Intrepidation

I just finished and filed them today...so yay me.

While the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee wowed the crowds in New York, what lies beneath could be a key to Chrysler's recovery. The new 3.6-liter V6, called Pentastar after the company's five-pointed-star logo, replaces seven – count 'em, seven – of Chrysler's aging engines, and stands as the outcome of several years of development. The all-aluminum DOHC Pentastar V6, as applied in the new Jeep, offers a 33% increase in power and 11% improvement in the torque department over the engine it replaces, for a husky 280 horsepower and 260 lb-ft -- all while returning 11% better fuel economy and helping Chrysler trim its overall, range-wide CAFE emissions by two miles per gallon by 2015. But the key to the engine's success could be its flexibility: not only is it designed as a flex-fuel engine, burning either gasoline or E85 ethanol with no effect on either output or emissions (no mean feat in and of itself), but the new Pentastar will find its way into a wide variety of vehicles, including Chryslers, Dodges and Jeeps, but also Alfa Romeos. That ought to serve as an extra bargaining chip in the vital negotiations between Chrysler LLC and the Fiat Group. Under the pending reciprocal arrangement between Detroit and Turin, the Pentastar could end up motivating several new Alfas, including the replacements to the 159 and Brera, to name just two, while Chrysler reaps the rewards in the form of Fiat Powertrain Technologies' advanced fours. Follow the jump to read more about the new Pentastar V6 in the press release and click the image on the right for a high-res pic. Autoblog PRESS RELEASE Chrysler LLC Introduces All-new Pentastar V-6 Engine Refined, more fuel-efficient V-6 engine to debut in all-new 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee The all-new Pentastar V-6 is the most advanced six-cylinder engine in the history of Chrysler, with an ideal integration of select technologies that deliver refinement, fuel efficiency and performance All-new flexible-fuel 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 to replace seven current V-6 engines, resulting in flexibility, efficient operations and significant cost savings to the company New Chrysler Pentastar V-6 to deliver fuel efficiency improvement of up to 8 percent on average compared with previous Chrysler V-6 engines New Pentastar V-6 will contribute a 2 mpg increase to Chrysler's CAFE by 2015 New York, Apr 8, 2009 - Chrysler LLC introduced today an all-new line of V-6 engines that will improve fuel efficiency across the Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge lineup by 8 percent on average compared with previous Chrysler V-6 engines. This more refined and fuel-efficient V-6 engine will ultimately replace seven current Chrysler V-6 engines. The new 3.6-liter V-6 engine-named Pentastar-is part of the company's overall $3 billion powertrain offensive. It will first be offered in the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, unveiled today at the New York International Auto Show and at the Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. "Chrysler's all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine will offer our customers improved fuel economy, refinement and increased performance across the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicle lineup," said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President-Product Development, Chrysler LLC. "At the same time, replacing seven current engines with one engine will result in increased flexibility, more efficient operations and significant cost savings to the company." The Pentastar is an all-new design, featuring double-overhead camshafts (DOHC) and a high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block in a 60-degree configuration. In the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine will deliver 280 horsepower (209 kW) at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. (353 N•m) of torque at 4,800 rpm-an increase of 33 percent in horsepower and 11 percent in torque over its predecessor-while providing an 11 percent fuel economy improvement. "The all-new Pentastar is the most advanced six-cylinder engine Chrysler has ever offered," said Bob Lee, Vice President-Powertrain Product Team. "This new family of engines uses an architecture conceived with future technology growth and integration in mind." The new Pentastar V-6 also will contribute a 2 mpg increase to Chrysler's CAFE by 2015, resulting in fewer greenhouse gas emissions and a reduction in oil dependence. Customers Benefit: Fuel Efficiency, Refinement, Quality, Low Cost of Ownership During the initial goal setting for the Pentastar program, Chrysler engineers benchmarked the industry's leading engines to set functional targets. The result is an all-new engine that delivers truly world-class customer attributes. Chrysler's all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine design features a double-overhead cam (DOHC), narrow included valve angle, cylinder head and high-flow intake and exhaust ports. This design, combined with dual independent cam phasing, allows optimum volumetric and combustion efficiency over the full speed and load range, resulting in an exceptional, flat torque curve along with high specific power-the engine's torque exceeds 90 percent of its peak value from 1,600 to 6,400 rpm-which will provide customers with outstanding drivability and responsiveness, without the need for premium fuel. "Similar to what we did with the HEMI® engine, our engineers used the best combination of design features and technologies to create an engine that satisfies customer requirements," Lee added. "The elegantly simple design maximizes the functionality of each design element rather than adding technology to claim a feature. The result gives our customers everything they demand from an engine today-class-leading levels of refinement, fuel-efficiency, performance and cost of ownership." The advanced oil filter system eliminates oil spills and contains an incinerable filter element-more efficient disposal than the typical spin-on filters, which are disposed of in landfill sites. The use of long-life spark plugs and a high-energy coil-on-plug ignition system also helps to reduce cost of ownership. The Pentastar V-6 is designed to run on regular gasoline, offering a 10 percent reduction in fuel cost compared with premium fueled engines. The engine also is fully flex fuel capable, offering consumers the choice of gasoline or E85 fuel without any degradation in performance or emissions. The new state-of-the-art Trenton (Mich.) Engine South Plant will be the lead facility for production of the Pentastar V-6 engine. A duplicate, new facility in Saltillo, Mexico, will ramp up for the 2012 model year. All-new Chrysler 3.6-liter, DOHC, 24-valve Pentastar V-6 Technical Specifications Displacement: 3.6 liters Bore x stroke: 96 x 83 mm Valve train system: Double-overhead cam with roller finger followers and hydraulic lash adjusters. Dual independent cam-torque actuated phasers Fuel injection: Multi-point port fuel injection Construction: High-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block and semi-permanent mold aluminum cylinder head Maximum engine speed: 7200 rpm Fuel requirement: E85 (Ethanol) or unleaded regular, 87 octane (R+M)/2 Emission capability: PZEV

So, I may have located a potential donor from one of the junkyards. It's a `01 300M with 107,000 miles on it. It was in a front end collision which damaged teh radiator but doesn't appear to have damaged the engine. They started it up for me, and it sounded good...but I need to hear what one in top running order sounds liek to I can compare. I'm going to go back tomorrow and have them do a compression test. If it checks out, they're willing to sell me it, the brain, wiring harness, and accessories and such for about $900 The same car also had chrome window switches, which I took out but forgot my debit card at home so I have to get them tomorrow. They should brighten up the cabin nicely. I discovered something really cool (to me). For one year only (2001) there was a special edition 300M that featured a shift knob with a chrome insert. I think it looks fantastic. However they only made this edition 300M for a few months and it is the only car to have it. Needless to say it's highly sought after. There's only one on eBay. The chrome is scratched up and the leather is worn but it's current bid is $193 with three days left!

I won't buy anything unless I know I have the actual money for it.

Yeah, but you gave up.

I've heard that Macco can be alright, but it's very hit or miss and seems to depend largely on the quality of the people working at the shop. Of course this qualifies for every shop I guess...I just want to know that the paint/clearcoat and such that goes on their will look good and last.

That's a Jeep grill. The 7 slot grill has been around before Hummer even existed. :wink:

The best kind of hybrid. :wink:

You know that's not how I work. Cost effective VS another car or deprecation in value matters not to me. Thanks for the info so far. I'm expecting it would cost at least $3,000 for a decent paint job. So if it's higher than that I won't be surprised, if it's a little lower I won't complain.

Full Article and Gallery

Since Ocn is in the biz I figured he would know, but anyone with info please share. So I'm looking at photos of my car and I have to say...they depress the hell out of me. The driver's side looks terrible. There's the scrapes in fender and front door from when it was hit by a POS Protege, there's the scrapes left by that Integra that hit it, and over the winter someone scraped it further with the snow blower. The replacement door is an improvement over the huge dent the original had, but it got scraped from the snow blower too. As well, I'm not sure if the door or the rub strip or both are misaligned...but I hate it so much. Also the paint shades are different. The rear bumper also has scrapes on it. The passenger side is in better shape. I think it has a dent in the lower portion of the rear door...but that's it besides the dings and such. There's also fitment issues where the rear bumper sags somewhat, and the hood doesn't line up level with the passenger fender. As far as rust goes, the only spot I know of is the sport on the driver's door frame where it looks like paint chipped off somehow. It's been like that since day one...and hasn't gotten any worse. Basically...I want, if possible, a rough ballpark of what it would cost to fix all of this and give it a good paint job. I don't want a $h!ty Macco one...I want one that will last. I want to keep it blue, but a deeper metallic hue like how it is in my sig. This is priority #2...right after the new engine...so I'd just like to get an idea if possible of how much I'll need to save. If more detail photos are needed I'll be happy to provide.

It Burns!!

QFT

I learned (well I already knew but I'm using it as an excuse) that skimming over before reading the whole thing posts can have fun effects K.C. I read your first post as "too many cocks" and the saw the word "daughter" and thought you were explaining how she became pregnant.

Yeah, I do what I can to not spend much. Sometimes I break down and buy something I actually want rather than just paying bills endlessly...but I refuse to get a credit card. Student loans are enough debt thank you very much. I also hunt for deals for the things I want...like leather seats for $120 plus stuff I can (and still need to) sell.

That must be painful.

I always liked this color combo:

I don't know if any of you have been following this, but I have since the story broke. It's about time they used force and got him back.

MOMBASA, Kenya -- U.S. Navy snipers opened fire and killed three pirates holding an American captain at gunpoint, delivering the skipper unharmed and ending a five-day high-seas hostage drama on Easter Sunday. Capt. Richard Phillips was in "imminent danger" of being killed before snipers shot the pirates in an operation authorized by President Barack Obama, Vice Adm. Bill Gortney said. He said the pirates were armed with AK-47s and small-caliber pistols and were pointing the rifles at the captain when the commander of the nearby USS Bainbridge gave the order to open fire. Gortney, the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, said the White House had given "very clear guidance and authority" to take action if Phillips' life was in danger. Phillips' crew, who said they had escaped after he offered himself as a hostage, erupted in cheers aboard their ship docked in Mombasa, Kenya. Some waved an American flag and fired flares in celebration. Phillips, 53, of Underhill, Vermont, was not hurt in several minutes of gunfire and the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet said he was resting comfortably on a U.S. warship after receiving a medical exam. "I'm just the byline. The real heroes are the Navy, the Seals, those who have brought me home," Phillips said by phone to Maersk Line Limited President and CEO John Reinhart, the company head told reporters. A photo released by the Navy showed Phillips unharmed and shaking hands with the commanding officer of the Bainbridge Obama said Phillips had courage that was "a model for all Americans" and he was pleased about the rescue, adding that the United States needs help from other countries to deal with the threat of piracy and to hold pirates accountable. The Defense Department twice asked Obama for permission to use military force to rescue Phillips, most recently late Friday evening, U.S. officials said. On Saturday morning, Obama signed off on the Pentagon's request, as he had a day earlier, said the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. The Navy said Phillips was freed at 7:19 p.m. local time. He was taken aboard the Norfolk, Virginia-based Bainbridge and then flown to the San Diego-based USS Boxer for the medical exam, 5th Fleet spokesman Lt. Nathan Christensen said. Gortney said Richard Phillips was found to be in good health and suffered no apparent injuries despite being "tied up inside the lifeboat" over much of the ordeal. The USS Boxer was in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Somalia, Christensen said. U.S. officials said a fourth pirate had surrendered and was in military custody. FBI spokesman John Miller said that would change as the situation became "more of a criminal issue than a military issue." A spokeswoman for the Phillips family, Alison McColl, said Phillips and his wife, Andrea, spoke by phone shortly after he was freed. "I think you can all imagine their joy and what a happy moment that was for them," McColl said outside of the Phillips home in Underhill. "They're all just so happy and relieved. Andrea wanted me to tell the nation that all of your prayers and good wishes have paid off because Capt. Phillips is safe." When Phillips' crew heard the news aboard their ship in the port of Mombasa, they placed an American flag over the rail of the top of the Maersk Alabama and whistled and pumped their fists in the air. Crew fired two bright red flares into the sky from the ship. "We made it!" said crewman ATM Reza, pumping his fist in the air. "He managed to be in a 120-degree oven for days, it's amazing," said another of about a dozen crew members who came out to talk to reporters. He said the crew found out the captain was released because one of the sailors had been talking to his wife on the phone. Crew members said their ordeal had begun Wednesday with the Somali pirates hauling themselves up from a small boat bobbing on the surface of the Indian Ocean far below. As the pirates shot in the air, Phillips told his crew to lock themselves in a cabin and surrendered himself to safeguard his men, crew members said. Phillips was then held hostage in an enclosed lifeboat that was closely watched by U.S. warships and a helicopter in an increasingly tense standoff. The pirates were believed armed with pistols and AK-47 assault rifles. On Friday, the French navy freed a sailboat seized off Somalia last week by other pirates, but one of the five hostages was killed. Capt. Joseph Murphy, the father of second-in-command Shane Murphy, thanked Phillips for his bravery. "Our prayers have been answered on this Easter Sunday," Murphy said. "If not for his incredible personal sacrifice, this kidnapping and act of terror could have turned out much worse." Murphy said both his family and Phillips' "can now celebrate a joyous Easter together." "This was an incredible team effort, and I am extremely proud of the tireless efforts of all the men and women who made this rescue possible" Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, said in a statement. He called Phillips and his crew "heroic." Talks to free Phillips began Thursday with the captain of the USS Bainbridge talking to the pirates under instruction from FBI hostage negotiators on board the U.S. destroyer. The pirates had threatened to kill Phillips if attacked. A government official and others in Somalia with knowledge of the situation had reported hours earlier that negotiations for Phillips' release had broken down. Three U.S. warships were within easy reach of the lifeboat on Saturday. The U.S. Navy had assumed the pirates would try to get their hostage to shore, where they could have hidden him on Somalia's lawless soil and been in a stronger position to negotiate a ransom. "The Somali government wanted the drama to end in a peaceful way, but any one who is involved in this latest case had the choice to use violence or other means," Abdulkhadir Walayo, the prime minister's spokesman, told The Associated Press. "Any way, we see it will be a good lesson for the pirates or any one else involved in this dirty business." Jamac Habeb, a 30-year-old pirate, said that the killing of the three pirates was "a painful experience." "This is unfortunate action and our friends should have done more to kill the captain before they were killed. This will be a good lesson for us," Habeb told the AP from one of Somalia's piracy hubs, Eyl. Residents of Harardhere, another port and pirate stronghold, were gathering in the streets after news of the captain's release, saying they fear pirates may now retaliate against some of the 200 hostages they still hold. "We fear more that any revenge taken by the pirates against foreign nationals could bring more attacks from the foreign navies, perhaps on our villages," Abdullahi Haji Jama, who owns a clothes store in Harardhere, told the AP by telephone. Phillips jumped out of the lifeboat Friday and tried to swim for his freedom but was recaptured when a pirate fired an automatic weapon at or near him, according to U.S. Defense Department officials speaking on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to talk about the unfolding operations. Early Saturday, the pirates holding Phillips in the lifeboat fired a few shots at a small U.S. Navy vessel that had approached, a U.S. military official said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. The official said the U.S. sailors did not return fire, the Navy vessel turned away and no one was hurt. He said the vessel had not been attempting a rescue. The district commissioner of the central Mudug region said talks on freeing Phillips had gone on all day Saturday, with clan elders from his area talking by satellite telephone and through a translator with Americans, but collapsed late Saturday night. Phillips' crew of 19 American sailors reached safe harbor in Kenya's northeast port of Mombasa about the same time under guard of U.S. Navy Seals, exhilarated by their freedom but mourning the absence of Phillips. Pirates are holding about a dozen ships with more than 200 crew members, according to the Malaysia-based piracy watchdog International Maritime Bureau. Hostages are from Bulgaria, China, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, the Philippines, Russia, Taiwan, Tuvalu and Ukraine, among other countries. A spokesman for the German anti-piracy operation told the AP that the U.S. did not give any clue as to its plans in regard to the ship captain. He had no details on the fate of the German freighter Hansa Stavanger, which was captured earlier this month or on the fate of its 24 crew of five Germans, three Russians, two Ukrainians, two Filipinos and 12 Tuvalu residents. http://www2.whdh.com/news/articles/world/BO110240/

Rather than starting another thread, I thought I'd just post this photo I happen to like how it turned out (my sig now) I only wish it was as easy in life as it is in Photoshop to fix all of the starches and small dents, and align the door trim. The above photo was edited using HDR and PS to clean it up...here's the original. And with that, I think the shade of blue I ended up with is the color I want to repaint it.

I think it's about time my car returned to my sig

Give me something to work with K.C. (general idea)

The worse of the two of course, the Epsilon. That's how GM works after all. But oh well, for a little while at least they can say they've got one of the best platforms in the world.

The G6's interior doesn't look half bad in those colors, but the Malibu blows the whole car away. The G8 mops the floor with both of them though. :wink: Love the car and love the color, I've thought about that hue as a possible choice for my car when I eventually repaint it.