The Return of the Dodge Viper - Chrysler Group LLC

Chrysler Group LLC announced yesterday that it will reopen its Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit for the production of the next generation SRT Viper. With the plant's reopening, nearly 150 jobs, both hourly and salaried, will return to the City of Detroit.

The Conner facility was idled when production of the Dodge Viper ended in July 2010.

"The next generation Viper will make its return to the product lineup in late 2012 as a 2013 model," said Ralph Gilles, President and Chief Executive Officer - SRT Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC. "We're extremely excited that our ultimate American sports car will continue to live on and be produced exclusively here in the Motor City."

Current Chrysler Group hourly employees who previously worked at Conner were first offered the opportunity to return to their home plant. The balance of the positions will be filled by hourly employees volunteering to transfer to the Conner Avenue plant.

Conner Avenue will begin building the new Viper in late 2012, but employees began reporting for training and orientation this fall.

In preparation for the reopening, the Conner facility will begin its transformation by implementing World Class Manufacturing (WCM), a system that is focused on reducing waste and making continuous improvements throughout the assembly process to improve quality and productivity.

Viper production began in May 1992 at the New Mack Assembly Plant, then moved to the Conner Avenue site in October 1995. All Vipers that rolled off the line were hand-built in a low-volume, modular process. Over the course of 15 years, Conner Avenue employees built about 12 vehicles a day for a total of 22,070 Vipers.

The reopening of the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant reaffirms Chrysler Group's commitment to the City of Detroit as the only auto manufacturer with two assembly plants in the city.

About the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant

The Conner Avenue Assembly Plant was built in 1966 and purchased by Chrysler in 1995. Viper production began in May 1992 at the New Mack Assembly Plant and was moved to Conner Avenue in October 1995. Prowler production began in May 1997 and ended in February 2002. Viper V-10 Engine production was transferred from Mound Road Engine to Conner Assembly in May 2001. In 2003, the newly engineered SRT10 Roadster hit the market and the SRT10 Coupe followed in 2005. With a production run of 28,056, Viper production ended on July 2, 2010. As a result, the facility was idled.

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/12/13/4119827/the-snake-returns-to-chrysler.html#ixzz1gVoctCOU


This Blog was brought to you by Ed Dancel from Southfield Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram

The Return of the Dodge Dart - Detroit Free Press

Dodge reached back into its history books to revive the name Dart for a compact sedan that symbolizes the future of Chrysler and Fiat.

On Tuesday, Dodge said the 2013 Dodge Dart, which will be unveiled next month at the North American International Auto Show, will not be a reinterpretation of the original Dart. Photos of the front and rear of the Dart reveal sharply angled head-lamps, as well as a grille and rear spoiler similar to the Dodge Charger.

The aerodynamic look is intended to appeal more to younger buyers than the Dodge Caliber crossover that the Dart replaces.

"From what we have seen from the teaser pictures, it looks smoking hot," said Aaron Bragman, automotive analyst for IHS Automotive.

The original Dart was sold from 1960 to 1976 with a variety of options, including the high-performance "swinger" version.

The Dart gained a reputation as a sturdy and reliable car. The 1968 version included the "slant-six," or V6 engine known for durability and endurance, according to the Chrysler-enthusiast website Allpar.com.

"The Dart is one of the more positive names in Chrysler's brand-portfolio history," Bragman said. "Also, anybody under 40 isn't going to remember Dart and that helps them because they are about to create something new."

The 2013 Dart will be Chrysler's first vehicle based on Fiat engineering, a decision meant to illustrate the technology-sharing benefits of merging the Italian and Auburn Hills automakers.

The Dart will be longer and wider than Fiat's Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

Under the 2009 agreement with the U.S. Treasury, Fiat can boost its ownership stake in Chrysler by another 5% when the Dodge sedan is certified with a combined, unadjusted 40 m.p.g. rating by the Environmental Protection Agency. Fiat currently owns 53.5% of Chrysler.

Joe Veltri, Chrysler's vice president of product planning, said in June that the new Dodge would be a sporty, fun-to-drive, fuel-efficient car.

The sedan will be built in Belvidere, Ill. Buyers can choose one of three four-cylinder engines: a new Tigershark 16-valve 2.0-liter engine, a 16-valve 1.4-liter MultiAir Intercooled turbo engine, and a new Tigershark 16-valve 2.4-liter MultiAir engine.

Fiat's small car and engine technology helps balance Chrysler and Jeep's large car and truck-heavy lineup, and was a key reason for Fiat taking a controlling interest in Chrysler in 2009.

The Dart should make Dodge more competitive in the compact segment that includes the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra.

"There has been a lot of activity in that segment and a lot of investment," Ralph Gilles, senior vice president of product design for all Chrysler brands, said in June. "We are ready for that."

- by Brent Snavely: 313-222-6512 or bsnavely@freepress.com

See Ed Dancel at Southfield Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram

Chrysler 300 Commercial / Imported from Detroit - "See it Through"

Continuing the line of “Imported From Detroit” commercials is the brand new “See it Through” commercial that will make its national debut this Thursday during the Detroit Lions annual Thanksgiving Day game. You can read the text of the poem “See it Through” by Edgar Guest below the embedded video.



See it through

When you're up against a trouble,
Meet it squarely, face to face;
Lift your chin and set your shoulders,
Plant your feet and take a brace.
When it's vain to try to dodge it,
Do the best that you can do;
You may fail, but you may conquer,
See it through!

Black may be the clouds about you
And your future may seem grim,
But don't let your nerve desert you;
Keep yourself in fighting trim.
If the worst is bound to happen,
Spite of all that you can do,
Running from it will not save you,
See it through!

Even hope may seem but futile,
When with troubles you're beset,
But remember you are facing
Just what other men have met.
You may fail, but fall still fighting;
Don't give up, whate'er you do;
Eyes front, head high to the finish.
See it through!

- Edgar Albert Guest

Eminem Shops for a Car at Southfield Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram For Daughter Hailie's 16th Birthday - Ed Dancel

On Sunday, October 9, 2011 at approximately 2:00 pm, Eminem and his daughter Hailie came by Southfield Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram to shop for a car. Our dealership is normally closed for business on Sundays but at the request of the famous Detroit native superstar, we opened up for a private ride and drive.

The event was kept secret for obvious reasons. There were only three staff members present; Mike Wigand the sales manager, Brian Mejia the car salesman and Ian Claes the porter.

Supposedly, Eminem is buying his daughter Hailie a car for her 16th birthday and he wanted her to experience a somewhat of a normal car buying experience. According to Wigand, Hailie drove a 300C AWD, a Durango Citadel, Grand Cherokee Overland Summit and she looked at the Mopar Charger. He thinks that she's going to get the 300.


- Ed Dancel is a car sales representative at Southfield Chrysler

Another Dodge Journey Search Winner

After driving and searching for nearly 40-hours since the first video was available, the east coast Dodge Journey was found by Melissa.

Just remember, you can get your very own Dodge Journey at Southfield Chrysler.

- Ed Dancel

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Walk Around - Ed Dancel

I was surfing around the web today when I found this very interesting video on YouTube featuring the Charger SRT Chief Engineer David McDonald showing off the new 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8.

During his walk around, he showed off the impressive 6.4-L V8 Engine which has 465 horsepower and 465 foot pounds of torque. Surprisingly, with this much power, this speed demon is also quite fuel economic. McDonald explained that with this engine, they are expecting 15% improvement in city mpg and 25% in highway mpg fuel economy from the previous model.

He then went to show that the car has been lowered a half inch versus the base car. He also then explained that new for 2012 is the adaptive suspension system which can be selected into sport mode at a touch of button. This feature will lock the car down and it'll kick in within a millisecond when activated to provide optimal handling for the car.

For an aggressive appearance they gave this new SRT Charger stylish split 5 spoke wheels, new Goodyear RS-A2 tires that's specifically designed to have better wet handling characteristics, 4 piston Brembo Brakes, aggressive front fascia that's fully blacked out in the center and has a unique SRT rear fascia with chrome dual wall 4 inch exhaust tips.

He says that when you give the car throttle, the exhaust note you'll hear is just pure power all the way through from the engine to the exhaust. It is very stable at high speeds and he's very proud to say that you can drive this car 150 miles per hour with no problem.

McDonald then sat in the driver seat of the car and showed off the new redesigned interior for 2012. This Charger SRT has a unique steering wheel that's flat,aggressive and sporty with paddle shifters. It also has a unique instrument cluster, shifter and dash made of carbon fiber weave and aluminum bezels. The most impressive part of the interior is the 8.4 inch media center that now contain SRT performance pages which is a great way to connect the driver to the road.

Well that's the new 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8. It's one of the best SRT products ever made by Chrysler. I can't wait to put one of my customers into one.



- Ed Dancel is a sales consultant at Southfield Chrysler

31 MPG Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger Thanks to 8 Speed Trans - Eric Loveday

The first eight-speed automatic transmission in a domestically manufactured automobile will debut in both the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger for 2012. The eight-speed slushbox, developed by German transmission specialist ZF and often found packed in luxury vehicles from automakers including Audi, Bentley, BMW, Range Rover and Rolls-Royce, will be mated to Chrysler's 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar engine on select models within the 300 and Charger lineups.

The result, says Chrysler, is a four mile-per-gallon increase that bumps up the highway fuel economy rating to 31 miles per gallon for both the 300 and Charger – up from the 27-mpg rating found on five-speed, auto-equipped 2011 300s and Chargers. City fuel economy for both of the full-size sedans checks in at 19 mpg - an increase of five percent over 2011's five speed slushbox.

Compact and lightweight, the ZF eight-speed fit into the 300 and Charger with no structural changes and, despite the addition of three more gears, the transmission actually weighs only 6.6 pounds more than the five-speed tranny. By adding a dash of German ingenuity, Chrysler has gotten two significantly improved sedans. We'll see what the Italians can add.

Wrangler Finds Its Softer Side - Scott Burgess/The Detroit News

America, along with the rest of the world, has cheapened our icons.

Nowadays, everything is iconic: Robert Redford, a water tower and even a good Coney dog might qualify. The problem with making everything iconic is that then nothing really is. It's like saying every child is special.

But one special vehicle deserving of this trail-rated badge is the 2012 Jeep Wrangler. It defines more than a brand — it defines a country, a way of life. Close your eyes and think of a Jeep and it's the Wrangler crawling slowly up the side of your brain, fording cerebral fluid like it was crossing the Amazon River itself.

And finally, the Wrangler is opening its doors to more than just those wonderfully crazed enthusiasts who always have mud splattered on their sunglasses and dust covering the dash and floor and gear inside of other gear. The Jeep life used to be a dusty one.

Now the Wrangler has made room for everyone else, including the people who don't care for dust.

Jeep put the Wrangler in its transmogrifier and popped out the 2012 version with better gas mileage, more power and a lot more refinement inside and out.

At first glance, the Wrangler's looks haven't changed much. There are still all of those great cues that say you drove to work via the Continental Pass. The big, round headlights, the seven-slotted grille and chunky 18-inch wheel strapped onto the back. There are a few other things enthusiasts know about, such as the exposed door hinges and the trapezoidal shaped fenders that help define the Wrangler.

But something happened during assembly that gives the Wrangler a cleaner look. Jeep attributes some of this to improved manufacturing and a new paint shop. This made it possible to provide a body-colored hardtop for the 2011 regular Wranglers and for 2012 Sahara and Rubicon models.

Inside, an interior overhaul has moved this 4x4 up a few rungs of the sophistication ladder. It's a delicate ascent, as Wrangler still wants to have all of its rugged appeal but still attract people who enjoy some of the finer things in life, such as a well-made dash and comfortable seats.

The interior is comfortable and complete. The softer dash pushes out on a few inches from the nearly straight up windshield, and the redesigned instrument gauges are much more crisp.

Finally complete

Really, the difference is just the way this dash looks and feels over the previous generation. Jeep underwent a small overhaul for the 2011 model year, but critics called it half-baked.

Now, it's finished. The materials feel high-grade, and there's a completeness the previous model lacked.

There are the easy-to-reach USB connections and heated front seats (always been needed on chilly fall days when it's sunny enough to keep the roof down).
(There are two types of roofs, a soft or hardtop, available for the Wrangler. Personally, I like the soft top, which is surprisingly quiet when it's up; it takes a few minutes to lower, once you find all of the zippers involved.)

Jeep also brings it new UConnect system. The voice-activated system will connect your phone via Bluetooth for hands-free phone operation and your music-playing device.

My test vehicle still included the old-generation 6.5-inch color touch screen with chunky buttons down each side, but this system is better than last year. It took only a few minutes to get the speakers mounted on the roll bars and cranking out tunes.

Of course, sitting in the back of the Wrangler remains an uncomfortable experience and just getting back there can be a hassle. (This explains why the four-door Wrangler Unlimited continues to outsell the Wrangler two-door.)

More mileage

There are also convenient features such as the 115-volt outlet in the second row, a feature that every vehicle in the world should have. Jeep also added lockable storage, which comes in handy when the soft top is down and the Wrangler is parked. The Wrangler used to symbolize roughing it, but now, you don't have to sacrifice anything inside the Wrangler.

Driving the Wrangler, there's never a sense of sacrifice. First, it can do everything, if not more, than all of the Wranglers from years gone by. (This Wrangler was introduced in 1987, and the original Jeep Wiley pulled four years of military service before it even became available to the general public.)

Now, the Wrangler has the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 under its clamshell hood. This engine, the driving force behind Chrysler Group's revival, is smaller, more powerful and all around better than the outgoing 3.8-liter V-6 formally in the Wrangler.

It produces 83 more horsepower (285 horsepower total), 23 pound-feet more torque (260 pound-feet total) and better fuel economy. The new Wrangler can get 17 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.

More mileage

Naturally, when you're going to put an engine into a Jeep, it will require modifications. Jeep engineers improved the intake, giving the Jeep more power, and moved the alternator up, just in case of an Amazon crossing.

Some of that mileage improvement can be attributed to the new five-speed automatic transmission (there's also a German-made six-speed manual available). The manual transmission is extremely smooth, and a few times during my test-drive I forgot to put the Jeep in the fifth or sixth gear because the Wrangler was so responsive. The automatic was equally as responsive, never hunting for a gear.

The suspension, while created for all of that crazy wheel articulation off-road, provides a smooth ride on the highway and county roads. Even the Rubicon model felt comfortable on the road.

And that's the difference between this Jeep and any other Wrangler.

Off the road, it will chew up almost any terrain in front of it. It relishes every opportunity to get dirty. On the road, it feels like a nice SUV with a smooth ride.

And this Wrangler will never call itself iconic. It knows if you have to call yourself that, then you're not. And this Jeep certainly is.

sburgess@detnews.com

From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110915/OPINION03/109150341/Wrangler-finds-its-softer-side#ixzz1Y74nNE8X

From a Boring Brick Box With Windows to a State-of-the-Art Showroom - Ed Dancel

Thinking back to when I was first hired in at Southfield Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in December of 1997, it's amazing to look back and see how many changes we've undergone. Back then we sold Chrysler, Jeep, Plymouth and Eagle brands and our dealership was just a plain old boring brick box with windows.

We've gone through several Corporate mergers...starting with Chrysler to Daimler-Chrysler to Cerberus and now Fiat Chrysler...and in order to adapt to these changes, our dealership had to change...we had to undergo a couple of “Extreme Makeovers”. One was done in 2004 and the latest was finished in March of 2011.

The first renovation started in 2003 included a new entry feature with an impressively dramatic brushed aluminum paneled entry and polished metal accents, two outdoor covered display areas and a 21st century showroom that featured a state-of-the-art furniture and brand display system.

In 2010 we underwent yet another renovation in order to enhance and improve our facility for customer enjoyment and brand recognition. Our latest improvements upgraded customer accessibility and dramatically transformed our present interior and outdoor display areas.

The resulting renovation design includes a new monumental entry feature with a handicap lift, a state-of-the-art expanded showroom with two car elevators on opposite ends of the building, a greeter's desk, interactive information kiosks with touchscreen displays, a cafe style refreshment stand with tall chairs and round tables where customers can sit and chat, a children's play room and a customer lounge with a flat screen TV and soft comfy leather couches. Other changes include new furniture for the sales staff and managers, renovated bathrooms, a new employee break room and a bigger customer lounge in the service department.

So why are we investing in such expensive renovations? Well, with so many customers now researching vehicles and pricing online before they come in, it's harder for us dealers to turn more than slim profits on new vehicle sales. So we are focusing on trying to make serious money on accessories, maintenance and repairs, as well as on used cars.

The goal is to not depend on buyers who, at best, will return years later for another car. Instead, we increasingly want to develop relationships with owners to keep them coming in multiple times a year, whether it is for car maintenance or repairs, to chat with service advisers or just kick tires on the latest new model while grabbing a free cup of coffee. A nicely renovated store with comfortable and inviting surroundings we believe will help tremendously.

So next time you're in the area, come check out our new showroom. You'll see...we've certainly come a long way from just a boring old box with windows.

- Ed Dancel is a sales consultant at Southfield Chrysler 248-354-2950

Another Happy Customer - Ed Dancel

So I was playing around with my computer this morning when I decided to Google my name. Guess what popped up? A great review of me from a Michael F. on Yelp.

http://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=r3easQouZ3PSe-hyiO30uQ

Here's What he Wrote:

"I called 4 or 5 dealerships before I spoke with Ed Dancel at Southfield Chrysler. This guy was awesome to deal with. He was upfront and gave me a great price. I will be back in a couple of months to buy my wife a car too! Highly recommend!!"

What the heck is Yelp you ask? See, I can read your mind. Well, Yelp is a Social Networking site where anyone can join to rate and write reviews about businesses, people or places around town. It's like being your own Better Business Bureau. It's a great site to read what people are saying about places you frequent or places you want to know more about before you go. It's a great site to get recommendations or warnings on places you should avoid.

Well, I really appreciate reading about what a GREAT job I did for Michael F. His review has really made this Happy Car Salesman even HAPPIER! :)

- Ed Dancel is a sales consultant at Southfield Chrysler 248-354-2950

Chrysler 200 commercial wins Creative Arts Emmy - The Detroit News

Detroiters weren't the only ones who fell in love with that soulful and moving Chrysler 200 commercial starring hometown hero and rapper Eminem.

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences was also smitten and rewarded the agency that made the TV spot, which debuted during this year's Super Bowl, with a Creative Arts Emmy Saturday.

"We were very surprised," said Aaron Allen, a creative director from Wieden + Kennedy, after the win. The Portland and New York based ad agency made the Chrysler 200 commercial, which competed against spots from Conan O'Brien for American Express and Nissan's environmentally friendly polar bear. "We really wanted to win but wondered if humor would win instead."

Titled "Born of Fire," the commercial featured Eminem driving around Detroit in one of the cars as his song "Lose Yourself" played and a narrator talked about Chrysler and the Motor City knowing about hard work, conviction and luxury cars.

"Our win meant a little more," Allen said, lumping his victory in with the day's college football victories for Michigan State University and the University of Michigan.

"It's a good night for Michigan," he said.

The Creative Arts Emmys air 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17 on the ReelzChannel.




Mekeisha Madden Toby/ Detroit News Television Writer
mmadden@detnews.com

From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110911/ENT10/109110315/Chrysler-200-commercial-wins-Creative-Arts-Emmy#ixzz1XnDn6ACU

Find Hidden 2012 Dodge Journey and It's Yours Contest - USA Today

The Dodge Journey was made to be a search engine to help you explore the world wide world. To get people to explore the world wide world, Dodge left three Journeys somewhere out there for you to find. You find one, you can have one.

An ad push for the 2012 Dodge Journey features clues to three Journeys hidden around the U.S.: Find one first and it's yours.

Starting today, clues can be found in new commercials on TV and online at www.youtube.com/Dodge, including the video below.



The effort touts the Journey as a "Search Engine for the Real World" -- a perfect ride for adventures. It also highlights the new trim that cuts Journey's base price by $3,250 to $19,745 with shipping (details in a post here).

"The Dodge Journey is the 'Swiss Army knife' of vehicles," Reid Bigland, Dodge brand CEO said in a statement. "America's most versatile crossover is also now the most affordable in its class."

The otherwise cleverly designed crossover got off to a slow start in 2008, thanks to a Cerberus/Chrysler cheap interior and coarse powertrain, But it got one of Fiat/Chrysler's classy interior makeovers for 2011, along with a 283-hp. version of the sweet Pentastar V6. The redone 2011 finished 2nd out of of 9 in the USA TODAY/Cars.com Shootout for affordable crossovers last winter.

A Fiat-badged version is beating sales expectations in Europe, and the new marketing and aggressive pricing indicates Chrysler has higher hopes here. With the 2011 model closing out, Dodge has sold 36,304 this year, up 6%, compared with a 10.5% industry sales rise, tallies the Detroit Free Press.

The first TV ad shows three Journeys on adventures -- with kayakers, friends on a road trip and a camping family -- heading to a "beautiful location" where they now sit waiting for you. The video below tells how to play.

The sites are one each in the West, Midwest and East. More TV ads in the next two weeks will offer specific clues and more clues are on YouTube, plus there's (we love this part) a live, 24/7 video feed of the hidden Journeys.

The contest ends Sept. 27 and is open to U.S. residents old enough to join the Army or buy cigarettes.

To get people to explore the world wide world, Dodge left three Journeys somewhere out there for you to find. You find one, you can have one. Here's how to play...



By Fred Meier, USA TODAY

Jeep Releases a Special Call Of Duty: MW3 Edition Wrangler - OFF-ROAD.COM

The Jeep brand and Activision Publishing, Inc. today announced that Jeep has been named exclusive automotive partner of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, the year’s most anticipated entertainment launch, which will be released on November 8. This marks a second chapter in a joint promotion that Jeep and Activision began last year.

As part of these efforts, Jeep also announced that it will produce the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 Special Edition. Available in Jeep showrooms this November, the new limited-edition Jeep Wrangler will be available in both two-door and four-door (Jeep Wrangler Unlimited) models.

“The Jeep brand’s partnership with Activision allows us to combine our new, more powerful, more exciting and more fuel-efficient Jeep Wrangler with the latest version of one of the most popular gaming experiences in the world,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “This opportunity enables us to demonstrate Jeep Wrangler’s unique combination of fun, capability and performance to a broad and growing group of consumers.”

The presence of a Jeep Wrangler in the game is a natural fit, including an in-game integration into the epic single-player storyline of “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3,” a Spec-Ops level and the title’s much anticipated multiplayer experience.

“We are very excited to extend our partnership with Jeep, which not only marries two of the world’s most iconic brands – Jeep Wrangler and Call of Duty – but also creates a number of unique consumer touch points,” said Tim Ellis, Chief Marketing Officer for Activision. “The Jeep Wrangler perfectly embodies the authenticity and dynamic energy of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, and our teams have worked hard to create an integrated partnership that enhances both brands.”

2012 Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 Special Edition

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Call of Duty: MW3 Special Edition is based on the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model and features Rubicon wheels finished in semi-gloss black. Available in Black or Bright Silver, the exterior features “Call of Duty: MW3 Special Edition” graphics on the front fenders and spare tire cover.

The vehicle also features a unique “power-dome” hood, along with such Mopar® accessories as a winch-ready front bumper, rear bumper, rock rails, taillamp guards and a fuel-filler door. Inspired by the most recent version of Activision’s popular “Call of Duty” games, the new limited-edition Wrangler delivers legendary Jeep capability, aggressive 32-inch off-road tires, live axles with locking differentials in the front and rear, and a two-speed transfer case.

Available dealer-installed Mopar performance parts include a Warn winch, 2-inch lift kit and classic five-spoke wheels.

Interior appointments include model-specific black seats with accent stitching and Call of Duty logos, unique gauge cluster graphics, dashboard serialized plaque, dashboard grab handle with logo, accent stitching on arm rest, console lid, and steering wheel, Mopar Slush Mats with logo, and rear cargo mat with logo (Unlimited only).

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler

Jeep Wrangler – the most capable and recognized vehicle in the world – becomes even more capable both on- and off-road for 2012, courtesy of an all-new, more fuel efficient and more powerful 3.6-liter V-6 engine, and a new five-speed automatic transmission – both of which it shares with the award-winning Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Chrysler Group’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine – winner of the prestigious Ward’s 10 Best Engines award – delivers 285 horsepower (209 kW) and 260 (353 N•m) lb.-ft. of torque, while delivering up to 21 miles per gallon highway in the 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The improvement, when compared to the previous 3.8-liter V-6 engine, is 40 percent in horsepower and 10 percent in torque.

Additionally, for refined shifting and greater performance, the Jeep Wrangler migrates from a four-speed to a new five-speed automatic transmission. The 2012 Jeep Wrangler also features the company’s first application of a manual transmission to the Pentastar V-6.

Jeep continues to refine the successful Wrangler formula by combining legendary, benchmark capability with an interior that delivers rich styling with significantly upgraded touch surfaces, occupant comfort and versatility, and a premium appearance courtesy of a body color hard top for the popular Sahara and Rubicon models.

2012 Jeep Wrangler interior highlights include a recently redesigned instrument panel and storage areas with improved ergonomics and upgraded materials. A lockable console and upgraded door armrest areas boast comfortable touch points, while a redesigned center stack is easier to reach and operate. Heated, power mirrors are available, and drivers and passengers enjoy enhanced visibility courtesy of large rear windows.



By jburns on Wednesday September 7 2011

Mopar muscles up 2011 Chargers - Detroit News

For more than 70 years, Mopar made its name on race tracks and in the parts departments of Chrysler dealerships.

Well, actually Mopar took its trademarked name from a contraction of MOtor and PARts, but the name became well-known and well-respected among hands-on car enthusiasts as the source for parts and accessories that made their cars look good and go fast.

A year ago, the name was applied to a turnkey vehicle, the Mopar '10 Challenger, a limited-edition of 500 Mopar-tweaked — and for the first time right on the assembly line — Hemi-powered Dodge Challenger R/T muscle cars.

Those 500 Mopar '10 Challengers were sold out within hours of their unveiling. The program was so successful that Mopar decided to do another vehicle for the 2011 model year. This time, the vehicle would be the new Dodge Charger. Mopar expected as many as 1,000 customers and had to cut off orders after 1,500 were ordered within two days of being offered. Each car was priced at $39,750 (including delivery).

All Mopar '11 Chargers wear Pitch Black paint with a Mopar Blue racing stripe from the grille back over the hood, the roof, the deck lid and the special rear spoiler.

But this stripe isn't merely an exterior feature. The stripe runs through the car's interior as part of the Katzkin leather-covered driver's and left-rear passenger's seats.

The interior gets special dash treatments, door sills, floor mats, pedals and a pistol-grip shift lever so the driver can explore all the potential of the 5.7-liter, 370-horsepower Hemi V-8 with its 395 pound-feet of torque.

Enhancing that experience is a "Super Track Pak" that includes larger front and rear stabilizer bars with braces across the front and rear shock towers. The rear brace runs through the car's trunk, but can be removed should an owner need that space for luggage.

The Mopar '11 Charger rides on special 20-inch Envy wheels with a 45-mm offset and 245/45-aspect, Z-rated Goodyear F1 Supercar tires.

Add in a 3.91:1 final-drive ratio, and Mopar says its Charger can accelerate from a standing start to 60 mph in the low 5-second range, a full second faster than the standard 5.7-powered Charger.

To slow the car toward zero, front brakes are 345x28 mm with dual-piston sliding calipers while the rears are 320/22 with single-piston calipers.

Each vehicle comes with a special owners kit that includes a keychain; license plate-size plaque the features the car's specifications and is designed to use at car shows; a Mopar flag; special set of photos; a drawing signed by the car's designer; special Mopar heritage literature; and a die-cast scale model with the same serial number as the real car.

A special website is being established so Mopar '10 Challenger and Mopar '11 Charger owners can interact.

In several cases, Mopar '10 Challenger owners also are owners of Mopar '11 Chargers, and it's likely that those Challenger and/or Charger owners will get first dibs on ordering whatever model Mopar tweaks for the 2012 model year.

(P.S. We not only got to see a Mopar '11 Challenger during a visit to Mopar's workshop in Center Line, we got to do a test drive and found the car tire-smoking fast, stayed flat around corners and freeway ramps and was just a bunch of fun to drive.)

Larry Edsall is a Phoenix-based freelance writer. You can reach him at ledsall@cox.net.


From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110908/AUTO03/109080331/Mopar-muscles-up-2011-Chargers#ixzz1XMK5l5PM

First Test: 2012 Jeep Wrangler - By Allyson Harwood of Motor Trend

You can't tell by looking at it, but the Jeep Wrangler has undergone a transformation. The iconic shape remains -- seven-slot grille, round headlights, short wheelbase, soft or hard top -- but Jeep has made huge improvements to the off-roader for 2012. Jeep invited us to drive the 2012 Wrangler on the Rubicon, one of the hardest 4x4 trails around, used almost exclusively by modified vehicles. We also got to drive on the two-lane asphalt roads that wind around Lake Tahoe.

Consider this the second part of a major overhaul to the Wrangler and four-door Wrangler Unlimited. Part one happened for the 2011 model year, when the JK (the current generation's code name) received a new interior, plus, on the Sahara, a body-color hard top and fender flares. The hard top is of the same composite material as it was before, but what sounds like a minor change actually has a major effect on the Wrangler's appearance. In addition, the rear windows are larger as of 2011, improving visibility. For 2012, the body-color hard top and fender flares are optional on the Rubicon, too.

Inside, welcome 2011 revisions include the use of higher-quality materials; the redesigned center stack; an all-new instrument panel; and strategically applied sound insulation that makes this the quietest Wrangler ever. Some creature comforts never seen here before -- seat heaters, power heated mirrors, and redundant steering wheel controls -- make this the most refined Wrangler cabin ever.

For part two: Prior to the 2012 model year, Jeep knew the Wrangler would get the Pentastar engine, even if the company didn't make an official announcement. The pairing makes perfect sense: more horsepower, more torque, and better fuel economy. The previous iron-block 3.8-liter V-6 put out 202 horsepower and 237 lb-ft; the all-aluminum Pentastar has 285 horses and 260 lb-ft. And, while the six-speed manual returns unchanged, the four-speed automatic has been ditched in favor of the Grand Cherokee's five-speed. All the rest of the major mechanical features (axles, suspension, steering, brakes), the body, dimensions, and structure are essentially carryover.

We started out on-road, driving to the Loon Lake trailhead from Squaw Valley, in the Sierra Nevadas. The route included elevation changes and sudden large openings in traffic that gave us opportunities to test out the Pentastar's acceleration. While this combination would've highlighted the weaknesses of the previous engine (universally considered a dog), the 3.6-liter V-6 shone.

The new engine offers excellent response and a noticeable improvement in power -- the Pentastar is significantly faster from a stop and when passing. Also, the engine sounds much more upscale than the coarse 3.8-liter, and the exhaust note is throatier. Paired with either transmission, it feels much more refined. Where the 3.8 feels pokey, the 3.6-liter actually makes the JK feel spry. Jeep estimates that the new engine reduces 0-60 times by 2-3 seconds with either transmission, and when we took a Wrangler Sport manual to the track, we confirmed this estimate. The new Jeep hit 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, while all of the 3.8-liter Wranglers took between 9.8 and 10.2 seconds.

When we reached the Rubicon trailhead, we swapped the Unlimited Sahara we'd been driving and got into a Wrangler Rubicon. The trail is in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. It cuts through an evergreen forest and runs up and over the Sierras. The terrain varies from slick granite to dirt dotted with rocks to massive boulders that require highly technical driving to traverse or go around. The trail takes you past breathtakingly beautiful vistas overlooking crystal-clear lakes. There was also more water on the trail than in the past, thanks to the heavy winter. Puddles appeared at the most inopportune times, and there were water crossings in spots where the trail had been dry the year before. The trail is known for changing year to year, but the conditions were especially tough this time around.

Despite the challenges, all the Jeeps survived. The new engine and trans worked well, and even though peak torque is now at a higher rpm, there was no noticeable difference when off-roading at low speeds.

Jeep's goal with this latest version of the Wrangler is to make the vehicle more refined and better on a day-to-day basis, without sacrificing the JK's off-road ability. The new Wrangler stays true to the model's roots, but now it's a lot more fun to drive on-road.



Read more:

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/1110_2012_jeep_wrangler_first_test/#ixzz1XERJmHDm

Chrysler to Debut its 8-speed Transmission - Bryce G. Hoffman/ The Detroit News

Chrysler Group LLC says it will introduce an eight-speed automatic transmission this year — the first from a domestic manufacturer.

The new transmission, which is more fuel-efficient than the five-speed and six-speed gearboxes that dominate the market today, will debut on the 2012 Chrysler 300C and Dodge Charger.

Mated to Chrysler's Pentastar V-6, it yields a four-mile-per-gallon increase on the highway, delivering an estimated 31 mpg on the base rear-wheel-drive model, the company said.

City fuel economy increases, too, from 18 mpg to 19 MPG.

"The fuel economy was something that we prized very highly," said Mircea Gradu, vice president and head of transmissions for the Chrysler Group. "It's extremely efficient … it's lighter than the 6-speed version that is in some of the competitive vehicles. It's also more compact."

Product analyst Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics LLP said Chrysler's new transmission is the shape of things to come.

"Transmissions, in a lot of ways, are a sort of an unplumbed area," he said. "It's what you need for the future CAFE (corporate average fuel economy) standards."

That is particularly true in bigger vehicles like the 300 and Charger, where smaller motors are not an option, Hall said.

"One solution to not going to smaller engines is to add gears to the transmissions," he said.

In addition to saving gasoline, the new transmission creates a more comfortable driving experience, Gradu said.

More gear ratios translate into smaller shift gaps and smoother shifting. It also features a "sport" shift mode for more aggressive performance.

General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co. are developing their own eight-speed transmissions, Hall said.

Nine-speed transmissions are also in the works.

Luxury brands like Audi, Bentley, BMW, Range Rover and Rolls Royce already offer eight-speed gearboxes.

Chrysler will initially purchase the transmissions from Germany's ZF Friedrichshafen AG, then build them under license at its Kokomo Transmission Plant in Indiana. The shift is expected to occur within a year.

Cars equipped with the new transmission will be in showrooms by Oct. 1. All-wheel-drive versions also will be available.

Chrysler plans to offer the new transmission on other models in the future.

bhoffman@detnews.com

From The Detroit News:

http://detnews.com/article/20110901/AUTO01/109010352/Chrysler-to-debut-its-8-speed-transmission#ixzz1X2W9U5JM

The Car Ad That Sold a City - Ed Dancel

Ever since the debut of the award winning Chrysler 200 commercial featuring Eminem during the Super Bowl, I've been noticing a sudden surge of pride in the people who live, work and play in our great city of Detroit.

And why not? Detroit is the hub for innovation, creativity and hard work. No matter what's been thrown our way, we've always persevered. It's what we do and this is who we are.There's a lot of history and heritage that was born here...there's a lot of great things happening here and a lot of great things that we Detroiters can be proud of.



First of all, Detroit is the birthplace of the auto industry. America’s Car Culture roared to life here...right on Woodward Avenue. Ford, Cadillac, Dodge, Chrysler, Packard and several other brands were born and raised here. In fact, as you know, Detroit is known around the world as the "Motor City" - home of the Big Three.

But that's not all Detroit's known for. We're also known around the world as "Motown" and "Detroit Rock City". Just like the automobiles, great music was and is still being produced here. In fact, Detroit competes in its own right as one of the top music capitals of the country, both from its range of artists to its location as a concert stop for national tours.

It's hard to believe sometimes but a lot of your favorite songs are from famous musicians who are from Detroit and here's a sampling of just a few of them:

Eminem, Kid Rock, Madonna, Alice Cooper, The White Stripes, MC5, Iggy Pop/The Stooges, Bob Seger, Ted Nugent, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, George Clinton/P-Funk, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson, Temptations, Marvin Gaye, John Lee Hooker, Funk Brothers, Four Tops, James Jamerson, Alberta Adams, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Marvelettes, Slum Village, The Knack, Sponge, Aaliyah, Insane Clown Posse, Uncle Kracker, Mitch Ryder, The Romantics, Grand Funk Railroad, Marshall Crenshaw, Juan Atkins, Carl Craig, Derrick May, Kevin Saunderson, Royce da 5’9”, Von Bondies, The Dirt Bombs, The Detroit Cobras, Richie Hawkin, Stacey Pullen, Eddie Fowlkes, The Demolition Dollrods, The Gories, Anita Baker, Wilson Pickett, Nolan Strong, Andre Williams, Sippie Wallace, Joe Weaver, Was (Not Was), Hush, Johnnie Bassett...and much much more.

Okay so we make cars and great music in Detroit...but what else you ask? Well, Detroit is also the Sports Capital of the Midwest. In major sports Detroit ranks third behind New York and Boston in championships. That’s quite the feat considering Detroit hasn’t had a competitive football team since the Eisenhower administration. Sold-out games at Ford Field are a testament to the passion of the Detroit fan. The Pistons, Wings and Tigers are a better bet if you want to walk away happy.

Detroit has also been a great host to a multitude of national sporting events. In 2005, Comerica Field hosted the MLB All-Star game, and 2006 brought us the World Series. Earlier that same year, Pittsburgh and Seattle battled it out in Super Bowl XL, and more recently Detroit hosted the 2009 NCAA Final Four. Stanley Cup Playoff appearances are almost common-place during spring, as well as unique international events such as the Red Bull Air Race.

While we are proud of our automotive heritage, our music history and our sports, there are lesser-known facts about Detroit...and here are a few examples:

Did you know that...

1. In 1909, Wayne County built the first mile of concrete highway in the world on Woodward Avenue between Six and Seven Mile roads.

2. Going on air in August 20, 1920, 8MK, later renamed WWJ, is believed to be the first station to broadcast regular news reports.

3. Detroit is the only city in the 48 contiguous States where one can gaze south toward Canada.

4. Detroit is built over an enormous salt bed. 1,200 feet below the city surface, salt mines spread over 1,400 acres and have more than 50 miles of roads.

5. Detroit is the birthplace of Techno Music.

6. Vernors Ginger Ale was invented by a Detroit Pharmacist by the name of James Vernors.

7. Kowalski Sausage Company was founded in Detroit by Zygmund Kowalski

8. Vlasic Picles, the Polish-style cucumber pickle company was born in Detroit.

9. In 1954 Northland Center opens in a Detroit suburb and becomes the Nations first large suburban shopping Mall.

10. Detroit has the largest island park within a city. At 987 acres Belle Isle Park is the largest island park in the United States. First opened to the public in 1884,

As you can see, Detroit is a great city that we can be proud of. There's a lot of history and heritage here. Industries and artists are born here. Going through rough times, it's easy to lose sight of how amazing our city is. It took a car commercial to remind us of how good we really are.

The two minute Super Bowl ad for the Chrysler 200 touched many who watched it on a human level about the struggles that our city of Detroit has been through. Despite these troubles and hard times however, we always had a heart of steel...delicate but at the same time tough and strong. The ad didn't just sell cars, it sold a city. "This is the Motor City....and this is what we do."



Well, that's it for now. Thanks for reading my blog. Please feel free to comment below.

- Ed Dancel is a sales consultant at Southfield Chrysler 248-354-2950

I Survived the 2011 Woodward Dream Cruise - And I'll Do It Again! - Ed Dancel

So this past Saturday, I decided to participate in the world's largest one-day annual celebration of classic car culture - the 2011 Woodward Dream Cruise.

Like most locals, I dreaded this event and usually just avoided coming anywhere near Woodward around this time of year because of all the traffic and congestion that the Dream Cruise generated. This year however, I thought, why not? Let's see what this is all about and checked it out. Guess what? I had fun.

Here's a fun fact...the Dream Cruise first started out as a simple crazy idea for a fundraiser to support a soccer field in Ferndale in 1995. But look at it now. It has evolved into an annual event that attracts over 1 million visitors from around the world, and more than 40,000 muscle cars, street rods, custom, collector and special interest vehicles.

So Saturday, I started my adventure by getting my twin six year old daughters dressed and ready to go. Yes, I brought kids with me to the Dream Cruise. I live in Royal Oak, so we went to the corner of 13 mile and Woodward which happens to be where Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Fiat had their display.

You're probably wondering where I parked. Well, I drove around a residential area close by and parked on the street. Others did the same thing because the street where I parked was jam-packed with cars on both sides. Then, it was a little bit of hike from where I parked to Woodward Avenue, but it was okay. No big deal...I managed.

The sights,sounds and smells at the event were amazing. You could hear powerful engines revving up as the muscle cars drove up and down Woodward as well as music from the radio station booth blasting the air with Rock and Roll. You could also smell all kinds of different foods being cooked by all kinds of vendors in tents all up and down the avenue. And of course, you could see the endless parade of classic cars, muscle cars and custom cars driving by.

There were lots of things to see and do. It almost was overwhelming but again, I managed. I had kids with me so I took them to all the kid friendly places.

The Chrysler corner on 13 mile and Woodward had all kinds of fun things for kids. First stop was a Dodge display where they had a face painting booth. There, a couple of ladies dressed in clown outfits decorated my kids' faces. One got a flower and the other got Oscar the grouch painted on.

Then we headed off to the Fiat display where they had a young lady with some stencils and paint spray-painting logos on kid's arms and legs. My kids saw this and yelled out, "TATOO! Daddy, we want a tattoo!" So we got in line and they got their tattoos. One got a Fiat logo and the other got a Ram logo spray-painted on. They thought it was pretty cool.

Next we went to a Ram Monster truck display where they had a photographer take our picture for free. We were then given a badge with a website and a code so that later on, after a short survey, we could download our picture from our home computer. Aha...so that's how they get people to fill out those surveys.

We then walked around some more and spotted a Crussh Smoothie booth. It was a nice day but from all the walking around, we were hot and thirsty and boy, did this hit the spot. We got a couple of berry smoothies and went on to explore some more.

What an event. My girls and I were exhausted from all of the walking around but we had a good fun day. The Woodward Dream Cruise for me, was a spectacular experience. It's fun to drive in, or, merely watch and marvel at from the sidelines. I dreaded participating before, but now that I had, I'll certainly do it again next year.



Well, that's it for this blog. Thanks for tuning in. Please feel free to leave a comment below.

- Ed Dancel is a sales consultant at Southfield Chrysler 248-354-2950

My Rant on Poor Customer Service - Ed Dancel

"Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came."

Do you remember those lyrics from the hit TV show "Cheers"? As a customer, that's certainly where I'd like to go and do business. I'd certainly want to go where I felt comfortable, welcomed and appreciated. I'd certainly want to go where people are in good moods, enthusiastic, energetic, happy and smiling all the time just like our greeter Heather in this picture on the left.

Well,today I was reminded of how crucial good customer service is to our business when I received a very poor one going into my local bank branch. I felt like the teller assisting me did not care about me at all. She kept pointing out the reasons why she couldn't do my transaction but did not provide me with any solutions on how I can make it happen. I walked out of that bank frustrated and irritated. I wanted to strangle her.

I've been with this bank for several years now, going to that same branch, doing that same transaction over and over again. I've gotten to know most of the tellers there. Normally they're all really nice and very accommodating to me and we'd joke around and laugh through the whole transaction. I really felt comfortable doing business there but today, I was ready to take my money out of there and start a new account with another bank. I spent my whole lunch hour locating another branch and at this other location, my transaction was handled with no problem. You see, there really wasn't an issue with my transaction. The issue was with the person who was assisting me.

Good customer service is the lifeblood of any business. You can offer promotions and slash prices to bring in as many new customers as you want, but unless you can get some of those customers to come back, your business won't be profitable for long.

Good customer service is all about bringing customers back and about sending them away happy - happy enough to pass positive feedback about your business along to others, who may then try the product or service you offer for themselves and in their turn become repeat customers.

Well, that's it for now. Thanks for letting me vent. I feel better now. Please feel free to comment below.

- Ed Dancel is a sales consultant at Southfield Chrysler 248-354-2950

A "Kick Ass" Alternative to the Minivan - Ed Dancel

So once in a while, Chrysler would send over a trainer to the dealerships to give us salespeople a refresher course on one of our products.

Today, Ryan from Chrysler Academy came over to retrain us on the cool features of the 2011 Dodge Journey. Outside changes are subtle from the 2010 model, but inside the new Journey is where it's dramatically different.

The 2011 model gets a much nicer cabin, touchscreen controls and a smooth, quiet ride. Ryan calls this the "Kick Ass Alternative to the Minivan".

Now, don't get me wrong. There's absolutely nothing wrong with the minivans, but for all of you soccer moms out there...and you know who you are...who can't see themselves driving a minivan yet, this is the sportier family vehicle just for you.

Ryan pointed out features like the all new 3.6-L V6 Pentastar engine which produces almost 300 horsepower and gets almost 30 miles per gallon on the highway. It also has variable valve timing which adjusts automatically during different driving conditions to allow the engine to breathe better for better performance.

It's also one the safest vehicles on the road right now with standard anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, multi-stage front airbags and side curtain airbags.

One of the major improvements on the 2011 Journey is its interior. Once you get inside the Journey you'll instantly notice the craftsmanship and detail that Chrysler has put into it including lots of soft touch materials on arm rests,door panels, shift knobs and steering wheel. You'll also notice that the dash is more streamlined and fit together so nicely. It almost feels like it was custom tailored just for you.

The best part about the 2011 Journey is the new high tech gadgets. The first thing you'll see that will put you in awe is the all new full color 8.4" touchscreen right in the middle of the dash. It's not just a radio folks. It's your central command module for the vehicle. It's like having an iPad built right into your car. It controls your climate settings, your heated seats, the navigation system, your multi-media devices. It plays music, it displays photos, plays videos. It allows you to communicate hands-free using bluetooth. It has voice command and you can pause and rewind live music on the Sirius Satellite channels. This device is impressive. If you don't believe me go see one for yourself.

Being with new cars every day, it's easy to forget how marvelous our products are. Thanks to trainers like Ryan from Chrysler Academy, we get reminded often.

Well, until next blog, thanks for tuning in folks. Post a comment below if you want and follow my blog.



- Ed Dancel is a sales consultant at Southfield Chrysler 248-354-2950

Getting a Great Review on Yelp Means a Lot - Ed Dancel

So I was playing around with my computer this morning when I decided to Google my name. Guess what popped up? A great review of me from a Ms. Jacqueline R. on Yelp.

Here's What She Wrote:

"This four-star rating is reflective of the consideration and professionalism I received from Ed Dancel. He is a thoughtful and considerate salesperson. He does not tell the customer what they want, he advises them on the best vehicle for their needs. He also considers the affordability of the vehicle for the customer. Not unlike most consumers, I am a loyal customer when treated fairly, Therefore, I am proud to say that this is my second lease form Mr. Dandcel. However it is unfortunate that his professionalism has not inspired some of his co-workers, specifically those in the service department."

What the heck is Yelp you ask? See, I can read your mind. Well, Yelp is a Social Networking site where anyone can join to rate and write reviews about businesses, people or places around town. It's like being your own Better Business Bureau. It's a great site to read what people are saying about places you frequent or places you want to know more about before you go. It's a great site to get recommendations or warnings on places you should avoid.

Well, I really appreciate reading about what a GREAT job I did for Ms. Jacqueline R. Her review has really made this Happy Car Salesman even HAPPIER! :)

- Ed Dancel is a sales consultant at Southfield Chrysler 248-354-2950

We're Still Giving Away 32" Flat Screen TV's - Ed Dancel

Well, today was a very productive day. We still have a lot of 2011 models left in our inventory. But don't let that fool you because they are quickly disappearing. Now to help clear them out, we've decided to continue our 32" TV giveaway with each delivery up to the 20th of the month.

The Really Sweet Deal I wrote Today

I wrote a deal today on a 2011 Charger R/T AWD for Mr. Yee. Now this is quite an unusual deal because instead of us collecting money from him, Mr. Yee will actually get a little over $2,000.00 back at delivery plus a FREE TV. How's that for a good deal?

How is this possible you ask? Well, it's all in the trade. Mr. Yee has a 2006 Chrysler Sebring that he's trading in. Because his car is free and clear, his car has equity which means MONEY! Instead of him writing us a check at delivery, we are using the equity in his trade to pay for the lease and because the pre-paid lease for the 2011 Dodge Charger R/T AWD is less than what we're giving him for his Sebring, he gets money back at signing. Now is that cool or what? How many times have you gone to a dealership to buy a car and the dealership pays you and gives you a FREE TV? I'm very excited for Mr. Yee. I can't wait for him to pick up his new ride tomorrow.


- Ed Dancel is a sales consultant at Southfield Chrysler 248-354-2950

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 - Motor Trend First Test

It wouldn't be surprising for the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 to show up wearing an American flag like a cape, bald eagle at the helm with smoke pouring out of the rear wheel wells and fireworks exploding overhead. This is pure American muscle.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

The ultimate performance SUV was revealed by Jeep at the New York International Auto Show - the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.

• Offers unique blend of legendary Jeep capability and utility, head-turning SRT performance, luxury and refinement, and innovative advanced technologies
• Best performing Jeep vehicle ever: 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds; quarter mile in
mid-13 second range; top speed of 155 mph; 60-0 mph braking in 116 feet
• Most powerful Jeep vehicle ever with all-new 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 that delivers an estimated 465 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque
• Best handling Jeep vehicle ever features advanced new adaptive damping suspension managed by new Selec-Track system, delivering up to .90 g on the skid pad
• New active valve exhaust system allows standard Fuel Saver Technology to engage over a wider rpm range for an estimated 13-percent improvement in highway fuel efficiency and 450-mile range
• Standard steering wheel mounted paddle shifters allow spirited shifting on the road and track
• Available in Jeep showrooms in third quarter 2011

Powering the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is Chrysler Group's all-new 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 with Fuel Saver Technology that delivers an estimated 465 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque -- an improvement of 45 horsepower and 45 lb.-ft. torque over the 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 it replaces.

An active intake manifold and high-lift camshaft with cam phasing delivers maximum low-end torque while optimizing high-end power across a wider and improved rpm band. Specifically, 90-percent of peak torque is available between 2,800 and 6,000 rpm, allowing for inspired standing starts and improved straight-line performance.