Dodge News - Chrysler recommits to diesel and hybrid Ram, if the company survives

Chrysler recommits to diesel and hybrid Ram, if the company survives

Filed under: Diesel, Hybrid, Dodge

A pair of planned, more fuel efficient versions of the Dodge Ram pickup apparently remain as on-track as any program can be said to be in the current Chrysler situation. Our buddy Mike Levine at PickupTrucks.com spoke with Chrysler product development VP Frank Klegon about what’s coming for the Ram. In spite of similar programs being canceled or delayed at Toyota, Ford and General Motors, Chrysler is moving ahead with its light duty diesel program. A Cummins diesel expected to displace 5.0L with a V8 configuration that will launch in 2010 - if Chrysler lasts that long.

The HEMI V8/two-mode hybrid powertrain from the short-lived Aspen and Durango will also find a new home in the Ram. This would make the Ram the only hybrid pickup truck alongside the Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra. The hybrid is expected to launch for the 2010 model year.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Chrysler recommits to diesel and hybrid Ram, if the company survives originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: www.autobloggreen.com

[tags]dodge cars, dodge news, dodge models[/tags]

Dodge News - Spy Shots: 2010 Dodge EV out testing already

Spy Shots: 2010 Dodge EV out testing already

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Dodge, Spy Shots

When we first saw the three electric concepts from Chrysler, we immediately began thinking that the Dodge EV, with its Lotus-based chassis and electric drivetrain from UQM, would be the easiest to get on the road in a timely manner. After all, it would require the least amount of extra engineering from Chrysler. Looks like those early predictions were accurate, as spy shots of the Dodge EV being tested on real roads have surfaced.

As you might expect, the Lotus-derived shell has seen some major styling revisions to make it look more like a Dodge, especially in the front end, which now has the familiar Ram-style crosshair grille. In fact, the EV now shares more than a passing resemblance to the Dodge Demon concept from the Geneva Motor Show in 2007 and the Razor that we had suggested may be a good choice of styles to ape. Now that Chrysler appears set to get an infusion of cash from the Feds, we have high hopes that the automaker can actually get an EV into production in short order.

[Source: Left Lane News]

Spy Shots: 2010 Dodge EV out testing already originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 12:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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[tags]dodge cars, dodge news, dodge models[/tags]

Dodge News - 2011 Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger expected to exceed CAFE standards

2011 Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger expected to exceed CAFE standards

Filed under: MPG, Chrysler, Dodge

One of the few relative successes that Chrysler has had in the past decade has been the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. For a time, the big rear wheel drive sedans were some of the hottest cars on the market. What they were not was particularly fuel efficient. Chrysler intends to improve on that with the redesigned 2011 model. Thanks to the new Phoenix V6 engine family, Frank Klegon, VP of product development expects the new versions to be “CAFE-positive” implying that the cars will exceed the new standards and pull up Chrysler’s fleet average. At this point we’re not sure if that means only that they will exceed the initial new CAFE levels that take effect in 2010 or the 2015 standard. Another factor expected to help the mileage of the new sedans will be improved aerodynamics. The design department came under Klegon’s area of responsibility last year and drag reductions should significantly reshape the 300 and Charger.

[Source: Automotive News (sub. req'd)]

2011 Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger expected to exceed CAFE standards originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: www.autobloggreen.com

[tags]dodge cars, dodge news, dodge models[/tags]

Dodge News - Consumer reports points out automotive turkeys of ‘08

Consumer reports points out automotive turkeys of ‘08

Filed under: Hybrid, Chrysler, Dodge, SMART, Toyota, Green Daily

What’s more appropriate to talk about on Thanksgiving Day than turkeys? Americans are set to consume a few hundred tons of the gobblers today, tomorrow and likely well into the next month as leftovers are slowly taken out of the fridge until they just can’t be tolerated any longer. And that’s not the only turkey that’s likely to outlive its welcome. Consumer Reports has gathered up a quick list of automotive turkeys - cars, options or automaker decisions that leave us questioning their sanity. A prime example is the oft-maligned BMW iDrive, but there are a few others that seemingly deserve the right to dethrone that hated accessory.

For instance, we’re wondering what Chrysler was thinking by dumping all kinds of money into the joint project to develop the 2-Mode hybrid system with its partners BMW and GM. After all that was complete, the automaker moved forward with the Durango and Aspen hybrids, which used the brand-new technology to good effect, outscoring their GM rivals in fuel efficiency and pricing. Then, the two models were unceremoniously dropped before the production line workers even got comfortable. Major turkeys, turducken even, and an obvious monumental waste of money and resources.

Also making CR’s list, though not necessarily ours, is the smart fortwo, which the mag claims is too expensive given its capabilities. Also on the list are the Feds for approving a tax credit for GM’s full-size hybrid ‘utes. CR also comments on the poor head lamps of its Prius hybrid. Any current-gen Pirus owners out there willing to comment on their lighting performance?

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Consumer reports points out automotive turkeys of ‘08 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 27 Nov 2008 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: www.autobloggreen.com

[tags]dodge cars, dodge news, dodge models[/tags]

Dodge News - VIDEO: Drag race between Dodge Challenger and Dodge EV

VIDEO: Drag race between Dodge Challenger and Dodge EV

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Dodge, LA Auto Show, USA

Dodge has their recently revealed electric vehicle line-up in L.A for the upcoming Auto Show and, at the tail end of a press event in the Rosebowl parking lot, had occasion to indulge in a little “impromptu” drag racing. The two cars involved were the Lotus Europa Dodge EV and a Dodge Challenger they “just happened” to have laying around. Now, electric cars are known for their instant torque off the line and, as the Tesla Roadster recently demonstrated, make pretty good quarter mile sprinters. However, the Challenger not only looks intimidating but packs a lung disease-inducing 6.1 liter Hemi under it’s striped hood. That’s good for 425 horses with 420 lb ft of torque. Yikes! The Dodge EV has its own secret weapon though (its driver) and gamely noses up to the line for the confrontation. Hit the jump to watch the pair of parking lot passes.

[Source: Los Angeles Times]

Continue reading VIDEO: Drag race between Dodge Challenger and Dodge EV

VIDEO: Drag race between Dodge Challenger and Dodge EV originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 16 Nov 2008 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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[tags]dodge cars, dodge news, dodge models[/tags]

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