Autoblog

Overseas-only Chrysler 300C wagon killed off

Jeff Sabatini — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Wagon, Europe, Chrysler, Dodge, Rumormill, Lancia, Fiat

Well, we can all stop hoping for a new Dodge Magnum.

Chrysler-Lancia CEO Saad Chebab told Autocar that there will be no Touring version of the redesigned Chrysler 300 built for Europe, saying that wagon sales in the U.S. are not robust enough to justify development costs for a five-door version of the platform. If Europe isn't getting a Chrysler wagon, we certainly aren't going to see a Dodge version here.

The previous-generation Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 both spawned wagon variants, the Dodge Magnum for the U.S. market and the Chrysler 300 Touring overseas. The Magnum was never a hot seller, though it had its fans - ourselves included - and Autocar says the 300 wagon was popular both in the U.K. and on mainland Europe.

But with Fiat calling the shots now and post-bankruptcy budgets at Chrysler still tight, we're guessing any money that could have been spent putting a new Magnum on the road went elsewhere. Like rebadging the 300 and other Chryslers as Lancias.

Overseas-only Chrysler 300C wagon killed off originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #239 LIVE

Dan Roth — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:45:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Dodge, Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Subaru

Click above to subscribe to The Autoblog Podcast in iTunes

We record Episode #239 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and we're bringing back a live cast now that we've had some practice. Check out our discussion topics below and chime in to help determine what else we'll talk about this evening. You can subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #239

Subscribe to the Autoblog Podacast and hear your questions asked:
[UStream] Interact LIVE at UStream - 10PM Eastern on Monday, July 18, 2011
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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #239 LIVE originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is Dodge mulling a Magnum successor?

Jeff Glucker — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Rumormill

Could Dodge be ready to run with a new wagon in the future? Automotive News chatted with SRT president Ralph Gilles, an unapologetic fan of the now-defunct Magnum. Gilles revealed that one unnamed Chrysler exec, now retired, was responsible for killing off the car, and that other Magnum aficionados are now coming out of the woodwork within the company.

Gilles didn't go so far as to announce that a future Magnum has been given the green light inside the company, but told Automotive News to "stay tuned" and that "great things are coming."

Hopefully, this means another muscle wagon is in the works. Early rumors that the Magnum nameplate would be used on Dodge's big new crossover never panned out; it hit showrooms as the Durango.

Our take? Revive the Dodge Magnum! If the new Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger are any indication, it'd be excellent ride, especially when Ralph Gilles and his SRT speed freaks get around to stuffing that 392 Hemi underhood. After all, the practical hoons among us deserve some love, too.

Is Dodge mulling a Magnum successor? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Jul 2011 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Dodge Durango

Rex Roy — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Dodge, First Drives

A Dinosaur Dodges Extinction

2011 Dodge Durango - Click above for high-res image gallery

Geologically speaking, dinosaurs ruled the earth for a brief period. In automotive terms, the same holds true for the traditional sport utility vehicle. But while dinosaurs will never return, SUVs are attempting a comeback.

Autoblog readers all know the history of the American SUV; it started with the Suburban in 1936 when Chevrolet dropped a station wagon body over a truck chassis. Natural selection favored utilitarian characteristics, so the Suburban grew. Other forces were active in the land of Jeep. Their Wagoneer (1963) survived for decades thanks to genes that combined plushness with off-road capabilities. Another variation on the SUV was the unibody Jeep Cherokee XJ (1984), a new phylum that somehow mutated from body-on-frame parents.

Environmental influencers such as cheap gas and low lease rates caused an SUV Cambrian Explosion throughout the 1980s and 90s. Spontaneous parallel genesis occurred at other manufacturers yielding dozens of Darwinian finch-like variations. Then disaster struck. The entire range of SUVs nearly went extinct with the meteoric impact of 2008's financial collapse and a spike in fuel prices. Does the 2011 Dodge Durango represent the rear-wheel drive SUV's last gasp or its reemergence?

Continue reading...

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Durango: First Drive

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Dodge Durango

First Drive: 2011 Dodge Durango originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Dodge Durango (or is that Magnum?) revealed on Twitter

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 11:33:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Crossover, Chrysler, Dodge

Ah, the magic of the interwebs. Chrysler has yet to officially reveal the 2012 Dodge Durango (which could yet be birthed under the name Magnum), but we've come across this rather nonchalant camera phone photo taken by one of the Twitterati.

Judging from the Durango/Magnum spy shots that have come through our hands, the exterior design hasn't changed much during the SUV-turned-crossover's development. If we're honest, the design is a little milquetoast, but we'd rather Chrysler be executing simple designs rather than unsightly messes. Expect the Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 and 5.7-liter Hemi V8 to be under the hood when the SUV hits the road in early 2011.

[Source: Twitter]

2012 Dodge Durango (or is that Magnum?) revealed on Twitter originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Dodge Durango/Magnum caught testing near Chrysler HQ

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Chrysler, Dodge

2012 Dodge Durango/Magnum spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just as Chrysler puts the finishing touches on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, our spies have captured its platform mate, the 2012 Dodge Durango/Magnum (we still aren't sure what the final name will be), out testing near the company's Auburn Hills, Michigan headquarters. Not much has changed since the last time the new Dodge crossover was spied, but seeing the prototype running around near Chrysler HQ means that more of the swirly camouflage could be coming off in the next few months.

When the new Durango/Magnum officially launches next year, expect it to be available with Chrysler's new 3.6-liter V6 and possibly a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 (much like the new Jeep). The front end looks similar to that of the Ram pickup, and since the Ram brand has been spun off to house Dodge's truck offerings, don't be shocked if the new Durango falls under that umbrella. If development and testing continue at a steady pace, we'll likely get to see the finished product at either the 2010 Los Angeles or 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Dodge Durango/Magnum

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: 2012 Dodge Durango/Magnum caught testing near Chrysler HQ originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: 2012 Dodge Durango... err, Magnum

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 13 May 2010 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Chrysler, Dodge

2012 Dodge Durango (Magnum) renderings - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler may be working hard to get its new crop of Fiat-infused small car offerings to market, but we must not forget that a great bulk of the automaker's sales will be made up of crossovers and SUVs, spearheaded by vehicles like the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the upcoming Dodge Durango replacement (possibly called Magnum) in 2012. We've seen spy shots and patent filings of the reworked Dodge crossover, but Cheers and Gears forum member Andrew Currie has spent some time creating renderings of what the all-new CUV could look like. Very believable, if we do say so ourselves.

Details are still slim about the next-generation Durango-Magnum, but one thing's for sure - it's going to look a whole lot better than the aging Durango that currently sits on dealer lots. And if Chrysler can make good on its promise to offer better interior refinement, the new CUV should be a worthy competitor for GM's Lambda quadruplets and the upcoming new Ford Explorer. Still, we'll have to wait and see what Chrysler has in store, and we won't be surprised if the production model makes its debut later this year at the Los Angeles Auto Show, or even early next year in Detroit.

Gallery: 2012 Dodge Durango (Magnum) Renderings

[Source: Cheers and Gears]

Rendered Speculation: 2012 Dodge Durango... err, Magnum originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 May 2010 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Dodge Durango spotted in swirlies

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 11 May 2010 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Dodge

The next-generation Dodge (or is that Ram?) Durango (or is that Magnum?) has been spotted yet again now wearing much less camouflage than ever before. Aside from front and rear fascia covers, the vehicles are down to just BMW-style swirly wraps.

What is apparent is that the new unibody crossover has adopted a much sleeker look than the previous-generation model. The front end looks like it has been lifted straight off the current Ram pickups and the rest of the body has much more car-like proportions.

In terms of size, the new vehicle looks to be about on par with General Motors' Lambda CUVs (Traverse, Enclave, Acadia). The new Chrysler CUV shares its platform with the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and will almost certainly get the Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 and possibly a 5.7-liter Hemi V8.

[Source: Left Lane News]

Spy Shots: 2012 Dodge Durango spotted in swirlies originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 May 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Patent drawings reveal Durango-replacing 2012 Dodge Magnum?

Noah Joseph — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Dodge

2012 Dodge Magnum patent drawings - Click above for image gallery

Imperfect though it may have been, we kinda miss the Dodge Magnum. Building a low-slung wagon and dropping a Hemi into it took a lot of guts on Chrysler's part. And while it may have been discontinued, it appears to be slated for an encore, albeit in name only.

As we reported a couple of weeks back, Chrysler is considering bringing the Magnum nameplate back for a new crossover to replace the Durango. New U.S. patent drawings have leaked onto the interwebs, giving us a good look at how the new Magnum will appear when it hits the road, anticipated sometime next year as a 2011 or 2012 model.

The new Magnum will definitely be taller than the old one, but considerably more car-like than the body-on-frame Durango it replaces. Underpinnings are expected to be borrowed from the highly anticipated new Jeep Grand Cherokee, with 280-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and 360-hp V8 5.7L V8 on offer.

Gallery: 2012 Dodge Magnum/Durango patent drawings

[Source: Carscoop]

Patent drawings reveal Durango-replacing 2012 Dodge Magnum? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: Next Dodge Durango to be called Magnum

Chris Paukert — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Dodge

According to an Autoblog source, Dodge will abandon the Durango nameplate for the model's replacement due for 2012. In place of that two-generation designator, Chrysler is exhuming the Magnum nameplate, a moniker used on the low-slung wagon built on Chrysler's LX platform up until 2008. The new Magnum is expected to be built atop the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee chassis (itself riding on Mercedes-Benz-derived architecture) and skew more toward the crossover segment than the previous rough-and-ready SUV.

Our source originally showed us a screen capture of a Pentastar service training software page on its Chrysler Academy Learning Center confirming the Magnum's existence (shown above), but at that time, he wasn't clear what the vehicle was. Since then, our man has learned through a Chrysler zone manager at a New York dealer's meeting that the line item in question is indeed the next Durango. A secondary source close to the situation confirmed to Autoblog that a name change for the new vehicle is in the cards and that Magnum is under serious consideration, but he was unclear as to whether a final decision had been made.

The Durango was introduced in 1998 and immediately found success riding the crest of the SUV boom. A second-generation debuted for 2004 and ran through the 2009 model year, but the larger redesigned model didn't meet with the same sort of success as its predecessor, struggling to deal with the collapse of the body-on-frame SUV market and increasingly plentiful crossover options.

It isn't immediately clear what the reasoning is behind Chrysler's apparent name change strategy, especially as the 2005-2008 Magnum itself wasn't considered much of a sales success (it was consistently outsold by its LX platform stablemates, the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger). That said, with the model being more CUV-like than a body-on-frame bruiser, the change seems to make some sense. Further, Magnum remains a powerful nameplate, and the Pentastar has a long history of employing it for any number of different products, including a large B-platform coupe in the late 1970s, a range of engines, and a Mexican-market K-car model in the '80s. Thanks for the tip, Michael!

Source: Next Dodge Durango to be called Magnum originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo to build 169 sedan on same platform as Chrysler 300... in Ontario, eh?

Chris Paukert — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Chrysler, Alfa Romeo

According to a new report in Financial Post, Alfa Romeo may build its forthcoming 169 sedan in Chrysler LLC's Brampton, Ontario facility - a development made possible by the latter's tie-up with Fiat (which owns Alfa). The article cites a projection by automotive research firm IHS Global Insight that states that the 169 will be built on the same underpinnings with the next Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. That news would make sense as Alfa was reportedly shopping for a rear-drive platform that could be sold in North America as early as a year ago.

If IHS' report is accurate and production on an Ontario-assembled 169 indeed comes to pass, it would mark the first time that a premium European luxury auto is assembled in Canada.

[Source: Financial Post]

Alfa Romeo to build 169 sedan on same platform as Chrysler 300... in Ontario, eh? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge recalls over 20,000 Charger and Magnum cop cars

Michael Harley — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Chrysler, Dodge, Police/Emergency

Click above for high-res gallery of the Dodge Charger Cop Car

Demonstrating that good cop cars can also go bad, Chrysler has announced a recall of Dodge Chargers and Magnums equipped with the police package and column shifter. While the cars aren't exactly taking sides with the villainous, they are having difficulty displaying the proper transmission gearshift position on the dash. This error is leading to more than a few headaches for men and women in uniform, and can be downright dangerous if they're not in the gear they think they are. The recalled cruisers are 2006-2009 models, and they number more than 20,000 strong (including the 150 sold to Kuwait). Dealers will reportedly add a locking mechanism to the gearshift cable to keep the displays honest.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: Dodge Charger Cop Car

[Source: Good Car Bad Car]

Dodge recalls over 20,000 Charger and Magnum cop cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canadian union calls Chrysler's actions "stupid"

Dan Roth — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, UAW/Unions

Buzz Hargrove isn't mincing words about his opinion of Chrysler LLC's strategy. Calling the decision to send the Magnum and Pacifica models out to pasture and cut shifts and jobs at the Brampton, Ontario plant "stupid," Hargrove has said the Canadian Auto Workers aren't interested in the type of concessions the UAW recently agreed to. While the UAW is allowing new hires to be given a lower pay level, as well as taking on a health care trust fund, the CAW will be having none of that, according to Hargrove.

Cuts were expected, but Chrysler's recent scaling back is more than necessary, according to Hargrove, who counters that what the company's really trying to do is reduce supply in order to drive up demand and keep prices higher. It sounds like a good way to make the automaker profitable, thinning the lineup and trimming overproduction. The problem, according to The Buzz, is that Chrysler's plan is anathema to the long union tradition of providing jobs that pay well enough to allow a solid middle class life for autoworkers. With the pay cuts, Hargrove says that autoworkers will no longer be able to afford to buy the cars they build. The recent fall of the dollar isn't helping matters, and will likely give Chrysler another point to argue when asking for concessions. The Canadian Auto Workers will begin duking it out with Detroit in July, so expect the rhetoric to become even more heated in the months to come.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Canadian union calls Chrysler's actions "stupid" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Nov 2007 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler offering new rebates; four defunct models priced to go

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Coupe, Wagon, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Dodge

It looks like Chrysler is going to give car shoppers a holiday gift as incentive to signing on the dotted line. After a rough year that saw the automaker break away from its Daimler overlords, Chrysler wants to end 2007 on a high note. To that end it will be offering rebates on virtually every vehicle in the lineup during December. Though there's no word on specific amounts, according to The Wall Street Journal the campaign will begin with a series of ads on Nov. 20 and cover Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler vehicles. The biggest discounts will likely be offered on the four models about to be discontinued: the Chrysler Pacifica, PT Cruiser convertible, Crossfire, and the Dodge Magnum. If any of those has been on your short list, it looks like a great time to get one.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req.]

Chrysler offering new rebates; four defunct models priced to go originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler announces new job & manufacturing cuts; Cancels PT Convertible, Magnum, Pacifica, and Crossfire

Alex Nunez — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 11:34:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler

Chrysler has killed the PT Convertible, Pacifica, Crossfire, and Dodge Magnum

If you were wondering how quickly Chrysler would be able to move as a privately-held entity in its efforts to turn the business around, wonder no more. It can move quickly. Today, the automaker officially announced a number of cuts to both its workforce and product lineup into 2008 that are intended to help get Chrysler back in the black.

Here's the rundown:

Elimination of shifts at Belvidere, IL; Jefferson North (Detroit, MI) ; Toledo, OH; Brampton, Ontario; and Mack Avenue II (Detroit). The Detroit News reports these actions effectively eliminates approx. 4,000 hourly positions. Chrysler states that the new shift reductions, when combined with "other volume-related actions," will result in the elimination of a total 8,000 to 10,000 hourly positions.
1,000 salaried positions will be eliminated
37% of contractor positions will be eliminated (The Detroit News attaches a number of 1,100 to this)
Four models will be dropped from the lineup: Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible (the regular PT lives on) , Dodge Magnum, Chrysler Pacifica, and Chrysler Crossfire

All the above changes come in addition to already-announced job actions, and Chrysler also made a point to state that the four outgoing cars will be replaced in the lineup during the same timeframe by the Dodge Challenger, Dodge Journey, and Aspen/Durango Hybrids. We'll be honest: we'd pretty much forgotten about the Crossfire, which makes it the least surprising of all the product euthanizations.

Some of the wish-list vehicles that readers hoped would also see the axe, such as the Jeep Compass and Jeep Commander, live on. Chrysler's press release and a confirmed copy of the email sent to employees this morning by CEO Bob Nardelli are included after the jump. You can also click the "Read" link below to check out the Detroit News coverage.

[Sources: The Detroit News, Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler announces new job & manufacturing cuts; Cancels PT Convertible, Magnum, Pacifica, and Crossfire

Chrysler announces new job & manufacturing cuts; Cancels PT Convertible, Magnum, Pacifica, and Crossfire originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler said to be planning wake for Magnum, Pacifica, PT Cruiser

Chris Tutor — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 08:33:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Chrysler, Dodge

According to The Detroit News, Chrysler's product-cutting plan is all but official. The first three models on the chopping block, according to the newspaper's unnamed sources, are the Magnum, Pacifica and the PT Cruiser. The next round could include the Jeep Commander if it doesn't get its act together.

Sales on the first three models were down as much as 32% through September, and the company's new boss, Bob Nardelli, isn't in a playing-around mood. Company insiders have told the Det News that Nardelli is taking very close looks at the current lineup and isn't exactly thrilled. Supposedly, Dodge's Dakota and Avenger and Chrysler's Sebring are also feeling the Nardelli heat. The newspaper quotes Nardelli as saying, "I'm not a designer, but I'm a consumer," he said. "Rather than deny some of the (negative) reports that are out there you kind of embrace them and say, what do we want to do to take our vehicle from where it is to where consumers want it to be?"

So how many of you reading that actually said out loud, "It's about damned time!" Nardelli sounds like a guy who doesn't mess around, who seems to know his company's products aren't up to snuff, and who's willing to do just about anything to fix them. Sebring and Avenger aren't exactly blockbuster designs, and if Chrysler must amputate them to stay alive, we say go for it.

We hate to see wagons disappear from the domestics' lineup again, but overall, this is a good sign and we can't wait to see what Nardelli does with future offerings.

By the way, Mr. Nardelli. Can we nominate the Aspen and Compass for some critical evaluation, too? Thanks.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Thanks, Mike, for the tip!

Chrysler said to be planning wake for Magnum, Pacifica, PT Cruiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spring Festival of LXs: Yep, they ALL have Hemis in them

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Chrysler, Dodge, First Drives

Click the above image for a high-res gallery of Drew Phillips' photos from the event

Spring Festival of LXs - that's the official name of the event, but we doubt many will make the connection to Chrysler's current crop of Hemi cars - you know, the hot-selling, multi-configurable, rough-and-tumble Charger/Magnum/300C platform. It would probably be better to rename it as the Modern Hemi Car Event or some derivitive thereof. Well, whatever they call it, close to 400 cars were in attendance (340 registered cars) at the DaimlerChrysler west coast headquarters in Irvine. Lots of SRTs in the group, too.

Besides all of the proud owners, special guests included Burke S. Brown (chief engineer of the LX vehicle program), Kris Pakizer (Chrysler 300 brand manager), Zoran Bogdanovic (Charger and Magnum brand manager), MOPAR's drift master Sam Hubinette, and of course, DUB, with several of their modified LXs including one of only two officially approved Barbie Edition specials with pink-over-silver paint and Swarovski crystal highlights. The event even hosted a wedding between two LX owners.

Saturday was the fun shine and show, but on Sunday class reconvened at California Speedway in Fontana. The participants had a lot to choose from during their track day. They were allowed to run on the road course (which includes part of the Speedway oval), they could do an autocross session, try their foot at the burnout contest, or even take a lick at the donut competition. We love when manufacturers rally the troops and treat them to a special day enjoying their vehicles they way they were meant to be.

[Source: Muscle Car News]

Gallery: Spring Festival of LXes

Spring Festival of LXs: Yep, they ALL have Hemis in them originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2007 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler recalls more than 68k 2007s

Chris Tutor — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 14:10:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Chrysler, Daimler

If you own a 2007 Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep listen up, because you're likely affected by Chrysler's latest recall. DaimlerChrysler is bringing home more than 68,000 vehicles to reprogram balky brake computers.

The 11 affected models are 2007 versions of the Sebring, 300, Charger, Magnum, Caliber, Commander, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Nitro and Compass. Whew.

Chrysler says computers in the recalled vehicles' could fail, leading to a loss of antilock brakes, traction control and speedomter functions. We don't remember much from our drivers' ed class, but we're pretty sure brake failure is hardly ever a good thing. Thankfully DC says nobody's been hurt yet.

Oh, and you Sebring drivers must have broken a mirror or something. While one team of crack DC mechanics gives your car a brain transplant, another team will be reteaching it to defrost your windshield. So take a book or something. That particular recall affects about 6,000 new Sebrings.

[Source: Reuters]

Chrysler recalls more than 68k 2007s originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Dec 2006 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler 300 to receive interior refresh?

Chris Paukert — Sat, 06 May 2006 08:59:00 EST

Few would argue that Chrysler's 300 has quickly proven to be a transcendental product. With apologies to Henry David Thoreau, the Ralph Gilles penned LX-platform sedan has been one of a handful of recent vehicles whose appeal quickly transcended demographic pigeonholing (Toyota's Prius and the MINI Cooper are two others that come immediately to mind). Prospective owners are seemingly as likely to trade in something like a Ford Taurus as they are a Cadillac CTS.

This widespread appeal has served DaimlerChrysler well, but buyers accustomed to higher-end marques have been notably let down in one area: the 300's interior. While the design of the instrument panel and certain detailing is generally up to snuff, some interior plastics and switchgear has conspired to underwhelm, particularly in higher trim levels where the 300's attractive base MSRP climbs well into the $30's.

When addressing the Automotive Press Association in a recent meeting, Gilles indicates the company is aware of the problem, and is working on a "significant improvement." While Gilles apparently failed to include the Dodge Magnum and Charger models with which the 300 shares its platform, it would be reasonable to expect the majority of the proposed upgrades to be fitted platform-wide. The only question now is... when?

[Sources: Calgary Herald; DaimlerChrysler]

Chrysler 300 to receive interior refresh? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 May 2006 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Photos: 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan

Erin Mays — Tue, 28 Feb 2006 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Minivan/Van

KGP Photography caught these shots of what looks to be a surprisingly muscular 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, likely souped-up to compete with a full slate of new Asian minivans. The lines appear reminiscent of the marque's own Magnum and Durango, losing the overtly-rounded aesthetic that has long been its trademark. With the Asian competition bearing down, expect this one to have a more powerful engine and more safety features compared to the current model.

Oh, and remember the agreement between DCX and Volkswagen? What you see here may be the foundation upon which VW builds its new people-carrier.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

Spy Photos: 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Feb 2006 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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