Future Chrysler Brand Developments
In addition to a new logo, Olivier Francois, president and CEO of the Chrysler brand, hopes the signature brand of the Chrysler Group can overhaul its entire image to become a leader in luxury and style. For years, Chrysler vehicles have simply been rebadged and slightly more luxurious versions of Dodge models, but Francois hopes that moving forward Chrysler can “design cars that start out revolutionary and end up timeless.” By 2014, the entire Chrysler vehicle lineup will be completely redesigned from what it is today and it will grow from its current four-model lineup to a broader six-model lineup.
The first phase of to differentiate Chrysler from Dodge, Dodge Ram and Jeep involves giving the 2011 Chrysler Sebring and 2011 Chrysler Town & Country a “major modification plus” which means that the only thing that won’t change on these two models is the chassis architecture. Each vehicle will get a completely unique interior and exterior design that will create more separation between the Dodge Car brand counterparts (Dodge Avenger and Dodge Grand Caravan). These models will also get powertrain updates, but this will most certainly include the Dodge vehicles.
Chrysler engineers are also retuning the next-generation Sebring to offer reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and improved handling, but the sedan will be replaced altogether by a D-segment sedan based off of a Fiat platform in 2013. This platform will also spawn a D-segment crossover despite the fact that Dodge will be getting a Chrysler-designed seven-passenger crossover. Likewise, the Chrysler Town & Country is slated for a complete redesign in 2014, but it will remain on a Chrysler platform.
Later in 2010, Chrysler will introduce a redesigned 300 sedan that features a new exterior, interior and powertrain. It is very likely that the 2011 Chrysler 300 will continue to utilize chassis and suspension components shared with Mercedes-Benz vehicles like the current car. During its bankruptcy proceedings, Chrysler showed a rendering of the next-generation 300 in its viability plan to Congress. Unlike the restyled Charger, the 2011 Chrysler 300 will retain most of the elegant exterior styling of the current offering, with the majority of the improvements taking place in the interior and the powertrain.
After more than a decade on the market with very few changes, the Chrysler PT Cruiser will be phased out following the 2010 model year, but it will be replaced by a Fiat-derived compact sedan. A B-segment small car is also planned as a captive import for the Chrysler brand most likely the same car being offered under the Dodge nameplate.
New Car Rebates and Incentives - September 8, 2009
The 2009 GMC Sierra is a full-size pickup truck aimed at both professionals and those who require excellent payload and towing capacity in their daily driver. The Sierra’s Extended Cab design offers great access to the vehicle’s second row of seats through rear-hinged doors, while the Crew Cab adds an extra set of full-sized doors and a larger cabin in order to create a more usable passenger environment. The truck can be fitted with three different beds, ranging from 5 feet, 8 inches up to a full 8 feet. Interior amenities start out at the level of vinyl seats and a basic stereo system on up to Denali trim trucks which feature leather, heated front seats, dual climate controls and even the option of a heated steering wheel.
The base engine in the 2009 GMC Sierra Extended Cab is a 4.8-liter V-8 that provides 295 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque, along with fuel economy of 14 miles per gallon in stop and go traffic and 19 miles per gallon in the city. The next step up, and standard on the Crew Cab, is a 5.3-liter V-8 that pushes out 315 ponies and 338 lb-ft of torque. It returns almost identical fuel economy when compared with the smaller engine. A larger, 367 horsepower 6.0-liter V-8 can also be ordered, but it is trumped by a 6.2-liter, top of the line V-8 that generates 403 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque, all within the same fuel mileage range. Two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive can be ordered, although the Denali is additionally available with a lighter all-wheel drive system. 4-speed automatic or 6-speed automatic transmissions represent the available gearboxes for the range of engines found in the Sierra.
There is a financing incentive of 0.0% interest or $3,500.00 cash back on the 2009 GMC Sierra Crew and Extended Cab pickups effective until 09/30/2009.
The 2009 Nissan Armada is an incredibly imposing, full-size sport-utility vehicle that manages to impress both with interior volume and with performance. Able to swallow as many as 8 passengers, in addition to a whopping 97.1 cubic feet of total storage space, the Armada functions well as a home base for sports teams, campers, or even a big group of adults heading out for a night on the town. Every occupant will be well ensconced in the Armada’s carefully designed interior, one which offers air conditioning front and rear, an available moonroof, an optional DVD player for rear passengers, and leather seats and a navigation system as options on the vehicle’s higher trim levels.
The 2009 Nissan Armada makes use of the same drivetrain as the Titan pickup truck, which means plenty of power and strength are on tap. A 5.6-liter, 8-cylinder engine grinds out a healthy 317 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque, and available four-wheel drive sends that down to the pavement with maximum traction. A 5-speed automatic transmission handles the shifting duties, and the Armada sees fuel economy of 12 miles per gallon in the city and 18 miles per gallon on the highway.
There is a financing incentive of 0.0% interest or $4,000.00 cash back on the 2009 Nissan Armada effective until 09/30/2009.
The 2009 Chrysler Sebring sedan is the company’s competitor in the tight mid-size family car market. Sporting angular styling that helps it to stand out from the crowd, the Sebring is offered as an alternative to the more conservatively-styled vehicles that are typically found in its class. The four-door comes in a single model, the Limited, and it is well-equipped with leather seats and trim, satellite radio, and a long list of options that can be used to personalize the vehicle. Some of the standouts include a front console that can either be heated or cooled in order to store perishable items, a sunroof, electronic stability control and a navigation system.
The 2009 Chrysler Sebring sedan is outfitted with a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine right off the showroom floor. It offers 173 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque, and is matched with a 4-speed automatic transmission to produce fuel economy ratings of 21 miles per gallon in stop and go driving and 30 miles per gallon on the highway. A more aggressively tuned 3.5-liter V-6 is available as an option, and it adds a total of 235 horsepower and 321 lb-ft of torque to the vehicle’s performance equation. Benefiting from a 6-speed automatic transmission, the fuel economy of the V-6 drops only somewhat when compared to the smaller engine.
There is an incentive of $2,500.00 cash back on the 2009 Chrysler Sebring sedan effective until 09/30/2009.
The 2009 Dodge Dakota is a mid-size pickup truck that is almost as capable as many of its larger cousins. With rounded exterior styling and a more urban-friendly footprint, the Dakota is enticing to many truck shoppers who don’t need the full capabilities of a behemoth but who do occasionally require the extra hauling capacity offered by a truck. In addition to towing just over 7,000 lbs, the Dakota can be configured to seat up to 5 passengers thanks to its four-door option. Inside, the truck can be equipped with barebones necessities or loaded up with as many comfort features as a standard sedan, making it a versatile option for anyone needing a practical vehicle.
The 2009 Dodge Dakota starts out with a 3.7-liter V-6 engine that produces 210 horsepower and 234 lb-ft of torque. Those craving more brute strength can upgrade to a 302 horsepower, 4.7-liter V-8 engine that also cranks out 329 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission are available on the V-6, while a 5-speed automatic is yoked to the V-8. Fuel economy for the smaller engine comes in at 16 miles per gallon around town and 20 miles per gallon on the highway, with the V-8 giving up 2 miles per gallon city and 1 mile per gallon highway to that measure. Four-wheel drive is an option across almost the entire Dakota range.
There is an incentive of $3,500.00 cash back on the 2009 Dodge Dakota effective until 09/30/2009.
The 2009 Ford Edge is a crossover that aims to take the place of the soon to depart Explorer SUV in the Ford lineup. With excellent interior room, solid handling and a comfortable ride that outdoes the truck-based sport-utility vehicle, it is not hard to see why Ford tapped the Edge to be the replacement for the popular Explorer. Capable of seating 5 passengers, the Edge is the perfect replacement for a tired sedan, and its 69 cubic feet of storage space made available with the second row of seats out of the picture easily outdoes any large car on the market. The Edge can be ordered with cloth or leather seats, and comes with a number of interesting options outside the standard list of expected features, such as the Ford SYNC communications and entertainment system and a special sport trim that upgrades the interior and exterior appearance of the crossover.
The 2009 Ford Edge is exclusively available with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine rated at 265 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. In front-wheel drive form, the Edge is a fairly economical vehicle in terms of fuel consumption, sipping gasoline at the rate of 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway. All-wheel drive editions trade in a few miles per gallon for the additional grip and security that all-wheel drive provides. A 6-speed automatic transmission guarantees smooth shifting.
There is an incentive of 0.0% interest and $1,500.00 cash back on the 2009 Ford Edge effective until 10/05/2009.
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