Swift Jeep Chrysler Dodge

New 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 with Cummins 6.7-liter Turbodiesel Engine is First Chrysler Group BLUETEC Vehicle and First to Meet Stringent 2010 Truck Emissions Standards in All 50 States

• 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine achieves 2010 NOx emission standards three years early, making it the cleanest and best-performing heavy-duty pickup truck in the market 
• BLUETEC-equipped 2007 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty available in March, starting at $33,650 (includes destination) 
• 2007 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty is the first Chrysler Group BLUETEC vehicle
• Breakthrough emissions technology along with the use of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) enables “systems approach” to improve air quality 
• Nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions reduced by as much as 90 percent; particulate emissions virtually eliminated 
• Diesel engines provide up to 30 percent better fuel economy when compared to equivalent gasoline engines

At the Washington (D.C.) Auto Show, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), together with the Department of Energy (DOE), Chrysler Group and Cummins, recognized the new 2007 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty as the cleanest mass-production diesel-engine pickup truck on the market.

Available in dealerships in March, the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty’s 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine is the first to meet 2010 truck emissions standards in all 50 states, and will be significantly cleaner than other pickup trucks. It is the first BLUETEC vehicle from the Chrysler Group.

“This new technology is a significant validation of industry's ability to meet EPA's 2010 clean diesel standards. These innovations help power our economy and drive our environmental successes," said Bill Wehrum, EPA's Acting Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation.

The new 2007 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty engine uses a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to virtually eliminate particulate matter emissions and an adsorber catalyst to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by as much as 90 percent.

“The Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickup truck with the new 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine is the cleanest diesel truck available on the market,” said Tom LaSorda, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chrysler Group. “Working together with Cummins, Dodge is the only manufacturer to meet stringent 2010 emissions standards -- today. That’s great news for our Heavy Duty customers – 80 percent of whom choose the diesel option.”

Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks’ long-standing relationship with Cummins was established in 1988 and continues to thrive with new, more powerful, more efficient and cleaner turbodiesel engines. In Indiana late last year, Cummins produced the 1.5-millionth diesel engine for the Dodge Ram.

“Partnerships like the one we have enjoyed with the DOE and the leadership shown by the EPA on ULSD have provided the right environment for this technological breakthrough,” said Tim Solso, Cummins Chairman and CEO. “We continue to research and invest in technologies that ensure Dodge Ram heavy-duty trucks equipped with the Cummins turbodiesel engine are as clean as they are powerful.”

Improved Emissions and Durability
In addition to the NOx adsorber and the DPF, the 6.7-liter turbodiesel engine includes other technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce unburned hydrocarbons. 

• A cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system combines with a uniquely designed piston combustion bowl and a high-flow, electronically-controlled Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT™), matching boost pressure with the engine’s performance needs to reduce emissions and improve drivability 
• Within the exhaust system, a self-cleaning DPF and an oxidation catalyst reduces particulate matter by a factor of 10. The emissions system is designed for a government-certified 120,000 miles 
• A new closed crankcase ventilation system eliminates crankcase fumes and oil carry-over, a common problem with past diesels

As durable as it is powerful, the 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel has life-to-major overhaul intervals of 350,000 miles, providing more than a 100,000-mile advantage over the competition.

Nearly 40 percent of the new engine’s parts are carryover, with modifications geared to surpass emissions standards and increase horsepower and torque, while maintaining the durability associated with Dodge and Cummins.

Dodge Ram Heavy Duty models equipped with the 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine will begin appearing in dealerships in March, starting at $33,650 including destination.

Chrysler Group Diesel-powered Models
In the United States, current Chrysler Group diesel-powered models include the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty, powered by the new 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel; the all-new Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab, with a new 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel; the Dodge Sprinter, with a 2.7-liter Common-rail Direct Injection (CDI) turbodiesel; and the Jeep® Grand Cherokee, featuring a new 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel engine (which hits the market early this year).

In Europe, diesel-powered models account for more than half of Chrysler Group sales. Diesel versions of numerous Chrysler Group vehicles continue to be popular, including the Chrysler 300C, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Compass, as well as the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber and 2007 Jeep Wrangler.

Advanced diesel technology is part of the Chrysler Group’s advanced propulsion technology umbrella, which also includes efficient gasoline engines, hybrids, flex-fuel vehicles and biodiesel capability.

Dodge Brand
With a U.S. market share of 6 percent, Dodge is the Chrysler Group’s best-selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2006, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. Dodge continues to lead the minivan market with a 20 percent market share in the U.S. In the highly competitive truck market, Dodge has a 15 percent market share. Dodge is also entering key European volume segments with Nitro and Caliber.

Cummins
Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is a corporation of complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions, and electrical power generation systems. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, Cummins serves customers in more than 160 countries through its network of 550 company-owned and independent distributor facilities and more than 5,000 dealer locations. Cummins produces the diesel for the Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 series.

Chrysler Group President Tom Lasorda, unveiled the all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country (pictured) and Dodge Grand Caravan for media at the North American International Auto Show.

All-New 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country Minivans Raise the Bar for the Minivan Segment

• Fifth generation of industry-leading Chrysler Group minivans to arrive this fall 
• All-new exterior and interior design for a more contemporary appearance 
• Thirty-five new or improved features make the 2008 Chrysler Group minivans “family rooms on wheels” 
• Five models, three distinct seating and storage systems and three powertrains, including a minivan-first six-speed transaxle, offer the right ingredients for any active lifestyle

 - The all-new 2008 Dodge and Chrysler minivans once again prove they have the right ingredients to be the best vehicles to move people and cargo. With 35 new and improved features, the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country aren’t just practical vehicles, they also have the right mix to be “family rooms on wheels,” with something for everyone to enjoy.

“The all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan spice up the minivan recipe by offering an all-new contemporary appearance, five different models, three distinct seating and storage systems, unmatched entertainment systems and the safety you expect and deserve,” said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Marketing, Chrysler Group. “Add in three powertrain options, clever interior features and industry-leading functionality, and you have a recipe that will be a favorite with any family.

The newest ingredient for functional family seating is the all-new Swivel ’n Go™ seating system. Swivel ’n Go offers second row seats that swivel 180 degrees to face the third row with a removable table that installs between the two rows, covered storage bins in the floor of the second row, third-row uncovered storage and fold-in-the-floor third-row seating. Swivel ’n Go also offers an available industry-first integrated child booster seat in the second-row quad chair and an available minivan-exclusive one-touch power-folding third-row 60/40 bench seat.

» Read More

Chrysler Group unveiled the Jeep® Trailhawk Concept at the North American International Auto Show. Jeep Trailhawk concept merges the spectrum of the Jeep brand by combining the core off-road features of the all-new four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with the refined sophistication of an all-new on-road open-air concept vehicle, providing a unique and fresh expression for Jeep. Built off the all-new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited platform, Jeep Trailhawk is a more refined highway cruiser without sacrificing any of Jeep's legendary off-road capabilities.

 - The Jeep_® Trailhawk concept merges the spectrum of the Jeep brand by combining the core off-road features of the new body-on-frame four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with the refined sophistication of an all-new on-road open-air concept vehicle, providing a unique and fresh expression for Jeep. Built off the new Wrangler platform, the Jeep Trailhawk is a more refined highway cruiser without sacrificing any of Jeep’s legendary off-road capabilities.

“The key to the look of the Trailhawk,” said Nick Vardis, Principal Exterior Designer, “is the vehicle’s distinctive proportions, due in part to its 116-inch wheelbase. The dash-to-front-axle dimension is dramatically long, giving the vehicle a sense of forward motion, while the front and rear overhangs are tight and abbreviated.“

Vardis said the body side is muscular and broad-shouldered, with the sheet metal pulled into shape, much like a drawn arrow in the bow of a skilled archer. Even the pillars are pulled back. The forward motion of the body is further accented by the drive of the raising beltline.

The stance is broad, and the wheels, pushed to the corners of the vehicle, are enclosed in robust flares dramatically offset from the body. Partly trapezoidal in shape, yet not asymmetrical, these angular, crisply-contoured wheel flares reinterpret one of Jeep’s fundamental design cues.

“The flares are stretched and pulled taut at one end,” Vardis said. “Each presents a ‘long side’ angled toward the center of the body.”

The body in turn tapers toward the front in plan view to expose more of the flares and accent the wide stance. The flares enclose large 22-inch, five-spoke wheels, each with a hefty 34-inch overall diameter. The specially-crafted tires are accented by a red stripe, with the red color repeated on the exposed brake calipers.

The lower body, which kicks outward along the bottoms of the doors, intersects the flares crisply. Tucked beneath this horizontal element is a recessed running board, accented by a silver molding. A tall trapezoidal vent, located at the front fender-front door cut line, is home to the circular Trail Rated badge.

The Trailhawk’s long hood is fronted by a signature seven-slot Jeep grille angled rearward to match the lean-back surface of the forward flares, with the slots filled with a mesh texture. Bracketed between the grille and the flares, the chamfered headlamps mimic the lean-back stance. Beneath their clear flush lenses, HID projector beam quad lamps nestled into twin “telescopic” polished aluminum barrels light the way forward while LEDs, configured in parallel stripes provide park and turn signals.

“The main headlamp units are cropped diagonally across the top,” said Vardis. “They peer out from an angled brow, giving the vehicle its bold, sinister look. In front view, the left and right lamps evoke the hooded eyes of a bird of prey.
“Like other concepts, we first viewed the math surface of the grille and headlamps together in the computer” added Vardis. “We immediately noticed the hawkish expression, hence the name ‘Trailhawk.’”

The taillamps mimic the look of the headlamps, including the striped turn signals, with the surface of the liftgate carved away.

The vehicle’s upper structure is set onto the lower body, encased by a crisp, chamfered 360-degree molding that runs around the greenhouse, accenting the high, arching beltline. At the base of the windshield is a seven-slot cowl screen that reprises the grille. The body is painted in Argent Pearl high-gloss, with the flares and lower body a slightly darker low-gloss variant.

The side windows retract fully into the body, leaving no B-pillar above the belt, while the diagonal quarter windows are also fully retractable. Gray-tinted twin longitudinal glass panels over the first- and second-row seats and the glass panel over the cargo compartment are removable, as is the swing-up backlight. With all the glass lowered and removed, the Trailhawk offers occupants virtually the same open-air ambience as a typical soft top Jeep. The fixed central spine contains overhead lighting and several integrated storage bins.

“The Jeep Trailhawk interior emphasizes the vehicle’s open air-freedom, inviting elements of the exterior theme into the interior,“said Cliff Wilkins, responsible for the interior design. “Tough mechanical elements which evoke exterior details are contrasted with sophisticated materials and finishes to give a modern, rugged, purposeful interior while delivering a premium off-road experience.”

The four-passenger interior is dominated by two major design elements —the cross-car instrument panel (I/P) form and a full-length central spine which forms the floor console. The AC outlets, center stack compass/inclinometer, and the dimensional, double-deck “biplane” gauges are housed in circular casings having the appearance of machined aluminum, with detailing matching headlamp surrounds. The two-tone leather-wrapped aluminum steering wheel features vertical individual switches for lights and speed control.

Riding the transmission tunnel, the console’s raised walls create a full-length open bin, handy for the storage of sundry items. Within the console’s side rails, two front/rear combination armrest/storage bin modules, movable via concealed tracks, can be positioned fore-aft at the occupants’ discretion. Using the familiar touchpad technology of laptop computers, a flip-out pad for the remote control fold-away flat screen navigation unit is housed in the forward armrest.

“The open console’s unique utility is enhanced by the relocation of the transfer case ‘Terrain Selector’ switch to the center stack of the I/P,” said Wilkins. “Also, there is the use of an electronic gear selector/park brake lever mounted to the right side of the steering column to continue this effect.”

Additional storage is available forward of the drop-open center stack control module, and in the lower door trim panels.
The driver and three passengers can relax in individual premium leather seating in Bark Black and Firewood Orange. The vehicle’s floor is a durable spray-finish with integrated non-slip heel pads, practical for all-weather use.

In the cargo area, each quarter panel houses a removable, portable “audio pod” sound system. Handsome in their rectangular dark gray cases accented with silver circular speaker bezels, each “pod” is fitted with a dock for an MP3 player. For carrying of first aid or road hazard gear, jerry-can style boxes in easy-to-find Firewood Orange are mounted forward of the speaker “pods.”

The utility of the cargo area is enhanced by a drop-down tailgate featuring integral concealed storage, four cup holders, and a sliding Load ‘N Go cargo tray with movable partitions that roll rearward for easy retrieval of stored items.

“One of the most remarkable things about the interior,” concludes Wilkins, “is that it was designed and surfaced entirely electronically — there were no traditional sketches or 3-D models. Even so, the interior turned out just as we had envisioned.”

“Can You Hear 'i' Now?” Mopar® Expands Availability of Its iPod® Integration Kits for Chrysler Group Vehicles

• More Chrysler, Jeep_® and Dodge owners can enjoy their iPod tunes through their vehicle’s audio system
• iPod Integration Kit provides optimal digital audio quality
• Simple plug-and-play installation means connect-in-a-snap to enjoy and listen

Center Line, Mich. - Mopar®, DaimlerChrysler’s original equipment manufacturer, announced it has expanded availability of its factory-engineered iPod® Integration Kits for most Chrysler Group vehicles. The audio integration system accessory was launched in early 2006.

The iPod Integration Kit from Mopar Authentic Accessories provides direct connectivity between the customer’s iPod and the vehicle’s audio sound system. Offering true interface, the iPod attaches to the custom cable port located in the glove box. The iPod adaptor module is concealed under the vehicle dash, translating and then sending the signal to the vehicle’s radio receiver.

Once attached, all iPod control functions are available through the vehicle’s audio sound system. This hardware interface provides optimal digital audio quality so all passengers can enjoy the iPod tracks. Using the audio system or steering wheel controls, drivers can browse their iPod music collection of playlists, song titles, and artists that are viewable on the radio display face. Radio display and audio prompt features vary between radio model.

While the iPod is connected to the cable port, it’s continually charging – whether it’s playing or turned off.

“People love their iPods and they love their cars. Expanding availability of our iPod Integration Kits means more Chrysler Group vehicle owners can hit the road and enjoy both,” said Chris Cortez, Senior Vice President – Global Service & Parts, Chrysler Group. “This iPod accessory lets our customers put 'their' music on hassle-free. We’re committed to pioneering OEM accessories to enhance the driving experience for our customers.”

The popular iPod, iPod Mini, iPod Photo, iPod Nano and iPod Video are compatible with Mopar’s audio integration systems. iPod device is sold separately.

Specifically engineered to interface with select model year 2006 and newer Chrysler, Jeep_® and Dodge vehicle electronics, the iPod Integration Kits from Mopar are available for purchase and installation at Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships across the country.

The following iPod Integration Kits are available:

Can-B Integrated (#82209617AC, M.S.R.P. - $215) for the Chrysler Aspen, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum, Dodge Charger, Dodge Caliber, Dodge Ram, Dodge Durango, Dodge Dakota, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander

J-1850 Integrated (#82209616AC, M.S.R.P. - $179) for the Jeep Liberty, Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country and Chrysler Pacifica

There are also two FM-modulated versions available: 

FM-Bounded (#82210181, M.S.R.P. - $139) for Jeep Liberty, Jeep Commander, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Chrysler Pacifica, Chrysler 300, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chrysler Aspen, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, Dodge Ram, Dodge Caliber, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Durango

FM-Bounded (#82210848, M.S.R.P. - $139) for Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Nitro, Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger

The iPod Integration Kit will be installed in a Chrysler 300C at the North American International Auto Show. Visit the Alpine Electronics of America booth for a device demonstration.

The iPod Integration Kit from Mopar is covered under DaimlerChrysler’s 3-year/36,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty or Mopar’s 12-month/12,000-mile Limited Warranty, whichever is more favorable to the customer. These warranties are serviced by Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships.

Visit http://www.mopar.com for a full line of authentic Mopar accessories.