tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22478863002084190852024-03-16T00:08:23.953-07:00Chrysler Corporation LLCGlobal [English] Centric News Collection from various newswire, magazines, newspaper, Internet Sites, and some inside news of Chrysler Corporation LLCUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2671125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2247886300208419085.post-31335073537039031922009-11-25T14:01:00.001-08:002009-11-25T14:04:04.543-08:002011 Chrysler 300 D<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/upload2/5542753-2011-chrysler-300c_cd_gallery.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 576px; height: 352px;" src="http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/upload2/5542753-2011-chrysler-300c_cd_gallery.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTm2MHikcMO81fslYeECXUPRqdfwpBYW-BCiSEHAb8Z4gvdQt8fJeqctyUz9zOOtlIzW1DjGmmpdnx-_gifyT0q2J5NeLo7lq7WiS011-SOV9Y7nEXUmRqTIkUiQsMQkFN4AgY2mgSbK4/s1600/2011+Chrysler+300+D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTm2MHikcMO81fslYeECXUPRqdfwpBYW-BCiSEHAb8Z4gvdQt8fJeqctyUz9zOOtlIzW1DjGmmpdnx-_gifyT0q2J5NeLo7lq7WiS011-SOV9Y7nEXUmRqTIkUiQsMQkFN4AgY2mgSbK4/s400/2011+Chrysler+300+D.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408165009792279314" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2247886300208419085.post-78518248301202123432009-01-09T09:56:00.000-08:002009-01-09T10:06:56.020-08:00DUE TO STEVE"S HEALTH GROWS WORSE, TODAY IS THE LAST ISSUE OF THIS BLOG.<br /><br />We like to thank all those who did contribute time and energy to the blog site.<br /><br />Thanks again.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2247886300208419085.post-46542621975754588102009-01-09T07:07:00.000-08:002009-01-09T09:56:09.982-08:00Chrysler considering car-based 'lifestyle' pickup to replace DakotaEarlier this week General Motors announced the <a href="http://www.motorauthority.com/report-pontiac-has-killed-the-g8-st.html" target="_blank" rel="">death of the G8 ST program</a> because it wouldn't make money for them and the 'sport truck' didn't fit the Pontiac brand image. Today news has emerged that Chrysler is now considering building its own car-based pickup truck as a solution to its need for an efficient and profitable alternative to compact pickups.<br /><br />Compact pickups have been slow-sellers even in good times, but of late they are particularly hard to move. Chrysler's prospective solution to that problem, voiced by Frank Klegon to <em><a href="http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090109/AUTO01/901090362/1148/rss25" target="_blank" rel="">The Detroit News</a></em>, emphasizes low pricing and efficiency as the motivating factors. "What is needed is a lighter-duty, multipurpose vehicle from a lighter, more fuel-efficient car platform that allows the vehicle to be priced significantly different from what your full-size trucks are," said Klegon. It is expected to feature unibody construction, FWD as standard and AWD as an option, but beyond that the specification is kept secret.<br /><br />The pricing factor may be the most attractive aspect of the idea for Chrysler, since cutting prices means opening the vehicle up to a wider market while at the same time allowing for more comfortable profit margins. The situation for small trucks was made all the worse when prices of full-size trucks began plummeting in the face of 2008's nose-diving sales.<br /><br />Another aspect Chrysler is banking on is the different perceptions buyers would have of the car-truck as opposed to a compact pickup. Rather than seeing the vehicle as a miniature version of a full-size truck that should be able to haul, off-road and tow, it would be perceived as an urban utility vehicle, intended for light loads and paved roads. That difference in perception enables smaller, more efficient engines to be put to the task, making the cars both cheaper and less expensive to operate.<br /><br />If Chrysler does choose to build the car-based urban utility vehicle, it would likely take the place of the Dakota compact pickup (pictured) in the Dodge lineup. It's not yet clear if it will take the design path of the El Camino-like G8 ST or other similar vehicles, or if it will veer nearer the unibody construction but pickup-like design of Honda's Ridgeline.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2247886300208419085.post-5742910220311922442009-01-07T06:28:00.001-08:002009-01-09T07:07:28.606-08:00This Day in Auto History:<br /><br />1.8.1907<br />Thomas E. Rush succeeds Jacob Sulzbach as President of the MackBrothers Motor Car Company<br />1.8.1944<br />"William K. Vanderbilt Jr., patron of automobile racing and the LongIsland Motor Parkway, dies in New York City at age 65"<br />1.8.1960<br />"B. Frank Jones, retired Chief Engineer of the White Motor Company,dies at age 68"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2247886300208419085.post-1229807794230982672009-01-07T06:25:00.002-08:002009-01-07T06:28:33.944-08:00<title>All-new HEMI(R) with Fuel-Saving MDS Technology Earns Ward's 2009 '10 Best Engines' Award</title><link href="CSSFiles/prnewswire.css" type="text/css" rel="stylesheet"><!--- #Javascript include file containing the print page code ---><script src="Js/printpage.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script language="JavaScript" src="Js/s_code.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="Js/delicious.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript"><!-- /* You may give each page an identifying name, server, and channel on the next lines. */ var url = window.document.URL.toString(); var str = url.split("?"); var stracc = str[1].split("&"); var acct = stracc[0].substring(5,stracc[0].length) var date = str[1].split("/"); //var relId = temp[4].split("&"); s.server="" s.channel="news release" s.pageName="news_release_All-new HEMI(R) with Fuel-Saving MDS Technology Earns Ward's 2009 '10 Best Engines' Award" s.prop2=acct s.prop3=date[3] s.prop15="http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?"+str[1] s.prop50="http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?"+str[1] /************* DO NOT ALTER ANYTHING BELOW THIS LINE ! **************/ var s_code=s.t();if(s_code)document.write(s_code); //--></script><!--/DO NOT REMOVE/--><!-- End SiteCatalyst code version: H.15.1. --><style>.releaseContent {font-size: 12px; color: #000000; font-family:Arial } </style><!-- This function will get the icon name with story headline ---><script type="text/javascript"> //Variable to hold the Old system path var oldSystemPath = "http://www.prnewswire.com"; var today = new Date(); var thisYear = today.getFullYear(); function getLinkName(iconName) { return iconName + '- ' + document.getElementById('uc_template_headline').innerHTML; } function disp(feedId) { divFeed = document.getElementById(feedId); if(divFeed) { if(divFeed.style.display == 'none') { divFeed.style.display = 'inline'; } else { divFeed.style.display = 'none'; } } if(feedId=='n1') { document.getElementById('n2').style.display = 'none'; } else { document.getElementById('n1').style.display = 'none'; } } </script> <table border="0" width="649"> <tbody> <tr> <td colspan="7"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="649"> <tbody> <tr> <td><div class="headline" id="uc_template_headline" style="padding-left: 5px; width: 649px;">All-new HEMI(R) with Fuel-Saving MDS Technology Earns Ward's 2009 '10 Best Engines' Award</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr id="uc_template_imageRow" style="display: none;"> <td style="height: 5px;" colspan="7">
<br /><div id="uc_template_div_Images" style="padding-left: 5pt;" align="left"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="649"> <tbody></tbody></table></div></td></tr> <tr> <td><!-- #BeginEditable "release" --><!-- Render Story Content --> <table border="0" width="649"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <div class="releaseContent" id="uc_template_div_subHeadline" style="padding-left: 3px; text-align: left;"></div>
<br /><div class="releaseContent" id="uc_template_div_storycontent" style="padding-left: 5px;"><link href="StyleSheet.css" type="text/css" rel="stylesheet"><storycontent> <p>Refined 5.7-liter HEMI Delivers Improved Fuel Economy, <person>Even More Power</person> and Torque</p> <p></p> <p>- All-new 5.7-liter HEMI engine recognized by Ward's for powertrain excellence </p> <p>- Sixth "10 Best Engine Award" for 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine </p> <p>- Expanded utilization of Chrysler's fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS) operation </p> <p>- More power: as much as 390 horsepower </p> <p>- More torque: as much as 410 lb.-ft. of torque </p> <p></p> <p><location>AUBURN HILLS, Mich.</location>, <chron>Jan. 7</chron> /PRNewswire/ -- </p> <p></p> <p>Now in its second generation, the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine has once again earned a place in <i>Ward's</i> distinguished "2009 10 Best Engines" list again. Relentlessly delivering powertrain excellence, Chrysler LLC has earned <i>Ward's</i> "10 best" award six times in the last seven years with the iconic 5.7-liter HEMI engine. </p> <p></p> <p>"The HEMI earns the honor not on pure emotion or brute force but with advanced new technology such as variable valve timing, which allows cruising in four-cylinder mode about 40 percent of the time, which is twice as much as the previous-generation Multi-Displacement System cylinder-deactivation system," said <person>Tom Murphy</person> - Executive Director of <i>Ward's</i> AutoWorld magazine. "A number of <i>Ward's </i>testers managed to top 19 mpg (12.3 L/100 km) with the HEMI, putting it in line with certain premium V-6s tested."</p> <p></p> <p>With improved Multi-Displacement System (MDS) technology for increased fuel efficiency, added refinement and more power, the all-new 2009 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine delivers world-class performance and technology in nine Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with MDS technology is available on 2009 Chrysler 300C, Chrysler Aspen, Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander, Dodge Charger, Dodge Durango, Dodge Ram Heavy Duty series and the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 and Dodge Challenger. </p> <p></p> <p>"We are honored to have our iconic HEMI engine recognized by <i>Ward's </i>for a sixth time," said <person>Bob Lee</person>, Vice President - Powertrain Product Engineering Team, Chrysler LLC. "HEMI is synonymous with performance, and now -- thanks to VVT, expanded four-cylinder mode in our MDS system, and a host of other technologies -- Chrysler's new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine delivers more fuel efficiency and refinement, along with even more power." </p> <p></p> <p>While the new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine maintains the key architecture that makes "HEMI" synonymous with "performance," Chrysler powertrain engineers improved engine breathing and added new technologies -- including Variable Valve Timing (VVT) -- that substantially improve fuel economy and refinement. </p> <p></p> <p>The HEMI's new VVT improves fuel economy in two ways. First, it reduces the engine's pumping work by closing the intake valve later. Second, it increases the expansion process of the combustion event. This allows more work to be transferred to the crankshaft instead of being rejected out of the exhaust port as heat. Essentially, VVT improves engine breathing, which improves engine efficiency and power. </p> <p></p> <p>Dodge's fuel-saving MDS system seamlessly alternates between smooth, high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed, and V-8 mode when more power from the new 5.7-liter HEMI engine is in demand. This optimizes fuel economy when V-8 power is not required, without sacrificing vehicle performance or capability. </p> <p></p> <p>An expanded MDS operating range in the new-for-2009 HEMI will allow customers to realize an even-greater fuel economy benefit. Chrysler estimates that since its inception of MDS in 2005, more than 100 million gallons of gasoline have been saved, along with reduced carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of close to one million </p> <p></p> <p>When MDS is operating, it is indicated by a "Fuel Saver" readout in the vehicles Electronic Vehicle Information Center. </p> <p></p> <p>In addition to VVT and expanded MDS operating range, the HEMI's fuel economy and performance improvements result from an increased compression ratio, an active intake manifold with long runners for low-end torque and short runners for high-rpm power, improved cylinder head port flow efficiency, and reduced restriction exhaust and induction systems.</p> <p></p> <p>Numerous other hardware upgrades were implemented to build on the quality, reliability and durability reputation of the HEMI engine. These include crankshaft structural upgrades, a dual-mass crankshaft damper, new piston design, improved valve-spring design and oil pump capacity increase for VVT. </p> <p></p> <p>The new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine is manufactured at the Saltillo Engine Plant in <location>Saltillo, Mexico</location>. </p> <p></p> <p><b>About Chrysler LLC </b></p> <p>Chrysler LLC, headquartered in <location>Auburn Hills, Mich.</location>, produces Chrysler, Jeep(R), Dodge and Mopar(R) brand vehicles and products. Total sales worldwide in 2007 were 2.7 million vehicles. Sales outside of <location>North America</location> were the highest ever with an increase of 8 percent over 2006. Its product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee and Dodge Challenger and Ram. In the fall of 2008, Chrysler introduced three advanced electric-drive vehicle prototypes -- the Dodge EV, Jeep EV and Chrysler EV. One is targeted to be produced in 2010 for consumers in North American markets, and European markets after 2010. </p> <p></p> <p>The Chrysler Foundation, the company's philanthropic arm, annually supports hundreds of charitable organizations in <location>the United States</location> and throughout the world. In 2007, the Foundation gave approximately <money>$21 million</money> in charitable donations. </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p></storycontent></div>
<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><!-- Render Story Content ends here --></td></tr></tbody></table> <table width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td><span class="Bottom" id="uc_template_txt_Source"> <p>SOURCE Chrysler LLC</p></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2247886300208419085.post-86726332669124444422009-01-07T06:25:00.001-08:002009-01-07T06:25:14.256-08:00<h1>Don Garlits Back Racing the “Drag Pak” Challenger</h1> <div class="date"> <p>January 6, 2009 by <a title="Posts by pikesan" href="http://www.myrideisme.com/Blog/author/pikesan/">pikesan</a> </p></div> <p>Story Submitted by John C. Hill or <a title="Mopar muscle in this garage!" href="http://www.myrideisme.com/Garage/MoparMagic/" target="_blank">MoparMagic</a><br />Don Garlits to compete in 2009!</p> <p><a class="highslide" onclick="return vz.expand(this)" href="http://www.myrideisme.com/Blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/dodge-challenger-drag-race-package.jpg" getparams="null"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1992" title="dodge-challenger-drag-race-package or "Drag Pak"" style="border: 2px solid black; margin: 4px;" alt="" src="http://www.myrideisme.com/Blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/dodge-challenger-drag-race-package.jpg" width="400" /></a>Don Garlits has planned a comeback to drag racing for 2009, his 60th anniversary competing on the nation’s drag strips. Is he going to run a new Top Fuel car? The answer is no. Neither his doctor nor his wife will ever let him run an NHRA competitive Top Fuel car again. After countless thousands of parachute stops at the end of 300mph runs, the retinas in Don’s eyes had become detached. Further racing of this type could have caused permanent blindness.</p> <p>So, what is Don going to run this year? Well, as a long time Mopar representative, Mopar stepped up and has allowed Don to purchase the first Dodge Challenger equipped with the Drag Pak. For those of you thinking a factory backed “Drag Pak” was a dream, it ain’t! Based on the 6.1L equipped hot rod SRT8, the drag pak Challenger will be eligible to run in NHRA’s Super Stock, Stock, and Comp Eliminator.</p> <p>Garlits will run his Drag Pak Challenger in NHRA Division 2, but right now, it is uncertain which class. Don’s excited to challenge some of the nations best sportsman drivers and is looking forward to tuming a car like this to become competitive against other muscle cars and specialty drag race vehicles.</p> <p>Garlits ran the first promotional vehicle at Bandimere Speedway near Denver and recorded an 11.24 quarter mile which is quick considering Bandimere’s mile high track. At sea level tracks in Division 2, the car could dip into the 10’s right out of the box! Garlits also plans to attend and run at the U.S. Nationals this year to commemorate his 60th year in active drag racing.</p> <p>I for one will follow this story very closely in the Division 2 race results pages of National Dragster. Can Garlits work his old magic? First, I will admit that I am a big Don Garlits fan. But, there will be a huge difference between running the unlimited class of Top Fuel versus the very restrictive class rules of Super Stock, Stock and Comp Eliminator. In Top Fuel, tuning knowledge is king and the almighty dollar can bring absolute victory. Garlits was fantastic at tuning and driving, but he didn’t always have the almighty dollar. It was his tuning skill and driving that made him stand out, so much so, that his Top Fueler is the ONLY drag race vehicle of any type enshrined at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC.</p> <p>What really interests me is how well Garlits will do against the Southern Divisional racers who have raced their cars day in and day out for decades. Its going to be a tall order and it will be the ultimate test of Garlits as a tuner and driver. I mean, can a man in his mid-70’s still pull off .000 reaction times when needed? Can he win races without “bombing his index” or “breaking out”? After all this is class racing not Top Fuel! I’ll keep you posted as I find results from the races.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2247886300208419085.post-21935976550582989192009-01-07T06:14:00.002-08:002009-01-07T06:25:00.627-08:00This Day in Auto History:<br /><br />1.7.1974<br />Edsel B. Ford II joins the Ford Motor Company as a product analyst<br />1.7.1986<br />"International Trucks, the non-agricultural side of the defunctInternational Harvester Company, is reorganized as the NavistarInternational Corporation"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2247886300208419085.post-71028315167444645822009-01-07T06:14:00.001-08:002009-01-07T06:14:41.996-08:00Chrysler expenses stay a secret<h2>Public disclosure not part of $4-billion loan</h2> <p class="ratingbyline">BY MIKE RAMSEY • BLOOMBERG NEWS • January 7, 2009</p> <div class="article-bodytext"> <p>Chrysler LLC, operating with a $4-billion, taxpayer-funded loan from the U.S. government, isn't required to report financial information to the public and has no plan to do so.</p></div><p>Chrysler, closely held by Cerberus Capital Management LP, won't disclose operating results, a spokeswoman said. The loan agreement requires the Auburn Hills-based automaker to report its finances only to the U.S. Department of the Treasury.</p> <p>Treasury spokeswoman Brookly McLaughlin declined to say whether the department would disclose Chrysler's financial information.</p> <p>Since Cerberus bought the company in August 2007, Chrysler executives have said that the company's private status allowed it to sell assets and close factories without concern for accounting charges that might alarm a public company's shareholders.</p> <p>"At the very least, Chrysler should have the same level of transparency that General Motors has," said Peter Morici, a University of Maryland economist who testified at congressional hearings in November about the industry. There should be a level of accountability, he said, "that is not present here."</p> <p>The treasury, trying to avoid a collapse of the companies, pledged as much as $17.4 billion to Chrysler and Detroit-based General Motors Corp. on Dec. 19. Chrysler got $4 billion Jan. 2 and must show by Feb. 17 how it will return to viability. Chrysler also must submit weekly status reports, biweekly cash statements and monthly certifications to the treasury to show that it's complying with policies on expenses.</p> <p>The agreement doesn't require Chrysler to disclose results to the public.</p> <p>"We are not in a position to mirror publicly traded companies, as our investors remain private," Chrysler spokeswoman Lori McTavish said in an e-mailed response. "However, the company is obligated to our private investors and lenders, and as such, keeps them apprised."</p> <p>Cerberus spokesman Peter Duda declined to comment.</p> <p>Chrysler has revealed select information during the past year. Through the first half of 2008, the company said its losses amounted to about $1.08 billion. During congressional hearings in November, CEO Bob Nardelli said the company had $6.1 billion in cash at the end of September.</p> <p>Chrysler was partly forced into reporting financial information because Daimler AG, which owns 19.9% of the automaker, has been reporting losses -- with a three-month delay -- for its stake.</p> <p>Chrysler has been saying that Daimler's accounting for Chrysler's losses -- which equal 3.62 billion euros ($5.52 billion) for the first half of 2008 -- vastly overstates actual losses because of the differences in accounting between U.S. and international accounting methods.</p> <p>Without a loan from the government, Nardelli said, the company could run below the $3-billion minimum level of cash required to operate sometime this month.</p> <p>Chrysler finished 2008 with a 53% decline in December U.S. new-car and light-truck sales. U.S. sales fell 30% for the year, the most of any major automaker.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2247886300208419085.post-749392622204767342009-01-07T05:32:00.001-08:002009-01-07T05:32:53.402-08:00<div id="article-header"> <h2><a href="http://www.blogger.com/saleen-reveals-future-plans-for-sms-limited-brand.html">Saleen reveals future plans for SMS Limited brand</a></h2> <h3>Posted Today, 2:42 AM by Viknesh Vijayenthiran</h3></div><!-- IMG --><img id="article-img" title="SMS Limited Dodge Challenger 570 Series" alt="SMS Limited Dodge Challenger 570 Series" src="http://www.blogger.com/content/thumbs/s/a/saleen_sms_570_challenger_main630_1001_636x360-0107-636x360.jpg" /> <div id="article-img-caption" style="width: 630px;">The 570 Series Dodge Challenger will be joined later in the year by new 460 Mustang and Camaro packages</div>
<br /><!-- ARTICLE BODY --> <div id="article-body">At the start of last year American performance workshop Saleen announced plans to establish its new SMS Limited brand. The company then rolled out a <a href="http://www.motorauthority.com/saleen-s5s-raptor-supercar-concept.html" target="_blank" rel="">stunning supercar concept</a> to coincide with the launch of the brand, but unfortunately financial hard times put an end to plans for production of the mid-engined concept.
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<br />Instead, the SMS label will be used for a new range of modified muscle cars, based around the new 2009 Dodge Challenger, <a href="http://www.motorauthority.com/ford-reveals-2010-mustang-facelift.html" target="_blank" rel="">2010 Ford Mustang</a> and upcoming <a href="http://www.motorauthority.com/production-camaro-leaked-ahead-of-official-debut.html" target="_blank" rel="">2010 Chevrolet Camaro</a>. Based in Anaheim, California, SMS is currently building the first of its new hotted-up muscle cars, the <a href="http://www.motorauthority.com/saleen-sms-present-new-570tm-and-570xtm-dodge-challenger.html" target="_blank" rel="">Dodge Challenger 570 Series</a>.
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<br />Starting at $60,000 for a complete car, the SMS prepped Dodge Challenger 570 delivers more than 500hp (373kW) from a highly modified 5.7L V8 engine. Also on offer is a 700hp (522kW) version, which is priced at $70,000.
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<br />Later this year, SMS will reveal plans for a new 460 Mustang package based on the new 2010 Ford Mustang. While the car is still in the design stages, <a href="http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090107/AUTO03/901070318/1149/rss26" target="_blank" rel=""><em>The Detroit News</em></a> reports that it will come with a patented SMS Red Butterfly Induction hood over a supercharged V8 engine. Towards the end of the year, or possibly in early 2010, SMS will add a modified Chevrolet Camaro to its lineup.
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<br />All the cars will eventually be available through Dodge, Ford and Chevrolet dealers.
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<br />The story doesn’t end there as the man behind the company and the owner of the Saleen name, Steve Saleen, insists that there are plans still in place to launch a unique supercar model, as well as possible hybrid and electric vehicles. <div id="side-ad" style="margin: 10px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;"> <script type="text/javascript"><!--//<![CDATA[ var m3_u = (location.protocol=='https:'?'https://motorauthority.com/openx/www/delivery/ajs.php':'http://motorauthority.com/openx/www/delivery/ajs.php'); var m3_r = Math.floor(Math.random()*99999999999); if (!document.MAX_used) document.MAX_used = ','; document.write ("<scr"+"ipt type="'text/javascript'" src="'" zoneid="12" cb="'" exclude=" + document.MAX_used); document.write (" loc=" + escape(window.location)); if (document.referrer) document.write (" referer=" + escape(document.referrer)); if (document.context) document.write (" context=" + escape(document.context)); if (document.mmm_fo) document.write (" mmm_fo="1"><\/scr"+"ipt>"); //]]>--></script> <script src="http://motorauthority.com/openx/www/delivery/ajs.php?zoneid=12&cb=19198180204&loc=http%3A//www.motorauthority.com/saleen-reveals-future-plans-for-sms-limited-brand.html" type="text/javascript"></script> <!-- begin ad tag --> <script type="text/javascript"> //<![CDATA[ ord = window.ord || Math.floor(Math.random()*1E16); document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adj/c2aaMotorAuthority.site265.tmus/ros;sz=300x250;ord=' + ord + '?"><\/script>'); //]]> </script> <script src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adj/c2aaMotorAuthority.site265.tmus/ros;sz=300x250;ord=7170518645470242?" type="text/javascript"></script> <noscript><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/c2aaMotorAuthority.site265.tmus/ros;sz=300x250;ord=123456789?" target="_blank"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/c2aaMotorAuthority.site265.tmus/ros;sz=300x250;ord=123456789?" border="0" alt="" /></a></noscript><!-- end ad tag --> <div id="beacon_2ef83f167f" style="left: 0px; visibility: hidden; position: absolute; top: 0px;"><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" alt="" src="http://www.motorauthority.com/openx/www/delivery/lg.php?bannerid=23&campaignid=8&zoneid=12&channel_ids=,&OASCAP=2&OASCCAP=3&loc=http%253A%2F%2Fwww.motorauthority.com%2Fsaleen-reveals-future-plans-for-sms-limited-brand.html&cb=2ef83f167f" width="0" height="0" /></div><noscript><a href="'http://motorauthority.com/openx/www/delivery/ck.php?n=" cb="1231335048267'" target="'_blank'"><img src="'http://motorauthority.com/openx/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=" cb="1231335048170&n=" border="'0'" alt="''" /></a></noscript></div>
<br /></div><!-- end ARTICLE BODY--><!-- AD --><!-- <div class="google-ad"> <img src="/placeholders/articlead.png" alt="" /> </div> --><!-- ARTICLE GALLERY --> <div class="container" id="article-gallery"> <h2>Gallery: Saleen SMS 570 Dodge Challenger preview</h2> <ul><li><a href="http://www.blogger.com/gallery/saleen-sms-570-dodge-challenger-preview/saleen-sms-570-challenger-001.html"><img alt="" src="http://www.blogger.com/content/thumbs/s/a/saleen_sms_570_challenger_001-1001-118x73.jpg" /></a></li><li><a href="http://www.blogger.com/gallery/saleen-sms-570-dodge-challenger-preview/saleen-sms-570-challenger-002.html"><img alt="" src="http://www.blogger.com/content/thumbs/s/a/saleen_sms_570_challenger_002-1001-118x73.jpg" /></a></li><li><a href="http://www.blogger.com/gallery/saleen-sms-570-dodge-challenger-preview/saleen-sms-570-challenger-003.html"><img alt="" src="http://www.blogger.com/content/thumbs/s/a/saleen_sms_570_challenger_003-1001-118x73.jpg" /></a> </li></ul> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2247886300208419085.post-64783366883881295262009-01-07T05:31:00.001-08:002009-01-07T05:31:10.608-08:00<div id="storyheader"> <h2>Couple appeals Chrysler lawsuit</h2> <p class="byline">BY SCOTT F. DAVIS Northwest Arkansas Times</p> <p class="pubdate">Posted on Wednesday, January 7, 2009</p> <p class="emailprint"><a href="/nwat/News/72806/email/">Email this story</a> | <a href="/nwat/News/72806/print/">Printer-friendly version</a></p></div> <div id="storybody"><!-- PACKAGE: SELECT * FROM packages WHERE (packageid = '0') ORDER BY packageid DESC --> <p>An Avoca couple is appealing a product liability lawsuit against Chrysler Motors after a Washington County jury exonerated the automaker during a 13-day trial in November. </p> <p>The appeal filed Monday by Shadrick and Lydia Adams seeks to recover damages for head injuries their two children sustained while riding in the back seats of a 1994 Dodge Caravan during an accident on Sept. 25, 2005. </p> <p>The Adams blame faulty seat design that allowed the front seats to give way upon rear impact and the parents' heads to smash into the front of their children's heads. </p> <p>The Adams are also appealing damages totaling almost $342,000 against Linda Childers Knapp, who was talking on her cell phone when her 2004 white Jeep Cherokee rear-ended the Adams' minivan. </p> <p>Ray Niblock, a Fayetteville attorney representing the Adams, said the appeal focuses on three rulings: </p> <p>· One allowing four preemptory strikes to each party, which in effect allowed the defense to have twice as many as the plaintiff. </p> <p>· A second denying the plaintiff's request to eliminate certain jurors for cause and court overruled motions. </p> <p>· The third over a jury instruction relating to the cause of the injury. </p> <p>The Niblock firm and the Atlanta-based firm of Butler, Wooten and Fryhoffer were betting on a big award from Chrysler to recover their substantial investment - estimated in the hundreds of thousands - in a case requiring lots of paperwork and six days of hearing on pretrial motions. </p> <p>Chrysler argued that its vehicle meets all federal safety standards and that the intrusion of Knapp's vehicle prevented the children's seat from giving way backwards as designed and avoiding impact from the front passengers. </p> <p>One key fact in dispute in this case was how fast Knapp's vehicle was going when it hit the minivan. Knapp testified she was driving about 53 mph, and Chrysler's experts said it was between 65 and 77 mph, based on the damage to the vehicles. </p> <p>The crash occurred in the left, eastbound lane of the Fulbright Expressway in Fayetteville, south of the Northwest Arkansas Mall. Knapp did not realize that traffic had stalled because of a parade for Fayetteville's Bikes, Blues & BBQ festival, her attorney said. </p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2247886300208419085.post-81706008923906826182009-01-06T08:47:00.001-08:002009-01-06T08:47:47.813-08:00<h2 class="bottom">U.S. December sales fall; up from November</h2> <p class="meta"><img src="http://www.thescoop-cg.com/wp-content/themes/scoop2-5/images/icons/calendar.gif" alt="calendar (1K)" width="16" height="16" /> Posted Monday, Jan 5, 2009 at 3:08 pm in <a href="http://www.thescoop-cg.com/category/company-news/" title="View all posts in Company News" rel="category tag">Company News</a></p> <p>Chrysler LLC today reported total December 2008 U.S. sales of 89,813 units, up 5 percent versus November 2008 (85,260 units), and down 53 percent from the same month in 2007.<span id="more-9311"></span></p> <p>For the year, Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge U.S. sales decreased 30 percent (1,453,122 units) compared with total 2007 sales (2,076,650 units). Total sales were significantly affected by the industry’s largest reductions in fleet sales, 63 percent for December and 31 percent for the year.</p> <p>“Last year Chrysler and all of our stakeholders persevered through extraordinarily difficult economic conditions, made the necessary adjustments and always kept our focus on serving our customers,” President and Vice Chairman Jim Press said. “As a result, our company and our dealer network start this year stronger and better positioned to succeed in today’s marketplace.</p> <p>“From a customer perspective, we see consumers selecting vehicles based on their long-term transportation needs and committing to keeping vehicles for longer periods. As a result, characteristics such as utility, flexibility, efficiency and quality will grow in importance. In terms of product focus, Chrysler will continue to invest in quality and fuel efficiency improvements on its current lineup, while developing all-new vehicles for the next generation.</p> <p>“From an organizational viewpoint, we will work with all of our stakeholders to continue the restructuring our Company. We have a special bond with the American people now and pledge to continue our efforts to provide the best quality and best value in the marketplace. We are committed to help drive America forward.”</p> <p><strong>December sales highlights </strong></p> <p>All Jeep brand vehicles achieved sales growth over November 2008 sales. Jeep Wrangler, the brand’s top-selling model, marked sales growth of 15 percent (7,048 units) from November.</p> <p>Sales of the Jeep Patriot were up 6 percent in December (2,597 units) compared with November 2008. Year-to-date, Patriot sales grew 38 percent to reach 55,654 units.</p> <p>Minivan sales gained momentum from November. Chrysler Town & Country sales in December grew 9 percent (8,152 units) and Dodge Grand Caravan sales increased 14 percent (6,927 units).</p> <p>Dodge Ram light duty pickup sales were up 10 percent (10,601 units) compared with November 2008, fueled by the availability of the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram.</p> <p>The company finished the month with 397,569 units of inventory, or a 115-day supply. Inventory is down 9 percent compared with December 2007 when it totaled 438,390 units.<br /><strong><br />January incentives </strong></p> <p>Chrysler continues to offer customers highly competitive discount and financing programs to kick off 2009. In addition to offering discounts of up to $6,000 on 2008 model year vehicles and up to $3,000 on 2009 model year vehicles to all customers, the company also is working with Chrysler Financial and additional financing companies around the country to create packages that offer customers a wide range of options for lease and purchase financing. On select 2008 models, zero percent financing is available for 72 months, and rates as low as 1.9 percent APR are available on select 2009 models.</p> <p>For the new year, Chrysler has entered into a partnership with credit unions across the nation to offer an additional $500 to $1,000 discount when any of the 90 million members of credit unions purchase or lease a new Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle. This program was successfully piloted in December in 12 states.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2247886300208419085.post-53619552076861500202009-01-06T07:22:00.000-08:002009-01-06T08:47:06.717-08:00<h2 class="bottom">Ram hauls in Truckin’s ‘Truck of the Year Award’</h2> <p class="meta"><img alt="calendar (1K)" src="http://www.thescoop-cg.com/wp-content/themes/scoop2-5/images/icons/calendar.gif" width="16" height="16" /> Posted Tuesday, Jan 6, 2009 at 10:41 am in <a title="View all posts in Company News" href="http://www.thescoop-cg.com/category/company-news/" rel="category tag">Company News</a></p> <p>The game-changing all-new 2009 Dodge Ram continues to win praise by consumers and media. The all-new Dodge Ram was named 2009 Truck of the Year in the current issue of Truckin’ magazine. </p> <p>“It’s an honor to have Truckin’ magazine recognize our all-new 2009 Dodge Ram with this significant award,” Scott Kunselman, Vice President—Jeep®/Truck Product Team, said. “This award speaks loudly about the design and capability of our Dodge Ram along with its benchmark interior and unmatched ride and handling.” </p> <p>“Overall, the sleek design represented the most dramatic change in Ram design since the ‘94s love-it-or-leave-it big-rig look, and we think it’s a hit,” Bob Ryder, senior tech editor, Truckin’, said. “The Dodge Boys have really done their homework on this one. The quality of materials, including wood trim, chrome accents and leather is miles ahead of the previous generation and really makes the Dodge look luxurious.” </p> <p>The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram includes the first-in-segment RamBox™ cargo management system that includes versatile, weatherproof, lockable, illuminated, drainable storage bins, pickup bed dividers, a 2-foot bed extender, and a cargo rail system with sliding adjustable cleats. The 2009 Ram also includes the first-in-segment coil-spring, five-link rear suspension fitted to a solid rear axle providing ride and handling not found on any other pickup truck. A new 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine with fuel-saving MDS technology provides more horsepower (390 hp) and torque (407 lb.-ft.) and its best-in-class aerodynamics—.387 Cd—helps improve fuel economy and performance. </p> <p>In addition, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram includes first-in-segment, factory-installed 4-inch dual exhaust styled dramatically into the rear bumper, first-in-segment store-in-the-floor storage bins with nearly twice as many bins (42) than the previous model (26) and 35 safety and security technologies. Standard features include side-curtain air bags and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) which includes all-speed traction control, trailer sway control, hill-start assist and anti-lock brake system (ABS). Significantly upgraded interiors with segment-first surround-sound audio system and live Siriius Backseat TV round out the interior.</p> <p>Recently, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab earned five-star ratings for driver- and front-passenger protection in a frontal crash, the highest ratings in the U.S. government’s safety crash test program. </p> <p>In addition to winning Truckin’s magazine’s top honor, the all-new Dodge Ram has picked up several key awards since its introduction: </p> <p>Ward’s AutoWorld: Ward’s 10 Best Engines of 2009 (2009 Dodge Ram 5.7 HEMI engine)</p> <p>Texas Auto Writer’s Association (TAWA): 2009 Full-Size Pickup Truck of Texas </p> <p>Edmunds.com: Inside Line Editors Most Wanted 2009 </p> <p>Autobytel.com: 2009 MyRide/Autobytel Editor’s Choice Awards—Truck of the Year </p> <p>Maxim: Achievement in Party-Enabling Technology (RamBox) </p> <p>Automotive Journalist Association of Canada: Best New Pickup </p> <p>Sobre Ruedas: Sobre Ruedas Best Pickup Truck for ‘08 </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2247886300208419085.post-78500438237714264422009-01-06T06:05:00.000-08:002009-01-06T07:22:01.362-08:00Report: Chrysler Prepping More Dodge-Like Dodge EV For Detroit<div class="post-byline"> jalopnick By <cite><a rel="nofollow" href="http://jalopnik.com/people/Wes/posts/" title="Click here to read posts written by WES SILER">Wes Siler</a></cite>, <a rel="nofollow" href="http://jalopnik.com/5123456/report-chrysler-prepping-more-dodge+like-dodge-ev-for-detroit">9:30 AM</a> on Tue Jan 6 2009, 270 views <span id="editor_controls"></span> </div> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> <p><img src="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/jalopnik/2009/01/dodgeevora_ev.jpg" style="display: block; float: none;" width="804" height="596" />Chrysler may be bringing an updated <s>hopes and dreams</s> <a href="http://jalopnik.com/5053495/chrysler-unveils-dodge-ev-a-tesla+like-all+electric-sports-car">Dodge EV</a> to the <a href="http://jalopnik.com/tag/detroit-auto-show/">Detroit Auto Show</a>. What’s new? Styling going further than a badge swap and possibly four seats. So, a <a href="http://jalopnik.com/399075/the-lotus-evora-weighs-a-tonand-a-half">Lotus Evora</a>?</p> <p>Well, we don’t know for sure. First unveiled in September, the Dodge EV was the first of four smoke and mirrors-like electric concept vehicles developed by <a href="http://jalopnik.com/5053788/how-do-the-chrysler-hybrids-match-the-volts-ev-range">Chrysler’s ENVI program</a>. Allegedly, the company claims it'll have one electric vehicle on the road in 2010. To cut costs, instead of developing an all-new model it’s looking to drop some batteries into an existing vehicle. In the EV’s case, that vehicle is the <a href="http://jalopnik.com/363986/lotus-europa-se-revealed-shows-off-pretty-smile-222-horsepower">Lotus Europa</a>.</p> <p>Since that time Chrysler chose to unveil its <a href="http://jalopnik.com/5112263/chrysler-reveals-product-future-to-journalists-we-reveal-plans-to-you">future product line</a> to a selection of media outlets that purposefully excluded <em>Jalopnik</em> readers. We'd been told one of the vehicles included was an electric version of the Jeep Patriot, but we'd also been told to expect a concept vehicle to be unveiled at Detroit. We guess this is it.</p> <p>Now, according to the <em>real journalists</em> over at <em>Automotive News</em>, Chrysler plans to show off an updated EV in Detroit next week:<br /></p> <blockquote>The Dodge EV shown in September was a Lotus-derived electric sports car. Look for the show version to have more Dodge styling cues and possibly be a four-passenger coupe.</blockquote> <p>Since the Dodge EV was basically just a Lotus Europa with batteries, it stands to reason a four-seat coupe version would be based on the four-seat Lotus Evora. “More Dodge styling cues?” We’re guessing that means they’ve grafted on a crosshair grille.</p> <p>Is it just us, or is everyone sick of Lotus-based smoke and mirrors electric sportscars? Thankfully, Lotus says it’s developing its own EV, possibly in time for the <a href="http://jalopnik.com/tag/geneva-motor-show/">Geneva Motor Show</a>. [source: Automotive News]</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2247886300208419085.post-78661842427107383672009-01-06T06:04:00.000-08:002009-01-06T06:05:52.060-08:00This Day in Auto History:<br /><br />1.5.1891<br />"Glenn Dale Angle, Chief Draftsman of the Welch Motor Car Company1909-1911 and for the Dort Motor Car Company 1916, is born in ImlayCity, MI"<br />1.5.1914<br />"The first Rayfield Cyclecar is completed amid great optimism, butonly one more car would be built"<br />1.5.1925<br />"Ralph DePalma drives a stripped down Chrysler Model B-70 touringcar 1,000 miles in 786 minutes at the Culver City, CA track to setnumerous stock car records"<br />1.5.1932<br />The Hupmobile 1931-1934 ``Stylized H'' mascot is patented bydesigner Raymond Loewy 1.5.1950 The 1950 Chryslers are introducedUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2247886300208419085.post-66440573815529771332009-01-06T06:01:00.000-08:002009-01-06T06:04:24.688-08:00This Day in Auto History:<br /><br />1.4.1893<br />"Mason M. Roberts of General Motors is born in Anderson, IN"<br />1.4.1930<br />The 1930 Auburns are introduced at the New York Automobile Show<br />1.4.1944<br />"David W. Rodger, Vice President and Secretary of the Federal-MogulCorporation and an employee of the firm since 1915, dies at age 50"<br />1.4.1955<br />"The 1955 Packards are introduced, featuring the marque's first V-8engines and the ``cathredral'' taillights designed by Richard A. Teague"<br />1.4.1974<br />"Yves Boisset, an Argentine Peugeot official, is kidnapped byguerillas"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2247886300208419085.post-72258112802698110832009-01-06T05:55:00.002-08:002009-01-06T05:58:58.567-08:00This Day in Auto History:<br /><br />1.3.1905<br />"Dante Giacosa, a Fiat stylist 1928-1975, is born in Rome, Italy" <br />1.3.1921<br />The Studebaker Corporation announces that they have ended farmwagon<br />1.3.1928<br />The Packard Custom 443 is introduced along with a rumble seatcoupe and<br />1.3.1939<br />"The experimental Rolls-Royce ``Big Bertha'', a Wraith chassis witha straight-8 engine, is completed" <br />1.3.1944<br />"Robert Lacey, biographer of the Ford family, is born inGuildford, Surrey, "Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2247886300208419085.post-69691201573218367702009-01-06T05:55:00.001-08:002009-01-06T05:55:31.336-08:00<title>email.gif</title><link href="http://www.autoquarterly.com/aq.css" type="text/css" rel="stylesheet"><script language="JavaScript"> <!-- hide if (document.images) { email_r1_c1_f2 = new Image(684 ,33); email_r1_c1_f2.src = "http://www.autoquarterly.com/new/templates/imgs/email_r1_c1_f2.gif"; email_r1_c1_f1 = new Image(684 ,33); email_r1_c1_f1.src = "http://www.autoquarterly.com/new/templates/imgs/email_r1_c1.gif"; } // stop hiding --> </script> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="684"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"><center> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="95%"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"><span class="copybold">This Day in Auto History:</span> <p><span class="copybold">1.2.1864</span>
<br />"Albert Fisher, a builder of bodies for motor trucks and an uncle ofthe Fisher brothers of General Motors, is born in Peru, OH"
<br /><span class="copybold">1.2.1897</span>
<br />"A steam-powered London-built Thornycroft truck is sold to the SouthWales Motor Car & Cycle Company of Cardiff, the first sale of a motortruck in Great Britain"
<br /><span class="copybold">1.2.1923</span>
<br />Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company is forced into receivership
<br /><span class="copybold">1.2.1935</span>
<br />The 1935 Chryslers are introduced
<br /><span class="copybold">1.2.1947</span>
<br />"Production of 1947 Cadillacs officially begins, although the carsare essentially identical to the 1946 models"
<br /></p></td></tr></tbody></table><!--- End Body Copy ---></center></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="684"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="210"><img src="http://www.autoquarterly.com/new/templates/imgs/spacer.gif" border="0" width="210" height="5" /></td> <td valign="top"> <p><span class="copyitalic">Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick</span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2247886300208419085.post-64085975600355081772009-01-06T05:50:00.001-08:002009-01-06T05:50:21.661-08:00<span class="copybold">This Day in Auto History:</span> <p><span class="copybold">1.1.1892</span><br />"Samuel Broers of the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company is born inAmsterdam, Holland"<br /><span class="copybold">1.1.1906</span><br />Pennsylvania's state-issued license plates debut<br /><span class="copybold">1.1.1910</span><br />"The (Societa) Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili is founded inMilan, Italy by Ugo Stella to manufacture the A.L.F.A., with GiuseppeMerosi officially named as Technical Director"<br /><span class="copybold">1.1.1913</span><br />"George W. Killebrew is elected President of the Marathon MotorWorks, the struggling Nashville, TN automobile manufacturer"<br /><span class="copybold">1.1.1870</span><br />Francis E. Stanley married Augusta May Walker<br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2247886300208419085.post-15829707638551630252009-01-06T05:40:00.000-08:002009-01-06T05:42:49.099-08:00<p>Excessive power is just enough, right? If you abide by that rule of thumb, perhaps you’d be interested in RDP Motorsport’s latest offering, which trumps the Challenger’s SRT8’s 6.1L Hemi and its 425 horsepower with a stroked version displacing a classic 440 cubic inches.</p> <p><img class="attachment wp-att-6971" alt="challengertwinsuper_" src="http://photocarsonline.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/challengertwinsuper_.jpg" width="490" height="272" /></p> <p>That block is topped with a duo of superchargers that offer an astounding 1,000 horsepower. Oh yeah, it’s also boosted with two nitrous kits. That’s enough grunt to catapult the portly Challenger down the 1/4 mile in the nines, and if that’s not fast enough for you, we suggest therapy.</p> <p><span id="more-6968"></span>This outrageous pony car was recently unveiled at the PRI Show in Florida and is definitely a bit overkill for most people’s needs. So, while the Australian company will be happy to replicate this powertrain combination for you for a price, it’s good to know that RDP will work with you to design pretty much whatever you need on a custom basis. <a href="http://photocarsonline.com/out.php?link=http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/1-000-hp-twin-supercharged-dodge-challenger-by-rdp-motorsport/" target="_blank">source</a></p> <p><a title="challengertwinsuper" href="http://photocarsonline.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/challengertwinsuper.jpg" rel="lightbox[roadtrip]"><img class="attachment wp-att-6969" alt="challengertwinsuper" src="http://photocarsonline.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/challengertwinsuper.thumbnail.jpg" width="100" height="100" /></a><a title="challengertwinsuper_2" href="http://photocarsonline.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/challengertwinsuper_2.jpg" rel="lightbox[roadtrip]"><img class="attachment wp-att-6970" alt="challengertwinsuper_2" src="http://photocarsonline.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/challengertwinsuper_2.thumbnail.jpg" width="100" height="100" /></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2247886300208419085.post-51296985710002436022009-01-06T05:38:00.000-08:002009-01-06T05:40:49.301-08:00<div id="article-header"> <h2><a href="/1000hp-dodge-challenger-srt8-by-rdp-performance.html">1,000hp Dodge Challenger SRT8 by RDP Performance</a></h2> <h3>Posted Sun Jan 4 2009 4:35 AM by James Martinez</h3></div><!-- IMG --> <!-- IMG --><img id="article-img" title="RDP Performance 1,000hp Dodge Challenger" alt="RDP Performance 1,000hp Dodge Challenger" src="/content/thumbs/r/d/rdp_1000hp_dodge_challenger_001-0104-636x360.jpg" /><img id="article-img" title="RDP Performance 1,000hp Dodge Challenger" alt="RDP Performance 1,000hp Dodge Challenger" src="/content/thumbs/r/d/rdp_1000hp_dodge_challenger_001-0104-636x360.jpg" />
<br /><!-- ARTICLE BODY --> <div id="article-body">Ohio tuning firm RDP Performance has cooked up a special version of the new <a href="http://www.motorauthority.com/2008-dodge-challenger-srt8-official-details.html" target="_blank" rel="">Dodge Challenger SRT8</a> for last month's Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show in Florida. Taking a stock SRT8, which comes with an already impressive 425hp when it rolls out of the factory, RDP Performance has extensively modified the car to produce a stunning 1,000hp - all channeled through the car's rear wheels.
<br />
<br />RDP Performance's goal with the car was to create a Dodge Challenger capable of completing the quarter-mile sprint in nine seconds. To put that goal in perspective, the $1 million, 1,001 hp Bugatti Veyron takes around 10 seconds to complete the quarter-mile, so the engineers over at RDP Performance knew that they would have their work cut out for them.
<br />
<br />To give the Challenger all that power, a slew of modifications were made, with various parts manufactured by RDP themselves and other parts bought from performance parts companies. The massive horsepower increases come largely from two items - a one-of-a-kind Twin Bullet/RDP Harrop Supercharger system and a nitrous boosting system from Nitrous Express.
<br />
<br />The other modifications include a new fitted rear end with custom 1/2 shaft and a quaife centre, a 3,800rpm high stall converter to help launch the car with more torque, new step headers from Kooks and a custom exhaust system manufactured on site by RDP Performance at their Ohio headquarters.
<br />
<br />Amazingly, despite making the Challenger put out more than double its factory output, RDP Performance is still using the factory transmission, although they have implemented their own transmission control module to control it.
<br />Via: <a href="http://www.challengerblog.com/2008/twin-supercharged-rdp-challenger-debuts-at-pri-show.html" target="_blank" rel="">Challenger Blog</a> <div id="side-ad" style="margin: 10px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;"> <script type="text/javascript"><!--//<![CDATA[ var m3_u = (location.protocol=='https:'?'https://motorauthority.com/openx/www/delivery/ajs.php':'http://motorauthority.com/openx/www/delivery/ajs.php'); var m3_r = Math.floor(Math.random()*99999999999); if (!document.MAX_used) document.MAX_used = ','; document.write ("<scr"+"ipt type="'text/javascript'" src="'" zoneid="12" cb="'" exclude=" + document.MAX_used); document.write (" loc=" + escape(window.location)); if (document.referrer) document.write (" referer=" + escape(document.referrer)); if (document.context) document.write (" context=" + escape(document.context)); if (document.mmm_fo) document.write (" mmm_fo="1"><\/scr"+"ipt>"); //]]>--></script> <script src="http://motorauthority.com/openx/www/delivery/ajs.php?zoneid=12&cb=78078402770&loc=http%3A//www.motorauthority.com/1000hp-dodge-challenger-srt8-by-rdp-performance.html&referer=http%3A//www.roadst3r.com/stories/1-000hp-dodge-challenger-srt8-by-rdp-performance/" type="text/javascript"></script> <script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-1170763425696303"; /* 300x250 MA Individual */ google_ad_slot = "8727301683"; google_ad_width = 300; google_ad_height = 250; //--> </script> <script src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js" type="text/javascript"> </script> <div id="beacon_00845c3d3b" style="left: 0px; visibility: hidden; position: absolute; top: 0px;"><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" alt="" src="http://www.motorauthority.com/openx/www/delivery/lg.php?bannerid=9&campaignid=2&zoneid=12&channel_ids=,&loc=http%253A%2F%2Fwww.motorauthority.com%2F1000hp-dodge-challenger-srt8-by-rdp-performance.html&referer=http%253A%2F%2Fwww.roadst3r.com%2Fstories%2F1-000hp-dodge-challenger-srt8-by-rdp-performance%2F&cb=00845c3d3b" width="0" height="0" /></div><noscript><a href="'http://motorauthority.com/openx/www/delivery/ck.php?n="ae9efa10&cb="1231249128460'" target="'_blank'"><img src="'http://motorauthority.com/openx/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid="12&cb="1231249128719&n="ae9efa10'" border="'0'" alt="''" /></a></noscript></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2247886300208419085.post-62985261550680462142008-12-31T08:58:00.000-08:002009-01-06T05:38:04.079-08:00U.S. auto sales post sharp decline Chrysler numbers down 53% in Dec.<p class="ratingbyline">From staff and wire reports • January 6, 2009</p> <div class="article-bodytext"> <p class="photo-horz"><a onclick="window.open('','popup','scrollbars=yes,width=650,height=600,left=5,top=5,resizable=yes')" href="http://www.blogger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?template=zoom&Site=D0&Date=20090106&Category=BIZ&ArtNo=901060333&Ref=AR&Profile=1005" target="popup"><img alt="photo" src="http://cmsimg.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=D0&Date=20090106&Category=BIZ&ArtNo=901060333&Ref=AR&Profile=1005&MaxW=318&Border=0" /></a></p> <p class="photo-byline">The Associated Press</p> <p>Unsold Compasses and Grand Cherokees sit at a Chrysler/Jeep dealership in the west Denver suburb of Golden, Colo., recently. Chrysler said Monday that its December U.S. sales plunged 53 percent. The company blamed the tough economy.</p><p>Chrysler LLC's December U.S. sales plunged by more than half, and it sold 30 percent fewer vehicles in 2008, dwarfing the steep declines at the other major automakers as consumers remained uncertain about the economy and their jobs.</p></div><p>Chrysler said Monday its December sales dropped 53 percent because of the recession and fewer fleet sales, while Toyota Motor Corp. reported a 37 percent slide and Honda Motor Co. said its sales tumbled 35 percent.</p> <p>Ford Motor Co.'s U.S. sales fell 32 percent in December. General Motors Corp. and Nissan Motor Co. both posted 31 percent declines.</p> <p>Ford's sales for 2008 fell 21 percent from a year earlier, keeping the Dearborn automaker in third place in the U.S. auto sales race, falling behind Toyota for the second straight year.</p> <p>Toyota's 2008 sales fell 16 percent to 2.22 million, compared with Ford's 1.98 million. Detroit-based GM's 2008 sales totaled 2.95 million, down 23 percent from the year before. Honda's 2008 sales fell 8 percent.</p> <p>The auto Web site Edmunds.com predicted sales for the full year will total just over 13 million, down 18 percent from 2007 and the lowest level since 1992. Final industrywide results were expected later Monday.</p> <p>Noel Daniels of the Gray-Daniels chain of car dealerships in Mississippi said the first half of 2008 "was great for us."</p> <p>"Thank God for the first six months, because the last six months were as challenging" as any Daniels said he can remember.</p> <p>Gray-Daniels closed Yazoo Motor Co. in December and will focus its energy on its Jackson-area dealerships. Daniels said sales in the last two weeks of December at those dealerships were encouraging, as even customers with less-than-ideal credit were able to secure financing.</p> <p>Daniels says he's optimistic 2009 will be better for the industry than 2008, adding credit should be more readily available.</p> <p>Paul Moak, who sells a number of brands in metro Jackson, said his dealerships saw mixed results in 2008. There were slight drops in sales of his Volvo and GM vehicles as well as used cars, but sales of Subarus and Hondas held steady from 2007, he said.</p> <p>"Every year is different. Each year has its own challenges," he said.</p> <p>Moak and Daniels agree that a newly elected president and members of Congress could bring about at least some economic recovery. Moak added gas price fluctuations throughout the year will influence greatly the number of cars sold and what types of vehicles people will want to buy.</p> <p>Despite lower gas prices in recent months, Daniels said demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles will remain strong and will be a major focus of automakers' production plans.</p> <p>Ford said it sold 138,458 light vehicles in December, down from 204,787 in the same month in 2007. The automaker doesn't see much hope for improvement in early 2009, but predicted a small uptick later in the year.</p> <p>"We expect the first few months of 2009 to feel much like last three months of 2008," Emily Kolinski Morris, Ford's senior economist, said during a conference call with reporters and industry analysts.</p> <p>GM sold 220,030 light vehicles in December compared with 319,837 a year earlier. The recent month's results were boosted by heavy sales incentives, including financing offers announced near the end of the month after the Treasury Department said it would give $5 billion in federal aid to GM's ailing financing arm, GMAC LLC.</p> <p>Subaru of America Inc. said its U.S. sales crept higher in 2008, making the Japanese company likely to be the only major automaker with a yearly sales increase. Subaru's U.S. sales rose by 0.3 percent to 187,699 vehicles from 187,208 in 2007, as consumers snapped up its top-selling Forester and Impreza.</p> <p>Chrysler's December sales totaled 89,813 vehicles, compared with 191,423 in the year-ago month. Despite the plunge, the recent month's sales represented a 5 percent increase over November levels. the Auburn Hills, Mich., carmaker said the December drop included a 63 percent decrease in fleet sales.</p> <p>Aaron Bragman, automotive marketing research analyst for IHS Global Insight in Troy, Mich., said large incentives such as zero-percent financing and rebates will continue well into 2009 as automakers try everything they can to boost sales.</p> <p>Full-size truck incentives ran from $7,000 to $8,000 in December.</p> <p>"You look in the paper and the deals on brand new GM pickups are astonishing," Bragman said. "The discount that you get buys a heck of a lot of gasoline."</p> <p>Hyundai Motor America is trying to woo buyers by promising to let them return cars free for up to a year if they lose their jobs and can't make the payments.</p> <p>The "Hyundai Assurance Program" applies to customers stricken by misfortune outside of their control, such as losing their job, becoming disabled or losing their driver's license for medical reasons. It covers depreciation up to $7,500.</p> <p>Similar bold moves might be necessary throughout the year. Global Insight predicts U.S. sales will drop from 13 million in 2008 to 10.3 million this year as the economy continues to sputter.</p> <p>While that may bring deals for consumers, it's bad news for automakers. GM and Chrysler were forced to go to the government for loans to hold off bankruptcy, and Ford says it may need government money if sales don't recover in 2009.</p> <p>But Bragman said the sales drops are not unique to the U.S.-based automakers and encompass the entire domestic market.</p> <p>Toyota said it sold 141,949 vehicles in December, down from 224,399 a year earlier. Sales of the Prius hybrid dropped 45 percent as gas prices fell from their record highs in July. Toyota is scheduled to unveil an updated Prius at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week.</p> <p>Toyota has retooled a plant it is building in north Mississippi to manufacture the Prius. It initially announced it would produce the Highlander SUVs. The Blue Springs plant was slated to go online in 2010. Toyota announced last month it is postponing the opening indefinitely.</p> <p>Jim Lentz, president of Toyota Motor Sales USA, said he was optimistic hybrid sales would rebound.</p> <p>"We're going to see fuel prices creep up a bit," he said. "I think the overall greening of America is going to see an increase in hybrid (sales) as well."</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2247886300208419085.post-54074382928163240262008-12-31T06:34:00.002-08:002008-12-31T08:58:14.799-08:00Fewer Recalls at Ford, Chrysler Improve Industry Total in 2008<span class="storytitle"></span><span class="byline">By James M. Amend</span> <br /><div style="padding-top: 6px;"><span class="sourcedate">WardsAuto.com, Dec 31, 2008 10:58 AM</span> <p>GM’s total recall campaigns and affected vehicles represent industry highs in 2008, while Toyota suffers one of the largest year-over-year recall increases.</p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2247886300208419085.post-9688003290193327372008-12-31T06:34:00.001-08:002008-12-31T06:34:50.002-08:00Auto History - 31 Dec12.31.1890 - Don E. Ahrens of General Motors is born in Lodgepole, NE<br />12.31.1923 - Philip Eglin Benton, Jr. of Royal Dutch/Shell Group is born in Charlottesville, VA<br />12.31.1932 - Jose Joseph Dedeurwaerder of American Motors and Renault is born in Halle, Belgium<br />12.31.1948 - The first redesigned “second series” 1949 Plymouth is produced<br />12.31.1951 - The Henry J Vagabond is introducedUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2247886300208419085.post-41102838352658538742008-12-24T06:16:00.000-08:002008-12-24T06:20:24.430-08:00<div class="pageTitle"><h1 class="pageTitle">How Much Rent Does Chrysler Pay Cerberus?</h1></div> <div class="post" id="post-196571"> <p class="sm">By Robert Farago<br /><br /></p> <div class="entry" id="intelliTXT"><!-- if there's a youTube video link, show video here --><!-- New Car Consultant and TrueDelta links --><!-- /New Car Consultant and TrueDelta links --> <p><a title="Rent? (courtesy fflickr.com/3289/2391733003_a90aab646d.jpg)" href="http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/2391733003_a90aab646d.jpg" target="_blank" rel="lightbox"><img class="imageright" title="Rent? (courtesy fflickr.com/3289/2391733003_a90aab646d.jpg)" alt="" src="http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/2391733003_a90aab646d.jpg" width="270" height="180" /></a>President Bush has pledged $4b of your taxes to Chrysler. Ultimately, the money will be under the control of the ailing American automaker’s owners, Cerberus Financial. Despite the enormous call on the public purse to fund a company whose prospects are dimmer than a 70’s porno theater, the secretive private equity group that pulls ChryCo’s strings has not opened the company’s books to full public scrutiny. Fortunately, we have a little something called the free press (and I don’t mean you Freep) ready to poke its nose into the dealings of the company about to poke its nose into the federal trough. <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123005647358030595.html" target="_new">The Wall Street Journal</a> [sub] reports that “Public documents filed in Oakland County, Mich. show a Cerberus subsidiary called Auburn Hills Owner, LLC, bought the 458-acre complex on Aug. 3, 2007, for $325 million. That same day, Cerberus completed the deal to take over 80.1% of Chrysler from Daimler.” While the Journal seems obsessed with the fact that ChryCo employees didn’t know that Chrysler proper doesn’t own the Auburn Hills campus, the accounting behind the transaction is more interesting…</p> <p><span id="more-196571"></span></p> <p>“While trying to sell Chrysler, Daimler put a higher value on the property. The sales binder that Daimler showed to potential buyers of Chrysler said the headquarters had a book value of $800 million and that Daimler had received an offer of $1.2 billion for the complex in August 2006, according to people who have seen the two-inch thick prospectus.</p> <p>“The city of Auburn Hills assessed the property’s value at just over $460 million last year, down from a peak of approximately $620 million in 2005… On the day the acquisition of Chrysler closed, Cerberus secured a loan of $225 million against the headquarters building from Citigroup Global Markets Realty Corp., public documents show.</p> <p>“A person familiar with the matter said Cerberus used that money to pay part of the $325 million it owned [sic] Daimler for the building.”</p> <p>The bottom line: Cerberus owns the property and Chrysler pays rent to cover the nut. What’s the nut? What’s the rent? Unknown. <a href="http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/youre-welcome-now-how-much-did-this-cost/">As “investors” in Chrysler</a>, taxpayers should demand to know every detail of their business. What other skeletons lurk in Cerberus’ closet?</p></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2247886300208419085.post-10168961011065653372008-12-24T06:15:00.000-08:002008-12-24T06:16:13.002-08:00<p class="storyheadline">Chrysler appealing assessed value</p> <p>Company seeks a 48 percent reduction</p><span class="storycredit">By KEN de la BASTIDE</span><br /><span>Tribune enterprise editor</span><br /><p><span>Chrysler Corp. is seeking to reduce the amount of property taxes it will pay this year for the two transmission plants on the north side of Kokomo.<br /><br />Chrysler officials have filed an appeal of the assessed value of the two plants, which opened in 1998 and 2003, with Howard County Assessor Jamie Shepherd.<br /><br />The two plants currently have an assessed value for 2007 taxes payable in 2008 of $106,542,000 for the 283.64-acre site and the buildings.<br /><br />The company wants the assessed value reduced to $55 million. Shepherd said the plants have never been assessed at $55 million.<br /><br />Shepherd said Chrysler is not appealing the personal property (equipment) in the two facilities or at the Kokomo Casting Plant and the Kokomo Transmission Plant.<br /><br />“In the past, the assessor and company officials would do a walk-through of the plants and agree on a price per square foot,” she said. “We couldn’t get a walk-through this year.”<br /><br />Shepherd said the county was close to reaching an agreement with Chrysler in which it would drop the appeal and a walk-through would take place in 2009. She said the person negotiating for Chrysler no longer works for the company.<br /><br />The county, using state guidelines, has set the assessed value at $49.62 per square foot and Chrysler wants the assessed value set at $25.<br /><br />“The assessed value of the two plants increased by less than 2 percent,” Shepherd said of the 2007 pay 2008 rate.<br /><br />The county has hired R&E Research to perform an analysis of the data provided by Chrysler and the county.<br /><br />“We need to know why Chrysler believes it should be the lower assessment,” Shepherd said. “The data they are using is comparable to sales in several other states, including Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and Nevada.”<br /><br />Shepherd said Indiana uses a market-value comparison based on use of the industrial space and several other states use market-value based on an exchange. She said the two Indiana transmission plants were built and designed for the automotive industry.<br /><br />Once the analysis is completed there will be a township conference to discuss the evidence presented by Chrysler and R&E Research.<br /><br />“I would like to reach an agreement,” Shepherd said. “Chrysler is a big component of our community, beyond the payment of taxes.”<br /><br />Shepherd said during the appeal process, Chrysler will pay taxes on the two plants based on the 2006 pay 2007 assessment.<br /><br />“Once I received notice of the appeal, I discussed it with all county officials,” she said. “It would be a big loss of our tax base.”<br /><br />Shepherd said companies across Indiana are filing appeals on their industrial space and precedents could be set that impact appeals in other counties.<br /></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1