Chrysler Bolsters AWD Fuel Economy

All-wheel-drive vehicles’ fuel economy ratings typically begin about 1 mpg lower than their two-wheel-drive counterparts because of their design. According to the Detroit Free Press, Chrysler has devised a new drivetrain design to fix that, giving all-wheel-drive vehicles like the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger the same fuel ratings as their rear-drive counterparts.
All-wheel-drive vehicles lose some efficiency because their engines send power to the front axle even when it’s not necessary. Chrysler's new design will disconnect the front axle from the drivetrain under normal driving circumstances. Only when additional control is needed will the drivetrain reconnect.

This was just one of several new technologies Chrysler unveiled at its technical center in Auburn Hills, Mich., this past Friday and will be included in all AWD 2009 models.

Fuel Economy Boosted in All-Wheel-Drive Cars (Detroit Free Press)

New Challengers invade NY

New Challenger Ponies to New York

Dodge has unleashed the rest of its Challenger line here in New York today, pulling the wraps off the R/T and SE versions of its box-fresh muscle car.

While the top-end SRT8 debuted last February in Chicago, tipping the styling hand of the Challenger, enthusiasts with just a few less disposable bucks will be happy to see the pony car body as a less pricey proposition.

The 2009 Challenger R/T may be a bit of a step down from its full-fat SRT8 older brother, but it is still likely to pack a healthy punch with a 375 horsepower (in manual trim) 5.7-liter V-8 working. The SE trim level should appeal to the most budget conscious buyers, coming equipped with Dodge’s 3.5-liter V-6, but with all the Challenger moxie of the high-pro models.

Introducing the All-New 2009 Dodge Challenger

35 Years Later, Dodge Redefines Modern American Muscle

* Re-creation of vintage American muscle car blends nostalgic flair with modern engineering and technology* First five-passenger, two-door coupe produced from proven Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger platform* First modern-day, HEMI®-powered car offered with precision-shift six-speed manual transmission* New-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 delivers increased fuel economy (an estimated 5 percent) with more horsepower (30 hp) and improved torque (8 lb.-ft.)* 5.7-liter HEMI goes from zero to 60 mph in less than six seconds* SRT-exclusive 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine goes from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds* Best-in-class rear head (37.4 inches) and leg (32.6 inches) room provides spacious back seat for up to three adults* Best-in-class trunk space (16.2 cu. ft.) equal to the Dodge Charger* New “EZ” entry with high-mounted seat-back lever for easy, one-handed operation; enables second-row passengers to enter and exit with ease* More than 25 safety and security features including supplemental side-curtain air bags, advanced multi-stage air bags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and anti-lock brakes* Equipped with cutting-edge technology including MyGIG™ radio/navigation, UConnect® Hands-free Communication System, Keyless Go push-button start and Remote Start*

To ensure quality, Dodge Challenger engineers logged nearly 3.2 million customer-equivalent miles in the development process*

All-new 2009 Dodge Challenger to arrive this fall

The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger merges the best American muscle-car characteristics - unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines, and technology - designed to delight driving enthusiasts across several generations.

“Our all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger is a modern-day muscle machine representing the best from the past and present,” said Mike Accavitti, Director, Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. “Thirty-five years following the debut of the original, we are bringing Dodge Challenger back and loading it with essential hardware, styling and technology desired by today’s buyer.”
The Dodge Challenger is the first five-passenger, two-door coupe produced from Chrysler’s proven rear-wheel-drive platform that delivers the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. Developed with Dodge’s credo of “bold, powerful and capable,” the Challenger delivers a modern two-door muscle car.
Three models will be offered in North America: Dodge Challenger SRT8®, Dodge Challenger R/T and Dodge Challenger SE.

Essential Hardware

The Dodge Challenger R/T features the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with a five-speed automatic transmission that produces an estimated 370 horsepower (276 kW) and 398 lb.-ft. of torque (540 N•m). For 2009, the HEMI engine is upgraded to get an estimated five percent improvement in fuel economy as well as an increase of 30 horsepower (9 percent) and 8 lb.-ft. improved torque (2 percent) over a greater range of engine speeds. The Dodge Challenger R/T also offers a precision-shift six-speed manual transmission - the first for a new-generation HEMI-powered car - that produces 375 horsepower (280 kW) and 404 lb.-ft. of torque (548 N•m) when running on premium fuel. The Dodge Challenger R/T can go from zero to 60 mph in less than six seconds.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 features an SRT-exclusive 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine mated with a new-for-2009 six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick that generates a blistering 425 horsepower (317 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. of torque (569 N•m). The vehicle can go from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds.

The Dodge Challenger SE powered by the 3.5-liter High Output V-6 with a four-speed automatic transmission produces 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 250 lb.-ft. of torque (339 N•m).
Patterned off the Dodge Charger architecture, the front suspension and five-link independent rear suspension system on all Dodge Challenger models provide excellent ride and handling characteristics.

Essential Styling

The Dodge Challenger design team stayed true to the concept revealed at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, while drawing upon elements from the original Challenger. The result: a bold, aggressive muscle machine that blends nostalgia with modern Dodge style.
“Our designers wanted to capture the mind’s-eye view of what people today remember about the Dodge Challenger from 35 years ago,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design, Chrysler LLC. “Their challenge was to excite today’s customer by capturing the emotion of the original Challenger, while offering today’s comfort and performance.”
On the exterior, the long, raised performance hood with scoops and recessed grille with round dual headlamps are reminiscent of the original Dodge Challenger. The bold A-line, or character line, that runs from stem to stern gives the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger an instantly recognizable muscle car profile. Retro dual rectangular exhaust outlets complete the look from the rear.
On the interior, the trapezoidal theme of the door-panel cove and gauge cluster, dark headliner and slanted shifter console are inspired by the original Dodge Challenger. The modern interpretation of the Dodge Challenger offers exceptional rear seating for a two-door coupe, achieving best-in-class rear head (37.4 inches) and leg (32.6 inches) room compared to the competition. Coupled with best-in-class cargo space (16.2 cu. ft.) - equal to the Dodge Charger - the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger offers added comfort and functionality.

Essential Technology

The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger offers customers a full range of innovative technologies including:
* MyGIG™ provides a cutting-edge multimedia audio and entertainment system, with built-in navigation* UConnect® Hands-free Communication System provides convenient, voice-activated communication with Bluetooth® cellular phones* SIRIUS® Digital Satellite Radio offers a variety of commercial-free radio programs and music for enhanced listening enjoyment* Keyless Go allows the driver to start the vehicle with the simple push of a button* Remote Start starts a secured vehicle with the key fob* More than 25 Safety and

Security Features

Dodge Challenger offers more than 25 safety and security features including:
* Supplemental Side-curtain Air Bags extend protection to all outboard front- and rear-seat passengers* Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) modulate the brakes for the driver to provide steering control while braking* Electronic Stability Program (ESP) applies selective braking or throttle reduction to control oversteer and understeer* Brake Assist ensures maximum braking action during panic stops* Traction Control reduces the throttle and/or applies selective braking to optimize traction during acceleration* Hill Start Assist (HSA) for Manual Transmission application assists the driver in launching the vehicle on an incline* Automatic Headlamps turn headlamps on at dusk and off in the daylight without driver intervention* Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) alerts driver about low tire pressure(s) in order to facilitate safe handling

2009 Dodge Challenger Production

The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger will be built at the Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. It will be built on the same assembly line as the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger.

Chrysler LLC is preparing to spend $281 million to renovate the Jefferson North Assembly plant in Detroit where the company now builds the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander.
The automaker hasn’t said anything publicly at the future Grand Cherokee but privately Chrysler officials have confirmed that the money is being spent to produce new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, starting in the summer and fall of 2010.
The Jeep Commander, which also is built at Jefferson North, will probably be dropped as Chrysler reduces the number of models it builds as part of the effort to right-size the company for its shrunken market share, analysts have suggested.
While the Commander gets decommissioned, the new Grand Cherokee–one of the Chrysler’s signature vehicles–will come with an optional diesel engine made by Daimler AG or with an optional two-mode hybrid system, which Chrysler has developed jointly through a joint venture with General Motors, Daimler and BMW, Chrysler officials indicated privately last week.
In addition, the 2011 Grand Cherokee will be one of the very first vehicles engineered and sourced under the tough regime being installed by Chrysler’s new chief executive officer Robert Nardelli and vice chairman and president Jim Press. Both Press and Nardelli are taking a direct role in decisions on the new Grand Cherokee, Chrysler sources said.
Key supply contracts will be awarded in the next few months but the new purchasing regime installed by Nardelli is having a huge impact. At the same time, the influence of Daimler’s product development system on Chrysler decisions is rapidly diminishing.
The new Grand Cherokee, however, will have to be developed for export, which probably means it is being developed for both right and left-hand drive markets.
“Developing foreign markets is a priority for us,” noted one Chrysler officials.
Nardelli said back in January that as Chrysler expands its overseas sales operations, it also plans to do more design and engineering work in places such as China and Eastern Europe.