Chrysler to Put Television in Its Vehicles

Listen up, TV junkies: You may soon be able to watch some of your favorite shows in the car.

Automaker Chrysler Group will offer live television in its vehicles by the end of the year, according to the Detroit Free Press. The service, called FLO TV Auto Entertainment, costs $629 plus installation costs and offers up to 20 channels, including CBS, CNBC, Comedy Central, Fox News, MSNBC, and MTV.

The system includes a 7-inch DVD screen and a small antenna about the size of a computer mouse, which is mounted on the vehicle's roof. Chrysler will offer the system through its Mopar aftermarket unit in more than 100 metropolitan areas.

Chrysler to cut prices on 2010 pickups

The redesigned 2010 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups will offer more content at a lower price, Chrysler Group LLC announced today.

The big rig pickups will start at $28,165 for a regular cab models, $31,415 for Crew Cab models and $36,865 for Mega Cab models.

For this model year, Ram will discontinue the Quad cab heavy duty trucks, replacing that with the larger Crew Cab model. All prices include $950 for shipping.

The new Ram adopts the looks introduced in the Dodge Ram 1500 pickup last year, though additional design features were added to the bigger trucks.

The pickups will come with either a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 or the 6.7-liter Cummins diesel inline six-cylinder engine.

While the powertrains carry over from the previous generation, the exterior and interior have been reworked to provide a quieter and smoother ride.

Interior features, which are similar to the Ram 1500, include: a steering column mounted gear shifter to create more room in the center console, optional navigation system and two-tone leather interior. Other features include heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and 10-speaker surround sound stereo.

"We believe we do well against our competition because we are aggressively priced and offer a great product," said Mark Heber, director of Dodge Ram marketing, this week during the media launch of the truck.

The Ram heavy duty will also come in the popular high-end Laramie edition, starting at $42,240 as well as an off-road Power Wagon, starting at $45,780.

Chrysler 200C Concept Car

We were beginning to worry that the 300C was all Ralph Gilles had in him. But if the Chrysler 200C Concept is what Chrysler's styling star can bring to the hitherto dull banquet of Chrysler design, then he should have been placed in charge long ago. It is absolutely gorgeous - check out those wheels - and to our eyes, at least, this is what the straked nonsense known as the Sebring should have been (or at least, what it could have looked like).

A range-extended four-passenger sedan, the car is about the size of a BMW 5-Series. A rear-wheel-driver powered by a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that includes a "small gasoline engine" - Chrysler didn't say how small - aided by a lithium-ion batteries and an electric generator putting out 55kW (74 horsepower) of continuous power. The system's combined forces are good for 200 kW (268 hp) of peak power. The car can go 40 miles on electric power alone (a number that sounds rather familiar), and has an estimated range of up to 400 miles. The 200C is not a slowpoke, either, with a predicted 7-second blast to sixty, and a top speed north of 120.

Inside, the 200C Concept is crammed with enough tech to guide a starfleet. The interactive dashboard is infinitely changeable, internet enabled (via Chrysler's uConnect), and tied into security cameras and street cameras when you want to see how long the line is out front of the Delta Terminal at Detroit Metro. Even better, you can control everything from the integrated tablet PC in the glovebox or from an iPhone-like controller - even roll down the windows and check on the status of the car. And the technology leaf for the passenger also gets a huge shoutout.

Chrysler to Launch ‘PeaPod’ Electric Cars Worldwide in 2010

Chrysler has announced plans to launch its PeaPod electric car worldwide in 2010. The compact city EV will be available as a one-seater, a two-seater or a utility van, at prices starting from around $20,000.

Chrysler bankruptcy could delay 2010 updates, 2011 models

Chrysler's bankruptcy filing will undoubtedly affect every aspect of the automaker's short- and long-term endeavors, and not surprisingly, product isn't immune. While testifying in court, Chrysler's manufacturing chief, Frank Ewasyshyn, said the current plant shutdowns and the resulting effect on suppliers will delay Chrysler's 2010 product suite, primarily comprised of minor updates to existing models. While that's not a huge loss, any delay is bound to affect sales, particularly when Chrysler is struggling to maintain a positive public perception. Even worse, Ewasyshyn said that the plant and supplier issues could mean Chrysler's 2011 models could also suffer the same fate. Although he didn't outline exactly what models would be affected, it doesn't bode well for the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee or the redesigned Chrysler 300C.

2010 Chrysler 300 and 300C

A few details and a look at the next-generation Chrysler 300 full-size sedan—as well as the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee—have seeped out via Chrysler’s viability plan recently submitted to the U.S. government.

Slick Styling

As did Audi when redesigning the TT, Chrysler faced the difficult challenge of reinventing an icon when it went to the drawing board for the next 300. The new 300 possesses a shape similar to that of its predecessor, but looks more elegant. Up front, Chrysler moves to a new corporate grille, first previewed on the Imperial concept and most recently, the 200C EV concept shown at the 2009 Detroit auto show. The thin horizontal chrome bars are sleeker than the eggcrate worn by the current car, and they give the new 300 less of a boxy, road-barge look. Headlight clusters are squared and smoothed, while the front bumper is much more integrated, tightening up the chin.

The 300 will again feature fender flares, but the lower part of the arch is much less prominent. The upper body crease creates a gently arching shoulder in place of the straight and sharp line of the current model, and the new 300 also loses the side molding, giving the upper crease more definition. Expect visibility to be improved though slimmer A-pillars, more glass, and a much smaller C-pillar created through the use of a small A-frame window at the rear.

Although there is no view of the rear, expect to see a significant change from the current car. We anticipate the rear will mimic the clean front styling of the car, better integrating the exhaust tips in the lower valance. LED taillights are nearly a certainty.

Improved Interior

With the latest Dodge Ram demonstrating Chrysler’s renewed interest in interior quality, we expect the new 300 to use similarly improved materials. Sticking with the clean theme of the exterior, the new cabin appears simple and refined. The instrument panel houses two large circular gauges—similar to those in the Ram—while a large display operating Chrysler’s UConnect infotainment system tops the center console. The climate controls reside below the screen.

Powertrains and Other Features

Hemi fans can relax, as the V-8 featuring cylinder deactivation will carry over from the existing model, and it should boast increases in both power and fuel economy. Chrysler says that the new 300 will also be available with an all-new “fuel-efficient” six-cylinder engine—likely the Phoenix line the company has been promising—which we think will produce at least 260 hp. New safety features will include rear cross-path and blind-spot monitoring systems. Most, if not all, of these features will likely carry over to a similarly redesigned 2010 Dodge Charger.

No word yet on when the new 300 will be officially revealed, but you can expect to see it and the next Dodge Charger on dealer lots in 2010.

Chrysler brand will handle Fiat 500 in U.S.

The Chrysler brand will handle U.S. distribution of the Fiat 500 minicar, said Peter Fong, Chrysler brand CEO and head of sales for all Chrysler Group brands.

Fong said the 500 most likely will have a dedicated corner in Chrysler-brand showrooms. The limited volume planned for the 500 prevents creation of a dedicated retail network.

About 80 percent of Chrysler dealers now offer all three of the group's brands: Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep.

The Fiat 500 probably will have a dedicated corner in Chrysler-brand stores.

(Credit: Automotive News)

Fong said no decision has been made on how many dealers will sell the 500. The plan is for the 500 sedan to be built at Chrysler's plant in Toluca, Mexico, beginning in late 2010 or early 2011, says a supplier source.

Fiat prefers Mexico mainly because of its free-trade agreement with Brazil. The Italian automaker, which is the market leader in Brazil, plans to export about a third of the 100,000 Fiat 500s planned for yearly production in Toluca to Latin American countries.

Eventually, Fiat is expected to offer in North America the entire range of 500 body variants: hatchback, convertible, wagon, and a sporty version sold under the Abarth brand name

Rental Car Companies Cutting Chrysler Products

Chrysler's new owners have their work cut out for them. Even the rental car companies, which traditionally buy cheaper cars in high volume to keep their costs low, are buying fewer Chrysler models today.

Reuters reports, "Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group Inc (DTG.N) said on Monday it would slash its 2010 car rental purchases from Chrysler." The company operates Dollar Rent a Car and Thrifty Auto Rental.

Autoblog notes, "Previously, the company was contractually bound to ensure that 75% of its fleet was composed of Chrysler vehicles." That contract, however, was modified as part of Chrysler's bankruptcy proceeding earlier this year. With its new freedom to explore products from other automakers, the company plans to buy just 30 percent of its cars from Chrysler this year, with the largest share of its new fleet, 34 percent, going to Ford.

The news may mean that you're more likely to be offered a Fusion than a Sebring on your next business trip. It could have an impact on the next car you buy, as well. Reuters notes, "Overall, Dollar Thrifty expects to order about 90,000 vehicles under its 2010 plan, which would make the Chrysler purchase about 27,000 vehicles, or 40,000 vehicles less than they would have bought from the automaker previously." That's a significant hit to Chrysler's sales, which were already down more than any other domestic automaker (except for Hummer) this year.

That may mean more significant discounts, and more negotiating room, for those who are interested in a Chrysler vehicle. We'll keep you posted on any changes to Chrysler's incentives as we see them, on our Chrysler Deals page.

Chrysler outfits show cars for SEMA in Vegas

Chrysler Group LLC will accessorize four vehicles for display at this year's annual Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas.

The automaker is using parts from its Mopar aftermarket brand to trick out a Dodge Challenger muscle car, Dodge Ram pickup and a pair of Jeep Wranglers for the SEMA show that runs from Nov. 3-6.

The customizers at Mopar, under the direction of head Jeep designer Mark Allen, worked on the performance show cars.

They include the Challenger 1320, which takes a stripped-down, race-only, special-order version of the Challenger known as the Drag Pak that is designed for competitive drag racing. The street-legal design has a 556-horsepower Hemi V-8 engine, six-speed manual transmission and a customized exhaust system that makes a louder rumble by bypassing the muffler and pushing the exhaust out custom side pipes.

The car has Mopar police wheels with street-legal drag radial tires for a faster launch. The 1320, named for the 1,320 feet on a quarter-mile drag strip, dropped some weight with carbon fiber parts, including the hood and front spoiler and a bare bones interior consisting of Dodge Viper seats and a sport steering wheel. The rear seat, center console and radio have been removed.

The show car has nonmetallic yellow paint with matte black graphics.

The Ram Bianco is a more sophisticated pickup that has been lowered and has a carpet in the truck bed. It also is designed with white pearl paint, painted 22-inch wheels, a dual-exhaust system for the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 and contrasting white and black seats with matching trim on the doors.

There will also be two Wranglers on display. The first is the Overland that transforms into use for a campsite. The rear seats are replaced with a rubber floor, and mounted to the cargo rack is a two-person tent and awning. There are waterproof covers on the front seats and a power panel for all the accessories needed to camp out. To get to the perfect camping site, the Jeep has a 3-inch suspension lift to fit massive 35-inch tires.

The second Jeep is the Lower Forty, a two-door Wrangler Rubicon with 40-inch tires on 20-inch wheels, a feat that required the removal of a lot of body metal underneath the vehicle. The extreme off-roader has a new roll cage, and the spare tire has been moved to the cargo floor.

"We will gauge reaction to these vehicles and explore new directions as we develop Mopar performance parts and accessories for our vehicles," said Pietro Gorlier, head of Mopar service parts and customer care in a statement.

Under the new management of chief executive officer Sergio Marchionne, the automaker is putting greater emphasis on the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge, which has been divided into car and truck divisions, as well as Mopar. Further details of how the brands will evolve and be marketed will be revealed Nov. 4 when Chrysler outlines a five-year business and product plan.

With only one all-new product for the 2010 model year, the heavy-duty Ram pickup, the automaker is stressing accessories as a way to freshen existing products.

2010 Chrysler 300

The 2010 Chrysler 300 should see no major changes. This large car shares its basic design with Dodge's Charger sedan. Available trim levels should continue to include Touring, Touring Signature, Limited, 300C, and 300C SRT8. All should continue to have standard rear-wheel drive. Touring Signature, Limited, and 300C will likely remain available with all-wheel drive. Touring versions should have a 178-hp 2.7-liter V6 engine. Touring Signature and Limited will likely still use a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6. The 300C should continue to have a 5.7-liter version of Chrysler's "Hemi" V8 with 359 hp. Exclusive to the 5.7 V8 is Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation. The SRT8 will likely continue to use a 6.1-liter Hemi V8 with 425 hp. The 300 Touring and rear-drive Touring Signature and Limited should still have a 4-speed automatic transmission. All others should use a 5-speed automatic. Available safety features should include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Likely not returning to the 300 lineup is the Executive Series package that increases the vehicle's overall length by 6 inches. This report is based on evaluations of the 2009 Chrysler 300.

Chrysler Prices

300C
Chrysler 300C 3.5 (A) 2007 $142,000
Grand Voyager
Chrysler Grand Voyager LX 3.3 V6 (A) 2007 $155,000
Sebring
Chrysler Sebring 2.4 VVT (A) 2007 $88,000

Chrysler Electric Minivan Concept

Chrysler Electric Minivan is four all-electric Chrysler Town & Country minivan concepts that has been unveiled by Chrysler.

Targeted for postal delivery use, Chrysler Electric Minivan has been showed off to celebrate Earth Day Celebration.

Chrysler also plans to submit an application under the U.S. Department of Energy’s Transportation Electrification stimulus program to get a grant to demonstrate the Chrysler Electric Minivan with the United States Postal Service (USPS).

Press Release
Chrysler invented the minivan 25 years ago. More than 12 million minivan sales later, Chrysler today showed off four all-electric Chrysler Town & Country minivan concepts to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) as part of the USPS Earth Day celebration.

Chrysler LLC, in conjunction with the USPS and select energy service providers, also announced that the company intends to apply for the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DoE) Transportation Electrification stimulus program for a federal grant, which would enable Chrysler to establish a nationwide demonstration fleet of zero-emission electric minivans that could be used by the U.S. Postal Service for mail delivery.

“With more than a 40 percent market share, our Chrysler and Dodge minivans continue to lead the segment we created more than 25 years ago,” said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President—Product Development, Chrysler LLC. “Our ENVI electric minivan concepts illustrate Chrysler’s innovation with electric vehicle technology and show what the future could hold.”

Chrysler’s ENVI group leveraged the flexibility of its electric-vehicle strategy to demonstrate an all-electric version of its best-selling minivan. These electric minivan concepts are targeted specifically for use by the U.S. Postal Service for mail delivery.

“We continue to look for energy-efficient replacement vehicles for our aging fleet as we explore ways to reduce our transportation-related carbon emissions,” said Sam Pulcrano, Vice President—Sustainability, U.S. Postal Service.

Because robust grid integration is essential for widespread customer acceptance of electric vehicles, Chrysler has enlisted the involvement of key utility partners, including Duke, ConEd and DTE. Each has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Chrysler to equip post offices in strategically selected regions of the United States with a charging infrastructure for the envisioned program. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) also has signed an LOI to provide USPS integration tools.

“Our partnership is structured to easily expand into additional regions of the country as the scope of the project increases,” added Rhodes.

Earlier this month, Chrysler announced A123Systems as one of its strategic partners and production battery supplier for the company’s initial production electric vehicles. Chrysler LLC and A123Systems signed an agreement stating that A123Systems will supply energy storage systems for Chrysler’s first-generation ENVI Range-extended Electric Vehicles and battery-only Electric Vehicles. Based in Watertown, Massachusetts, A123Systems has announced plans for a Michigan-based production facility. A123Systems will manufacture Nanophosphate Lithium ion prismatic battery cells, modules and battery packs for Chrysler LLC. Advanced lithium-ion battery chemistry has the capability of meeting consumer demands for performance, driving range and durability.

Chrysler to Suspend Jeep Production

Chrysler Group LLC will suspend production of its popular Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited vehicles due to a shortage in parts from an unidentified supplier.

Chrysler will idle its Toledo Supplier Park facility in Ohio for one week starting Monday, the company said Friday without disclosing more details. The Wrangler has been one of Chrysler's best-performing vehicles in terms of sales for the year.

This is the second time Chrysler has changed its production schedule because of a parts issue. The auto maker also delayed adding a second shift to an Illinois plant by more than a month citing "continued stresses" on its parts suppliers.

Friday's announcement underscores previous reports that tension is growing between Chrysler and its suppliers. In addition to Chrysler's problem with shortages, some of the smaller parts makers are hesitating to commit to new vehicle projects, according to people familiar with the matter.