New 300/Charger to beat 2011 CAFE
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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?
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.
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.
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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?
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?
That would be a great move by Chrysler, they need to be cutting edge if they want to stay around.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Last edited by guionM; Dec 4, 2008 at 10:51 AM.
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Sigh