Classic of Denton Christmas Drive

December 23, 2011 - Classic of Denton customers, vendors, and employees donated cash and gifts to provide for local families for Christmas.  Richard Allen, Dealer Principal gladly matched all contributions.  Deliveries were made throughout Denton today to over 60 children and many families.
A convoy of trucks made their way to the local families, and even the old St. Nick himself was on hand to surprise the children.  Mr. Allen has been supporting those in need at Christmas time for a decade and his whole team embraces the spirit of the season.

Hats off to a great community effort and spreading Christmas cheer and goodwill.  A very special THANK YOU to all that participated. 

One Child + One Toy = Hours of Priceless Smiles

 

"This holiday season, Chrysler Group LLC employees and The Chrysler Foundation teamed up to deliver toys and hours of priceless smiles to children in need throughout Southeast Michigan.

Between Dec. 5 and Dec. 15., Chrysler Group employees, located throughout the company’s Auburn Hills and Trenton facilities, donated new, unwrapped toys to benefit local charities in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties. In total, 1,200 toys were distributed to children through Focus: HOPE Detroit, The Salvation Army of Macomb County, the Baldwin Center in Pontiac and Lighthouse of Oakland County.

“At Chrysler, we believe it's our duty to invest in the health and welfare of the communities in which we live and work,"  said Jody Trapasso, President – The Chrysler Foundation. “This holiday season, we hope to spread holiday cheer to children and their families in Southeast Michigan -- one child, one toy at a time to create hours of priceless smiles."

Wayne County: The Chrysler Group sleigh made its first stop Dec. 15 at Focus: HOPE in Detroit, where approximately 125 children enrolled in the agency’s pre-school and afterschool programs attended a Chrysler Group-sponsored Winterfest Holiday Party. During the party, each child received a gift from their wish list and photo with Santa Claus. The event  also featured a visit from "Belle," a 1-and-a-half-year-old reindeer, cookie & cupcake decorating, face painting, games and a free car seat and bike helmet fitting and giveaway.  " [Continue reading...]

Chrysler Group LLC Providing DTE Energy with Test Fleet of 10 PHEV Ram 1500 Pickup Trucks

Under the Pentastar

Chrysler Plans Classy Interior for New Dodge Dart

 

"Chrysler Group's Dodge compact car is promising a "driver-centric" dashboard layout when the new Dart makes its debut at the big auto show in Detroit next month. 

That means controls within easy reach of the driver, customizable instrument-panel displays, an eight-inch center console display and lighted piping around them all. The center console display alone will be the largest in its class, Dodge vows. 

There will also be ambient lighting for the door handles, map pockets, foot wells, glove box and storage bin. There will be illuminated cup holders." [Continue reading...]

Chrysler Pentastar V-6 Engine Repeats with '10 Best Engines' From Ward’s Auto

"Chrysler Group’s Pentastar 3.6 – liter V-6 engine once again has been recognized by the editors of Ward’s Automotive as one of the “10 Best Engines”.

“Every year, Ward’s Auto recognizes the industry leaders in engine technology,” said Drew Winter, editor at Ward’s Auto. “Chrysler has successfully demonstrated the breadth of this engine and how it delivers on all fronts including fuel economy, lower emissions and power."

Named to the exclusive group of engines last year after its introduction in the 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee, the Pentastar V-6 engine is now standard or available on Chrysler 200, 300 and Town & Country; Dodge Avenger, Challenger, Charger, Durango, Journey and Caravan. For 2012, the Pentastar 3.6-liter engine also is now standard on the new Jeep Wrangler.

Editors tested the 2012 Jeep Wrangler and the Chrysler 300 in this year’s shootout. 

Designed to meet a variety of requirements across both front-and rear-drive models, the Pentastar V-6 also is the exclusive engine used with the new eight-speed automatic transmission on Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 models. The engine and transmission combination deliver 31 miles-per-gallon (mpg) on the highway. 

On Jeep Wrangler, the 3.6-liter engine improved fuel efficiency to 21 mpg on the highway while delivering 285 horsepower and 260 lb. ft. of torque, improvement s of 40 and 10 percent, respectively." [Continue reading...]

Dodge Hits the Mark With the All-new 2013 Dodge Dart Compact Car

 

"Dodge redefines performance in the compact car segment with an all-new, state-of-the-art four-door sedan delivering class-leading aerodynamics – the 2013 Dodge Dart. 

With Alfa Romeo DNA and Dodge’s passion for performance at its core, the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart is a thoroughly modern vehicle that’s fuel-efficient, beautifully designed and crafted, agile and brings fun back to driving in the segment. 

Similar to the Dodge Dart of the late 1960s, the 2013 Dart offers a special blend of style, performance and innovation. The Dodge brand leveraged its nearly 100-year history of passion for building high-quality, innovative vehicles that stand apart in performance and style, as well as from its partner Fiat’s global compact car expertise, to develop the all-new Dodge Dart. 

ALFA ROMEO DNAThe all-new Dart is the first Chrysler Group vehicle based upon a Fiat architecture – adapted from the award-winning Alfa Romeo Giulietta. The Giulietta is renowned for satisfying the most demanding customers in terms of road-holding, agility and safety, with exceptional driving dynamics. The Dart leverages all of these attributes within a lengthened and widened platform delivering segment-leading levels of interior roominess. 

The all-new Compact U.S. Wide (CUSW) architecture underpinning the Dart is a state-of-the-art architecture with an industry-leading 68 percent of the body composed of high-strength steel, resulting in a very strong and rigid structure. Combined with responsive steering, four-wheel independent suspension, and available 18-inch wheels, the Dart brings fun back to driving in the compact car segment.

UNMISTAKABLE STYLEThe all-new 2013 Dart marks the Dodge brand’s re-entry into the compact sedan segment, hitting the bulls-eye with a modern, unmistakable Dodge design that builds upon its performance heritage while evoking emotion, efficiency and fluidity of movement. 

Eye-catching exterior proportions are set off from every angle by dynamic lines and curves, along with advanced technology, to deliver class-leading aerodynamic performance. The personality-packed front view is instantly recognizable as an all-new Dodge with its tailored split-crosshair grille, projector headlamps and fog lamps and accentuated fenders. Signature Dodge full-width LED ‘racetrack’ tail lamps and class-exclusive integrated dual exhaust – both inspired by Dodge Charger – accentuate the athletic and muscular stance of this dynamic and passionate new design. 

THREE SOPHISTICATED, FUEL-EFFICIENT & POWERFUL ENGINESThe 2013 Dodge Dart will be powered by three fuel-efficient, powerful, state-of-the-art four-cylinder engines that add to Dart’s fun-to-drive quotient.

Drivers can select from a new Tigershark 16-valve 2.0-liter engine, a 16-valve 1.4-liter MultiAir Intercooled Turbo engine, and a new Tigershark 16-valve 2.4-liter MultiAir four cylinder engine. These three engines, combined with three transmission choices, combine to redefine performance by providing the most diverse powertrain lineup in its class.

MultiAir technology delivers optimum combustion at any speed under all driving conditions by allowing direct and dynamic control of air intake and combustion. The result is up to a 15 percent increase in low engine rpm torque, a 7.5 percent improvement in fuel efficiency and a 10 percent reduction in C02 emissions. " [Continue reading...]

Chrysler Group: Under the Pentastar

Mopar® V-10 Competition Off-Road Race Engine Wins in Debut at Baja 1000 in Class 8

"Just two-and-a-half weeks after Mopar® introduced the new 800 horsepower V-10 Competition Race Engine for drag racing at the 2011 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, the off-road racing derivative of the crate engine made its debut in the 44th Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, Nov. 18–19, powering Kent Kroeker and Alan Roach to the Class 8 win in the famed event.

Kroeker, owner of Kroeker Off-Road Engineering (KORE), shared the driving duties of the Ram 1500 with the Mopar V-10 Competition Off-Road Race Engine under the hood, with Roach, who hails from Escondido, Calif. The pair covered the distance of nearly 700 miles through the rugged desert of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula in just over 20 hours to record the Class 8 victory. Kroeker began the race and drove through the San Felipe loop, with Roach then taking the wheel for the remainder of the distance.

“What an amazing debut for the Mopar V-10 Competition Off-Road Race Engine to win at Baja,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “Our off-road engineers have been working very hard on this engine and it certainly passed its first test with flying colors.”

The 2011 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 drew a total of 278 starters from 34 states and 16 different countries, in more than 30 different classes. The Class 8 division that Kroeker and Roach competed in with the Mopar V-10 Competition Off-Road Race Engine is comprised of full-size, two-wheel drive trucks." [Continue reading...]

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

From our family to yours, we would like to wish you a very happy Thanksgiving! Be safe and enjoy the turkey!

The Best Roast Turkey Recipe For Thanksgiving

Chrysler Invests $1.7 Billion To Build 2013 Jeep Liberty Replacement

 

"Chrysler said it will invest $1.7 billion to develop and build a successor to the Jeep Liberty, including $500 million to retool and expand the Jeep assembly plant here.

Chrysler confirmed the Liberty will be replaced in model year 2013 by a new D-segment model that will be exported to markets around the world.

It said the remainder of the $1.7-billion investment will be spent on other Chrysler facilities in the U.S. as well as supplier tooling and related development costs for the new model.

The Toledo North Assembly Plant builds the 2012 Jeep Liberty and Dodge Nitro. The Toledo announcement suggested there is no replacement planned for the Nitro." [Continue reading...]

Chrysler Group: Under the Pentastar 11-18-11

Mazda TAKERI to Debut at 2011 Tokyo Motor Show

 

"Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the global premiere of the Mazda TAKERI next-generation midsize sedan concept car at the 42^nd Tokyo Motor Show. The show will also see the Japanese debut of the new CX-5 crossover SUV outfitted with the complete range of Mazda’s breakthrough SkyActiv technology, as well as other new technologies and production models.

The 2011 Tokyo Motor Show will run from December 3-1 at the Tokyo Big Sight(Tokyo International Exhibition Center). Mazda’s theme for the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show is “Environmental Technology, Pushing the Boundaries of the Emotion of Motion.”

The Mazda TAKERI takes advantage of Mazda’s new design language, “KODO – Soul of Motion,” to bring a new level of strength and allure to sedan styling. The TAKERI features SkyActiv technology, including the efficient and powerful new SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine, to deliver dynamic performance and a comfortable ride. The combination of SkyActiv technology and other technology features, such as i-stop, Mazda’s idling stop system, and a new regenerative braking system, enable the Mazda TAKERI to achieve exceptional fuel economy." [Continue reading...]

RamBox® Takes Home Body Exterior Category Award from Society of Plastics Engineer’s Automotive Innovation Awards Competition

 

"One of the Ram Truck’s greatest innovations for the pickup truck—RamBox®, has received the Automotive Innovation Award from the Society of Plastics Engineer’s (SPE) (Body Exterior Category) for creative and ingenuous use of plastics in the automotive industry. RamBox is a segment-exclusive cargo management system that includes the following key elements:

• Two weatherproof, lockable, drainable, lighted storage bins that run the length of the pickup bed and are as wide as the wheel well, creating up to 8.6 cubic feet of space (140 beverage cans with ice). The side bins are large enough to hold items including: a set of golf clubs, helmets, toolboxes, kayak paddles, fishing rods, chainsaws or shovels. RamBox side bins create storage along each side of the pickup bed space previously left untouched due to wheel-well intrusion

• RamBox bins fit the length of the pickup bed and incorporate the space over each wheel well to secure cargo within a lighted, lockable and drainable container. Lids include swing hinges with full-open position that lifts the lid 100 degrees

• An adjustable bed divider/extender that fits on the lowered tailgate and adds 2 feet of additional length to secure longer loads. The bed divider creates individual compartments in the pickup bed to separate payload equipment such as tools or equipment. It can be conveniently stowed and locked in the front of the bed when not in use" [Continue reading...]

Chrysler Group: Under the Pentastar 11-11-11

Ohio Tax Incentives to Help Chrysler Hire

"Chrysler plans to announce that it will hire 1,105 workers in Toledo, just three weeks after hourly workers narrowly approved a new labor contract with the UAW.


The Auburn Hills automaker will receive tax incentives from Ohio that pave the way for a $365-million investment to create the jobs and retain 900 others at its Toledo Assembly Complex, where workers build the Dodge Nitro, Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Liberty.


U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, a Democrat from Toledo, will attend Chrysler's event in Toledo next Wednesday, a spokesman said. Ohio Gov. John Kasich is expected to be in Toledo the same day.


Chrysler pledged to invest $4.5 billion and add 2,100 jobs in U.S. factories as part of a four-year labor agreement ratified Oct. 26. That is fewer new jobs than either General Motors or Ford promised. But the UAW didn't provide details of the Toledo jobs before workers voted on the contract.


By 2013, Chrysler plans to fill the new Toledo jobs with entry-level workers who eventually will earn $19.28 per hour.


Chrysler wanted to raise entry-level wages to $22 per hour by 2020, with no limit on the percentage of entry-level workers it can hire after 2015, said a person familiar with the negotiations. The UAW chose not to eliminate a 25% limit on entry-level hires." [Continue reading...]

Chrysler Prices 2012 Jeep Wrangler 'Call of Duty: MW3' Special Edition at $36,495

 

"Chrysler Group LLC is taking its Jeep partnership with video game publisher Activision to a whole new level with"Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3,"according to officials.

In preparation for the game’s midnight release, the Auburn Hills-based automaker Monday launched a “groundbreaking campaign for the 2012 Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 Special Edition.”

“This is more than an advertising campaign, this is a true experience that captures the excitement one feels when playing ‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’ and when driving the all-new 2012 Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 Special Edition,” said Olivier Francois, Chrysler chief marketing officer.

The campaign dubs the Wrangler as, “The toughest vehicle in the world. Any world.” Ads will introduce the new tagline, as well as the soon-to-be released special edition version of the brand’s popular vehicle." [Continue reading...]

Chrysler Group: Under the Pentastar 11-04-11

Eight Chrysler Group LLC Vehicles Take Home a Consumers Digest 'Best Buy' for the 2012 Model Year

 

"Consumers Digest announced its annual automotive “Best Buys,” and vehicles from Chrysler Group LLC received eight of them, more than doubling the number of “Best Buys” Chrysler Group vehicles received in 2010 and 2011. In the past year and a half, the Chrysler Group has introduced 16 all-new or significantly refreshed models, and many awards have been rolling in ever since. 

The Chrysler Group vehicles that received Consumers Digest automotive “Best Buys” for the 2012 model year are:

Chrysler: 300, Town & Country
Jeep®: Grand Cherokee
Dodge: Durango, Grand Caravan, Challenger 
Ram: 1500 
Fiat: 500

“It’s a tremendous honor to have so many vehicles named as ‘Best Buys’ by Consumers Digest,” said Doug Betts, Senior Vice President – Quality, Chrysler Group LLC. “We have gone to great lengths to enhance the craftsmanship and quality of all of our vehicles. These awards are evidence that we’re producing cars, trucks, crossovers, minivans and SUVs that customers – and critics – appreciate.”

As testament to the improvements made to Chrysler Group’s vehicles in terms of quality and desirability, the Company earlier today announced that vehicle sales are up for the 19th consecutive month. " [Continue reading...]

Happy Halloween!

 

We would like to wish everyone a very Happy Halloween! Be safe and try not to eat too much candy!

Chrysler Under the Pentastar

Testing the New 1500 PHEV

Chrysler Group: Under the Pentastar

Ram Expands Power Wagon Model Range

 

"Ram Truck today announced that the most capable off-road truck on the market and the reigning Heavy Duty Pickup Truck of Texas, the Ram Power Wagon, will now be available in two additional models—ST and Laramie. 

The new Ram Power Wagon ST will offer off-road enthusiasts all of the Power Wagon’s legendary capability in a value-oriented package. The Power Wagon Laramie will offer more comfort and luxury features. Each of the three Ram Power Wagon models will have its own distinctive look.

"When it comes to off-road capability, no other pickup truck compares to the Ram Power Wagon," said Fred Diaz, President and CEO - Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico— Chrysler Group LLC. "Expanding the Power Wagon’s availability to ST and Laramie models is not only what our customers have asked for, but also a true measure of the truck’s success and popularity with truck buyers."

Ram Power Wagon STThe Ram Power Wagon lends itself to duties requiring reliability, durability and capability. The ST package will appeal to customers such as fire and emergency services, mining companies, oil exploration and forestry services for daily off-road duty. The Ram Power Wagon ST features single-tone paint, a black grille, black front/rear bumpers, black fender flares and black mirrors with optional clearance lamps. The interior is unchanged from the ST trim level with the exception of additional controls for Power Wagon’s unique features. " [Continue reading...]

The Ultimate Performance SUV Lands Front and Center on Chrysler Group’s World Headquarters

 

"The most powerful, technologically advanced, high-performance Jeep® vehicle ever has made its way on to Chrysler Group LLC’s Headquarters building in Auburn Hills, Mich. 

Early this morning, workers put the finishing touches on a massive building wrap featuring an image of the all-new 2012 Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8®. The wrap covers 10 floors on the front of the company’s world headquarters building.

“The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 takes performance to a new level by combining the brand’s legendary capability and utility and merging it with the renowned advanced performance engineering from the company’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) team,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO - SRT Brand. “This vehicle not only represents the newly formed SRT brand, but the hard work and determination given by the designers and engineers who continue to bring world-class performance, luxury and refinement to a vehicle that is fast and fun to drive.”

Designed and built using the proven SRT formula that raises the performance to astonishing levels, the new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 runs from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds, 0-100-0 mph in the mid-16 second range, can cover the quarter mile in the mid-13 second range, has a top speed of 160 mph, and brakes from 60-0 mph in 116 feet." [Continue reading...]

Lower Prices, Efficiency Highlight 2012 Mazda3

  

"They say good things come in threes, and that will certainly be the case with the 2012 Mazda3. The best-selling model in the Mazda lineup was significantly refreshed for the new model year, with the lineup adding the automaker’s breakthrough Skyactiv powertrain technology while removing hundreds of dollars from its starting price.

It all starts with the Mazda3 i SV sedan, with an MSRP of $15,200—$600 less than the 2011 model. Introducing the new look of the Mazda3 roster, the car is thoroughly restyled inside and out, with a revised front fascia and grille, new cloth seats, and a bold, black cabin. Upgrading to the Mazda3 i Sport sedan, with remote start and other athletic enhancements, brings a starting price of $16,845. Both sedans holster Mazda’s proven MZR 2.0-liter I4 engine.

The Mazda3 i Touring models start at $18,450 for the sedan and $18,950 for the five-door hatchback—a starting point that’s more than $1,000 lower than the least-expensive 2011 five-door. More importantly, Mazda’s Skyactiv powertrain makes its U.S. debut—as standard equipment—on this pair of 3’s. This innovative gas-only I4 can be mated to one of two Skyactiv transmissions, either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, to produce up to 5 percent more horsepower, 10 percent more peak torque, and 15 percent more low- to mid-range torque than the similarly sized MSR engine. Yet at the same time, it delivers more than 20 percent better fuel efficiency: The sedan is expected to reach 40 mpg highway, with the hatchback achieving 39 mpg. Other standard and available equipment on the Mazda3 i Touring includes: [Continue reading...]"

Chrysler Group: Under the Pentastar

Chrysler Shows off New Lancia-based Delta and Ypsilon Models

 

"The spawn of the Chrysler-Fiat merger has made its way to the English market, in the form of the 2012 Chrysler Delta and 2012 Chrysler Ypsilon. If they look familiar, that's because these cars are cribbed directly from the Lancia range.

The Ypsilon is available with Fiat's 0.9-liter TwinAir, which earned International Engine of the Year honors. If that's too small, there's a 1.2-liter four-pot and 1.3-liter turbodiesel available, as well. The Delta gets two different 1.4-liter options, including a 140-hp, 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder. On top of the 1.4s, there are also 1.6- and 2.0-liter engines available." [Continue reading...]

Chrysler Group Supports Diversity, Talent Development and Leadership Through Sponsorship of the National Student Case Competition

"Talented MBA candidates from many of the nation’s leading business schools competed for $50,000 in scholarships in the 2011 National Student Case Competition, sponsored by Chrysler Group LLC. 

The National Student Case Competition is a unique, annual event designed to give high-powered student teams an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and problem-solving skills in a formal competition. Teams are given a hypothetical business case from which they develop business solutions. Each student team then prepares and presents its case before a panel of experienced business executives. Teams are judged on their analysis of the case, the feasibility of their recommendations and the quality of their presentations.

The competition is held as part of the National Black MBA Association's Annual Conference and Exposition, which was held this year October 4-8 in Atlanta. Chrysler Group has been the exclusive sponsor of the National Student Case Competition since 1995.  Over that time, more than 1,500 MBA students have participated in the competition. 

"Programs like the National Student Case Competition enable Chrysler Group to identify talented future business leaders," said Nancy A. Rae, Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Chrysler Group LLC and Co-Chair of the Company's Global Diversity Council. "Over the years, the competition has evolved into the premier showcase event for student achievement and an important way Chrysler Group demonstrates its continuing commitment to developing diverse talent and future business leaders." 

This year, the students from the Florida A&M University took home the first place trophy as national champions and $25,000 in scholarships. The winning team members were Antoinyce Eaton, Benjamin Evans and Cianna Reaves, all current MBA students at Florida A &M University. The second and third place teams represented Penn State University and the University of Georgia, earning $15,000 and $10,000 in scholarships respectively. " [Continue reading...]

Chrysler Group: Under the Pentastar

Mopar® to Offer More Than 250 Accessories for New 2012 Jeep® Wrangler

 

After introducing industry-first camper trailers for Jeep_® vehicles, Mopar® will now offer Jeep Wrangler owners more than 250 other ways to customize and personalize their ride.

“Jeep Wrangler owners spend hundreds of dollars on Mopar accessories to further enhance the performance and appearance of their vehicle,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “Unlike other aftermarket offerings, all Mopar parts and accessories are quality-tested to meet the strict capability and durability requirements of Jeep.”

Following are Mopar’s top 15 accessories for the new 2012 Jeep Wr

Chrysler Group: Under the Pentastar

Ram Truck Brand Launches New Hispanic Advertising Campaign Connecting Ram Trucks with Latino Community

"The Ram Truck brand is connecting with the Hispanic community through a new advertising campaign focusing on the important values of hard work, dedication, and commitment to family and community. “A Todo, Con Todo” is the brand’s most comprehensive Hispanic campaign to date and is the first Ram brand Hispanic campaign to include television, radio, print, newspapers and digital media. It will run in the 15 top Hispanic markets and was produced in both Spanish and English languages.

“’A Todo, Con Todo’ captures the consumer mindset and true essence of Ram – to everything, with everything," said Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico, Chrysler Group LLC. “Owning and using a Ram truck is a way of life for our Latino consumers. It is used equally as hard for work and play and, like the brand itself, there’s a deep sense of pride in getting the job done, better and smarter, thanks to an uncompromising toughness.”

The campaign, which debuts Oct. 3, features the true stories of Arturo Barcelo and Ascension Banuelos, bi-lingual Ram truck owners from Texas who are successful in work and life. They speak honestly and unscripted about what values are important to them and how the Ram truck is an extension of their lives. Barcelo owns a home improvement construction company in Dallas and drives a Ram 1500. Banuelos owns a Ram 3500 and manages a horse training ranch in Jacksboro (Texas). " [Continue reading...]

Mazda CX-5 Is More Innovative Than Meets The Eye

The Mazda CX-5 will essentially replace the automaker’s Ford-based Tribute crossover, and help the brand compete in the crowded compact crossover segment. But the CX-5 won’t be just another “me too”” entry. Instead, it will undoubtedly rock the segment with more style and performance.

Although the first application of Mazda’s new SKYACTIV powertrain technology will be available on the 2012 Mazda3, the new CX-5 will receive ever more SKYACTIV goodies. The crossover features a potent 2.0-liter gasoline engine as well as a 2.2-liter diesel that features the industry’s lowest compression ratio for a diesel engine. Both engines promise to pair performance with fuel economy.

When the CX-5 arrives in showrooms, it will be the smallest crossover in Mazda’s lineup, fitting in below the midsized CX-7. Buyers will have the option of manual and automatic transmissions, each of which are lighter than older units and promise less fiction. It’s unfortunately still unclear whether U.S. buyers will get the available diesel.[Continue reading...]

Chrysler Group: Under the Pentastar Sept. 23, 2011

Chrysler 2012 300 Commercial

Nevada Father and Son Team Find First of Three Hidden 2012 Dodge Journey Vehicles

 

  An adventurous outdoorsy father and son from Nevada proved that family teamwork and hiking trips pay off, as they were the first to find one of three 2012 Dodge Journey vehicles hidden across America in the Dodge brand’s “Search Engine for the Real World” giveaway.

Bruce Armbrust and his 9-year-old son, Matthew, of Gardnerville, Nev., worked together to track down the Dodge Journey in Hope Valley, Calif.

“With all its AWD and roominess, the Dodge Journey is the perfect vehicle for our family,” said Bruce Armbrust. “We love the great outdoors and taking road trips, which means the storage space in the Journey will be put to good use.”

Dodge launched the new television and digital advertising campaign Friday, Sept. 9, positioning the 2012 Dodge Journey as the “Search Engine for the Real World,” the perfect vehicle for people looking for adventure. The campaign encourages people to get out and explore the real world instead of just reading about it online and has an added twist: a chance to win one of three Dodge Journeys left hidden across America – one each in the West, Midwest and East.

As part of the campaign, TV spots show a Dodge Journey on trips across America and end with the viewer being told that the vehicle they’ve just seen headed somewhere beautiful is, in fact, still sitting in that real world location waiting to be discovered. The first person to find the Dodge Journey, wins it.

The contest now moves to the second location somewhere in the Midwest with a new television and digital spot debuting Sept. 17, followed by the East spot on Sept. 24* for the third location. If viewers look closely, each frame of these 30-second spots contain clues to the location of the hidden Dodge Journey vehicles. The contest ends Sept. 27. [Continue reading...]

Chrysler Group Under the Pentastar 9-16-2011

Covers Come Off The 2013 Mazda CX-5 In Frankfurt

 

"Although early Mazda CX-5 prototypes have already been given to the media for early test drives, these models donned camouflage and hid the sleek lines of the new SUV. However, now that the CX-5 has finally made its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, consumers can now see every detail.

The new CX-5 stays true to Mazda’s original Minagi concept, which first appeared at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. The new model will replace the Tribute crossover, which has never been a strong seller.

Although test drives of the vehicle so far have been done with prototypes, reactions have been favorable. Autoblog tested a Euro-spec diesel model recently and exclaimed it was “a hoot to drive.” Not only did it possess sporty driving dynamics, but the blog also said that its 2.2-liter diesel also offered “surprising civility with almost no clatter.”

A North American version is planned for introduction sometime next year as a 2013 model, and it’s expected to be priced around $20,000. The available diesel engine and the CX-5’s stop/start technology may not be available here on our shores at launch. Stay tuned for more details." 

Source:[Mazda in the News]

Chrysler's Ram is Going to Get a New Small Van

 

"On the heels of Ford's success with its Transit Connect truck-car, Fiat is going to import its own little van to sell as a Ram.

In Europe, it's known as the Fiat Doblo and it has a lot of the same qualities that are making the Transit Connect a success. It is a little van that looks like the back of a truck grafted to an economy car. The type of vehicle has been popular in Europe and other regions of the world, but not in the U.S.

Ford hawks Transit Connects to flower deliverers, plumbers and even converts them to passenger use for taxicabs. Nissan has also introduced similar vehicles.

Doblo is made in Turkey, just like the Transit Connect.

Fiat says it has signed a letter of intent with its Turkish joint-venture partner, Tofas, for Doblos that can be sold in the U.S. and Canada. Tofas is going invest $160 million in the venture. They start arriving in early 2013." 

Source:[USA Today]