For Chrysler, the future is looking green(er). Company vice chairman Tom LaSorda recently announced a bunch of new fuel-efficient offerings. In 2010, an unibody Jeep Grand Cherokee will be introduced that will be mated to a new V6 fuel efficient engine. The automaker plans to spend $1.8 billion to refit its Jefferson North (Detroit) Assembly Plant to produce this Grand Cherokee (2008 model pictured above) and other products off the same platform, which was initially co-developed with Mercedes. LaSorda also had confirmed a hybrid powertrain and a clean diesel for the Ram pickup truck. No news on the possible minivan hybrid.

Then there's the subcompact model that Chrysler is co-developing with Chery. LaSorda said that it is in the last phases of the design process and that Chery Automotive is making a number of engineering changes to the small car, which could be ready by the end of this year and on sale in 2009.



[Source: Automotive News (subs. req'd)]

Click the Aspen Hybrid for a high-res gallery

This summer, Chrysler hits the market with the 2-Mode hybrid Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen. Chrysler and former owner Daimler partnered with General Motors and BMW back in 2006 to help bring the 2-Mode hybrid system to light-duty vehicles. The setup was originally developed for use in buses by Allison transmission when it was a part of GM.

The 2-Mode transmission made its passenger vehicle debut last year in the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon. Built by General Motors at its Baltimore, MD transmission plant, the GM and Chrysler systems have identical internals, but there are some packaging differences where the units mate up to the two manufacturers' engines and transfer cases. We attended Chrysler's New England launch event for the hybrid Aspen and Durango. Read on to see our initial driving impressions.


Photos Copyright ©2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Autobloggren reader Ron asked us one question: why does it seem that American cars in Europe sip less fuel? As he compared what look like identical models on either side of the Atlantic Ocean and consumption figures seem to differ.

First problem is finding two identical models. Then, pollution regulations are different in the USA compared to the EU. As a general rule, the EPA focus on exhaust air quality while the EU aims about quantity and has longer terms for other pollutants. As a consequence, injection systems might be tuned differently. Some people might think that gasoline is different. Europeans have two different types of gasolines: 95 and 98 RON which are more "premium" than the ones sold in the U. S. but, provided the fact that the injection systems are ready for the gas type, mileage should not affected (remember the "don't use premium if not needed"?). Perhaps the most important factor to consider are the differences between the mileage test procedures. The current EU test cycle is considered to give considerably higher results than the latest 2008 EPA test procedure. Finally, make sure that the numbers you are comparing are in the same units. Numbers from the UK are typically expressed in miles per Imperial gallon. One Imperial gallon is 1.16 US gallons.

Chrysler's first production hybrids will go on sale in September in the shape of the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen Two-modes. However, as GM has learned this spring, even having the most advanced hybrid powertrain on the market may not be enough to save the full-size SUV. So Chrysler like other manufacturers is also developing other hybrid models. Aside from the the big Ram pickups which inherit the Durango setup in 2010, Chrysler hasn't said which vehicles will get a hybrid option, other than that all options are being examined. One vehicle that would seem to be ripe for a two-mode hybrid application is the Grand Caravan/Town & Country minivans. For the trucks GM will supplying Chrysler with hybrid transmissions. Later this fall, GM is launching a Two-Mode hybrid version of the Saturn Vue with a transaxle version of the system. It is not inconcievable that GM could supply the same front wheel drive hybrid transmission to Chrysler for the minivans. The hybrid system and battery could be fairly easily packaged in the van. Since many vans are used to shuttle kids around town to various events, a hybrid option might work well in such a vehicle. It could also make the minivans a very viable platform for use as cab in places like New York that are mandating hybrid taxis in coming years.

[Source: Windsor Star]

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Dodge Ram

Although there could be no possible worse time to be debuting a new pickup truck than this year, Dodge's Ram truck is due for its cyclical major redesign, and it's still coming. A few years ago, news of the Hemi's return from the ashes was the biggest news around, and this year, the crew from Chrysler was able to eke some more power from the legendary design. In fact, the horsepower increases from 345 to 390, while torque goes up from 375 pound-feet to 407 - very impressive numbers and partially due to variable valve timing.

Being AutoblogGreen and all, it's the efficiency numbers we are most concerned with, and we're sorry to report that the big increases are yet to come. Though Dodge reports a fuel mileage improvement of some sort across the range, the most miserly model available at launch will be powered by the lowly 3.7 liter six cylinder engine and will have but two doors and a short bed. Reported fuel economy for this setup is still a dismal 14 mpg in the city and 20 on the highway. We'll be waiting for the hybrid and new smaller Cummins diesel engine for real improvements, though we're happy to report that the truck's Hemi still features cylinder deactivation and the smaller 4.7 liter V8 is still flex-fuel capable.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com via Autoblog]

As the years pass, fuel saving technologies like hybrid drivetrains will become increasingly common. Chrysler currently holds the distinction of having the worst average fuel economy of any major manufacturer in the United States, which is certainly not something they are proud of, we're sure. The automaker's first hybrid vehicles, the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen duo, were just priced at a fairly aggressive $45,340 base and speculation has already begun on what models will be next in line for the hybrid system.

Early bets are being placed on the Chrysler 300C and Dodge Charger platform, which seems like a safe wager considering that they, like the Durango and Aspen, are rear wheel drive vehicles. General Motors has already announced that the Vue will be the first front wheel drive vehicle to get the 2-Mode hybrid system jointly developed by GM, Chrysler and BMW, so it is possible that Chrysler could go with a front engine, front wheel drive platform as well.

[Source: The Detroit News]

The European people carrier market segment has a new contender coming from the U.S.: The Dodge Journey. However, instead of the array of gasoline engines sold stateside, Europeans will have a well-known diesel powertrain available in their markets, the VW-sourced 2.0-liter TDI that produces 140 HP and 310 Nm of torque (228 lbft). This isn't a surprise, as this engine can also be found fitted to the Euro versions of the Dodge Caliber and Avenger, as well as the Jeep Compass and Patriot. But the combination with the 6-speed double-clutch DSG gear change is new. The new Journey's performance is quite respectable, with a 0-100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) time of 11.8 seconds, and fuel consumption moderate for a vehicle of this size: 6.5 l/100 km with manual and 7.0 l/100 km with the automatic DSG (36 and 34 mpg U.S. respectively).

[Source: Autocity]

Chrysler has apparently been watching the lukewarm sales of the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon hybrids and taken the lesson to heart. When the GM hybrids debuted earlier this year they were priced from $49,590 for the 2wd Tahoe to $52,885 (plus delivery charge) for the 4wd Yukon. The 1,100 or so sales through April was a sure sign that the market was apparently not ready to pay that kind of change for a full-size hybrid SUV. GM is now offering $4,000 cash rebates on those same hybrids while other manufacturers can't build hybrids fast enough.

Chrysler is going more aggressive with the pricing of their first hybrids. The Durango and Aspen will be available with four wheel drive only and start at a somewhat less stratospheric $45,340 and $45,570 respectively, including destination. Chrysler is conducting media drives this week and we'll be heading out to sample the production version. At this point we don't know how the equipment compares on the Chrysler and GM vehicles at their respective price points. GM definitely spent some extra cash on their vehicles to achieve weight reductions to keep the trucks in the same EPA test class. The last time I checked with Chrysler, they had not done this. The Chryslers are expected to be be rated at the same 20mpg highway as the four wheel drive GM trucks, a 40 percent bump over the conventional models. The Chrysler hybrids will also be eligible for an $1,800 federal tax credit as well. We'll just have to wait and see if a lower price tag can entice people to try opt for an SUV that still only gets 20mpg.

[Source: Chrysler]

As we reported the other day, Chrysler is working as hard as possible to get its gas-guzzling fleet more in line with consumer desires. These days, that means fuel efficiency, so it comes as little surprise that Dodge is renewing its efforts to get the Hornet small car up and running. Up until this point, it had been assumed that the Chrysler joint venture with Chinese automaker Chery would produce the Hornet, but it seems that the Chinese company may not be quite ready for prime time. Instead, Chrysler's recent tie-up with Nissan is now expected to result in the new Dodge vehicle.

Chrysler still has plans to introduce a budget line of vehicles with its Chinese counterpart. Dodge's upcoming Hornet, though, will not be an entry level model at all. The Hornet is expected to compete with upper level small cars such as the Mini, which has seen excellent sales as of late due to its fuel efficiency.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - sub. req'd]

The folks at Chrysler have finally come to the realization that it's time to stick a fork into that whole gas guzzler thing. They're done. Panicked about what to build instead, they have searched through the company's closets and drawers looking for the plans for a small car that might get them out of the hole they've been digging. Apparently this is all they could find, the Dodge Hornet concept from the 2006 Geneva auto show. And although they are "...working intensely on the Hornet study..." it may still take a couple of years before it sees a driveway. We think Chrysler's designers may be conferring with their Chinese counterparts in an attempt to make the Hornet more "unique".

Ok, maybe it's not that bad. The box shape certainly worked for the Scion XB 1.0, yielding a lot of space inside a small package. The internet forum at the website that the company set up for the concept even had a few people show up and rave about the styling for a week or two. Of course, the new product won't look like the Hornet exactly. When asked, Thomas Hausch, the company's vice president for international purchasing, couldn't even say whether it would even wear the Dodge insignia. He did, though, intimate that there would be a Chrysler smaller than the 2-liter Sebring coming. Hit the jump to see a video of the Hornet buzzing along.

click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Dodge Challenger SE and R/T

Dodge and its Ram badge has long been associated with power, and the marque is considered to be Chrysler's performance brand. In these days of record high fuel prices, though, being associated with horsepower could also mean an association with the guzzling of gasoline. Believe it or not, Dodge does not want this image, so it may be tweaking its marketing strategy a bit in a bid to change with the times.

"We can't be all about the monster Hemi and smoking tires, and we realize that," says Dodge brand director Mike Accavitti. "Nobody wants to be the gas guzzler brand. There's not a real secure future in that type of marketing strategy." This new, kinder, gentler image could even be adopted by the new Dodge Challenger, which was just recently released with a large and very powerful 6.1 liter Hemi V8 as its lone engine option. Soon, though, Dodge will release lower power models of the iconic pony car, equipped with both a smaller Hemi engine with cylinder deactivation technology and a 3.5 liter V6, though the six cylinder will be paired only with a four speed automatic transmission.

Dodge has managed to eke more mileage from its full-size Ram pickup truck, which is a good first step. The move from a "power" brand to a brand associated with "strength," though, will take much more than one product cycle refresh before consumers forget the line, "That thing got a Hemi?"

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Somewhat lost last week among all the news of collapsing truck and SUV sales, was the continued decline of the minivan segment. Minivans have seen sales declines for years as their obvious functional advantages over SUVs has been overwhelmed by their image shortcomings. Unfortunately, the ease of getting rug rats in an out of a van also tends to bring with it a relative thirst for fuel. The Dodge Caravan with a 4L V6 is rated at 16/23mpg by the EPA, which is better than most SUVs but - if you don't have more than two kids to haul around a van - is an indulgence most people can live without in an age of $4/gallon gas. Through the end of May, minivan sales were down 20 percent and models such as the Dodge Caravan were off 25 percent in May (35 percent for the year to date). The Honda Odyssey was also down 18 percent in May and every vehicle in the segment saw sales declines. Several automakers already have or soon will discontinue their entries. The Ford Freestar was killed over a year ago and GM's minivans will go away soon, likely to be followed by the Nissan Quest.

Over the two decades since the original Chrysler minivans arrived, the average size of the vehicles has grown substantially. In the coming years, we may well see more smaller MPVs like the Mazda5 which is rated 22/28mpg. GM is already planning to build the next generation of the Opel Zafira in Detroit and Ford is considering bringing the European S-Max and C-Max to the US. These vehicles will provide most of the functionality people need in a smaller, lighter, and more efficient package.

[Source: MSNBC]

Now that Chrysler is getting ready to launch the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen hybrids into the world in a few months, the question of what's next arises. We already know about the Dodge Ram getting the Two-Mode hybrid system in 2010. About this time last year at Chrysler's 2008 model year preview EVP-product development Frank Klegon indicated that there would be additional hybrid applications coming in the next few years. Mike Accavitti, Dodge Brand director told the Detroit Free Press that the Dodge Journey crossover is one of the possible candidates that is being looked at. The Journey seems an obvious candidate and could see the Two-Mode hybrid soon. GM is actually supplying the two-mode transmissions for the Durango and Ram and has a front wheel drive version that will debut this fall in the Saturn Vue. It's possible that GM could supply that same unit to development partner Chrysler for applications like the Journey. Since the Journey shares a platform with Chrysler's mid-size Sebring and Avenger they could also see hybrid versions. The minivans would also seem like a good application since many drivers of such vehicles use them around town to shuttle munchkins and businesses use them as delivery vehicles.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Click above for more high-res shots of the 2009 Dodge Ram

Despite getting an impressive boost in power from 345 hp to 380 hp and from 375 ft-lbs. of torque to 404 ft-lbs., the engineers at Dodge have found a way to increase the fuel efficiency of the full-size Ram pickup a welcome twenty percent. What magic secrets were required to achieve this efficiency improvement? A weight decrease and more favorable aerodynamics are said to play a large role in the achievement. In fact, the engine itself is only directly responsible for five percent of the twenty percent gain.

The 2008 edition of the Ram pickup was EPA rated at 13 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway when equipped with the last-generation 5.7 liter Hemi V8. For '09, expect the highway mileage to shoot up to 23 miles per gallon, which should be very competitive when judged against its peers, which struggle to break 20 miles per gallon based on last year's ratings. Still, the Ram will have a tough time in the full-size segment as it competes against a brand-new F-150 as well, which we also suspect will post improved fuel economy.

[Source: The Detroit News]

We had already seen the back of the Dodge Breeze, but now we've got a view of the rest. The Breeze is the result of badge engineering a Chery A1 for the South American market. As you can see, this is a small vehicle, especially when compared to the Ford Edge right behind it in the picture. What we don't know is why a Ford Edge is right there, because, according to our source article, the picture was taken at Chrysler's Technical Center. It's not likely that this car will be sold stateside anytime soon, or at all.

[Source: GM Inside News via Le Blog Auto]