Click above to view more high-resolution images from the Chrysler proving grounds
It isn't just any day when you get to drive dozens of different vehicles that aren't even on sale yet. Chrysler made today just such a day at its Chelsea, MI proving grounds, as the Pentastar rolled out its entire 2008 lineup for automotive journalists to inspect and drive. We were able to drive everything except the 600-hp Viper for 2008 and the new Dodge and Chrysler minivans, which was a bit of a downer, but not nearly enough to spoil an otherwise fun day.
The driving route lined up for us included artificial road hazards, hairpin turns, and a few straightaways that demonstrated just how impressive the 6.1L Hemi SRT engine really is. Other than the aforementioned Viper and minivans, Chrysler left the keys in literally everything else, from the SRT 300C to the Sprinter van and Ram 3500 flat-bed. AutoblogGreen was also on hand to drive Chrysler's new two-mode hybrid system equipped with a Hemi engine in the Aspen SUV, and we'll tell you just how that went as soon as the embargoes are lifted (or as soon as someone else opens the floodgates.)
One of the most popular events of the day was an off-road course where we could see just how capable the Jeep lineup really is. Even the JT concept was on-hand for the rough housing, and the end result was some very dirty metal and a few dinged-up quarter-panels.
We'll be bringing you more posts from this event throughout the day today and tomorrow, but for now you can check out some high-res pics in the gallery below.
New KITT Attack Mode revealed at Comic Con
London 2008: Honda OSM concept roadster says, "Cheerio!"
London 2008: Lotus unveils the Evora
2010 Chevy Camaro - Official Details and Images
2010 Chevy Camaro - LIVE from the reveal
In the Autoblog Garage: Aprilia RSV 1000 R
First Drive: Maserati Quattroporte S in Europe
First Drive: 2008 MINI Cooper S JCW
In the Autoblog Garage:2009 Nissan GT-R
North American Exclusive First Drive: Alfa MiTo
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
geo.stewart @ Jun 21st 2007 4:45PM
oh, thank the lords! I didnt see an Sebring! Is it on hiatus while they clean that crap up? or is Chrysler going to pull a Pontiac and continue it for the next 5 years?
Between the Caliber and the Sebring, they need Tom Gale more than ever!!!!
Will @ Jun 21st 2007 4:45PM
What were your impressions on the Caliber SRT-4?
Petey @ Jun 21st 2007 4:53PM
Why do all the Dodge products have to look like freakin' trucks?
Dodge @ Jun 21st 2007 5:12PM
Why do all pontiacs have to have kidney grills, why do all fords have to have chrome grills, why do all chevy's have to have wide mouth bass grills
every company has their unique character, big bold and "truck like" if you will, is theres, seems to be working better than "hey lets just copy last years design" of 5 years ago...
TriShield @ Jun 21st 2007 4:59PM
Despite Chrysler's financial woes and product missteps they still make some good stuff.
The Dodge Magnum, Dodge Charger, Dodge Viper, Dodge Caliber SRT-4, the new minivans and Jeep Wrangler are all great products.
Don @ Jun 21st 2007 5:06PM
I spy an SRT-4...can't wait to read about that.
Jro @ Jun 21st 2007 5:48PM
A few months ago, spy photos showed possible changes to the rear of the 300. Did you guys notice any difference?
Stephen @ Jun 21st 2007 6:02PM
How did Daimler manage to sell these guys off?
.03 @ Jun 21st 2007 7:38PM
they made sure to run them into the ground first so they could take the huge benefits of selling at a loss. Watch for Chrysler Corp. to rise like a Phoenix and make all you nay sayers choke on your words
fizzandpop @ Jun 21st 2007 6:18PM
Did this turn into a massive brawl between the competing publications, like in Anchorman? Did Jamie Kitman kill anyone with a trident? Were you wearing Sex Panther by Odeon?
aSHIRTandTIEguy @ Jun 21st 2007 8:50PM
With all these beautiful cars why exactly do people buy Japanese cars? They need to be repaired just as often and Japanese cars are not very appealing.
The Dodge Viper looks incredible. Coupe looks nicer then the convertible. I would buy the convertible with the coupe red and coupe rims. Why are they not on the convertible? Is the convertible FINALLY going to be electrical? Or do you still have to look stupid getting out of the car to put the roof up and down still?
The Jeeps look nice. Why again is the "TJ" called a wrangler now, and with 2 doors too many? Why exactly did they make the Compass and then the Patriot? One or the other would have been fine. *Cough* Patriot *Cough*. Oh excuse me, where was I? *Cough* Keep the Patriot *Cough*.
Chrysler, now that the Germans have gone home and taken the Crossfire. Please make the Dodge Razor, Daemon or Slingshot! Either one of the 3 will be fine! (Autoblog readers look them up!) And also produce the 2012 Chrysler Firepower with 2 Hemi engines in it. The Firepower will not replace the Viper since it has different engines and a different transmission. I mean not manual and not DSG/SMG/Paddle Shift. Think the transmission that is in every other American car, and this time it won't be a draw back...
Minivan and SUV's. I will never buy one so need to ever look.
El Norte @ Jun 21st 2007 9:49PM
"he Jeeps look nice. Why again is the "TJ" called a wrangler now, and with 2 doors too many? ..."
The TJ was the last generation (2 doors). The current generation is the KJ, with the Unlimited being the one with the additional doors. As for the "2 doors too many" comment, it would help your credibility to display some prior knowledge of the brand before berating it.
The Compass still sucks, though.
aSHIRTandTIEguy @ Jun 22nd 2007 12:47AM
Dude I was being sarcastic! It would help your credibility to see I was writing a sarcastic comment on that product.
Same as the New Dodge Charger. Why is it called a Charger? Why does it have 4 doors? WHY does it have an Automatic Transmission? WHY?
The CJ, YJ, TJ, name tradition should have continued at least in Canada where it was not called the Wrangler. The KJ would have been a much better name. Instead of saying "I drive a Wrangler", it would be better to say "I drive a Jeep". Around the world any SUV is called a "Jeep".
The concept compass was fine but 'Damn'ler simply made a Mitsubishi-Dodge Calibre into a Jeep and used the Compass concept name. The Patriot is much nicer.
And the Compass is popular and that is what is wrong with the Compass. They should keep it around for 10 years with proper sales to show that Jeep did not make a mistake! Unfortunately the Jeep Commander is history after 2009 as is my understanding. Maybe releasing a full-size truck during an Oil spike was not that smart.
... @ Jun 22nd 2007 1:39AM
"Yeah, it's got two hemis."
aSHIRTandTIEguy @ Jun 22nd 2007 1:45AM
Two DIFFERNT Hemi Engines, to be installed in the car. First the Base model would get the 5.7 Litre and the SRT model would get the 6.1 Litre, both with automatic transmission. All the while the Dodge Viper would get the 8+ Litre engine.
Andy @ Jun 21st 2007 9:07PM
Like the Focus, I'm the lone gun here. I like the Caliber and the Compass. I like traveling to the San Bernardino Mountains, Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite, but I don't need a 4x4 SUV. A small AWD hatchback does just fine. The interiors are cheap and the mileage isn't great; for the prices they're going for now, they're a bargain! If Dodge brings back a V-8 to the Dakota, or makes a V-8 AWD Avenger, I know people who might jump on it.
dakota @ Jun 23rd 2007 12:49PM
Why do you keep insisting that there isn't a V-8 Dakota?
Theres 2 different V-8 options from 05-07 4.7L, 4.7L High Output, while for 2008 there's the upgraded 4.7L.
http://www.dodge.com/en/dakota/features/capability.html
http://www.allpar.com/trucks/dakota-2008.html
D_X @ Jun 21st 2007 9:55PM
Man...if I could afford it...(and getting less than 20mpg) that Magnum SRT-8 would be mine
the new front end is a huge improvement over last year
was the 08 Dakota available? I've seen a few running around the Detroit area, the new front end is much better looking as well...I was never a fan of the wide headlights...
Jon @ Jun 21st 2007 9:57PM
"The TJ was the last generation (2 doors). The current generation is the KJ, with the Unlimited being the one with the additional doors. As for the "2 doors too many" comment, it would help your credibility to display some prior knowledge of the brand before berating it."
I think you mean the current model is a JK. I am sure that is what you meant right? You do have prior knowledge of the brand don't you?
Robert @ Jun 22nd 2007 2:23AM
I own a 2004 PT Cruiser GT and I love it. I got it as a high school graduation present. It was new and it currently still looks like its new, runs great, no rattles or anything falling apart. I love it. I look forward to getting a new PT Cruiser when I graduate from College next year. Is there any significant difference in the exterior and interior of the 2008 PT Cruiser?