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