New 300/Charger to beat 2011 CAFE

So got a couple questions:

1)Where is the 8 spd auto coming from? Chrysler, last I heard, was just finishing up their first 6spd auto.
2)What are the 2011 CAFE standards and is it even plausible, given current LX ratings?

It's pretty obvious at this point that Cerberus doesn't want to keep Chrysler, and turbulent economic realities have scuttled what few available prospects there would have been for new ownership. Some have openly wondered whether team Pentastar is even working on new products at all. Product development VP Frank Klegon insists that new Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models are on their way, and he points to the next 300/Charger as proof.

Klegon told Automotive News at the LA Auto Show that the 2011 redesign of these two large, rear-wheel-drive sedans will beat projected 2011 CAFE standards. That feat will be accomplished with improvements to aerodynamics, axle ratios and upgraded engines. Klegon mentioned that the upcoming Phoenix engines, the development of which has not been cancelled, would motivate the Charger and 300. The new Phoenix family of V6 engines will have variable valve timing, cylinder deactivation and direct injection among its many efficiency increasing technologies. Automotive News also mentioned that Chrysler may employ an eight-speed automatic transmission to further improve performance and fuel economy. We don't know of any Chrysler transmission projects that are this ambitious, and Daimler currently utilizes only seven cogs in its Mercedes lineup, but suppliers like Aisin and ZF already have 8 speeds on the market.

I can understand why people think Chrysler has cut R&D back, because it is obvious Cerberus doesn't care whether it keeps Chrysler or not. But what a lot of people DON'T realize is that if they can't find a buyer for Chrysler, they need to keep the lights on and the product flowing...otherwise they'll lose their entire investment. They can't afford to sell Chrysler at a loss, let alone lose their entire investment.

Chrysler actually has a lot of neat stuff coming out...the hybrid electric cars, the LXs, the new engines, a beautifully re-done Grand Cherokee, the new Ram is awesome, and hopefully their joint ventures with Nissan will bear more fruit. There's also the new Hornet, based off of the Versa chassis.

You're going to see more from Chrysler. The question is, will they go it alone, or do it with alliances?

The new Ram is truely nice. My Father-in-Law has one and it has a surprising smooth ride dripping with torque from that Hemi.

8 speed :metal: That would be a great move by Chrysler, they need to be cutting edge if they want to stay around.

So got a couple questions:

1)Where is the 8 spd auto coming from? Chrysler, last I heard, was just finishing up their first 6spd auto.

Well, as the quote you posted says, Aisin and ZF already have 8-speed autos available for the picking. :shrug:

Just to throw this out there, GM and Chrysler have been collaborating on the hybrid 2 mode system for a while. And both produce OHV high torque V8s. And GM has trademarked an 8 speed logo (which we can assume will be used for 8 speed automatic transmissions). Perhaps GM is going to partner w/ Chrysler on the RWD transmissions like it did with ford for the 6 speed FWD auto.

Don't forget, Daimler still owns 20% of Chrysler and still has items they are licensing. That might very well be where the 8 speed is coming from.

Don't forget, Daimler still owns 20% of Chrysler and still has items they are licensing. That might very well be where the 8 speed is coming from.

Daimler doesn't make a 8 speed that I know of.:no:

Daimler doesn't make a 8 speed that I know of.:no:

They don't yet, but who knows what the future will hold.

Just to throw this out there, GM and Chrysler have been collaborating on the hybrid 2 mode system for a while. And both produce OHV high torque V8s. And GM has trademarked an 8 speed logo (which we can assume will be used for 8 speed automatic transmissions). Perhaps GM is going to partner w/ Chrysler on the RWD transmissions like it did with ford for the 6 speed FWD auto.

I thought GM was already lending their expertise to Chrysler on the 6 speed autos?

I thought GM was already lending their expertise to Chrysler on the 6 speed autos?

No. GM and Ford JOINTLY developed a 6 speed automatic transaxle.

Ironically, Ford's version turned out a bit better due to their focus on quality and durability the past 5 to 6 years.


Chrysler bought GM's Hybrid system for the Durango.

Guess what.

Durango gets better mileage than the Tahoe.

Not that it matters..... Chrysler plans on discontinuing the Durango within a few months, killing the highest mileage SUV of it's class on the market. :rolleyes:

Not that it matters..... Chrysler plans on discontinuing the Durango within a few months, killing the highest mileage SUV of it's class on the market. :rolleyes:

I've read that their going to combine the Cherokee and Durango onto the same platform.

Guess what.

Durango gets better mileage than the Tahoe.

Durango (http://www.dodge.com/en/2009/durango/performance/powertrain/): 20/21
Tahoe (http://www.chevrolet.com/m/06/quickfacts/09_Tahoe.pdf): 20/22

Those are the 2WD numbers. On the 4x4 models, Tahoe wins even more soundly (20/20 vs 18/19).

:confused:

Durango (http://www.dodge.com/en/2009/durango/performance/powertrain/): 20/21
Tahoe (http://www.chevrolet.com/m/06/quickfacts/09_Tahoe.pdf): 20/22

Those are the 2WD numbers. On the 4x4 models, Tahoe wins even more soundly (20/20 vs 18/19).

:confused:

LIES! :lol:

Don't confuse people by putting facts in front of them.:lol:

Durango gets better mileage than the Tahoe.

Not that it matters..... Chrysler plans on discontinuing the Durango within a few months, killing the highest mileage SUV of it's class on the market. :rolleyes:

Someone already corrected the mileage claim. The Durango's last day of production will be Dec 23rd, meaning that the hybrid Durango and Aspen will have had only four months' production.

Sigh

Durango (http://www.dodge.com/en/2009/durango/performance/powertrain/): 20/21
Tahoe (http://www.chevrolet.com/m/06/quickfacts/09_Tahoe.pdf): 20/22

Those are the 2WD numbers. On the 4x4 models, Tahoe wins even more soundly (20/20 vs 18/19).

:confused:

Dodge Durango Hybrid isn't offered in 2WD.

Numbers directly from the EPA:

Tahoe AWD Hybrid. 20/20
Dodge Durango HEV: 20/22.

Found on this page of the EPA link: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hybrid_sbs.shtml

Not sure where you got that 18/19 figure from. There certainly isn't anything rated that on the Federal EPA site.

Even your own link to the Dodge page states the mileage as 20/22.... did you actually read that page before you posted that link?? (or did you ignore the correct EPA numbers on that page and instead base it on another page over there that has a typographical error ;))

Perhaps you're right mastrdrver. One shouldn't confuse people by putting "facts" in front of them. :)

Perhaps you're right mastrdrver. One shouldn't confuse people by putting "facts" in front of them. :)

:shrug:I was pretty sure that I remembered the Durango getting barely worse numbers than the Tahoe when it was announced too.

:shrug:I was pretty sure that I remembered the Durango getting barely worse numbers than the Tahoe when it was announced too.

On the Dodge website, the mileage for the 4x4 hybrid is listed as 18/19.

I remember reading an article in Autoweek where they made a point of the Durango mileage being slightly below Tahoe. But on fueleconomy.gov, the numbers are different.

I guess it really doesn't matter all that much, since they only have 12 more days of production.:(

Re the Durang, the confusion was between the early numbers and the official certification, which was announced on October 16th.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/17/chryslers-new-hybrid-suvs-score-a-20-22-mpg-from-the-epa/

There must have been tweaks to the cars to improve over the early estimates.

8 speeds is just too many. Another thing Jeremy Clarkson is right about... they just reviewed the IS-F on Top Gear. I think Car and Driver had the same complaint when they put it against the M3 as well.

8 speeds is just too many. Another thing Jeremy Clarkson is right about... they just reviewed the IS-F on Top Gear. I think Car and Driver had the same complaint when they put it against the M3 as well.

I also feel that 8 speeds is way to many gears for a vehicle.

The more gears you add to a transmission, the heavier the thing weighs. A 5 speed manual is plenty, and if well spaced can cover every driving need. A 6 speed is ok too, but isn't necessary (only real advantage is fuel economy and bragging rights).

Above that is going into overkill.

I also feel that 8 speeds is way to many gears for a vehicle.

The more gears you add to a transmission, the heavier the thing weighs. A 5 speed manual is plenty, and if well spaced can cover every driving need. A 6 speed is ok too, but isn't necessary (only real advantage is fuel economy and bragging rights).

Above that is going into overkill.

Didn't Toyota say that the 8 spd is lighter than their 6 spd?

Didn't Toyota say that the 8 spd is lighter than their 6 spd?

I would assume that means that their 6-speed is overbuilt in some way.

I would assume that means that their 6-speed is overbuilt in some way.

Or the 8 speed is underbuilt in some way.