Chrysler Grand Voyager 25th Anniversary Edition

Celebrating its minivan’s 25th anniversary, Chrysler decided to rock the foundations of the Paris Motor Show by unveiling a special, one-of-a-kind, unique etc, etc, edition of the Grand Voyager. The “25th Anniversary Edition” special model that will be available for international markets beginning in early 2009 is distinguished by the new 17-inch alloy wheels, chromed belt and body-side moldings, and a roof rack with cross bars. Interior appointments include French-stitched (sic) leather seats and dark accents along with heaps of badges just so you don't ever forget that you bought a special edition version of the Grand Voyager. -Continued

Chrysler Town and Country EV with 255 HP Hybrid Powertrain

In case you happened to overlook the discreet insignia, this is the Chrysler EV, one of three electric powered prototypes that were revealed today by Chrysler LLC. The other two vehicles were the Dodge Coupe EV and the Jeep Wrangler EV. Based on the Town and Country minivan, Chrysler's proposal utilizes the same hybrid system as the Jeep EV combining the electric-drive components of an Electric Vehicle with an integrated small-displacement engine and generator to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed. If you're thinking Chevy Volt you're absolutely right as GM’s forthcoming hybrid uses a similar in philosophy drivetrain. -Continued

In the Chrysler EV the electric motor produces an output of 190 kW or 255 HP and 350 Nm or 258 lb.-ft. of torque, providing 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) acceleration in approximately nine seconds. Just like the Wrangler EV, the Chrysler Town and Country EV can drive 40 miles on all-electric power, and boasts a range of 400 miles on approximately eight gallons or 31 liters of gasoline.

GEM Peapod: Chrysler Introduces Smart Like All-Electric Minicar

This strange looking minicar is the all-electric GEM Peapod that is scheduled to enter production in 2009. GEM, which stands for GreenEcoMobility, is a small company owned by Chrysler LLC that specializes on electric vehicles (EV). Since its founding in 1998, GEM produced around 38,000 EVs which are primarily used in settings such as city centers, military bases, college campuses and national parks. According to Chrysler, the plug-in Peapod EV features a newly designed center console that will offer iPod integration, as well as hands-free operation of the iPhone while other innovations include supportive, mesh seating, which enables air circulation for comfort and uses eco-friendly recycled and recyclable materials. -Continued

“We have evolved the GEM design language to better reflect its eco-friendly performance and its upbeat, positive image,” said Peter Arnell, Chrysler LLC’s Chief Innovation Officer who led the design process. “These vehicles use no gasoline and emit no pollutants. So whether it’s a trip around the neighborhood or the drive to school or work, the GEM Peapod is the ideal way to contribute to a greener planet, and a healthy lifestyle."

During the presentation of the 4-seat minicar, GEM’s CEO Bruce Coventry said that the Peapod represents the first in a series of product launches that will redefine the future of electric vehicles. The company did not reveal any technical details on the Peapod.

U.S. Auto Sales Drop 15.5% in August

Falling gasoline prices didn’t seem to help automakers avert the downturn as U.S. light vehicle sales plunged for a tenth consecutive month in August. Overall sales for the month were 1.25 million vehicles, down a hefty 15.5 percent from August 2007 while for the first eight months of the year, sales are down 11.2 percent to 9.8 million vehicles, according to Autodata Corp.

Among the mainstream automakers, Chrysler LLC took the worst beating as it sold 110,235 vehicles, down 34 percent compared to last August. From the beginning of the year, Chrysler LLC’s sales have fallen 24 percent. GM’s August sales tumbled 20.4 percent to 308,817 units and are down 18.1 percent for the year to date compared to 2007. Same goes for Ford that sold 155,690 vehicles in August, down 26.6 percent, while year to date sales have slipped 15.8 percent compared to 2007. -Continued

Toyota didn’t do very well either as the Japanese reported August sales of 211,533 vehicles, a decrease of 9.4 percent from last August while for the first eight months of the year, Toyota’s sales have fallen 7.8 percent.

Among the big players in the U.S. market, only the Nissan group managed to show growth with August 2008 sales of 108,493 units versus 95,527 units a year ago, an increase of 13.6 percent. From the beginning of the year, the Nissan group’s sales are up 1.0 percent.

Breaking News: Chrysler’s Thinking of Selling the Dodge Viper unit!

The Dodge Viper could soon be history -at least for the Chrysler Group, as according to an official announcement that was made this morning, the third largest American automaker said that it is ‘preparing to explore strategic options for the Dodge Viper business’. Here is what Chrysler LLC’s CEO Bob Nardelli said about the potential sale of the Viper to a third party:

“We have been approached by third parties who are interested in exploring future possibilities for Viper. As the Company evaluates strategic options to maximize core operations and leverage its assets, we have agreed to listen to these parties. We will do so keeping in mind the best interests of those who have shown tremendous support for the vehicle – including employees, suppliers, dealers and a worldwide group of loyal Viper owners and enthusiasts.” -Continued

“Viper is an integral part of this Company’s heritage. While this is a strategic review, our intent would be to offer strong operational and financial support during any potential transaction, in order to ensure a future for the Viper business and perpetuate the legacy of this great vehicle."

Picture Edited by Carscoop

Chrysler Debuts 2009 PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 at Woodward Cruise

Not that we’re surprised or anything, but Chrysler’s “all-new limited production model” that we told you about yesterday is nothing more than a factory-customized PT Cruiser. Announced in conjunction with Detroit’s Woodward Dream Cruise, the PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 will be available this fall with prices starting from $22,700. Production will be limited to 1,750 units for the U.S. market.

So what’s so special about Chrysler’s 14th factory-customized limited-edition PT Cruiser? Well, aside from the contrasting two-tone theme with a Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl painted roof and hoop spoiler, the Dream Cruiser Series 5 also gets cross-hatched, solid billet aluminum grilles, 17-inch SRT alloys, chromed body-side trim moldings and new badges. -Continued

The contrasting paint theme continues inside the vehicle’s Pastel Slate Gray interior while there’s also new seat fabrics, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with bright silver accents, satin-silver finished gauge cluster with chromed rings and premium floor mats and door-entry sill plates add a final touch to this special-edition Chrysler PT Cruiser.

The Dream Cruiser Series 5 is available with a choice of two powertrains, a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine producing 150 HP and a 180 HP turbo-charged 2.4-liter unit.

Chrysler to Reveal Limited Production Model at Woodward Dream Cruise

If you’re planning to take part at this year’s Woodward Dream Cruise on August 16th in Detroit you might be interested to know that Chrysler will unveil an all-new 2009 limited production vehicle at the classic car event. Unfortunately, Chrysler has yet to release any information whatsoever on the vehicle but stay tuned on CarScoop as we’ll update the story as soon as we find out more details.

Chinese Replicate Dodge Tomahawk Motorcycle

At the 2003 Detroit Motor Show Dodge unveiled a monstrous creation called the Tomahawk; a unique motorcycle with two front wheels and two rear wheels powered by a 500HP 8.3L V10 engine from the Viper. Although the Tomahawk was never intended to for production, Chrysler actually built 10 running (but not road-legal) examples that were sold for $550,000 a piece through Neiman Marcus.

Now, a Chinese maker decided it was time that someone re-introduced the Tomahawk into the market as a cheap knock-off called the KMD K-007 Tron Bike MC-06. How cheap? Well, $1,398 will buy you a poorly executed Tomahawk replica. For that kind of money don’t expect any mechanical wonders as the original concept’s 500 HP V10 engine has been replaced by a… 150cc single cylinder engine that pumps out a staggering 10 HP. However, just like the original Tomahawk, the KMD is not street legal… -More pics after the jump

Via: Autoblog.com , Source: ATV