Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Congratulations Lee Saunders!
Orlando Speed World hosts a racing series that they call the Ultimate Street Car Shootout. All participants must gather at a pre determined meeting point and drive their race cars to the track. The drive is between twenty and thirty miles. Once you arrive you pull numbers out of a hat to determine ladder position. There are no scoreboards lit up and no timeslips, just a win light. All racing is conducted in a heads up, pro tree manner.
This past weekend Lee went home with a first place victory for the second consecutive time. Here is a video of one of his passes.
By Heffner Performance
Stage6 · Ultimate Street Car Shootout Viper OSW*-*Video and Download*·*mfpmax
Dodge Avenger Stormtrooper [made from what?]
To realize the Stormtrooper, the designer’s team, managed by Scott Anderson was inspired by Stormtrooper costumes, from Star Wars.
Dodge Avenger Stormtrooper
The engine is a 4 liter, V6, from the Pacifica crossover, with changed electronics and with a 6 speed automatic gear box.
The base ground is lower because of the KW suspensions. The Alcoa Forget rims have 20×9 inches and 245/35/r20 tires.
The evacuation is Borla and the brakes are realised by StopTech.
On the interior, the seats are made from alcantara, by Charger SRT8.
The high-tech part is realized by to mobile PC’s from Azentek: one for the driver, that allows changes and verifying the engine parameters and one in the back, for passenger’s entertainment.
Dodge Avenger Stormtrooper
Dodge Avenger Stormtrooper
Ten Classic Muscle Cars
With the popularity of movies like The Fast and The Furious, Gone in Sixty Seconds and The last Ride, there has been some reference to the good old muscle cars which were immortalized in movies like Bullit, Vanishing Point and of course The Dukes of Hazzard series. This top ten list has a look at some of the muscle car icons born from the late 60s and early 70s.
The main measure of these cars is power, with Brake Horse Power (bhp) being the term flung around most commonly. What this refers to is the power released by the engine before the gearbox, generator, differential, water pump, and other components sap its power. If you are used to Kilowatts, then take into consideration that 250kw translates to 335.26bhp.
The 1969 Pontiac GTO
Conceptualised to gain appeal to the younger market, Pontiac put a 6.3 litre V8 engine into the midsized Tempest shell, making for a cheap fast car. To the surprise of Pontiacs marketing team the GTO became massively popular and in 1969 they fitted it with a 6.5 litre V8 which could kick out 366bhp. The Judge was born.
The 1970 Buick GSX
Again the idea here was to squash a beast of an engine into a midsized body, in this case the Buick Skylark. In 1967 the Buick GS became recognised as a standalone model available as a sedan and convertible.
The 1970 model was given a monstrous 7.5 litre engine capable of producing 400bhp. The GSX body came in yellow or white only, adding to the image which made this car a distinct classic.
The 1967 Chevrolet Camaro
There were various options available to those purchasing a first generation Camaro, the Z28 package being the most exciting. With a 4.9 litre engine, power steering, disc brakes on the front and a four speed manual gearbox, the Z28 was made for racing producing up to 400bhp.
The Plymouth Roadrunner
Built to beat 14 seconds over a quarter mile, the Plymouth Roadrunner was stripped down to the bare essentials, sacrificing even the carpets in order to make this into a beast of a machine. It featured a beefed up steering, brake and suspension systems and a 6.3 litre engine which pushed 335bhp. An optional boost came from the 7.0 litre versions 425bhp.
The Dodge Challenger
Hitting the market in 1970, the Dodge Challenger was a hit from the get go, selling more than 80,000 in the first year. Although various options were made available, the R/T is the model which attracts the most attention with its 7.0 litre Hemi engine kicking out 425bhp. Later models lost the plot, with the 72 model dropping to a measly 240bhp. See the Challenger in the cult classic movie, Vanishing Point.
The 1966 Ford Fairlane GT
Launched in 62 with a 3.6 litre V8, the Ford Fairlane was given a makeover in 1966, complete with a 6.4 litre engine capable of 335bhp. As if this were not enough they decided to upgrade to a 7.0 litre NASCAR engine with 435bhp. Rigid front suspension and disc brakes gave the car better handling, and the brute power kicked the dial over 60mph (100km/h) in six seconds.
Oldsmobile 442
The Cutlass model was equipped with a police specification engine capable of 310bhp. The 442 refers to the four barrel carburettor, four speed manual gear box and the twin exhausts. The 442 had a reputation for its handling when compared to other muscle cars, thanks to its improved springs, shocks and the comforting safety of an anti-roll bar.
The 1968 edition was redesigned as a shapely coupe, with a 7.5 litre block blasting 390bhp.
Plymouth Barracuda
Although the Barracuda was launched in 1964, just a couple of weeks before the Ford Mustang, it was not until 1970 that Plymouth gained wider popularity with sexy lines and some serious growl under the hood in the form of a 7.2 litre 390bhp. The other choice was a smaller 7.0 litre Hemi block which knocked out some extra power at 425bhp!
Even with a revamped suspension the power was so much that the Cuda gained a reputation for difficult handling.
The 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS
The 1965 Chevelle SS sported a 6.5 litre block pushing 375bhp, which was all too much for the front end of the car, making for some pretty horrible handling. Luckily this was addressed with the revamping of the suspension and the addition of disk brakes on the front.
1969 saw the introduction of the top engine spec, which was featured in the El Camio pick-up as well. The 1970 SS was powered by a 7.4 litre V8 with 450bhp pulling the Chevell to 100km/h in just six seconds. Later models were adjusted for unleaded fuel and the power output suffered considerably.
Dodge Charger
Bo and Dukes ride of choice, the Charger was launched in 1966 and some 37,000 cars were sold in the first year. A 7.0 litre Hemi reputedly kicked out around 500bhp, though it was officially rated at 425bhp. This monster reached 100km/h in just five and a half seconds. The Hemi engine option was available until 1972.
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Dodge Vipers for Sale Check Out Our Latest Project @ BJ Motors and Route 6 Motorsports
BJ Motors in conjuction with Autoform Development are building 10 - Limited Edition Dodge Vipers, these Dodge Vipers are to commemorate the ten year anniversary and success that the Viper GTSR had in Europe with Petite Lemans in 1997 and the success of the GTSR. The cars will be modeled on the GTS Chasis and will be completed on a first come basis. For more information regarding this project or other Viper parts please call us at 1-804-784-7208.
Specification, pricing and other details will be available soon, so check back often.
BJ Motors is one of the area's largest performance and exotic sports car wholesalers, and specializes in the Dodge Viper. We buy and sell the best of the best automobiles. Each and every car is hand picked for extremely high quality and low mileage. Our cars are as important to us as they are to you. Every vehicle is rigorously inspected to ensure the highest quality. We take extra care to research the history and service of each of our cars, as well as conduct a complete and thorough detail process. We offer a variety of financing options, and extended warranties through our business partners, enclosed nationwide shipping, and friendly knowledgeable expertise. Give us a call or schedule an appointment to come and see our line of fine vehicles just waiting for you! We would like to be your source for Dodge Vipers or any exotic vehicles in the market place today.
Check out our inventory as it changes daily. If there is something you are looking for specifically and you do not see it here, please send us an e-mail and we will try and help you locate your vehicle. Thanks for visiting and check back often.
Stressing Out Over Bogeys
Jeffrey Zyburt is Director of Proving Grounds at Chrysler's Chelsea (Mich.) Proving Grounds.
People often have no idea how complex and involved the tests we perform on our cars are, from the very beginnings of their development. This means that long before the parts are even set in motion on the assembly line, we have a deep understanding of how they will work within the final product.
To accomplish this, we generate hundreds of ‘load cases’ to figure out what kind of issues may arise in the vehicle’s design. A ‘load case’ is a specific test on the ability of a car’s components to withstand the stress and strain that comes with regular use.
We have certain thresholds in mind (what we like to call ‘bogeys’) that we test our products against to make sure they can withstand the fatigue of operation.
This testing is important because engineers can take this data and optimize the vehicle’s performance and design based on our analysis. By subjecting the car – and its components – to a detailed set of procedures and analysis the customer ends up with a superior product.
This happens on three levels. First, we test the components on an individual basis to make sure that they’re up to par. We do this with computer analysis, detailed simulations and oftentimes some good old fashioned elbow grease.
For example, if we want to make sure that a door can withstand tens of thousands of slams shut, we will literally force the door to be opened and slammed shut thousands of times. In fact, we perform tons of tests like this on many different parts of a vehicle.
Next, we perform some ‘systems’ tests. Without getting too technical, this involves key groups of the components we’ve tested, like the chassis for example, operating as an entire system. When we’re satisfied that the system is reliable and ready for the next stage we begin vehicle testing.
This phase you may be more familiar with. By the time a vehicle is ready for a full-blown vehicle test, it has been vetted and approved by computers, engineers, and our laboratory’s stress and design staff and is ready for a real-world test on the test track.
Sometimes this involves chasing bogeys, or pre-established standards for durability and usefulness and sometimes it involves testing to failure, which is exactly what it sounds like.
This might seem involved or intensive, but our customers deserve to have every product we manufacture perform to the highest standards of performance and safety. My job is to ensure that every component in these vehicles is thoroughly tested to ensure that you get the highest quality product possible from our company.
Long Before Debut, Minivans Eluded Spy Photogs
Steve Jakubiec is Senior Manager of Minivan Vehicle Synthesis
Long before the new 2008 minivans debuted at the Detroit auto show, my fellow Chrysler engineers and I logged more than 150,000 miles in these vehicles, testing everything from handling, noise and vibration, and fuel economy, to DVD controls. We were committed to a philosophy of extensive interface with the vehicle as a customer. With the significant number of features in this van, it was necessary to make sure everything was easy to use for customers.
One of our biggest worries was making sure that the big secret – the second-row Swivel ‘n Go seats – wasn’t shot by a spy photographer or anybody else. We couldn’t let the secret out.
Avoiding the spy photographers was a real pain in the butt, especially with the advent of camera phones. We employed evasive maneuvers to ensure good stability on the road, as well as to get away from people attempting to take pictures.
We were constantly reminding each other to quickly close doors at rest stops or restaurants, and we were forbidden to lower the second-row windows at any time.
But even with the windows up, we realized people could still see through the back glass tinted window so we had to visit an auto parts store and put extra reflective tape put on the back and side windows to keep out prying eyes.
With the camouflage, as strange as it looks, we’d have people constantly try to figure out what we were doing. We told some inquisitive people that the checkered vehicles (taped to make their shapes harder to distinguish) were used for testing alternative paint concepts. Some people actually liked the look.
Except for the camouflage, the trips at times were like any ordinary road trip. With so many customer features, we needed to spend extensive time on the road testing all the features of the vehicle, just like our customers would. The multimedia dual second- and third-row DVD systems received quite a workout.
We burned through a significant number of batteries due to constant radio contact between vehicles, constantly comparing driving conditions and relaying information back to technical experts in Auburn Hills.
A tremendous amount of time was invested while traveling on the road. Some days, we’d put in 600 and 700 miles, comparing everything from road surfaces to exterior conditions to entertainment systems.
Making our long day even longer, we would have to spend another hour loading the minivans into a trailer, so they wouldn’t be seen and were secure. Every morning, it would take another hour to unload. Even before we hit the road, we would sometimes run cold start-up tests or a variety of additional functionality tests, particularly in cold weather.
All together, we put over 150,000 miles throughout the development cycle we sure did get sick of fast-food restaurants!
Economy, gas prices affect sales of vehicles
By Alex Gary | BusinessRockford.com
AMY J. VAN HORN | BUSINESSROCKFORD.COMChrysler vehicles sit in a lot Oct. 10, 2007, at Chrysler's assembly plant in Belvidere.">
According to sales figures released Monday, Chrysler dealers in the United States sold 13,195 Dodge Calibers, Jeep Compasses and Jeep Patriots in November.
Although sales of the Caliber and Compass were down compared to last November, the sales of the Patriot pushed the total amount 23 percent above November 2006 when only the Caliber and Compass were available.
Still, the monthly total was the fourth-lowest so far in 2007 and Chrysler LLC reported sales as a whole fell 2 percent.
Darryl Jackson, Chrysler’s vice president of U.S. sales, said sales in the United States doesn’t paint a true picture of the success of the three vehicles put together by about 3,600 workers at Chrysler’s assembly plant in Belvidere.
“As I cautioned last month, the Compass is doing very well outside North America. The Patriot is just getting its sea legs internationally, and the Dodge Caliber is our No. 1 nameplate outside of the U.S.,” Jackson said. “Workers in Belvidere should be secure in knowing they are building three models that are selling well globally.”
Still, the company announced in November that it will eliminate the third shift in Belvidere and lay off about 1,000 workers in the first quarter of 2008 because the plant is producing more Calibers, Compasses and Patriots than dealers can sell.
The news from GM wasn’t as positive. Overall sales were down 11 percent, hurt by falling demand for trucks. Dealers fared even worse on the large SUVs built in Janesville, Wis., and in Texas, with sales of the Chevy Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL dropping more than 31 percent compared to November 2006.
Sales of those models were up more than 25 percent compared to 2006 in both September and October.
In total, dealers in the U.S. sold 22,367 of the big SUVs, the lowest monthly total since January.
Chrysler Canada Reports November Sales Increase
<<
- Sales up 7.2 per cent versus same month last year marking a record
16th consecutive month of sales growth
- 2007 sales up 5.8 per cent
- Highest YTD sales volume increase of any OEM in Canada
- Strong product portfolio and year-end incentives price adjustment is
grabbing consumers
>>
WINDSOR, ON, Dec. 3 /CNW/ - Chrysler Canada today reported November sales
of 18,445 vehicles, an increase of 7.2 per cent versus November 2006 when
17,200 units were sold. This marks the 16th consecutive month of sales growth
for Chrysler Canada, a company record. So far this year Chrysler Canada has
sold 213,729 - a significant increase of 5.8 per cent over 2006 when 201,964
vehicles were sold - positioning the company as the number two seller of light
vehicles in the country.
"Our new product is certainly hitting the sweet spot of the Canadian
market," said Dave Buckingham, Vice President of Sales - Chrysler Canada.
"When we talk about fuel-efficient vehicles like Dodge Caliber, Jeep(R)
Patriot and Compass, and the size of those segments in Canada, they have been
a perfect fit."
Chrysler Canada's 11,765 unit increase in incremental sales is the
largest of any OEM.
Year-end Incentives
In November, Chrysler Canada restructured and increased overall
incentives programs so that going forward the offers would be equally valuable
for cash, finance or lease customers. On top of that, Chrysler Canada is
announcing some one time only additional incentives for December to help
finish the year in the number two position.
"We were the first volume OEM to respond to market concerns and now we
are lowering our prices further for the month of December by as much as $4,750
for total discounts totaling up to $11,000."
For example, the 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 price has been lowered by up to
$4,750; the 2008 Dodge Charger and 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel price has
been lowered by $4,000; the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty Diesel has been lowered by
$3,750; and the 2008 Chrysler 300 has been lowered by $3,500 from the
already-low November price points.
Total discounts are now as much as $11,000 for a 2007 Jeep Grand
Cherokee, $10,000 for a 2007 Dodge Ram 1500, $9,500 on a 2007 Chrysler 300C,
up to $8,000 on a Dodge Ram Heavy Duty Diesel, $6,500 on 2008 Dodge Ram 1500,
and $6,000 on 2008 Dodge Charger and 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel.
Also continuing will be the popular "3 for Free" sales program which has
been enhanced and expanded in December. It is now eligible on most 2007 and
2008 vehicles and gives customers the flexibility to choose the offer that
meets their needs. As in November, Chrysler will make the first three payments
up to $500 per month on Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicles purchased or leased
with Chrysler Financial plus, new for December, these customers will also
receive a gas discount card valued at $500. Alternatively, the customer can
opt for an immediate $1,500 rebate increased by $250 from November, which they
can use to lower their purchase price/monthly payments, add Mopar Accessories,
get an extended service contract or simply help out with Holiday shopping
bills.
Sales Highlights
Chrysler Canada's sales success is not limited to any particular segment.
Truck sales are up 6.8 per cent in November, and for the year-to-date, Dodge
Ram and Dakota sales are up 5.7 and 6.4 per cent respectively. Canadians also
embraced the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country, as
sales rose 28.6% in November, and the Canadian-built Chrysler 300 / 300C, with
sales up 26.2% in November. On the other side of the spectrum, small, highly
fuel-efficient Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot sales are up 80.9
per cent to 35,492 units. Meanwhile, the diesel version of the Jeep Grand
Cherokee is making up 60 per cent of total Grand Cherokee sales, which were up
34 per cent as Canadians embrace the benefits of new advanced clean diesel
engines.
Resumespeed's 2008.5 Dodge Challenger Option List
2008.75 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Special Edition
MSRP Including Destination: $37,995 (plus $2,100 GG tax) Total= $40,095
Interior: Dark Slate Gray
Exterior colors:
BRIGHT SILVER METALLIC CLEAR COAT
BRILLIANT BLACK CRYSTAL PEARL COAT
HEMI ORANGE PEARL COAT
Optional Features:
245/45ZR20 255/45ZR20 PERFORMANCE TIRES $50
MYGIG MULTIMEDIA INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM W/NAVIGATION $890
POWER SUNROOF $950
Standard Features
Drivetrain:
6.1L SRT HEMI V8 ENGINE
5-SPEED W5A580 AUTO TRANSMISSION W/AUTOSTICK
ANTI-SPIN DIFFERENTIAL REAR AXLE (DSA)
3.06 AXLE RATIO (DMP)
160 AMP ALTERNATOR (BAB)
20X9.0 ALUMINUM SRT DESIGN WHEELS (WP3)
245/45ZR20 AS PERFORMANCE TIRES GOODYEAR (TR9)
625 AMP MAINTENANCE FREE BATTERY (BC6)
DUAL REAR EXHAUST (NER)
DUAL BRIGHT EXHAUST TIPS (NEL)
PERFORMANCE TUNED STEERING (SBX)
SEVERE DUTY II ENGINE COOLING (XDL)
SRT TRACK EXPERIENCE (XPY)
Interior:
12V CENTER CONSOLE POWER OUTLET (JKW)
180 MPH PRIMARY SPEEDOMETER (JCG)
AIR CONDITIONING (HAC)
BASE HEADLINER MODULE (CHK)
CARGO COMPARTMENT DRESS-UP (CKM)
CELL PHONE STORAGE (CVK)
FLR CONSOLE W/FORE/AFT SLIDE ARMREST (CM6)
FRONT READING/MAP LAMPS (LBG)
FRONT/REAR CLIMATE CONTROL OUTLETS (XGA)
HEATED FRONT SEATS (JPM)
ILLUMINATED ENTRY (LAC)
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER W/DISPLAY SCREEN (JAT)
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WHITE FACE W/TACH (JA9)
KEYLESS ENTRY (GXR)
KEYLESS GO (GX4)
LEATHER WRAPPED SHIFT KNOB (CVB)
LEATHER WRAPPED STEERING WHEEL (SCC)
LUXURY FRONT & REAR FLOOR MATS (CLZ)
MANUAL DRIVER & PASS LUMBAR ADJUST (CDU)
NON ADJUSTABLE PEDALS (XA8)
PASSENGER ASSIST HANDLE (CSP)
POWER 6-WAY DRIVER SEAT (JPS)
POWER ACCESSORY DELAY (JKY)
POWER TRUNKLID RELEASE (JPC)
PREM LEATHER TRIMMED BUCKET SEATS (*UL)
PWR WINDOWS, FRONT 1-TOUCH DOWN (JPY)
REAR 60/40 FOLDING SEAT (CFN)
REAR COURTESY LAMPS (LBW)
RR ARMREST W/CUPHOLDER SEAT (CSN)
RR VIEW AUTO DIM MIRROR W/MICROPHONE (GN5)
SATIN SILVER LOCK KNOBS (GXL)
SECURITY ALARM (LSA)
SENTRY KEY THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM (GXX)
SPEED CONTROL (NHM)
SPEED SENSITIVE POWER LOCKS (JPH)
SUN VISORS W/ILLUM VANITY MIRRORS (GNC)
TEMPERATURE & COMPASS GAUGE (JFJ)
TILT/TELESCOPE STEERING COLUMN (SUD)
TIP START (XBN)
TRAVELER/MINI TRIP COMPUTER (LET)
TRUNK LAMP (LDC)
UNIVERSAL GARAGE DOOR OPENER (XGD)
VAR INTERMITTENT WINDSHIELD WIPERS (JHA)
VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER (LAZ)
Exterior:
19 GALLON FUEL TANK (NFK)
6.1L BADGE (MGE)
AUTOMATIC HEADLAMPS (LMG)
BODY COLOR DOOR HANDLES (MNK)
BODY COLOR EXTERIOR MIRRORS (LEP)
BODY COLOR FASCIAS (MLA)
BRIGHT FUEL FILLER DOOR (XJE)
CHALLENGER BADGE (MGH)
DELETE SPARE TIRE (TBF)
DODGE I.D. BADGE (MUD)
DUAL NOTE ELECTRIC HORNS (JJB)
FOG LAMPS (LNJ)
FRONT & REAR SOLAR CONTROL GLASS (GBC)
FRONT LICENSE PLATE BRACKET (MDA)
FUNCTIONAL HOOD SCOOP (MGB)
HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE HEADLAMPS (LMP)
HIGH PERFORM SUSPENSION (SDX)
HOOD STRIPE (MMB)
INTEGRATED IN REAR WINDOW ANTENNA (RDL)
POWER HEATED MIRRORS, FOLD-AWAY (GUK)
RAM'S HEAD BADGE (MGA)
REAR SPOILER (MXR)
SATIN CHROME GRILLE (MFH)
SOLAR CONTROL GLASS (GAM)
SPECIAL EDITION BADGE (MZ7)
SRT8 BADGE (MTV)
TIRE SERVICE KIT (XFP)
Safety:
ADVANCED MULTISTAGE FRONT AIR BAGS (CG3)
ALL SPEED TRACTION CONTROL (BNP)
ANTI-LOCK 4-WHEEL DISC PERF BRAKES (BR4)
BRAKE ASSIST (BGE)
BRAKE/PARK INTERLOCK (XSL)
CENTER REAR 3-POINT SEAT BELT (CG6)
CHILD SEAT UPPER TETHER ANCHORAGES (CF4)
CHMSL LAMP (LPS)
ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (BNB)
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER (GFA)
SUPP. SIDE CURTAIN FRT/RR AIR BAGS (CJ2)
SUPPLEMENTAL SIDE AIR BAGS (CGS)
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING DISPLAY (XGM)
Audio/Telematics:
AM/FM 6 DISC DVD MP3 RADIO (REQ)
13 SPKRS KICKER SRT HIGH PERF AUDIO (RC5)
200 WATT KICKER SRT SUBWOOFER (RFF)
322 WATT KICKER SRT AMPLIFIER (RFC)
STEERING WHEEL MOUNTED AUDIO CTRLS (RDZ)
SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO WITH ONE YEAR SUB (RSC)
UCONNECT HANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION (RSP)
--RS--
Chrysler, VW Getting Closer?
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2009 Volkswagen TiguanThe ink is hardly dry on the Chrysler-Daimler divorce papers, but already, another German carmaker could be waiting in the wings for the American carmaker.
David Cole, chairman of the Center For Automotive Research, said competition is forcing automakers to consider options they might not have contemplated only 12 months ago.
"There is going to be another round of mergers in the auto industry and the one company that matches up well with Volkswagen is Chrysler," he noted.
Volkswagen already has a joint project with Chrysler to develop a new minivan, which will be assembled by Chrysler in the next couple of years and will be sold in the U.S.
"VW needs a strong presence in North America. In a complimentary and synergistic relationship, Chrysler has got a lot to offer. The scale that General Motors and Toyota have are absolute killers. The only thing you can do is match up to them. GM will have taken $5,000 out of the cost of a car soon," Cole noted.
Carlos Ghosn, the chairman of Renault/Nissan, has expressed an interest in Chrysler, Cole said. Ghosn said he had not spoken with anybody at Chrysler about an alliance. However, he noted, for strategic reasons, the Renault-Nissan alliance needed to bolster its relatively small presence in North America.
Cole, however, said there is little doubt VW is going to have to move quickly to develop a new North American strategy. A new study by CAR indicated autoworkers in western Europe are making almost $10 more per hour than their counterparts in the U.S. The study was finished even before the U.S. dollar began its most recent slide.
Until now, Europeans carmakers have been able to fend off the challenge by charging a premium for their vehicles and with hedging strategies in which they built different pieces of the vehicle in other parts of the world where labor costs are lower.
VW had operated an assembly plant in western Pennsylvania during the 1980s but shut it down in the late 1980s after sales of the VW models built at the factory dropped sharply. By the time it closed, the utilization of the Pennsylvania plant had dropped to under 40 percent. Since then, VW executives have talked about building cars in the U.S. again, but few observers believed they were serious since the employee representatives on the company's board of supervisors opposed the idea.
However, with the euro trading at $1.50, the idea has taken on a new urgency. Volkswagen is at the point where it needs to build more vehicles in North America if it is serious about expanding sales in this market because it will becoming too expensive to export from Europe to the U.S., Cole said.
"The euro is a killer," he said.
Meanwhile, VW officials have confirmed that the German automaker is considering building a new plant in North America.
VWoA Chief Executive Stefan Jacoby said at the Los Angeles Auto Show last month that the company would offer more details on possible plans for additional North American production capacity within the next six months.
"There are a number of factors that we need to consider in this decision and we will make an announcement in the next six months on whether or not we will proceed with this initiative," he said.
One possibility, VW officials noted, is to expand the company's existing North American plant in Puebla, Mexico. Cole, however, said the Mexican plant specializes in small cars and VW probably wants to use a new plant for a very different product - one that could broaden its appeal to consumers.
"If they want to sell a million vehicles in the U.S., they're going to have to do something else," he said.
VW announced last week it planned to invest $14.1 billion over the next three years in new products, plants and production capacity. The Volkswagen Passenger Cars unit will invest more than half the money - $9.6 billion - in new products, a company statement said.
Another $2.5 billion was set aside for new production plants in India and Russia and a paint shop in Pamplona, Spain. Another $711 million will be spent at its main plant in Wolfsburg. The statement, however, didn't contain any specific information about North America and the ultimate decision on the company's future strategy could be scrambled or delayed by a new investigation by German authorities into the activities of VW's top executives.
Executive says Chrysler still losing money
Automaker could cut four more vehicles from lineup with $1 billion losses this year
By Tim Higgins | Detroit Free Press
DETROIT: Spending is outpacing revenue at Chrysler LLC, which has not disclosed any financial information since going private in August. But it appears the company will spend $1 billion more than it will take in this year.
That revelation was not delivered to industry analysts but reportedly to business students in Nova Scotia.
They also apparently learned that the automaker, which already has announced plans to slash as many as 25,000 jobs and four nameplates, could be planning to cut deeper into its vehicle lineup — axing maybe another four models, though no timetable was given.
Steven Landry, Chrysler's executive vice president of North American sales, gave students a window into Chrysler as the automaker is remaking itself rapidly under Cerberus Capital Management's control.
The automaker is on target to generate $64 billion in revenue this year — $1 billion short of what the company plans to spend.
That's according to the Daily News in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where Landry delivered a talk Wednesday at St. Mary's University in his hometown.
Landry is said to have talked about what efforts Chrysler is making to become profitable.
''You can't stand around and complain about the yen or the manipulation of currency around the world. You've got to roll up your sleeves, do some hard work and build cars people want to drive,'' he said, according to the Daily News.
Landry was at the university to donate $100,000 from the company for scholarships at the school, where he graduated in 1982.
The last clear snapshot of Chrysler's finances was given in May when then-owner DaimlerChrysler AG of Germany said its U.S. division lost $2 billion in the first three months of the year.
Of that amount, $1.2 billion was from restructuring costs associated with the company's turnaround plan, launched after the Chrysler division lost $680 million in 2006, a figure initially announced as a $1.5 billion loss before accounting changes.
The Canadian newspaper said Chrysler plans to reduce its nameplate lineup from 28 to about 20.
Earlier this month, the automaker, which sells vehicles un
der the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands, announced plans to eliminate the Dodge Magnum, Chrysler Pacifica, Chrysler Crossfire and the convertible version of the Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Chrysler representatives cautioned against reading too much into Landry's comments, noting he was speaking in general terms to a group of students.
''He's not saying we want to be at 20 tomorrow or next year. He's saying an ideal. When looking at three brands like this, it makes some sense to get to that point, and we are moving in that direction,'' Chrysler spokesman Mike Aberlich said. ''I know he didn't specify a timeframe.
''I wouldn't be looking for another four announced tomorrow, or next week or next month,'' he added.
On Monday, new Chrysler Chief Executive Officer Bob Nardelli warned employees that 2008 could be tough. He indicated the company could cut more jobs.
Landry gave the group a simple rundown on Chrysler's game plan: Lose a little money this year, break even next and rake it in during 2009 and 2010, according to the Daily News report.
That's a nice summary of the turnaround plan first announced in February by then-Chrysler CEO Tom LaSorda, who now is president and vice chairman.
Chrysler's new majority owner, Cerberus, had said it approved of LaSorda's plan, which called for cutting only 13,000 jobs over three years.
After taking over, Nardelli indicated that Chrysler as a private company would be paying greater attention to cash flow.
In October, he said the company was in the process of selling land to generate $1 billion, saying the auto industry ''has an insatiable appetite for cash.''
In November, the company announced that, along with the nameplate reductions, as many as 12,000 more jobs would be eliminated.
Friday was the last day for some white-collar workers taking buyout packages.
When Chrysler launched new minivan models late last summer, Landry said the automaker was lowering the sticker price in hopes of getting closer to the actual sale price and reducing the amount of incentives on the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country.
At the time, Landry said Chrysler wanted to reduce incentives on the minivans, which were around $4,500, by about $2,000. The new models were billed as having about $2,000 of added value.
But this month Chrysler is offering $1,500 cash incentives nationwide, except in Michigan, Ohio and parts of Indiana, where incentives include $1,000 in consumer cash. ''This is in line competitively with products in the marketplace,'' company spokeswoman Lori Pinter said.
According to early estimates by automotive Web site Edmunds.com, the Toyota Sienna minivans had $882 worth of incentives per vehicle sold this month, and the Honda Odyssey had $1,510.
''New models, even if they are fresh and redesigned, they're coming to dealerships with incentives already attached to them,'' said Jesse Toprak, executive director of industry analysis for Edmunds.
In general, he said, ''Incentives traditionally are the last measure to get some interest going at the end of a model year. Now it seems like consumers are taking it for granted, and if you don't have anything, you're not going to get as much attention.''
DETROIT: Spending is outpacing revenue at Chrysler LLC, which has not disclosed any financial information since going private in August. But it appears the company will spend $1 billion more than it will take in this year.
That revelation was not delivered to industry analysts but reportedly to business students in Nova Scotia.
They also apparently learned that the automaker, which already has announced plans to slash as many as 25,000 jobs and four nameplates, could be planning to cut deeper into its vehicle lineup — axing maybe another four models, though no timetable was given.
Steven Landry, Chrysler's executive vice president of North American sales, gave students a window into Chrysler as the automaker is remaking itself rapidly under Cerberus Capital Management's control.
The automaker is on target to generate $64 billion in revenue this year — $1 billion short of what the company plans to spend.
That's according to the Daily News in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where Landry delivered a talk Wednesday at St. Mary's University in his hometown.
Landry is said to have talked about what efforts Chrysler is making to become profitable.
''You can't stand around and complain about the yen or the manipulation of currency around the world. You've got to roll up your sleeves, do some hard work and build cars people want to drive,'' he said, according to the Daily News.
Landry was at the university to donate $100,000 from the company for scholarships at the school, where he graduated in 1982.
The last clear snapshot of Chrysler's finances was given in May when then-owner DaimlerChrysler AG of Germany said its U.S. division lost $2 billion in the first three months of the year.
Of that amount, $1.2 billion was from restructuring costs associated with the company's turnaround plan, launched after the Chrysler division lost $680 million in 2006, a figure initially announced as a $1.5 billion loss before accounting changes.
The Canadian newspaper said Chrysler plans to reduce its nameplate lineup from 28 to about 20.
Earlier this month, the automaker, which sells vehicles un
der the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands, announced plans to eliminate the Dodge Magnum, Chrysler Pacifica, Chrysler Crossfire and the convertible version of the Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Chrysler representatives cautioned against reading too much into Landry's comments, noting he was speaking in general terms to a group of students.
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 | Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick |
35-m.p.g. fuel bill could face veto
Alternative source goals missed, adviser says
WASHINGTON -- President George W. Bush's chief economic adviser warned Democrats on Monday that an energy bill, including a compromise fuel economy rule of 35 m.p.g. by 2020 reached Friday, could face a veto if several provisions aren't changed.
Al Hubbard, the director of the National Economic Council, had written congressional leaders in October with the administration's demands for any energy package to avoid a veto threat."Based on the limited information we have received, it seems the provisions under discussion would not satisfy those criteria," Hubbard said in a letter Monday to House and Senate leaders. "In fact, it appears Congress may intend to produce a bill the president cannot sign."
Hubbard said the bill appeared to fall short of Bush's target of 35 billion gallons of fuel from alternative sources by 2017. He also said the administration had the power to put much of its plan in place without congressional action.
The administration had said it would oppose any attempt to raise taxes as part of an energy bill, as well as standards requiring electric utilities to generate specific amounts of energy from renewable sources. While the tax proposals have not been agreed to, Democrats have united behind a requirement for utilities to generate 15% of their power from renewable sources by 2020.
Hubbard said the administration also wanted the bill to address any possible conflict between the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency over fuel economy rules. A Supreme Court ruling in March found the EPA had the power to set greenhouse gas controls for cars and trucks, which could clash with NHTSA's traditional role of enforcing fuel economy rules.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., dodged the problem in the compromise fuel economy plan. Dingell supports curbs on EPA and state powers to regulate vehicles, which Pelosi opposes.
"Legislation should clarify that there should be consultation between the agencies, while clearly establishing a single national fuel economy regulatory standard," Hubbard said.
After meeting with Hubbard for an hour Monday afternoon, Pelosi said she was still hopeful that the president would support the legislation.
Before Hubbard's letter was released, Democratic leaders said they were on track to bring the bills up for a vote by the end of the week. Democrats appear to have enough votes in the House to pass their plan, but may be challenged in the Senate to produce the 60 votes needed to end debate on a bill.
"I think yes, we do have the votes," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. "But time will tell."
Senate Republicans have warned that renewable electricity standards could draw enough opposition to sink the entire bill. Senators in several states that rely mostly on coal for energy are concerned that energy bills will rise because of a lack of wind power, dams and other renewable sources.
Renewable electric standards "will be very troublesome for all of us in the Southeast as a mandatory rate increase," said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. If Democrats keep tax provisions and renewable electricity rules out of the bill, "it will be smoother sailing."
Dodge Invites Two Lucky Lovebirds to Start Their Journey of a Lifetime
Auburn Hills, Mich. -- With this Journey, one loving couple will wed. In honor of the 100th anniversary of the Chicago Auto Show and the launch of the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey, Dodge is proposing that couples register for a chance to tie the knot on the auto show floor and start their “Journey” of a lifetime as husband and wife.
As part of the “Dodge Journey of a Lifetime” contest, Dodge will select one car-loving couple to win an all-expense paid wedding ceremony to take place on Valentine’s Day and an all-new 2009 Dodge Journey.
According to a study conducted by the Condé Nast Bridal Group, approximately 20 percent of couples get engaged during the holidays. Dodge will help one of these couples speed up the start of their “Journey” together by throwing a Dodge-themed winter wedding at the Chicago Auto Show. The wedding couple will be the center of attention as 100 of their closest family members and friends will be invited to celebrate their marriage, as well as the 100th Chicago Auto Show.
While some couples may prefer a quiet ceremony, the couple who wins the “Dodge Journey of a Lifetime” wedding will be a bold, adventurous duo. The ceremony will bring all of the wedding essentials to life, including the dream wedding dress, walk down the aisle, wedding reception – complete with a Journey cover band – wedding cake, floral bouquets and more.
“The 2009 Dodge Journey is the perfect vehicle to help newlyweds crossover from single life to married life. It marries the overall efficiency of a passenger car and traditional SUV features with minivan practicality to create the perfect union,” said Mike Accavitti, Director – Dodge Brand and SRT Marketing and Communication. “Dodge is known for ‘grabbing life,’ so we wanted to help one couple in love ‘grab life’ and start their journey on the right road with a bold wedding ceremony and a new set of wheels to get them there – the all-new Dodge Journey.”
How to Say “I Do”
Couples can register online at www.DodgeJourneyOfALifetime.com for a chance to be married at the Chicago Auto Show. Residents from Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky can register online, beginning Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 12:01 a.m. (ET) until Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 5 p.m. (ET). To enter, potential contestants will be asked to answer the question, “Why should Dodge select you to start your ‘Journey’ of a lifetime together at the Chicago Auto Show on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2008?” and submit a photo of themselves as a couple. All participants must be 18 years or older and hold a valid driver’s license at the time of entry.
The finalist couples will be announced during the week of Jan. 21. The winning couple will be selected that week and married on Thursday, Feb. 14.
About the Dodge Journey
The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey is the Dodge brand’s newest crossover vehicle, offering a unique combination of versatility and flexibility in a sporty, sexy package. The all-new vehicle takes the practicality of a minivan, the capability of a sport-utility vehicle (SUV) and the overall efficiency of a passenger car and blends all the best attributes of each into an all-new “right-sized” crossover for the Dodge brand. With a bold, sporty design, the new, fun-to-drive Dodge Journey continues the Dodge brand’s global expansion.
Dodge Invites Two Lucky Lovebirds to Start Their Journey of a Lifetime
Auburn Hills, Mich. -- With this Journey, one loving couple will wed. In honor of the 100th anniversary of the Chicago Auto Show and the launch of the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey, Dodge is proposing that couples register for a chance to tie the knot on the auto show floor and start their “Journey” of a lifetime as husband and wife.
As part of the “Dodge Journey of a Lifetime” contest, Dodge will select one car-loving couple to win an all-expense paid wedding ceremony to take place on Valentine’s Day and an all-new 2009 Dodge Journey.
According to a study conducted by the Condé Nast Bridal Group, approximately 20 percent of couples get engaged during the holidays. Dodge will help one of these couples speed up the start of their “Journey” together by throwing a Dodge-themed winter wedding at the Chicago Auto Show. The wedding couple will be the center of attention as 100 of their closest family members and friends will be invited to celebrate their marriage, as well as the 100th Chicago Auto Show.
While some couples may prefer a quiet ceremony, the couple who wins the “Dodge Journey of a Lifetime” wedding will be a bold, adventurous duo. The ceremony will bring all of the wedding essentials to life, including the dream wedding dress, walk down the aisle, wedding reception – complete with a Journey cover band – wedding cake, floral bouquets and more.
“The 2009 Dodge Journey is the perfect vehicle to help newlyweds crossover from single life to married life. It marries the overall efficiency of a passenger car and traditional SUV features with minivan practicality to create the perfect union,” said Mike Accavitti, Director – Dodge Brand and SRT Marketing and Communication. “Dodge is known for ‘grabbing life,’ so we wanted to help one couple in love ‘grab life’ and start their journey on the right road with a bold wedding ceremony and a new set of wheels to get them there – the all-new Dodge Journey.”
How to Say “I Do”
Couples can register online at www.DodgeJourneyOfALifetime.com for a chance to be married at the Chicago Auto Show. Residents from Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky can register online, beginning Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 12:01 a.m. (ET) until Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 5 p.m. (ET). To enter, potential contestants will be asked to answer the question, “Why should Dodge select you to start your ‘Journey’ of a lifetime together at the Chicago Auto Show on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2008?” and submit a photo of themselves as a couple. All participants must be 18 years or older and hold a valid driver’s license at the time of entry.
The finalist couples will be announced during the week of Jan. 21. The winning couple will be selected that week and married on Thursday, Feb. 14.
About the Dodge Journey
The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey is the Dodge brand’s newest crossover vehicle, offering a unique combination of versatility and flexibility in a sporty, sexy package. The all-new vehicle takes the practicality of a minivan, the capability of a sport-utility vehicle (SUV) and the overall efficiency of a passenger car and blends all the best attributes of each into an all-new “right-sized” crossover for the Dodge brand. With a bold, sporty design, the new, fun-to-drive Dodge Journey continues the Dodge brand’s global expansion.
Proposed specs for Hennessey’s Venom GT supercar
More details are starting to emerge surrounding Hennessey’s upcoming supercar including this latest image of the car’s rear. We already now that its powertrain will be based on the 1,000hp (745kW) twin-turbo 8.5L V10 unit from Hennessey’s Dodge Viper Venom, but according to the maker’s website there’ll be an optional kit with 1,200hp (895kW) all up. If you need to know, there’ll be 1490Nm (1,100lb-ft) of torque available as well.
With a final kerb weight of only 1,225kg, expect to see several acceleration records fall, assuming all that power can be put to the ground. Hennessey claims will see the car reach 100km/h from rest in just 2.5 seconds and up to 300km/h in around 14 seconds. Top speed is a claimed 421km/h (260mph).
The car will feature a mid-engine, rear-drive layout with seating for two. A conventional six-speed manual will come as standard but a sequential six-speed version will also be offered. Brakes will consist of 14in carbon rotors with six-piston calipers up front and four-pot units in the back. The coefficient of drag will be 0.39cd with the rear wing fully extended.
If produced, the car will also be offered in RHD and come with driving instructions to ensure customers will be able to make the most of the thousand-plus horses. Hennessey will even throw in a matching luggage set.
There are currently plans for two separate concepts, the first of which could be shown to the public in 2009. If there is enough demand production will start at the company’s Lonestar Motorsports Park facility just outside of Houston. Click here for our previous story, which also includes a link to a video interview with founder John Hennessey.
Monday, December 3, 2007
November Auto Sales: Chrysler [quick and dirty]
Associated Press 12.03.07, 4:03 PM ETAUBURN HILLS, Mich. -
Chrysler LLC said Monday high fuel prices and the continued slump in consumer spending drove its U.S. sales 2.1 percent lower in November.
Chrysler sold a total of 161,088 vehicles in November, down from 164,556 in the same month of 2006.
Car sales rose 41.2 percent to 47,671 from 33,760. Demand for the Dodge Charger rose 42.7 percent to 10,341, sales of the Chrysler Sebring rose 14.9 percent to 8,708 and sales of the Chrysler 300 increased 6.9 percent to 11,512.
But sales of light trucks fell 13.3 percent to 113,417 from 130,796, including a 12 percent drop in Ram pickup sales to 24,488. Jeep brand sales fell 2.5 percent to 34,908.
So far this year, Chrysler sales are down 3.4 percent to 1.9 million vehicles from 2 million at the same time last year.
Adjusted for one additional selling day in the first 11 months of this year compared with last, Chrysler sales are down 3.8 percent.
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| Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick |
Dodge Challenger SRT-8 actually stickers at $40,095
One of our readers pointed us to this page over at Dodge's website that contradicted our earlier post about the 2008 Challenger SRT-8's pricing, which was originally announced at $37,995 (including the $675 destination charge). We realize that inflation is a cruel mistress, but a bump in the sticker to $40,095 left us scratching our heads. A few emails back and forth between the people at Chrysler revealed that the SRT-8 was slapped with a $2100 gas-guzzler penalty that accounted for the discrepancy in price. Not a real surprise considering the 425 hp 6.1-liter HEMI V8. As a comparison, however, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 gets a $1300 consumption penalty, even with 75 more horses under the hood. A quick search over at fueleconomy.gov revealed that if Challenger SRT-8 owners are penalized $2100, that means that they'll also only be getting between 18.5 and 19.5 mpg in the combined cycle. We doubt that'll be a deterrent, but it's food for thought.
Rumormill: Mitsubishi Concept-RA may hint at Eclipse for Europe
This is not just rumormill, this is rumors of hints and suggestions made by anonymous people. Just last week we wondered whether Mitsubishi's Concept-RA would lead to a new -- and proper -- Eclipse. What Car? went further, and although citing nothing more than "insiders," said that the red zinger "could be a forerunner for a new Eclipse coupe, which could go on sale in Europe."
True, that's a lot of coulds. But it wasn't so long ago that the Eclipse was an object of desire, and there can't be any doubt that Mitsubishi would love to see those days return -- especially after watching rival Nissan revive brand lust by slowly reinjecting its products with feeling.
Mitsubishi's attempt to mainstream the Eclipse robbed it of the fan base it had and yet didn't grow a new one. We suppose the questions, as always, would be money and the business case, but we for one would love to see Mitsu do that car, right there, in the picture above, as the new Eclipse. If they could get enough other people behind it, we wouldn't be surprised if they did. (Hint: that means it's time to tell them what you think. The comments box is waiting. Europeans are welcome.)
[Source: What Car?]
Essen 2007: delta4x4 DUNE PROJECT
Click image for photo gallery
While delta4x4 would like you to think its Grand Cherokee SRT8-based DUNE PROJECT is ready to storm the desert, those 23-inch rims wrapped in 40-series Continentals say otherwise. No matter. We think the DP's cool nonetheless, thanks mostly to the 499 horsepower it dishes out courtesy of a revamped exhaust and reprogrammed engine management system. 62 miles per hour arrives in under five seconds.
Visual changes include a 100 mm lift, a custom front bumper with an integrated Warn winch, and PIAA off-road lighting mounted to the front wheel arches and a stainless roof rack. The matte maroon finish isn't exactly attractive, though, and those bright blue brake calipers don't help matters in that regard, either. Colors, thankfully, can be changed. We'd leave everything else just as is.
[Source: delta4x4]
New system combines features of OnStar and Sync, coming to Chrysler in 2009
We're not going out on a limb by saying that the future of in-car technology is connecting all our electronic detritus into a cohesive network. Ford's Sync system has already made that possible on many fronts and GM's OnStar has set a new standard for safety, navigation and communication. Atlanta-based Hughes Telematics is announcing a new system that will fuse both of those systems into a comprehensive whole and selling a subscription service akin to OnStar's arrangement.The Hughes setup will integrate turn-by-turn navigation, voice commands for phones and iPods, plus provide emergency and roadside assistance. Additionally, it will allow users to purchase certain features – from directions to songs from Sirius – on an ala carte basis, neglecting the need to spend extra cash each month for products you rarely use. The system will also integrate with the vehicle's ECU to allow diagnosis and problem solving that could avoid a trip to the dealer.
Hughes will be releasing all the details on its new system, including a partnership with Chrysler in 2009 and a few choice luxury brands, later this week.