Archive for the 'Chrysler' Category
November 6th, 2009 by DaveAdmin
By 2014, Chrysler could have a V6 engine pushing out over 400 horsepower, according to charts in the five year plan. A three-liter version of the Pentastar V6 with dual turbochargers is charted out in the plan at around 425 horsepower, the same as the old 426 Hemi V8 and similar to the current 6.1 liter Hemi V8. While the 6.4 liter Hemi V8 would push out more horsepower, the V6 would, even with a single turbocharger, match the 5.7 liter Hemi V8. Torque has not been discussed.
The Pentastar V6 was designed to have variable cam timing and direct injection. It will debut (without direct injection) on the Jeep Grand Cherokee around May 2010. The higher-horsepower varieties discussed in the plan would include MultiAir and would be released by or in 2014. Before then, the Pentastar would have replaced all other Chrysler V6 engines.
A turbocharged version of the World Engine with direct injection also appears on the chart putting out around 300 horsepower, more than the standard 3.3 or 3.6 liter Pentastar V6. Fiat’s 1.4 liter engines were shown at a respectable 150 horsepower with turbocharging, 100 hp without. Chrysler has already sold a turbocharged version of the World Engine, in the Caliber SRT4.
November 6th, 2009 by DaveAdmin
The five year plan calls for a complete repackaging of all Dodge cars, with new options mixes, by the end of the fourth quarter of 2009. A complete overhaul of branding, marketing, positioning, and point of sale is to be completed by the end second quarter of 2010.
The car and truck brands are being separated to “amplify the youthfulness of the Dodge brand.” Cars will have a base, mid, high, and sport level. SRT will continue as the “ultimate performance sport” level.
Alex Peterson clarified this statement, quoting Ralph Gilles:
The other part of the formula that needs to be adjusted is the way we sell cars. This is the basic classic formula of base, mid, high. In actuality we do most of our sales in the base … What happens is there seems to be a frustration, where they (The Customer) see the things that they want, but they simply cannot afford them. So we are going to go through and really rethink how we package vehicles. And instead of creating this base, mid, high, we are going to create personality types.
He then outlined the types of personalities the vehicles will have. Sweet and Simple, Fun and Practical, Uptown (Luxury), Thrill Seeker, and Cool (Extrovert). A derrivative of the Thrill Seeker will be the Ultimate Performance SRT-8. Imagine R/T vs. SRT =Thrill Seeker vs. Ultimate Performance.
November 6th, 2009 by DaveAdmin
To start repositioning its brands, Chrysler is doubling the amount it spends on retail costs per vehicle, according to disclosures made in the five year plan discussion. Chrysler, which had cut discretionary ad spending (such as Google placements) for months before the plan, started running new campaigns just before, and appears to have increased its ad buys since. The new Jeep campaign was, a day after the five year plan was announced, running across New York City, with Pennsylvania Station covered in banners that proclaimed “Jeep – enjoying the ride no matter who you’re with” and, localized for the city folk, “Jeep – knowing subway wind is not real wind.” The latter is consistent with targeting “aspirational” Jeep buyers.
Jeep’s largest group of owners is “Dreamers,” time constrained by family and work, but wanting authentic gear for the time they’ll be able to “do more and dream less.” The new campaign is “i live. i ride. i am. Jeep.” (e.e. cummings joke goes here.) The plan is to re-establish the brand with a new look, feel, and attitude; renew the customer-brand connection with lifestyle engagement; and deliver a clear call to sales action.
Jeep is aiming to double its global sales from 2008 numbers, and its leader, Mike Manley, wants to take it “back to its rightful place of being the global SUV brand.” Jeep was apparently the largest SUV brand in the world through 1990 and today is #6 in the world. Wrangler remains the anchor of the Jeep brand and will be refreshed in both 2010 and its 70th anniversary, 2011. There will be new derivatives and special models based on the Wrangler.
Core Jeep customers were truck-based, wanting capability and 4WD. Expanded SUV customers want unibody vehicles, fuel efficient, with on-road dynamics. The shift from truck to car based SUVs is growing. All Jeeps must have certain aspects; volume models have specific attributes in addition. (These attributes include the grille, short overhang, trapezoid wheel-arches, functional interior, open-air concepts, visibility, durable materails, handling in bad weather, advanced four wheel drive, towing capacity, and a variety of specific off-road capabilities.)
November 6th, 2009 by Bill Cawthon
Fred Diaz, President and CEO of the new Ram brand, sent a communique to dealers outlining what’s happening as the new brand is introduced.
In his letter, Diaz noted the Ram 1500 pickup, which has earned more awards than any other full-size pickup on the market today, is being positioned to be highly price-competitive in the market. Diaz also noted the new Heavy-Duty Ram 2500/3500 pickups are on their way to dealers and the 4500/5500 Class 5 chassis cabs are coming next spring.
Chrysler has put together a strong media package to roll out the brand and increase awareness. The new “My name is Ram” ad, one of the best image ads Chrysler has produced in years, began running last night and the promotion will continue through traditional media, including print, and online.
Diaz’s letter, dated November 4, was timed to coincide with the presentation of Chrysler’s five-year plan and answer some dealer questions about factory support.
November 6th, 2009 by DaveAdmin
If you missed the live eight hour presentation, and would like to listen to it or see the slides, you can do so at the Chrysler web site, http://www.chryslergroupllc.com/ … or read our concise but fairly inclusive summary.
November 5th, 2009 by Bill Cawthon
The new Chrysler and Dodge logos will not be appearing on cars destined for the European market after 2011. Instead, cars sold in the North American market as Chryslers and Dodges will be badged as Lancias and Fiats. The move is designed to save money by reducing distribution costs.
The Chrysler Voyager minivan will appear as the replacement for the Lancia Phedra and hte next-generation 300C will be sold as the successor to the upscale Lancia Thesis. The next Sebring and the new midsize crossover will also wear Lancia badges. The Dodge Journey will become the replacement for the large Fiat Ulysse minivan and the Fiat Chroma will be a re-branded version of the upcoming Dodge mid-size sedan.
As was confirmed yesterday, Jeep will be hte only CHrysler brand that will be sold in Europe under its own name.
November 5th, 2009 by DaveAdmin
Jeff Tramontano pointed out that this photo from the Five Year Plan, presented with the label “Future Product Philosophy” and the Dodge logo, might well be the 2012 Dodge Charger. (See the2012 Dodge Charger page for a larger photo.) He wrote, “Page 31 shows a shot of something that looks somewhat like the 1999 concept CNG car but it’s very different, i.e. gas cap, door handles, C pillar and window split not to mention wheels are different.”
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