Nik J Miles

Posts Tagged ‘Chrysler’

Sergio_Marchionne

With the early popularity and critical review of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne says the same platform may be used for future Maserati and Alfa Romeo SUVs.

The Grand Cherokee “architecture has legs. It’s important for us to tap all of the hard work that has gone on inside Chrysler on the new Grand Cherokee,” Marchionne told Automotive News. “It has a level of solidity and resilience that we have underestimated.”

The Grand Cherokee platform was developed jointly with Mercedes-Benz, when Chrysler was still owned by Daimler.  It is being used on the latest generation Mercedes-Benz ML-Class SUVs and under the redesigned 2011 Dodge Durango. Read the rest of this entry »

The Daimler affect on Chrysler continues with the all-new Grand Cherokee now arriving at Jeep dealerships.  In 2005, when Daimler controlled Chrysler, the new Chrysler 300 was designed around the rear-wheel drive unibody structure and suspension components originally developed for the E-Class Mercedes-Benz sedan.  The result was one the best Chrysler sedans ever built.

Although you won’t find it in Jeep brochures or press releases, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, which started development when Daimler still owned Chrysler, takes advantage of the platform and many components of the Mercedes-Benz M class SUV. Read the rest of this entry »

Chrysler Group is starting the process of granting an estimated 200 Fiat dealerships in 125 markets in 41 states.  The process started in July and top dealers will be picked later this summer.  The first Fiat will be the 500 minicar that has received considerable media interest already.  A convertible version is scheduled for 2011 and an electric model and sportier Abarth version should arrive in 2012.

Chrysler Group has arranged to build a new eight-speed automatic transmission (the HP8) under license from the ZF Group of Germany.  According to Automotive News, the automaker plans to spend $300 million for the installation of tooling and equipment at the Transmission Plant 1 and Kokomo Casting Plant in Indiana.  They will be the first company licensed to build the innovative new transmissions.   Initially, Chrysler will use Germany-built units until the U.S. plant is ready in 2013; however, there is no indication which Chrysler or Fiat vehicles will be using the transmissions.

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When the third generation Chrysler Sebring debuted for the 2007 model year, we felt the styling was uninspired and looked more like something created from a committee vote, rather than the pen of a hot designer.  For 2010, the exterior is refreshed, but it is still not that pretty.

The modernized interior is efficient and comfortable but certainly not award winning.  The controls are simple and user-friendly.  Our test car did have the optional ($1,695) Navigation and Sound Group that added a touch navigation system with 6.5-inch screen display, 30GB hard drive and media center.  The system plugs into the center stack in place of the standard audio system and provides a complete audio system with all the normal choices and the capacity to store 4,250 songs from your personal collection.  The system also includes Chrysler’s Uconnect phone Read the rest of this entry »

What we already know if that subsequent to their alliance, Fiat and Chrysler are bringing the Fiat 500 to market in the US later this year.  Now Chrysler announces that by 2012 the Fiat 500 will be electric.  The Fiat 500EV will use the same platform as the gas 500 with a new powertrain, comprised of three main systems; high power electric powertrain module, advance lithium ion battery, and an EV control unit to manage power flows.  The Electric powertrain is all-American developed at the Auburn Hills Chrysler Group Headquarters.  What we do not know is pricing, that will be announced closer to launch.

For most of us sports car enthusiasts, the death of the Minivan couldn’t come soon enough. These shoeboxes on wheels were generally underpowered, underbraked, and certainly underdriven. The sight of the grubby back end of a minivan in front of you on an otherwise exhilarating curvy country road means that your bracing drive just turned into an interminable slog at half the posted speed limit, honking and flashing in the forlorn hope that the driver would eventually become aware of your presence and maybe, just maybe, pull over and let you by.

So, for sports car drivers everywhere, let me lead you in a rousing chorus of “Ding Dong, The Witch Is Dead” because I’m ready to proclaim the death of the minivan. So long and good riddance, old sock!

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