Review Spec Price and Manual: details

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Tuesday, December 10, 2013

New Details on Chysler Jeep Dodges Future

What a ride its been at Chrysler these past few years. Neglected by parent Daimler and subsequent owner Cerberus, Chrysler was on the brink of collapse and on their knees in front of the US Congress begging for a bailout. Ironically, Fiat, a company who fled the US in the early 1980s turned out to be Chryslers savior. And so far, the results have been encouraging. The bottom-feeder Dodge Avenger has been enormously improved. SRT is reviving the almighty Viper. The highly anticipated Dodge Dart with full Alfa Romeo DNA intact will be hitting showrooms soon.

There is no question that Chrysler had a myriad of problems, and it appears that Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne is still at work at revamping the beleaguered company. According to a post from Autoblog, Marchionne confirmed the Jeep Compass will be killed off in 2014. In spite of its 2011 redesign which modeled itself after the Grand Cherokee, Jeeps attempt at targeting young urban types-especially females appears to have fizzled. The more successful Patriot, which shares the same mechanicals to the Compass has sold far better, with more traditional Jeep styling, but it is unclear what the future of the Patriot is. Still, these cars are dinosaurs, based on the now extinct Dodge Caliber which was mercifully let go in favor of the upcoming Dart.

The next casualty is the Chrysler Town & Country minivan. The Dodge Grand Caravan remains, which makes sense since the Caravan was the first minivan. Ever. Kudos to Sergio Marchionne for telling Chrysler it makes no sense selling the exact same car under two brands. Brand engineering is what nearly ruined the American auto industry, so killing off the Town & Country makes perfect sense to me.

In other related news, it appears there will be an SRT high performance version of the Dodge Dart that will sit above the Dart R/T. No word yet on what will sit under the hood. In sum, I find the news from Chrysler encouraging as failing and redundant cars are cut off, and under the control of Fiat they definitely appear to be a more focused company. The future looks bright.

Introducing, the 2013 Dodge Dart
Chrysler PT Cruiser Saved!
Chrysler Files for Bankruptcy
The Word on Chryslers Viability Plan
Editorial: To All the Mopar Haters

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Thursday, November 14, 2013

Kia Details 246Hp Provo Hybrid Concept that Hints at Future B Segment Model

Kia seems really keen on changing their perceived image, and now that theyve moved away from their bargain-basement roots, and more into premium territory, they have realized that theres still a long way to go before they can actually match the brand image of their established mainstream rivals.

The brand lacks sporty pedigree, and thats exactly what theyve set out to change. First we recieved the Ceed and Pro_CeeD GT versions, which will inject a dose of much needed excitement into the Kia name.

They will also make each and every car in the range seem more appealing, even though the regular cars they sell are not really sporty in any way – it is a trick pulled off by large automakers like BMW, with their M division, Mercedes-Benz and AMG or Renault with their sporty RS branch.
However, they want to push it one step further with the Provo concept, which is an all-wheel drive, 246hp turbocharged hybrid concept they will be showing at the Geneva International Motor Show this week.

As the official press release states, the Provo "hints at a potential future B-segment vehicle" - a smaller Kia version of the asymmetrical Hyundai Veloster.
The concept features the same 201 hp (204 PS) 1.6-liter T-GDi engine found under the bonnet of the hot Ceeds that drives the front wheels. It is complimented by a 45hp electric motor that sends its power to the rear wheels, giving the car an extra surge of power when needed, or offering emissions-free motoring for short distances, in city driving.

It also features a dual-clutch DCT gearbox, which has seven gears for the driver to play with – this seems to be the norm, as other automakers are offering as many as nine gears.
However, aside from the technical details, the Kia Provo concept is a standout example of automotive design, and if they dont tone it down too much in its transition from concept to production, then the competition should start to worry.

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