Much of the news coming from Chrysler this week has been about the death of the Dodge Caliber and its replacement by the 2013 Dodge Dart. (If you missed our take on the Dart’s six strengths, you can read it here.) Now comes word that another Dodge model may soon get the axe: the Dodge Avenger. The news comes from AutoNews, which spoke to Dodge… Read more here: Dodge Avenger May Be On The Chopping Block

The devil’s in the details–and Nissan had few of those details to divulge when it came to the Nissan Pathfinder concept it showed at the 2012 Detroit auto show. While it wasn’t talking hardcore horsepower figures or exact fuel economy numbers, Nissan did introduce the Pathfinder with a few talking points in hand. For one, the new crossover is… See the original post: 2012 Nissan Pathfinder Concept: 2012 Detroit Auto Show Video

At a Detroit Auto Show press conference earlier this week, Chrysler rolled out its upcoming 2013 Dodge Dart. Set to replace the Dodge Caliber, priced starting at $15,995 (below the Caliber), and slotting right along more mainstream compact sedans like the Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze, Hyundai Elantra, and Honda Civic, the new Dart looks like a… Read the original post:  2013 Dodge Dart: Six Reasons It’ll Be Quieter, Smoother Than Caliber

Automakers are constantly mining their past glory for new products: Special edition this; anniversary model that…sometimes it’s no more than a tape stripe or special numbered badge. But the current Dodge Charger, in all its V8 glory, really looks like the real deal. The car on display to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the company’s Mopar parts brand here in Detroit is the Dodge Charger Redline, stuffed full of upgrade parts from Mopar, all the way to a 590-hp V8 that isn’t even street legal. Diving into the past? No doubt, but this one is packed with substance as well as style. For those who grew up fans of 1960s and ’70s muscle cars, Mopar was one of the cornerstones of straight-line performance. According to Chrysler, the Mopar brand came about when the company needed a name for its antifreeze product and came up with “MoPar,” combining “MOtor and PARts.” All of Chrysler’s latest SRT8 performance models that I’ve driven were fun to drive, with wicked acceleration and soul-stirring exhaust notes. Two of the available upgrade “stages” on the Charger Redline include aerodynamic exterior components and interior add-ons as well as bolt-on performance parts to make the car quicker and enhance handling and braking. You can also get a cat-back performance exhaust system to make the system sing with a little more soul. The final stage is a new high-output version of the aluminum-block 426 Hemi V8. Not that the “basic” SRT8’s 470 hp leave you wanting, but this new crate engine, delivers 590 hp. The company says this engine is “for race/off-road use only.” Here’s the best part: The Charger Redline on display had an old-school lift-off hood. And just like the old street racers with their Dodge Super Bees and Plymouth Road Runners eager to show off a beautiful engine, the propped up hood afforded an amazing view of that sick V8. I seriously doubt this is going to be available for production cars, but it made me grin from ear to ear. View original post here: 2012 Detroit auto show: After 75 years, Mopar, we have lift off

Technology is a great thing — except when it’s not. While computers, smartphones, and satnav have generally made our lives easier, they have to be designed to be usable by folks across the tech spectrum, from web-savvy grandparents to their even-more-savvy grandchildren. To that end, Chrysler has launched a new website for Uconnect, which walks… View original here: Chrysler Launches Uconnect Website To Dodge Ford’s Fate

The 2012 Detroit auto show is up to speed, and one of the most important new vehicles from the show is live now on the show floor at Cobo Center. The 2013 Ford Fusion arrives later this as the follow-up to one of Ford’s biggest sales successes of the past five years. New in 2006, the Fusion is now the third most popular mid-size family sedan… Here is the original:  2013 Ford Fusion: Live Detroit Show Photos

  After the magnificent display that was the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, I wrote an article on the notion that the California coast was the place automakers preferred to display their latest creations and concepts. Wondering if the 2012 auto show in Detroit would be have the same amount of enthusiasm, the sensory overload-inducing debuts set to occur at this week’s opening of the North American International Auto Show leads me to concludes thoughts of the Motor City becoming less of an industry focal point seems a waste of mental energy. The biggest auto manufacturers of the United States, Japan, Europe and even India are expected to provide an automotive delight. Ahead of major auto shows, the marketing departments of carmakers are challenged to entice interest in a vehicle debut without giving too much away from the physical spectacle. Leading into the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, various tactics are being rolled out by auto brands. Whether they want to unveil the entire full image of the vehicle or a mere teaser photo, the auto companies are careful in their attempts to grab the attention of media and the overall car-adoring public. For the 2012 edition of the North American International Auto Show, the following is a few of the production-based 2013 model year vehicles making a world debut:   Toyota Prius c   The smallest member of the now established Prius hybrid family , Toyota plans to capitalize on the high efficiency small car market with what will become North America’s first subcompact gasoline-electric vehicle. Roughly 5 inches longer than the 2012 Yaris, the Toyota Prius c liftback body style is a careful execution of small car values with high technology. Beyond the Toyota Synergy Drive powertrain technology, the interior of the Prius c will incorporate an array of infotainment solutions thoughtful to the youth market the Japanese-based automaker wants to attract. With Bluetooth standard, optional equipment to be offered on the Toyota Prius c includes Toyota Entune multimedia system. Through Toyota Entune, occupants of the Prius c are given access to traffic and weather updates as well as Pandora Internet radio. Two vital unknowns remain with the pending introduction at the 2012 auto show. Firstly,...

Fiat announced today that its ownership stake in Chrysler will increase to 58.5 percent, a jump of five percentage points. The increase is automatic, one of several based on Chrysler meeting certain conditions set when full plans for a merger were fleshed out last May. In this case, the particular condition was that Chrysler build a high-volume car in the U.S. that would score an “unadjusted combined fuel-economy rating” of 40 mpg or higher. The Dodge Dart, which will be introduced to the public on Monday, meets the condition and triggered the increase in Fiat’s stake. That 40-mpg fuel-economy score is  not the combined fuel-economy number you see on window stickers. The “unadjusted combined fuel-economy rating” is a number derived from a separate series of tests, and is the same one used to calculate automakers’ CAFE ratings. For more, check out our detailed story on how these ratings are calculated.) Because corporate finance is so complicated, Fiat has increased its share by five percentage points without the other owner, the giant UAW benefit fund called VEBA, losing five percent. Still, these two entities remain the only owners of Chrysler. Fiat has controlling interest, but we expect that within the next few years it will buy out the VEBA’s remaining stake and fully complete the merger. The rest is here: Dodge Dart Helps Fiat Bump Stake in Chrysler by Five Points to 58.5 Percent Original post:  Dodge Dart Helps Fiat Bump Stake in Chrysler by Five Points to 58.5 Percent

So the “mystery” concept car we broke the news on earlier this morning — the one we’ll be seeing from General Motors at next week’s Detroit Auto Show — will definitely be sportin’ a bowtie. More » See the rest here: GM Confirms Mystery Detroit Auto Show Concept A Chevy [Detroit Auto Show] Read more from the original source: GM Confirms Mystery Detroit Auto Show Concept A Chevy [Detroit Auto Show]

Remember the hoopla surrounding a few  Chevrolet Volt batteries catching fire weeks after the cars were crash-tested? Of course you do—it kind of blew up in the media, and then we offered a sensible analysis of that overreaction . Today, Chevrolet announced its solution to what we still feel is a non-problem: The company will make three changes to the Volt to better protect its battery and cooling system in the event of a crash. According to GM, the Volts crash-tested by NHTSA eventually caught fire because leaked coolant came into contact with the charged battery’s circuit board. It is important to note that GM instructs emergency responders to discharge the Volt’s lithium-ion batteries after a crash; NHTSA did not follow GM’s recommended post-crash protocol. The coolant leak was the result of damage the battery suffered in the tests, so GM’s first modification to the Volt is a strengthened safety structure around the battery pack (above). The T-shaped battery runs down the center of the car, where the driveline tunnel would be on a typical rear-wheel-drive car; GM’s analysis showed that the side-impact test forced a cross-car structural member into the battery. The safety-structure modification will better distribute impact forces around the battery pack, lessening the possibility of compromising the cooling system or any battery cells. The company confirmed the efficacy of the improvements by crash-testing four modified Volts last month. The company also will add a coolant-level sensor (above, left) that will alert drivers of the system’s over- or underfilling—the latter, of course, could mean that there’s a coolant leak. To prevent overfill of the coolant system, GM also added a tamper-proof bracket that locks the cap in place, preventing owners from accessing the coolant reservoir. Only dealers will perform coolant-related maintenance. GM is adamant that nothing is wrong with the batteries themselves; given no evidence to the contrary, we agree.  To us, it would seem that even the issues addressed by the modifications aren’t issues at all if proper post-crash procedures, including discharging the battery, are followed. Regardless, all Volts produced going forward will be equipped with the modifications, and current owners...

This is the Morning Shift , our one-stop daily roundup of all the auto news that’s actually important — all in one place at 9:00 AM. Or, you could spend all day waiting for other sites to parcel it out to you one story at a time. Isn’t your time more important? More » Go here to see the original: GM’s Mystery Detroit Auto Show Concept, BMW Vs. Mercedes-Benz, And Fiat Eats More Chrysler [The Morning Shift] Originally posted here: GM’s Mystery Detroit Auto Show Concept, BMW Vs. Mercedes-Benz, And Fiat Eats More Chrysler [The Morning Shift]

If the blacked-out grille, unique 18-inch wheels, and smoked headlight surrounds on factory-fresh Chrysler 200 S models aren’t street enough, Mopar has your back for 2012. Chrysler’s tuning and accessories arm will debut two kits for new or existing 200 sedans at this year’s Detroit auto show ; the goods will be showcased on a concept called the 200 Super S by Mopar and go on sale later in 2012. Stage One If you wish only to visually distinguish your Chrysler from the rental-car rat pack, the Stage One kit should satisfy—even if the large chin spoiler and rear diffuser seem out of place on the 200. The upper and lower grillework is rendered in black mesh and trimmed by satin chrome; the latter also is applied to the fog-light accents. Out back, the Stage One kit adds the aforementioned spoiler, a satin-chrome bar connecting the taillights, and—for a little false advertising—a rear “diffuser” with integrated exhaust finishers. The finishing touches are new rocker panels and 18-inch wheels in your choice of dark gray or black. Stage Two Mopar’s Stage Two kit for the 200 is for those who want to add a little performance. It includes a coil-over suspension that lowers the 200’s ride height by about an inch, a cold-air intake, and a cat-back exhaust system; the latter two should add a smidgen of extra oomph to a 283-hp torque-steer special. Chrysler says that the kits can be installed by either dealers or customers, but has yet to announce pricing. Originally posted here: Mopar to Debut Appearance, Tuning Packs for Chrysler 200 at Detroit Show Read more from the original source:  Mopar to Debut Appearance, Tuning Packs for Chrysler 200 at Detroit Show

Lancia is a brand many in the United States haven’t heard much about. Lancias were sold here from 1975 to 1982, and they never fared too well. Lancia came into the spotlight again when Chrysler and Fiat commenced their partnership. In the new corporate alignment, Lancia and Chrysler are paired together as they both have a very similar market positioning. The pairing will result in new products that are co-developed and shared between the two. Some Chryslers will become Lancias and vice versa. One car that has been shown off with a Chrysler badge is the Delta compact. In Italy Lancia recently announced the Thema, a Chrysler 300-based flagship. This disappointed many purists who wanted a “real” Lancia flagship to replace the Thesis, which was very much a unique Lancia product. To offer a look at what the next-generation Thesis replacement could have been like, independent designer David Cardoso has created the Imperiale design study. It looks nothing like a Chrysler – which is how the purists like it. Instead of traditionally American proportions like the 300, the Imperiale expounds on the Delta’s look. The result is uniquely Lancia, with an aggressive, angular front end and fastback design. The Imperiale does two-tone, and differently than most cars; there is a black hood, roof and rear decklid. Very cool looking. Some say that two-tone cars are a design trend that could be coming back in. Regardless of whether it does come back in or not, we like this implementation. For Lancia, the business case doesn’t work out well to have a totally unique, dedicated flagship. Especially when its sales are so low. Alfa Romeo is the chosen lineup for most of the investment that Fiat will be doing in the luxury sector. We do think there is room for a more differentiated Lancia full-size car in the future; platform sharing underneath is fine by us. They just need to bring the Delta over here as a Chrysler though and we’ll be happy. Related posts: New Lancia Models To Debut At Geneva, 200 Renamed to Flavia BMW’s New Flagship – the 760Li Scion FR-S Concept Shows FT-86 A Step Closer to Production Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts Original post:  Lancia Imperiale Shows What A Real Lancia Flagship Could Look...

In today’s market, Chrysler isn’t ranked up there with the best luxury automakers. How could it be, when it still produces vehicles like the 200, which are aimed at the mainstream market? Especially considering that car is a heavy mid-cycle enhancement of what was a grossly uncompetitive previous model, the Sebring. Chrysler’s market position is somewhere above brands like Chevrolet, occupying the middle ground. If we could think of the most fitting competitor, it would probably be Buick and Lincoln. The Chrysler 300 stands out in the Chrysler lineup as a star product. It is big, rear-wheel drive and has a commanding presence, even if it lacks luxury cachet. Chrysler is hoping to change that though by taking it a bit further upmarket with a new package called Luxury Series. If you’ve been paying a lot of attention, you’ll know this is the Executive Series that Chrysler showed off at the previous Detroit auto show; it just has a new name now. It still is as nice as ever though, thankfully. A lot of the changes on the car offered by this package are thanks to the upgrades put into the 300-based Lancia Thema for the European market. For starters is the leather: its everywhere, on the instrument panel, cluster brow, center console side panels, upper-front and rear door panels – yeah we think you get the idea. The kind of leather used it most startling though. It is from Italy, offered in your choice of Black or Mochachino Poltrona Frau® “Foligno” leather. This is a very expensive leather used on exotic Italian cars. The Mochachino is the most striking combination. Wood used is a matte-finish (that is the new thing) hand-sanded Natural Pore Mocha. The whole interior seems to have a retro elegance and flair to it. The exterior is differentiated by a different grille, satin accents in place of traditional chrome, and 20-inch (on the RWD model, AWD gets 19s) polished wheels. The 300 is offers what Chrysler says is segment-exclusive features like all-wheel drive availability, a heated-steering wheel and an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. Most impressive is the price: $40,125. For what you get, that is an incredible value – it just doesn’t have a coveted badge on the grille. Related posts: Luxury Reigns...

Chrysler has a thing for sub brands. Most companies in the automotive industry do it, to some degree, such as BMW with the M Division or Mercedes-Benz and AMG. These are all part of the company’s portfolio, and they really aren’t advertised as their own line. Chrysler has split Ram off from Dodge, and has been launching a new program to make Street Racing Technology its own brand. That is despite the fact that despite being badged SRT, cars are sold under the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep names, in different dealers. To some, it can get confusing. Today, Dodge has confirmed it is moving full speed ahead with that effort, and that the Viper will be built at its previous manufacturing location as an SRT Viper. The Connor Avenue Assembly plant is located within the city limits of Detroit, and it has produced the Viper since October 1995. The plant built an average of 12 Vipers a day, for a total of 22,070 Vipers produced there over a 15 year period. The plant was also home to production of the Prowler. It is Chrysler’s boutique products plant, designed for low-volume production. Conner Avenue has sat idle since July 2010, when the previous generation Viper went out of production. Chrysler is asking employees who formerly worked at the plant to return, bringing a total of 150 new jobs to Detroit. Workers will report for training this fall, with production of the new Viper set to begin late next year. Built in 1965, before opening again the plant is implementing what Chrysler calls a World Class Manufacturing (WCM) system “focused on reducing waste and making continuous improvements throughout the assembly process to improve quality and productivity.” The 2013 SRT Viper will debut at the New York auto show in April. It seems as if they are ditching the Dodge name, which we aren’t sure is a good idea – it has always been known as the Dodge Viper. This sub branding thing is getting weird….but we’re just happy to see a new Viper on its way. Related posts: The Viper Lives in 2010! Viper: “No Sale” Says Chrysler 2013 Dodge Viper Launching This April in New York Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts The rest is here:  Chrysler Announces Viper Production in Detroit, Dubs it SRT Viper