VIDEO: Chrysler airbag blows up refrigerator, passes spit test

Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Videos, Chrysler, LLC.

Last week we showed you what happens when old Ford and GM airbags are set off in an enclosed place, and now it’s time to see what kind of damage an old Chrysler airbag can inflict on a mini fridge. To keep the fridge grounded, Farmer Dave slapped a Reagan era microwave on top of it, wired up the airbag to the battery, and let her rip. The door went flying, the little refrigerator’s side walls were compromised, and, well, follow the jump to see it for yourself. It wasn’t as explosive as the Ford door, but we love how Farmer Dave employs the saliva test on the back plate of the airbag to see if it’s still hot. Sizzling spit is acceptable behavior in YouTube land.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chrysler airbag blows up refrigerator, passes spit test

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chrysler Financial turns the screws on dealers

Filed under: Car Buying, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge, Jeep

It’s not getting any easier to be a Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep dealer. Last month, when Chrysler Financial asked banks and investors to renew their $30 billion line of credit, they came up about $6 billion short. To make matters worse, the investors forced the automaker to follow much tighter financial guidelines (including a requirement to get out of leasing). Now, the cash shortfall is forcing the financial division to significantly turn up the heat on their retailers. Over the next few months, the financial arm will jack up dealer floorplan interest rates, and levy hefty fees for vehicles that sit unsold on dealer lots. With sales way down (in August, Chrysler’s sales fell a sickening 34.5 percent — the steepest decline of any major manufacturer), cash-strapped dealers are obviously unhappy with the news. Many fear this may signal the start of a new retailer initiative to limit vehicle inventory, hurting sales even further. As expected in this industry, bad news for retailers often means good news for consumers. With the new fees on the horizon, dealers will be offering significant incentives to dump inventory over the next few months.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

---

Chrysler’s Jim Press talks brand strategy at WAJ this week

Filed under: Chrysler, LLC., Dodge, Jeep

Chrysler has unveiled a few plans for the future and, rather than using past successes to carve the path, will adapt its course according to the changing market. While speaking at the recent Western Automotive Journalists’ dinner, Chrysler President Jim Press touched on the need to generate brand identity amongst Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler. While each brand currently has a core theme, Jeep - off-road, Dodge - volume and performance, Chrysler - affordable luxury, there have been many recent deviations, such as the conglomeration that is the Jeep Compass. Press hopes to put an end to that trend and focus the company’s aim at the automotive enthusiast. Toyota can keep the automotive appliance title, Press wants Chrysler to appeal to drivers rather than consumers.

Nevertheless, actions speak louder than words and Press backs up his claims through the current curtailing of vehicle production and the scheduled release of seven new vehicles come 2010. Like other manufacturers, Chrysler is aggressively pursuing alternative powertrain configurations, particularly electric drive. In case no one has noticed yet, 2010 will be a big year for the American automotive industry. It will be the point when the roller coaster ride reaches its end and some folks end up with motion sickness while others get a rush of adrenaline. Hopefully Chrysler can find themselves in the latter category.

[Source: Car Tech]

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

---

Kuwait orders 150 Dodge Charger police cars

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Government/Legal, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge, Police/Emergency

Click above for high-res gallery of the Kuwaiti cop-issue Chargers

Choosing them for their portrayed image of “strength and power,” officials in Kuwait have ordered 150 Dodge Chargers to be modified as police vehicles. As the Charger is the leading volume vehicle for Chrysler LLC in the Middle East, the choice doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Delivery of the cop cars, however, isn’t expected to take place for another couple months. In the meantime, the lot of them are heading to Canfield Equipment Service in Michigan where they’ll be fitted for their new Kuwaiti roles in traffic, security, and emergency response. (Here’s hoping none of our readers get a chance to check them out from the back seat once they’re in service).

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Kuwait orders 150 Dodge Charger police cars

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

---

Unofficial: Dodge Viper ACR laps ‘Ring in record 7:22.1 [w/VIDEO]

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Supercars, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge

We’re not terribly surprised that the Dodge Viper ACR has apparently made it around the famed German racing circuit faster than pretty much anything else you’ll find on a dealer’s lot. After all, the ACR is a race car, as evidenced by the video that Motor Trend has posted. The most venomous Viper has done the deed in 7:22, fast enough to make grown men cry. To this blogger, the Viper is dead gorgeous, even with that yucky-but-functional rear wing on the ACR, and it definitely carries the spirit of hairy-chested cars of yore. The shifter wobbles around horrendously when the driver kisses the rev limiter a few times, and there even appears to be a flubbed shift near the end, so the ACR may have faster laps left in it. We’re waiting on confirmation on whether or not this is an official lap, but it’s certainly creating a stir, and the Viper wants to know, V-Spec who? Thanks for the tip, Rob.

[Source: Viper Alley]

Thanks for the tip, Rob!

video of run at MotorTrend

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

---

Next Page »