Chrysler / Fiat US Plans Laid Out, New Dodge Viper on the way in 2012

<a href="http://trends-automotive.blogspot.com/2010/09/chrysler-fiat-us-plans-laid-out-new.html"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517919675278740930" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TJOWtaAgzcI/AAAAAAADTjw/whiDYieiMy0/s800/Dodge-Viper-1+copy.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 645px; height: 349px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">It turns out Sergio Marchionne brought a gift when he spoke with Chrysler dealers down in Florida earlier this week. Can we guess what it was? No, the rumored Jeep truck was a bonus (and a no-brainer). High fives all around if you said 2012 Dodge Viper. The company showed dealers an early prototype of the next Viper finished in a candy-apple red color. According to one dealer present at the meeting, the Viper concept "resembled the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione with a Viper face." We shall see. </span><p><a name="more"></a><span style="font-family:Verdana;">According to sources, the next Viper will play the role of a proper halo car, not just a high-end racer. That means a more luxurious performance car to be the icing on Dodge's cake instead of the visceral attack on the senses that was the previous Viper.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Dodge's lineup is also going to get a "sportier" Caravan in yet another attempt to convince dads that mom didn't just talk them into a minivan. Ralph Gilles also confirmed a "Man Van" with an all black interior. Love the guy's work, but "Man Van"? Grow up. Also, the Wall Street Journal reports that the Dakota will be replaced with a "lifestyle" truck, whatever that means.<br /></span></p><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TJOWGnbhjcI/AAAAAAADTjo/cWjRmpW5eEQ/s1600/2011-Chrysler-200-3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517919008866799042" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TJOWGnbhjcI/AAAAAAADTjo/cWjRmpW5eEQ/s200/2011-Chrysler-200-3.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 179px; height: 120px;" /></a><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Chrysler, as we've recently shown you, will get the <a href="http://trends-automotive.blogspot.com/2010/09/2011-chrysler-200-begins-its-striptease.html">refreshed Sebring / 200</a> in order to fill the gap before a proper 200 is developed. Internet rumors indicate that the next mid-size Chrysler could be underpinned by a shortened RWD platform, so huzzah! Other than that, there's the <a href="http://trends-automotive.blogspot.com/2010/09/2011-chrysler-town-country-minivan.html">revamped Town & Country</a> that we told you about, as well as the redesigned 300.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">As for Ram, there's not much going on right now. We could see a smaller pickup to fill the entry level gap once the Dakota disappears, but that's about it.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Jeep is about as lively as Ram. Other than the new Grand Cherokee, the rest of the lineup gets some updates before the new vehicles are revealed. Once all is said and done, we're probably going to see a Fiat-based small model (and say goodbye to the Patriot/Compass), the Wrangler, the Liberty, and the Grand Cherokee. Also, if dealers push for it, there could be a Gladiator-like Jeep truck coming; apparently Marchionne teased one at the dealer meeting.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Lastly, Fiat will drop the 500 Stateside in January after its US debut in L.A. We'll get Sport and Lounge versions of the little accessory car, as well as a ton of interior/exterior color combos. Bottom line on this one is that it's just too damn cute to pass up hopefully, Chrysler won't fumble it.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Chrysler and Fiat, both under the cost-cutting grandfatherly wing of Sergio Marchionne, working together to try to build world-class cars...who would have thought this would ever happen?<br /></span></p><p style="font-style: italic;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">By Phil Alex</span><br /></span></p><p style="font-style: italic;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" >Source: <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2010/09/15/chrysler-a-preview-of-the-automakers-new-lineup/" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">WSJ</a> and <a href="http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100916/RETAIL/100919884/1252" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Autonews</a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> (sub. Req)</span><a href="http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100916/RETAIL/100919884/1252" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br /></a></span></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TJOVzbjLU3I/AAAAAAADTjg/pjS56k65ycE/s1600/DG011_004DU.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517918679260156786" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TJOVzbjLU3I/AAAAAAADTjg/pjS56k65ycE/s400/DG011_004DU.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a></p>

Chrysler / Fiat US Plans Laid Out, New Dodge Viper on the way in 2012

It turns out Sergio Marchionne brought a gift when he spoke with Chrysler dealers down in Florida earlier this week. Can we guess what it wa...

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2011 Dodge Nitro offers New Heat 4.0 Lifestyle Package and Equipment Upgrades

<a href="http://trends-automotive.blogspot.com/2010/09/2011-dodge-nitro-offers-new-heat-40.html"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517887266545234434" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TJN5O-EUcgI/AAAAAAADTig/uJjLhFtdTto/s800/2011-Dodge-Nitro-1.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 645px; height: 349px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">We'll be hearing of more updated / refreshed <a href="http://trends-automotive.blogspot.com/search/label/Chrysler">Chrysler</a> Group models within the next couple of months (if not weeks), but rounding up the changes on the first crop of 2011MYs, the Dodge Nitro gains a new trim level and some modest equipment upgrades on certain grades.<br /></span><p></p><a name="more"></a><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Joining the Detonator, Shock and Heat models that landed in the range in 2010, is the Heat 4.0 Lifestyle Package which comes with a 4.0-liter V6 engine delivering 260 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. (359 Nm) of torque, hooked up to a five-speed automatic transmission. Additional standard equipment over the Heat includes Uconnect Phone and an upgraded eight-speaker sound system.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">In other news for the Nitro, all 2011MYs get standard 20-inch alloy wheels and monochromatic interiors, while select models feature upgraded cabins with new cloth and leather with premium colored stitching. Furthermore, the Detonator and Shock models now feature Dodge's new signature racing stripes on the hood and front fenders.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Finally, Dodge added several new colors to the 2011MY range including Bright White Clear Coat, Blackberry Pearl Coat, Toxic Orange Pearl Coat and Redline Two Coat.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TJN5HqAu-mI/AAAAAAADTiY/4y_8dKPhAAg/s1600/2011-Dodge-Nitro-4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517887140902402658" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TJN5HqAu-mI/AAAAAAADTiY/4y_8dKPhAAg/s200/2011-Dodge-Nitro-4.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 90px; height: 134px;" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TJN5HfIj6eI/AAAAAAADTiQ/iMMDBuGK-oU/s1600/2011-Dodge-Nitro-3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517887137982441954" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TJN5HfIj6eI/AAAAAAADTiQ/iMMDBuGK-oU/s200/2011-Dodge-Nitro-3.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TJN5Gv0uAcI/AAAAAAADTiI/EFHxfuaIj8k/s1600/2011-Dodge-Nitro-2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517887125282750914" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TJN5Gv0uAcI/AAAAAAADTiI/EFHxfuaIj8k/s200/2011-Dodge-Nitro-2.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" /></a></p>

2011 Dodge Nitro offers New Heat 4.0 Lifestyle Package and Equipment Upgrades

We'll be hearing of more updated / refreshed Chrysler Group models within the next couple of months (if not weeks), but rounding up the...

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