"The current generation Malibu isn't really a handsome-looking vehicle," said Merkle. He doesn't think the new version will be able to lure many buyers from the Japanese. The likely losers are the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger, he said.
But Frank Klegon, Chrysler executive vice president of product development, said the cars, both new in the 2007 model year, are doing better in retail sales than their predecessors. Competition, however, may make the company update them soon.
"We may want to do some things that give it little updates, little tweaks, whether exterior or interior, in a window of time that keeps it very fresh," Klegon said.
Chrysler may build more vehicles off the Sebring and Avenger underpinnings, which could take sales from Camry and Accord, Klegon said. A smaller crossover vehicle and perhaps other mid-sized models are expected from Chrysler.
Read to what Klegon hinting too....
Pacifica replacement. Better engine choices, lighter, better fuel economy. Im guessing a small SUV, perhaps to compete with Rav 4, CRV, Ford Escape, Santa Fe etc..
but what else could there be room for?
They already released pictures and information on the Dodge Journey (JC49) 2009 Dodge Journey , which is built off a stretched Sebring/Avenger platform. Uses the same engine and I'm assuming the same tranny.
__________________
Old ride: 04 SRT-4. I miss that car
Current ride: 06 Charger R/T. JMB CAI, Kooks LT headers and Corsa exhaust.
"The current generation Malibu isn't really a handsome-looking vehicle," said Merkle. He doesn't think the new version will be able to lure many buyers from the Japanese. The likely losers are the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger, he said.
But Frank Klegon, Chrysler executive vice president of product development, said the cars, both new in the 2007 model year, are doing better in retail sales than their predecessors. Competition, however, may make the company update them soon.
"We may want to do some things that give it little updates, little tweaks, whether exterior or interior, in a window of time that keeps it very fresh," Klegon said.
Chrysler may build more vehicles off the Sebring and Avenger underpinnings, which could take sales from Camry and Accord, Klegon said. A smaller crossover vehicle and perhaps other mid-sized models are expected from Chrysler.
Read to what Klegon hinting too....
Pacifica replacement. Better engine choices, lighter, better fuel economy. Im guessing a small SUV, perhaps to compete with Rav 4, CRV, Ford Escape, Santa Fe etc..
but what else could there be room for?
They already released pictures and information on the Dodge Journey (JC49) 2009 Dodge Journey , which is built off a stretched Sebring/Avenger platform. Uses the same engine and I'm assuming the same tranny.
Im well aware of the Journey, but it seems like there is to be more vehicles. Notice the quote says "other MID SIZED models.
Forbes Editorial believes in Nardelli; compares his role to Iacocca
From the article: “Some would say Nardelli will just do what he does best: clean house and bring discipline and accountability to an organization that has not been performing up to expectations. Who cares about culture? If the culture was “good,” the company would be performing better. Therefore, to heck with the culture; it’s command and control time.
Here’s the thing: Chrysler needs a turnaround. Nardelli has been hired. He is the right guy and the best guy for the job, parachute or not (Nardelli has declined to share details of his compensation, saying only that it is tied to the automaker’s progress in its turnaround). And with a number of Cerberus’ advisers and executives coming from the ranks of GE, and its proven track record of achieving success with Six Sigma in its other investments, Nardelli may have found the perfect team.”
It will be interesting if LaSorda and Nardelli play good cop/bad cop. Nardelli can call the cuts behind the scenes, and LaSorda can execute the “turnaround” he is currently focused on.
Nardelli Must Do More Than Knock Heads - forbes.com
"The current generation Malibu isn't really a handsome-looking vehicle," said Merkle. He doesn't think the new version will be able to lure many buyers from the Japanese. The likely losers are the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger, he said.
But Frank Klegon, Chrysler executive vice president of product development, said the cars, both new in the 2007 model year, are doing better in retail sales than their predecessors. Competition, however, may make the company update them soon.
"We may want to do some things that give it little updates, little tweaks, whether exterior or interior, in a window of time that keeps it very fresh," Klegon said.
Chrysler may build more vehicles off the Sebring and Avenger underpinnings, which could take sales from Camry and Accord, Klegon said. A smaller crossover vehicle and perhaps other mid-sized models are expected from Chrysler.
Read to what Klegon hinting too....
Pacifica replacement. Better engine choices, lighter, better fuel economy. Im guessing a small SUV, perhaps to compete with Rav 4, CRV, Ford Escape, Santa Fe etc..
but what else could there be room for?
They already released pictures and information on the Dodge Journey (JC49) 2009 Dodge Journey , which is built off a stretched Sebring/Avenger platform. Uses the same engine and I'm assuming the same tranny.
Im well aware of the Journey, but it seems like there is to be more vehicles. Notice the quote says "other MID SIZED models.
I know, but isn't it expected? That's the trend, develop a few platforms and build many different vehicles off that platform to cut costs.
Two new gen II VCT 5.7L Hemi engines, one w/o MDS (Ram), and one with MDS (Ram and others).
Any hp ratings on those yet? 400 was the rumor a while back...
I Have not seen any specs yet, I can only guess that they will fall into the 375-400 hp range. Like the current 5.7, there will be some slight power variances between different vehicles.
Well, on my vacation last week I finally got to see both the new Avenger R/T AWD as well as some next-gen Caravans.
I drove the Avenger, and wasn't too impressed with it. The interior was horrible, and for the pricepoint there was a little too much tire roar and road noise, as well as lack of tactile response from the controls. Everything clicked very plasticky instead of making that nice "snik" sound and feeling most of the European cars and newer domestics make. It just felt like the previous gen Neon - corners were cut, and they couldn't be bothered to cover them up. The front seat track is a good example - it sticks out like a sore thumb with the seat all the way back. Looks horrible.
Now, what surprised me was the 2 new Caravans I saw... they looked really low to the ground, and really small. The interiors were very... cluttered... too many materials, too many grains, too many colors. The front was very bland, and the rear reminded me of the Kia minivans. The low bumpers made the vehicle look very small and have very little presence.
The Journey looks promising however... let's hope that's the new direction...
__________________
"This car is 100% sh*ts and giggles."A car can be a tool but it can also be so much more. It can be a heart-starter, it can be a drug, it can be a piece of art and it can stir your soul.
"Speed has never killed anyone. Suddenly becoming stationary... that's what gets you." Jeremy Clarkson
Well, on my vacation last week I finally got to see both the new Avenger R/T AWD as well as some next-gen Caravans.
I drove the Avenger, and wasn't too impressed with it. The interior was horrible, and for the pricepoint there was a little too much tire roar and road noise, as well as lack of tactile response from the controls. Everything clicked very plasticky instead of making that nice "snik" sound and feeling most of the European cars and newer domestics make. It just felt like the previous gen Neon - corners were cut, and they couldn't be bothered to cover them up. The front seat track is a good example - it sticks out like a sore thumb with the seat all the way back. Looks horrible.
Now, what surprised me was the 2 new Caravans I saw... they looked really low to the ground, and really small. The interiors were very... cluttered... too many materials, too many grains, too many colors. The front was very bland, and the rear reminded me of the Kia minivans. The low bumpers made the vehicle look very small and have very little presence.
The Journey looks promising however... let's hope that's the new direction...
Funny, I was looking at the new Caravan, and could not believe how BIG it looked. I theink the rear styling is more like the Nissan than the Kia. Overall, I think they hit the nail on the head. I think this will keep the crown as the King of Minivans.
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2006 GCSRT-8 6.1
2005 SRT-4 ACR 2.4
1999 Ram 2500 SB 4x4 V-10
1998 Wrangler Sport 4.0
1971 VW Super Beetle 2287
1953 Plymouth Wagon 218/T5
1952 Willys 'Melon wagon 132
1950 Chrysler New Yorker 440/518
Well, on my vacation last week I finally got to see both the new Avenger R/T AWD as well as some next-gen Caravans.
I drove the Avenger, and wasn't too impressed with it. The interior was horrible, and for the pricepoint there was a little too much tire roar and road noise, as well as lack of tactile response from the controls. Everything clicked very plasticky instead of making that nice "snik" sound and feeling most of the European cars and newer domestics make. It just felt like the previous gen Neon - corners were cut, and they couldn't be bothered to cover them up. The front seat track is a good example - it sticks out like a sore thumb with the seat all the way back. Looks horrible.
Now, what surprised me was the 2 new Caravans I saw... they looked really low to the ground, and really small. The interiors were very... cluttered... too many materials, too many grains, too many colors. The front was very bland, and the rear reminded me of the Kia minivans. The low bumpers made the vehicle look very small and have very little presence.
The Journey looks promising however... let's hope that's the new direction...
I had a chance to check out the town and country. The van looks big and is big inside. Plenty of room for your average family. The van looks great inside and out!! The fit and finish looked tight, especially around the rear tailights and liftgate. It had the 4.0L to boot. I am not in the market for a minivan, but I think Chrysler has nailed their latest van. It is a winner in my eyes.
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Mopar Stage 2 w/ Toys
Mopar Turboback
Mopar Stage 1 Springs
Mopar STS
Mopar Wires
Motor Mount Inserts
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JMB CAI, Kooks LT headers and Corsa exhaust.
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