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“Under the Pentastar” is a quick video recap of significant events at Chrysler Group LLC over the past week. Stories in this week’s edition include new incentives, Toledo Assembly Complex statement, back-to-school with the Fiat 500, Chrysler Canada Family Day and a glorious weekend for NASCAR’s Dodge Boys.
Thanks again for checking out Chrysler Catchall!
May 19, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – The Chrysler brand today was named the “Top Popular Brand” in AutoPacific’s 15th annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards. In addition, the new 2011 Chrysler Town & Country and the all-new 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee were named winners in the “Minivan” and “Premium Mid-size SUV” categories, respectively.
AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Award is an industry benchmark for measuring how satisfied an owner is with his/her new vehicle. This study by the Southern California-based automotive research firm summarizes the results of over 68,000 new vehicle owners.
“Vehicles that score highest in the Vehicle Satisfaction Awards are delivering value and satisfaction across a wide range of attributes, performing well in 48 separate categories that objectively measure the ownership experience. The new Chrysler Town & Country and Jeep Grand Cherokee demonstrate that Chrysler’s new approach to product execution is resonating with buyers.”
–George Peterson
President of AutoPacific
For 2011, every Chrysler brand vehicle is new or significantly refreshed, resulting in beautifully-crafted vehicles with new powertrains, upgraded suspensions and world-class interiors and an exhilarating driving experience.
“Chrysler is honored the satisfaction experienced by our owners with their new Chrysler vehicle resulted in winning the ‘Top Popular Brand’ in AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Awards. Chrysler is passionate about building vehicles that customers are proud to own, and this award, based on owner feedback, reinforces the 2011 Chrysler lineup does just that.”
–Olivier Francois
CEO-Chrysler Brand
Accolades continue to mount for the Jeep brand’s premium SUV, as the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee receives the highest spot in vehicle satisfaction for the “Premium Mid-size SUV” category.
“The AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Award is another important accolade for the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the 30th award the vehicle has captured. Few vehicles ever reach this level of recognition. At Jeep, we are delighted that consumers, as well as influential opinion leaders, are recognizing Grand Cherokee’s exceptional blend of on-road refinement, legendary real-world capability, craftsmanship, premium design, safety, efficiency and value.”
-Mike Manley
President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC
As always, click any of the images in the post to see more photos of Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Vehicles. Thanks again for Checking out Chrysler Catchall!
As posted on RedLetterDodge.com:
May 11, 2011 – 12:00 pm by RLD- So you got 1200 lbs. of male cargo you need to transport in a hurry? Our 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T can fill that tall order. Its powerful yet fuel efficient 3.6L Pentastar V6 didn’t win numerous awards and accolades from the always skeptical motoring press for nothing. This little dynamo produces 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, enough to plant your testosterone occupants firmly in the in Grand Caravan’s black leather seats.
These great looking seats are an R/T-exclusive and have red stitching that give the interior more attitude and less shuttle bus feel. If you’re in the driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob are at your controls. Should your buddies in the back get rowdy on the way to the game, a premium sound system with nine-speakers, a subwoofer and 506-watt amplifier will drown them out.
The Grand Caravan R/T will also bend corners without protest as the R/T package comes standard with a performance-tuned suspension that includes retuned front/rear springs and shocks, a 12 mm lower ride height and lower-rolling resistance tires. These features will make you want to strap on a helmet and hit the race track.
Speaking of hitting the track, that’s just what we did at the Texas Motor Speedway. Jefferson Bryant, a freelance automotive journalist shot the video above of the Grand Caravan R/T during the Texas Auto Writer’s Spring Roundup last week. We know many of you will never hit the race track but just in case you feel the need, our Grand Caravan R/T can take you and your buddies for heck of a thrill ride!
Under the Pentastar is a quick video recap of significant events at Chrysler Group LLC over the past week. This week, “UTP” is a special 2011 NY Auto Show edition featuring the introduction of the Fiat 500 Cabrio, three special edition Chrysler 300‘s and the Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT 8.
I’ve also included a couple of video clips taken out at the Moab Jeep Easter Safari in Moab Utah, where you can see the Mopar Ram Runner and the Jeep Blue Crush in action! Thanks again for checking out Chrysler Catchall!
April 19, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich.– The new Chrysler 200 series vehicles provide customers elegant, well-crafted mid-size vehicles with an extraordinary level of standard content and an exhilarating driving experience. From the ground up, the new 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan and convertible have been redesigned and upgraded to deliver great American design and engineering, with a value proposition that exceeds expectations.
Now, with the introduction of the S models, Chrysler expands the lineup, offering customers production vehicles with a one-of-a-kind style. The S models have the same DNA as the traditional models, but with an entirely different appearance and attitude. While the traditional Chrysler models make a style and luxury statement, the S models create a different path through the Chrysler brand, taking style in a whole new direction, with a completely different attitude.
“The New York International Auto Show is the perfect place to debut the new 2011 Chrysler 200 S sedan and Chrysler 200 S convertible models,” said Olivier Francois, President and CEO, Chrysler Brand – Chrysler Group LLC. “These vehicles are built with an unmistakable attitude and a signature style; and you could say the same of New York itself. The attitude may be ‘Imported from Detroit,’ but it’s definitely at home on Park Avenue.”
Chrysler 200 S Sedan
With an elegant style, refined ride and handling characteristics, an exquisitely-crafted interior, a new powertrain and an abundance of standard safety features, the Chrysler 200 sedan is beautifully inspired and a remarkable value. The Chrysler 200 provides drivers a little more style and elegance in segment traditionally known for its “sea of sameness.”
The new 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan S model brings a distinct style with a little bit of attitude for the customer that wants to express their individual style, at a price that makes sense.
Distinctive exterior design elements exclusive to the S model include a unique front grille with an S model-only Chrysler winged badge with a black background, body color mirrors and door handles, black background headlamps for a little extra attitude, distinctive 18-in. aluminum wheels with dark painted pockets and “S” badging.
The interior exclusive design features include a perforated leather steering wheel; leather, heated front seats with Digital suede inserts and an embroidered “S” on the front head rests; suede door trim bolsters; a black headliner and a standard Boston Acoustic sound system with a 276-watt CD/DVD/MP3/30 gigabyte hard drive media center with Uconnect® voice command.
The new 2011 Chrysler 200 provides drivers an agile, confident, handling performance in all driving situations, whether it’s commuting to work, a weekend adventure on twisty roads or going out with family and friends. Virtually every part of the suspension has been re-engineered or redesigned for 2011, including 26 of 30 suspension bushings. The suspension geometry was completely re-engineered. The track is an inch wider, tire width has been increased from 215 to 225 mm and the Chrysler 200 has been lowered 12 mm in the front and 6 mm in the rear for a lower, wider, more substantial stance.
Customers will drive with confidence in the Chrysler 200 and experience less body roll, reduced vehicle shake on uneven road surfaces, improved isolation on rough roads, better steering precision, response and feel and increased grip with new premium tires.
The 2011 Chrysler S sedan is powered by the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine which produces a best-in-class horsepower rating of 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, but still achieves an exceptional 29 miles per gallon EPA highway fuel economy rating The 3.6-liter Pentastar engine is mated to the 62TE six-speed automatic transaxle.
Cabin quietness has been upgraded, resulting in one of the quietest cabins in the segment, and allowing passengers to enjoy their conversations, largely devoid of outside noise. Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) were reduced and 45 new sound deadening treatments were added, including an acoustic glass windshield, laminated side glass usually only found in higher priced vehicles and new sound absorption materials throughout the vehicle.
An abundance of standard safety and security features in every 2011 Chrysler 200 model offer consumers peace of mind at a price they can afford. The 200 sedan’s standard safety features include: standard advanced multi-stage front passenger air bags, active head restraints, electronic stability control (ESC), front seat side air bags, side curtain air bags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic traction control, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child seat anchor system and available Uconnect® voice command. The 2011 Chrysler 200 is Insurance Institute for Highway Safety “Top Safety Pick.”
The 2011 Chrysler 200 S has a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $26,790 (including $750 destination).
Chrysler 200 S model sedans are available to order now and will begin arriving in U.S. dealer showrooms in the second quarter.
Chrysler 200 S Convertible
The new 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible offers consumers an open-air driving experience featuring elegant craftsmanship inside and out, a fun, yet refined driving experience, innovative technology, an abundance of standard safety features and an extraordinary level of standard content. The 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible is an exciting alternative for customers who want the benefits of a coupe and the true open-air freedom of a convertible, all at a surprising value.
Redesigned and re-engineered for 2011, the Chrysler 200 Convertible is unique in the standard specialty segment as a true mid-sized convertible that comfortably seats 4 adults and has enough room in the trunk, even when the power top is dropped. Consumers can choose from two automatically latching tops, a body-color painted steel, retractable hard top, or a cloth soft top, both of which can drop with the press of a button on the key fob.
The new 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan S model brings a distinct style with a little bit of attitude for the customer that wants to express their individual style, at a price that makes sense.
Distinctive exterior design elements exclusive to the S model include a unique front grille with an S model-only Chrysler winged badge with a black background, body color mirrors and door handles, black background headlamps for a little extra attitude, distinctive 18-in. aluminum wheels with dark painted pockets and “S” badging.
The interior exclusive design features include a perforated leather steering wheel; leather, heated front seats with Digital suede inserts and an embroidered “S” on the front head rests; silver accent thread and a standard Boston Acoustic sound system with a 276-watt CD/DVD/MP3/30 gigabyte hard drive media center.
The 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible models provide drivers a fun, confident, handling performance in all driving situations, whether it’s commuting to work or a weekend adventure on scenic roads. Virtually every part of the suspension has been retuned or redesigned for 2011, including 22 of 28 suspension bushings. The suspension geometry was completely re-engineered. The track is an inch wider, tire width has been increased from 215 to 225 mm and the Chrysler 200 has been lowered 12 mm in the front and 6 mm in the rear for a lower, wider, more substantial stance.
Customers will drive with confidence in the Chrysler 200 Convertible and experience less body roll, reduced vehicle shake on uneven road surfaces, improved isolation on rough roads, better steering precision, response and feel and increased grip with new premium tires.
The 2011 Chrysler S Convertible is powered by the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine which produces a 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, but still achieves an exceptional 29 miles per gallon EPA highway fuel economy rating The 3.6-liter Pentastar engine is mated to the 62TE six-speed automatic transaxle.
With every available safety and security feature standard in the new 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible, consumers receive peace of mind at a price they can afford. The 200 Convertible’s standard safety features include: advanced multi-stage front passenger air bags, front-seat-mounted side air bags, electronic stability control (ESC) with brake assist and traction control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), Brake Override, active front-seat head restraints, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child seat anchor system, remote keyless illuminated entry, SentryKey engine immobilizer and security alarm.
The 2011 Chrysler 200 S has a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $32,490 (including $750 destination). The 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan and convertible models are built at the Sterling Heights (Mich.) Assembly Plant.
The Chrysler 200 Convertible S model will begin arriving in U.S. Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealer showrooms later this spring. To see more photos of Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Vehicles, simply click any of the images in the post! Thanks again for checking out Chrysler Catchall!
In the auto business, you know it’s never too early to roll out the next year’s model — and cool, new features and upgrades — to your vehicle line up. That’s what Dodge is doing this week with the unveiling of the 2012 Dodge Avenger R/T at the New York International Auto Show.
In the video below, Dodge President/CEO Ralph Gilles and Dodge Avenger Brand Manager Pieter Hogeveen give you a peak at what you could call the “greatest American hero,” which will start flying into dealer showrooms during the third quarter.
For those of you who also like to read, have a look at what Dodge did to the 2012 Avenger R/T suspension:
- increased roll stiffness by 18%
- increased spring rates by 17% in the front and more than 12% in the rear
- front strut damping rates increased 15%
- rear strut damping rates are increased almost 20%
- rear stabilizer bar diameter is 2 mm larger, increased from 19 mm to 21 mm
The suspension changes result in a spirited, performance sedan driving experience, with best-in-class 283 horsepower. Manufacturered at our Sterling Heights (Mich.) Assembly Plant, the 2012 Avenger R/T delivers 29 miles per gallon on the highway and 19 mpg in the city.
Other highlights include:
- 3.6 liter Pentastar V-6 engine (one of Ward’s “10 Best Engines”) mated to a six-speed automatic transaxle
- unique exterior design elements, including a unique body-color grille with the Dodge badge, menacing black headlamp background, the “war paint” R/T decal on the front quarter panel and unique 18-in. painted aluminum wheels.
- Dodge Avenger is a 2011 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick, and includes a varity of high-end standard safety features
For more, catch the video below:
April 13, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – Building on the success of last year’s Mopar® version of the Dodge Challenger, Chrysler Group LLC’s Mopar Division will launch a limited-edition Dodge Charger outfitted with select high-performance parts and appearance items straight from the Mopar parts catalog.
“The Mopar ‘11 Charger takes the ‘head- turning’ factor up a few notches,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “By adding some of the most distinctive accessories to an already strong performer, we’ve created a special-edition car for enthusiasts.”
Powered by the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® with 370 horsepower and 395 lb.-ft. of torque, the specially equipped Charger includes the “Super Trac Pac” option that pushes the capabilities of the Mopar Charger in acceleration, handling and braking. Already powerful, the 5.7-liter has been tuned to extract the maximum amount of torque from the engine with the inclusion of a specially calibrated engine controller. The controller matches maximum engine power and transmission shifting to the differential for the Mopar ’11 Charger.
Backed with a proven five-speed W5A580 automatic, Mopar aficionados will appreciate the latest generation “Pistol Grip” shifter combined with Auto Stick. With Auto Stick, drivers may select a higher or lower gear while the transmission controller helps prevent the possibility of an over-rev condition. At the rear, the differential has been boosted up with a new 3.91:1 final-drive ratio for enhanced acceleration – unique to the Mopar Charger. Initial testing of the Mopar ’11 Charger has shown 0-to-60 mph blasts in the low five-second range.
Enhancements to the chassis include adding larger front 30mm solid stabilizer bar and rear 20mm solid stabilizer bar, increases from 27mm and 16mm (respectively). Adding to the overall stability and handling of the Mopar Charger are cross-car braces located at both the front and rear shock towers. For increased luggage space, the rear tower-to-tower brace may be easily removed.
Specific-design, 20-inch x 8-inch Envy wheels are fitted with Goodyear F1 Supercar 245/45ZR20 tires at all four corners. Wheels are a five-spoke design with a 45mm offset, include specific Mopar center caps and are finished in a high-gloss black complementing the overall ”Pitch Black” exterior finish of the Mopar Charger.
Excellent stopping power is provided through vented rotors measuring 345mm x 28mm up front that are fitted with dual-piston, sliding calipers. At the rear, vented rotors measuring 320mm x 22mm, coupled with single-piston calipers are used.
Available only in a “Pitch Black” finish, exterior highlights of the Mopar Charger include a pair of specific Mopar Blue racing stripes running from the front air dam across the hood and over the roof ending at the bottom of the rear fascia. Ornamentation is limited to a front grille and rear-deck Mopar badge. A rear spoiler is standard on the Charger special-edition model.
Inside, unique Katzkin leather seats are stitched in Mopar Blue thread. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is identically trimmed. Engine-turned instrument bezels and a special identification plaque identifying the vehicle as part of a limited edition of 1,000 are affixed to the instrument panel. Owners also receive a custom Mopar key fob badge.
Bright pedal covers, premium floor mats with the Mopar logo and front-door sill entry guards featuring the Mopar logo also are included with the package.
The Mopar ’11 Charger will be built in Brampton, Ontario, and completed at an upfit center in Windsor, Ontario. The Manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the limited-edition Mopar ’11 Charger is $39,750, which includes destination fee.
Customers who purchase a Mopar ’11 Charger will receive a personalized owner kit in a customized Mopar ’11 box. The kit will include a certificate with the vehicle identification number (VIN), exact date of manufacture and the number of the vehicle. The kit will also include a brochure that highlights the unique features of the vehicle, exclusive Mopar ’11 merchandise.
Check out the video below to see them smokin’ the tires! Also, Tricia Hecker, Mopar’s Head of Marketing, breaks the car down for you and shows off some of the details. As always, click any of the images in this post to see more photos of Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram vehicles! Thanks again for checkin’ out Chrysler Catchall!
The all-new Dodge Durango is a shared winner of MotorWeek’s 2011 Drivers’ Choice Award for Best Large Utility. The award was given to both the Durango and the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Every year for the last 30 years, MotorWeek has reviewed the state of the automotive business and judged the best new trucks of the year. Dodge Brand President and CEO accepted the award for the new Durango at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show.
“The Dodge team is truly honored that MotorWeek has selected the Dodge Durango for a Drivers’ Choice Award,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO—Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “The Durango represents where the Dodge brand is going with its six new or refreshed products for 2011 — striking vehicles that are thoroughly engineered and fun to drive. It’s always rewarding when third party sources recognize that we’re creating quality products that will delight our customers.”
The annual Drivers’ Choice Awards looks at vehicles from a buyer’s point of view. Scoring takes into account trends, innovations, value and reliability to produce a list of winners that makes sense and can be used as a practical guide for car shopping.
“The team that worked on Durango really put their hearts into creating an SUV with a soul,” Gilles added. “When consumers get behind the wheel, they’ll experience a performance-tuned SUV that has the interior spaciousness of a crossover, still delivers best-in-class towing and starts under than $30,000. It’s a tremendous package.”
With its sleek exterior design, modern, spacious interior, world-class suspension dynamics and intelligent and fuel-efficient and powerful powertrain options, the all-new 2011 Dodge Durango delivers driving excitement and refinement combined with the interior flexibility of a three-row SUV. The Durango’s new unibody structure is more than 25 percent stiffer than the vehicle it replaces, making it a driver’s SUV that delivers impressive on-road handling. The new Durango also delivers best-in-class towing capability of 6,200 lbs. with the V-6 engine and 7,400 lbs. with the V-8 engine.
The starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the all-new 2011 Dodge Durango, Express model, is $29,195 for the rear-wheel-drive and $31,195 for the all-wheel-drive (excluding an $850 destination charge).
To see more pictures of the 2011 Dodge Durango, click any of the images in this post. Thanks for checking our Chrysler Catchall!