Autoblog

Review: 2011 Dodge Durango

Chris Paukert — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Dodge, New Car Reviews

Finding Redemption Through Repetition, Groundhog Day Style

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

Two years ago, on a lark, my girlfriend and I clambered aboard a new Dodge Durango Hybrid and motored from Detroit to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to take in the kitschy phenomenon known as Groundhog Day. The idea was to do a combined road trip story and vehicle review, but Chrysler didn't even wait for us to return home before it killed off production of the gas-electric SUV. In fact, it wasn't much more than two months after its initial announcement that production was cancelled at the truck's Delaware plant.

Blame Chrysler's then-dire financial condition, but the hybrid Durango barely made a dent on the Pentastar's production charts, lasting one model year and moving just 224 copies. Hold your belated "Who Killed the Electric SUV?" shrieks, though. Despite a nearly 25-percent increase in claimed fuel efficiency, the Durango Hybrid wasn't a particularly good vehicle. This wasn't really its fault, of course, as the already aging second-generation Durango upon which it was based wasn't a terribly refined piece to begin with.

Fast-forward to 2011, and we've commandeered an example of Dodge's all-new third-generation Durango to make our second-ever pilgrimage to see Punxy Phil. More importantly, we're using the trip as an opportunity to see if Chrysler has finally gotten around to building a better Durango.

Continue reading Review: 2011 Dodge Durango...

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Durango: Review

Continue reading Review: 2011 Dodge Durango

Review: 2011 Dodge Durango originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Poll: 2011 Ford Explorer vs. 2011 Dodge Durango - What's your pick?

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Dodge, Ford

The SUV is dead. Long live the SUV!

The 2011 Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer are big departures from the models that they replace. Aside from the usual styling and refinement differences, the biggest changes for these vehicle are that they both ditch the traditional body-on-frame sport-utility vehicle DNA in favor of unibody constructions. By our definition, these once-SUVs are now CUVs, though their respective parent companies continue to brand them as being traditional sport-utes through and through.

Both the Durango and Explorer offer available seating for seven and all-wheel drive, but that's where the similarities start to taper off. Each vehicle offers a choice of two different powertrains, but while Dodge has opted to go a more traditional route with by fielding the Durango with both 3.6-liter V6 and 5.7-liter V8 engines, Ford has gone in the opposite direction by equipping the Explorer with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline-four and a 3.5-liter V6. There are pros and cons for each - the Explorer may prove to be more fuel-efficient, but the Durango ought to tow more.

Each of these new crossovers tries to stay true to the traditional SUV mindset, just in different directions. Ford's Terrain Management system will surely come in handy for people who need more off-road prowess, though the end result remains that the Explorer is arguably more of a tall wagon than an honest SUV. The Durango keeps things a bit more and has a strong, presence that we suspect will still be well-received by people who prefer honest-to-goodness sport-utility vehicles.

We could debate the pros and cons of each vehicle all day, and indeed, we're still waiting for the Full Monty-worth of details and specifications, but we still want to know: What do you think? If you had to choose either the Explorer or Durango, which would get your pick? Cast your vote in the poll below and be sure to sound off with your thoughts in Comments.

View Poll

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Durango

Gallery: 2011 Ford Explorer

Poll: 2011 Ford Explorer vs. 2011 Dodge Durango - What's your pick? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Dodge Durango unveiled

Zach Bowman — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:53:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Dodge

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

Chrysler has just pulled back the curtain on the 2011 Dodge Durango, and the newest iteration of the Auburn Hills brawler looks to have all of the bones it needs to be competitive in one of the industry's most crowded segments. For next year, the vehicle will ride on a new unibody platform wrapped in freshly-minted sheetmetal. More importantly for those looking to ferry their brood about town, it will also boast a full three rows of seating. Under the hood, buyers can look forward to picking between the company's new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 or a 5.7-liter V8 with 6,200- and 7,800-pounds of towing capacity, respectively. All-wheel drive is available with both power plants.

Chrysler hasn't provided any fuel-economy estimates just yet.

The interior was worked over by the same gurus responsible for the superb, hide-lined cabins in the Dodge Ram and Jeep Grand Cherokee, and judging by the one teaser photo the company released this morning, it looks like a fine place to whittle away the miles. There look to be a host of smaller, but equally important changes onboard the Durango as well, including an all-new Dodge emblem on the steering wheel. If you were waiting to see what the face of the new Chrysler would look like, search no more. It's here. Look for the Durango to hit dealer lots by late this year.

Hit the jump for the full press blast after checking out our high-res gallery below

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Durango

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading 2011 Dodge Durango unveiled

2011 Dodge Durango unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Dodge keeps Durango nameplate for 2011 [w/video]

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Chrysler, Dodge

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

Only days after our readers stumbled upon Dodge's test site for the 2011 Durango, the official word has been given from Chrysler that its new unibody SUV/crossover will, in fact, wear the Durango nameplate. As you'll recall, this new Dodge sport-ute was rumored to serve as a rebirth for the Magnum moniker, but it appears that those plans - if indeed they ever existed - have been scrapped.

The 2011 Durango shares the vast majority of its architecture from the new Jeep Grand Cherokee (which isn't a bad point to work from), and we expect both the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and 5.7-liter Hemi V8 to be available underhood. Curiously, Dodge refers to the new Durango as a "three-row performance SUV" in its press release, which leads us to believe that Chrysler might have another trick or two up its sleeve. Durango SRT8? Makes sense, especially since the new 6.4-liter Hemi is slated for use in the Grand Cherokee. We also note that Dodge doesn't appear to be playing up the Durango as an off-road model, either, at least where badging is concerned - instead of proclaiming the new model available with four-wheel drive, they've added an all-wheel drive badge (as seen above).

For now, you can see plenty of teaser images of the 2011 Durango in the gallery below, and Chrysler has even provided a slideshow of images for your viewing pleasure after the jump. Expect the full details on the new Durango to be released in the next few weeks.

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Durango Teaser Website

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Officially Official: Dodge keeps Durango nameplate for 2011 [w/video]

Officially Official: Dodge keeps Durango nameplate for 2011 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Dodge Durango name confirmed?

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Dodge

2011 Dodge Durango teaser site (test version) - Click above for high-res image gallery

Magnum? Durango? There's been plenty of banter about which nameplate Dodge's new unibody SUV will ultimately wear, but now it seems we can put the debate to rest. At least two Autoblog readers have stumbled across the test version of the forthcoming 2011 Dodge Durango teaser website. Not only is "Durango" in the test URL, but "2011 Durango" is in the page's title tags, and the landing page of Dodge's test site lists it as an upcoming model. (Note to Chrysler: if you want to keep this sort of thing under wraps, don't use a public-facing test subdomain.)

The teaser site itself is fairly typical. Visitors can page through several close-up images, join a mailing list, and spread the news via social media. In fact, the Facebook share feature reveals the teaser site's eventual production URL. Finally, the website appears to confirm that the Durango will be sold as a 2011 model and not a 2012 as has been speculated. Our favorite part of the test teaser site, however, is the embedded audio. The music currently being used as a placeholder/audio test is the Benny Hill theme.

With both the 2011 Do dge Durango and the 2011 Ford Explorer now on unibody platforms, it'll be interesting to how consumers perceive the two vehicles. While Ford is pushing the Explorer as an SUV rather than a crossover, the new Durango's Jeep lineage (it shares its basic architecture with the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, remember) could give it a significant advantage among those looking for a "real" SUV. Thanks to Matt and Bored for the tips!

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Durango Teaser Website

[Source: Dodge]

2011 Dodge Durango name confirmed? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Aug 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Dodge Magnum interior revealed

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Crossover, Dodge

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

We may seen the unadulterated exterior of the The Dodge Magnum/Durango, but so far the interior has eluded spy shooters the world over. No more. For those still debating if or how closely the Dodge SUV copies the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the interiors should make for less of an argument.

Materials and details have been updated over previous Dodge interiors, and done so in a way that mimics the standard set by the Jeep. Not that there's anything wrong with that... We do wonder if it will get a little more color to break up all that blackness, though. We will likely find out in person in Los Angeles later this year, or Detroit in January 2011. Scope it out on your own in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: 2012 Dodge Durango/Magnum interior spy shots

Spy Shots: 2012 Dodge Magnum interior revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 09:59:00 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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Eight vehicles you can still buy new... seriously

Steven J. Ewing — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Minivan/Van, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Etc., Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, GM, GMC, Mazda, Mercury, Mitsubishi, Pontiac, Saab

Eight vehicles you can still buy new - Click above for high-res image gallery

Was your heart crushed when vehicles like the Mercury Sable, Pontiac Grand Prix or Dodge Durango got the axe? Well, fear not - these hot little numbers (and many more!) are still available from dealerships all across the country.

Automobile magazine has detailed a list of eight cars that are still on sale - brand new - even though they aren't 2010 models. And while these vehicles don't necessarily represent the sexiest cars currently sitting on dealer lots, it's probably safe to assume that they're all being offered with substantial incentive packages, not to mention full warranties (we hope).

Click through the gallery below to see high-res shots of all eight rides, and head over to Automobile to read the full details.

Gallery: Eight Vehicles You Can Still Buy New

[Source: Automobile]

Eight vehicles you can still buy new... seriously originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 20:01:00 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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2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee launch threatened by parts dispute?

Chris Shunk — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - Click above for high res image gallery

Chrysler and Daimler have been divorced for nearly three years, but the two automakers are still very much entwined when it comes to product. The Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger use a platform and several components sourced from Daimler. Chrysler's short-term product plans include more Daimler DNA in the the Mercedes-Benz M-Class architecture that forms the basis for the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango underpinnings.

Unfortunately for the Pentastar, Daimler doesn't seem to want to play parts pimp for its former underling, as it is shorting the company of vital components required to continue operations. In August, Chrysler filed suit against Daimler because the German automaker was withholding parts like torque converters and steering columns. That suit has reportedly been settled, but now Chrysler alleges that the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee launch is now in jeopardy. As such, Chrysler has filed a second suit to force Daimler to provide rear axles and other components in a timely fashion, stating that the company needs the parts to build new Grand Cherokee models for testing in advance of the vehicle's May launch.

Daimler spokesman Han Tjan reportedly told The Detroit News that his company feels the situation could be handled outside the courts, but Chrysler doesn't seem inclined to agree. It appears Chrysler is trying to hedge its bets by filing suit, as company spokesman Michael Palese told the News that the company needs the parts in the next 20 days and the company wants Daimler to finalize the contract to supply the parts. Palese added, "Chrysler has too much at stake to take a chance. These are important vehicle programs at a critical point in their launch cycle. We can't afford any delays."

This parts battle is part of a larger war (so to speak) between Daimler and Chrysler over diesel engines. Daimler wants $80 million from Chrysler to cover expenses the former incurred when Chrysler didn't purchase as many diesel engines as expected from Daimler to service the overseas market. Daimler wants the $80 million as a make-good for the lost volume. Chrysler says its recent bankruptcy shields it in this particular conflict, saying that the process resolved any lingering contract disputes, and that its new master, Fiat, isn't on the hook for the money. Ultimately, it boils down to this: Auburn Hills wants the courts to rule that all past contracts are still in effect -- ensuring a parts supply flow from Daimler for the affected new vehicle programs -- and that the Detroit automaker doesn't owe the Germans any money. If things don't go Chrysler's way, it looks as if life could get really ugly for Fiat's new ward.

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[Source: Detroit News]

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee launch threatened by parts dispute? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Oct 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nardelli confirms Chrysler hard at work on new Durango, 300 and Charger

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Chrysler

Chrysler chieftan Bob Nardelli sent a letter to "all employees, dealers, suppliers and other stakeholders" to explain what's happening at the smallest of the Detroit trio. Everything done now falls under one of three umbrellas: enhancing the core, which is improving products, quality, and dealer and customer relations; extending the business with new products or by growing existing products into new areas; and expanding the market with global alliances to fill gaps in the product portfolio.

At the bottom line, Chrysler has lowered its fixed costs by more than $3.4 billion, and has also saved money by achieving the lowest warranty claim rate in the company's history over the past 12 months. Some of that savings - and the bridge loan - are being poured into product renewals: Chrysler plans 24 new vehicle launches from now to 2011, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Charger and Durango, and the Chrysler 300.

The push into technologies and segments will commence in part with Chrysler's ENVI electric vehicle program, the new Phoenix V6 engine, and the potential tie-up with Fiat. The Pentastar aims to have one electric car in production by 2010, four in production by 2013.

The Fiat tie-up would give the Italian company a 35% stake in Chrysler in return for Chrysler getting access to Fiat's small car platforms. The deal is still pending some serious due diligence, but no money would change hands, and Nardelli reassures his readers that none of the taxpayer money would go to Fiat. Nardelli also mentions that the union would also give Chrysler a jedi tutor in the area of restructuring, since Fiat only recently turned itself around. Follow the link for the rest of Nardelli's words.

[Source: The Scoop]

Nardelli confirms Chrysler hard at work on new Durango, 300 and Charger originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jan 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler offering even more incentives to close out July

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Earnings/Financials

The automotive sales sector is in a major state of flux as consumers continue to run from SUVs and pickup trucks into smaller, more fuel efficient cars. One manufacturer hit especially hard by this transition is Chrysler, a company that recently posted the worst fleet average fuel economy numbers of all major automakers in the U.S. due to its truck-heavy lineup. Still, the automaker has built up a large supply of Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep utility vehicles that they have got to get off dealer lots somehow. To ease consumers into the fuel-thirsy utes, Chrysler has introduced new incentives of zero-percent financing for 72 months on the 2008 Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen and Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander.

While the lack of any financing charges will certainly impact the bottom line, it is nothing compared to the losses the automaker has been hit with over its past lease deals. In fact, truck and SUV residuals are so bad these days that Chrysler Financial has gone so far as to completely cut leasing out of its available portfolio starting August 1. The financing deals announced today are scheduled to continue through Thursday, July 31.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Chrysler offering even more incentives to close out July originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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7-year-old heeds Dodge marketers, "grabs life"...and grandma's Durango

Alex Nunez — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 16:34:00 EST

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

Dodge's marketing slogan is "grab life." Apparently, the message has resonated with the youth demo in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, where a 7-year-old swiped grandma's car keys and commandeered her Durango while she was unawares. An unplanned demolition derby on the streets of the Florida enclave immediately ensued. His eight-minute joyride saw him take out a pair of mailboxes, hit two parked cars in a Costco parking lot, and then two more moving vehicles at an intersection before he drove into a street sign and broke the right front wheel off the truck, ending his impromptu cruise through the neighborhood. Miraculously, no one was hurt throughout all this. The obvious quote of the day comes from PBG police officer Ellen Lovejoy, who noted that the kid's actions constituted "unusual behavior for a seven-year old." Maybe he was just getting himself amped up for this week's impending Grand Theft Auto IV release.

[Source: Palm Beach Post]

7-year-old heeds Dodge marketers, "grabs life"...and grandma's Durango originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Apr 2008 16:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Press: Chrysler to cut its SUV offerings in half

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Crossover, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

It's no secret that Chrysler has some overlapping models in its lineup. Case(s)-in-point: it's hard to make a rational argument that Jeep should be offering both the Compass and Patriot (not to mention Dodge selling the Patriot's platform sibling, the Caliber) or the Grand Cherokee and the Commander. The Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango barely pretend to be different vehicles and there's no reason to sell both the Jeep Liberty and Dodge Nitro when they're basically the same machine. This revelation is as obvious to Chrysler's new management as it is to us, and Chrysler President Jim Press, says as much. "We're going to stop overlapping, we're going to bring everything under one roof. By doing that we will have more products in the markets we are not covering."

Also marked as redundant by Press are the Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Caravan minivans, but as easy as it may be to pinpoint overlapping models, fixing that problem may prove more difficult. Dealers will need to begin offering the whole Chrysler line of vehicles if this strategy of "bringing everything under one roof" is to succeed. Expect to see drastic changes taking place in the next four to five years.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Press: Chrysler to cut its SUV offerings in half originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler announces Aspen Two-Mode hybrid

John Neff — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 15:03:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Green, Chrysler

Considering that the Aspen is nothing more than a rebadged and gussied up Dodge Durango, it should come as no surprise that today Chrysler has announced a hybrid version of its ute to accompany the Dodge Durango Hybrid on the market in 2008. Both the Durango and the Aspen will feature a Two-Mode hybrid system - the one developed jointly with General Motors and BMW - paired with a 5.7L V8 HEMI engine featuring cylinder deactivation. Overall fuel economy should increase by 25%, while Chrysler predicts each utility vehicle will see their fuel economy in the city rise by some 40%. Each SUV will be wearing the above badge to indicate their greenness.
We're eager to see this Two-Mode hybrid system in action, and expect the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid to be the first on the market. AutoblogGreen has got some seat time scheduled with one in the near future and will report back with a full evaluation of how this technology works hauling around these behemoths.

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Chrysler announces Aspen Two-Mode hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Apr 2007 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge offering free HEMI for trucks in February

John Neff — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 15:44:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Dodge, Earnings/Financials

After a soft sales month in February, Dodge is planning to bounce back with a new "National Truck Month" campaign for March. As part of the campaign, customers buying a Ram 1500 or Dodge Durango can opt up to the 5.7L HEMI V8 for free, an option that normaly costs about $1,700. In anticipation of the campaign, Dodge dealers have reportedly stocked up on Rams and Durangos equipped with the popular engine.

We're still compiling all the sales numbers reported by each automaker for the month of February, but can tell you that the Chrysler Group was off about 8% last month, with Ram sales down 4% and sales of the Durango off 43%.

[Source: Dodge]

Dodge offering free HEMI for trucks in February originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Mar 2007 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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