Mitsubishi Concept-cX for Frankfurt

Compact crossover concept

The Mitsibishi Concept-cX will be making its global debut at the upcoming 2007 IAA (better known as the Frankfurt Motor Show) this September alongside the new Lancer sports sedan and a new diesel Outlander.

The Concept-cX is a new generation 4WD compact SUV, based on a 4100mm compact body, from the Japanese manufacturer. The concept will be powered by a 1.8L clean diesel engine featuring a VG (variable geometry) turbocharger and a DOC (diesel oxcidation catalyst) with diesel particulate filter, making it Euro 5 ready. The new Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) will be channeling power to the road through its 225/45R19 tires.

We are expecting engine specs to filter through closer to the debut date.

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Press Release

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and its European unit Mitsubishi Motors Europe B.V. will unveil the MITSUBISHI Concept-cX* at the 62nd Internationale Automobil Ausstellung (IAA; commonly known as the Frankfurt Motor Show) in September. Held at the Frankfurt Messe Complex, the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show will be open to the public from September 15 through 23, with press and media pre-viewing September 11 through 14.

The MITSUBISHI Concept-cX represents a new-generation compact SUV, realizing an ideal balance between environmental and everyday practical performance. The concept car uses a new high-output, high-efficiency 1.8-liter clean diesel engine, featuring a variable geometry (VG) turbocharger for optimum boost control and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) with diesel particulate filter (DPF) in the exhaust system for compliance with Europe's Euro 5 emission standards. Mitsubishi's new Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) adds superior power transmission efficiency for a powertrain that delivers nimble performance alongside excellent fuel economy and low emissions. Among the number of new environmental technologies applied in the Concept-cX is the extensive use of interior trim materials made from Mitsubishi's own Green Plastic, made from bamboo and other plant-based resins, in a step to stop global warming and slow the depletion of our oil reserves.

MITSUBISHI Concept-cX offers a number of proposals for better utility and road performance. Its high seating position expands the driver's field of view, providing the drivability expected in a SUV; the 4100 mm compact body makes for easy maneuvering around town; and the split tailgate, already well received on other Mitsubishi models, makes for easy loading and unloading of luggage. In the performance department, Concept-cX uses Mitsubishi's electronically controlled 4WD system driven through large 225/45R19 tires to deliver intuitive handling and outstanding stability on all road surfaces.

* 'Compact crossover' concept vehicle

All Hail The '89 Turbo Mini-Van!

Paul Smith, 43, of Seneca, Illinois owns a 1989 Dodge Caravan with faux wood grain sides and 185,000 miles on the odometer. "So what," you say? Your ex-girlfriend's old man drove the same piece of junk. Fair. But did it house a turbocharged engine that got her up to 105 m.p.h. in 12.65? I didn't think so.

A husband and father of three with a trailer sales business, Smith drag-races mini-vans.

He's part of a curious corner of the auto racing subculture in which avengers of the sensible deliberately keep their mini-vans as frumpy and suburban-vanilla as possible. But menacing horsepower lurks under the hoods, and sitting in the captain's chairs are steely-eyed veterans.

Cue Tim 'The Tool Man' Taylor's annoying "Oh Oh Oh" grunt, and make sure you check out the Chicago Tribune's slick Audio slideshow and Smith's personal website to see the "Turbovan" in action.

It's Not Your Mom's Mini-Van [Chicago Tribune]
Turbovan.net

Best of Drifting 3 - Audi S6 Chrysler 300 SRT8 Wiesmann GT

More of Tim Schrick:

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=343fr-...

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrFnYm...

Audi S6
Chrysler 300 SRT8
Wiesmann GT
Maserati Quattroporte
Jaguar XJR
Melkus RS 1000
Nissan 350 Z
Lotus Elise

Music: Fatboy Slim: Ya Mama

Together with Sabine Schmitz, Tim test drives cars in an entertaining manner on the Dmotor show.
[tokyo] [motorvision] [gear] [youtube] [dmax] [veyron]

Jeep Commander wins 2007 Best Mid-Size SUV Award

Posted on

Sunday, 29 July 2007

CountryUnited Arab Emirate

The Jeep Commander, which initiated the brand's aggressive expansion that has taken place over the last 12 months, has beaten competition from the Lexus RX350 and Land Rover LR3 to win Middle East Car magazine's "Best Mid-Size SUV of the Year 2007" award, the judges choosing the Commander for its combination of comfort, power and value for money.

"We're delighted that the Commander has received such recognition," said Trent Barcroft, Vice President, DaimlerChrysler Middle East. "The only SUV in its class to offer a choice of two V8 petrol engines, including the 5.7 litre HEMI® with cylinder deactivation through the Multi-Displacement System (MDS), the Commander has proven to be a compelling package for many customers in the Middle East."

Middle East Car describe the Commander's Quadradrive II transmission as "having no peers, and the centre console 4-lo lever will get you past any obstacle," and overall as "Jeep's most imposing model, the Commander is unsurpassed over the dunes. It's as rugged as it looks although it still provides excellent comfort inside the well-stocked cabin."

Philip Moore, Publishing Director of Middle East Car magazine, was one of the judges in the Car of the Year awards. "It's nice when you can give an award to a vehicle that isn't on the strength of it being cute and groovy," he said. "When the auto maker says it pays homage to the Jeep name it is perfectly true. Being functional, proud, and rough and tough as they come counts for plenty out there in the marketplace and it counted with the judging panel. It's excellent on the road, brutal and awesome off it. The Commander has a good engine, and the build quality is outstanding which impressed the judges a great deal. There wasn't a lot of debate over this one!"

The Commander, Grand Cherokee and Cherokee have, over the course of this year, been joined by the Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited, Compass and Patriot, expanding the Jeep brand line-up from three models to seven - the most available to retail consumers at any time in Jeep's long, legendary history.

"No other automotive manufacturer in the world has the breadth of range of sport-utility vehicles that Jeep now offers," added Barcroft. "Jeep now gives customers the option of an SUV for every lifestyle, while every one of them stays true to the core values that have made Jeep such a legend - freedom, adventure, mastery and authenticity."

This latest award for Jeep follows the success of the stunning Jeep Trailhawk concept vehicle, which was recently voted "Best Truck Concept" by a jury of more than two dozen professional automotive journalists from across North America organised by SEAMO, the Southeast Automotive Media Organisation.

"The Jeep design and engineering teams are really at the top of their game," concluded Barcroft. "The current range is packed with vehicles that feature innovative technology, creative design and total functionality - the Trailhawk concept is a prime example of the team's capability and the great vehicles that Jeep will continue to bring to the market in coming years."

This Day in Auto History: 7.29.1899 The Automobile Company of America officially adopts “Locomobile” as its tradename 7.29.1912 Harry M. Jewett succeeds Henry A. “Harry” Lozier Jr. as President of the Lozier Motor Company 7.29.1928 The 1929 Buicks are introduced 7.29.1950 Racer Joe Fry dies 7.29.1958 Herbert G. Freeston, Chief Engineer of Shell Research Ltd. England, dies at age 46

Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick

Chrysler Group Announces July 2007 U.S. Sales

 -- Chrysler brand car sales rise 32 percent -- Sales for the Jeep(R) brand
up 4 percent -- Jeep Wrangler sales increase 11 percent -- Jeep Compass has
best month ever -- Dodge brand sales decrease primarily due to sell-down of
Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan -- Dealer inventory down by 17 percent or
                               95,335 units

   AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Chrysler
Group reported U.S. sales for July 2007 of 137,728 units; down 8 percent
compared to July 2006 with 150,349 units sold. All sales figures are
reported as unadjusted.
   "Overall, the industry experienced softer sales in July than a year
ago," said Darryl Jackson, Vice President - U.S. Sales. "With industry
sales down over 12 percent, Chrysler Group market share improved."
   "Our new Chrysler Lifetime Powertrain Warranty is receiving a very
positive reaction from our dealers and customers," added Jackson. "We
started to see an immediate impact of the announcement in the traffic it is
driving to our dealers' showrooms."
   The Chrysler Sebring sedan posted sales of 2,977 for July. With
fluctuating gas prices, Chrysler Sebring gives buyers the choice of a fuel-
efficient 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine on all models, including the
Chrysler Sebring Limited edition.
   The Jeep brand continued its fifth consecutive month of year-over-year
sales gains in July, posting an increase of 4 percent over the previous
year. This result was driven by the continued strong sales of Jeep Wrangler
and Jeep Compass.
   Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited posted sales of 8,829 units, up 11
percent compared to July 2006 with 7,935 units sold. Posting its best month
ever, the Jeep Compass finished July with sales of 2,591 units, up from
July 2006 when the vehicle made its debut. Compass is a modern-styled
vehicle that broadens the global appeal of the Jeep brand and achieves 30
miles per gallon or better in highway driving.
   Dodge brand sales decreased 14 percent over last year primarily due to
the sell-down of Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan. The all-new 2008 Dodge
Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country minivans will begin arriving in
dealerships in the third quarter.
   "The Chrysler Group will extend its low-rate financing, plus additional
bonus cash in August, with a 0% APR offering for 60 months on select
models," said Michael Keegan, Vice President - Volume Planning and Sales
Operations. "These great value packages have been well received by our
customers over the recent months so we have decided to continue them. We
will offer this in combination with the new Chrysler Lifetime Powertrain
Warranty, a statement of confidence in the reliability of Chrysler
products. It provides worry-free ownership for new Chrysler, Jeep(R) and
Dodge owners as long as they own their vehicle."
   Chrysler Group finished the month with 464,875 units of inventory, or a
81-day supply. Inventory is down by 17 percent compared to July 2006 when
it was at 560,210 units.
   "This is the lowest dealer inventory for Chrysler Group in the last
four years," added Keegan.
       DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S. Sales Summary Thru July 2007
                                              Month Sales      DR %   Vol %
                   Model                   Curr Yr    Pr Yr   Change  Change
   Sebring                                  5,515     1,205    377%    358%
   300                                      9,009    10,637    -12%    -15%
   Crossfire                                1,165       233    421%    400%
   PT Cruiser                               7,113     9,734    -24%    -27%
   Aspen                                    2,216         0      0%      0%
   Pacifica                                 3,100     4,759    -32%    -35%
   Town & Country                           6,513    11,556    -41%    -44%
   CHRYSLER BRAND                          34,631    38,124     -5%     -9%
   Compass                                  2,591       707    282%    266%
   Patriot                                  3,317         0      0%      0%
   Wrangler                                 8,829     7,935     16%     11%
   Liberty                                  6,534     9,702    -30%    -33%
   Grand Cherokee                          10,101    10,124      4%      0%
   Commander                                5,983     7,363    -15%    -19%
   JEEP BRAND                              37,355    35,831      9%      4%
   Neon                                         0       361   -100%   -100%
   Caliber                                  5,305     7,187    -23%    -26%
   Stratus                                      0       630   -100%   -100%
   Avenger                                  4,213         0      0%      0%
   Charger                                  6,407     8,074    -17%    -21%
   Viper                                       74       138    -44%    -46%
   Magnum                                   1,639     1,718     -1%     -5%
   Dakota                                   3,413     7,468    -52%    -54%
   Ram P/U                                 29,312    32,793     -7%    -11%
   Caravan                                  6,945    12,804    -43%    -46%
   Durango                                  2,472     3,341    -23%    -26%
   Nitro                                    4,602         0      0%      0%
   Sprinter                                 1,360     1,880    -25%    -28%
   DODGE BRAND                             65,742    76,394    -10%    -14%

   TOTAL CHRYSLER GROUP                   137,728   150,349     -5%     -8%

             TOTAL CG CAR                  33,041    29,268     18%     13%
             TOTAL CG TRUCK               104,687   121,081    -10%    -14%
   Selling Days                                24        25


        DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S. Sales Summary Thru July 2007
                                               Sales CYTD        DR %   Vol %
                   Model                    Curr Yr     Pr Yr   Change Change
   Sebring                                   54,561     43,874    24%    24%
   300                                       72,004     83,772   -15%   -14%
   Crossfire                                  7,417      5,454    35%    36%
   PT Cruiser                                60,305     79,887   -25%   -25%
   Aspen                                     14,994          0     0%     0%
   Pacifica                                  35,463     47,227   -25%   -25%
   Town & Country                            81,615    100,443   -19%   -19%
   CHRYSLER BRAND                           326,359    360,657   -10%   -10%
   Compass                                   24,796        707  3388%  3407%
   Patriot                                   18,286          0     0%     0%
   Wrangler                                  74,480     43,200    71%    72%
   Liberty                                   56,648     79,808   -29%   -29%
   Grand Cherokee                            70,562     82,995   -15%   -15%
   Commander                                 39,725     47,037   -16%   -16%
   JEEP BRAND                               284,497    253,747    11%    12%
   Neon                                           0     16,742  -100%  -100%
   Caliber                                   64,684     50,881    26%    27%
   Stratus                                    1,478     49,194   -97%   -97%
   Avenger                                   44,841          0     0%     0%
   Charger                                   72,379     67,079     7%     8%
   Viper                                        323        881   -64%   -63%
   Magnum                                    17,627     23,731   -26%   -26%
   Dakota                                    32,568     47,965   -32%   -32%
   Ram P/U                                  214,569    215,967    -1%    -1%
   Caravan                                  110,507    138,617   -21%   -20%
   Durango                                   31,377     42,212   -26%   -26%
   Nitro                                     41,814          0     0%     0%
   Sprinter                                   7,798     12,222   -37%   -36%
   DODGE BRAND                              639,965    665,491    -4%    -4%

   TOTAL CHRYSLER GROUP                   1,250,821  1,279,895    -3%    -2%

             TOTAL CG CAR                   326,260    325,795     0%     0%
             TOTAL CG TRUCK                 924,561    954,100    -4%    -3%
   Selling Days                                 178        177

SOURCE Chrysler Group

2006 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 Quad cab 1/4 mile Drag Racing trap speed 0-60

1/4 Mile ET:	14.300
1/4 Mile MPH:	97.000
1/8 Mile ET:	9.248
1/8 Mile MPH:	76.249
0-60 Foot ET:	2.065
Temperature F:	80.0
Timeslip Scan:
Car Make:	Dodge
Car Model:	Ram 2500
Car Type:	4x4 Quad cab
Car Year:	2006
Driver:	Leonard Barringer
E-Mail:	Private
Videos:	Ram-2500 Videos
Web Site: