Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #156]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/autoblog-podcast-156/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/autoblog-podcast-156/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/autoblog-podcast-156/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


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Editor Chris Paukert has apparently been bitten by the podcasting bug, and he once again joins Shunk and Roth for Episode #156 of the Autoblog Podcast. We dive right in to reminiscence about the recently finished Los Angeles Auto Show. Moving on from there, we talk about Audi's new A7 Sportback and its extreme gorgeousness, as well as the new A8 and all its massive awesomeness. Speaking of awesomeness, Shunk thinks that the $199,950 Aston Martin Rapide is one very attractive four-place supercar. Going to the other end of the spectrum, rumors about Volkswagen's upcoming Jetta replacement gets some head scratches from us before we moved on to prognosticating about a unibody Dodge Dakota replacement. We wrap up a chewy hour-and-forty-five minutes by addressing some of your questions and calling it a night.

Don't forget to check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget, and let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #156

Autoblog Podcast #156 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a7 sportbackaston martinaston martin rapideAstonMartinAstonMartinRapideaudiaudi a7audi a8audi s8AudiS8autoblogautoblog podcastchryslerdakotadodgedodge dakotaDodgeDakotafeaturedjettaLA 2009LA Auto showla auto show 2009la show 2009La2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShow2009los angeles auto showlos angeles auto show 2009los angeles autoshow 2009los angeles autoshow2009LosAngelesAutoShowLosAngelesAutoshow2009podcastsportbackunibody dakotaunit body dakotavolkswagenvolkswagen jettavwvw jettaTue, 08 Dec 2009 16:40:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #156Autoblog01:41:22la auto show; aston martin; aston martin rapide; rapide; audi a7; sportback; a8; audi; volkswagen; jetta; dakota; dodge dakota; podcast; autoblog podcast<![CDATA[REPORT: Chrysler still considering unibody Dakota replacement]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-chrysler-considering-unibody-dakota-replacement/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-chrysler-considering-unibody-dakota-replacement/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-chrysler-considering-unibody-dakota-replacement/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Dodge Dakota -- as we know it today -- will go away in 2011, but looking at current sales of the mid-size pickup, it may as well be dead already. Chrysler has only sold 10,000 Dakotas this year, with an anemic 663 units cleared in November. But while the Dakota is selling poorly (it's not helped by being too close in price to the much more capable Ram), it doesn't necessarily mean that the enigmatic pickup won't live on in another form.

Coinciding with earlier reports, the Detroit News says Chrysler is contemplating a unibody Dakota to replace the current model. A more fuel efficient car-based platform could yield better efficiency, especially when paired with a turbocharged four cylinder with direct injection. The car-based truck probably wouldn't be a hauler but it would still have a functional bed similar to the Honda Ridgeline, and AWD would likely be an available option. Fred Diaz, the new head of the Ram brand, told the DN that the Pentastar is looking both at Fiat and from within its own stable of vehicles for any platforms that could help make the unibody Dakota a possibility, adding, "The emphasis is going to be on getting a vehicle that is still true to the Ram brand image and also gets excellent miles per gallon rating and at an attractive price point." Chrysler was reportedly already working on a unibody Dakota when money troubles forced the idea to the back burner.

While we like the idea of a fuel efficient pickup that can do most of the things that a body on frame truck can do, we're wondering if the truck-buying public will embrace the idea. The best example of a unibody pickup, the Honda Ridgeline, has been anything but a massive commercial hit and midsize trucks are already a dying breed, with only five percent of the overall vehicle market. But if Chrysler wants to make Ram its own brand, we're guessing that the Pentastar's truck company is going to need more than one vehicle.

[Source: Detroit News]

REPORT: Chrysler still considering unibody Dakota replacement originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerdodgedodge dakotaDodgeDakotaunibody dakotaunibody truckUnibodyDakotaUnibodyTruckMon, 07 Dec 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ram considering new mid-size unibody pickup to replace Dakota]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/ram-considering-a-new-mid-size-unibody-pickup-to-replace-dakota/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/ram-considering-a-new-mid-size-unibody-pickup-to-replace-dakota/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/ram-considering-a-new-mid-size-unibody-pickup-to-replace-dakota/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2008 Dodge Dakota - Click above for high-res image gallery

In a rambling presentation that presented almost nothing of any value, Fred Diaz, CEO of Chrysler's newly-created Ram brand, did drop at least one little tidbit in passing. Currently the Dodge truck offerings consist of only two vehicles, the full-size Ram and the mid-size Dakota. The long-term fate of the Dakota has been the subject of much speculation but one of Diaz's slides did mention that Ram was considering a replacement. The key word was "considering."

Interestingly, the possible replacement would be based on a unibody platform which in all likelihood would be derived from the new Grand Cherokee/Durango architecture. That would be a big departure for Chrysler - jumping into a vehicle type that currently consists of only the slow selling Honda Ridgeline. If Chrysler were to build this vehicle, it would make sense to do something to differentiate it from the big Ram, and perhaps with the right styling and powertrain - perhaps something like the Rampage concept from 2006 - it could be more successful than the Honda.

The current Durango will remain in production until mid-2011 and the new truck, if approved, would not launch until at least then.


Gallery: 2008 Dodge Dakota


Gallery: 2006 Dodge Rampage Concept

Ram considering new mid-size unibody pickup to replace Dakota originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 dodge dakota2012DodgeDakotadodge dakotadodge rampageDodgeDakotaDodgeRampagefred diazFredDiazramram brandRamBrandrampageunibodyunibody pickupunibody truckUnibodyPickupUnibodyTruckWed, 04 Nov 2009 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler to restart seven North American plants by end of month]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/chrysler-to-restart-seven-north-american-plants-by-end-of-month/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/chrysler-to-restart-seven-north-american-plants-by-end-of-month/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/chrysler-to-restart-seven-north-american-plants-by-end-of-month/#commentsFiled under: ,



Hot on the heels of news that the Dodge Viper's Conner Avenue facility would be the first Chrysler plant to fire up after the company's bankruptcy proceedings/Fiat tie-up comes official word that the automaker will resume production at seven plants the week of June 29. In addition, Chrysler will bring the supporting powertrain and stamping plants online that supply the assembly factories listed below with parts.

According to Ed Garsten, Chrysler's manager of electronic media communications, the following assembly plants will resume production as part of a "phased production ramp-up" -
  • Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (Sterling Heights, MI) - Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger
  • Warren Truck Assembly Plant (Warren, MI) - Dodge Ram and Dodge Dakota
  • St. Louis North Assembly Plant (Fenton, MO) - Dodge Ram
  • Toledo Supplier Park (Toledo, OH) - Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
  • Brampton Assembly Plant (Brampton, Ontario, Canada) - Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Challenger
  • Windsor Assembly Plant (Windsor, Ontario, Canada ) - Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan
  • Toluca Assembly Plant (Toluca, Mexico) - Dodge Journey and Chrysler PT Cruiser
Despite the start-ups, all Chrysler plants will again idle for two weeks in the second half of July as part of a previously scheduled summer break.

Source: Chrysler | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Chrysler to restart seven North American plants by end of month originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BramptonChryCoChryslerChrysler 300Chrysler PT CruiserChrysler SebringChrysler Town and CountryChrysler Town CountryChrysler300ChryslerPtCruiserChryslerSebringChryslerTownAndCountryChryslerTownCountryDodge AvengerDodge CaravanDodge ChallengerDodge ChargerDodge DakotaDodge JourneyDodge RamDodge ViperDodgeAvengerDodgeCaravanDodgeChallengerDodgeChargerDodgeDakotaDodgeJourneyDodgeRamDodgeViperEd GarstenEdGarstenGrand CaravanGrandCaravanJeep WranglerJeepWranglerPT CruiserPtCruiserst. louisSt.Louissterling heightsSterlingHeightsToledoTolucawarren MichiganWarrenMichiganWindsorWranglerWed, 17 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Dodge Dakota Sport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/10/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-dodge-dakota-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/10/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-dodge-dakota-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/10/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-dodge-dakota-sport/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



When we first locked eyes on the 2008 Dodge Dakota at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, we were breathless. The reason for our inability to process oxygen had everything to do with the ungainly sheet metal that covered the latest iteration of Dodge's midsize truck offering. The new Dakota is boxy with an awkward, Pug-like front end, and the interior is Dodge-tastic.

Not all is wrong with the Dakota, however. It's the largest of the midsize pickups, has the only optional V8 in its class, and thus can out-tow and carry larger loads than its competition. We wanted to see for ourselves if the Ram Lite could overcome its visual shortcomings with affordability and clever packaging, so we took a blacked-out KITT look-a-like version for a week in the Autoblog Garage. Hit the jump to see how the Dakota fared.

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Dakota Sport


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Chris Shunk / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Dodge Dakota Sport

In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Dodge Dakota Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Mar 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 dodge dakota2008DodgeDakota4.7LAutoblog GarageAutoblogGarageChryslerDodge DakotaDodgeDakotafeaturedMagnum V8MagnumV8Pickup TruckPickupTruckTowingMon, 10 Mar 2008 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2007 Preview: Dodge Dakota MX Warrior]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/23/sema-2007-preview-dodge-dakota-mx-warrior/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/23/sema-2007-preview-dodge-dakota-mx-warrior/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/23/sema-2007-preview-dodge-dakota-mx-warrior/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click the Dakota MX Warrior for a high res gallery

Dodge teamed up motocross racer Scott Waraniak to create the Dakota MX Warrior for this year's SEMA show. Scott races KTM bikes and is studying at Detroit's College for Creative Studies. In addition to providing his bike for the back of the Dakota, Scott also did the graphic design adorning its bodywork. Dodge lead designer Mark Surel explained that the recent redesign of the Dakota was intended to separate it from the Ram. Dodge considers the Ram to be more of a work truck, while the Dakota is seen as a personal leisure vehicle.

You can listen to a chat with Mark Surel here, and Scott Waraniak here.

Gallery: SEMA 2007: Dodge Dakota MX Warrior


All live photos (C)2007 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading SEMA 2007 Preview: Dodge Dakota MX Warrior

SEMA 2007 Preview: Dodge Dakota MX Warrior originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Oct 2007 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 dodge dakota2008DodgeDakotadodge dakotadodge-dakota-mx-warriorDodgeDakotamx warriorMxWarriorscott-waraniakSEMATue, 23 Oct 2007 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[It's the small things that count - Dodge's new Crate 'N Go storage system]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/04/its-the-small-things-that-count-dodges-new-crate-n-go-stora/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/04/its-the-small-things-that-count-dodges-new-crate-n-go-stora/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/04/its-the-small-things-that-count-dodges-new-crate-n-go-stora/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Despite "interesting" exterior designs and interiors that feel cheap, Chrysler products have scored many points for incorporating the most innovative interior features. Stow 'N Go seating, the MyGIG entertainment system, heated and cooled cupholders, flip down tailgate speakers... the list goes on. It's time to add one more to the list as the 2008 Dodge Dakota pickup gets a new storage box system called Crate 'N Go'. We're not talking high-tech stuff here, just a straightforward solution to securing cargo behind the truck's front seats. The Crate 'N Go is simply a collapsible plastic storage container that folds away neatly under the cushions of the rear seat.

To set it up, you need to lift open the 60/40-split rear seat cushions, remove a couple of sheets of plastic and then unfold the plastic crate and snap-lock them. It's so simple that it amazes us that it's taken this long for a company to figure it out and push it into production.

Product planners at the rejuvenated Chrysler plan to install Crate 'N Go and other similar features in more models. According to one product planner, the system is so easy to install on multiple models because all they need is 1.5 inches of space under a seat.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

It's the small things that count - Dodge's new Crate 'N Go storage system originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Sep 2007 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerCrate 'n goCrate'nGododgedodge dakotaDodgeDakotaTue, 04 Sep 2007 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2008 Dodge Dakota]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/15/spy-shots-2008-dodge-dakota/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/15/spy-shots-2008-dodge-dakota/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/15/spy-shots-2008-dodge-dakota/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Although Dodge made a few changes to the midsize Dakota pickup for 2007, it looks like bigger changes are in store for '08. With spy shots by Brenda Priddy in hand, Edmund's Straighline is speculating that the recently updated 3.7L V-6 will be replaced by Chrysler's 4.0L unit and that the existing 4.7L V-8s will simply get a few extra ponies. Besides the engine changes, this freshened Dakota features a more rounded and chrome-laden grille, new headlamps and relocated badge. Even more importantly, however, the new Dakota will see some much-needed changes on the inside as well. For a bigger version of our "after" picture, follow the Read link.


[Source: Edmund's Straightline]

Spy Shots: 2008 Dodge Dakota originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Dec 2006 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brenda PriddyBrendaPriddyDodge DakotaDodgeDakotaStraightlineFri, 15 Dec 2006 13:26:00 EST