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[Live from the Chrysler proving grounds: The Concepts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/22/live-from-the-chrysler-proving-grounds-the-concepts/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/22/live-from-the-chrysler-proving-grounds-the-concepts/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/22/live-from-the-chrysler-proving-grounds-the-concepts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click the image above for high-resolution photos of Chryser's concepts

Every time there is a special "concept first drive" from one of the major automotive rags, the same rules seem to apply: you can't drive it past 25 or 30mph, none of the components are functional, etc. Well, that pretty much sums up what we encountered at Chrysler's proving grounds, where we hit the pavement with some of the Pentistar's best concept hardware. The concept vehicles were the Dodge Demon, the Jeep Trailhawk, Chrysler Nassau, the Jeep Wrangler Ultimate, a rally-prepped Caliber, and the souped-up SEMA Sebring.

The road course was flat and short with absolutely no hairpin turns, but the opportunity to drive a car that most will never get to experience is a rush in and of itself. Not surprisingly, we chose the Demon as our first test car, and it was quite a challenge to get from gear to gear with its strange and unpredictable slanted shifter. The sporty two-seater definitely looked the part of a cool roadster, though. The Nassau was probably the most fun vehicle to drive because it felt very production-ready. The interior was not very functional other than the funky push-button gear selector, but in the spirit of the concept it looked very cool.

We'll go over each of the concept vehicles in depth as soon as we can, so stay tuned to Autoblog for further updates on Chrysler's ride-and-drive event. Also, be sure to check out some of the high-resolution concept car photos we snapped from the event in the gallery below.

Gallery: Chrysler Concept Pics

Live from the Chrysler proving grounds: The Concepts originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jun 2007 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CaliperChryslerDemonDodgeSebringTrailhawkUltimateFri, 22 Jun 2007 10:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit Auto Show: Jeep Trailhawk offers open-air off-roading for four]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/08/detroit-auto-show-jeep-trailhawk-offers-open-air-off-roading-fo/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/08/detroit-auto-show-jeep-trailhawk-offers-open-air-off-roading-fo/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/08/detroit-auto-show-jeep-trailhawk-offers-open-air-off-roading-fo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


click image above to view all the new live shots in our high-resolution photo gallery

Calling it a crossbreed between the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee, Jeep today took the covers off the Bluetec diesel-powered Trailhawk concept. The Trail Rated off-roader is intended to provide a means for transporting four people off-road, and the three-panel removable glass roof allows the rock-crawling to commence with the open sky above. A chopped roofline and fat fender flares almost give it a low-slung appearance, and the interior shows off some clever touches such as rear-mounted speakers that dismount to provide portable audio.

This concept would probably make more sense if Jeep hadn't just released the Wrangler Unlimited, a user-friendly way (at least when compared to previous Wranglers) to accomplish the same task.

Check out the new updated gallery with all of today's live shots.



For our comprehensive listing of everything from Detroit, click here.

Continue reading Detroit Auto Show: Jeep Trailhawk offers open-air off-roading for four

Detroit Auto Show: Jeep Trailhawk offers open-air off-roading for four originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jan 2007 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4WD4x4Cherokeeconvertibleglass roofJeeplift-off roofoff-roadtrail ratedTrailhawkWagoneerMon, 08 Jan 2007 18:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #53: Win an 80GB iPod Video for listening!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/03/autoblog-podcast-53-win-in-80gb-ipod-video-for-listening/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/03/autoblog-podcast-53-win-in-80gb-ipod-video-for-listening/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/03/autoblog-podcast-53-win-in-80gb-ipod-video-for-listening/#commentsFiled under:

We've arrived at episode #53 of the Autoblog Podcast, which means we're at the final stage of the Autoblog Podcast Relaunch Sweepstakes. The prize this week is the king of all iPods, an 80GB iPod Video. It doesn't get any better than that, so if you've been waiting to enter the sweepstakes, now's the time. To do so, listen to the podcast and wait to hear the secret keyword revealed. Once you've got it, email the keyword to abresearch at gmail dot com along with your name, age and address. That's it! We'll accept submissions through Wednesday, January 10th at 12 AM EST, at which time we'll randomly draw the final winner. Check out the official rules here and subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes by clicking here.

For episode #53, we continue our discussion of concept and production cars that have been unofficially debuted ahead of the Detroit Auto Show that begins this weekend. The Chrysler Group had three vehicles prematurely revealed, including the Chrysler Nassau Concept, Jeep Trailhawk Concept and 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10, now with 600 ponies of ridiculous power. The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Convertible also was revealed last week, but the biggest attention getter had to be the Ford Interceptor Concept, a rear-wheel drive Mustang-based sedan which gets a thorough once over on the podcast. Finally, news came in the past few days that the next-generation Ford Explorer would leave its truck roots and be born again as a large CUV. Along with our discussion of the news, we also read some feedback from listeners on how the new show is going. Enjoy!

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Autoblog Podcast #53: Win an 80GB iPod Video for listening! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jan 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblogautoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastchryslerdodgedropheadexplorerfordinterceptorjeepnassaupodcastrolls-roycetrailhawkviperWed, 03 Jan 2007 15:30:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #53Autoblog.com1:02Autoblog; Podcast; Autoblog Podcast; Detroit Auto Show; Nassau; Trailhawk; Viper; Interceptor; Drophead; Explorer; iPod<![CDATA[Jeep Trailhawk concept arrives ahead of Detroit show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/28/jeep-trailhawk-concept-arrives-ahead-of-detroit-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/28/jeep-trailhawk-concept-arrives-ahead-of-detroit-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/28/jeep-trailhawk-concept-arrives-ahead-of-detroit-show/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


click image above to see complete high res gallery

As another embargo bites the dust prematurely, this time brought down by Autoweek the February issue of Motor Trend from what we can tell, we are introduced ahead of schedule to the Jeep Trailhawk Concept. The Trailhawk's a beefy Jeep in the Trail Rated tradition, but its extra-long 116-inch wheelbase means it should glide along the highway like a luxury car, coddling its four passengers along the way. Giant carved-out fender flares give shelter to massive 22-inch, five-spoke wheels, which in turn are rotated by a 3.0L BLUETEC diesel developing 215 hp and 376 ft-lbs. of torque. The style is chunky and chiseled, with a pair of angry-eye HID headlights flanking that traditional seven-bar grille. Hmmm... it's kind of hard to remember the Grand Cherokee even exists when staring at the Trailhawk.



We've included the complete release after the jump along with some more of our own insight. Also don't forget to check out our big gallery of 19 high-resolution images that are perfect for your PC's desktop.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Jeep Trailhawk concept arrives ahead of Detroit show

Jeep Trailhawk concept arrives ahead of Detroit show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Dec 2006 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concepttrailhawkThu, 28 Dec 2006 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Glimpse the Chrysler Nassau, Jeep Trailhawk and bongo drums]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/18/video-glimpse-the-chrysler-nassau-jeep-trailhawk-and-bongo-dru/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/18/video-glimpse-the-chrysler-nassau-jeep-trailhawk-and-bongo-dru/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/18/video-glimpse-the-chrysler-nassau-jeep-trailhawk-and-bongo-dru/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



We told you about two Chrysler concepts that will be debuting at the 2007 North American International Auto Show back in late November when the automaker released sketches of the Chrysler Nassau and Jeep Trailhawk. Today we were offered a video (embedded after the jump) that gives us glimpses of each concept amid snaps of bongo drums being played. The theme of the short vid is "Marching to the Beat of a Different Drum", and just by releasing such a video we think they're point is made. The above shot is the best view we get of the Nassau's front end, while a rear shot flashes on screen that shows the vehicle is clearly a four-door hatch. There are a few interior shots slid in there, as well.

What we love about concepts from DaimlerChrysler is that they tend to be realistic with a genuine shot at production. If public reaction to either of these concepts is significant enough, that will instigate a serious talk among bean counters and execs about whether or not their production is feasible and profitable. To us, these concepts are much more exciting than pie-in-the-sky turntable queens that show "design DNA" (a favorite industry buzz phrase this time of year) and nothing else.

Follow the jump to check out the video.

[Source: DaimlerChrysler]

Continue reading VIDEO: Glimpse the Chrysler Nassau, Jeep Trailhawk and bongo drums

VIDEO: Glimpse the Chrysler Nassau, Jeep Trailhawk and bongo drums originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Dec 2006 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Looks the trickle of officially leaked images is becoming a deluge far in advance of the L.A. Auto Show next week. First it was the interior pic of the 2008 Chevy Malibu released by General Motors earlier today, and now the Chrysler Group has given us renderings of a pair of concepts that will appear in its booth at the L.A. show. Pictured above is the Jeep Trailhawk, so named for the "cropped" headlamps that "produce the countenance of a bird of prey." Or so says the highly stylized PR text that accompanies the photo (read the rest below). The Trailhawk appears to be a cross between a Wrangler Unlimited and a Grand Cherokee, a highly effective off-road weapon that also coddles its occupants more than the military-bred Wrangler.

The Jeep Trailhawk concept merges the spectrum of the Jeep brand by combining the core features of the Jeep Wrangler with the sophistication of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Derived from the all-new 2007 Wrangler architecture, the Jeep Trailhawk concept taps into "Jeep Rugged" attributes to provide classic proportions, unsurpassed off-road capability and a new approach to open-air freedom. The headlamps, cropped and peering out from beneath a diagonal brow, produce the countenance of a bird of prey, and the inspiration for the "Trailhawk" name.

The other concept is for Chrysler and is called the Nassau. It's another one of those four-door coupes in the style of the Mercedes-Benz CLS, and judging from the sketch it pulls off the whole big sedan thing with a lot more grace than last year's Imperial concept. Check out the rendering and its PR jargon after the jump.

[Source: Chrysler via Jalopnik]

Continue reading Jeep Trailhawk and Chrysler Nassau concept sketches released

Jeep Trailhawk and Chrysler Nassau concept sketches released originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Nov 2006 16:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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