of both vehicles, as Chrysler is working with Fiat on new engine technology, including the Italian automaker's Multiair tech, which may or may not find its way into the downtrodden sedans.
We have no idea if changing the name of the Sebring will wash away all the pain inflicted by a truly bad sedan, but we're thinking that at this point no changes could hurt more than the status quo. We're hoping the refresh is thorough enough to get us interested in The Pentastar's midsize offerings, but we're going to have to take a Missouri-style "show me" stance before believing it.
[Source: Detroit Free Press]That'll Fix It: Chrysler may drop Sebring name at next refresh originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsAutoblog Podcast #166 - Chicago recap/Geneva previewFiled under: Chicago Auto Show, Podcasts, Geneva Motor Show, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, Lincoln, Mercury, Toyota
Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!
It's Chris² as both Shunk and Paukert join Dan and for Episode #166 of the Autoblog Podcast this week. First up, as usual, is the Autoblog Garage, housing a Suzuki Grand Vitara and a Kia Soul this week. From there, we take a quick trip through the Chicago Auto Show's highlights. The 2011 Ford Edge, Toyota Avalon, Honda Odyssey concept, and Hyundai Azera all figure in the conversation.
We leave the stockyards for the land of fantastic chocolate and mull a few of the things we're likely to see at the Geneva Motor Show. Toyota's updated RAV-4 and the 5 by Peugeot garner mention before we return stateside to talk about Chrysler's refreshed LX cars and Fiat-based Caliber replacement. On the entertainment tip, Adam Carolla's Top Gear USA revelation catches our attention, and then we entertain ourselves by beating up on Mercury's choice of the Tracer name for its upcoming version of the Ford Focus.
Check out our listener's awesome photo gallery below, and direct fanmail to Podcast at Autoblog dot com, review the show in iTunes, fill out our survey, or even leave us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Until next week, hit up Joystiq and Engadget when podcast loneliness sets in. Thanks for listening!
Check out Matt's sweet Volkswagen GTI, which he was lucky enough to win from VW and then send pictures to us in triumph.
Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #166 - Chicago recap/Geneva preview Autoblog Podcast #166 - Chicago recap/Geneva preview originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsMarchionne: Alfa Romeo back in the U.S. by 2012Filed under: Chrysler, Alfa Romeo, Fiat
Alfa Romeo 159 - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's been 15 years since Alfa Romeo last sold vehicles in the U.S. market, but according to Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne, we won't have to wait much longer for a chance to own a vehicle donning the Cross and Serpent. Automotive News is reporting that Marchionne insisted that Alfa will return Stateside in the next 24 months, adding: "I'm a lot more confident now that Alfa Romeo will reconstitute a product offering that is acceptable globally, and more in particular in the United States and Canada."
To make the jump to the U.S. and Canada, Alfa will reportedly need to rely on its newest sibling Chrysler for the appropriate platforms. AN sources say that the most likely Alfas to make the trans-Atlantic journey are the successors to the 159 and 166, but those vehicles could be sitting on Chrysler platforms when they make their way to production. The 159 replacement would reportedly be built in the U.S. with a scheduled 2012 arrival and it could rest atop Chrysler's "compact wide" midsize architecture. The range may eventually also spawn both a sedan and wagon. AN indicates that the 166 successor could be matched up with The Pentastar's large rear drive platform that currently underpins the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300, with the vehicle being built at Chrysler's Brampton, Ontario plant. The 147 replacement that is scheduled to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show will apparently not be coming to North America.
We're really hoping Alfas will in fact arrive on our shores within the next couple years, but we've certainly witnessed this song and dance before. There is no question that Fiat has to do something with Alfa, though, as global sales that have gone from 203,000 in 2000 to 102,000 in 2009 won't cut it for long.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]Marchionne: Alfa Romeo back in the U.S. by 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Two Fiat-based small cars to replace PT Cruiser, Caliber in 2012Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Hatchback, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Fiat 
Late last year, Alfa Romeo previewed the all-new Giulietta ahead of its reveal at next month's Geneva Motor Show. While the five-door hatch is enough to make Stateside consumers weak in the knees - particularly in Quadrifoglio Verde trim - the impact in the U.S. figures to be much more substantial.
According to a new report by Automotive News, the underpinnings of the Giulietta are set to proliferate throughout Fiat's range in the coming years, and of the one million vehicles the automaker plans to build off the new architecture annually, the Chrysler group will account for around 700,000.
 Fiat and Chrysler are currently working on a widened version of the platform - appropriately dubbed "Compact Wide" - and seven new models for Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep will use the new underpinnings, including the replacement for the Chrysler PT Cruiser and Dodge Caliber in 2012. And judging by Fiat's description, it's a helluva platform.
Aimed to compete with the new Audi A1 and BMW 1 Series, the platform uses 84 percent high and ultrahigh strength steel, a McPherson front and a dual-link rear suspension, both of which will use aluminum components (front and rear arms, along with the crossmember).
The platform comes in around 10 percent lighter than its predecessor thanks to the use of aluminum and magnesium, and is designed to fit a transverse engine and can be adapted for either front- or all-wheel drive applications.
On a related side note, during last week's Economic Club of Chicago luncheon in which Ralph Gilles, Dodge CEO and Chrysler Group design head, dropped a a handful of interesting tidbits about the future of the automaker, he also showed a few teasers of upcoming products. Included in the presentation were images of the new 300C and Jeep Grand Cherokee, along with the the rendering above, a new subcompact product from Dodge, almost assuredly the next Caliber. Combined with the new platform and Fiat's Multiair engines, we may finally have a credible contender in the compact arena from Chrysler. And it's about damn time.
[Sources: Automotive News, AutoBird]Report: Two Fiat-based small cars to replace PT Cruiser, Caliber in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGilles: Fiat 500 on sale in U.S. by the end of 2010Filed under: Coupe, SUV, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Fiat 
Fiat 500 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ralph Gilles, Dodge CEO and Chrysler Group design head, has just wrapped up an address to the Chicago Economic Club that was peppered with several choice quotes and quips. You can read the Chrysler's PR-filtered version on its Twitter feed, but here are our favorites:
From the true: "Brands and companies don't die. They are victims of homicide."
To the sublime: "Viper important to image of "my brand" [Dodge]"
To the ridiculous: "The further away you are from Detroit the less you know the facts about the auto industry."
To the more ridiculous: "I liken management to X-Men... all have special abilities."
To the funny/creepy: Ad agency interviewed him before creating Super Bowl spot. "I had to smoke a cigarette," afterwards, he joked.
To the important: "Fiat 500 on sale in U.S. at end of the year"
That last bit coincides with earlier reports that the Fiat 500 could reach the States as early as this year as a 2011 model. Although the 500's importation into the U.S. has been fast-tracked, there's still some question about whether it will meet U.S. crash and safety standards. We expect to have an exact on sale date soon, and Gilles also said that the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is due to go on sale within the next three months.
[Source: Chrysler via Twitter]Gilles: Fiat 500 on sale in U.S. by the end of 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
|
 Resources
Chrysler blog
History
At the wheels - my car blog
Used cars for sale onlineStreetcars
Luxury Sports Cars |
