Chrysler ecoVoyager Hybrid Concept

As part of Chrysler's three-strong concept car offensive at the Detroit Auto Show next year will be this new ecoVoyager hybrid vehicle, touted much like its Jeep and Dodge show stand companions to fuse the economical and ecological advantages of an advanced 'clean-running drivetrain' and the appeal of a vehicle styled to excite.

Seating four in comfort, the ecoVoyager is powered by a new technology which has the environment at its heart. A hydrogen fuel cell generates electricity for the battery pack and 200 kW electric motor, which according to Chrysler will exclusively drive the vehicle for in excess of 300 miles. Powertrain components are stored underfloor. However, performance will not be sluggish, a 0-60 mph time of less than 8 seconds being expected.

Although longer than the present Voyager by some two inches, the single-box designed concept vehicle is both narrower and lower in height, which transfers to more swept and sporty styling cues. Among them is the return of Chrysler's central spine, a crease which spans from the rather subdued front to the dynamic rear end, where it effectively dictates the hatch and light cluster arrangement.

Related entries:

Jeep to Storm Detroit with Renegade Hybrid Concept
Dodge Zeo Hybrid Concept to Star at Detroit
Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept Debut at Detroit

New Chrysler Aspen Hybrid Announced

HEMI Hybrid

• Chrysler Aspen Hybrid joins Dodge Durango Hybrid in 2008

• Vehicles feature 5.7-liter HEMI® Hybrid with Multi-displacement System (MDS)

• HEMI Hybrid delivers more than 25-percent fuel economy improvement

• Full-size SUVs to boast nearly 40-percent mpg improvement in the city

• Chrysler Group’s advanced hybrid system leapfrogs traditional hybrid design

Yes, it does – as does the new Dodge Durango Hybrid. Both vehicles, powered by Chrysler Group’s all-new 5.7-liter HEMI Hybrid powertrain, debut next year as the first volume-production hybrid offerings from the Chrysler Group and the first vehicles to feature DaimlerChrysler’s advanced two-mode hybrid technology.

“The all-new Chrysler Group HEMI Hybrid will offer our customers the best of both worlds: renowned performance and significantly improved fuel economy,” said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President – Product Development, Chrysler Group. “With the new HEMI-powered Chrysler Aspen Hybrid, we are delivering the ultimate combination of fuel efficiency, overall performance and capability in a premium full-size SUV.”

The new 5.7-liter HEMI Hybrid is expected to deliver an overall fuel economy improvement of more than 25 percent, including an improvement of nearly 40 percent in the city.

The HEMI powerplant, in hybrid form, will continue to feature Chrysler Group’s Multi-displacement System (MDS), which allows the engine to seamlessly alternate between four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. For the fifth year in a row — and every year since its 2003 re-introduction — Chrysler Group’s famous 5.7-liter HEMI engine has earned a place on Ward's 10 Best Engines list.

The new Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid vehicles represent a bold change in what is generally a “me too” category. Chrysler Group’s full-size hybrid vehicles will deliver seamless dependable power on demand in an efficient package. With an electrically variable transmission (featuring two electric motors), two full hybrid modes of operation, and four fixed mechanical gear ratios, the drive system improves fuel economy around town and at highway speeds.

Chrysler Aspen
Boasting elegant Chrysler styling, unsurpassed capability and performance and abundant premium amenities, the Chrysler Aspen is a premium SUV that is a value alternative to luxury-priced competitors. Offering more for less, Aspen features numerous premium features, elegant Chrysler design, 30 safety features and best-in-class horsepower, torque and interior room.

Two-mode Hybrid
Chrysler Group’s two-mode hybrid powertrain — jointly developed by DaimlerChrysler, General Motors and the BMW Group — represents a major automotive industry milestone due to the unprecedented fully integrated combination of electric motors with a fixed-gear transmission.

As a result of the low- and high-speed electric continuously variable transmission (ECVT) modes, the system is commonly referred to as the two-mode hybrid. However, the sophisticated fuel-saving system also incorporates four fixed gear ratios for high efficiency and power-handling capabilities in a broad variety of vehicle applications. The new Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid vehicles can be powered either by the electric motors or by the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine – or a combination of the two. During the two ECVT modes and four fixed-gear operations, the hybrid system can use the electric motors for boosting and/or regenerative braking. When full power is needed, the system automatically adjusts for passing, driving steep grades or hauling a trailer. The result is trend-setting hybrid technology that provides superior fuel economy, performance and load-carrying capability.

2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid

It wasn’t long ago that the idea of a hybrid SUV was as inconceivable as basing an entire movie franchise on a certain swashbuckling theme-park ride. But times have changed, and now there’s a number of earth-friendly people-haulers. The latest automaker to hatch a hybrid SUV is Chrysler, whose Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen were in sore need of an mpg boost. Both hybrids will hit showrooms for 2009. We had a chance to drive an Aspen prototype at Chrysler’s test track in Michigan today.

Both SUVs hitch a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 to a two-mode hybrid system developed jointly by GM, BMW and Chrysler. It can scoot along in electric mode up to 25 mph for a mile or two, though anything beyond tiptoe acceleration calls the engine up for duty. Like most hybrids, if you tread lightly, the Aspen has enough power to crawl from one stop sign to the next. Harder acceleration sounds a telltale whump as the engine churns to life, signaled at times by the right-hand gauge

shifting from “Economy” to “Performance.” Chrysler chief engineer Glenn Denomme said his team is still working to iron out the shift in power, and the gauge will probably be replaced with something that shows the transition in more definite terms.

The good news is, should you need it, the Hemi and electric motor will combine to muscle the Aspen up to highway speeds in a jiffy. The motor emits a noticeable whirr as the engine revs hard, but we have no complaints with the system’s overall sound.

We weren’t as impressed with the brakes. Typical of a hybrid, they incorporate a regenerative function that recharges the battery. That leaves the brake pedal’s resistance feeling like a brick. Actual deceleration is equally underwhelming.

There’s no such beef with the Aspen Hybrid’s steering system. It has a bouncy feel, but it springs back to center well.

With the EPA’s new testing procedures, city gas mileage should be around 19 mpg, with highway mileage a bit lower. That may not sound hybrid-esque until you consider the regular Aspen, which gets 13 mpg in the city. Denomme said our prototype is at least three revisions away from production status. The drivetrain seems ready for prime time, and if they can fix the brakes, this could be the spark these slow-selling giants need.

Chrysler/Dodge To Cut Four Models, 12,000 Jobs

Crossfire, PT Convertible, Magnum gone

Chrysler LLC, parent company behind Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge, announced they will be dropping four different models from its current slate of vehicles. The casualities include the Chrysler PT Cruiser convertible, Chrysler Pacifica, Chrysler Crossfire, and the Dodge Magnum.

Chrysler is using the vehicle cuts, in part, to justify cutting nearly 12,000 jobs, most of which are hourly positions. Over 1,000 management personnel are being laid-off as well. These cuts are in addition to the 13,000 North American terminations that were announced back in February.

The models being cut are hardly a surprise. Sales for both PT Cruiser variants are down 27% through September, but the model remains Chrysler's third best selling. Many thought the PT Cruiser wagon would be cut as well, but the company was apparently convinced otherwise by fans of car running popular online petitions in its favor. The Chrysler Pacifica is generally disregarded as being overpriced and bloated. The Dodge Magnum, redesigned just this past January, will be replaced with the Dodge Journey crossover next year. The Crossfire and Pacifica will not be replaced.

Chrysler LLC, which employs over 130,000 people worldwide, has essentially announced that they are taking steps to eliminate almost 20% of its workforce by the end of 2008 in effort to more effectively compete with Japanese brands.

Today's announcement came roughly one week after Chrysler employees barely approved a new contract with the automaker.

Chrysler SR 392 Roadster

• The distinctively ‘Detroit’ roadster is a collaborative build project between Chrysler’s Mopar Underground SEMA design team and Quality Metalcraft
• The SEMA Show, the annual showcase of technology, trends and products representing the $36.7 billion automotive parts and accessories industry, will be held Oct. 30 – Nov. 2, 2007
• The Mopar booth (#42427) is located in the lower South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center

What do you get when you combine the new 392 HEMI® crate engine from Mopar® with the world’s first-ever steel reproduction of a 1927 street rod body and three car-crazy designers? The result is a custom SR 392 Roadster that will debut in the Mopar booth (#42427) at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show. The SEMA Show is the annual showcase of technology, trends and products representing the $36.7 billion automotive parts and accessories industry that will be held Oct. 30 – Nov. 2, 2007 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

For nearly two years, Chrysler’s Mark Allen and Ralph Gilles planned to build the SR 392 Roadster as a SEMA stunner with Michael Chetcuti of Livonia, Mich.-based auto supplier, Quality Metalcraft (QMC). Allen is chief designer, Jeep®/Dodge Truck Studios – Chrysler LLC and Gilles is Vice President of Jeep/Truck & CFM Design – Chrysler LLC. Gilles and Allen are members of Chrysler’s Mopar Underground SEMA design team, a group of in-house automotive enthusiasts who donate their time to SEMA project vehicles.

Allen said, "It was important to convey the car’s theme as an homage to Detroit – the cool Detroit with its unique artistic community, music and gritty vibe. We used durable materials and let the mechanicals show to reflect the industrial backbone of the city. We wrapped it all up in a high-gloss black-and-chrome wrapper to evoke Detroit’s cool attitude."

Allen, Chetcuti and Gilles saw a challenge in proving that the 6.4-liter HEMI crate engine could apply to a vehicle other than traditional muscle cars or modified upfits. The team’s idea was to redefine the classic hot rod with a more functional urban and industrial attitude to create a distinctly ‘Detroit’ roadster.

The project was assisted by Chetcuti’s QMC since the company has tooled, designed and now stamps the first-ever steel reproduction of a ’27 street rod body — the Shadowrods XL-27 Roadster and Lakes Modified bodies — developed by hot rod legend Jon Hall.

“The core design elements of this roadster speak to the grit and industrial edge of our city,” said Chetcuti. “Things like the mezzanine flooring detail and Eames-inspired seating — these take an industrial cue but are by no means 'rat-rod.' It is a refined and organized design throughout.”

After several design variations were discussed (California hot rod king Chip Foose even had a peek), Allen brought his full resources to the design’s completion. QMC stamped and performed the initial assembly on the reworked Shadowrods body – and fabricated and fit the revised hood, hood side panels, lower rocker panels and doors to the body.

With the car’s extremely low stance, Shadowrods was asked to build a custom frame using a unique staggered truss concept. For the final build of the SR 392 Roadster, QMC turned to longtime concept- and show-car builder Wheel to Wheel Powertrain of Madison Heights, Mich.

Overseen by Gilles, the Mopar Underground SEMA design team has been customizing Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge production vehicles for the SEMA show since its creation in 2002. The team creates tricked, tuned and customized vehicle concepts meant to develop performance parts, accessories and customization, vehicle concepts and keep the Mopar spirit and passion alive.

SEMA 2007: Chrysler Town and Country Black Jack

The Chrysler Town & Country Black Jack draws its inspiration from the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas - a dominant and enigmatic presence on the Strip. Massive, dark and simple in shape and design, the icon casts a shadow over the surrounding properties.

It sits on custom one-off 20-in. wheels with new bright finishes built by Alcoa Forged. They are tucked around a set of Brembo SRT brakes, matched with an adjusted ride height. Its stance is sophisticated, yet approachable. Covered in a custom Amber-Black Pearl paint, the hood features a ghosted “Black Jack” logo and pin stripe provided by Jim-Tech. Chrome accents complement the billet-style grill.

The exterior was designed to draw people to the stunning inside. LED lighting, provided by OSRAM-Sylvania Group, was crucial to the application of Las Vegas allure. To give it an “after hours lounge bar” setting and atmosphere of light and shade, the team created dual panoramic-style roof openings. After relocating the gas tank, light-sensitive “scintilla” provided by Sensitile was used. Constructed of 100 percent acrylic, Scintilla transforms the way in which the surface interacts with interior lighting. The scintilla actually illuminates the players’ “field.”

A leather- wrapped curved bench replaces the third-row seats. Providing “rat pack” and “rat rod” influence, the passenger seats are wrapped by Katzkin, and feature Vogl satin black leather, custom embroidery. Seat inserts feature perforated suede with silver backing and a suede headliner. The centered dealer’s seat required removal of the second-row pilot seats. The “black jack” table is constructed of light-weight carbon fiber. Creating seamless construction, it’s bolted to the translucent center mount that flows into the translucent floor. The adjustable lighting and table placement contribute to the players’ comfort.

Azentec and KICKER brought a “bada bing” to the interior. The entertainment system features two KICKER Audio 10-in. L7 sub woofers tied to a 1250-watt amplifier. Two pairs of 6-in. speakers and a four-channel 700-4 amplifier provide the “boom” factor. The rear-mounted 37-in. LCD flat screen and two 7-in. overhead monitors are connected to three hidden overhead digital cameras so there are “eyes” on the dealer’s and players’ hands. The Azentec head unit – the Atlas 1000 – serves as a high-powered laptop radio head unit. Windows XP provides adaptability and capability for wireless internet, Bluetooth, cell phone, navigation system and personal PC – putting the Black Jack on the forefront of in-car entertainment.

With QEK Integrated Fleet Services providing support during the Town & Country Black Jack build, this “slow roller” is sure to turn heads on the Strip.

The Mopar press conference will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 4:40 p.m. PST in the Mopar booth (#42427) located in the lower South Hall.

High Performance Volvo S80 by Heico

German tuning and motor sport experts Heico Sportiv has developed a spectacular high-performance version of the Volvo S80.

With a high-tech aluminium-look exterior and a 350 hp bioethanol engine, the S80 High Performance Concept is destined to be a true attention-grabber at the SEMA show in Las Vegas.

"We wanted to explore how far we could take a special high-performance version of the S80. Heico Sportiv's impressive track record in motor sports and Volvo tuning made them the perfect partner for the job," says Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President Brand, Business and Product Strategy at Volvo Cars. He adds:

"Personally, I think the result is absolutely stunning. Both when it comes to the exterior and interior design as well as the impressive muscle under the bonnet."

The turbocharged T6 engine has been modified to run on E85 (85 percent bioethanol,15 percent petrol) - a biofuel that is becoming increasingly widely available throughout Europe.

The T6 engine in the Heico S80 High Performance Concept boasts around 350 horsepower at 5500 rpm and a massive 550 Nm of torque between 1500 and 4000 rpm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h will take around 5.8 seconds.

"The engine development is not yet finalized, so we hope to reach an even higher horsepower figure when the car is ready for SEMA," says Heico Sportiv's president Holger Hedtke.

All Wheel Drive and sports suspension

The Heico S80 High Performance Concept features Volvo's electronically controlled All Wheel Drive system with Instant Traction. The car also has specially developed sport suspension.
New shocks and springs lower the chassis by 40 millimetres.The 6-pot sport brake system has blue callipers featuring the Heico Sportiv logo, sports brake pads and 355x32 mm discs.

The specially developed 20-inch VOLUTION®X. forged alloy wheels are shod with 255/30R20 tyres from Continental.

"When it comes to the driving experience, we aimed at tuning all the components so we get
a dynamic yet harmonious result. In other words, a true sports car experience without losing

the luxurious and comfortable touch that is the hallmark of the S80," says Holger Hedtke.

Spectacular aluminium-colour effect

The exclusive aluminium metal-effect colour of the Heico S80 High Performance Concept radiates a distinctive technical look.

"To bring out the shiny, "real metal" effect was a major challenge. This type of paint is normally not used to cover a whole car. All told, the bodywork features seven coats of paint. The coat that gives the aluminium effect doesn't allow any touch-ups afterwards, so you have to get it right from the beginning. The whole process takes two weeks," says Holger Hedtke.

All other parts, such as the tailpipe trim, window mouldings, front grill and rub strips are coated with matte finish black chrome.

All body parts are handcrafted. The car's body kit has redesigned wide skirts all round.

The front features integrated spoiler flaps, three larger air ducts, integrated LED daytime running lights and an integrated sport grille with the Volvo iron mark.

The exhaust system is made of stainless steel throughout and the exhaust tailpipes are integrated into the wide rear spoiler. There is also a rear deck spoiler.

Mystic Blue interior

The bespoke interior has full high-quality leather in Mystic Blue with matching blue stitching and Heico Sportiv logo, both on the sport-contoured front seats and the two individual "bucket" seats
in the rear. The safety belts and floor-mats are also blue.

There is a sports steering wheel trimmed in leather and a leather-trim gear lever with a silver carbon accent.

The extended floating centre stack is covered with silver carbon fibre. The centre stack also features integrated controls for the rear seat entertainment system and a storage space with

a handmade blind. All decorative trim elements are made of silver carbon fibre.

The illuminated entrance trim in stainless steal and glass features the Heico Sportiv logo.

Volvo dealer since 1989

The Hedtke Volvo dealership in Weiterstadt, Germany, opened in 1989.

The company entered the motor sport scene in 1995 and over the years Heico Sportiv has developed one of the world's most exclusive tuning programmes based on Volvo cars.

"We are very pleased that Volvo Cars has given us the opportunity to design a concept car that profiles the sporty emotions of the brand and still remains true to the company's core values.
Just like the C30 "Camo" we designed for SEMA last year, the S80 High Performance Concept represents the very best of our long experience of Volvo tuning and motor sports," says Holger Hedtke.

The SEMA (Speciality Equipment Manufacturers Association) show in Las Vegas is open between 30 October and 2 November 2007. SEMA is the biggest automotive specialty products trade event in the word.

Chrysler's 2008 Sebring Convertible

The new Sebring will be available with a choice of two soft tops (cloth or vinyl) or a retractable hardtop. The soft tops are a no-brainer because the Sebring's a warm-weather rental fleet staple. The new droptop's wheelbase is 2.9 inches longer than the sedan's, and the car's length overall is increased by 3 inches. Like past versions, it's designed to comfortably seat four and carry a reasonable amount of stuff in the trunk. A "reasonable amount" here is equal to two golf bags with the roof stowed under its hard tonneau (another new feature). Raise it, and you can carry the clubs for a foursome.

The top operation is fully automatic, with no more need to undo any latches before you let the sun in. In addition, the top can be operated from the car's key fob. Inside, you're greeted by the same plastacular interior introduced in the sedan, but it should be noted that the lighter colors look worlds better (in pictures, anyway) than the gray interior on the Sebring sedan we drove recently. All the goodies you can get on the sedan, such as the heated/cooled cupholders and the MyGig entertainment system, are available here, too.

Motivation comes from either the 173 horsepower 2.4L four-cylinder World Engine, a n E85-capable189 horsepower 2.7L FFV V6, or the Limited's 3.5L V6 with 235 ponies. The two V6s get six-speed automatic transmissions, while the four-banger makes do with a 4- forward gears. We definitely like the look of the convertible over the sedan, and the addition of the retractable hardtop is a welcome development, as the Sebring truly becomes a four-season machine when so equipped. Overall, we count the Sebring convertible as a pleasant surprise. Stay tuned this week for more feedback from the gang we've got on the ground.

Chrysler's 2008 Sebring Convertible

The new Sebring will be available with a choice of two soft tops (cloth or vinyl) or a retractable hardtop. The soft tops are a no-brainer because the Sebring's a warm-weather rental fleet staple. The new droptop's wheelbase is 2.9 inches longer than the sedan's, and the car's length overall is increased by 3 inches. Like past versions, it's designed to comfortably seat four and carry a reasonable amount of stuff in the trunk. A "reasonable amount" here is equal to two golf bags with the roof stowed under its hard tonneau (another new feature). Raise it, and you can carry the clubs for a foursome.

The top operation is fully automatic, with no more need to undo any latches before you let the sun in. In addition, the top can be operated from the car's key fob. Inside, you're greeted by the same plastacular interior introduced in the sedan, but it should be noted that the lighter colors look worlds better (in pictures, anyway) than the gray interior on the Sebring sedan we drove recently. All the goodies you can get on the sedan, such as the heated/cooled cupholders and the MyGig entertainment system, are available here, too.

Motivation comes from either the 173 horsepower 2.4L four-cylinder World Engine, a n E85-capable189 horsepower 2.7L FFV V6, or the Limited's 3.5L V6 with 235 ponies. The two V6s get six-speed automatic transmissions, while the four-banger makes do with a 4- forward gears. We definitely like the look of the convertible over the sedan, and the addition of the retractable hardtop is a welcome development, as the Sebring truly becomes a four-season machine when so equipped. Overall, we count the Sebring convertible as a pleasant surprise. Stay tuned this week for more feedback from the gang we've got on the ground.

2008 Chrysler Firepower

This concept drapes a curvaceous new body over a Viper chassis. In place of the Viper's V-10, the Firepower slots in the new 6.1-liter Hemi (from the 300C SRT8) under its grooved hood and mates it to an automatic transmission. The design is the work of Brian Nielander, who penned last year's ME Four-Twelve, and similarities can be seen in the front end and in the use of tiny, torpedo-shaped LEDs. From the side, the look recalls current Aston Martins, and the fastback features a rear hatch. A glass roof lets light into the gorgeous, chrome-drenched interior, which provides cozy accommodations for two. Brembo brakes peek through nineteen-inch wheels at the front (wrapped in 275/35-series tires) and twenties at the rear (with even more extreme 335/30-series rubber). The anemic sales of Chrysler's Crossfire would seem to doom production prospects for another high-performance, two-seat coupe, but the company's need to fill its underutilized Conner Avenue Viper assembly plant might give the Firepower a chance. If so, the car will likely get a new moniker, as the Firepower name belongs to Exide batteries.

Recently spotted Dodge Viper prototypes with huge hood vents could be test mules for the Chrysler Firepower. The 2005 Firepower concept was built on the Viper chassis. If the car bows in 2007, it could be renamed, as Exide.

2008 Chrysler Firepower

This concept drapes a curvaceous new body over a Viper chassis. In place of the Viper's V-10, the Firepower slots in the new 6.1-liter Hemi (from the 300C SRT8) under its grooved hood and mates it to an automatic transmission. The design is the work of Brian Nielander, who penned last year's ME Four-Twelve, and similarities can be seen in the front end and in the use of tiny, torpedo-shaped LEDs. From the side, the look recalls current Aston Martins, and the fastback features a rear hatch. A glass roof lets light into the gorgeous, chrome-drenched interior, which provides cozy accommodations for two. Brembo brakes peek through nineteen-inch wheels at the front (wrapped in 275/35-series tires) and twenties at the rear (with even more extreme 335/30-series rubber). The anemic sales of Chrysler's Crossfire would seem to doom production prospects for another high-performance, two-seat coupe, but the company's need to fill its underutilized Conner Avenue Viper assembly plant might give the Firepower a chance. If so, the car will likely get a new moniker, as the Firepower name belongs to Exide batteries.

Recently spotted Dodge Viper prototypes with huge hood vents could be test mules for the Chrysler Firepower. The 2005 Firepower concept was built on the Viper chassis. If the car bows in 2007, it could be renamed, as Exide.