Thursday, January 24, 2008

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8


Editor's note: We're showing you this car earlier than Dodge wants us to because similar images are on the Web, and we don't think you should have to wait.

Wake up, muscle-car nation: Here is a clear look at the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, the fourth and final installation of the LX-platform that birthed the 300C, Magnum, Charger and their corresponding bad-boy models created by Chrysler LLC's skunkworks in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

The reborn Challenger was seen originally in retro glory at the 2006 Detroit auto show, 38 years after its namesake's debut as a 1970 model. Dealers began taking orders in early December, priced at $37,995 ahead of spring deliveries; the first retail chassis fetched $400,000 on Jan. 19 at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Arizona. Dodge plans to reveal the car Feb. 6 during the Chicago auto show.

As reported previously, power comes from the same 6.1-liter Hemi V8 found across the SRT range. That means 425 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque shuttled through Chrysler's familiar six-speed automatic transmission. The Challenger should run from 0 to 60 mph in the low five-second range, and likely somewhere in the 13-second bracket during quarter-mile burns.

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8
A wheelbase four inches shorter than that of its brethren (116 inches versus 120, seen originally when comparing the Challenger concept with LX production cars) results in slightly lighter weight and, perhaps, dartier handling. As with all SRT LX-based performance cars, expect four-piston Brembo brakes to bring everything to a halt.

Overall, exterior design cues remain faithful to the concept car, with some alterations. A welcome change for once: Dodge's modern-day cross-hair grille is gone in homage to the original Challenger, rather than remaining as a concession to marketing-driven design cohesiveness. The car's proportions appear bulkier than the concept's, but Dodge's final LX creation stands out as best-in-family.

Nevertheless, nothing about the Challenger suggests a performance revolution that truly separates it from previous familial models. Yet with styling like this, do you really care?

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

UPDATE 2: No. 43 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Up for Bid on eBay

 Auction of No. 43 production 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 to benefit Victory
Junction Gang Camp
- The 43rd 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8(R) will sport a one-of-a-kind B5 Blue
paint scheme to honor Petty Enterprises and the legendary racing family
- Limited-edition 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 features a 6.1-liter HEMI(R)
V-8 engine, one-of-a-kind B5 blue paint scheme, carbon-fiber-like hood
stripes, a chrome fuel filler cap and a no. 43 of 6,400 dash plaque
- A VIP race package to the Dodge Challenger 500 NASCAR race at the
historic Darlington Raceway in Darlington, S.C. is also included
- No. 1 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 sold for $400,000 at the Barrett-
Jackson Collector Car Auction on Jan. 19

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Dodge and the Victory
Junction Gang Camp have partnered to auction the 43rd 2008 Dodge Challenger
SRT8(R) on eBay beginning Feb. 12, 2008. The auction timing coincides with
Petty Enterprises celebrating 50 years of racing at Daytona International
Speedway.

"As a long-time friend of the Pettys, Dodge is delighted to be able to
auction the No. 43 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with all the proceeds going to
Victory Junction Gang Camp (VJGC)," said Mike Accavitti, Director -- Dodge
Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. "The No. 43 Challenger will
be the only 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 to be painted B5 Blue, this
certainly will be an added draw for potential bidders and help out VJGC."

"Dodge has been a staple in the Petty Family and we are thrilled to
know that they are partnering with Victory Junction and helping send more
kids to camp," said Pattie Petty, VJGC Founder.

The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 features the proven 6.1-liter
HEMI(R) V-8 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, a race-
inspired interior and an exterior design stays true to Challenger heritage
while delivering host of modern features and technologies and "race
inspired, street legal" SRT DNA.

Developed by Chrysler's in-house performance engineering organization,
the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 was engineered with a focus on the five
pillars of every SRT vehicle: bold exterior design that resonates with the
brand image, a race-inspired interior, world-class ride and handling across
a dynamic range, a standout powertrain and benchmark braking.

"The original Dodge Challenger was such an awesome car. I'm happy to
see Dodge bringing back such a classic. There is only one way to make the
release of the new Challenger better," said Kyle Petty. "That is to paint
one similar to The King's famous No. 43 and auction it off for the Victory
Junction Gang Camp. The Pettys and Dodge have enjoyed a great relationship.
It's an honor to work with them on such a worthwhile program because it
will give more kids a chance to go to camp."

The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will make its worldwide debut on Feb. 6,
at the Chicago Auto Show.

Interested bidders are required to register with eBay prior to bidding.
Registration information can be found at http://www.ebay.com/challenger43 .

More surprises are instore for Chrysler

Chrysler's Jim Press told reporters at the Washington Auto Show that alternative fuels should be "the auto industry's top priority".

"Alternative technologies have to come first. It may squeeze our ability to invest in other things that may be important, but we can't afford," said Jim Press, who is also Chrysler's vice chairman.

Thus, Press claimed that in addition to alternative fuels, "You will see electric drive and hybrid technology in virtually everything. Eventually, every car will be a hybrid at some point,

STORY:

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Research and development in fuel alternatives for gasoline should be the auto industry's top priority, even in a weakened economy, and even if it means companies delay expanding or other expensive strategic decisions, the president of Chrysler LLC said on Tuesday.

"Alternative technologies have to come first. It may squeeze our ability to invest in other things that may be important, but we can't afford," said Jim Press, who is also Chrysler's vice chairman.

For instance, Press said auto companies may have to defer product lines in certain segments in order to find realistic fuel alternatives that consumers will accept.

"It may take us longer to move into other markets of opportunity where we are not right now," Press told reporters at the Washington Auto Show.

Automakers, especially struggling Detroit-based Chrysler, General Motors Corp and Ford Motor Co are under pressure to meet sharply higher fuel standards -- 40 percent above today's levels -- in the United States, beginning in 2012.

The response, industry experts said, will take billions in research funding and more money to retool plants, develop fuel distribution networks, train workers and market new vehicles. The industry also expects government help. This could come in the form of tax breaks, research grants and credits for low interest loans.

In the near term, privately held Chrysler and other rivals are concentrating on developing more efficient gasoline engines and advanced transmissions to maximize fuel efficiency and reduce U.S. dependence on oil imports.

But Press, who came to Chrysler last year after introducing the popular Prius hybrid to the U.S. market while at Toyota Motor Corp, said higher fuel standards and alternative fuels are here to stay.

"Not just us. You will see electric drive and hybrid technology in virtually everything. Eventually, every car will be a hybrid at some point," Press said.

Chrysler showed off three "green" concept vehicles at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit last week, including an electric model. The company is also researching diesel-hybrids and hydrogen fuel cells. "All those technologies will be deployed at different levels by each manufacturer," Press said.

On the company's near term outlook, Press said Chrysler expects the industry to sell roughly 15.5 million vehicles in 2008, which is slightly lower than other forecasts.

"We planned on a lack of economic growth," he said of Chrysler's turnaround strategy that has included plant closings and massive job cuts.

Chrysler has a realistic business plan and hopes to avoid future large scale buyouts or other downsizing because of U.S. economic woes.

"I can't speculate. We sure hope to avoid anything like that," Press said. "The answer will be where the economy goes."

GM is planning to offer buyouts to thousands of workers in a further move to cut costs.

Private equity group Cerebus bought Chrysler last year from Germany's Daimler AG.

(Reporting by John Crawley; Editing by Steve Orlofsky/Andre Grenon)

Canadian Trade-marks Database

1. Trademarks: ROUTE 66, Advertised, 1354750
2. Trademarks: BEAUTIFUL INNOVATION, Searched, 1348760
3. Trademarks: FINE ENGINEERING -- AMPLIFIES THE ELEGANT BEAUTY, Searched, 1348758
4. Trademarks: PLAY, Approved, 1337139
5. Trademarks: COMPLETELEASE, Allowed, 1293960
6. Trademarks: LIBERTY COUNTRY, Abandoned - Section 40(3), 1124443
7. Trademarks: AIRFLITE, Formalized, 1377125
8. Trademarks: TOMAHAWK & Design, Formalized, 1377122
9. Trademarks: BUSINESSLINK & Ram's Head Design, Searched, 1344965
10. Trademarks: FIREPOWER, Allowed, 1242726

2006 Charger Supercharged 620-HP [540rwHP]


[From Chargerforums.Com]
Hey guys,

Just wanted to introduce myself. I was lucky enough join your group with my own charger. A little about me, live in Round Rock, just outside of Austin. One of my clients is American Racing and they had this charger in the 2005 SEMA show for their 50th Anniversary. Needless to say, the car is now in my garage.

Now, about the car (which is much more interesting).

2006 Dodge Charger - Supercharged
Dyno'ed at 540 HP
Mileage: 6000
Wheels: 22' American Racing Cryptics
Tires: Toyo Proxes
Coilovers: Hotchkis
Aerodynamics: Razzi
Paint: Spade Kreations
Grill: Street Scene
Pedals: Trenz Performance
Brakes: Brembo
Cold Aire intake: AEM
Supercharger: GS Motorsports
Exhaust: Paxton
Speakers, Amps, and Subs: MA Audio
Headunit with DVD and TV: Starvision

There was more stuff done to it, I am finding new things everyday as I keep looking around and finding switches left and right on this thing.

You can email if you have any questions, but please be patient as this is the first time I am getting involved in a forum.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version  Name: outside front left.JPG Views: 53 Size: 271.0 KB ID: 28698 Click image for larger version  Name: trunk.jpg Views: 38 Size: 76.2 KB ID: 28700 Click image for larger version  Name: engine.jpg Views: 77 Size: 93.5 KB ID: 28701 Click image for larger version  Name: outside right side.JPG Views: 70 Size: 289.2 KB ID: 28702 Click image for larger version  Name: right front show.jpg Views: 58 Size: 73.4 KB ID: 28703

2001 Dodge Viper GTS for sale

Ads from this Seller · Contact Seller

For Sale By Views Date Posted
dans69ss 140 January 21, 2008

Asking Price Condition Distance from you
$49,500.00 Excellent
Enter Your Zip Code

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Description: Near mint condition throughout. 11K miles, 18" CCW 505A, Corsa Cats, K&N, Smooth Tubes, recently added Autoform GT-2 wing, short shifter, Infinit speakers, EBC reds (rear). Always kept and maintained to show standards. Consider trade up for 2006 SRT-10 coupe. Great price for a great car. Car is in the Dallas, TX area. 972-768-7679

Thanks!
Keywords: 2001 BUMBLE BEE GTS - MINT

AIS Rebates Simplifies Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep Incentives and Rebates

AIS Rebates Announces a Simplified Approach for Dealer Personnel to Manage Incentives and Rebates for Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep Dealers

ANN ARBOR, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AIS Rebates, a provider of OEM Incentive Information, has re-launched a unique product for U.S. Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep Dealerships. The service provides a simplified way for dealer personnel to easily and quickly determine ALL appropriate incentives and rebates for new 2007 and 2008 vehicles.

We are excited about the reintroduction of this product to support Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealerships, said Greg Kelly, Marketing Director, AIS Rebates. Until now, the dealership sales team needed to sort through dozens of pages of micro size print sent by the manufacturer to determine the correct incentives.

According to Troy Ontko, President and Founder of AIS Rebates, Todays hyper competitive market requires targeted incentives to help move product. The domestic OEMs offer great incentive programs; however, the complexities associated with these offers can cause confusion with dealership management. Many times Dealers are unsure if they are aware of all programs or if they have the latest information. Our service ensures Dealers have the most accurate information in a simple, easy to use format. AIS Rebates understands the need to format the information in a way dealer personnel can quickly determine the programs that apply.

AIS also provides the ability for dealers to Customize the Incentive Reference Reports. This automated feature allows dealerships to determine what information to use at each step in the sales process. For example, dealers may choose to modify factory program information such as Lease Rates and APRs to attain internal profit objectives. Different reports can be provided for Salespeople, Sales Managers, F&I Managers and even the accounting office. Up to six different reports can be sent to each dealership. The appropriate reports are generated and sent to the specific individuals within the dealership via email every time there are program changes.

Kipp Owen continues to direct street and racing technology.

Rolling-road wind tester

CONCORD, N.C. — NASCAR teams looking for an edge will have a new outlet starting in April when the Windshear, Inc., wind tunnel opens for business in the Concord area.

Wind-tunnel testing has always been a staple of NASCAR off-track work, but teams usually had to travel out of town to do those tests. That, however, isn’t the main advantage of this $40 million facility. It will be the first of its kind in North America to have rolling road.

The road is actually a continous stainless steel belt that weighs 2,000 pounds and goes from 0 to 180 mph in 60 seconds. Paired with a fan that has 5,100 horsepower, it gives teams a more accurate reading of what a car would do on a race track.

“Formula One teams are already using this type of technology, but on a smaller scale,” said Peter Zierhut, Windshear’s business manager. “They use a five-belt system, which isn’t as accurate as our single-belt system.”

Zierhut says teams and manufacturers buy time at $3,500 per hour, with the time being spread out over several weeks or months. A 10-hour session is typical. He says one manufacturer and one team have already booked time and many more teams are expected to sign up when the wind tunnel opens.

Challenger auction

To coincide with Petty Enterprises celebrating 50 years of racing at Daytona, Dodge will auction off a Dodge Challenger SRT8 on eBay beginning Feb. 12, it was announced Tuesday.

Dodge will build 6,400 2008 Challengers this year, and each one will be numbered. The 43rd car will be the one auctioned, and the proceeds will go to Kyle and Patty Petty’s Victory Junction Gang Camp. According to Dodge Brand marketing director Mike Accavitti, the car will be the only one painted B5 Blue, reminiscent of Richard Petty’s successful Dodge No. 43 car.

The winner will be able to get the car detailed as he or she wants. Accavitti said the No. 1 Challenger was auctioned this past weekend and brought more than $400,000.

Everything, Evernham

When Ray Evernham sold half interest of the Dodge team he founded to the Gillette family, the deal not only brought in new capital to the team but also gave Evernham a different role. Instead of dealing mostly with sponsors and the business side, he now can go where he’s most needed at any time.

“I know in the past that the guys would have loved to see me in the shop all the time, but the reality of it was I couldn’t be,” he said. “Now I can be wherever I’m needed.”

Driver Elliott Sadler believes the new role can only help the teams.

“Ray doesn’t have a title, but when you have 350 employees, there are going to be some weak links here or there within a race team,” Sadler said. “It’s going to be his job to go and help those weak links. One week it might be with the body, the next week building the chassis, then the following week the engine department.

“He has a lot of hats to wear, but the good thing for us is that he’s wearing all the hats on the competition side. He doesn’t have to worry about sponsorship or flying in for appearances. I think his new job ... will be very, very important for Gillette Evernham Motorsports.”

Co-owner Alex Gillette said Tuesday the organization is close to hiring a CEO but added, “It won’t be a Gillette and it won’t be an Evernham.”

A Nationwide try

Richard Childress Racing announced that driver Clint Bowyer will compete for the Nationwide (formerly Busch) Series championship this year. RCR will field three Nationwide teams, with Jeff Burton and Scott Wimmer sharing time in the Holiday Inn car and veteran driver Bobby Labonte teaming with Stephen Leicht in the 21 car with which Kevin Harvick won the title two years ago.

Harvick will drive his own Kevin Harvick, Inc., car in the series this year.

Red Bull after all

The most humorous moment of the early part of the tour came Tuesday when, as the buses were prepared to roll off to the wind-tunnel visit, someone driving the Team Red Bull Toyota came speeding through the Embassy Suites parking lot. After making a couple of circuits, the car sped off, only to be seen again as the buses returned from the visit.

It seems the team is not happy it was left off the tour’s list of visits. Lowe’s Motor Speedway spokesman Keith Waltz said an offer was extended to Team Red Bull but that the team did not want to work with the tour’s schedule.

Someone quipped as the car roared past the bus, “That’s the fastest that car’s run. Ever.”

Chrysler's Nardelli praises ‘owner-operator mind-set’ in speech

BY TIM HIGGINS | FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli this evening indicated the automaker, which announced as many as 25,000 job cuts last year, has sufficiently reduced it size in anticipation of a worsening auto market but stopped short of saying there won’t be more cuts down the road.

“We really believe we have sized ourselves appropriately,” he said following a speech at the Automotive News World Congress.

We have no other cuts planned today but I can tell you … any CEO that would say they’re done or they don’t have to do any more, probably hasn’t … grown the scar tissue that you need to grow to be a CEO,” he added.

In addressing his new industry colleagues for the first time Tuesday night, Nardelli delivered a speech extolling the virtues of the Auburn Hills automaker becoming a private company.

“The biggest potential advantage of our new ownership structure is that it encourages an owner-operator mindset,” he said at the Renaissance Center in Detroit. “This attitude enables us to move quickly in order to provide our customers with great value and performance, exceeding their aspirational desires.”

Chrysler was acquired in August by private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, making it the first major U.S. automaker to be privately held in more than 50 years. Previous corporate parent Daimler AG has kept a 19.9% ownership stake in Chrysler.

In talking about the virtues of being a private company, Nardelli pointed to motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson, which went private in 1981.
He noted the company went public again in 1986, when it was listed on the American Stock Exchange.

“How many brands inspire their customers to permanently tattoo the company’s name on their bodies?” Nardelli asked. Nardelli then joked that he planned to get the Chrysler Pentastar tattooed on his arm.

He said his mission is to build upon the company’s “proud heritage and to restore Chrysler to its rightful place, as a benchmark company — not only in the automotive industry but among the world’s best.”

Chrysler has lost billions of dollars in the past two years; its U.S. sales dropped 3% last year compared with 2006.

“The job of bringing back ‘The New Chrysler’ is an opportunity of a lifetime,” Nardelli said.

The new CEO, a former Home Depot and GE executive, has moved with speed since taking office in August. In recent months, the company has announced the elimination of as many as 12,000 jobs on top of the 13,000 cut in February 2007.
Nardelli’s Chrysler has cut four products and made several other changes within the company, including hiring longtime Toyota Motor Corp. executive Jim Press as president and vice chairman.

“For Chrysler, 2007 really was a year of transition and a time to assess our strengths and weaknesses so we can focus on the opportunities going forward,” Nardelli said. “Not many companies have had to go through what the Chrysler organization did last year.”

He said the February 2007 announcement by DaimlerChrysler AG that all options were on the table for Chrysler — the prelude to Chrysler being sold — affected consumer confidence, concerned dealers and created insecurity among employees and suppliers.

“Chrysler went from being a company with its own identity, culture and operating metrics to a division of a much larger company that functionalized Chrysler for synergies and integration,” Nardelli said. “Now, we have the challenge to re-establish Chrysler as an operating company to re-create metrics and re-establish our company culture.”

Nardelli again touted the company’s decision to invest $500 million in 260 product enhancements and its new labor agreement with the UAW.

“We have a solid strategy, and the job ahead is to execute,” he said.

Fed rate cut to boost auto sales: Chrysler CEO

By Jui Chakravorty Das | DETROIT (Reuters) - Chrysler Chief Executive Bob Nardelli said the Federal Reserve's emergency 75 basis point rate cut would help consumer confidence and boost auto sales in 2008.

"We are very pleased with the cut," Nardelli told reporters on the sidelines of the Automotive News World Congress on Tuesday. "It demonstrates a tremendous awareness that we need to improve some liquidity."

Earlier on Tuesday, the U.S. Federal Reserve cut interest rates by three-quarters of a percentage point to 3.5 percent in an effort to save the economy from a recession.

"For us, for the auto industry, it gives the auto financing companies the ability to really bring some more credit into the marketplace...it's going to help consumer confidence."

Nardelli, who has predicted industrywide sales of 15.5 million to 16 million vehicles for 2008, said the move could help U.S. auto sales climb above the 16 million mark this year.

"It could. That would be great," Nardelli said. "If it gets better...the auto industry will be very happy. It will give us some robustness, it will give us some wind in our sail to go through 2008.

U.S. auto sales fell for the second consecutive year in 2007, dragged down by a slowing economy, a slumping housing market and tighter credit markets that pinched less credit-worthy borrowers.

Full-year 2007 sales dropped almost 3 percent to 16.14 million vehicles, the lowest since 1998. Continued...

Automobile Quarterly
Automobile Quarterly
This Day in Auto History:

1.23.1907
"Glenn H. Curtiss, driving a V-8 motorcycle of his own design atOrmond Beach, FL, reaches an unofficial 136.3 mph, a record speed for amotor vehicle"
1.23.1933
"Arthur L. Garford, a chassis manufacturer associated with the earlyStudebaker and manufacturer of the 1908/1913 Garford, dies in Elyria, OHat age 74"
1.23.1954
The World Motor Sports Show opens in Madison Square Garden in NewYork City
1.23.1972
"Racer Orlando Dall'Ave is killed near Millau, France during theMonte Carlo Rally"

Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick

Dodge Looking to be Championship Contender in 2008


CONCORD, N.C. (January 22, 2008) — Dodge enters the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season optimistic a seven-year building project has been successful and ready to pay dividends. The objective – the Sprint Cup.

The 2008 Dodge Charger lineup will feature five teams with 12 drivers that are a mixture of seasoned veterans, champions from other racing series that are newcomers to NASCAR and experienced young talent. There’s plenty of talent to add to the 197 victories posted by Dodge in NASCAR’s premier series – 136 by the Dodge Charger.

Since 2001 when Dodge returned to NASCAR’s premier series, the goal has been to be the manufacturing leader by winning races and ultimately the championship. Those goals have not changed.

“We remain firmly committed to those objectives,” said Mike Accavitti, Director – Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing. “We’ve taken strides toward those goals. Our progress slowed somewhat in 2007, but we’re confident we have a very talented group of teams capable of producing wins, top-fives and top-10s. We expect Dodge to be well represented in the Chase in 2008 and be a serious contender for the championship.”

Accavitti’s comments, to more than 200 motorsports journalists, were made today during a Dodge Motorsports press conference. Dodge drivers, crew chiefs and team representatives took part in the press conference on the second day of the annual Lowe’s Media Tour.

Dodge, which has a storied heritage in auto racing with the Charger, has elected to continue the winning tradition that legends David Pearson, Bobby Isaac and Richard Petty established in the 1970s by designating the Charger as the nameplate Dodge teams will use in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series this season and in the future.

“Dodge has a racing heritage that spans many different nameplates and models,
and the Charger is the cornerstone of that heritage,” said Accavitti. “When NASCAR originally announced the phase-in plan for the “car of tomorrow”, it made sense for Dodge to race the Charger and Avenger. When the decision was made to race only one car in 2008, we talked with our partners, the more than 2,500 Dodge Dealers across the country, and they expressed overwhelming support for Dodge to continue its motorsports heritage with the Charger nameplate. NASCAR rules permit Dodge to use either nameplate in 2008.”

Three teams will field three cars each in 2008. Penske Racing has Kurt Busch and Ryan Newman returning. They are joined by Sam Hornish Jr., a former Indianapolis 500 and Indy Racing League champion.

Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates has Reed Sorenson and Juan Pablo Montoya, the 2007 Raybestos Rookie of the Year, back. The newcomer to Ganassi Racing is defending Indianapolis 500 and IRL champion Dario Franchitti.

Gillett Evernham Motorsports’ Kasey Kahne, the winningest driver in 2006 with six victories, is once again teamed with Elliott Sadler and newcomer Patrick Carpentier from the open-wheel ranks.

Petty Enterprises will field cars for Bobby Labonte, the 2000 NASCAR Cup champion, and Kyle Petty from a new facility in Mooresville, N.C., after 60 years at the Level Cross complex.

The final member of the Dodge family is BAM Racing which will start the season with veteran Kenny Schrader the driver.

.“Racing is the core of Dodge’s DNA,” said Accavitti. “We like the mix we have this season. We have proven talent in NASCAR competition and we have newcomers that have proven themselves in other forms of racing. It shapes up to be an exciting year for Dodge Motorsports.”

NASCAR provides a platform to showcase the power and performance of the Dodge brand. Previously, the focus has been on generating impressions through race team sponsorship and activation. That changes in 2008.

“The Dodge Dealers’ sponsorship of the 9 and 19 since 2001 has served us well,” said Accavitti. “The emergence of new sponsorship opportunities for those

teams has given Dodge the ability to redirect valuable resources. The resources will provide additional engineering support for team at the track as well as fund new marketing initiatives and track activation that will excite both our Dodge customers and NASCAR fans.

“We will have Dodge on display throughout the year through numerous programs such as event sponsorships, official vehicle status and promotions. The performance and aggressive styling of the Dodge Charger will be on display to millions of consumers throughout the year.”

The No. 43 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will be auctioned on eBay with proceeds going to the Victory Junction Gang Camp. The auction runs Feb. 12-22. The car will be the 43rd SRT8 off the assembly line and will be the only car in the 2008 model year that will be painted B5 Blue.
The Dodge Charger has recorded 136 wins in NASCAR’s premier series with 124 coming during an 11-year span, 1966-1977. Three drivers – Pearson, Isaac and Petty (3) — combined for five championships during that period driving a Charger.
For the latest information about Dodge Motorsports throughout the 2008 season, visit www.dodgemotorsportsmedia.com.

China promises 38 models, 5 years

Automotive manufacturer Chery Auto is on a blazing trail to make its global presence known. The Chinese manufacturer plans to launch 38 models in five years.

According to Chinese media reports, the onslaught begins with this year with eight new models being, including an SUV, being planned for 2008 into 2009.

Nine new models will be launched in 2010, and the company has promised to move increasingly upmarket with every new vehicle launched. The 11-year-old company plans to raise its output to one m

illion cars by 2010 and has already established key global partnerships. It signed a deal with the Chrysler Group in July to help the Chinese manufacturer sell some of its cars as rebadged Chrysler or Dodge models in North America and Europe.

The company also has an existing agreement with Fiat Auto to supply 100 000 engines a year for the Italian cars produced in China.

Chery is targeting a 26% increase in sales this year as it continues to churn out new models and aggressively expand into foreign markets.

The company currently sells cars in 50 countries, including South Africa, and has seven plants in six countries. It plans to build another 14 foreign plants by 2010.

Chrysler is proper size for market, chief says

Nardelli praises structure, won't rule out more cuts

photo
CEO Bob Nardelli told a
Detroit audience that his
mission was to restore
Chrysler as a benchmark company

Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli signaled Tuesday that the automaker, which announced up to 25,000 job cuts last year, has sufficiently reduced its size in anticipation of a worsening auto market but stopped short of saying there won't be more cuts down the road.

"We really believe we have sized ourselves appropriately," he said following a speech Tuesday at the Automotive News World Congress."We have no other cuts planned today, but I can tell you ... any CEO that would say they're done or they don't have to do any more, probably hasn't ... grown the scar tissue that you need to grow to be a CEO," he added.

Nardelli also said the automaker plans to move aggressively in 2008 to set up so-called centers of excellence in foreign regions that will be "all encompassing" -- handling design, engineering and possibly some day manufacturing.

He said the centers could be set up in Mexico and China to begin with. "It's very important not to be insular," Nardelli added.

In addressing his new industry colleagues for the first time Tuesday night, Nardelli delivered a speech extolling the virtues of the Auburn Hills automaker becoming a private company.

"The biggest potential advantage of our new ownership structure is that it encourages an owner-operator mind-set," he said at the Renaissance Center in Detroit. "This attitude enables us to move quickly in order to provide our customers with great value and performance, exceeding their aspirational desires."

Chrysler was acquired in August by private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, making it the first major U.S. automaker to be privately held in more than 50 years. Previous corporate parent Daimler AG has kept a 19.9% ownership stake in Chrysler.

In talking about the virtues of being a private company, Nardelli pointed to motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson, which went private in 1981.

He noted the company went public again in 1986, when it was listed on the American Stock Exchange.

"How many brands inspire their customers to permanently tattoo the company's name on their bodies?" Nardelli asked. He then joked that he planned to get the Chrysler Pentastar tattooed on his arm.

He said his mission is to build upon the company's "proud heritage and to restore Chrysler to its rightful place, as a benchmark company -- not only in the automotive industry but among the world's best."

Chrysler has lost billions of dollars over the past two years; its U.S. sales dropped 3% last year compared with 2006.

"The job of bringing back 'The New Chrysler' is an opportunity of a lifetime," Nardelli said. The new CEO, a former Home Depot and GE executive, has moved quickly since taking office in August. In recent months, the company has announced the elimination of as many as 12,000 jobs on top of the 13,000 cut in February 2007.

Nardelli's Chrysler has cut four products and made several other changes within the company, including hiring longtime Toyota Motor Corp. executive Jim Press as president and vice chairman.

He said the February 2007 announcement by DaimlerChrysler AG that all options were on the table for Chrysler -- the prelude to Chrysler being sold -- affected consumer confidence, concerned dealers and created insecurity among employees and suppliers.

"Chrysler went from being a company with its own identity, culture and operating metrics to a division of a much larger company that functionalized Chrysler for synergies and integration," Nardelli said. "Now, we have the challenge to re-establish Chrysler as an operating company to re-create metrics and re-establish our company culture."

Nardelli again touted the company's decision to invest $500 million in 260 product enhancements and its new labor agreement with the UAW.

"We have a solid strategy, and the job ahead is to execute," he said.

Chrysler changes product leadership

Chrysler changes product leadership

Chrysler LLC, which has seen several high-level executive moves since coming under control of Cerberus Capital Management last August, announced more changes Tuesday -- this time to the product-development end of the company.

The company set up five teams for product development: Jeep; truck; car and minivan; future midsize, and street and racing technology. The new product-development roles, effective immediately:

• Daniel C. Knott is vice president of the Jeep product team. He had been vice president of product development core components, processes and international engineering.

• Scott G. Kunselman is vice president of the truck product team. He had been a vice president on the body-on-frame product team.

• Larry D. Lyons is vice president of the car and minivan product team. He had been vice president of the front-wheel drive product team and core team leader, product development.

• Michael F. Donoughe continues as a vice president and will lead development of future product in the midsize segment, which the company calls an important category worldwide. He had been vice president in body-on-frame product development, a product team leader and core team leader.

• Kipp D. Owen continues leading street and racing technology programs.

Furthermore, Chrysler made Mark M. Chernoby vice president of core components, processes and international engineering and James B. Issner vice president of advance vehicle engineering.

TIM HIGGINS

Chrysler to establish global midsize vehicle center

dodge_journey_main02.jpg

If Chrysler hopes to be around in years to come it has to evolve into a serious global player, and to do that it needs a range of new models engineered to suit global tastes. Of America’s three major carmakers, GM was first off the bat to take advantage of its global resources, calling on Holden to develop its RWD platforms, Daewoo to work on its compact cars, and Opel to engineer future mid-sizers. Ford followed suit by announcing it would develop nearly all of its future models using global design centers, streamlining the engineering and design process and utlizing just one platform for several different markets. Now it’s Chrysler’s turn, but unlike its Detroit rivals the Auburn Hills company doesn’t have the resources to re-engineer its entire lineup.
(more…)

Tata to develop electric vehicle for Chrysler


Chrysler could be adding another foreign carmaker to its growing list of global partners if reports coming out of India prove to be true. The reports claim Indian carmaker Tata has signed a deal with Chrysler to develop an electric version of its current Ace, a mini truck sold exclusively in India.
(more…)

Nationwide '09 to see major changes

Dodge Motorsports director Mike Accavitti confirmed Tuesday to the Orlando Sentinel that he is hoping to run the new Dodge Challenger as his Nationwide Series entry. The Hemi-powered Challenger goes into production later this year.

The change in body style will not be the only major adjustment, as NASCAR is hard at work on changing the Nationwide Series chassis to match the Sprint Cup "Car of Tomorrow."

Brett Bodine, former NASCAR driver and now a member of NASCAR's research and development team since 2004, says the next-generation Nationwide car will use the same basic chassis as the Sprint Cup car, right down to an identical wheelbase — as it is, the Nationwide car's wheelbase is shorter.

Unlike the Sprint Cup car, the Nationwide car won't use the big, separate rear spoiler, nor will it use the same kind of front air splitter. And while the basic suspension will be the same, the Nationwide car is likely to have more suspension travel.

As for the COT

|Sentinel Staff WriterWhen the NASCAR Nationwide Series — formerly the Busch series — takes to Daytona International Speedway for the season-opening race Feb. 16, you won't see many changes, aside from the series title sponsor.

A year later, though, the 2009 season opener could be the debut of the biggest changes to NASCAR's second-tier series in decades.

First, look for body styles to be different from the Sprint Cup Series. Instead of the Ford Fusion, expect the Ford Mustang to be the manufacturer's Nationwide car of choice.At Sprint Cup testing at Daytona, racer Carl Long, who is hoping to race in the Daytona 500, was trumpeting the COT as helping low-budget racers like him compete.

"I can take this one car and race it at practically any NASCAR track," Long said.

Bodine, whose title is NASCAR's Director of Cost Containment, beamed at this news. Car owners, he said, no longer need to build separate cars for super speedways, sort tracks, intermediate tracks and road courses — the COT is standardized to the point where, with minor modifications, drivers can race anywhere.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Chery Readies Major Product Assault


Chinese automaker Chery Auto will bring out 38 new models in just the next five years. Among them: the A3 (pictured), which comes out in March in China. (Photo courtesy of Chery Automobile)
Chery's new B13 minivan (pictured) is set to go on sale in May. (Photo courtesy of Chery Automobile)
The Chery A6, a midsize sedan (pictured), has a planned on-sale date of August. (Photo courtesy of Chery Automobile)

BEIJING — Chery Auto, which is partnered with Chrysler and Fiat, has disclosed plans to launch a major product offensive in China, introducing 38 new models over the next five years.

Details of the plan were revealed by Chery executives at a business conference here and described in several Chinese media reports.

The initial product onslaught begins this year, with the introduction of the A3 compact in March, the B13 minivan and the QQ5 minicar in May, and the midsize A6 sedan in August. Altogether, Chery plans to unveil eight new models in 2008-'09, including a new SUV.

In 2010, the company plans to introduce nine new models, mostly in the popular B segment, followed by 10 new models in 2011 and 11 new models in 2012. With each successive year's launches, Chery intends to move upscale, as it brings to market a number of new C-segment entries as well as a larger D-segment offering.

Chery has been on a roll in recent years, selling more than 380,000 vehicles in 2007 and targeting sales of 480,000 in 2008. Its best-selling model remains the tiny QQ, which starts at less than $5,000.

Chrysler is slated to get several versions of current and future Chery products, including the A3, to sell in various overseas markets, mostly under the Dodge brand.

What this means to you: When Chery finally decides to come to the U.S. market under its own banner, look for it to sell larger, more expensive models like the B13 and the A6. — Hu Lei, Correspondent

the Jeep Patriot are getting makeovers next fall.



The Jeep Compass and Patriot, widely criticized for their interiors, will get new ones this fall, according to Ralph Gilles, Chrysler LLC designer.

The interior redesign comes well ahead of what would be the normal schedule, he said at the Detroit auto show. The Dodge Caliber car, built on the same platform as its Jeep siblings, will get a new interior slightly later than the Jeeps, Gilles said.

"Even before these products were launched, we did some soul searching," Gilles said.

That soul-searching included talks with dealers and employees about what was wrong and what could be done to fix the interiors, he said.

As part of the redesign, Chrysler hired a consultant who helped develop grainy, European style textures for Jeep's two smallest vehicles.

Also, Gilles said, the "doors have been softened in the elbow contact area" and other places.

Gilles said these rapid changes--within a year of introduction--would not have been possible had Chrysler not been privately owned by Cerberus Capital Management.

"Think about it: The products are barely a year old," he said. "We're trying to put the customer first."

Gilles declined comment on whether interior changes are in the works for the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger cars.

Chrysler LLC Announces Evolutionary Changes in Product Development

- Chrysler realigns product development process to meet global customer demand

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- In a move that will strengthen a key corporate organization and expand its global engineering presence in international markets, Chrysler LLC today announced an evolutionary realignment of its Product Development team.

"Today's Product Development announcement will better align our efforts with the platform team and our customers' requirements," said Chrysler Executive Vice President - Product Development Frank O. Klegon. "This will also ensure consistent component-sharing practices, and drive commonality and best-practice adoption across our vehicle lines."

Klegon added that today's moves would lead to an expansion of engineering activities in targeted global centers, including China, India, Eastern Europe and Mexico, and focus on customer requirements as Chrysler expands globally.

    Product Development will now consist of the following:
-- Jeep Product Team: Focused on the Jeep brand, its strong, iconic
heritage and loyal customers
-- Truck Product Team: Responsible for advancing the strong, bold Dodge
truck brand
-- Car and Minivan Product Team: Charged with development of Chrysler's
fullsize cars, the current midsize lineup and minivan products
-- Future Midsize Product Team: Responsible for development of future
midsize vehicles for worldwide markets.
-- Street and Racing Technology (SRT) Product Team: Carrying on Chrysler's
successful performance brand.

Chrysler will also enhance its focus on driving commonality and the re-use of vehicle components through a strengthened Core Components and Process organization.

The following appointments take effect immediately:

Daniel C. Knott has been appointed Vice President - Jeep Product Team. Knott will lead development of all Jeep vehicles. Knott most recently served as Vice President - Product Development Core Components, Processes and International Engineering.

Scott G. Kunselman has been appointed Vice President - Truck Product Team. Kunselman will lead development of all Dodge trucks, including commercial vehicle applications. Kunselman most recently served as Vice President - Body- on-Frame Product Team.

Larry D. Lyons has been appointed Vice President - Car and Minivan Product Team. Lyons will lead the development of all current midsize segment vehicles, minivans and future fullsize vehicles. Lyons most recently served as Vice President - Front-Wheel Drive Product Team and Core Team Leader, Product Development.

Michael F. Donoughe continues as Vice President and will lead development of future product in the midsize segment, an important vehicle category worldwide. Donoughe most recently served as Vice President - Body on Frame Product Team Leader and Core Team Leader, Product Development.

Kipp D. Owen will continue to lead Street and Racing Technology (SRT) programs as Director - SRT.

Chrysler also announced the following appointments that will support the product development teams:

Mark M. Chernoby has been appointed Vice President - Core Components, Processes and International Engineering. In this role, he will oversee the development of common processes and shared components and manage Chrysler's expanding engineering presence in China, India, Eastern Europe and Mexico. He most recently served as Vice President - Advance Vehicle Engineering. Chernoby succeeds Dan Knott.

James B. Issner has been appointed to Vice President - Advance Vehicle Engineering, succeeding Mark Chernoby. In this role, he will be responsible for integrating new and emerging technologies into Chrysler's future vehicles.

Iraq Care Package Includes New Jeep


Two Operation Gratitude leaders set out for Iraq Monday to deliver the group's 300,000th care package to troops overseas.The package will be brought to a soldier based in northern Iraq by organization founder Carolyn Blashek and director of operations Charlie Othold. The package was assembled by Operation Gratitude volunteers at the California National Guard armory in Van Nuys. Along with the regular wish-list items, the package will include the keys to a Jeep Liberty donated by Chrysler LLC.


"As with all Operation Gratitude packages, we hope our 300,000th package will lift morale, put smiles on many faces and reflect the enormous gratitude of our nation," Blashek said.

2008 Kansas Teacher of the Year


The State's top educator will be riding in style. The teacher of the year accepted her new set of car keys Monday.

Jeri Powers, the 2008 Teacher of the year, could not be happier. She was presented with a 2008 Dodge Avenger, thanks to the Enterprise Foundation which is providing a six month lease through Enterprise Rent-A-Car. She will be driving the car 15,000 miles as she travels to different conferences and conventions representing Kansas. In addition to the car lease she will also receive $1500 in ethanol gasoline from the Kansas corn commission.

Jeri is a reading specialist at Riverview Elementary school in Shawnee, she was chosen from approximately 100 candidates.

Automobile Quarterly
Automobile Quarterly
This Day in Auto History:

1.22.1901
The Irish Automobile Club (later the Royal Irish Automobile Club)is founded in Dublin
1.22.1931
Montague Stanley Napier dies
1.22.1954
"General Motors demonstrates the XP21 Firebird, the world's firstgas-turbine automobile, in New York City"
1.22.1962
Edward W. Isom of the Sinclair Refining Company dies at age 76
1.22.1986
General Motors acquires a 59.7% ownership of Group Lotus PLC

Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick

Car reviewers just do not like Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep.

It Is The Product, Smart Guys!
Jerry Flint, 01.22.08, 6:00 AM ET


More From Jerry Flint


The latest version of Car & Driver's 10 Best Cars list includes three vehicles from General Motors (nyse: GM - news - people ), but none from Chrysler (or Ford Motor (nyse: F - news - people ), for that matter).

A recent comparison of nine new, small sport utility vehicles in Car & Driver's February 2008 issue ranked the next generation Jeep Liberty last, behind SUVs such as the Hyundai Tucson and Suzuki's (other-otc: SZKMF - news - people ) Grand Vitara. This is an embarrassment for a nameplate synonymous with SUVs.

Jeep is one of Chrysler's crown jewels, and the company tried to broaden the Jeep lineup with two less-expensive and less-rugged vehicles based on a car platform. Of the two, the Patriot and Compass, the latter has received the harshest criticism. However, even the mainstay Jeep Grand Cherokee rarely receives much praise from auto testers.

The Dodge Caliber, while distinct and good-looking, never wins a face-off, either. Road and Track recently ran a comparison between the Mazda Speed 3 and the Dodge Caliber SRT4 (a new, high-performance version) and ended up saying, "This car is a step in the wrong direction."

Perhaps the worst news for Chrysler comes from Consumer Reports magazine. In an evaluation of family sedans in its latest issue, Chrysler and Dodge pull a hat trick. Those cars are at the bottom of each of the three lists (affordable, mid-priced and large). Among the comments on the recently introduced Dodge Avenger: "Ranks at the bottom of its class ... feels cheap and underdeveloped ... stiff ride, suspension noise, lack of agility ... uncomfortable seats and substandard fit and finish."

Chrysler invented the modern minivan, but car reviewers rarely score its minivans ahead of those from Honda (nyse: HMC - news - people ), Toyota (nyse: TM - news - people ) and sometimes even Kia and Hyundai. This also applies to the new generation of minivans that Chrysler introduced just last year.

All the bad press comes at a particularly tough time: Analysts say the auto market is falling, the competition is pumping out more attractive models and Chrysler is trying to reduce the cash rebates its been heaping on its vehicles. It is no time for sissies.

Today's shortcomings of Chrysler products are not the fault of present management. The company designed these vehicles years ago, while Chrysler was under the yoke of Daimler of Germany. Word is that new Chief Executive Robert Nardelli has instituted fast-track programs to try to remedy some of the most glaring problems with Chrysler's current lineup.

That aside, I find big problems with the new Chrysler management team, too.

I hear that Cerberus Capital Management, Chrysler's new owners, had hired Wolfgang Bernhard, one of the top car men in the world, to run Chrysler. Bernhard was one of the executives behind the Chrysler 300 success and for cutting costs, too. Apparently, he walked out when he found out he would not be the boss but was to follow the orders of Bob Nardelli, former chief executive of Home Depot (nyse: HD - news - people ) and alum of General Electric (nyse: GE - news - people ). Prior to coming to Chrysler, Nardelli had no automotive experience.

Chrysler's new managers declared they were losing money on vehicles such as the Chrysler Pacifica crossover and Dodge Magnum wagon and said they would kill them in the near future. The same goes for one of my favorites, the Chrysler PT Cruiser. (Note: Chrysler has said officially that it is killing only the PT convertible, but I am sure that they plan to dump them all). These vehicles are still in production, but it must be hard to sell a car you have declared to be future roadkill. Frankly, I find it hard to see how they could be losing money on these vehicles since they have been in production for years, which means that the company has already paid for their tooling. What these vehicles needed was some sales effort.

Bob Nardelli just put the public relations department under personnel--oops, human resources--and the PR vice president at Chrysler quit. Jason Vines happened to be one of the best public relations experts in the auto business, so his walkout leaves a bad message about this management. Nardelli is also hiring a PR consultant, and that means it will cost them more, not less--we all know about consultants.

Then Chrysler appointed a new purchasing boss, a former associate of Nardelli at the hardware store. Everyone assumes this means the company will be buying more parts from China, where everything is cheap. This is a bad and potentially dangerous move.

What the new crew seems to forget is that the purchasing department worked best at Chrysler when it offered their vendors a fair deal and shared cost savings with suppliers. In those days, Chrysler and the suppliers were profitable.

Chrysler just made a deal with Nissan (nasdaq: NSANY - news - people ) to buy some cars from Nissan's factory in Mexico, and sell them in Brazil and Latin America. I do not expect much to come of this agreement. For starters, Chrysler has little business in these markets and will not gain market share with a re-badged Nissan. There will not be much, if any, profit in this. There is rarely enough profit in a small car to split between two manufacturers. This type of deal rarely works for either company.

Despite all this dumping by testers, I still see positives in Chrysler. Its minivan is good enough to be the best seller, and the Dodge Ram pickup is a terrific seller. The customers are not fools. They know what they like. I think that the Chrysler 300 sedan is one of the best-looking cars on the road and that the Hemi V-8 is a terrific engine.

This journalist has seen Chrysler come back from the dead more times than he cares to remember, and he is personally rooting for the company again. That aside, I would feel more confident if Chrysler had more top executives like Jim Press, who knew the business. I wish good luck to Press, who was atop Toyota Motor in the U.S and joined Chrysler last year. As long as he is at Chrysler, I have hope.

Chrysler to invest $28M in Machining

Move will save 200 of plant's 1,370 jobs

LaSorda


A top-ranking Chrysler LLC official said yesterday that the privately-held automaker plans to invest $28 million in the Toledo Machining plant in Perrysburg Township this year.
The investment - $26.4 million for redesigned torque converters and $1.5 million for new steering columns - is tied to the company's effort to increase gas mileage across its fleet.
The announcement was delivered by Tom W. LaSorda, Chrysler vice chairman and president, as he spoke to the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce's annual luncheon at the Pinnacle in Maumee.
The company said the $28 million investment will guarantee 200 jobs of the approximately 1,370 hourly jobs at the plant.
"The other [workers at the plant] will have ongoing work," David Ellshoff, a Chrysler spokesman, said afterward. "These are effectively new business guarantees. That's good news."
Lee Bainter, president of Local 1435, did not return calls for comment yesterday.
Currently, the plant builds steering columns and torque converters for vehicles across the Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge product lines. The 1.2 million-square-foot factory opened in 1966 and had been slated to close. But Toledo Machining was thrown a lifeline during last year's labor talks between Chrysler and the United Auto Workers union.
The company agreed during bargaining to keep the plant open at least through the term of the contract in 2011.
In exchange, the union agreed to reduced wages for any new hires.
The new torque converters and steering columns are to be used in Chrysler front-wheel-drive, automatic-transmission vehicles.
"It's a new torque converter that we're going to be putting in for one of our future transmissions," Mr. LaSorda said during his speech. "It's part of our fuel-efficiency strategy. Timing and production, we haven't announced yet. We're keeping that under wraps."
The news for Machining comes just two weeks after Chrysler announced the indefinite layoff of 230 hourly employees at the plant as part of broader company reductions at five factories, including elimination of the third shift at the Toledo Jeep Assembly complex.
After his address, Mr. LaSorda said yesterday's announcement would not affect the layoffs, which the company attributed to falling sales and the soft national economy.
"Right now, the market's going to be tough in the first six or eight months of the year," Mr. LaSorda said. "We don't see a reversal of that for some time. If we do, we have the ability to work some overtime."