2012 Dodge Charger wins Edmunds.com technology award with the new Uconnect®

Centralizes World-Class Infotainment to Keep Charger Passengers Connected, Comfortable and Secure

• Dodge Charger’s state-of-the-art Uconnect® Touch next-generation mobile infotainment and multimedia system keeps passengers connected with a class-leading 8.4-inch touch screen
• All four of Charger’s Uconnect Touch models deliver world-class functionality with an intuitive user interface that was bench-marked against the best sedans from Europe, Asia and North America
• Uconnect Voice Command, Uconnect Touch, steering-wheel controls and familiar center-stack controls all work in synergy to make the experience intuitive and simple for the driver
• Segment-exclusive Garmin® navigation with SiriusXM Traffic provides easy-to-use maps with real-time traffic updated, lane guidance and more than 6 million points of interest

January 23, 2012 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The new 2012 Dodge Charger with its exclusive state-of-the-art Uconnect® Touch vehicle information and entertainment system is the winner of Edmunds.com’s Breakthrough Technology Award for 2012.

Each year, Edmunds.com recognizes a vehicle that sets the standard for intuitive, practical and affordable automotive technology.

“We’re very proud Edmunds.com is recognizing the 2012 Dodge Charger with its Breakthrough Technology award,” said Reid Bigland, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dodge brand. “The Charger’s Uconnect Touch system with the 8.4-inch touch screen is really world class, intuitive and easy to use. When you combine it with Charger’s available eight-speed transmission that gets best-in-class fuel economy of up to 31 miles per gallon on the highway, the 2012 Dodge Charger really does offer the latest high-tech features, all at a tremendous value, wrapped up with iconic styling.”

“The Dodge Charger embodies some of the most modern technology available in a car today, and it’s available in a vehicle that’s within the budget of average consumers,” said Scott Oldham, editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com. “Much of the technology, for example, is standard on the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT, which has a base price of $28,495 MSRP. And since the Charger is a sensible sedan, the package is that much more attractive.”

Dodge Charger’s Uconnect Touch illustrates tangible results from the company’s extensive research and development. During the development of the all-new 2011 Dodge Charger and its all-new Uconnect Touch infotainment system, Chrysler Group engineers visited, observed and recorded feedback from more than 4,100 owners of the best vehicles from Europe, Asia and North America to see how they interacted with their in-vehicle audio and navigation systems, as well as find out what they really want and need from a multimedia and infotainment system. The result: four high-quality next-generation infotainment models that are easy to use and simplify how passengers interact with different radio, media, climate control and navigation technologies.

The Uconnect Touch system offered on the Dodge Charger includes two 4.3-inch and two 8.4-inch in-dash touchscreen models with redundant manual controls for items including climate control, fan speed, radio tuning and radio volume. The Uconnect Touch 8.4 and 8.4N models feature the segment’s largest touchscreen display at 8.4-inches. The system also includes steering wheel mounted controls for features, including voice recognition for the award-winning Garmin navigation system and SiriusXM satellite radio. In addition, innovative SiriusXM Travel Link provides a host of data services, including fuel prices, weather forecasts, sport scores and schedules and movie listings.

Continuing Chrysler Group’s relentless commitment to safety, innovation and technology, the Dodge Charger’s Uconnect Touch system has been upgraded for 2012, adding hands-free texting, voice commands for Garmin navigation, SIRIUS Traffic and even full iPod® control features to expand on the system’s world-class infotainment, connectivity and convenience technologies.

For the Dodge brand, safety is a priority and the upgraded Uconnect Touch with hands-free texting keep Charger passengers even more connected through voice commands. With a compatible Bluetooth® phone, Uconnect Touch enables text-to-speech for incoming text messages, and provides the driver with ‘canned’ speech-to-text responses for outgoing messages.

With the segment’s largest touchscreen display at 8.4-inches, the easy to use Uconnect Touch 8.4N with integrated Garmin navigation is even better with the addition of voice recognition and SIRIUS Traffic. With natural voice commands, the Uconnect Touch 8.4N enables Dodge Charger passengers to input street addresses and navigate to points of interest. And with the addition of SiriusXM Traffic, real-time traffic monitoring notifies the driver or enables the Garmin navigation to re-route due to congested throughways.

Unique to the all-new 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 model, the Uconnect Touch features the SRT brand’s Performance Pages, providing passengers with instant vehicle data, including steering angle, horsepower and torque outputs along with engine gauges. The display is customizable to a driver selectable background.

Another new addition to Dodge Charger’s Uconnect Touch system for 2012 is the optional Beats ™ by Dr. Dre™ audio system that delivers high-definition music. The industry-exclusive Beats Audio™ system was designed in partnership with Chrysler engineers and Jimmy Iovine, an acclaimed producer and chairman of Interscope records.

About the new 2012 Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger provides the ultimate combination of dramatic Dodge heritage styling, award-winning premium interiors, the reassurance of an IIHS Top Safety Pick and full-size spaciousness with the fuel efficiency of a mid-size car.

All-new for 2012 is the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission paired with the award-winning Pentastar V-6 engine, which delivers an impressive 292 horsepower and best-in-class 31 miles per gallon (MPG) highway. In fact, that fuel economy not only surpasses and full-size V-6 sedan but any mid-size V-6 sedan, while offering all the driving dynamics and distinctive style the Dodge Charger is renowned. The new eight-speed transmission delivers an estimated 15 percent increase in fuel economy and a 10 percent improvement in acceleration. Also new for 2012 are die-cast paddle shifters, available with the Pentastar V-6 and HEMI® V-8 engines.

The Charger’s available legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with four-cylinder mode Fuel Saver Technology and variable valve timing, delivers best-in-class power with 370 horsepower and 395 lb.-ft. of torque and a starting price thousands of dollars less than the competition. The 2012 Charger r/T is positioned as the most affordable V-8 sedan in America, with a starting U.S. MSRP of only $29,995.

Charger’s all-wheel drive system is the most advanced in its class, with segment exclusive active transfer case3 with front axle disconnect to maximize fuel economy of up to 27 mpg highway while delivering outstanding performance and handling inherent to a rear-drive car.

With its iconic character, contemporary fastback four-door coupe proportions, world-class performance, award-winning interior craftsmanship and refinement and state-of-the-art connectivity features with available Uconnect Touch 8.4-inch touchscreen media center, the new Dodge Charger proudly delivers premium, world-class sedan precision at an incredible value, starting at a U.S. MSRP of only $25,495.

Courtesy of Chrysler News Media

 

2012 Dodge Challenger--the muscle car of tomorrow.

The Dodge Challenger brings muscle car performance and styling to everyday driving. The Challenger harkens back to 1970, and the current generation, launched as a 2008 model, amuses and delights us. For 2012, changes are primarily packaging.

The 2012 Challenger SXT name replaces SE as the entry-level Challenger. The Challenger SXT 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 produces 305 horsepower and 268 foot-pounds of torque. Added last year, the V6 engine's horsepower and smoothness were a major improvement, as was a 5-speed automatic transmission, but the Challenger is a big car so fuel economy is not its forte (EPA rated 18/27 mpg City/Highway). The base SXT comes reasonably well equipped and gives you the Challenger look and room for a modest price.

The 2012 Challenger R/T rumbles with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The V8 is rated at 372 hp and 400 pound-feet of torque with the 5-speed automatic, or 375 hp and 410 pound-feet of torque with the now-standard 6-speed manual. The Hemi uses a multiple displacement feature that switches off cylinders to save fuel, but EPA ratings are no better than 16/25 mpg. We think the Challenger R/T is a sweet spot in the lineup. It can be used as a daily driver with less intensity than the SRT8 (and considerable cost savings) yet it's sportier and more fun than the SXT. Challenger R/T is often compared with the Mustang GT and Camaro SS, although Challenger is a bigger car and a more comfortable cruiser.

The 2012 Challenger SRT8 392 is named after its Hemi V8's cubic-inch displacement (even though it's actually 391) and that of the legendary Hemi 392 engine of the late 1950s. The 2012 Challenger SRT8 392 comes with a 470-hp 6.4-liter Hemi V8 that includes cylinder deactivation technology. EPA ratings are 14/23 mpg. The 2012 Challenger SRT8 392 also gets a new steering wheel with heating, two-mode adaptive damping and a 900-watt Harman Kardon audio system. The SRT8 comes with big Brembo brakes, the firmest suspension and a limited-slip rear differential. We found the SRT8 392 fast and stable. It's ready to go to the track yet we think it's compliant and controlled enough that it you can drive it daily or just for weekend cruises.

The Challenger is an enjoyable muscle car. Driving it brings a smile to our face and it seems to light up others as well. Everyone seems to like the Challenger. We've driven all the models and like all of them. They all have their own merits but there are distinctions.

The cabin is mundane. Like muscle cars of the past, the Challenger is based on a sedan (the Charger) and the interior borrows heavily from existing materials. A new steering wheel for 2012 is an improvement and the new 392 sport seats hold you in place in corners and are designed to accommodate large drivers. Climbing into the back seat is a chore but once in we found it's fine for children, teens and the occasional adults.

Model Lineup

The 2012 Dodge Challenger SXT ($24,995) comes with a 305-hp 3.6-liter V6 and 5-speed automatic transmission (EPA 18/27). Standard equipment includes cloth upholstery, 6-way power adjustable driver's seat, four-way manually adjustable front passenger seat, air conditioning, power windows and locks, power mirrors, keyless access and starting, 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat, tilt and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, AM/FM/CD/MP3 6-speaker stereo, auxiliary input jack, trip computer, theft-deterrent system, and P235/55R18 tires on aluminum wheels.

Every Challenger offers three-coat red paint ($500) and an engine block heater ($95). SXT options include a 276-watt Boston Acoustics stereo ($450), XM radio ($195) and Uconnect Bluetooth ($395). The SXT Plus package ($2,000) adds nappa leather upholstery, heated front seats, fog and automatic headlamps, and the three aforementioned SXT options. In conjunction with SXT Plus you can also add navigation ($790), electronic convenience group ($695) and 368-watt, seven-speaker Boston Acoustics sound with HDD and larger touch-screen display.

Challenger R/T ($29,995) features a 375-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic ($995); EPA 16/25. R/T adds automatic headlights, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated outside mirrors, body-colored rear spoiler, metal fuel filler door, dual chromed rectangular exhaust pipes, fog lamps, Bluetooth wireless cell phone link, and a USB port. Mechanical upgrades to accompany the added power include bigger brakes, firmer suspension, and quicker steering.

Options include the Super Track Pack ($495) with P245/45ZR20 Goodyear performance tires, heavy duty brakes, sports suspension, and performance steering; Sound Group II ($1,565), electronic convenience group, limited-slip differential ($100), chrome-clad 20-inch wheels ($995), and audio upgrades to navigation ($790). An R/T Plus ($1,800) adds nappa leather upholstery, heated front seats, 276-watt Boston Acoustics with XM, security system, HomeLink, and body-color mirrors. From there another package, R/T Classic, adds 20-inch forged alloy wheels, side stripes, functional hood scoops, and HID headlamps ($1,800). (All prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices and do not include destination charge.)

The 2012 Challenger SRT8 392 ($43,995) has a 470-hp 6.4-liter Hemi V8 and a choice of 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic ($995). Other mechanical upgrades include Brembo brakes, a performance suspension, a limited-slip differential, and P245/45R20 tires on polished aluminum wheels. Standard are leather upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel, bi-xenon headlamps, trip/data computer with performance pages, and keyless access and starting. The SRT8 rear spoiler is flat black, the front spoiler deeper and ducted for brake cooling, hood scoops are functional, and the fuel filler is polished aluminum. An SRT also includes a day at the track with the SRT Experience; driver instruction well worth the effort to get there. The SRT8 392 also adds a gas-guzzler tax that runs $1000. Options include the 900-watt 18-speaker Harman Kardon audio system ($1,995), high-performance staggered-size tires, red leather, moonroof, navigation and premium paints.

Safety features on all Challengers include dual frontal airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, tire-pressure monitor, active front head restraints, stability control and traction control.

View more of the article here

 

Ram Truck launches new Luxury line: Laramie Limited

January 26, 2012 , Auburn Hills - For 2012, Ram Truck will expand its model lineup by adding the new, top-of-the-line Ram Laramie Limited.

“The Ram Truck brand’s greatest strengths are our commitment to listen to customers and to understand what motivates them,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO, Ram Truck Brand – Chrysler Group LLC. “We’ve successfully added Ram truck models designed for outdoorsmen, tradesmen, first-time buyers and ranchers. Laramie Limited is designed to meet the high expectations of affluent pickup truck buyers looking to combine capability with elegance.”

Featuring premium materials, such as full-leather seating, piano-black interior components and under-stated exterior badging, Ram Laramie Limited offers a refined luxury alternative to the popular southwestern-themed Ram Laramie Longhorn edition pickup.

“The launch of the Ram Laramie Longhorn edition gave us a boost in the ultra-premium pickup segment and exceeded our expectations,” added Diaz. “Ram Laramie Limited offers customers an even wider selection of luxury models. We expect a lot of interest in the Laramie Limited.

“The Ram Laramie Limited customer is going to be involved in some sort of motor-sport activity. Whether they’re towing a ski boat, a race-car hauler, motorcycles or snowmobiles, they’re looking for comfort and class and an expressive way to carry their crew and their gear.”

The new Ram will make its debut at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, which opens to the media on Wed., Feb. 8.

Exterior
Ram Laramie Limited gets a body-color front fascia with fog lamps and a matching, painted rear bumper. (Ram Laramie Limited 2500 and 3500 models in white and silver exterior colors get chrome front and rear bumpers.) The Laramie Limited’s chrome grille surrounds billet inserts that are featured on Ram Sport models. Understated chrome accents include body-side molding, mirrors, door handles and tubular side steps.

The Laramie Limited’s body side has a clean, “street truck” look and eliminates the traditional HEMI®, Cummins and Ram model line badges.

Tailgate badging includes the chrome Ram’s Head logo and a small italicized block-letter “Limited.”

Ram 1500 Laramie Limited shares 20-inch forged aluminum wheels with the Ram Laramie Longhorn. Polished surfaces are accented with painted silver pockets. Heavy Duty models feature 17-inch fully polished aluminum wheels. Wheel centers are embossed with the Ram brand name.

The Ram 1500 Laramie Limited is available in six exterior color choices, including: black, bright silver metallic, bright white, deep cherry red pearl, mineral gray metallic and true blue. Ram Heavy Duty models are available in black, bright silver metallic, bright white and mineral gray metallic.

Interior
The 2012 Ram Laramie Limited Edition features a modern, luxurious interior.

A full-leather cockpit with dark slate Natura Plus leather seats and engraved details lend the Ram Laramie Limited an unmatched level of sophistication and style.

Contrasting medium graystone leather piping provides seat-edge emphasis. Additional accents are created along either side of the piping by medium graystone deck-seam stitching.

The Ram Laramie Limited’s cavernous double-stacked center console is topped with a soft, double French-stitched full-leather lid.

In addition to 100 percent leather seat coverings, Ram Laramie Limited gets a premium leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter -- console mounted on 1500, column mounted on 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty models. Accent medium graystone X-stitch detailing sets off both the steering wheel and shifter.

Door trim front and rear also is wrapped in premium leather. Leather armrest uppers are further accented with the same dual French stitch used on the center console lid and instrument panel.

Ram Laramie Limited editions receive remote LED lighting at the inside door handles and a full-length light that illuminates the truck’s multi-function lower map pockets, front and rear.

The dash features a center stack trimmed in high-gloss piano-black. Liquid graphite side bezels and bright chrome vent rings complete the center stack’s detailing. Piano-black finishes also are used in the door panels and are trimmed in bright chrome.

Ram Laramie Limited’s gauge cluster is accented with pad-print chrome rings that share the high-end appearance of a gentleman’s watch and include the imprinted message: “Designed in Detroit.” Gauge needles are finished in liquid graphite.

A liquid graphite glovebox spear with pinstriped details and black and chrome “Limited” badge complete the dash.

Beneath the dash is soft foot-well lighting, providing both a functional and aesthetic interior enhancement.

Passengers also enjoy solid dark slate premium berber carpet floor mats with medium graystone accent stitching. Rear flap-closure seatback map pockets with modern chrome Ram-lettered detailed metal buckles also are unique to Ram Laramie Limited. For entry and exit, brushed-silver Ram-branded door sill plates resist scuffs and add visual appeal.

Other Features
Ram Laramie Limited also is equipped with a navigational radio, remote start, back-up camera, power adjustable pedals with memory, heated steering wheel, front ventilated and heated seats and rear heated seats.

Ram Laramie Limited will be available in 1500 (1/2-ton), 2500 HD (3/4-ton) and 3500 HD single- and dual-rear-wheel (1-ton); Crew Cab and Mega Cab; four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive; and short- and long-wheelbase models.

Laramie Limited will join the other Ram trim levels, which include: ST, Tradesman, Tradesman HD, Express, SLT, Outdoorsman, Mossy Oak edition, Sport, R/T, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Power Wagon (2500 only).

Laramie Limited will be available Q2 2012.

About Ram Truck Brand
The Ram Truck brand continues to establish its own identity and clearly define its customer since its launch as the newest Chrysler Group LLC vehicle brand. Creating a stand-alone brand for Ram trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on how core customers use their trucks and what new features they'd like to see. Whether focusing on a family that uses its half-ton truck day in and day out, a hard-working Ram Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its commercial vehicles every day, Ram has the truck market covered.

Courtesy of Chrysler Media

Name my ride contest is going on now for the next Jeep Grand Cherokee! Vote here!

January 25, 2012 10:01 AM

Are you one of those vehicle enthusiasts who names their car and says “Good Morning” to it when you get in each morning? Do you ever catch yourself thinking, I wish I had a vehicle named _____? Ever wonder who has the awesome job of coming up with such distinct names for all of our vehicles?

Well, now you have the chance to take on that awesome job and name one of our vehicle packages . Jeep is rolling out a brand new concept of the Jeep Grand Cherokee this morning at the Houston Auto Show and along with the reveal comes the Jeep “Name My Ride” contest. This new, production-intent concept vehicle has innovative, stealthy details, giving it a unique and aggressive look.

The Jeep brand brings this vehicle to the Houston Auto to gauge consumer reactions and see if the positive vibes are buzzing about. If you're digging the car, you can log onto Jeep.com/namemyride and enter your ideas for what the distinctive new vehicle should be named – the Jeep Grand Cherokee ___________ (fill in the blank).

The Jeep brand will narrow the names down to the top three and let voters choose their favorite. The winning name will be announced in May and the person who entered it will have a chance to win an all-new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

“We plan to garner feedback from consumers at the Houston Auto Show, and via our online Jeep 'Name My Ride' contest,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO of Jeep Brand. “If the level of excitement is what we anticipate, this new Grand Cherokee will be in Jeep showrooms this spring.”

Before you know it, this new Jeep Grand Cherokee could be sitting in your local dealer showroom with the name YOU chose for it! We won't give you any ideas for new names, but we will remind you of some names currently used by the Jeep brand as a jumping off point: Overland, Summit, Arctic, Jet, Rubicon and Sahara.

Courtesy of Chrysler Blog

 

The Jeep® brand is partnering with Lucasfilm for their latest movie!

Jeep® Brand Supports Lucasfilm’s Red Tails Movie Celebrating the Tuskegee Airmen

• Red Tails feature film depicts the illustrious story of the Tuskegee Airmen, hits theaters nationwide Jan. 20
• Jeep® brand sponsors movie screenings across the country

January 20, 2012 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Jeep® brand is partnering with Lucasfilm as part of a sponsorship to support their latest feature film Red Tails. The latest epic from producer George Lucas is inspired by the true story of America’s first all-black aerial combat unit The Tuskegee Airmen. The film also highlights the important role Jeep vehicles played in World War II and is featured in multiple scenes, including two action scenes that take place inside a Jeep vehicle.

“We commend George Lucas and Lucasfilm in the quest to tell the story of the Tuskegee Airmen’s courage, ability and resiliency seen in Red Tails,” said Kim Adams House, Head of Jeep Advertising. “It is a proud moment for the Jeep brand to reunite with the renowned and brave Tuskegee Airmen - who helped to keep the many missions in the air moving forward while Jeep vehicles kept our troops moving forward on land.”

In 1941, leading up to America’s involvement in World War II, the Army put out a call to automakers to build a fast, agile and versatile transport vehicle. The Jeep brand answered the call and produced more than 630,000 Jeep vehicles that were used by our military and allies.

“We are proud to have been a part of this historic depiction that illustrates the bravery of the Tuskegee Airmen. Red Tails is a movie that Jeep fans would appreciate as it also depicts the important role that Jeep vehicles played in the quest for freedom during World War II,” said Adams House.

“The image of a classic Jeep instantly recalls the historic era of World War II,” says Howard Roffman, President of Lucas Licensing. “Having the Jeep brand involved in the promotion of a movie that sets out to faithfully recreate 1944 and the inspiring story of the Tuskegee Airmen is a natural fit.”

Leading up to opening weekend the Jeep brand sponsored four premieres in Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles and the New York red carpet movie premiere where a 1944 Jeep vehicle shared the spotlight amongst the stars.

Jeep Brand
Built on 70 years of legendary heritage; Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all six Jeep models are sold outside North America – and all are available in right-hand drive versions and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Chrysler Group LLC sells and services vehicles in approximately 120 countries around the world.

Lucasfilm Ltd.
Lucasfilm Ltd. is one of the world's leading film and entertainment companies. Founded by George Lucas in 1971, it is a privately held, fully-integrated entertainment company. In addition to its motion-picture and television production operations, the company's global activities include Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound, serving the digital needs of the entertainment industry for visual-effects and audio post-production; LucasArts, a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software worldwide; Lucas Licensing, which manages the global merchandising activities for Lucasfilm's entertainment properties; Lucasfilm Animation, which is currently producing content for film and television, including Star Wars: The Clone Wars, a CG-animated half-hour television series; and Lucas Online creates Internet-based content for Lucasfilm's entertainment properties and businesses. Additionally, Lucasfilm Singapore, produces digital animated content for film and television, as well as visual effects for feature films and multi-platform games. Lucasfilm's motion-picture productions include three of the 20 biggest box-office hits of all time and have received 19 Oscars and more than 60 Academy Award nominations. Lucasfilm's television projects have won 12 Emmy Awards. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in San Francisco, Calif.

The Tuskegee Airmen
The Tuskegee Airmen were dedicated, determined young men who enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps to become America’s first black military airmen. They accepted the challenge during a time when many people thought that blacks lacked the intelligence, skill, courage and patriotism for such an endeavor. From 1941 through 1946 close to 1,000 pilots graduated from Tuskegee Army Air Field (TAAF), receiving pilot wings, approximately 350 deployed overseas and saw combat action in Europe.

The black navigators, bombardiers and gunnery crews were trained at other selected military bases elsewhere in the United States. Mechanics were initially trained at Chanute Air Base in Rantoul, Ill. until facilities were in place in 1942 at TAAF. Including the all maintenance, support and administrative personnel between 16,000 and 19,000 individuals participated in the Tuskegee Experience.

During WWII there were four fighter squadrons (99th, 100th, 301st, and 302nd) that eventually were organized under the 332nd Fighter group. The 99th was the first to deploy and they flew in North Africa and Sicily before moving to the Italian mainland, where they were joined by the other squadrons. There were four bomber squadrons (616th, 617th, 618th and 619th) that were organized under the 477th Bomb Group that were slated for combat in the Pacific Theater but WWII ended prior to their deployment.

Like Jeep, the Tuskegee Airmen celebrated a 70th anniversary in 2011. The Tuskegee Airmen celebrated the anniversary of the start of the Tuskegee training program. Jeep celebrated the beginning of production of its trademark vehicle.

Courtesy of GM Media

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Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and Dodge Charger named "Best Cars of the Year"

Designed for Drivers: All-new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8® and Dodge Charger Named Two of Winding Road’s “Best Cars Of The Year”

• Winner of “Best Utility Award,” the all-new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8® offers a unique blend of head-turning SRT performance with legendary Jeep® capability and utility, luxury and refinement, and innovative advanced technologies
• Best performing and most powerful Jeep vehicle ever: 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds; quarter mile in mid-13 second range; top speed of 160 mph; 60-0 mph braking in 116 feet and an all-new 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 that delivers 470 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque
• Earning the “Best Everyman Sedan Award,” the 2012 Dodge Charger delivers world-class levels of quietness and handling performance, state-of-the-art technologies and premium materials once limited to elite European sport sedans
• Segment-exclusive eight-speed automatic transmission provides Dodge Charger with refinement, improved performance and best-in-class 31 miles per gallon (mpg) highway

January 18, 2012 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Delivering performance, technology and handling capabilities that are among the world’s best, two of Chrysler Group LLC’s latest products – the all-new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8® and the new 2012 Dodge Charger – earned Winding Road’s “Best Car of the Year Awards,” an annual honor that recognizes the best driver’s vehicles in the market.

“SRT and Dodge are two brands that stand to make 2012 a banner year for driving enthusiasts,” said Seyth Miersma, Editor-In-Chief – Winding Road. “Taking over where the last generation left off (somewhere in the middle of a cloud of smoking tire rubber), the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 manages to be one of the most brutally fast and easy-to-live-with super-SUVs we’ve ever tested. Meanwhile, the 2012 Dodge Charger offers more in terms of style, performance, and space than most of the vanilla-flavored competition could dream of. With completely different form factors, price points, and audiences, the commonality between these two Best Cars is the way in which they can make their drivers grin.”

Selecting from hundreds of vehicles Winding Road reviews each year, its “Best Car of the Year Awards” seek out and honor the best driver’s vehicles, across every level of size, form and functionality. The highly involved selection process not only leverages the opinions of Winding Road’s seasoned staff of test drivers, but uses the Winding Road Involvement Index to quantify the always-elusive “fun to drive factor.” Because of Winding Road’s focus on the driving experience, only vehicles the publication has driven in the past 12 months are considered for a “Best Car of the Year Award” nomination.

“We are honored to earn Winding Road’s ‘Best Utility Award,’ as the driver-focused accolade recognizes the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8’s high-performance capabilities that can get it done on the street, on the race track, in a blizzard, or when towing other fun machines behind it,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO — SRT Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC. “Combining its aerodynamic performance styling with track-tested powertrain and chassis upgrades, with legendary Jeep utility and value, makes this super-SUV second to none.”

“As an enthusiast brand that combines power, innovation and world-class refinement at an unmatched value, Dodge is honored to receive such a prestigious award,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge. “Winding Road’s ‘Best Everyman Sedan’ award for driving enthusiasts validates how Dodge has transformed the new Charger into the class leader in driving dynamics, fuel efficiency and performance. With an unmatched combination of a 292 horsepower Pentastar V-6, class-leading 31 mpg highway and iconic muscle car styling, the 2012 Dodge Charger is in a class by itself.”

Courtesy of Chrysler Media