Chrysler and fashion designer John Varvatos team up for special edition 300 sedans

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/12/chrysler-and-fashion-designer-john-varvatos-team-up-for-special/

By  Jeffrey N. Ross

Chrysler and John Varvatos, two award-winning entities with strong ties to the city of Detroit, have teamed up to create a pair of bespoke luxury sedans that showcase what can happen when the automotive world meets the fashion industry. The 2013 Chrysler 300C John Varvatos Limited Edition and Luxury Edition will both bring a new level of exclusivity to this stylish, full-size sedan.

Varvatos' self-named menswear fashion brand, John Varvatos, has a raw industrial look, but the designer is also heavily infused with the rock 'n' roll scene from his early interest in fashion to his involvement with the VH1 Save the Music Foundation where he is a board member. This mix of industry and rock 'n' roll can easily be seen in the new 300C models.

Each car will get a slightly different look and feel with the 300C John Varvatos Limited Edition coming in an exclusive Phantom Black tri-coat paint job as the basis of the car's dark and sinister appearance. All of the 300's regular bright chrome trim has been replaced by dark titanium accents (on the grille surround, daylight opening trim and the dual exhaust outlets) or black chrome on the front grille. Dark 20-inch, multi-spoke wheels and smoked LED taillight lenses finish off the eye-catching styling, and even Chrysler's signature wing badge has been darkened to match the rest of the exterior. The 300C Luxury Edition gets slightly different look with a platinum chrome mesh grille and polished wheels.

The 300C's fashion makeover gets even more intense inside. Looking like it came right off a John Varvatos runway, the Limited Edition gets features like the pewter metallic leather seats with exclusive Diesel Gray and black stitching to match one of Varvatos' leather jackets. Also, the instrument panel clock and gauge cluster has been redesigned to match the brand's watch design including what should be a stunning pearlescent white face with black bezels. The Luxury Edition's cabin steps things up even more with two color options for the Nappa leather seats and hand-sanded, matte-finished Natural Pore Mocha real wood accents. Both cars come with Chrylser's 8.4-inch UConnect system with a distinct "John Varvatos" screen display.

Chrysler has yet to announce the pricing or availability for either of these models, but it did say that the Limited Edition would in fact be produced in limited numbers.

Despite carrying the 300C name, the Limited Edition and Luxury Edition versions of this car will be available with both V6 and V8 engines as well as optional all-wheel drive. Up until this car, the 300C nameplate was used solely to distinguish cars equipped with the Hemi V8. Scroll down for the official press release.

 

Louisville Kentucky Dodge, Louisville Kentucky Chrysler, Louisville Kentucky Jeep, Louisville Kentucky RAM, Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

 

 

New cars represent Chrysler's 'firepower for the years to come,' Marchionne says

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120911/AUTO0101/209110436/1121/auto01/New-cars-represent-Chrysler-s--firepower-for-the-years-to-come---Marchionne-says

 

By Bryce G. Hoffman

Chrysler Group LLC wowed dealers from around the world by unveiling 66 new vehicles in Las Vegas Monday.

More than 2,600 dealers from 51 countries attended the event, which is designed to showcase the company's future product plans.

"We are less than two years away from having an almost completely rejuvenated product lineup compared to what we could offer customers when we began this journey in June 2009," Fiat-Chrysler Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne told the dealers, noting that was more than double the number the company showed them at its last dealer meeting in Orlando two years ago.

"The leadership team and I promised to deliver all the products we had shown you that day and to execute all the development plans we had talked about, at competitive quality levels and with adequate marketing support, in exchange for your commitment to deliver our growth objectives, to comply with our dealer standards, to invest in our brands and to adopt commercial practices that treat our products and our customers with the dignity they deserve," he said. "I want to express my sincere appreciation to you for upholding your end of the bargain."

Marchionne lauded the dealers for sticking with Chrysler "despite the hard times and the uncertainty that surrounded our fate," and he said the new cars and trucks "represent our firepower for the years to come."

"We cannot afford to stop now, we cannot afford to rest," Marchionne said. "We need to stay focused and engaged in order to remain on track. We need to continue to execute."

Louisville Kentucky Dodge, Louisville Kentucky Chrysler, Louisville Kentucky Jeep, Louisville Kentucky RAM, Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

 

 

Report: Next Chrysler 200 to Score 38 MPG, Have 9-Speed Automatic

 

http://rumors.automobilemag.com/report-next-chrysler-200-to-score-38-mpg-have-9-speed-automatic-169045.html

 

 

 

Chrysler recently held its annual dealer preview in Las Vegas, Nevada, and almost immediately after, details about the Pentastar’s upcoming models began leaking out. Most notably, we now know more about the next-generation Chrysler 200, due in 2014.

We already knew that the 2014 Chrysler 200 would utilize an all-new nine-speed automatic that’s currently being developed by transmission-maker ZF, as did we know that the next 200 would offer both I-4 and V-6 powerplants. However, The Wall Street Journal has been able to help expand upon that further – that four-banger will displace 2.4 liters and the six-cylinder will be even larger. Our guess? The 2.4-liter is going to be the same Tigershark engine found in the 2013 Dodge Dart that uitilizes Fiat’s MultiAir technology; in the Dart, the 2.4-liter Tigershark is rated at 184 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque. The next 200 is slated to share the same CUSW platform that underpins the Dodge, too. There is little doubt that the aforementioned V-6 will be Chrysler’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, which makes 283 hp and 260 lb-ft in the current 200 (pictured here). The WSJ is also reporting that the 2014 200′s I-4 paired to the nine-speed will be able to achieve 38 mpg on the highway. The Dart scores 36 mpg highway with a 2.0-liter I-4 and six-speed manual.

What the WSJ did not elaborate on is what bodystyles will be offered. However, we already know that when the next 200 goes on sale in the beginning of 2014, it will continue selling the familiar sedan and convertible styles, and will also add a new two-door coupe variant to do battle with the Honda Accord coupe. The next-generation Chrysler 200 will be the Pentastar’s only midsize sedan offering – the Dodge Avenger is being killed off after the current generation.

Chrysler is hoping that amenities such as premium ambient lighting and quilted leather will woo buyers away from midsize heavyweights like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Ford Fusion. According to the WSJ, Chrysler is hoping to double sales of the 200 with the new model; the 200 sold just 87,033 copies last year.

The WSJ also had a little more intel on the upcoming Chrysler 100. The small hatchback will share much of its mechanicals with the Dodge Dart, offering I-4 engines and front-wheel drive only. We’ve spotted the 100 out testing, and previously reported that it’s expected to go on sale in the 2016 calendar year.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

Louisville Kentucky Dodge, Louisville Kentucky Chrysler, Louisville Kentucky Jeep, Louisville Kentucky RAM, Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

 

 

 

Chrysler Brand Launches 'Test of Ownership'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.sacbee.com/2012/09/07/4797090/chrysler-brand-launches-test-of.html

 

By

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chrysler Group LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

AUBURN HILLS,

Mich., Sept. 7, 2012 -- /PRNewswire/ --

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Town & Country

• Minivan
• All-new 'Test of Ownership' Chrysler Town & Country campaign kicks off today
• Integrated campaign imparts a new perspective on how families should consider their next minivan purchase
• New site TestofOwnership.com launches with testimonial videos from Town & Country owners, sharing how the Chrysler Town & Country is the best choice
• Chrysler brand partners with Amazon Mom, BabyCenter® and Brain Quest® to connect with the most valuable minivan audience - moms and families

Do you love your vehicle enough to purchase it again? If you're a Chrysler Town & Country owner, the answer is a resounding, yes! The Chrysler brand's new advertising campaign, "Test of Ownership," kicks off today and features real life minivan consumers touting just what they love most about their Town & Country. While there is an abundance of factual information on minivans, what real owners think about driving the Town & Country day in and day out is equally important. The Chrysler brand calls this the "Test of Ownership." According to the Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards, Chrysler Town & Country minivan consumers are the most loyal, continuing to purchase a Chrysler minivan when ready for their next vehicle.

The campaign will launch with two new broadcast spots, "Test of Ownership" and "What You Don't Do (Stow 'n Go)," both scheduled to air on national and cable TV stations. In addition to broadcast, a new web site,

 

www.TestofOwnership.com

, will serve as an online resource for families, showcasing product films that highlight some of the standard luxury and convenience features available on the Chrysler Town & Country, owner testimonial films and minivan facts and figures. Families ready to purchase their first, next, or last minivan, can also now consider the "Test of Ownership."

"The 'Test of Ownership' campaign was inspired by our win of the Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards 11 years in a row, listening to our customers, and the reasons why they purchase the Chrysler Town & Country minivan," said Saad Chehab, President and CEO – Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "The 2013 Chrysler Town & Country minivan offers parents and busy families the ultimate in versatility, standard luxury and convenience features, unsurpassed quality and comfort at a value."

 

The commercials, product films and testimonials can be viewed at

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.TestofOwnership.com, the Chrysler brand Facebook page at http://www.Facebook.com/Chrysler, and on the Chrysler brand YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/chrysler

.

Chrysler brand's advertising campaign was created in partnership with Wieden+Kennedy of Portland, Ore.

Broadcast Commercials

"Test of Ownership"

While consumers can learn a lot from an engineered

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

road test,

the Chrysler brand gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at what an average family experiences when using their Town & Country minivan in the new commercial, "Test of Ownership."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

www.TestofOwnership.com The new online site (www.TestofOwnership.com

) showcases the best of the standard luxury and convenience features available on the Chrysler Town & Country minivan through product films and testimonial video given by Town & Country owners.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

day trips

are never what they set out to be. However, the Chrysler Town & Country minivan helps to make it a bit more enjoyable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

road trips

manageable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

www.amazon.com/mom

.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

www.babycenter.com

.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

college scholarship. In addition, one first prize winner will win a $5,000 scholarship for college tuition and 18 runners-up will win an Apple iPad2. Visit Brain Quest® at www.brainquest.com

.

 

 

 

 

Dart Shows Reanimated Chrysler Is No Stiff

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390443819404577635341021434510.html

　

By DAN NEIL

So here's a notion: In 2009, when Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne merged the two companies amid the global financial crisis, he essentially sewed two of the automotive undead together at the hip and then insisted they get up off the table and dance.

"Dance, slaves!" Something like that.

Mr. Marchionne's achievement thus far is to have produced something, anything, other than a very ripe, two-headed zombie. Remarkably, Fiat-Chrysler is off the gurney and waltzing all over the place. In August, Chrysler LLC reported sales up 14% (148,472 units) over August 2011, the company's 29th consecutive month of year-over-year sales gain. U.S. market share is up a full point in a year. The reanimated company has successfully rebooted the 300 sedan; stroked a home run with the Jeep Grand Cherokee; and is even managing to find homes for Fiat 500 compacts and convertibles. Indeed, profits from North America are sheltering Fiat operations during Europe's winter of debt.

The alliance is now sharing platforms, leveraging design assets and enjoying various economies of scale and intellect between Auburn Hills and Turin. Fiat's fuel-efficient engine technology is helping Chrysler with its bottom-rung Corporate Average Fuel Economy ratings. With Mr. Marchionne firmly in control of both companies, the plans call for a trebling of global sales by 2018, to more than six million cars. That would make Fiat SpA the sixth-largest car company in the world.

Marchionne. Brains.

The test car this week, the 2013 Dodge Dart, is at the heart of Chrysler's postbankruptcy saga. With a platform derived from Alfa Romeo's front-drive Giulietta—a version called the "CUS-wide," which unpacks as Compact, U.S., wide configuration—and a selection of Italianate four-cylinders under the hood, the Dart is Dodge's first compact entry since the Neon and the first vehicle that could truly be called a Fiat-Chrysler joint effort.

It is also a stimulus baby. The car is assembled at Chrysler's facilities in Belvidere, Ill., and Toledo, Ohio, which have been renovated to the tune of $700 million and $500 million, respectively. The Dart's engines are built in two shifts in a Dundee, Mich., factory where in 2010 Chrysler sank an additional $329 million. Altogether, Chrysler estimates the Dart represents about $1.5 billion in investment and 3,100 direct jobs in these communities.

These stimulative effects were precisely what the U.S. and Canadian governments hoped for when they helped finance Fiat's restructuring of Chrysler in 2009. (Under the Bush and Obama administrations, Chrysler borrowed $12.5 billion from the federal government. The company has repaid about $10.9 billion.) In fact, the deal was structured so that Fiat had to meet certain benchmarks of the Common Good before it could increase its ownership position. The Dart was one such benchmark. When the Dart was unveiled in January, Chrysler satisfied the requirement to build a high-volume, 40-miles-per-gallon car in the U.S., and was allowed to increase its ownership of Chrysler by five percentage points, to 58.5%. The United Auto Workers benefits fund owns the rest.

I understand that Chrysler management would rather not frame the Dart as a referendum on Chrysler's bailout. And yet the question is almost unavoidable: Was it all worth it?

Absolutely.

The Dart—the name had been moldering nicely in Chrysler's backyard for some time—is a front-drive, five-seat sedan somewhere between compact and midsize, priced from about $16,000 to more than $25,000 when the R/T edition appears at year's end. This segment is as competitive and as mass-market as it gets: Chevy Cruze, Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Volkswagen Jetta, Toyota Corolla.

In this compact-sedan beauty pageant, the Dart easily scores with clean, sophisticated exterior styling, penned with a restraint unusual for the often-cartoonish Dodge (c.f., the hideous Charger). This is a nice-looking car. Here and there, segment imperatives over-affected design. The car is fully a foot longer and 1.2 inches wider than the Giulietta—thus sacrificing the Giulietta's svelte presence for more cubes of cabin space. Likewise, the Dart's rear end is a tallish lump, a prominent bustle of sheet metal required to enclose the largest-in-class trunk.

The interior design is also satisfying: uncluttered and rewardingly rich, with soft-touch dash and door materials and two notably comfortable and supportive front chairs. Replacing the conventional analog gauges of an instrument panel with a programmable graphics display, the Dart brings thin-film transistor readouts to the masses. An optional 8.4-inch touch screen for navigation/audio/phone and SiriusXM Travel Link—local gas prices, real-time weather and traffic, sports scores, etc.—lives in the center stack. The designers enclosed both panels with a single organic pinstripe of LED lighting that glows pleasingly when you start the car.

Now, the truth is, all of the Dart's segment competitors are good, and some—Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra—are great. And while the Dart is solidly competitive across all categories, its marketing argument comes down to this: the most gadgets in its class. In addition to the standard graphical IP, four-wheel disc brakes and 10 air bags, the Dart offers a slew of optional electronic safety systems and cabin amenities: smart high-intensity headlamps; blind-spot monitoring; rear backup camera; and "rear cross-path detection," which is a simple radar-based system that alerts drivers to crossing traffic when they are backing out of a parking spot.

The Dart offers a choice of three engines: the 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo (160 horsepower/184 pound-feet of torque); a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four (160/148); and, with the forthcoming R/T edition, a 2.4-liter four (184/171). These can be paired with a six-speed manual, a six-speed automatic or even a dual-clutch automated manual (mated to the turbo engine). These output numbers mean the Dart has the most torque in its class and more horsepower than all but the iron-block VW Jetta (170).

How's it drive? The Giulietta is one of my favorite front-drive cars, and while the Dart-ifying takes some of the crisp responsiveness out of the platform, and adds size and weight, the Dart nonetheless handles quite well. The electric steering is direct and authoritative. The suspension nicely compromises between road-holding and ride comfort. With the big-wheel-and-tire package, the car is actually
pretty athletic.

As for the powertrain, well, there's a problem, but it's easily avoided by not opting for the six-speed manual transmission. The first of these cars I drove—with the six-speed manual and the turbo 1.4 engine—was gallingly lazy at low rpm, almost to the point of being dangerous. I had to very deliberately whip the revs up to a shout in order to get the thing to accelerate, and a couple of times—turning left, finding an open spot in opposing traffic—the car absolutely abandoned me. Yeesh. Awful.

I'm happy to report that with the six-speed automatic transmission, the Dart, with either engine, is vastly more responsive. If I'm spending my own money, I'd prefer the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter with the automatic. It has less torque than the turbo, but it doesn't have the turbo's maddening lag. Plus, the MultiAir engine's injectors clatter noisily, almost like a diesel.

So, some stitches still show. The Dart isn't a perfect car, but it's certainly a lot of car for the money, and it so wildly exceeds the circumstances of its birth it's practically Dickensian. You have to root for it.

Amazing. After everything, Chrysler is still dancing.

Louisville Kentucky Dodge, Louisville Kentucky Chrysler, Louisville Kentucky Jeep, Louisville Kentucky RAM, Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013 Chrysler 300 Glacier To Hit Showrooms Later This Year

 

http://www.insideline.com/chrysler/300/2013/2013-chrysler-300-glacier-to-hit-showrooms-later-this-year.html

 

By Anita Lienert

 

Just the Facts:

• The 2013 Chrysler 300 Glacier edition, which gets all-wheel drive and an optional Gloss Black painted roof, will arrive in showrooms in late 2012, said Chrysler.
• Other details on the Chrysler 300 Glacier include 19-inch eight-spoke aluminum wheels and Glacier Blue Pearl Coat exterior paint.
• Pricing has not been announced on the Glacier edition.

 

AUBURN HILLS, Michigan — The 2013 Chrysler 300 Glacier edition, which gets all-wheel drive and an optional Gloss Black painted roof, will arrive in showrooms in late 2012, said Chrysler.

 

Other details on the Chrysler 300 Glacier include 19-inch eight-spoke aluminum wheels and

 

Glacier Blue Pearl Coat exterior paint.

 

Pricing has not been announced. Jiyan Cadiz, a Chrysler spokesman, said that photographs of the car are not available at this point in response to an e-mailed query from Edmunds. Chrysler said in a statement that the 300 Glacier is designed to have a "low-key street presence."

 

The 300 Glacier is equipped with a 300-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine or the 363-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The cabin gets 12-way power front seats with leather-wrapped bolsters in black and a black leather-wrapped steering wheel. Piano black trim is used in the cabin. Steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters round out the package.

 

Louisville Kentucky Dodge, Louisville Kentucky Chrysler, Louisville Kentucky Jeep, Louisville Kentucky RAM, Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

 

 

Chrysler Tops U.S. Carmakers in Best Month Since Clunkers

 

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-04/chrysler-sales-up-14-to-extend-u-s-streak-on-dart-gain.html

 

By Craig Trudell

 

U.S. auto sales in August continued to outpace the anemic economic recovery, smash through estimates and deliver a good-news story for President Barack Obama and the Democrats just in time for their convention.

Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Co. (F), General Motors Co., Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda (7267) Motor Co. said U.S. sales in August rose more than analysts estimated as new models such as the Dodge Dart, Ford Escape and Chevrolet Spark built on gains earlier this year. Light-vehicle deliveries last month were at the fastest pace since the government’s 2009 “cash for clunkers” program.

Chrysler Gains

Chrysler, the automaker controlled by Fiat SpA (F), said deliveries of the Dart almost quadrupled from a month earlier to 3,045, helping extend its streak of U.S. sales gains to 29 months. Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne is counting on a steady climb in demand for Dart, introduced in June, as Chrysler continues to update its lineup.

“We expect Chrysler to continue to gobble up incremental share in the compact-car segment,” Alec Gutierrez, an analyst at Irvine, California-based auto-market researcher Kelley Blue Book, said in a telephone interview. “Chrysler is still trying to get enough selection of variety out to their dealers to satisfy demand. Their product portfolio has improved.”

Ford, which just introduced a new Escape small SUV, said sales of the model rose 37 percent to 28,188. Ford also said it added a third shift to the Escape factory in Kentucky last month to meet demand. Deliveries of F-Series pickups climbed 19 percent to 58,201, the model line’s best monthly total this year, according to a statement yesterday.

Louisville Kentucky Dodge, Louisville Kentucky Chrysler, Louisville Kentucky Jeep, Louisville Kentucky RAM, Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

 

 

 

A look at Chrysler future products

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20120904/CARNEWS/120909971

By: Larry P. Vellequette, Automotive News on 9/04/2012

The Chrysler brand will end production of its minivan, the Town & Country, in two years and replace it with a smaller crossover.

The switch is part of CEO Sergio Marchionne's plan to differentiate the Chrysler brand and nudge it upscale.

Town & Country: Production of the minivan will end in 2014, leaving the traditional minivan segment to its sibling, the Dodge Grand Caravan.

Small crossover: The Town & Country will be replaced with an as-yet-unnamed crossover for the 2015 model year that is likely to share styling cues with the Chrysler 700C concept. The new crossover, which could keep the Town & Country name, will share a platform with a redesigned Dodge Grand Caravan, and perhaps a redesigned Dodge Durango.

300: Chrysler's large sedan will be refreshed in 2014 for the 2015 model year, along with the Dodge Charger and Challenger. The 300C performance version will add launch control, which reduces wheel spin and enhances torque delivery to the wheels.

200: The mid-sized sedan will be redesigned for the 2014 model year on Fiat's CUSW platform. The 200 will get a new nine-speed transmission and new engine variants.

100: The new compact hatchback is scheduled to arrive for the 2015 model year, according to some analysts. But the launch could be moved up depending on production availability. The car will share Fiat's CUSW platform.

Louisville Kentucky Dodge, Louisville Kentucky Chrysler, Louisville Kentucky Jeep, Louisville Kentucky RAM, Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

 

2013 Chrysler 300: What's Changed

 

 

http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2012/09/2013-chrysler-300-whats-changed.html

 

For the 2013 model year, the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chrysler 300

gets a significant increase in luxury features and now offers all-wheel drive across the whole trim range.

On the 300, cloth upholstery is now a thing of the past; all models now come standard with genuine leather. Heated front seats are also newly standard. And for the first time, the 300C is now available with Chrysler’s Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 alongside the Hemi V-8, blurring the distinction between the two.

 

The 300 is available in base 300, 300S, 300C and 300C Luxury Series trims. For 2013, the Limited trim has been dropped, as most of its features have either gone to the base 300 or the V-6 300C. Although the lowest trim costs $1,245 more, most other trims see significant price reductions, making the 300 more attractive when cross-shopped against the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012 Hyundai Genesis or the 2013 Buick LaCrosse

. The Hyundai costs $4,000 more and isn’t as well-equipped, and the LaCrosse is similarly priced to the Chrysler but lacking in the features department.

 

 

 

2013 Chrysler 300: Pentastar V-6 Engine Standard Across the Lineup, Hemi V-8 Optional

http://blog.caranddriver.com/2013-chrysler-300-pentastar-v-6-engine-standard-across-the-lineup-hemi-v-8-optional/

by Alexander Stoklosa

 

Chrysler has announced a series of running equipment and model changes for the 2013 300 sedan, and the gist is this: The 292-hp, 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine and eight-speed automatic introduced to the line last year now are standard on every 2013 300. Worry not, fans of old-school V-8 muscle: Chrysler’s 363-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 and its corresponding five-speed automatic—the same powertrain found under the hood of our

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

long-term 300C

—still is available as an option on all 300 models save for the base trim level.

The move isn’t terribly surprising from a fuel-economy perspective, and it’s even less radical when you consider that nearly every 2012 300 variant came standard with the V-6 already. (Only last year’s 300C and 300C Luxury Series featured standard V-8 power.) What is surprising is that the traditionally V-8–only 300C now gets the six as standard equipment.

 

Besides proliferating the Pentastar to the whole of the 300 lineup, Chrysler also pared down the number of 300 models ever so slightly. Last year’s V-6 Limited trim level and the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mopar 300 ’12 special edition are gone, leaving behind the regular 300, the mid-level 300S, the new 300 Glacier edition, the 300C, the range-topping 300C Luxury Series, and the menacing 300 SRT8

. The switch to V-6 power and minor equipment changes come with a few pricing changes for 2013, which we outline below:

 

 

 

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 gets Alpine and Vapor special editions for 2013

 

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/01/jeep-grand-cherokee-srt8-gets-alpine-and-vapor-special-editions/

 

By  Zach Bowman

 

If there's any brand that loves special editions more than Porsche, it's Jeep. The automaker has officially released two new flavors of the 2013 Grand Cherokee SRT8, and both include sexy monochrome exteriors in either black or white. The Alpine edition comes dipped in Bright White paint, while the Vapor edition shown above is soaked in Brilliant Black. Both come wearing 20-inch five-spoke gloss black wheels as well as a few other matching appointments, including badges, grilles and rear light bar. Jeep says the special edition packages will cost $2,495 each on top of the machine's $60,920 base price.

The 2013 model still bows with a monstrous 6.4-liter V8 with 470 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. The engine is capable of pushing the 5,150-pound SUV to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 160 mph. If that's not enough to tickle your chin, Jeep says the 2013 Grand Cherokee SRT8 can click off .90g on the skid pad.

 

Louisville Kentucky Dodge, Louisville Kentucky Chrysler, Louisville Kentucky Jeep, Louisville Kentucky RAM, Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

 

2013 Dodge Dart: First Drive

 

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/2013-dodge-dart-first-drive

 

By Kirk Bell

 

When Dodge introduced the compact Caliber six years ago, it represented everything that had gone wrong with the company and its products. The vehicle, clearly developed on a tight budget, was loaded with compromises, with a chintzy, plastic-heavy interior, three gruff engines, and an overall build quality well behind the competition.

 

The Caliber's replacement, the 2013 Dodge Dart, is a much different story, however. It is the first product to be completely developed under the company's new Fiat leadership. And if the Dart is any indication, we are going to look very closely at all of the new offerings from the Chrysler Group. Hopefully, all are this good.

 

Model Lineup
While the Caliber was offered as only a hatchback, the Dart comes strictly as a sedan, which is a much more popular choice among compact-car buyers. Ironically, it is based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, which is a hatchback. The model lineup consists of SE, SXT, Rallye, Limited and R/T trims, all of which come with a class-leading 10 airbags, including front knee and rear side airbags.

 

The $15,995 SE is basic transportation, coming without air conditioning, power locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry and alloy wheels. The $17,995 SXT comes with that equipment, while the sporty-looking Rallye at $18,995 adds cruise control, a vehicle information center with trip computer, fog lamps and 17-inch alloy wheels. The $19,995 Limited is well equipped, with premium features such as power front seats, ambient lighting, active grille shutters, a 7-inch adjustable instrument cluster, and Dodge's Uconnect 8.4-inch touch screen with voice control.

The R/T will add leather upholstery, a sport suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and a more aggressive overall exterior treatment to the Limited package.

 

Under the Hood
The 2013 Dodge Dart is offered with three engines and three transmissions. The standard engine in all but the R/T trim is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that makes 160 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. An updated version of the 2.0-liter "world" engine from the Caliber, Dodge now calls it the Tigershark and says 80 percent of the parts are new.

 

Optional in all but the SE and R/T is a turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine, which is shared with the Fiat 500 Abarth, features Chrysler's MultiAir technology, which is an electro-hydraulic means of controlling the intake valves that improves power and fuel economy.

 

A 6-speed manual transmission is standard with every engine and a 6-speed automatic is optional. The 2.0-liter and 1.4-liter engines can also be paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, which was not available at launch.

 

A few, but not all, fuel economy numbers are available. The 2.0-liter engine with the manual transmission has an estimated EPA rating of 25 mpg city/36 mpg highway. The 1.4-liter with the manual is rated at 27/39 mpg. Dodge also plans to offer an Aero model that will get 41 mpg highway with the 1.4-liter engine.

 

Louisville Kentucky Dodge, Louisville Kentucky Chrysler, Louisville Kentucky Jeep, Louisville Kentucky RAM, Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

 

 

Best Tailgating Cars Of 2012, Ram 1500 Truck #1

 

http://news.brevardtimes.com/2012/08/best-tailgating-cars-of-2012-ram-1500.html

 

The 2012 Ram 1500 pickup truck is this year's No. 1 Tailgating Car according to Kelley Blue Book, the leading provider of new car and used car information.  For this year's list, published by KBB.com, the expert editors rank their top choices for the 10 Best Tailgating Cars, offering vehicles to fit every budget from the student section to the luxury boxes.

 

Louisville Kentucky Dodge, Louisville Kentucky Chrysler, Louisville Kentucky Jeep, Louisville Kentucky RAM, Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chrysler 200 Convertible Goes Futuristic for 'Total Recall'

 

http://www.carbuzz.com/news/2012/8/3/Chrysler-200-Convertible-Goes-Futuristic-for-Total-Recall-7710107/

by Phillip Harbor

Chrysler reaches for the stars with Total Recall remake promo.

"Total Recall" was one of our favorite films of 1990. Featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sharon Stone and a three-breasted woman in a futuristic Martian setting the Paul Verhoeven film won several awards and was so influential that Columbia Pictures bought the rights from Miramax and is producing a remake set on Earth in the year 2084.Chrysler has long been working with several Hollywood studios to place its products in feature films, and the Total Remake is next on the list.

 

They have already "Imported from Gotham" their 300 for the "Dark Knight Rises", and has now released a new trailer for the new "Total Recall" remake starring the new Chrysler 200 Convertible. Colin Farrell will be joining the 200 in headlining the film, and Chrysler surely hopes some of that star power will trickle down to its sales figures as well.

 

Louisville Kentucky Dodge, Louisville Kentucky Chrysler, Louisville Kentucky Jeep, Louisville Kentucky RAM, Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

 

 

Chrysler 300 soars in magazine's sedan test

http://www.freep.com/article/20120823/BUSINESS01/308230255/Chrysler-300-soars-in-magazine-s-sedan-test?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cs

By Craig Trudell

The Chrysler 300 topped offerings by General Motors and Ford in Consumer Reports' latest test of full-size sedans.

The sedan scored an 83 on a scale of 100, behind only Hyundai's Genesis at 92, the magazine and product-testing group said Wednesday in a statement. The cars were tested for their handling, efficiency, comfort and ease of use.

The 300 was one of the new or refreshed models that CEO Sergio Marchionne introduced after Chrysler emerged from a U.S.-backed bankruptcy under Fiat's control in 2009.

The 300 follows improved results in Consumer Reports' testing for Chrysler models including the 200 sedan and Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango SUVs.

"The 2011 redesign of the 300 put Chrysler's flagship back on the map in the large-sedan category," said David Champion, senior director of the Consumer Reports Automotive Test Center. The magazine issued its statement before Nissan said Champion will be its executive adviser of competitive assessment and quality.

This year's findings were the first to include testing of the 300 with a six-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, which improved the model's showing in fuel-economy tests, the magazine said. The 300 achieved 22 m.p.g., according to the statement.

At the researcher's track, "the 300 was steady and secure, posting a modest speed through CR's avoidance maneuver with no surprises," according to the e-mail.

Louisville Kentucky Dodge, Louisville Kentucky Chrysler, Louisville Kentucky Jeep, Louisville Kentucky RAM, Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

 

 

Chrysler sedan beats GM's, Ford's in Consumer Reports ranking

 

http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2012/08/chrysler_sedan_beats_gms_fords.html

By

Bloomberg News

Chrysler boosted its rating in Consumer Reports’ testing of large sedans as its 300 model topped offerings by General Motors and Ford.

The Chrysler 300 scored an 83, behind only Hyundai’s Genesis at 92, the Yonkers, N.Y.-based magazine and product-testing group said today in an e-mailed statement. The cars were tested for their handling, efficiency, comfort and ease of use.

The 300 was one of the new or refreshed models that Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne introduced after Chrysler emerged from a U.S.-backed bankruptcy under Fiat’s control in 2009. The 300 follows improved results in Consumer Reports testing for Chrysler models including the 200 sedan and Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango sport-utility vehicles.

"The 2011 redesign of the 300 put Chrysler’s flagship back on the map in the large-sedan category," David Champion, senior director of the Consumer Reports Automotive Test Center, said in the statement. The magazine issued its statement before Nissan said today it hired Champion as executive adviser of competitive assessment and quality.

This year’s findings were the first to include testing of the 300 with a six-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, which improved the model’s showing in fuel-economy tests, the magazine said. The 300 achieved 22 miles (35 kilometers) per gallon, according to the statement.

At the researcher’s track, "the 300 was steady and secure, posting a modest speed through CR’s avoidance maneuver with no surprises," according to the e-mail.

U.S. sales of the 300 more than doubled to 44,200 this year through July as the company added 1.2 percentage points of market share. While falling short of analysts’ estimates last month, Chrysler Group has reported year-on-year gains for 28 consecutive months.

The 300 didn’t receive the publication’s "Recommended" status because Consumer Reports doesn’t have enough survey data related to consumer reliability, according to the statement. Carmakers seek favorable evaluations from the magazine as its reviews are considered the most objective because of policies of accepting no advertising and buying every vehicle it tests.

Among other new models in the segment featured in Consumer Reports’ October issue, Hyundai’s Azera recorded a score of 81, followed by 78 for GM’s Buick LaCrosse and 64 for Ford’s Taurus.

The Azera, which started selling early this year, has improved handling while still trailing competitors because of its "stiff, unrefined ride," Consumer Reports said.
Bloomberg

Louisville Kentucky Dodge, Louisville Kentucky Chrysler, Louisville Kentucky Jeep, Louisville Kentucky RAM, Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

 

 

 

  

 

Chrysler Frees Dealers to Please Buyers

http://www.brandchannel.com/home/post/2012/08/20/Chrysler-Frees-Dealers-to-Please-Buyers.aspx

by Dale Buss

In an auto market more competitive than any in memory, the American automobile dealer is the locus of hope for many of the brands in the derby. Because of that, Chrysler has become the latest carmaker to plan an overhaul of how it works with dealers to get consumers to buy cars.

Chrysler is killing traditional dealer financial incentives for attaining documented "customer satisfaction," as well as eliminating penalties for dealers who don't build stores that meet the company's requirements for physical facilities. Both have been sacrosanct elements of the playbooks for car brands over the years.

But Chrysler decided that the new era in the market calls for bagging its previous carrot-and-stick approach to its dealers and for letting dealers sink or swim based on their own approaches to winning the satisfaction of their customers. 

"If I sell you a vehicle and you're treated well, you'll become an advocate for me, and you'll tell other people that I'm a great dealer and this is a great product," Peter Grady, Chrysler's vice president for network development and fleet, told Automotive News. "The same thing happens on service."

Under Chrysler's new Customer Service Initiative, the company will rely on customer surveys to measure buyer satisfaction but without assessing financial penalties for negative scores. It'll be up to dealers to fix problems or make improvements suggested by the company's surveys.

Jeep, Ram and Dodge brands finished in three of the bottom four places among mass-market brands in the definitive J.D. Power & Associates 2011 Sales Satisfaction Index study, which helped kick off the latest changes. Chrysler is testing the new approach with 11 dealers in Phoenix, with plans to roll out the program to its other 2,500 dealers by the end of the year.

One reason for Chrysler's confidence in this new program is its surviving dealer body, which is in much better financial shape now than a few years ago. Until recently, Chrysler was still weeding out weak dealers in the wake of its 2009 rescue by Fiat and the U.S. government. Remaining dealers have begun to benefit from the company's strong two-year run, in which sales keep increasing by double-digit percentages over the previous year, month after month.

Dealers have continued to be a significant part of the U.S. auto-distribution network, despite OEMs' long-running attempts to squeeze them out structurally over time. Now that the traditional retail structure of the industry has been reaffirmed even in the digital age, it remains true that there are few better entrepreneurs around than an American car dealer who's properly motivated.

Louisville Kentucky Dodge, Louisville Kentucky Chrysler, Louisville Kentucky Jeep, Louisville Kentucky RAM, Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

 

 

Chrysler 300 absolute must for test drive list

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.waxahachietx.com/automotive/chrysler-absolute-must-for-test-drive-list/article_61c97ef2-d384-11e1-a61e-001a4bcf887a.html

NEAL WHITE

Without a doubt, Chrysler is the top turnaround story of the century.

What makes that story so spectacular is the top caliber "Imported from Detroit" products that keep rolling off the assembly line.

This week I had the chance to test-drive the 2012 Chrysler 300S full-size sedan.

The 300 is absolutely amazing — on par, if not better — than any of its competitors in the segment (and that includes the premium luxury sedans).

For anyone in the market for a full-size sedan, you are missing the boat if you don’t add the 300 to the test-drive list.

Available in rear- and all-wheel drive configurations, Chrysler has raised the bar for what a full-size sedan should be.

And there are so many choices.

In addition to the drive train options, buyers also have the option of a very spirited, yet fuel-efficient V-6 engine, or the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8.

But wait, there’s more.

When it comes to trim levels, the 300 has something for everyone. Trim level choices include the base 300, 300 Limited, 300S (V6), 300C, 300S (V8), 300C Luxury Series and 300 SRT 8.

With a base price starting below $28,000, the 300 is not only an outstanding vehicle in terms of performance, handling and comfort, it’s also an outstanding value.

This week’s 300S test vehicle was equipped with the 3.6-liter V-6 engine that delivers 292 horsepower and 260 lbs.-ft. torque.

Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, it has an EPA fuel economy of 19 mpg city, 31 mpg highway for rear-wheel drive models using regular unleaded fuel (18 mpg/27 mpg respectively for all-wheel drive models).

Rear-wheel drive buyers also have their choice of a five-speed automatic.

For those wanting more power (although you really don’t need it), the HEMI V-8 cranks out 363 horses and 394 lbs.-ft. torque).

First of all, the five-passenger 300 is one of the most comfortable sedans you will ever drive. You will be impressed with the amount of head, leg and shoulder room for both front and rear seat passengers.

I was also impressed with the level of equipment in the 300S test vehicle. It is a very premium vehicle.

The test vehicle was equipped with the Beats by Dr. Dre 522-watt, 10-speaker audio system, which is a treat for audiophiles.

It also features 20-inch polished-faced aluminum wheels with black painted pockets, 12-way power driver and passenger front seats and UConnect Touch with 8.4-inch touchscreen display.

It was also equipped with the optional Nappa leather sport seats with memory, heated rear seats, heated leather steering wheel, power sunshade, driver’s side auto-dimming mirror that tilts down when the vehicle is in reverse, as well as heated and cooled cupholders.

With the temperatures hitting triple digits this week, I loved putting my Big Slam Coca-Cola in the cupholder and pushing the chill button.

The 300 is also loaded with standard safety features. Named a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, standard features include electronic stability control, full-length side curtain airbags, seat-mounted side thorax airbags, driver’s knee bag, front-row reactive head restraints, hill-start assist, rain brake support and ready alert braking, to name a few.

At the end of my weeklong evaluation, I can wrap up my view of the 300 in one word: WOW!

It’s that good.

Louisville Kentucky Dodge, Louisville Kentucky Chrysler, Louisville Kentucky Jeep, Louisville Kentucky RAM, Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury: Opulent perks complement techy transmission

http://www.stltoday.com/classifieds/transportation/reviews/chrysler-luxury-opulent-perks-complement-techy-transmission/article_3ad77ac8-f2f0-5334-9e5f-2c151831b087.html

By Dan Wiese

 

Chrysler figures, hey, if you're going to dress up greasy stuff that folks can't see, you might as well dress up the decorative stuff they can.

Meet the Chrysler 300 Luxury Series, available with rear- or all-wheel drive in both V-6 and V-8 iterations.

Of course, the biggest news for the 2012 Chrysler 300 is the addition in V-6 models of an eight-speed automatic transmission — a segment exclusive. But, at the same time, both V-6 and V-8 editions of 300, which was totally redesigned last year, get a new Luxury Series trim that adds enough perks to make a rock star blush.

Regarding the latter, buyers will find, among other things, two-tone leather on just about every interior surface not covered with real wood or metal; 12-way power driver and front-passenger seats; heated and cooled seats and cup holders; power tilt, telescoping and heated chrome-accented steering wheel; power-adjustable pedals; power rear-window sunshade; 18-ounce Berber floor mats; Chrysler's marvelous 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment touch-screen with its intuitive navigation, satellite radio and real-time traffic and weather; 20-inch wheels on rear-drivers (19s on all-wheel drive models); platinum chrome exterior accents — there's more, but you get the idea.

Our rear-drive V-6 added a $1,495 Panoramic Sunroof so we could tan while luxuriating.

The upshot of it all is that we drove an almost embarrassingly sybaritic sedan — we're talking Mercedes levels of plush — for a bottom line of $44,060.

Interestingly, with V-8 editions, you can just buy the Luxury Series trim and be done with it. But, confoundingly, to get a Luxury Series V-6, you must first get a 300 Limited and then add two options packages: Luxury Group and Luxury Series, the latter requiring the former.

It's all needlessly confusing. For the life of me, I don't know why Chrysler just doesn't offer the Luxury Series 300 with a V-6 or a V-8 and have done with it. (Note to product planners: you might ponder that for 2013.)

Quibbling aside, our V-6 rear-driver featured 300's marvelous new eight-speed automatic. Adding three ratios to last year's five-speed, which still manages the power of 300's 363-hp, 5.7-liter V-8, the new eight-speed tranny boasts the highest cog count ever offered by a Detroit 3 passenger car, matching gear totals on far pricier rides from such luminaries as Audi, BMW and Rolls-Royce. In fact, Chrysler's eight-speed is sourced from the same company — ZF — that supplies those European marques.

Available on both rear- and all-wheel-drive 300s, the ZF transmission buttons exclusively to Chrysler Group's 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6. That drivetrain allows 300 to claim best-in-class highway mpg (31) and best-in-class all-wheel-drive V-6 fuel economy (18 city/27 hwy). At 19 mpg, the cars also equals best-in-class city mpg.

Even with such lofty mileage figures, the 300 boasts plenty of power. That impressive Pentastar six generates 292 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. Power deprivation is never an issue. Also worth noting is the smoothness of the eight-speed, in large part thanks to its ability to seamlessly downshift four gears in one move.

Regarding styling, I have to confess that I miss 300's former in-your-face attitude. The styling adopted last year is less daring than the urban-commando look unleashed in 2005. The current car is handsome, to be sure, but the grille is less aggressive, the profile, in Chrysler's own words, is "more tailored" and the rear is more formal. In other words, the gangsta attitude has been reined in. Sigh.

Inside, room is marvelous front and rear.

This new Luxury Series, particularly with its state-of-the-art, eight-speed automatic, moves Chrysler closer to legitimacy as a genuine luxury brand. If this keeps up, look out Cadillac, BMW, Audi and Mercedes. There's a new kid in town.

Louisville Kentucky Dodge, Louisville Kentucky Chrysler, Louisville Kentucky Jeep, Louisville Kentucky RAM, Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

 

 

2013 Dodge Dart: A compact sedan with full-size sensibility

 

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-57449121-48/2013-dodge-dart-a-compact-sedan-with-full-size-sensibility/

 

by Wayne Cunningham

 

Behind the wheel of the 2013 Dodge Dart, there is no indication of its Italian underpinnings. Although the Dart was built on the same platform as the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, a small hatchback, it does not sip Limoncello or gesture excessively.

Granted I was driving the top, Limited trim model with a leather seat option, the cabin felt like a bigger sedan. The driver's seat could have handled someone with a wider torso than mine, and if a hypothetical passenger had just downed a plate of garlic fries, the cabin is wide enough to have kept me out of the danger zone. The front seats, although very comfortable, boast slim backs, allowing increased leg room for the rear passengers. Contributing to the premium feel was the 8.4-inch touch-screen head unit, the same as in the Charger, which Dodge uses to effectively limit the spread of physical button over the dashboard.

The most innovative feature, and unheard of in acar with a price tag of $19,995 (for the Limited trim; the base model starts at $15,995), is the LCD instrument cluster. Some people will question whether it is a good idea to use an LCD instead of good old-fashioned gauges, but I have seen probably as many failed gauges in my time as LCDs. I do not think the LCD will be any less reliable, and it lets the driver choose different configurations, bringing forward the data he finds most relevant.

This Limited trim Dart was powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine using Fiat's Multiair valve timing technology, similar to the engine in the Fiat 500 Abarth. However, in the Dart this engine runs quietly, with none of the roar and backfiring fun of the Abarth. Running through the gears of the six-speed manual, turbo-lag made the acceleration a little uneven. Dodge's base engine for the Dart is a naturally aspirated 2-liter, which should produce more linear acceleration. However, the 2-liter produces less power and gets lower fuel economy than the 1.4-liter. After the initial launch, Dodge will also offer an R/T version, featuring a 2.4-liter engine.

The manual transmission had a very tight shift gate, fine for a performance car but not in keeping with the bread-and-butter compact class in which the Dart lives. I would expect most Americans would prefer something a little looser, less prone to making a wrong gear selection. As most of us prefer automatics, the manual will probably not see much adoption. Dodge will offer a six-speed automatic transmission with the 2-liter and 2.4-liter engines, but the 1.4-liter gets a much more exciting option. Dodge is using the same six-speed dual-clutch automated manual as in the Giulietta. I have not driven this transmission yet, but generally these types of automated manuals offer the efficiency of a manual with the convenience of an automatic.

The roomy, comfortable cabin of the Dart would seem to suggest a springy, wallowy ride, but that was not the case. The Dart felt very solid. In my brief drive the body felt very rigid while cornering, and the ride quality was never rough. Much of that ride quality can be attributed to the Dart's platform. Instead of using a cheap torsion bar suspension at the rear, the Dart benefits from the Giulietta platform's bi-link suspension. Dodge did not cheap out on the brakes, either, sticking with discs on all four wheels. Some compact car makers use drums on the rear wheels as a cost-saving measure.

The compact-car segment offers fierce competition. Dodge sees the new Dart as going up against the Ford Focus, Chevy Cruze, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Hyundai Elantra, among others. From my experience behind the wheel, it is certainly a car worth considering. Its tech options alone make it one of the top contenders, and the one I drove felt like a more expensive vehicle than it was.

The 2013 Dodge Dart will begin appearing at dealerships this month, with a base price for the SE model of $15,995. Tech options do not hit until the SXT model, which has a base price of $17,995. The Limited trim model, at $19,995, comes with the most standard tech features and offers further options, such as blind-spot detection and a rear cross-path detection system, which uses radar to warn of oncoming cars when the Dart is backing out of a parking space.

 

Louisville Kentucky Dodge, Louisville Kentucky Chrysler, Louisville Kentucky Jeep, Louisville Kentucky RAM, Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

 

 

Car of the Week: Chrysler 300 Luxury Series

http://www.forbes.com/sites/tamarawarren/2012/07/31/car-of-the-week-chrysler-300-luxury-series/

Tamara Warren

The Car: 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series

Where I drove it: On a Michigan holiday visiting my family. Destination: Lake Michigan shore.

First Impressions: The 2012 Chrysler 300 was parked next to my mom’s outgoing 2008 Chrysler 300 in my parents’ driveway when it arrived for delivery. Side by side, it was easy to identify the exterior changes to the new Chrysler — the longer wheel base and the more sculpted sheet metal created during its 2011 redesign. But the real differences were most obvious when the doors opened, revealing a much more grown-up interior that incorporates richer leather, sturdy materials and gadgetry effectively.

Second date: After two days, I finally noticed the brown flecks in the paint shimmer, and identified the brown pearl, which could easily passed for black. On the big,wide Michigan stretches of highway the 300 seemed to be perfectly at home. I’m sure things might feel a bit out of proportion in more compact surroundings. The V6 is no SRT, but I didn’t feel too bogged down. I also challenged this car in the 105 degree heat and all systems were at go, despite the sweltering outdoor temps. I have found that some cars get as buggy as humans in high heat and humidity.

On the inside: My luxury package afforded me leather-trimmed bucket seats, a heated and cooled cup holder (appreciated in the heat) and a wood-leather wrapped steering wheel packaged in two-tone dark frost beige and light frost beige. Technology included U connect, SiriusXM and Garmen navigation. This big sedan is roomy — full-size adults fit easily in the backseat.

MPG: 19/31 miles per gallon.

Under the Hood: 3.6 liter V6 24 Valve VVT Engine. There’s also a thirstier the 5.7-liter, 362-hp V8.

Five Days Later: A few hundred miles later, what the 300 Luxury has going for it is high on comfort. It’s packed with electronic bells and whistles. On long drives it handles with understated authority. It might not be a S Class Mercedes-Benz, but it’s a big sedan that’s well under 40k, to put things in perspective.    As an audiophile, I wished I had the S that comes with the Beats by Dr. Dre sound system, but that’s a point of personal preference.

Extras: Safety Tec, Panomamic Sunroof, Platinum Package, and Luxury Group.

Louisville Kentucky Dodge, Louisville Kentucky Chrysler, Louisville Kentucky Jeep, Louisville Kentucky RAM, Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

 

 

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 Review

 

 

http://www.auto123.com/en/jeep/grand-cherokee/2012/review?carid=1122900502&artid=146298

 

 

By Miranda Lightstone

 

When I pulled up at home with the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, my husband practically threw the baby at me in his rush to get out the door and see the beast up close. Each time a GC SRT8 growls past us on the street, it's all he can do to pick his jaw up off the ground and stick his tongue back in his mouth. He has a full-on man-crush on the in-your-face SRT8 -- and he's not the only one.

 

In all honesty, I didn't think I'd be as impressed with the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 as I was. Seeing the previous generation on the road always made me smirk at its pompous demeanour and look-at-me road presence. But, once behind the wheel, my smirk quickly turned into an ear-to-ear grin.

 

Powerful peacocking

While some vehicles out there are all bark and no bite, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a whole lot of bark with a death-grip bite to match.

 

If nothing else, the GC SRT8 gets some serious looks on the road. There's no denying that the new 2012 look is a winning one. Jeep has taken the Grand Cherokee to a new level of sophistication with classier lines, smoother edges and an overall cleaner look.

 

Then the SRT8 cures are added and the Grand Cherokee takes on a whole new persona. From the front, the SRT8 is aggressive through and through: with a fat bottom lip beneath the signature Jeep seven-grille grin and enormous hood nostrils above, it's clear this Grand Cherokee means business.

 

Angular wheel arches house 20" SRT8 wheels with Brembo brakes (which are needed to bring this monster to a stop when things really get going). A muscular shoulderline draws your attention to the back where Jeep chose to move the previous-gen dual tailpipes to the outer corners and house them in a fancy, black SRT8-labelled bumper lip.

 

Some might see the upgrade as less brute-ish and common compared to the middle-mounted look. However, by moving the exhaust to the outer corners, Jeep has given GC SRT8 owners the ability to tow (up to 5,000 lb), something that was previously impossible.

 

Inside, the GC SRT8 is just as impressive. Brushed chrome accents abound, and the sport-shaped steering wheel with mounted paddle shifters and handsfree control buttons is oh-so inviting. Simple is perhaps the best way, and Chrysler keeps the middle console just that with a familiar onboard computer system and easy-use-entertainment system. And, of course, looking at a speedometer that hits 300 km/h in an SUV is always pleasing.

 

In Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl, my GC SRT8 tester could not go quietly into any night, or day for that matter. Coupled with the barking (read: roaring) exhaust note when pushed, the SRT8 is a beacon for attraction.

 

I wanted the apocalypse

But I didn't get it. Sure, the Jeep SRT8 has a fantastic exhaust note... but only once you've hit the open road (in a straight line). It has a nice, deep rumble when turned on, but it's not enough. I wanted children to run scared, housewives to close their curtains frantically and men to go weak in the knees with envy as I rolled by. But, unless I was pushing the GC SRT8 past the 4,500 rpm mark, such reactions were not to be seen.

 

There's no denying that the 6.4L V8 HEMI engine is brutish and powerful, pumping out 470 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, but I wanted to hear it more. That might seem petty, but I think it's something one expects from the GC SRT8 experience. Sure, it's felt throughout the vehicle (front seats or back), but aurally, it's just not as apparent.

 

Speaking of brute strength, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is a monster in a straight line. Leave the cornering for those lower to the ground, but have all the fun you want on straight stretches (and make sure you keep both hands on the wheel).

 

I managed 0-100 km/h sprints in the 5-second range which, for a vehicle weighing in at the 5,000-lb mark, is more than damn impressive (to think, it could rival the 2013 Nissan GT-R I'd had the same week). And when you get it up to speed, you'll be happy the SRT8 is equipped with Brembo brakes that are more than adequate to bring the beast to a stop.

 

Driving devil

Piloting the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is exciting, no matter what the environment. On the open highway, the GC is an expert cruiser. With more than enough room throughout the cockpit and rear seats, all passengers and driver will revel in the Jeep's comfort on long journeys.

 

On busy city streets, the GC SRT8 is just as at home, with its sleek design and lower-to-the-ground stance that make for easy entry and exit. The steering-wheel mounted shifters make for spirited driving and shifts are responsive, save for a lack of rev matching when downshifting which makes for a jerky drive every now and then.

 

On those back-country roads, the Jeep GC SRT8 is just as capable thanks to the Selec-Trac 4x4 system.

 

However, thanks to a sportier suspension set-up, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 can be quite rough, especially on uneven terrain. One might expect such a feel from the GC's nature-loving brother, the Jeep Wrangler.

 

One annoyance that plagued me all week was a massive blind spot thanks to the A pillars. They are so wide all the way up that it's almost impossible to see oncoming traffic at an intersection without moving your body to see around them. I thought perhaps it was just my small stature that caused the inconvenience, but my 6'0" husband had the same issue when seated in the driver's seat.

 

Luxury at a "bargain" price

If you're still not sold on the idea of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, consider this: for just over $50,000 you'll get yourself an SUV that's not only capable of towing the family boat up to the cottage on weekends, but one that's also sporty enough to take a few laps around the local track with a bunch of coupe cars -- and possibly win.

 

Louisville Kentucky Dodge, Louisville Kentucky Chrysler, Louisville Kentucky Jeep, Louisville Kentucky RAM, Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

 

 

 

2013 Ram 1500 is now a work and play mobile hot spot

 

http://www.examiner.com/article/2013-ram-1500-is-now-a-work-and-play-mobile-hot-spot

 

By: James Nelson

 

 

The new 2013 Ram 1500 is going to be a mobile hot spot.

Whether working or playing, with your work team or your family members, everyone riding in the new 2013 Ram 1500 will be able to link their computers, smart phones or tablets to the net through the new Ram's embedded hotspot WiFi link in their Uconnect infotainment system.

View slideshow:2013 Ram 1500 is now a work and play mobile hotspot

Ram trucks has announced that their new Ram 1500 pickup will include an available expanded WiFi capability of the Uconnect infotainment system through a partnership with Sprint that makes the 2013 Ram 1500 one of the most technology-flexible work and play vehicles in the market.

This Uconnect upgrade will also offer several additional features that include voice command navigation and text message communication along with 911 emergency dispatch contact capability.

 

But, the most significant new feature in the upgrade will be the ability of the vehicle to connect to the Sprint data network and allow multiple Ram 1500 passengers to link multiple smart devices to the internet via WiFi.

For family use and play, imagine the entire family riding in a crew cab Ram 1500 and being able to connect their individual smart devices to the net for information, entertainment and even working on homework assignments as the family travels for a weekend adventure.

Using the Ram 1500 for work, imagine your coworkers or work team members being able to connect their individual devices to the net to complete a project, prepare for a meeting or revise a presentation while travelling to a client location.

And with the new hot spot embedded in the Uconnect system, you can take your smart devices up to 150 feet from your Ram 1500 and stay connected to the internet.

When the family reaches the beach or cabin, they can continue to stay connected and when the work team reaches the work site, they can take their device to a nearby work location and conduct work sessions with on site team members using internet resources.

Chrysler held discussions with several major telecommunications companies before deciding to partner with Sprint. Even though the hot spot provider is Sprint, phones and smart devices from other providers (AT&T, Verizon etc.) will be able to link to the enhanced WiFi Uconnect system.

Initially, the hot spot feature option will be offered in the new Ram 1500 and the new SRT Viper models this fall. It will be rolled out to other Chrysler brands later.

The hot spot system from Sprint is not individually unique as it incorporates features and functions found in other manufacturers telematics systems and a similar functionality was previously introduced in some models by Audi.

Many of the basic features of Uconnect will be available for no charge. However, the hot spot and some related advanced features will carry additional fees.

Costs for the upgraded Uconnect and fees for the hot spot services have not been announced.

Ram will be conducting their media introduction of the new 2013 Ram 1500 next week revealing a significant array of new features and functionality that are, in many cases, class exclusive or class leading for that pickup truck segment in North America.

We will be getting a first full look at the new Ram 1500 at that event and will give you a more in depth report on how Ram is making the Ram 1500 more feature rich with added functionalities for 2013.

 

Louisville Kentucky Dodge, Louisville Kentucky Chrysler, Louisville Kentucky Jeep, Louisville Kentucky RAM, Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8: The `Ultimate Performance SUV’

Tim Spell

http://blog.chron.com/carsandtrucks/2012/08/jeep-grand-cherokee-srt8-the-ultimate-performance-suv/

Flexing the most muscle in Jeep’s 2012 lineup is its Grand Cherokee SRT8 from the Street and Racing Technology team. Tagged the “Ultimate Performance SUV” by Jeep, its goal with the Grand Cherokee SRT8 is to compete with high-end performance SUVs such as the Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5.

Base priced at $61,160, this most-powerful Jeep vehicle ever is propelled by an all-new 6.4-liter Hemi V-8, producing 470 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Jeep’s Quadra-Trac active on-demand four-wheel drive is standard.

The V-8′s new active valve exhaust system allows standard Fuel Saver Technology (four-cylinder mode) to engage over a wider rpm range for an estimated 13-percent improvement in highway fuel efficiency and 450-mile range. Fueled on premium gasoline, its estimated fuel economy is 12 miles per gallon city and 18 mpg highway.

Jeep reports the Grand Cherokee SRT8 runs from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds, rips through a quarter mile in the mid-13-second range, goes from 0-100-0 mph in under 15 seconds and achieves a 160-mph top speed.

Pulling the reins on this power are Brembo six-piston front and four-piston rear red-painted calipers, and vented rotors measuring 15 inches front and 13.8 inches rear.

Handling is enhanced with an adaptive damping suspension managed by a new Selec-Track system, delivering up to .90 g on the skid pad.

The Grand Cherokee SRT8, which is lowered 1 inch, looks the part of a performance vehicle with body-colored wheel flares that shroud 20-inch forged-aluminum split-five-spoke wheels with Pirelli run-flat tires, and side-sill cladding. Its new-look sculpted hood has functional dual black heat extractors carved into the surface for added engine cooling.

The front fascia contains new LED multi-function daytime running lamps that contribute to creating a fresh face for the Grand Cherokee SRT8, while a body-colored front grille with a black screen background and chrome bezel inserts boosts its aggressive look. The integrated lower front grille is painted in gloss black, and a newly designed underbody belly pan features integrated brake ducting to improve cooling and fade performance.

At the rear is a new, functional liftgate spoiler. The rear fascia includes a separate air diffuser, and new for the 2012 version is the dual-sport exhaust system featuring 4-inch exhaust tips.

In sync with the exterior, designers give the SRT8 racing-inspired interior appointments. Highly bolstered heated-and-vented front sport seats with Nappa leather and suede inserts help keep the body planted when the SRT8 is put through its paces. Adorning the seats is contrasting stitching and SRT logos embroidered into the backrests.

Carbon-fiber trim highlights the instrument panel and door panels, and foot-pedal pads get a new, bright racing-style appearance. The ready-for-the-track look also is enhanced with a leather-wrapped and heated flat-bottom steering wheel.

Louisville Kentucky Dodge, Louisville Kentucky Chrysler, Louisville Kentucky Jeep, Louisville Kentucky RAM, Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

 

 

2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible Doesn’t Skimp On Space

http://www.greenfieldreporter.com/view/story/8a3499038c914728a0ec0be3ab1d535f/US--Behind-the-Wheel-Chrysler-200-Convertible

 

Buyers of Chrysler's 200 Convertible get a lot of room and style for the money.

Stretching more than 16 feet long, the two-door, 2012 200 Convertible has room for four passengers — complete with a back seat that has more legroom than the back seat of a 2012 Ford Mustang Convertible.

There's a full 13.3 cubic feet of trunk space in the Chrysler 200 Convertible with the top up and 7 cubic feet with the top down. This is more than what's in the trunk of the 2012 Volkswagen Eos convertible.

The Chrysler 200 Convertible also has attractive styling, right down to its pleasantly arranged dashboard and Audi-like light-emitting diode headlamp accents. There's no unfriendly, gun-slit-like windshield as in the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro convertible.

Better yet, starting retail price for a 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible — with fabric, not vinyl, roof and standard automatic transmission — is $27,805, which is less than major competitors' base retail prices.

The base 200 Convertible comes with a 173-horspower, four-cylinder engine. A 200 Convertible with 283-horsepower V-6 and fabric top has a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, of $29,600 and compares with the $31,050 starting retail price of a 2012 Camaro Convertible with 323-horsepower V-6.

Two types of roofs are offered on the compact 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible, and a hard-top version with standard V-6 has a starting MSRP, including destination charge, of $34,795.

This price is less than the $35,120 base price for a 2012 VW Eos that comes standard with a hard top and 200-horsepower four cylinder.

The Chrysler 200 replaced the Sebring convertible for the 2011 model year, and the car's size — longer and taller than the Mustang, Camaro and Eos convertibles — gives it an advantage when buyers look for decent travel space in a non-luxury-branded convertible.

As an example, a 5-foot-5 adult rode fine in the test 200 Convertible with the front seat up a ways on its track. Legs of the back-seat passenger didn't touch the front seatbacks, though on a rainy day, this passenger had to duck and scrunch to get under the roof and inside the back seat.

The trunk, with some mechanicals for the movable roof visible, is somewhat shallow, but expansive width-wise. There's also little liftover to fuss with and no spare tire.

But don't look for fuel efficiency in this car.

Both 200 engines — the 2.4-liter, double overhead cam, four-cylinder engine and the 3.6-liter, double overhead cam V-6 — earned low and surprisingly similar gasoline mileage ratings from the federal government.

The 200 Convertible with four cylinder is rated at 18 miles per gallon in city driving, while the convertible with V-6 has a 19-mpg rating in the city. On the highway, the 200 Convertible with either engine has a 29-mpg rating.

So, other than a lower initial purchase price, the four cylinder doesn't seem to offer monetary benefits, while its power output is so much lower than that of the V-6.

Peak torque from the four cylinder is 166 foot-pounds at 4,400 rpm, while it's a snorting 260 foot-pounds at 4,400 rpm with the V-6.

In the test car with V-6, the driver had to hold tight to the steering wheel when accelerating hard. Otherwise, the wheels would jerk to one side and then the other in a crazy motion. This aggressive acceleration came with strongly confident and powerful engine sounds.

Only a six-speed automatic is available in the 200 Convertible, and at times, riders noticed the shift points in the test car, even when the Auto-Stick manual shifter was not in use.

Combined city/highway mileage in the test car was 21.9 mpg, which is nearly equal to the federal government estimate. With a 16.9-gallon fuel tank, the test 200 Convertible with V-6 had a decent range of 370 miles.

Note VW's Eos, which has a turbocharged four cylinder delivering 200 horsepower and 207 foot-pounds of torque at 1,700 rpm, is rated at 22/30 mpg, and its estimated range on its 14.5-gallon tank is 362 miles.

Premium gasoline is recommended for the Eos, while regular is the only requirement for the 200 Convertible.

The test car was the top S model and included fine-looking, leather-covered seats with contrasting stitching. Armrests had some "give" to them and the plastic textures inside looked more upscale that they had in the old Sebring.

Note, however, that while styling is changed, the front-wheel drive underpinnings of the 200 Convertible are remnants of the long-running Sebring. Thus, the body and windshield shuddered a bit when the car went over poorly maintained railroad crossings. Passengers felt major vibrations and sometimes heard loud "whumps" on potholed roads.

While steering had good on-center feel, the overall sensation of the 200 Convertible was of a heavy car — the hard top tester weighed some 4,000 pounds — that carried a lot of its weight behind the passenger compartment.

Indeed, the side view of the 200 Convertible shows a trunk area that looks to be longer than the hood.

Additionally, the front seats in the tester could have used more lumbar support and even a bit more cushion.

Polished and painted 18-inch wheels on the tester added pizzazz.

A final point: Chrysler only offers the four-cylinder for 200 Convertibles with a fabric top. The heavy hard top is accompanied by the V-6.

The Chrysler 200 with V-6 was the subject of a safety recall because its connecting rod bearings might fail, causing the engine to seize up. This could create a potential crash situation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.

Louisville Kentucky Dodge, Louisville Kentucky Chrysler, Louisville Kentucky Jeep, Louisville Kentucky RAM, Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

 

Chrysler using 3-D modeling to reduce engineering costs

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120805/AUTO0101/208050356/1121/auto0101/Chrysler-using-3-D-modeling-to-reduce-engineering-costs

 

By Melissa Burden

 

 

Chrysler Group LLC has begun using 3-D modeling in powertrain plants in North America to help it cut costs, improve efficiencies, reduce worker injuries and waste and problem solve.

The automaker is using the modeling, created by Auburn Hills-based Strategic Manufacturing Solutions, to help with the launch of eight- and nine- speed transmissions it will build at its Kokomo, Ind. plant.

The realistic modeling of the plant floor is helping reduce typical engineering costs for the $1.3 billion launch of the two transmissions from 4 percent of total costs to 3 percent, said Brian Harlow, vice president and head of powertrain operations in North America and global powertrain manufacturing engineering for Chrysler.

"This thing is really in its infancy," he said. "… The power behind it is really phenomenal."

The 3-D modeling or mapping works in tandem with Chrysler's World Class Manufacturing philosophy and has the ability to work as an investment planning tool to help Chrysler determine bottlenecks to boosting capacity or to reduce volume if necessary, Harlow said.

Some team leaders at the Kokomo plant are using the system now — and executives back at company headquarters in Auburn Hills can almost immediately see changes made.

Harlow said the 3-D technology is helping Chrysler to quickly launch the new transmissions and have fewer launch problems.

"We knew we needed a new way of working in order to get our plants in Kokomo ready at an accelerated pace," Harlow said in a statement.

"By using 3-D technology, we are in effect injecting principles of World Class Manufacturing from the very beginning of our planning for production startups such as the ones in Kokomo."

The company plans to use the 3-D modeling at other powertrain plants and is going back to retrofit other plants including engine plants in Michigan.

Harlow is expected today to present information about the 3-D modeling program during the Center for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminars, an annual industry event, at the Grand Traverse Resort.

Chrysler's World Class Manufacturing plan strives to continuously improve, with goals for things such as no waste and zero accidents.

 Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

 

 

Chrysler and Sprint offer improved connectivity

 

http://www.freep.com/article/20120806/BUSINESS0103/120806060/chrysler-uconnect-sprint-ford-sync

 

 BY Alisa Priddle

 

TRAVERSE CITY -- No smart phone – no problem if you opt for a new Ram 1500 or SRT Viper this fall equipped with a smart radio that turns the vehicle into a cell phone under Chrysler’s partnership with Sprint.

The automaker and cell phone carrier have developed a new wireless service that enhances Uconnect, Chrysler’s system for hands-free communication, telematics, navigation and entertainment connectivity.

As Chrysler took time to to offer wireless connectivity in the vehicle that is easy to learn and use, the company looked at telematics, computer, Internet and phone carrier companies in search of a partner, said Marios Zenios, head of Uconnect.

“Having a reliable network to deliver service is important,” Zenios said today at the Center for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminars here.

Matt Carter, Sprint president of wholesale and emerging solutions, said the two companies have a shared vision of extending wireless in the auto industry.

“When we look at the car we see another smart phone,” Carter said.

Under the arrangement, Sprint provides a network that is open to all customers regardless of their phone or carrier.

Zenios said customers can use the smart radio – supplied by Harman - to link their smart phone to the car’s hardware or simply use the radio as the wireless device to access Bing as an Internet search engine.

If customers subscribe to Uconnect and use the smart radio, they get such features as remote start, voice-command texting and the ability to turn the vehicle into a WiFi hot spot.

The enhanced Uconnect provides a one-step command for navigation: press a button on the steering wheel and state the desired address, as opposed to competitive systems such as Ford’s Sync that requires a series of prompts and responses.

Ford has been dinged in quality surveys by consumers who have had difficulty using some features of the MyFord Touch system.

Pricing and packaging of Uconnect features is still being determined, Zenios said. Creating a wifi hot spot will be on a pay-for-use basis.

The biggest challenge is making the voice recognition software reliable.

Chrysler will eventually offer the enhanced Uconnect on more vehicles, Zenios said.

 

Louisville Kentucky Dodge, Louisville Kentucky Chrysler, Louisville Kentucky Jeep, Louisville Kentucky RAM, Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Chrysler Group Vehicles Earn Honors From Autobytel and AutoPacific

http://www.sacbee.com/2012/08/03/4689908/three-chrysler-group-vehicles.html

By Chrysler Group LLC

Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger and Jeep® Grand Cherokee named Ideal Vehicle Award Winners for 2012

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 3, 2012 -- /PRNewswire/ -- The Jeep® Grand Cherokee, Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger are winners of Chrysler AutoPacific's 2012 Ideal Vehicle Awards based on owners' ratings of their 2012 cars and trucks.

"Winning awards for Jeep and Dodge vehicles based on customer feedback is very gratifying," said Doug Betts, Senior Vice President – Quality, Chrysler Group. "Recognition by the customers proves we take consumer input very seriously in all the vehicles we design and build at Chrysler."

The Ideal Vehicle Awards are based on owner ratings of 15 key attributes of their 2012 vehicles after 90 days of ownership. Measures evaluated by customers include power and acceleration, ride and handling, interior roominess and cargo space. More than 75,000 vehicle owners were surveyed by AutoPacific and were asked if they would change characteristics of their vehicles.

Praised for its smoothness on-road, the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee claimed top honors in the Mid-Size SUV category. Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most-awarded SUV ever and delivers premium on-road performance while maintaining the Jeep brand's legendary four-wheel-drive, torque-on-demand two-speed transfer case and towing capability. It offers a driving range of more than 550 miles, superb on-road ride and handling, a world-class interior cabin, more than 45 safety and security features, and a variety of advanced technology features.

Contributing to Grand Cherokee's class-leading capability is the combination of Jeep's Quadra-Lift™ air suspension system and the Jeep Selec-Terrain™ traction control system that lets customers choose the 4x4 setting for the optimum driving experience on all terrains. The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee is available with three 4x4 systems, and with either a 290 horsepower Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 or an available 360 horsepower 5.7-liter V-8 engine.

According to owners, the 2012 Dodge Charger is the Ideal Large Car. Approximately 90 percent or more of Charger owners rated the Charger's exterior size, passenger roominess, cargo space, ride and handling and ease of getting in and out of the vehicle as ideal. A great majority of owners, 80 percent or more, also appreciate the Charger's interior lighting, driver's seat comfort, tires, interior storage compartments and safety features.

In addition to its iconic Dodge styling and spacious, finely crafted, easy to access interior, the Dodge Charger offers performance that is unmatched in its class. Charger features the award-winning Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine with an available eight-speed transmission that delivers the ultimate combination of power and fuel efficiency with 292 horsepower and up to 31 miles per gallon. It also features the available 370 horsepower 5.7 HEMI® V-8 engine.

The 2012 Dodge Challenger, which took top honors as the Ideal Vehicle for Sporty Cars, delivers more of what enthusiasts want — a more powerful and efficient engine lineup, maximum grip with a performance suspension design and athletic styling — all executed with quality and precision. It's unlike any other car in the way that it allows customers to customize their classic American muscle car.

The 2012 Dodge Challenger combines world-class ride, refinement and braking performance with more power and new track-tuned suspensions to deliver a thrilling driving experience. With its award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine producing 305 horsepower — 55 more horsepower than the engine it replaced — the 2012 Dodge Challenger SXT is the most powerful, refined and technologically advanced entry-level Challenger ever. And to top it off, it gets 27 mpg on the highway and comfortably seats five. Challenger R/T takes things to all-new heights with a 375 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with six-speed manual or five-speed automatic and available paddle shifters.

About Chrysler Group LLC Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 to establish a global strategic alliance with Fiat S.p.A., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Mopar, SRT and Fiat vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler Group's culture of innovation, first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925, and Fiat's complementary technology that dates back to its founding in 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler, all-new Dodge Dart, Ram 1500, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and Fiat 500. Fiat contributes world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-size cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

 

Louisville Kentucky Dodge, Louisville Kentucky Chrysler, Louisville Kentucky Jeep, Louisville Kentucky RAM, Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

 

 

Jeep Adds More Attitude to 2013 Grand Cherokee SRT8

 

http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2012/08/jeep-adds-more-attitude-to-2013-grand-cherokee-srt8.html

 

Jeep's amped-up Grand Cherokee SRT8 is already loaded with attitude, but apparently it's not enough. Two aggressive-looking appearance packages will join the SRT8 lineup for 2013.

The white Alpine and black Vapor special edition models add a new Black Vapor chrome finish to the standard 20-inch wheels; a black-gloss exterior finish; new hood and door badges; and a unique grill, light bar and step pad.

Horsepower remains the same: The models use the SRT8's 470-horsepower, 6.4-liter V-8 and build off of its equipment list. SRT8 models have been lowered an inch and sport body-colored wheel flares and side sills, LED daytime running lights, a more sculpted hood with functional heat extractors, a liftgate spoiler and dual exhaust.

Inside, front-seat occupants sit on bolstered SRT-styled Nappa leather and suede seats. SRT8 models also feature leather and carbon fiber interior trim.

There's no word yet on pricing, but the regular 2013 Grand Cherokee SRT8 starts at $60,920, including a $925 destination charge. Plan to spend more on these special edition models.

 

Louisville Kentucky Dodge, Louisville Kentucky Chrysler, Louisville Kentucky Jeep, Louisville Kentucky RAM, Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written by:

Donny Nordlicht