Chrysler 300 and Jeep® Grand Cherokee Win AutoPacific ‘2012 Best in Class Vehicle Satisfaction’ Awards

Chrysler Group LLC announced today that the automotive research group AutoPacific has named Chrysler 300 as “Best in Class Vehicle Satisfaction” for the “Large Car” category, and Jeep® Grand Cherokee, for the second year in a row, won the “Premium Mid-Size SUV” category.

“We are honored to have the Chrysler 300 and Jeep Grand Cherokee receive awards for ‘Best in Class Vehicle Satisfaction’ by AutoPacific,” said Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. Sales and President and CEO – Dodge Brand. “Recognition from our buyers underscores our efforts towards improving quality and customer satisfaction at Chrysler.”

“The Chrysler 300 is the reincarnation of the image-heavy original. Now with more finesse but no less personality, the 300 owners are the most satisfied of any buying a large car today,” said George Peterson, President, AutoPacific. “The Grand Cherokee wins the best in class Vehicle Satisfaction Award for the second year in a row. Grand Cherokee owners gain their satisfaction through the overall capability and quality of the vehicle’s design.”

The AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards are based solely on owners’ satisfaction ratings of their new vehicle. Respondents to this survey are owners of new 2012 model year cars and trucks purchased from September through December 2011. The winners of these awards perform well in 48 separate categories that measure the ownership experience. This study by the Southern California-based automotive research firm summarizes the results of more than 75,000 new car and light truck owners in the first quarter of 2012 to determine the winners.

2012 Chrysler 300
Integrating the first eight-speed automatic transmission in a domestic luxury sedan, the new 2012 Chrysler 300 series sedans offer world-class technological innovation and quality while delivering stylistic distinction, best-in-class fuel efficiency and premium E-segment sedan features at a legendary value.

Adding an avant-garde appearance to the letter-series flagship sedans, the all-new Chrysler 300S V-6 and V-8 models take the American brand in a new direction with world-class ride and handling, discrete exterior styling elements, contemporary interior materials and state-of-the-art technology features –including the studio quality sound experience of Beats™ by Dr. Dre technology.

Once limited to premium import vehicles, the new segment-exclusive ZF 8HP45 eight-speed automatic transmission expands the world-class power and fuel-efficiency of the 2012 Chrysler 300, 300 Limited, 300S (V-6) and 300 Luxury Series models and delivers up to 31 best-in-class highway mpg. And with the segment’s most advanced all-wheel-drive system, the all-new Chrysler 300 V-6 AWD models deliver best-in-class city and highway fuel economy (18/27) and even more year-round grand-touring performance.

Designed to be the most luxurious Chrysler flagship sedan ever, the all-new Chrysler 300 and 300C Luxury Series models take the Chrysler 300 further, integrating ultra-premium leather – once limited to some of the most exotic Italian luxury cars – with world-class refinement and handling, state-of-the-art safety and connectivity features.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most-awarded SUV ever. Grand Cherokee delivers premium on-road performance while maintaining the Jeep brand’s legendary four-wheel-drive, torque-on-demand two-speed transfer case and towing capability. It offers improved fuel economy (up to 23 miles per gallon), a driving range of more than 550 miles, superb on-road ride and handling, a world-class interior cabin, more than 45 safety and security features, and a variety of advanced technology features.

Contributing to Grand Cherokee’s class-leading capability is the combination of Jeep’s Quadra-Lift™ air suspension system and the Jeep Selec-Terrain™ traction control system that lets customers choose the 4x4 setting for the optimum driving experience on all terrains.

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee is available with three 4x4 systems, and with either V-6 or V-8 powertrains.

Article and image courtesy of Chrysler News.

Vehicle Spotlight: A 2011 Dodge Charger Sedan

Get a great deal on this 2011 Dodge Charger Sedan for just $29,579!

Call us at (888) 912-5952 to speak to a sales consultant today! Or, click here for more information.

The Abarth 695 Maserati Edition Debuts at the Mille Miglia 2012

• The new Abarth limited edition will be displayed at Piazza della Loggia in Brescia in conjunction with the historical revival of “the most beautiful race in the world”
• The new Abarth 695 Maserati Edition is an exclusive convertible equipped with a 180 HP 1.4 Turbo T-Jet 16v engine combined with the Abarth Competizione gearbox

The Abarth 695 Maserati Edition, the new limited edition of only 499 vehicles to be sold mainly in European markets, will make its public debut on the occasion of the thirtieth anniversary of the Mille Miglia, which Enzo Ferrari called “the most beautiful race in the world.” Displayed at Piazza della Loggia in Brescia, in the midst of the collectors’ automotive jewels and “luxury cars” of today, this glamorous car represents the bond between Abarth and Maserati and is based on a host of shared values, including attention to detail, elegance and a passion for performance and sport.

Following the collaborative project three years ago with Ferrari and the creation of the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari, this project reinforces the presence of Abarth in the luxury sport segment, this time flanked by a brand whose history of sporting achievements and elegant road cars is recognised worldwide. Karl Abarth and Alfieri Maserati: two legends, united by passion for mechanics and engines, who lent their names to two of the most prestigious companies to manufacture cars marked by style and unmistakable performance.

Just as the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari is the utmost expression of Abarth’s sporty character and “racing spirit,” this new limited edition combines sheer elegance and the comfort of a “GranTurismo” with the handling of a car fit to take to the road every day.

The new Abarth 695 Maserati Edition is an exclusive convertible that blends the sportiness of a high-performance car with the refined, elegant aesthetics of a convertible. In keeping with Maserati’s standards, this new limited edition is distinguished by excellent handling and outstanding sportiness, together with a great level of comfort and attention to materials and details.

The new Abarth 695 Maserati Edition features exclusive style details and technical features developed by Abarth engineers for Maserati. To start with, the 1.4 Turbo T-Jet 16v engine is boosted to 180 HP and teamed with the electrically operated Abarth Competizione manual gearbox with steering wheel controls, which enhances the performance of the engine with reduced gearshift times as well as offering an experience of superior comfort behind the wheel.

To improve performance, in particular for acceleration, the car is fitted with performance tyres on 17" alloy wheels featuring a special Maserati-inspired “Neptune” design. The ride and braking system have also been strengthened to cope with the extra power: Brembo 305 mm disc brakes with grey fixed four-piston callipers and special Koni shock absorbers guarantee performance in complete safety.

The Abarth 695 Maserati Edition wouldn’t be complete without the variable back-pressure “dual mode” exhaust, designed to improve engine performance and deliver an inspiring sound above 3,000 rpm, with tailpipes that have been modified to assume the hexagonal shape that has always been a hallmark of Maserati cars.

The car’s exterior features a body painted in Pontevecchio Bordeaux. This colour from Maserati is achieved with special three-layer paintwork that reflects light and accentuates the shine of the colour. The same paintwork is also found on the door-mounted mirrors. The electrically controlled soft top is made of grey fabric.

The new Abarth adopts Xenon headlamps with dipped and driving light functions for improved light emission and excellent performance in all weather conditions. These devices deliver three times the light intensity and duration of standard halogen headlamps.

The customisation is just as complete on the inside. The interiors demonstrate both the attention to detail and the sportiness that characterise the two brands, starting with seats upholstered entirely in sand beige leather, with strips featuring single-layer padding, sporty but elegant and comfortable at the same time, and stylish details such as the number “695” heat-printed on the head restraints. The dashboard and gearbox trim are distinguished by a special matte-finish carbon lining, further enhancedwith the 695 logo, while the door panels and rear panels undergo a special UV-LUX treatment, which lends the trims an elegant grey “flocking” effect.

The black leather steering wheel is characterised by beige leather inserts and tricolour hub and houses the wheel-mounted gearbox controls, while the instrument panel has been specifically produced by the Jaeger brand. Other details enrich the interior, such as the aluminium pedal unit and sill plate, the carbon fibre kick plate with customised “Abarth 695 Maserati Edition” graphics and the plate with the car’s series number from 1 to 499. Lastly, as proof of its touring vocation and to enhance the on-board experience, the Abarth 695 Maserati Edition comes as standard with a boosted JBL hi-fi audio system with nine speakers and an eight-channel amplifier supplying 400 W of total power.

Article and image courtesy of Chrysler News.

Dodge Dart Electronic Stability Control: Preproduction model shown

Always drive carefully consistent with conditions. Always wear your seat belt and obey traffic laws.

Video courtesy of Dodge's Youtube channel.

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Chrysler Group LLC to Hold Mobility Awareness Program

Chrysler Group LLC’s Automobility Program will host an employee awareness event at company headquarters the week of May 14.
 
This event is intended to increase employees’ understanding of wheelchair accessible vehicles and adaptive mobility equipment options that enable people with disabilities to live an active and mobile lifestyle.

Chrysler Group has been a leading supporter of mobility vehicle conversions since the 1980s.

“Chrysler Group was the first automaker to offer a commitment to lighten the financial burden of adaptive equipment installation on vehicles within the United States,” said Steven Beahm, Vice President – U.S. Sales Operations. “We are proud to host this important event with some of the industry’s leading conversion companies displaying the latest in adaptive driver and passenger equipment and vehicle conversions.”

The week-long event is being held in conjunction with the first National Mobility Awareness Month and the debut of Chrysler Group’s new Automobility Program website at Chrysler Mobility's webpage.

The employee awareness event will begin with a town hall from 3-5 p.m. Monday, May 14. Representatives of several mobility conversion companies will discuss their products and answer questions. A Dodge Grand Caravan R/T minivan with a lowered side-entry conversion will be on display at the event.

The program will continue on Tuesday, May 15, with a day-long exhibit of vehicles converted for use by those with mobility limitations. A converted minivan will be displayed in the tower lobby, and eight additional vehicles, demonstrating various conversion technologies, will be stationed in Tech Plaza for the day. The program will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with representatives from the Chrysler Group and various conversion companies available to provide information and answer questions.

While this event is designed for all Chrysler Group employees, the company’s designers and engineers are particularly interested in meeting with the attending up-fit companies to examine the latest equipment that can help people with disabilities to enter, exit, and operate a new vehicle.

Static displays will be available for viewing through Friday, May 18.

“There are more than 18 million people in the United States and Canada with mobility issues,” Beahm said. “That is an opportunity to foster new customers for Chrysler Group products, but more importantly, it is a call to us to help our customers with disabilities to live their lives to the fullest.”

The Chrysler Group’s new Automobility Program website is now live and can be accessed at Chrysler Mobility's webpage. The website shows many examples of the driver and passenger mobility equipment up-fits possible on Chrysler Group vehicles to meet individual requirements. The site also has reference links and will provide a better understanding to the end-user of the Chrysler Group’s continued commitment to financially assist special needs customers.

The new website provides all the details on how customers can take advantage of the Chrysler Group cash reimbursement to help reduce the cost of installing adaptive driver or passenger equipment on a new Chrysler Group vehicle. When you buy or lease any new Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram or Fiat vehicle from a participating dealer, Chrysler Group will give you a cash reimbursement to help reduce the cost of installing the adaptive driver or passenger equipment on your vehicle. Qualifying conversions to Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and Fiat models qualify for a maximum reimbursement of $1,000.

Since 2000, the Chrysler Group has provided more than 80,000 incentive grants to assist with mobility-related conversions of its vehicles.

To further mark National Mobility Awareness Month in May, the Chrysler Group will donate a 2012 Chrysler Town & Country minivan, in conjunction with the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association, to one local hero who is struggling with or overcoming their mobility challenges. Friends and family members will encourage people to vote for their local hero story at Mobility Awareness Month's website for a chance to win the wheelchair accessible minivan.

Article and image courtesy of Chrysler News.

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Fix bad weatherstripping immediately

If your weatherstripping is letting rainwater leak into the interior of your car, take a look at it and decide if you can repair it or if it needs to be replaced. Small leaks can be handled with brush-on seam sealers. Resecure loose sections, not otherwise damaged, with trim adhesive. Torn sections may be repaired with special caulking available at auto parts stores. You may also be able to extend the life of worn-but-intact sections by inserting foam rods, available at automotive stores, into the hollow section of the weatherstripping. If you decide to replace entire sections of gasket, don’t simply buy generic stuff such as you’d use around the house. Buy a product that matches your car’s original weatherstripping — it’s available in a wide variety of profiles from dealerships and automotive mail-order catalogues.

Your Monday Maintenance Tip courtesy of Reader's Digest.

Belvidere Assembly Plant Employees Celebrate First Dodge Dart Off the Line

The first Chrysler Group vehicle built off a Fiat-derived architecture, the 2013 Dodge Dart blends Alfa Romeo DNA with Dodge’s passion for performance and style. The new Dart will be available with 12 exterior colors, 14 interior color and trim options, three powerful, fuel-efficient engines, three transmission choices, unsurpassed safety features and world-class aerodynamics, setting a new standard for the compact car class.

The first vehicle off the line was a red Dodge Dart Rallye with a black and red interior, powered by a 1.4-liter engine with manual transmission. Optional features included a rear camera and sunroof.

The 2013 Dodge Dart will be available in five trim levels with a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $15,995. The first Darts will begin arriving in dealer showrooms in June.
 
In addition to the Dodge Dart, the Belvidere Assembly Plant currently builds the Jeep® Compass and Jeep Patriot.

Article and image courtesy of Dodge News.

Special APR Program on 2012 Durango Citadel AWD models

Be sure to take advantage of our Special APR Program on 2012 Durango Citadel AWD models this month: As low as 0% APR financing for up to 36 months plus up to 1,000 Cash Allowance on 2012 Durango Citadel AWD models for well qualified buyers!

Not all buyers will qualify for the lowest rates. Must receive financing through Ally. Example down payment is 10%. Monthly charge is per $1,000 financed - see table below. This rate is for estimation purposes only. You may not be able to finance your vehicle at this rate. Must take retail delivery by 05/31/2012.

Click here or ask a sales consultant for complete details!

Behind the Wheel of the All-New 2013 Dodge Dart

Auto experts from around the country recently traveled to the Lone Star State to get their first taste of the All-New 2013 Dodge Dart. Read what the experts had to say after getting behind the wheel of the efficient 2.0L Tigershark or releasing the raspy exhaust note of the 1.4L MultiAir Turbo.

 Here is a small sample of the reviews that have started to come in. With headlines like “Dart a delightful surprise” and “Dart is right on target” it looks like the All-New 2013 Dodge Dart is ready to “catapult into the heart of compact sedan territory.”

• 2013 Dodge Dart: Drive review – Autoweek
• Mark Phelan: Want value? Dodge Dart hits the sweet spot – Detroit Free Press
• 2013 Dodge Dart Test Drive – Popular Mechanics
• Test Drive: Dodge Dart a delightful surprise – USA Today
• New Dodge Dart is right on target – The Detroit News
• Fiat platform catapults Dodge into heart of compact sedan territory – Auto123.com
• 2013 Dodge Dart: This young talent seeks to hit all the right notes – stltoday.com

Article and image courtesy of Red Line Dodge.

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Keep the caps on

You step out into driveway ready to start your morning commute only to discover a flat tire. How in the heck did that happen overnight? If the tire valve is missing its cap, the culprit might be a leaky valve. Those little caps keep out dirt and moisture that can cause leaks, so be sure to keep caps on all your tire valves. Another tip: When you replace tires, remind the tire shop that you expect new valves with the tires.

Maintenance Tip courtesy of Reader's Digest.

Share Your Story: Stan Keith’s ’60 Dart

Here’s the first installment in our Redline Dodge Share Your Story series. This one stars Stan Keith and the great story of his first Dodge, a 1960 Dart Pioneer hardtop. Alas, Stan wasn’t able to furnish a photo, so the Dart’s owner’s manual will have to serve as a stand-in. Here’s Stan to tell us about the car he called the Black Beast.

I was a sophomore in college in the summer of 1968 and my parents said I could buy my first car if I paid for it and paid for insurance, gas, and upkeep. So I hit the newspapers looking for a used something. After looking at several cars, I found a 1960 Dart for sale at the huge price of $350. Understand, this was in 1968, but this was still a bargain! My father drove me to the address not far from where we lived in California.

And there it was – a 2-door hardtop, black with a black and red interior; 318 engine with a 3-speed Torqueflite.  (With pushbuttons!) It had a radio and no other options. Manual steering and manual brakes! A beast! Matter of fact, that is what my mother and sister called it – The Black Beast.

For an 8 year old car it was in pretty good shape.  The original owner had ordered the car special from the factory. It needed a new muffler, some upholstery work on the seats, and a good wax job and cleaning, but it was all there and it ran fantastic.

I spent the summer working on the car. I worked in an auto parts store so I was able to get the parts I needed at a discount. I replaced the spark plugs, wires, hoses, brakes, tires, and darn near everything that needed to be fixed. By the time I drove it to college in September, it was a black gem.

I drove that car for two years – to be replaced by a 1968 Dodge A108 van which I converted to a camper (but that is a story for some other time). The really great thing about that ’60 Dart was it was so huge inside that I could fit six college students (girls, especially!) with all their luggage in the trunk from my college to home. I would advertise on dorm bulletin boards and whenever I made a trip home I would have a full car of students.

I’ve got to tell one story about driving the Dart. It had factory backup lights in the rear bumper. One day I was driving down the old US 99 Highway in the San Joaquin valley in California and doing a little over the speed limit, I was being tailgated by this guy who just would not get off my tail. I had enough – so I engaged the reverse pushbutton on the dash – not enough to put the transmission into reverse, but enough to engage the backup lights. It was dusk and those huge, white backup lights must have wakened the tailgater. He backed off so fast he must have thought he was going to be sprayed with a lunched transmission!

Boy, I had fun with that car. It had 60,000 miles on it when I bought it and it had a little over 100,000 when I sold it. Great car, great memories. That car started my Dodge history.

Image and article courtesy of Redline Dodge.

Remember to take advantage of our $24.95 Express Oil and Filter Change eCoupon this month!

Perform a Express Oil and Filter Change starting at $24.95 and if it is not completed within 30 minutes or less your next oil and filter change is FREE! Must present coupon at time of purchase. Limit one coupon per person. Coupon does not apply to prior purchases. Valid only at Browning Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram. Cannot be combined with any other specials, discounts, or offers. See Browning Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram for complete details. Offer expires 05-31-2012

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The Dart Story: Six-Speed Manual Transmission

A key to the 2013 Dart’s design mission is what Dodge engineers call “fun-to-drive dynamics.” For many drivers, shifting gears is an important part of the fun, and the Dart’s six-speed manual transmission is tailor-made for them

Offered as standard equipment with all three available Dart engines, the six-speed manual transmission is a compact and lightweight state-of-the-art unit. Carrying the internal designation C635, the transmission has a rated capacity of 350 Newton-meters (258 lb-ft). The Dart’s gear ratios are optimized to maintain low engine rpm at highway speeds to minimize cabin noise and maximize fuel economy.

Another noteworthy feature is the Hill-start Assist system, which automatically engages when it senses that the vehicle is on a hill, in first gear, and both the clutch and brake pedals are depressed. The system’s controller then keeps the brakes on for about 1.5 seconds after the brake pedal is released to prevent the vehicle from rolling downhill, ensuring a smooth departure from a stop.

Article and image courtesy of Dodge News.