Plug-In Ram Pickup Trucks

Based on the lack of success from General Motors Hybrid truck efforts, Chrysler scrapped efforts to produce a Hybrid Two Mode Hemi. Instead, The Chrysler Group, who manages the Ram brand, is focusing on fuel-efficiency.

Industry analyst Aaron Bragman of HIS Global Insights said the Hybrid Two-Mode is “a good concept in a too-expensive package.”

Because truck buyers tend to want high-torque, Hemi-based trucks, it made no sense to pursue the hybrid system with “sales potentially below 1,000.”

Chrysler will continue Hybrid research, with plans to “build 140 plug-in hybrid pickup trucks for a three-year demonstration program funded by $48 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.”

The plug-in trucks will still have a 5.7-liter V-8 engine, but will use a larger, 12-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion pack rather than the previous 1.6-kilowatt-hour nickel-metal-hydride battery pack. This should allow the truck to run up to 20 miles on electricity, improving fuel efficiency by more than 65 percent.

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Chrysler Reports Increased Sales Across All Brands

On the first of December Chrysler Group LLC reported that November US auto sales increased 17% compared to the same period last year. Chrysler reported 74,152 vehicle sales against 63,560 units from November 2009. 

Ram truck sales increased 67% and Jeep sales increased 58%. Fred Diaz, President and CEO of Ram Truck Brand and Lead Executive for U.S. Sales said, “we are pleased with the sales momentum that has been building this year, and elated now that we are showing off the vehicles we’ve been talking about.” 

What are the vehicles talked about? Chrysler will launch 11 new or remodeled Chrysler, Dodge, Ram and Fiat vehicles during the fourth quarter!

2011 Dodge Charger - An Inspired Icon

Released: October 2010

According to Dodge, the new Charger is “spiritually inspired by the iconic second-generation Charger from the late 1960s, featuring a design that is sure to strike an emotional chord with Dodge performance enthusiasts of all generations.”

2010 v. 2011

 

With many upgrades, the 2011 Charger is a powerful vehicle for the Chrysler fall vehicle lineup. Body-style modifications have bolstered the iconic muscle car image, with a unique style that creates a tapered, silhouette look. The front and rear fenders create a bold, distinct profile. The new tail lamp incorporates 164 illuminating LED lights to form an unmistakable profile.

Among other aesthetic modifications, like the “split crosshair” grille, upgrades to the body-style have created a more aerodynamic model. With a lower hood line, faster windshield, raked headlights and a flat underbody, the new design is more wind resistant. Dual “scallops” in the aluminum hood and on the side deliver an A-line across the doors.

Improvements in the cabin have increased sound quality. Rather than focus on sound-level, the 2011 Charger isolates the powertrain, paired with an acoustic windshield and front door glass resulting in less road and wind noise. Other improvements include body-cavity silencing foam and acoustic wheel-well liners.

Engine
The base engine, a 292 horsepower V6, is estimated at 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Slightly less than the 2011 Challenger, it has better gas mileage and is more powerful and quieter than the 250 horsepower 3.5 liter, resulting in better acceleration.

The confirmed lineup is:

The Dodge Charger SE with a standard 292 horsepower v6 engine.

The SXT and SXT Plus which adds 18 inch polished wheels, 8.4 inch stereo with Uconnect, heated seats and a leather interior.

The Rallye Group model has 20 inch chrome wheels, a rear spoiler, 9 speakers and a 506-watt amp.

The R/T and R/T Road & Track models house the powerful 5.7 Hemi (with 372 horsepower) a unique grille, 20 inch wheels, spoiler, badging, performance exhaust and more!

The R/T AWD model has the R/T equipment plus 19 inch twin-spoke wheels, a lowered suspension, active transfer case with front axle disconnect for better gas mileage.

3 Simple Tips to Avoid Serious Vehicle Flood Damage

The North Carolina coast is no stranger to knee deep roads and parking lot pools. Because Wilmington can be prone to flood, it is important to be aware of potential water damage to your vehicle. It is best to avoid traveling in severe rainstorms, but if you must, be sure to take care of your vehicle.


If you have been traveling in flooded areas, as soon as possible, check your engine and transmission fluids. If the fluids are milky, beige or appear diluted it could mean water is in the pans. If you have your doubts, tow your vehicle to a repair center. Driving with water in the oil or transmission will result in serious damage. A quick fix is to have a repair center completely drain the pans and replace with new fluids.

Your next area of concern should be your brakes. When your brake system is completely dried, replace all fluids. Once the vehicle is dry, completely re-lubricate the vehicle.

A common misconception is to allow a water drenched interior to simply dry on its own. The fabric will dry, but water will seep through the material and collect underneath the firewall. If left alone, this will mildew—a smell that won’t go away! Interior water damage is a leading cause for insurance companies to declare vehicles a total loss. The best practice is to completely replace the interior material.

Because flooding can be rapid and unexpected, avoid driving in severe rainstorms unless absolutely necessary. Be safe!