Archive for the ‘Chrysler’ Category

In part 2 of this 3-post blog series, we will check out every angle of the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8.

After it was presented to the world at the 2011 International Auto Show in New York City, the Chrysler 300 SRT8 had everyone talking. Just like the Dodge Charger SRT8, the 300 series is equipped with a jaw-dropping 465-horsepower 6.4 L HEMI V8 engine, a few steps up from the 6.1 L engine in years past. As always, this Chrysler stays true to its original design, with its simple bold lines and extraordinary performance.

Another astonishing feature of the 300 is the wheel-mounted paddle shifters that have been installed, allowing the driver to keep both hands on the wheel at all times without having to manually shift in the center counsel. While the engine fuels a 5-speed automatic transmission, the vehicle comes equipped with the paddle shifters to give the driver full-on shifting capabilities while in “sport” mode.

Just like the complete fleet of SRT vehicles this year, fuel economy was a main goal of engineers as the car was built. It features a specially designed exhaust system that allows the standard Fuel Saver technology to engage over a wider rpm range. Even though it’s nearly 25% more efficient than the last 300 SRT, little torque is sacrificed, as the car still rips from 0 to 60 in only 4 short seconds.

It’s clear that this luxury sedan can kick into high gear, but how does it perform when it comes to stopping? The braking system in the 300 is rather “muscular” for a luxury sedan. Enormous rotors in both the front and rear are clamped down by silver four-piston Brembo calipers – hardware that’s powerful enough to take the car from 0-100-0 in just under 16 seconds.

Moving to the interior cabin of the car, you’ll find even more high tech gadgets that cater to the racer—err, driver. A premium leather interior package includes Nappa leather covered door bolster, armrest and center console armrest, and imported Italian Poltrona Frau “Foligno” leather wrapped upper door trim panels, instrument panel, cluster brow and center console side panels. A new 8.4-inch color touchscreen display comes standard, and offers horsepower output, torque output, 0-60, 60-0, eighth and quarter mile time information, making your bragging points more credible.

As an added bonus, anyone who purchases the Chrysler 300 SRT 8 will receive one day of professional driving instruction from the Richard Petty Racing School. This experience is intended to add to the SRT skill set and provide the owner with a deep understanding and experience of the vehicle.

For more information about the 300 SRT8 and other SRT models, visit the official SRT page at http://drivesrt.com/. Baxter Chrysler Jeep Dodge is the #2 volume SRT dealer in the country year to date.  The Challenger SRT 392’s are already in stock and the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT models will be hitting the ground in September/October 2011 (all incoming units are already sold) and the new 2013 Viper will be available around July 2012.

Think minivans are just for soccer moms? Think again. Our new Chrysler, Dodge, Honda and Toyota minivans prove you don’t have to give up great styling for space. These classy new vehicles are packed with comfort and fun features the whole family can enjoy and be proud of.

The Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna were named as some of the top family-friendly minivans in a recent article by MSN Money. Kid-friendly extras, chic styling, power-driven performance and excellent safety features makes these vehicles excellent choices for any family.

Chrysler Town & Country

Offering 17 city and 25 highway miles per gallon, the Chrysler Town & Country has a starting price of $30,260. It’s loaded with kid-friendly features including child seat anchors, child safety locks, an optional rear-seat dual-screen entertainment system with DVD and Sirius Backseat TV and optional window shades. Other features include:

• 3.6-liter V6 engine
• 283 horsepower
• 260 pound-feet torque
• Post-collision safety system
• Head restraint whiplash protection system
• Front, rear and third row head air bags
• Three zone climate control
• Leather trim
• Optional leather seats

Dodge Grand Caravan

Starting at $21,800, the Dodge Grand Caravan is equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 flex-fuel engine and offers 17 city and 25 highway miles per gallon. Stow n’ go second row seats easily fold into the floor to give drivers plenty of cargo room with little effort, while 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet torque offers excellent power and performance. Other family-friendly features include:

• Upgraded interior materials for 2011 to offer more comfort and better styling
• Dual zone air conditioning • Audio and cruise controls on the steering wheel
• Child seat anchors • Post-collision safety system
• Head restraint whiplash protection system
• Interior air filtration • Optional heated second row seats
• Optional iPod integration and rear-seat entertainment system

Honda Odyssey

With a starting price of $27,800, the Honda Odyssey offers the same sporty feel and smooth ride of driving a car. A multi-function second row center seat and easy-to-fold third row seat offer a variety of seating and cargo storage options. Other features include:

• 18 city/27 highway miles per gallon
• 3.5-liter V6 engine
• Front and rear air conditioning and heating
• Child seat anchors and rear door child safety locks
• Engine immobilizer
• Adjustable headrests
• Cruise controls on the steering wheel
• Optional rear-seat entertainment system
• Household-style power outlet

Toyota Sienna

Loaded with family-friendly features and comfortable to drive, the Toyota Sienna starts at $25,060. With tons of entertainment options including an optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system, USB jack and iPod connectivity, the Sienna keeps the family entertained and happy on both short and long journeys. Other features include:

• 2.7-liter 4 cylinder engine or 3.5-liter V6 engine
• 19 city/24 highway miles per gallon
• 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet torque
• 12 V front and cargo area power outlets
• Cargo tie-downs
• Front, rear and third row head airbags
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Dual zone air conditioning
• Interior air filtration

If you’re ready to check out one of these family-friendly vehicles, head to your local Performance Auto dealer today!

With gas prices on the rise again, many drivers have grudgingly traded in their trucks and minivans for smaller fuel-efficient hybrid cars. If you’re one of those drivers who misses the additional space your larger vehicle gave you but love the money you’re saving on gas, Chrysler has good news for you with their new hydraulic hybrid technology.

Chrysler and the Environmental Protection Agency have partnered to develop a hydraulic hybrid system that will be used in larger vehicles, such as light-duty trucks, minivans and large passenger cars. Overall, the system would reduce harmful emissions while improving fuel efficiency in these vehicles by 35 percent on the highway and up to 60 percent with city driving.

“Hydraulic hybrid vehicles represent the cutting edge of fuel-efficiency technology and are one of many approaches we’re taking to save money for drivers, clean up the air we breathe and cut the greenhouse gases that jeopardize our health and prosperity,” said Lisa Jackson, EPA agency administrator. “The EPA and Chrysler are working together to explore the possibilities for making this technology affordable and accessible to drivers everywhere.”

Chrysler plans to release a Town and Country minivan that uses this hydraulic hybrid technology by the end of 2012. The hydraulic technology will eliminate the need for bulky, expensive batteries that other hybrids currently use.

The hydraulic hybrid technology works by using energy normally lost during braking to power pumps that squeeze hydraulic fluid into a large on-board tank, which contains a nitrogen-filled bladder that pushes against the fluid. When a driver stops, some of the braking energy pumps fluid into the tank. Then when it’s time to go, the vehicle’s gas engine shuts off and pressure in the tank is released to power the vehicle. The gas engine takes over again when the pressure level gets too low.

By using hydraulic hybrid technology instead of traditional electric hybrid technology, costs can be lowered and systems can be made simpler. Once these new systems are produced in high volumes, a hydraulic hybrid system could pay for itself in less than three years through fuel savings. Battery-electric hybrids generally take at least four to five years to pay for themselves in fuel savings, according to the Orlando Sentinel’s hybrid calculator.

The thought of new, cheaper hybrid technology is exciting. Even more exciting is the thought of larger vehicles with hybrid capabilities. Environmentally-conscious fans of minivans now have hope of being reunited with their favorite vehicle again!

Chrysler has been working hard on the production of a new engine – the Pentastar V6. The new engine is already in place in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2011 Dodge Durango, and is expected to replace seven other engines in 12 other Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge models over the next three years. The engine will give these vehicles increased performance while simplifying the production process and improving engine quality. Vehicles scheduled to receive the Pentastar V6 include the Chrysler Town & Country, 300 and 200 (previously the Sebring), as well as the Dodge Journey, Avenger, Charger and Caravan.

Vehicles with the Pentastar V6 will see an increase in fuel economy and a reduction in emissions. These cars will be up to 11 percent more fuel efficient and able to run on either regular gasoline or E85 fuel. They will also see a boost in performance with increased horsepower and torque.

Overhead costs for vehicles with the Pentastar V6 will be reduced, thanks to the simplified engine. The Pentastar reduces major components from 189 parts in some cases, down to 32. This also makes the Pentastar V6 lighter than all the engines it is replacing.

Increased performance, better fuel efficiency, simplified production and lower costs… sounds like a win all around!

Ford Sync finally has some competition.  Fiat’s Blue and Me connectivity system will be available in the U.S. in 2011 for the first time in the Fiat 500.  The technology has been available in Europe since 2007.

The top reason customers named for choosing Ford, Lincoln or Mercury over other brands was the Ford Sync system.  Now many believe that will change, as Blue and Me has many of the same characteristics of Ford Sync.  In addition to both being co-developed by the software giant Microsoft, both recognized hundreds of voice commands to control the radio, Bluetooth enabled phones and music players. 

One of the most exciting features of Blue and Me, which is not found within Ford Sync, is voice connectivity with the Tom Tom Navigation system.  This feature gives owners the ability to download their driving habits to a USB drive.  When those driving habits are then loaded to a web site, Eco:Ville, the owner will receive tips for more efficient driving.

Chrysler currently has the U-Connect option in its vehicles, but critics have said the system isn’t as user-friendly as Ford Sync or Blue and Me.  For this reason, Blue and Me will be available in Chrysler models as soon as 2012.

Blue and Me will be available in base Fiat 500 models for a price of $500, but it will come standard in up-level Sport (starting at $17,500) and Lounge (starting at $19,500) models.