autoMedia Auto News Blog : Dodge

Future Product Plans: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:23:00 GMT

Chrysler LLC hosted a multi-hour business plan meeting last week where the reborn automaker detailed its strategy for the next few years. Enabled by its new partner Fiat, Chrysler will consolidate platforms, expand product offerings, and aim to boost sales volume and profit. All while significantly increasing product quality. Sounds good so far. The basic breakdown begins with reducing the number of unique platforms. Aside from pickup trucks, Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep count 11 platforms today. For 2014, the aim is to use just six, and that includes expanding into the A/B subcompact/compact-car segments thanks to Fiat. The trick is to move C and D segment vehicles, including small and midsized crossovers and sedans, onto a single, versatile platform. The Jeep Wrangler will have the distinction of having its own platform. (There’s only one, as they say.) The large sedans, minivans, and larger SUVs will each ride on three distinct platforms. There are several tangible benefits to this strategy. Chrysler lost its engineering partner with Daimler divested its interests. While Chrysler continues to use variations of Mercedes platforms, access to such resources is finite going forward. New...(read more)

autoMedia CARnival 11-06-09: This week in Auto Blogs

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:00:00 GMT

It's the week ending November 6, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather the highlights from each. ...(read more)

Revealed: NASCAR Nationwide Series Dodge Challenger

admin — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:43:00 GMT

Friday, Dodge Motorsports revealed its Dodge Challenger entry for next year’s NASCAR Nationwide Series. The new car will make its track debut with the July 2nd Daytona race and appear next at Michigan on August 14th. In total, the Challenger will be campaigned at four races in 2010, then compete with the full schedule in 2011. This Challenger is also part of an announcement that Dodge is expanding its partnership with Penske Racing. Next year, Penske will support two cars in the Nationwide Series and three teams in the Sprint Cup. The Challenger isn’t the only muscle coupe to move to the big track. Ford is making a similar move with the Mustang. (Read “ Unveiled: 2010 Ford NASCAR Mustang .”) General Motors will not make this a three-way competition by moving the Camaro to NASCAR. Read our Dodge Challenger review for our take on the street version. Expand your NASCAR knowledge with: NASCAR - Common Terms and Phrases Defined NASCAR Basics - Understanding NASCAR...(read more)

Chrysler To Offer Live, Mobile TV In Cars And Trucks

admin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:04:00 GMT

Too much time spent watching television may rot your brain, but video entertainment on the road can make long trips pass by more quickly for all aboard. A clever new digital pacifier will be available on select Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep models starting late December providing live television on the go. And, with 20 channels to select from, there will be much more than cartoons to entertain travelers. Where previous mobile television systems have focused on the kids, Chrysler is touting a broad selection of cable-type channels that includes CBS Mobile, CNBC, Comedy Central, FOX News, MSNBC, MTV, NBC 2Go, and Nickelodeon. The Flo TV system will cost $629 plus installation, and it includes one-year service subscription. Offered as a Mopar accessory, the entertainment package will be available as a dealer-installed option on the following 2008-2010 model year vehicles with factory DVD entertainment systems: Chrysler Town & Country , Jeep Grand Cherokee , Jeep Commander , Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey , Dodge Nitro , Ram 1500 and Ram 2500/3500. The service also can be added to select 2008-2010 model-year vehicles when new Mopar headrest or seat-top DVD entertainment systems are...(read more)

Pricing: 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy-Duty – Better, Cheaper

admin — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:54:00 GMT

Breaking with auto industry tradition, the 2010 Dodge Ram heavy-duty pickup trucks are not just better than the outgoing 2009 models, but they are cheaper. The 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 regular cab ST 4x2 with an 8-foot bed starts at $28,165 (including $950 destination) or $1,970 lower than 2009 model it replaces. The crew cab model is priced at $31,415, and the Mega Cab begins at $36,865. Five trims are offered for 2010: ST, SLT, TRX, Power Wagon, and Laramie. Beneath the sleeker sheetmetal for the new model year, the freshened Ram boasts a number of mechanical enhancements and more feature content, making it a stronger workhorse. Special attention was given to the towing capability, with the diesel versions benefiting from standard exhaust braking. An available integrated trailer brake control provides better driver control when towing. Trailer brake control information is conveniently displayed in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) that is standard on diesel models and available on gas SLT, TRX, and Laramie models. Larger 7x11-inch trailer-tow mirrors have integrated turn signals, memory function, and puddle lamps. The base engine a 5.7-liter, 383-horsepower Hemi V-8. For...(read more)

2010 Dodge Challenger - Plum Crazy Returns!

admin — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:56:00 GMT

A rolling nostalgia machine, the 2010 Dodge Challenger will be available in a classic Plum Crazy paint scheme. Plum Crazy was one of several vibrant colors available on the Challenger in the early 1970s that helped define the era, along with Banana, Go-Mango, and Sublime. The head-turning purple will be available on the Challenger R/T ($35,140) and SRT8 ($44,155) variants. On the Challenger R/T, the Plum Crazy Pearl Coat will be offered with a choice of matte black or new bright white dual-wide R/T body-side stripes. The purple package also includes “Challenger” script badges, polished-chrome heritage wheels, classic egg-crate grille with heritage “R/T” badge, body-color rear spoiler, functional hood scoop, and chromed fuel-filler door. The R/T features the Track Pak with a “pistol-grip” shifter, 3.92:1 differential, and throaty dual exhaust system. Underhood is a 5.7-liter, 376-horsepower Hemi V-8. The Plum Crazy SRT8 benefits from the comprehensive performance transformation that trim entails, including a 6.1-liter, 425-horsepower Hemi V-8 engine. The interior is highlighted with purple seat piping. Production of the Plum Crazy Challenger begins in November. Read our Dodge Challenger...(read more)

autoMedia CARnival 9-25-09: This week in auto blogs

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:00:00 GMT

It's the week ending September 25, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. Everyone's multi-billion dollar tax drain, aka the Cash Allowance Rebate System, aka CARS, aka Cash for Clunkers, is back in the headlines again.

Soon after Cash for Clunkers ended, many supporters were boasting that the average mileage for the first quarter million trade-ins improved from 16.3 mpg to 24.8 mpg. That's a great fuel savings, right? Wrong: research shows that C4C participants intend to drive almost twice as many annual miles, which will certainly offset any efficiency-based fuel savings. Find out more at AutoBlogGreen.

More bad news about cash for clunkers: Exotic cars were also sent to the crusher! Though the most popular vehicle destroyed under Cash For Clunkers was the Ford Explorer, Jalopnik says buyers also smashed AMGs, Rolls-Royces, and even a LaForza. We can't imagine crushing a $130,000 Aston Martin DB7 Volante for a $4500 credit. That's just wrong.

Hey, not ALL the clunkers have been traded in! If you're looking for some classic American haulers, TruckTrend.com has found three 1960s-era passenger vans for sale on eBay. Take your pick from a 1962 Chevrolet Corvair Greenbrier, a 1966 Ford E-100, or a 1966 Dodge.

Yeah, we all thought the Segway was a strange invention at first, but it recently had a starring role in "Paul Blart, Mall Cop." Now Honda has released its own personal mobility device, the U3-X, which stands for both "universal" and "unicycle." According to AutoBlog, the large wheel contains a series of smaller wheels that can rotate independently, allowing the awkwardly perched user 360 degrees of movement. Like the Segway, the person piloting the U3-X simply leans in the desired direction to control the movement through the Honda Omni Traction Drive System. Not sure what movie this device will star in, but it causes me to envision human bowling pins, just waiting to be knocked over...

Stranger than fiction: LeftLaneNews is publishing prognostications that Fiat's master plan for the Chrysler Group, includes turning Dodge into a sports car brand and transforming Chrysler into a Cadillac rival. Another proposal reportedly would eliminate Dodge's trucks from its lineup and place them into a whole new division called, not surprisingly, Ram. Hmmm.

Shell will award free V-Power premium gasoline and an all-new 2010 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Lo motorcycle to the winners of their "Fuel My Passion" Contest and Sweepstakes. All you have to do is submit a creative photo posing with your vehicle and showing the "V" Sign, and also include a short story of up to 100 words on how Shell V-Power has fueled your passion. Details are at AutomotiveTraveler, though we suggest you leave out references to the Mercury Mistress from your entry.

After nearly two years in fleet service, the Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell vehicle fleet has surpassed more than a million miles on the road. According to AskPatty about 5,000 people have driven the fuel cell Equinox in short test drives. More than 80,000 people in New York, Washington, D.C., and Greater Los Angeles, have volunteered to drive the vehicles as part of Project Driveway's experimental program began in November, 2007.

Consumer Reports asks "Do cars dream of electric beeps?" Many have said the silence of electric cars could be potentially dangerous; Well, Nissan proposes breaking EV silence with 'Blade Runner' whir while moving, to alert pedestrians who can't see or hear them

Thanks for joining us for this week's autoMedia.com CARnival! Have you got something of interest you want us to include in a future carnival? Then fill out our online form so we can be notified of your interesting entry to our weekly blog CAR-nival. Check back next week for another installment.

Brandy Schaffels, autoMedia.com Contributing Editor

What’s New for Chrysler in 2010?

admin — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 03:30:00 GMT

Not much in the way of new product. Remember, the company is rapidly reinventing itself, now that it has purged billions in so-called bad assets and almost 800 dealerships, leaving a leaner Chrysler Group to develop a revised product portfolio with its new corporate partner Fiat. (Read: "Like a Phoenix, New Chrysler Group LLC Rises.")

For the imminent future, there simply isn’t much happening. The products are largely in a holding pattern for another model year. However, if you look closely, there are numerous refinements that should make the vehicles more satisfying to own than before, though not the kind of breakthrough changes that are likely to spark showroom traffic. Below are the highlights of the Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep product updates for the 2010 model year.

We have already blogged on the notable update to Dodge Caliber’s interior. Most other vehicles that receive any update for the new model year are given a light touch. The one exception is the 2010 Dodge Ram heavy-duty pickups to be offered for the first time in a true crew-cab configuration, complimenting the regular and mega cab. All heavy-duty trucks are distinguished from their light-duty brethren by a unique grille, hood, and bumpers. Refinements throughout promise reduced noise, and the cabin boasts more storage locations. The Ram sees its various tow and capacity ratings increased, though these reflect more a change in how Dodge chooses to make its claims, more closely matching the competition, than representing engineering changes. The powerplants for the heavy-duty trucks include the venerable 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 and a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel. Chassis cab 3500, 4500, and 5500 Rams will be available for 2011.

The Ram Power Wagon returns, with electric-locking front and rear differentials, electronic disconnecting sway bar, Bilstein shocks, 32-inch BF Goodrich off-road tires, underbody skid-plate protection, 4.56 axle ratio for hill climbing, and a custom-built Warn 12,000-lb. winch is accessible through the front bumper. The exterior has been enhanced with a new two-tone paint scheme and graphics package.

Fuel economy tweaks are made on several models, including the light-duty Ram, Dodge Nitro, and Jeep Liberty. These models now have a fuel cut off indicated by an “Eco” light activated during deceleration. Other vehicles, including Jeeps, have had this feature previously. The Nitro and Liberty have some detail updates to their various trims, such as materials updates and larger, standard floor mats.

The Jeep Wrangler receives a long list of minor updates that should add appeal to the legendary rock crawler. On all models fog lamps, tow hooks, compass, outside temperature readout, larger visors, fuel-saver indicator, and front dome lamp are standard. The Sunrider soft-top has been made easier to install. Other changes depend on the trim and options, with changes such as uplevel seating surfaces, new colors, new wheels, and the addition of Uconnect Phone added to the navigation system.

The 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee in its final year sees the model line simplified to the Laredo and Limited trims, dropping the Overland. An all-new, larger Grand Cherokee will be introduced for the 2011 model year based on the Mercedes-Benz ML platform.

The Chrysler Sebring convertible and sedan has a minor exterior freshening with a new hood and wheels. Inside, the cars receive a new instrument panel and active head restraints.

And the PT Cruiser lives on for another year, despite its planned discontinuation. There is a new Classic trim that bundles popular features in a value package.

Even the Chrysler 300 receives minor updates, with the 300C now claiming keyless entry/keyless go and rear park assist as standard. Side-curtain air bags are standard on all models. An all-new 300 is expected for the 2011 model year.

The Town & Country and Dodge Caravan minivans now have active head rests and rear obstacle detection on all models.

The Dodge Journey gains the “eco” feature also added to the Nitro, seeing highway fuel economy increase 1 mpg on the highway with the V-6 model. Active head restraints are standard on all trims, as well we four-wheel antilock disc brakes. Those models with a video entertainment system now have a larger, nine-inch screen.

The Dodge Challenger adds even more performance and excitement for 2010 with the Super Track Pack, includes 20-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 Super Car tires, front and rear Nivomat self-leveling shock-absorbers, a larger rear stabilizer bar, a 3.06 rear-axle ratio, performance brake linings, and enthusiast-desired “ESP-off” stability calibration. A less extreme nostalgia trip can be taken with the SE Rallye package featuring a dramatic stripe package alternative to the R/T Classic with dual hood and decklid stripes, chromed fuel filler door, 18-inch rallye wheels with all-season performance tires, body-color deck-lid spoiler, and Micro Carbon interior accents.

And finally, the Dodge Viper lives on despite Chrysler’s previous efforts to sell it off. There are four new paint colors and tan Nappa upholstery to mark the new year.

So, while the engineers learn Italian and put together the pieces for what will be the new Chrysler going forward, these enhancements will have to see consumers and dealers through. Again, while there is little drama, the vehicles are more appealing than before.

New Interior for 2010 Dodge Caliber

admin — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 02:05:00 GMT

Chrysler has been hearing from customers and medium that its small wagon and SUV interiors are too plasticky, looking like the result of overt corporate cost-cutting measures. One by one, these are being addressed. The 2009 Jeep Patriot saw some interior updates, and next up is the Dodge Caliber with a more dramatic makeover. Many dash elements are similarly placed, but the repackaging promises to make this clever wagon feel more upscale.

The first showing with be at the 2009 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt this month. (It may seem like an odd choice for its premiere, but the Caliber is the best-selling Chrysler Group model outside the United States. Go figure.) There, show attendees will be able to see the cockpit in person. They will no doubt notice the better control integration, larger climate controls, and bright silver accents throughout. Additional storage space improves general functionality, and new padded door-trim panels and center console touting soft-touch materials for increased comfort.

The Caliber will continue to offer its clever features, such as a cooled-beverage storage bin, Uconnect navigation system, iPod controls, rechargeable LED flashlight, and an available MusicGate Power Sound Group with two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate that swing down for tailgating and other activities.

The 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter engines carry over, though it appears that the high-performance SRT-4 may not be long for this world.

August Auto Sales Show Shopping Success

Brandy Schaffels — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 23:40:00 GMT

By all the reports we've seen from the Department of Transportation and other automotive blogs, the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program was "wildly successful" at driving consumers towards dealerships. With nearly 700,000 vehicle transactions utilizing "Cash for Clunkers" trade-ins, not to mention standard purchases that didn't include the government-subsidized rebates, it's clear that manufacturers benefited from a giant sales infusion during the month of August.

When comparing sales figures for August 2009 against August 2008, Ford was the most successful American manufacturer with an increase of 16.99 percent (182,149 units sold) for all of Ford Motor Company and a 21.25-percent jump for just the Ford brand itself. Toyota Motor Company and American Honda were up 6.41 (225,088) and 9.93 (161,439) percent respectively. Unfortunately, even with the incentives, some manufacturers still sold fewer cars than they did a year ago, notably Nissan North America was down 2.93 percent (105,312 units sold), Chrysler was down 15.43 percent (93,222), and General Motors was down 20.19 percent (246,479) from a year ago. (Many thanks to John Neff at AutoBlog for his monthly sales report, from which these figures are derived.)

However, if you compare these figures to the sales reports from last month or even the month before, the impact of the CARS program becomes much more apparent (see chart below). Even though the percentages of sales only look good for a few of the manufacturers when comparing July 2008 to July 2009, watch what happens when you compare August 2009 to July 2009 and June 2009: Everybody wins with sales increases ranging from 17.37 percent for Ford, 36.50 percent for Chrysler, and 39.59 percent for General Motors all the way up to an increase of 60.76 percent for Honda, 70.97 percent for Toyota, and a whopping 80.64 percent for Nissan from over two months ago.

Ironically, while DOT Cash for Clunker reports make it look as if the imports were the biggest winners in the C4C transactions, a report at AutoBlog says that "Ford came out as the clear winner in the Top Ten list," based on additional analysis by Edmunds.com. According to their story, "Ford captured three of the top four positions. The Toyota Corolla, which is at the top of the government's list, falls to number five on Edmunds' list behind the F-150, which didn't even make the government's Top Ten. The Chevy Silverado didn't make the government's Top Ten either, but it's number eight with Edmunds."

As far as getting a clear cut answer from all of this, Mark Twain summed it up well when he said: "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics." A skilled analyst can make a list of numbers demonstrate anything he wants it to show, but one thing is certainly clear: auto sales for all manufacturers have shown a definite trend upwards in the past few months, and as a result of the additional demand, many manufacturers have increased their production schedules and have brought back some employees who had been laid off in recent months.

It will be interesting to see what the next few months show!

By Brandy Schaffels, autoMedia.com Contributing Editor

Brand	August 2008	August 2009	Increased Volume % over one year ago	July 2009	Increased Volume % over one month ago	June 2009	Increased Volume % over two months ago
American Honda	146,855	161,439	9.93	114,690	40.76	100,420	60.76
Chrysler Group LLC	110,235	93,222	-15.43	88,900	4.86	68,297	36.50
Ford Motor Company	155,690	182,149	16.99	165,279	10.21	155,195	17.37
General Motors	308,817	246,479	-20.19	189,443	30.11	176,571	39.59
Hyundai	41,130	60,467	47.01	45,553	32.74	37,943	59.36
Kia	25,065	40,198	60.38	29,345	36.98	26,845	49.74
Nissan North America	108,493	105,312	-2.93	71,847	46.58	58,298	80.64
Subaru	18,932	28,683	51.51	21,839	31.34	18,620	54.04
Toyota Mo Co	211,533	225,088	6.41	174,872	28.72	131,654	70.97

autoMedia CARnival 8/28/09: This week in the auto blogs

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:25:00 GMT

It's the week ending August 28, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each.

Once again, the biggest news involves the end of the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program AKA "Cash for Clunker" rebates, culminating in 690,114 transactions valued at $2.88 billion, with stories galore on its "wildly successful" outcome. LeftLaneNews reports on some of the downfalls of the program, saying the clunkers' Web site crashed several times, resulting in a bottleneck of applications. Moreover, only about a third of dealers have received their first clunkers check, leaving many dealerships with cash flow problems. Consumer Reports shares the environmental impact, saying the average new car bought with the rebates got 9.2 mpg more than the average clunker traded in, for an annual average fuel savings per driver of 277 gallons of fuel or about $720.

Pizza magnate Papa John Schnatter has finally been reunited with his Camaro. In celebration, he gave away nearly 36,000 free pizzas. Click here to read the detailed story of how Jalopnik helped make it happen -- and if you want, you can even browse the gallery of photos snapped by Camaro owners when they used their car as the ultimate coupon.

You wake up in the morning and suddenly everyone is driving on the "wrong" side of the road. Sound freaky? Well, that is exactly what is going to happen in Samoa on September 7th of this year. All Cars All The Time predicts this move will be an epic fail. The Wall Street Journal seems to agree. We suggest travelers stay away until they get their drivers retrained.

Are we there yet? Jaime Case and Chris Hodges hopped into a Fusion sedan provided by Ford, and took off on a six-week pre-wedding road trip around the country to see friends and family prior to signing their marriage certificate. Well, they've finally tied the knot, apparently the road trip is nearly over, and to celebrate the couple plans to change their names.... to Ford. Jeez, I hope Ford lets them keep the car after all that!

Get this: AutoBlogGreen.com suggests watermelon juice could be the next great automotive fuel, saying there's enough watermelon juice available to brew 2.5 million gallons of ethanol, which would displace up to 15 percent of corn or molasses, cut down on water usage, and supply needed nitrogen to the mix. Seems like the perfect use for the 360,000 tons of watermelons left to rot and spoil each year!

Chrysler and Nissan have decided to part ways, scrapping three joint-vehicle programs originally intended to fill yawning gaps in their respective line-ups. With Nissan officials recently telling TheDetroitBureau.com they were still open to working with their Detroit counterpart, it appears that the announcement was heavily influenced by Chrysler's new parent, the Italian automaker Fiat. It also appears Nissan is the loser in the latest developments. A separate agreement calling on Nissan and Chrysler to share transmission remains unchanged.

AutomotiveTraveler.com has snagged spypix of the upcoming 2011 Ford Fiesta -- only not the little Euro hatchback version we've seen so many Fiesta Agents driving! This article features several remarkably clear road shots of the four-door sedan version destined to arrive in American dealerships in the second quarter of 2010. I'd like one in magenta, please?

We all hate sitting in traffic, and in the Los Angeles area, it's notoriously bad. AutoBlog.com shares the results of a study that demonstrates having a GPS system with real-time traffic can save drivers four days per year and reduce emissions by 21%!

If you're writing a research paper on the history of electric vehicles, then look no further than cleancartalk.com which shares everything you ever wanted to know -- but were afraid to ask -- about the electric car. With detailed info from its origins in the 1830s to modern-day options, this article is good reading for green gearheads.

Mark Tapscott may very well be THE founder of the Carnival of Cars concept, and he had the wisdom to include ME in one of his first editions, nearly three years ago! If you want to keep up with Tapscott's current content, favorite him at Examiner.com

Thanks for joining us for this week's autoMedia.com CARnival! Have you got something of interest you want us to include in a future carnival? Then fill out our online form so we can be notified of your interesting entry to our weekly blog CAR-nival. Check back next week for another installment--until then, have a great weekend!

Brandy Schaffels, Contributing Editor

Muscle Car Sales Shootout – Which is the Most Popular?

admin — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 01:14:00 GMT

The July automotive sales numbers were released yesterday, showing a tremendous surge over the past week driven by the cash for clunkers program. (Read: “Cars for Clunkers Works, Time for a Sequel?”) As a result, sales on fuel-efficient small and midsized vehicles have soared the last few days. Hybrids and fuel sippers are flying off the lots, leaving trucks and SUVs behind. As enthusiasts, we’re left wondering about a certain segment that received too little attention lately, the muscle cars.

Car nuts have been bench racing the latest Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, and Ford Mustang, as the experts have weighed in with their professional reviews. Horsepower has been boasted, quarter-mile slips compared, and value debated. In the end, the popularity contest that matters most to manufacturers is the sales race.

So, for the month of July, the figures break down to:

7,113 - Chevrolet Camaro
886 - Dodge Challenger
6,686 - Ford Mustang

More significant is seeing how these reborn legends fair over time, but the midyear introduction of the Camaro and 2010 Mustang mean it is too soon to draw conclusions there. Since we know you’re curious, year to date:

22,510 - Chevrolet Camaro
15,968 - Dodge Challenger
40,474 - Ford Mustang

As Top 40 music has taught us, popularity doesn’t equate to the best. That part of the bench racing debates will never be settled, though numbers can point to how the people are voting with their checkbooks. The Camaro looks strong out of the gate, though its lead is quite limited compared against the Mustang, suggesting that the original pony car may take the lead once the Camaro plateaus. It may come down to a battle of special editions, like the Camaro Transformers edition, in which case the battle could be quite exciting for enthusiasts. We hope the checkered flag in this race isn’t waved for many years, but it is interesting to see how these competitors measure up on this lap.

Chrysler Offers “Double Cash For Your Old Car” Incentive

admin — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 21:21:00 GMT

With consumers itching to take advantage of the new Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program that is rolling out nationwide, Chrysler is looking to sweeten the pot by offering similar additional incentives on many cars and trucks. The “Double Cash For Your Old Car” incentive has the automaker offering $3,500 to $4,500 off the purchase of new 2009 Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles, potentially doubling the discount some customers can get this summer.

Customers will be able to choose the Double Cash program, or zero percent financing for 72 months. (Run your own numbers before deciding, as in many cases the rebate will save more money in the long run.) The program is in place through August 31, 2009.

Eligible 2009 vehicles and rebate about listed below, notably excluding the iconic Jeep Wrangler and SRT models. Additional local and owner loyalty incentives may be available.

Double Cash For Your Old Car

Chrysler 300 - $3,500
Chrysler Aspen - $4,500
Chrysler PT Cruiser - $4,500
Chrysler Sebring - $4,500
Chrysler Sebring Convertible $3,500
Chrysler Town & Country $3,500
Dodge Avenger $4,500
Dodge Caliber $3,500
Dodge Grand Caravan $3,500
Dodge Charger $3,500
Dodge Dakota $3,500
Dodge Durango $4,500
Dodge Journey $3,500
Dodge Nitro $3,500
Dodge Ram 1500 $4,500
Dodge Ram 2500 $3,500
Jeep Commander $4,500
Jeep Compass $3,500
Jeep Grand Cherokee $4,500
Jeep Liberty $3,500
Jeep Patriot $3,500

Research Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles in the 2009 new car buyer's guide.

Chrysler Saves the Dodge Viper from Sale, Extinction

admin — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 01:29:00 GMT

As Chrysler was looking to divest itself of assets, the Dodge Viper was on the chopping block. It was shopped around, and reportedly there was interest from specialty car builders, though no can’t-refuse offer came. With a need to focus on fuel-efficient vehicles, it seemed the Viper chapter would be closed forever by December 2009.

However, Friday Chrysler announced the legendary sports car will live on, with production continuing at the Chrysler Group Conner Avenue Assembly Plant — the exclusive home of Dodge Viper production since 1995. To date, more than 25,000 Dodge Vipers have been built.

For 2009, the Dodge Viper SRT10 offers outrageous power, with an 8.4-liter, 600-horsepower V-10 engine contributing to blistering acceleration. Chrysler claims 0-60 mph in less than four seconds and 0-100-0 mph in the low 12-second range. It won’t be long before that powerplant and resulting performance seems truly exotic.

For those enthusiasts who have always considered the Dodge Viper to be out of reach, our used car marketplace shows more than 750 for sale right now, and many priced like a new Mustang. See Dodge Vipers for sale.

Read our 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2008 Dodge Viper reviews.

autoMedia CARnival July 3, 2009: What is happening this week in the auto blogs?

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:00:00 GMT

It's the week ending July 3, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. Gas prices and gas deals are a big incentive for car sales this week, as well as news on the status of the automotive industry.

It's a popular car with unpopular reviews! First Jeremy Clarkson blasted it, then Consumer Reports slammed its "ride quality, handling, interior noise, acceleration, rear-seat, access, and visibility," and now AutoBlog has given the 2010 Honda Insight another disappointing review, citing a bouncy ride and small interior space as its major flaws. Doesn't anybody have something GOOD to say about Honda's gas-electric hatchback? Read what we have to say about the Insight here at autoMedia.com

AutoBlogGreen has got a short report on the "Free Gas for Summer" promotion Suzuki is offering on all SX4s sold from now through August 31st, explaining that the purchaser really gets is a pre-paid credit card loaded up with $270 for the SX4 Sedan or $290 for the slightly less fuel efficient SX4 Crossover. Heck, it's a relatively pain-free way for Suzuki to advertise "Free Gas!" and it's still a few hundred bucks back in your pocket.

Free gas and cheap gas must be the hot keywords this week! AskPatty reports that Hyundai is offering a new Assurance program that guarantees a year's worth of gas at $1.49 per gallon on most Hyundai models leased or purchased between July 1 and August 31, 2009. With gas currently hovering around $3.00/gallon, this program could save Hyundai buyers about $500 a year.

Over at Jalopnik, if the article itself isn't entertaining enough, the commentary will get you every time! Which makes me wonder sometimes if their community might have more talent than their staff? NAH! Those guys have got some SKILLZ! Evidence of Jalopnik's true talent is found here in this informative article that describes five ways the new "Car Allowance Rebate System" auto sales incentive program could endanger consumers.

With General Motors officially terminating its joint-venture at the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. factory, LeftLaneNews says Toyota is weighing new plans for the California plant. While many options are currently on the table now that the Pontiac Vibe is a goner, Toyota could be alter the NUMMI plant to produce the company's popular Prius hybrid.

Speaking of Toyota, AutoSpies reports that Toyota has lost more money than either Ford or GM for the first three months of the year. In a short report full of numbers and statistics, AutoSpies says Ford has outsold Toyota for third month in a row, and that so far this year GM has outsold Toyota 947,518 to 770,449. Is it a twist of fate or justice served?

Want more information on those sale figures? The Detroit Bureau has a colorful graph comparing the top ten vehicle sales in the Domestic market from June 2008 to June 2009. Overall in June, Chrysler Group sales declined to 68,297 vehicles, a decrease of 42% compared with June 2008, while the market is down on average 37%. The Ford F-Series pickup remains a winner, leading sales in 2009, and in the top half of 2008.

Are you traveling with pets over the upcoming holiday weekend? Consider stopping by Mount Dora, Florida, a charming canine-friendly stopoff 20-some miles northwest of Orlando, where according to the dog-loving folks at AutomotiveTraveler "Yappy Hour" events are held at The Wine Den on the third Friday of every month to benefit the Humane Society of Lake County. Woof!

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Brandy Schaffels, Contributing Editor