Chrysler

Chrysler to Unveil Record Number of New Models in 2006 Date Posted 08-17-2005 AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — In his first major press briefing, Chrysler Group's incoming CEO, Tom LaSorda, said the automaker will continue its momentum with the rollout of "at least" 10 completely new models in 2006. LaSorda, who takes over January 1, 2006 when current CEO Dieter Zetsche returns to Germany to become chief executive of DaimlerChrysler AG, said next year's new-model launches will surpass the record set in 2004. "That's at least 10 completely new models, not refreshed ones," he told Inside Line and other media representatives, though he wouldn't c…

Click I'm not really feeling the new hadlights at all...I'm curious to see the interior to see if any changes at all were made...the streaming TV sounds cool, and another reason I love Sirius....I hope they launch a unit for retail that will make use of the streaming TV.

I heard from someone who works at the Brampton Assembly plant that they will make a purple colour and some others which I can't remember what they were.

Link: http://wardsauto.com/ar/auto_dueling_chrys...lants/index.htm

OK, so on a whim, I test-drove the Dodge Journey at my local (as in "across-the-street") Dodge dealership. Specs and options: - 3.5L V6. 6AT - MyGIG with video screen (also backup camera) - Only 5 seats (they didn't have a 7-seater on the lot) Interior impressions: - Decent interior, actually one of the best I've seen on recent Dodge offerings - Shifter has a weird downward angle... it's on an incline away from me instead of flat or toward me - Couldn't pull up the nav screen for some reason... I don't think the DVD was loaded, and so the option wasn't there... and just now, I realized that the LCD screen goes with the entertainment system and that the nav…

As you may have already have heard VW will be getting minivans from Chrysler or DCX as some may say. Well, I have heard a rumor that VW will try to increase its revenue in NA by outsourcing its platform to Chrysler Group. This is very interesting news if true. Remember that the Ford 500 is based on the Volvo S80 and the Ford Fusion is based off the Volvo S60. Also, remember that the Saab 9-3 & Opel is the basis from which the Epsilon came from. So, if the Jetta & Passat platforms are leased out to DCX for Chrysler Group. The Jetta may form the basis for the next gen Stratus/Sebring after the Galant based one is replaced. The Passat could be transformed into a Ford…

The United Auto Workers has announced today in a statement that 65 percent of members at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has rejected the proposed contract that was reached by the two parties last month. “As I said at the press conference: ‘What I love about our organization most of all is that no matter what we do, what action we take, the ultimate decision and the power of the union is our members and they make the final decision,’” said UAW President Dennis Williams. “That is the design of our constitution and who we are ... We don’t consider this a setback; we consider the membership vote a part of the process we respect.” The UAW will be meeting with national b…

Spied: 2008 Jeep Liberty The new Liberty seems to be shedding its soft, somewhat feminine appearance for a look that's more tough and in line with current Jeeps. One could describe it as a plus-sized Patriot. Read "FV Report: 2008 Jeep Liberty" @ Edmunds Straightline *Update at post #7.

Responding to word that Chrysler may begin selling off assets and brands soon, Chrysler Vice Chairman and President Tom LaSorda admitted that while the automaker is keen to consider parting with "non-earning assets" or assets that "may be coming due,'" Chrysler "...will not separate the brands from the company." That means that among other things, the struggling automaker may sell tooling for previous-generation vehicles or those on the way out, but it will not part with plants or nameplates. In a post on Chrysler's Firehouse media blog, LaSorda is quoted as saying "What was reported that we're in discussions to sell the Jeep brand is absolutely false... we will not sep…

I don't know if this has been confirmed or discussed much yet today but while I was going to the W.P. Chrysler Museum today, I got lost at the tech center. While we were trying to find the Museum again, we drove by a holding lot of their test cars I believe and what comes to my attention, a lime green Chery A1 sitting with all of the other Chryslers. However, I saw at least one or two more sitting there so Chrysler is indeed testing the possiblities. It doesn't appear they want to hide the car as there was no camo and and lime green stands out in a sea of silver and black cars. Also I saw a new Challenger today going north on I-75 between Squirrel road and Crooks Rd.

You can tell they were passionate about this car. Chrysler should put this kind of passion into all of its cars, including the midsizers, but forget them for now, behold, the Challenger in action And to quote edmunds:

Dealers finally feel heard at Chrysler By Sharon Silke Carty, USA TODAY link to Original Article Chrysler dealers are "more optimistic than we've been in the last 20 years," says John Schenden, who owns Pro Chrysler Jeep in Denver and serves as a spokesman for dealers. Chrysler dealers have a new outlook about their business, an emotion many say they haven't faced in decades: optimism. With new leadership in place — including Jim Press, a former top Toyota executive — struggling Chrysler is set to make a rapid recovery, dealers say. They're even embracing the idea that Chrysler has to reduce its number of dealers and offer fewer models, moves that in the past…

Chrysler out to increase vehicles' common parts The Chrysler Group wants to use even more common parts for its different families of vehicles to save money. Eric Ridenour, Chrysler chief operating officer, made the comments during a presentation Thursday to the Automotive Analysts of New York Auto Conference at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Dearborn. The Auburn Hills-based unit of DaimlerChrysler AG is putting together a restructuring plan to correct recent losses, which reached $1.5 billion in the third quarter last year. Chrysler Chief Executive Tom LaSorda has said he plans to announce the plan near the end of February. On Thursday, Ridenour told analysts that Chrysler…

From an article over at Allpar: The whole article, centered around the development of the second-generation Neon and PT Cruiser, went further than that into how and why Daimler was allowed to desecrate Chrysler. Going further ... More here: http://www.allpar.com/neon/engineering.html

Full Test: 2007 Dodge Caliber R/T AWD Vehicle Tested: 2007 Dodge Caliber R/T 4dr Wagon AWD (2.4L 4cyl CVT) MSRP of Test Vehicle: $21,450 Price It!! What Works: Feature-packed stereo, lots of content for the money, distinctive styling. What Needs Work: Poor fit and finish inside and out, MP3 jack lost if you buy the six-CD changer, 2.4-liter engine + CVT = slow. Bottom Line: Looks great on paper, lots of useful features, but falls short in performance and build quality. Caliber: Fully Loaded By Dan Edmunds Email Date posted: 05-10-2006 Times, they are a-changing. As gas prices lurch upward, small SUVs and crossovers are popping up everywhere. Five-door compact…

Source: Autoblog

Another Recall for the Grand Cherokee Chrysler is recalling 131,000 2000-2002 Jeep Grand Cherokees because of a defective engine fan. The blades on the cooling fan may fly off and injure anyone near. This is the second Grand Cherokee recall this week. On Monday, a recall for 111,600 2003-2004 GC's was issued because the front seats may catch fire. Couple that with the call for an investigation into Grand Cherokees for sudden acceleration issues and it seems like this is a pretty bad week for Jeep and their Grand Cherokee buyers. Read "Chrysler announces second Jeep recall in 2 days" @ Yahoo

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drive...icleId=108449#4

Chrysler Coupons: The Incentives Just Keep Coming AUBURN HILLS -- In a bid to end a difficult year on a strong note, the Chrysler Group has launched a massive direct mail campaign targeting more than 3 million Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler owners and consumers who drive competing brands. The Auburn Hills-based division of DaimlerChrysler AG is mailing coupons worth $1,000 to consumers that can be used in combination with existing incentives on many 2006 and 2007 model year vehicles. "That's some very aggressive stuff," said Jim Sanfilippo, a senior analyst with AMCI, a West Bloomfield-based automotive marketing firm. The direct mail offers, which are good through Jan. 2, c…

Chrysler may be sold in pieces to other companies October 22, 2008 9:46 AM ET Link to Article DETROIT (AP) - A person briefed on discussions about selling Chrysler LLC says the automaker could be sold in pieces to other companies. Chrysler's majority owner, Cerberus Capital Management LP, has been talking with General Motors Corp., the combined companies Nissan Motor Co.-Renault SA and other companies about selling Chrysler. The person said Tuesday night that many combinations are being discussed. The person asked not to be identified because the talks are private. Nissan seeks about 20 percent of Chrysler: paper October 22, 2008 6:07 AM ET Link to Article …

The Dodge Viper isn't for everyone. It's raw and brutal, and it takes a certain type of person to appreciate the its outlandish personality. Regardless of whether you like or dislike Dodge's flagship supercar, it's hard to argue against its capabilities. The Viper ACR is unmatched around the Nurburgring, besting the Corvette ZR1 and much more expensive supercars like the Maserati MC12, Pagani Zonda F and Ferrari Enzo. Apparently, it's quite a drag racer too, according to one owner who took out his brand new, bone stock Viper SRT10 Convertible with just 100 miles on the odometer and ripped off a 10.92-second quarter mile. Most media outlets have tested the Viper's 1/4 mi…

Head over to Jalopnik for some spy photos of a Nitro SRT8. Chrysler can't seriously be thinking of bringing an SRT8-badged Dodge Nitro to market, can they? Well, if this latest batch of spy photos from the spy shooters at KGP are right, then they are. But they can't be! Seriously. It's inconceivable. We don't care where they found this manufacturer-plated madness (right outside of the Firehouse in downtown Detroit) or what it has slapped on the back (an SRT8 badge), but it's hard to argue with photographic evidence. We'll assume it's an engineer having a little bit of fun or perhaps another media outlet playing around with the cameras. Because seriously -- it's got to b…

The first '69 Dodge Charger to portray The Dukes of Hazzard's "General Lee" returns to its flight line By John Pearley Huffman Date posted: 02-06-2007 By now, The Dukes of Hazzard and the orange '69 Dodge Charger called the General Lee are as much a part of American culture as hamburgers and pickup trucks. And everyone knows the theme song. But Indianapolis disc jockey Travis Bell has taken enthusiasm for The Dukes well beyond mere fandom. This guy has crossed into the realm of obsession. Already a co-founder of the North American General Lee Fan Club and the owner of a General Lee replica, Travis solidified his status as king of the Dukes fans in 2003 when he took …

Mercedes "Gullwing" 300SL possibly to make a comeback. http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-ga...ullwing-concept

Forbes Article This is interesting.... It says they have discussing splitting the company for 2 months! Market Scan Analysts Scoff At Chrysler Spin-off Parmy Olson, 02.12.07, 5:35 PM ET Like someone who has resorted to digging around the back of their couch for spare change, DaimlerChrysler is in such dire need of funds that it should now spin off its loss-making Chrysler unit for the extra cash it could bring in. DaimlerChrysler (nyse: DCX - news - people ) shareholder DWS said in an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung said that Daimler, which divested part of EADS last week, should consider carving off Chrysler. "It would be irresponsible f…

Give It Away, Now: Chrysler's Crazy Lease Deals Chrysler's going to give people cavities and diabetes if they sweeten their deals any more. DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group is leasing 2006 model year vehicles at a drastically higher rate than crosstown rivals General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. as it works to unload a glut of new cars and trucks. Lease deals can help automakers boost sales because they typically offer lower monthly payments. Dealers say Chrysler is making lease deals on 2006 models even more attractive by lowering lease interest rates, relaxing credit requirements and raising vehicles' residual values. It's good news for car buyers who can l…

Caliber SE First Drive: 2007 Dodge Caliber Review and photos by Paul Williams We're seeing some really innovative vehicles on the Canadian market these days, and here's another clever take on a popular category. If you're looking for a value-packed compact car, the new 2007 Dodge Caliber should be right up there on your shopping list. What's so special about it? Plenty. continue: http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/pw/07caliber.htm

Compass Advertising Still as Bad as Ever The gang of Hip Hop-thumping bobbleheads that cruised town in television spots for the new Jeep Compass last summer are no more. They've been replaced by City Man, a figure created from street signs and scrapped urban parts with a penchant for surfing and yoga. The new print and television ad campaign, dubbed "Urban Playground," is aimed at young, urban buyers. A television spot -- showing a Jeep Compass zipping through urban streets, creating a swirl of wind that amasses urban fixtures to create City Man, began airing nationwide on Jan. 15. The 30-second spot showed up on the Web site, YouTube.com, on Friday. "Urban Playgrou…

TCC Test: 2007 Dodge Nitro The Nitro is a striking piece of design. But cars today have to have substance as well as style, and while it may have a leg up in fashion, in driveability it's got its work cut out to topple the likes of the Escape and Santa Fe. Read "A sharper turn in the fight for Liberty." @ The Car Connection

Why is Chrysler giving overtime when overstocked? Workers expect longer-than-usual winter shutdowns at Chrysler Group plants that make such oversupplied vehicles as the Dodge Ram pickup and Jeep Commander SUV, following several weeks of overtime. By the end of this week, hourly workers who build the Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee at Jefferson North in Detroit will have worked the equivalent of an extra week and a half -- at overtime pay rates -- since their last shutdown this fall, according to company production schedules. And workers at St. Louis North, who build the Dodge Ram, will have worked almost two weeks' worth of overtime in the 10 weeks since their last…

Here's a snippet from Allpar, looks like the Phoenix engines are indeed slated for the Challenger when they become available... http://www.allpar.com/cars/dodge/challenger.html

Remember 'Smash that Viper!'? Well, sibling-site Adjab posted about some 'good ole boys' who are performing a similar stunt with their 1997 Dodge Neon Sport (pictured). Dodge kinship aside, the stakes hardly seem as high, eh? The GOBs are auctioning ad space on the Neon over on eBay, with the winner getting their logos, website, etc., posted all over the Caliber predecessor. On April 29th, the Neon will meet a gristly death in the form of a 150' cliff. The results will be recorded and broadcast on the auctioneers' website, while covered by television stations and newspaper reporters. When the sellers were asked why they were engaging in such a stunt, they replied, "...f…

Chrysler Confident in Minivans, Market Soccer moms and dads, take note: Rumors of the minivan's death have been greatly exaggerated. Even as Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp. plan to ditch their minivans in favor of newly popular crossover vehicles, Chrysler Group, which invented the minivan in 1984, is preparing to unveil its next models, and it's counting on high-volume sales. The automaker will offer a peek at its 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan at the 2007 North American International Auto Show at Cobo Hall in just a few weeks. Even if you're not a fan of the van, Chrysler and analysts and suppliers who've seen it or been told about it s…

Found this browsing through the Chrysler Media site Mods: Please remove this if I'm not allowed to post it.

Pacifica

We'll expose the details on the 200X Dodge Challenger including when we can expect to see it, where it will be made, how many Chrysler plans to sell and what we expect GM to do and can do right now to counter the "rumored" arrival of the Challenger. Once again, that's coming up soon on C&G as staff members chime in with the latest and greatest brainstorming ideas on what we believe GM could do to stem the sales success of a production Challenger.

For once, I'm not going to completely bash Chrysler, just going to bitch for a minute. I want a Wrangler, have for years, I've been going through all the scenarios that will permit me to buy a new one next spring, and weighing possible other purchases, the FJ Cruiser when talking new, and a number of small, convertible SUVs when talking used. An Amigo would be my first choice, but I have a soft spot for the Tracker/Sidekick and would think hard about a RAV4 or Sportage vert. Back to the Wrangler, specifically where Jeep is going to lose my sale. Jeep offers 3 models of the Wrangler 2-door, the X, Sahara and Rubicon. MyGig is a must, and its only available on the t…

Despite a recent profit rebound, Chrysler will continue to cut costs to offset rising raw material and health care expenses and is not ruling out a reduction in its white-collar workforce, a top company official said Wednesday. "There's going to be no massive hiring, that's for sure," Tom LaSorda, the newly-named chief executive of Chrysler, said in a meeting with reporters at the automaker's Auburn Hills headquarters. The Auburn Hills unit of DaimlerChrysler expects to reduce some costs as white-collar employees retire and are backfilled with younger workers at lower pay grades. Some positions may be left open, but employment is expected…

Anyone want to see some pics? We just got a bunch of zone units in for Chrysler. The Patriot seems real cheep on the inside and feels weak on take off. The Avenger isn't bad IMO.

Source: Autoblog

Looks HOT! http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/12/18/chr...assau-concepts/

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I doubt this concerns too many here, and not really even myself, but something I thought of, and I need to see what others think/feel/believe/know. The first and second generation JA (Clouds) cars featured suspensions that were of a Front high-arm with anti-sway bar, and Rear low-arm multilink with sway bar, or as Chrysler also calls it, "Modified Double-Wishbone Suspension". Not only unique in the midsize segment which features mostly a MacPherson strut/Multilink setup, I've read that this sort of suspension also costs a little more to produce. However, with the next generation of the Clouds nearly upon us, I have to wonder. This platform was codeveloped with Mit…

Pricing: 2007 Jeep Patriot Chrysler Group today announced that the U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for its all-new 2007 Jeep® Patriot is $14,985 (including $560 destination). The Jeep Patriot is a classic-styled Jeep that delivers best-in-class capability, 30 miles per gallon (mpg) fuel economy, safety and interior flexibility. "With Patriot, Jeep continues to expand globally by offering a fun-to- drive, fuel-efficient and affordably priced Jeep vehicle designed to appeal to youthful customers and people with active lifestyles who may have always wanted a Jeep vehicle but, until now, may not have been able to afford one," said George Murphy, Senior …

If you ever rent a midsize from Advantage Rent a Car, you will most likely get a 2-door Chrysler Sebring hardtop coupe instead of the Stratus 4-door which is ubiqutous in other fleets. My first impression is that this is a decent looking car. (I don't like the convertible). However, in pricing it, it is not competitive with a much more substantial purchase like a LaCrosse or Impala. Plus, for some unknown reason, the price differential between their 4 doors and the coupe is an eye-opener. Plus side: Good looks, nice instrument area, fun to drive Negative side: Price/value, C/R does not like it, not the most practical However, I voted YES. There are very fe…

someone here was advertising a new Caliber with air and CVT auto for ZERO down and 227 a month........ its a new car in demand and they are already going to the aggressive lease? WOW that's ballsy. they will move a ton of them and they are hot already.

http://www.germancarfans.com/news.cfm/newsid/2050907.003 .26drag cd Harmon Kardon audio

I noticed something curious about new Chryco vehicles. When the turn signal is on the daytime running light turns off on that particular side. When I first saw this, I thought their headlight was burnt out. Now I see this on them all. Does anyone know why they did this? It looks so odd.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 25, 2013 The Chrysler IPO will not happen this year. Forbes is reporting that Fiat has decided to not to launch the initial public offering of Chrysler before the end of 2013, citing that the short window before the end of 2013 is "not practicable." Not surprisingly, the hold up on the IPO is the disagreement between Fiat and the UAW's healthcare trust. Fiat currently owns 58.5 percent of Chrysler, while the trust owns the remaining 41.5 percent. The company wants to buy the trust's share, but for how much is what the two cannot come to an agreement. The IPO was going to be the way of figuring out how much the …

General Motors isn't the only automaker that is dealing with problems with the ignition switch. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced it is investigating the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Dodge Journey from the 2008 to 2010 model years due to ignition switch problems. NHTSA says they have been receiving complaints that the key can can shift from the “run” to the “accessory” mode while the vehicle is on the move. "While in this intermediate position, harsh roadway conditions or driver interaction with the ignition key can cause the switch to move to the ACC position which may disable the frontal air bags in a crash where…

Edmunds Drives the Compass It should be noted as a general rule, I try to find the best picture of a car to use when I post a news entry. This was quite a task with the Compass because it is in my opinion, the worst-looking SUV since the Aztek (yes, it has dethroned the X3). This is about the only image where the thing doesn't look completely pug-fugly. I could wax lyrical about the Compass' looks all day but of course, you clicked this thread to read Edmunds' take on it, not mine. So without further rambling, here you go: Read "First Drive: 2007 Jeep Compass" @ Edmunds Damn, what an ugly car...

Saw one driving the other day on the highway (hwy 400 for the Ontarians). No pics though. called my buddy at Brampton to confirm this was OEM and not some afftermarket mod, and he said its true. If anything were to take me away from GM, this is it. Its pure, unadulterated sex I tell ya.

Sorry no pics at this time, but it was cool looking. It had bulged out fenders front and rear. The intercooler for the turbo was in plain site, the front bumper looked to be a little cobbled on to fit around the intercooler. It had quite a large tailpipe on it, like something you would see on a local rice burner that makes a lot of noise but goes no where fast. The guy in the car was hauling ass so I had to haul ass too, to keep up with him. He actually got on it a lot to get away from me because he spotted me eyeing it, too much for him I guess! Nice exhaust sound though, very deep sounding. The wheels did not look production, I would say they were anywhere from 17-18" w…

Keep Careful Watch of Chery Chrysler will closely monitor quality of Chinese-built vehicles By BRADFORD WERNLE | Link to Original Article @ AutoWeek | Published 07/16/07, 10:51 am et DETROIT -- To ensure that China-built vehicles with Chrysler brands meet global quality standards, Chrysler personnel will be on the scene early and often during manufacturing and development. "We're very prepared to have a lot of people involved early in the process," Steven Landry, Chrysler's executive vice president for NAFTA sales, global marketing, service and parts, said Thursday, July 12, at a press event here. "We'd like to play in all the volume segments," Landry said. "With Ch…

Something tells me that there will be photos of a few extra Commanders and Dodge Rams with the same fate! Chysler_Fleeting.bmp

On Friday, we brought you the news that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles would be pulling Chrysler and Dodge from South Africa. "This unfortunate situation has arisen from our principals in the USA no longer building Chrysler or Dodge vehicles in Right Hand Drive configuration," the company told Wheels24. But there was a wrench thrown into this story, courtesy of FCA's Australian office. “I am not at liberty to comment on South Africa’s decision. What I can tell you is that Australia will continue to sell the right-hand drive Chrysler 300 as an ongoing product in our lineup. In relation to Dodge, at this stage, this brand is represented as a parts and service ope…

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 30, 2013 Today, Chrysler announced its earnings for 2012 and the results are staggering. The company reported a net income of $1.7 billion, up substantially from minuscule $183 million profit earned in 2011. Chrysler also saw their 4th quarter net income increase from $225 million in 2011 to $378 million in 2012. The massive increases is due to Chrysler's market share increasing to 11.4%. Chrysler also unveiled a updated product plan for all of its brands. The big news is that Chrysler and Dodge have dropped their Fiat-based models. Instead, Fiat will introduce five new models including compact and subcompact …

Clicky So, I guess we know the Avenger will have standard side curtains and torso airbags.

Chrysler Cuts Will Bind It More to Benz Deeper integration on tap as Daimler tries to fix Chrysler. by Joseph Szczesny (2007-02-05) DaimlerChrysler intends to tie together the company's German and American wings more tightly than ever under the new plan for reviving the fortunes of the ailing Chrysler Group. The Financial Times reported the rescue plan would include greater use of common components and systems by both the Chrysler Group and Mercedes-Benz Group. The use of common components has been a contentious issue since the merger was first proposed in 1998 but it has gradually become more acceptable as both groups have faced intense cost pressures. The Wa…

A little respect, please The 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible doesn't have to be a true luxury car to hit the mark in its segment, but it sure wouldn't hurt. Up to now, you've most likely encountered the Chrysler Sebring convertible on a rental car lot. Middle-management executives across the country invariably anticipate a summertime business trip with the refrain, "We can take the Sebring!" Unfortunately it's not necessarily a gesture of respect, especially when it comes out of the mouths of people like the self-absorbed boss featured in The Office. It's no wonder the all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible is clearly reaching several steps above the outgoing …

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Featu...icleId=115459#4

Right from the firehouse... The small, youthful, capable and fun 2007 Jeep ® Compass can carry a lot of things, but it won't have to tote the baggage of sticker shock. Base price is $15,985, which includes the $560 destination cost. Compass 4x4 models start at $17,585 including the destination cost. The Compass rolls into showrooms in the third quarter of this year. Thursday morning, Joe Eberhardt, Chrysler Group Executive Vice President, Global Sales, Marketing and Service, took questions from reporters at the Whistle Stop Cafe in Birmingham, Mich., a Detroit suburb. Over a hearty breakfast and good, strong java, Eberhardt fed the group of auto beat scribes plenty…

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/16/autoblo...er-first-w-vid/ Ron Flint, president of Hurst Performance, is quick to let you know that founder George Hurst's original intent was to make hot rods for gentlemen. It is ironic, then, that for the revived company's 50th anniversary, it has thrown its energies into a car that isn't a hot rod, and certainly isn't for gentlemen: a Dodge Viper. Leaving the heart of the beast well enough alone, Hurst merely tinkered with some oily bits, stuffed the thing with leather, and then slathered it in a hue something like a monochrome sunset. Autoblog was invited to be the first to drive the Hurst 50th Anniversary Dodge Viper, and you k…

NYPD Adds 'General Lee' Muscle Car Descendent, 2006 Dodge Charger, to Its Fleet By TOM HAYS Associated Press Writer NEW YORK (AP) -- The New York Police Department is adding some muscle to its car fleet: the 2006 Dodge Charger, whose 1969 model is best remembered for outrunning a hapless sheriff in "The Dukes of Hazzard." The department plans to buy 15 police versions of the car for a pilot program that will begin this summer, officials said Thursday. With so many flashy foreign cars on the road, speed matters, said Leonard Lesko, the NYPD's director of fleet services. "The car that does 110 mph doesn't do it anymore," Lesko said. In a recent analysis by Michigan…

Story here Accidental leak to Toyota, sorta interesting.

http://goauto.carsales.au/mellor/mellor.ns...A2570660017AC20 New Mitsubishi Triton (foremerly known as the 1987-96 Mighty Max in a previous generartion, then the basing of the 1997-2004 Montero Sport SUV) in Australia. Looks very stylish, a bit smaller than Dakota-based Raider, which I think they did a nice job with. Mitusbishi has styling potential, I just don't see it in the horrifyingly ugly 20067 Eclipse.

Jeep "Cherokee" on KM77.com

http://www.thecarconnection.com/Auto_News/...11934.html?pg=1 One Article from Flint that is actually good.

Edmund's Insideline previews the Chrysler Nassau and Jeep Trailhawk concepts from Chrysler Corp. and how they came to be. Chrysler- Sometimes Inspiration Really Does Come Standard Chrysler Nassau Introduction Jeep Trailhawk Introduction

Financial Times story Daimler set to sell Chrysler stake to Cerberus By Daniel Schäfer and John Reed Published: September 24 2008 23:00 | Last updated: September 24 2008 23:00 Daimler is preparing to sell its remaining minority stake in ailing US carmaker Chrysler to private equity group Cerberus, in a move that would mark the final act of a 10-year-long combination. The German premium car group on Wednesday confirmed it was in talks with Cerberus, which bought the majority of Chrysler more than a year ago, about a sale of Daimler’s 19.9 per cent stake in the US company. Daimler declined to comment on further details and did not give any explanation about the…

Chrysler to shut down plants for a full month by Chris Shunk on Dec 17th 2008 at 6:28PM Link to Autoblog It's no secret that Chrysler is in the fight of its life, and the Auburn Hills automaker is pulling out all the stops to keep the lights on -- even if it means closing the doors. Chrysler is shuttering all of its plants for one month, beginning December 19. In a short release to the media, Chrysler blamed the continued credit crunch as the main reason for the shutdown, and is trying to better-align its vehicle stock with customer demand. Dealers have notified the Pentastar that they've got plenty of perspective buyers, but an astonishing 20-25% of customers are un…

STUTTGART — Spy photographs suggest DaimlerChrysler's Dodge subsidiary may be working on a hot-rod version of its forthcoming Nitro SUV, perhaps a model from the Chrysler Group's high-performance SRT brand. But Dodge executives are still evaluating the possibility of such a model and say it's too early to make a decision. A Dodge spokeswoman told Inside Line, "I can't imagine" the company would do a Nitro SRT. The base-model Nitro will come out next year as a 2007 model. Although recent reports have said the Nitro will go into production in about a year, a different Dodge spokeswoman told Inside Line that production could come sooner. She added, "I would think [the pro…

Today marks a big occasion for Chrysler as it becomes a part of Fiat fully. The Italian automaker announced today in a statement that they have completed the purchase of Chrysler and "is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fiat". This comes three weeks after an announcement made by Fiat which said they had come to an agreement with the UAW's VEBA Trust to purchase the remaining 41.46 percent of Chrysler. The agreement states that Fiat would pay $4.35 billion for the shares. The next step for Fiat and Chrysler will take place on January 29th. That is when the board is scheduled to meet and discuss terms of the merger, including including the corporate organization, location…