Automotive News also mentioned that Chrysler may employ an eight-speed automatic transmission to further improve performance and fuel economy. We don't know of any Chrysler transmission projects that are this ambitious, and Daimler currently utilizes only seven cogs in its Mercedes lineup, but suppliers like Aisin and ZF already have 8 speeds on the market.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Ford Nov. sales drop 30 pct., Toyota falls 34 pct.
Ford says Lincoln and Mercury light truck sales were off 29 percent compared with November of last year, while the three brands' car sales were down 32 percent.
Toyota's truck sales plummeted 36 percent, while demand for passenger cars fell 32 percent.
Garmon's Dodge wins 2008 NADM Unlimited Street Championship
Publish date: Dec 1, 2008
Aftermarket Business
Aftermarket Business
Pro Street diesel drag racing driver Jeff Garmon won the 2008 NADM Unlimited Street Championship with the National Association of Diesel Motorsports driving the Silverline Dodge Cummins drag race.
The Garmon Silverline drag racing pick-up truck consistently ran low to mid 6-second 1/8th mile passes, running on diesel fuel only, without power boosters such as nitrous or propane. ANSA Automotive, the industry leader in high performance sport compact and diesel exhaust systems, will continue to support the Garmen Silverline Dodge Cummins drag racing truck for the 2009 racing season.
ANSA Automotive is the exclusive North American supplier of Silverline Stainless Steel Exhaust products, which include direct-fit single and dual systems for diesel trucks, exhaust systems for many popular sport compact models, as well as universal mufflers and tips for domestic and import cars and light trucks. ANSA Automotive also offers ANSA brand OE replacement mufflers and exhaust systems, ANSA Sport High Performance exhaust systems and mufflers and EPA-certified bolt-on catalytic converters for import vehicles.
ALLPAR Rumor...
http://www.allpar.com/trucks/jeep/2011-cherokee.html
Despite economic turmoil and an overactive rumor mill, it appears almost certain that the next-generation 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a long-time moneymaker for Chrysler Corporation, Group, and LLC, will be built in a renovated North Jefferson plant.
Reliable source oh20 described the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee as a “complete redesign, not a refresh.” Whether Mercedes is involved or not is an open question, but their influence is bound to be smaller than it was with the 2008-2010 models — despite the heavy use of Mercedes powertrain components and a technology sharing agreement which will result in the next-generation Mercedes “M” adopting some new Grand Cherokee engineering.
Ryan, another established source wrote, “I can tell you a few things that are certain. Jeep will be moving the Grand Cherokee to the North Jefferson plant, along with the Durango. Both vehicles are already done being designed, and production starts in the spring I believe [this may indicate the Grand Cherokee will be a 2010 model]. Both vehicles will be quite different than what they are now. The Aspen will be kicked because for some reason, people still like Escalades better.” He agreed on the Phoenix, put in the new Hemi at 380 hp, and suggested an SRT model.
Redriderbob wrote, “About a year and half ago, I broke the word to you guys and gals at Allpar.com that the next generation of the Grand Cherokee would grow in size to cover both the Commander and Grand Cherokee lineups. I also stated that the next Grand Cherokee, Aspen, and Durango would all share a common platform. That is still true. Dodge will replace the Durango in 2012, one model year after the introduction of the new Grand Cherokee. The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2012 Dodge Durango will share powertrains as well as chassis parts. The Chrysler Aspen's future is still undecided.”
A new source, whose information has been collaborated to a degree by others, noted that three engines will be available, with a possible SRT8 model also getting its own engine:
- 3-liter turbo diesel, apparently sourced from Mercedes (the same one currently in use)
- 3.6 liter Phoenix engine (280 hp?)
- 5.7 liter variable-cam Hemi (350 hp?)
The new source wrote that each of these engines will get a different five-speed automatic transmission; the best goes to the Hemi, which will have the reliable, comfortable 545RFE. Phoenix engines will get the usual Mercedes automatic. Finally, the diesel will get a Mercedes automatic that’s new to Chrysler.
Again, despite the mostly-unchanged powertrains, we’re told the new Grand Cherokee is a complete redesign — an unusual step considering that the current Grand Cherokee was also a complete redesign. However, Mercedes’ involvement reportedly added considerable bulk to the current generation, while the overall feel declined from the prior model.
Some more interesting features and options are slated to include:
- “Jeep naturals:” Load-levelling, height-controlled air suspension (optional) and “terrain select” four wheel drive
- From minivans: Power liftgate, video, and ParkSense and ParkView™ rear assist and side blind spot detection
- From Liberty: “Command View®” dual sunroof system
- Satellite radio/phone system
- Adaptive cruise control (which maintains a distance from the next car, as well as a speed)
The usual range of other options should be present (e.g. dual zone air conditioning, skid plates, trailer towing, extra-good audio system).
As for looks, our guess is that Jeep will move back to the original Grand Cherokee styling cues. Most likely, aerodynamic considerations will have a much higher influence than before — which does not necessarily mean you should expect swoopy lines, since the new Ram doesn’t look especially aerodynamic but is, and the “aero-styled” Shadow wasn’t. We suspect the “blocky” styling will be toned down, inside and out; today’s ethic is looking lighter, not heavier. We’re hoping the goofy headlight treatment will disappear — replaced either by the current “big round headlights” or by the Grand Cherokee’s original rectangles.
Redriderbob wrote, “We do know it will draw super-heavy amounts of influence from the 2007 Jeep Trailhawk Concept. That vehicle was based on the 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited platform that has a 116" wheelbase, the same wheelbase as the previous generation Dodge Durango! Front grille styling, as well as side profile styling cues will be very similar I am told. The vehicle will carry more chunky and edgy fenders. I have been told it will look more like a Range Rover Sport with Jeep DNA on steroids!”
Ryan wrote, “The Grand Cherokee will bring in some Commander qualities and design cues (interior wise) and expect something beautiful to compete with the luxury bound Range Rover.”
One area where our new source and oh20 differ is in the use of the V8, with oh20 believing that the Grand Cherokee will use a 4.7 liter V8 engine apparently based on the Phoenix line. This might have been postponed given budget cuts.
Since the new Grand Cherokee is due in late 2010, you might see an introduction at the next New York Auto Show in 2009... or you might not. Historically, Jeep has been showing new models in New York.
T1 Vipers for sale!
<http://sccaforums.com/forums/thread/335067.aspx>
By HMCS
2005 SCCA T1 Dodge Viper SRT -10. Professionally built by Phoenix performance. T1 suspension kit with Moton remote reservoir adjustable shocks. Race Tech seat, schroth belts, CCW wheels, Quaife Differential, Ron Davis radiator, ...
|
 | Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick |
By Sharon Silke Carty, USA TODAY
DETROIT — U.S. auto sales for November are expected to be down about 28% when they're released Tuesday, another major decline as consumers sit on the sidelines waiting for some sign that the economy is stabilizing.
The glum report will coincide with Tuesday's deadline for Detroit automakers to submit restructuring plans to Congress to justify their plea for federal loans.
The U.S. sales tally comes on the heels of reports Monday by carmakers in Europe and Asia that showed the auto sales drop-off is global. November sales in Spain were down nearly 50% and in Italy by nearly 30%. Japan's sales were down 18.2%. The European Commission has said it will help the car industry, and included it in a $258.8 billion economic stimulus package, and several nations in Europe are considering aid, as well.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)