Chrysler Archives

The 2013 Dodge Dart is way better than that old Dodge Caliber that it replaced. Even though the 2013 Dart will be available with three different engines, the most powerful engine only packs 184 horsepower. Want even more power from the Dart, well Chrysler's SRT team that is unveiling a new Viper in April, is also reportedly working on a SRT4 performance variant of the Dart.

Details have not been released for the 2014 Dart SRT4, but the guys over at Motor Trend seem to have an idea of what we can expect. The 2013 Dart borrows its platform from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, so you can expect the Dart SRT4 to get a version of the Giulietta's dual-clutch, six-speed transmission. There are two possible options for the engine, a turbocharged version of the Dart's Tigershark 2.0L four-cylinder or Alfa Romeo's new 1.8L four-cylinder turbo. The Dart SRT4 is likely to get the turbocharged version of the Tigershark instead of the Alfa Romeo's engine, due to the added cost of Alfa Romeo's engine. Either way expect the Dart SRT4 to pack more power than the 285-hp Caliber SRT4.

The Dart SRT4 will also get a more aggressive body kit, an upgraded suspension and larger wheels with stickier tires.

Chrysler is celebrating Mopar's 75th anniversary with four custom vehicles, the Mopar '12 300, 2013 Dodge Dart "GTS 210 Tribute", 2012 Fiat 500 "Stinger" and the 2012 Mopar Jeep Compass "True North."

"Customization is king," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand. "These head-turning 'Moparized' vehicles show how we can go to the next level of personalization. With our best-in-class offerings of parts and accessories, we give our customers every opportunity to further enhance the appearance and performance of their vehicles."

This April, Chrysler is going to take the wraps off the 2013 SRT Viper (note that the Dodge name will no longer be applied to the Viper). Although April is still 2 months away, SRT has released the first teaser photo of the Viper on its Facebook page.

The next-generation Viper will be powered by a new V10 and will be released by the end of the year as a 2013 model.

Ram has announced the addition of the top-of-the-line 2012 Ram 1500 Laramie Limited model.

The Ram Laramie gets a body-color front fascia with fog lamps and a matching, painted rear bumper. It also gets a chrome grille and rides on standard 20-inch aluminum wheels that it borrows from the Ram Laramie Longhorn.

Inside the Ram Laramie gets Natura Plus leather seats and the center console is topped with a soft, double French-stitched full-leather lid. Leather has also been applied to the door trim, steering wheel and shifter. 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.

The Laramie Limited will be available Q2 2012.

Jeep has unveiled a new production-intent concept version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee at the Houston Auto Show.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Production-intent Concept is based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X package. The concept's face is more aggressive with a chrome and "blacked-out" look. The front fascia gets a unique platinum-chrome and "blacked-out" appearance with a chrome mesh grille and black headlamp bezels. The "blacked-out" theme continues out back with a black liftgate light-bar. The concept also rides on black-gloss aluminum 20-inch wheels.

Inside the concept gets standard leather seats, heated front seats and a 9-speaker 506 watt audio system.

Jeep also announced that it has created an online contest for consumers to name the new production-intent Grand Cherokee concept. The person who chooses the winning name will have an opportunity to win a new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

If the concept attracts enough interest, it will be in showrooms this spring.

The first model from the Chrysler/ Fiat marriage, the 2013 Dodge Dart will be hitting showrooms soon, but that model is only the first of many. It's been previously reported that Chrysler is going to kill off the Dodge Avenger after its current run, so that the automaker can focus its efforts on the better selling Chrysler 200 sedan, but that may not be the case.

USA Today is reporting that Chrysler is working on all-new versions of the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger, which will be based on the same Alfa Romeo platform that is the basis for the Dart. They are also reporting that the next Jeep Liberty and Compass models will also be built off the same platform in 2013.

Chrysler and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne recently stated about the new Jeeps, "It's gonna be a trail-rated, full-blooded Jeep that has its origins in the architecture of a sports car."

Marchionne also stated that Chrysler is thinking about a new small hatchback dubbed the "Chrysler 100." If it gets the green light, it will be sold in Europe under as a Lancia.

Lastly Marchionne claims that plans to bring Alfa Romeo back to the U.S. are still in the works. The models slated to come here will be lightweight and powered by a 1.8L engine with 300 horsepower.

Dakota fans that were sad that the current Dakota pickup was killed a few months ago can celebrate this little bit of news. Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has confirmed plans for a new Dakota. That may make some of you happy, but wait... There's a 50% chance that the Dakota could switch to a unibody platform, according to Marchionne. If that happens the Dakota would basically be something more along the lines of the Honda Ridgeline than the past Dakota.

Chrysler recently announced plans to introduce a diesel-powered Jeep Grand Cherokee in the U.S. and now there's a good chance that the next Dakota could also be offered with a diesel.

In Europe the Grand Cherokee is offered with a 3.0L diesel V6 that puts out 237 horsepower and 406 lb-ft. of torque. Chrysler hasn't confirmed the stats of the diesel we will get in the U.S.

According to Automotive News, Chrysler may kill the Dodge Avenger to focus on the Chrysler 200 midsize sedan.

Reid Bigland, head of the Dodge brand, recently told Reuters, "Chrysler Group will likely consolidate around one midsize car in the future." By focusing on a single model, Chrysler can save development and marketing costs. The move would also prevent the models from cannibalizing sales from each other.

Last year Chrysler moved 87,000 200 sedans, while only 64,000 Avengers moved out of Dodge showrooms. Both models' sales are no where near Toyota's top-selling Camry that sold over 308,000 units last year.

The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart is here and it's the first Chrysler model built on a Fiat platform, since it borrows its platform from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

The 2013 Dart features an all-new design that ditches the hatchback layout of the soon to be forgotten Dodge Caliber. "The Dodge Dart was a dream to design," said Joe Dehner, Head of Dodge Design - Chrysler Group LLC. "The Alfa Romeo-based architecture allowed us to design an exterior with great proportions that say 'fun-to-drive' when you look at it. The overall design is definitely more visually appealing than the Caliber and its Charger-inspired 'racetrack' taillights are a nice touch.

You can now forget all about the unloved Dodge Caliber because the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart sedan is here. It's set to debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, but the first official photos have leaked.

These photos give us our first official look at the 2013 Dart R/T and Limited trims. The Dart shares its platform with the Alfa Romeo Giuletta and will be offered with the choice of three four-cylinder engines. The 2.0L will pack 160 horsepower, while a 2.4L will be offered with 184 horsepower. A turbocharged 1.4L will put out 160 horsepower. Initially the Dart will be available with either a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission or a six-speed manual, but in 2013 a new 9-speed speed transmission will be available.

Come back for all the details from the show.

Chrysler has announced at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that the 2012 Dodge Charger is now available with the Beats™ by Dr. Dre™ audio system. The system was introduced last year and is already available on the Chrysler 300.

The system features an 8.4-inch touchscreen display and a 12-channel amplifier in addition to:

-Three 3.5-inch speakers located in the instrument panel
-Two 3.5-inch speakers located in the rear doors
-Two 6 x 9-inch front-door woofers provide bass
-Two 6 x 9-inch speakers and a center-mounted 8-inch speaker located in the rear-shelf area provide full-range audio

The Beats Audio system will be standard equipment on the 2012 Dodge Charger R/T Max and included with the Blacktop Package or Rallye Appearance Group on Dodge Charger SXT models. The Beats Audio system is also included with the Sound Group and Wheels and Tunes Group on Dodge Charger R/T models.

The system will be available in the first quarter of this year, but Chrysler has not announced the pricing.

2011 is officially over and for some of the automakers it was a difficult year with the earthquake in Japan and the flooding in Thailand that crippled production. Honda and Toyota were hit the hardest with sales falling off sharply for some of their popular models. Although Honda and Toyota had a difficult year, Ford and Chevy had a much better year.

The top two models continue to be the Ford F-Series and Chevy Silverado, with the Toyota Camry holding onto the top selling car title.

Check out the list after the jump.

Chrysler has confirmed that the Jeep Grand Cherokee will be offered with a diesel in the U.S. The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee will get a new diesel engine that will be produced in Detroit, but Chrysler hasn't confirmed the official specs. It's likely that the diesel will be the same diesel engine sold in Europe. In Europe the Grand Cherokee diesel is a 3.0L V6 that puts out 237 horsepower and 406 lb-ft. of torque.

In addition to the announcement about the new diesel-powered Grand Cherokee, Chrysler also announced plans to add a third crew and 1,100 new jobs at its Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit. Chrysler is also adding 150 jobs by reopening its Conner Avenue Assembly Plant for production of the the SRT Viper.

In addition to the Dodge Charger Redline, Chrysler's Mopar division has unveiled the Chrysler 200 Super S, which is meant to showcase the latest Mopar exterior parts that will be available for the 200 sedan in 2012.

"The Super S is Mopar's interpretation of the Chrysler 200," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand. "The extensive list of high-quality Mopar parts enhances the performance and appearance of our Chrysler 200."

The Stage One kit starts with the front and includes a chin spoiler, satin chrome fog light trim, satin chrome grille surround and mesh in the upper and lower grilles. The upper grille is gloss black with a recessed Chrysler wing badge. The side of the 200 gets new side sills, satin chrome belt molding, black chrome "200" badges and gray or hyper black 18-inch "S" alloy wheels. The kit concludes with a new trunk lid spoiler, satin chrome light bar and a matte black lower diffuser with attached exhaust openings.

Stage Two adds performance with a coil-over suspension, which also lowers the center of gravity for the vehicle. In addition, Stage Two includes a cold-air intake and cat-back exhaust.

Chrysler claims that the Super S packages will be available later this year.

Chrysler's Mopar division has unveiled the 2012 Dodge Charger Redline ahead of its debut at the Detroit Auto Show, this month.

The 2012 Dodge Charger Redline features three available Mopar stage kits for factory-tuned performance. Stage One features aerodynamic exterior components and interior accents. Stage Two features bolt-on performance parts for improved power, handling and braking, while Stage Three features a more powerful version of the 426 Hemi V-8 engine that packs 590 horsepower.

"Since the 1960s, the Mopar Brand has built a long history of adding power and performance to the Dodge Charger - and with the Redline, we Moparized the new Charger with modern-day performance and style while giving a nod to our storied past," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand. "With three kits, Mopar offers a tailored choice for every customer."

Chrysler has announced the expansion of the Chrysler 300 lineup with the 300 Luxury Series.

"The new 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Edition is more than just our flagship car, it's the trophy for the tireless majority, an automobile designed and built to meet the most discerning of expectations," said Saad Chehab, President and CEO - Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC.

The Chrysler 300 and 300C Luxury Series sedans get black or Mochachino leather that covers everything from the seats to the instrument panel and interior door panels. The leather wrapped steering wheel also features a unique chrome accent ring to highlight the segment-exclusive 360-degree heated rim.

On the outside the Luxury Series sedans get 20-inch polished alloy wheels, and chrome accents on the fascia, mirrors and door handles. A platinum-chrome finished grille surround with platinum-chrome mesh grille tops off the changes.

The Chrysler 300 Luxury Series sedans are available either with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 thats mated to an eight-speed transmission or the 363-hp 5.7L Hemi V8.

The 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series arrive in the first quarter of 2012, starting at $40,145.

Chrysler has reportedly ended production of the Dodge Caliber that originally went on sale in 2006 as a replacement for the Neon.

The Caliber never really caught on and was consistently ranked at the bottom of its class. In its 2011 annual car issue, Consumer Reports ranked the Caliber SXT at the bottom of its list of small hatchbacks and wagons.

Analyst Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics LLP stated, "It's the last of the American bottom-feeder compacts. That's what they were. It came from thinking, 'small cars, small profits."

Chrysler's replacement for the Caliber, the 2013 Dodge Dart is going to be unveiled next month in Detroit.

This year Ford created the EcoBoost concept sleigh for Santa Claus that is powered by a small 1.0L three-cylinder engine that is supposed to be greener than Santa's fleet of reindeers. Hennessey Performance (HPE) has also created a high-performance version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 that Hennessey has described as an 800 horsepower Twin Turbo sleigh.

HPE has taken the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and turned it into quite the beast known as the HPE800 Twin Turbo. The standard 6.4L HEMI V8 has been bumped up to 7.0 liters with twin turbochargers. The result is 805 horsepower and 823 lb-ft. of torque. The HPE800 will reache 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds.

The HPE800 also gets an upgraded transmission, 15.1 inch Brembo brakes, a lowered suspension and a unique front fascia with a carbon fiber front splitter.

Yesterday Dodge released the second batch of teaser photos of the 2013 Dodge Dart. The second batch gave us a preview of what we can expect the interior to look like, but now we have an even clearer view of the dashboard.

Dodge released a new photo of the Dart's dashboard on its Facebook page today. This new photo provides a first look at the Dart's steering wheel, center console, and cup holders.

The 2013 Dodge Dart will officially debut next month at the Detroit Auto Show.

Following last week's first teaser photos of the 2013 Dodge Dart, Chrysler has released new details about what we can expect on the inside of the new compact sedan.

The 2013 Dodge Dart will be officially unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show on January 9. According to Chrysler the Dodge Dart will have an interior that is made with materials and technology typically found in more expensive vehicle segments. The overall design of the interior is focused on the driver, which means that the all the controls are within easy reach of the driver.

The 2013 Dart will feature an interior that is as spacious as a midsize sedan with 14 interior color and trim combinations. The Dart will get a seven-inch color Thin Film Transistor (TFT) display in the middle of the instrument panel that allows the driver to switch back and forth between different display models. The center stack in the Dart can be equipped with Chrysler's UConnect infotainment system, which in the Dart features an 8.4-inch touchscreen, the largest touchscreen in its class.

The Dart will be available with 12 exterior colors, six wheel options in addition to the three engine options and three transmissions. Safety is also a priority with 10 standard airbags and available Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection.

Chrysler has released the first official teaser photos of the upcoming 2013 Dodge Dart compact sedan, which is set to make its debut next month at the Detroit Auto Show.

According to Chrysler the 2013 Dodge Dart fuses "Alfa Romeo DNA and Dodge's passion for performance." The Dart is based on the Fiat platform that is the basis for the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Although the Dart borrows its platform from the Giulietta, its been widened and lengthened.

Buyers will have the choice between three four-cylinder engines when the Dart is released: a Tigershark 16-valve 2.0-liter engine, a 16-valve 1.4-liter MultiAir Intercooled Turbo engine, and a new Tigershark 16-valve 2.4-liter MultiAir four cylinder engine. There will also be three transmission choices.

Stay tuned.

Thanksgiving has come and gone, but Christmas and the new year are right around the corner. Today is the first day of December and with that we have the sales totals from November, which turned out to be a great month for most of the automakers.

Out of the big automakers, Honda was the only one that didn't have a good month, which was largely due to low inventory levels of the CR-V and Accord models. The Accord held the number 3 spot in October, but completely fell off the top-10 list in November. At least an all-new 2013 Accord is slated for the spring.

The top two spots were occupied by the regulars, the Ford F-Series and Chevy Silverado. The Toyota Camry came in third meaning it maintained its hold on the top selling car in the list. The Ford Escape was the top selling SUV in the list.

Check out the list after the jump.

Slower than expected sales of the Fiat 500 has prompted to Chrysler to suspend production of the 500's 1.4L engine at Chrysler's Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance Plant in Dundee, Michigan.

According to the UAW, more than 100 of about 400 hourly workers were laid off at the beginning of the month, although Chrysler claims that only about 30 workers are currently laid off.

Automotive News reports that Chrysler currently has a 184-day supply of Fiat 500 coupes and cabrios.

Chrysler spokeswoman Jodi Tinson stated that Chrysler is "very pleased with the progress we are making with the North American launch of the Fiat brand."

Chrysler originally wanted to sell 50,000 units this year, but through the end of October only about 16,000 units had been sold. The third 500 model, the 500 Abarth will be unveiled this week at the LA Auto Show.

Dodge is bringing two special edition models to the LA Auto Show next week, the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee and the 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Yellow Jacket.

The Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is powered by the new 470-hp 6.4L Hemi V8 and is available in either Stinger Yellow or Pitch Black with Super Bee graphics. "The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is a salute to the fun-loving past of Dodge muscle cars powered by the legendary 392 HEMI® V-8 in a back-to-basics performance machine," Ralph Gilles, President and CEO - SRT and Motorsports said.

The interior features an SRT steering wheel, Z-stripe cloth performance seats with yellow and silver striping and embroidered Super Bee logos on the front seat headrests. The exterior gets satin black hood graphics and a standard rear decklid spoiler. The Charger SRT8 Super Bee also rides on 20-inch wheels with black painted pockets.

Jeep has announced the introduction of two new special edition models that will arrive in dealers next month, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Arctic and Jeep Liberty Arctic.

The special edition Jeep Wrangler and Liberty are inspired by the extreme winter conditions of the arctic. The Jeep Wrangler Arctic is based on the Wrangler Sahara and available in Winter Chill, Bright Silver and Bright White. It features a body-color hardtop and fender flares, "Arctic" badges on the front fenders, a "Yeti Footprint" decal over part of the driver's side fender and hood, black hood decal and Mopar black fuel filler door and taillamp guards. It also rides on 17-inch wheels wrapped in 32-inch tires. Inside the Wrangler Arctic gets seats that are covered in black Tectonic fabric with Polar White accents and orange piping and accent stitching. The front seats are heated and the door trim and nets are accented in orange, and all grab handles and dashboard vent rings are finished in Polar White trim.

The Jeep Liberty Arctic is available on Liberty Sport 4x4 models and gets many of the same features as the Wrangler Arctic. Available exterior colors are Winter Chill, Bright Silver, Bright White and Mineral Gray. "Arctic" badges on the front fenders are shared, though the "Arctic" decal on the hood is unique to Liberty. The Liberty Arctic rides on semi-gloss black 16-inch aluminum wheels. The inside gets seats that are covered in black vinyl with a Gortex embossment, and the inserts are Tectonic fabric with Polar White accents. The front seats are also heated and the Liberty Arctic also gets a nine-speaker Infiniti audio system.

The auto industry showed signs of improvement last month with many of the automaker's posting sales gains over the same period in 2010. Chrysler came out on top last month with sales up 27 percent, while Nissan's sales were up 18 percent. Ford's sales increased a modest 6 percent, which was brought down thanks to Lincoln and GM posted a very small increase of just under 2 percent.

The top-10 list from October saw the Honda Accord stealing the top spot from the Toyota Camry, which is all-new for 2012. The Camry's decline is largely due to the switchover from the outgoing 2011 to the all-new 2012 Camry that is just starting to show up in dealers. So the Camry could return back to the top spot in November. Other noteworthy winners last month were the Ford Escape, which saw its sales rise just over 30 percent and the Ram pickups, which saw a nice 25 percent increase.

Check out the list after the jump...

Chrysler's Ram has unveiled the Ram 392 Quick Silver pickup that is going to be unveiled at SEMA next week. The Ram 392 Quick Silver is the perfect compliment to that Dodge Viper sitting in your garage, well at least according to Chrysler.

The Ram 392 Quick Silver is based on the Ram R/T, but the 5.7L V8 has been thrown out. In exchange, engineers managed to squeeze a 470 horsepower 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 under the hood. It also gets a cold air intake, headers with an electronic exhaust cutout and a cat-back exhaust system. The Ram 392 Quick Silver also gets Brembo brake kit, featuring 15-inch vented rotors and six-piston calipers to keep all that power under control. The pickup rides two inches lower on 22-inch wheels.

The exterior of the Ram 392 Quick Silver is painted in a bright silver with a black roof. The mirrors and wheels are painted in red as a nice contrast. A Mopar aero kit plus a deep-cowl aluminum hood with heat extractors makes sure the truck stands out going down the road.

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango have been awarded the "SUV of Texas" and "Full-size SUV of Texas" awards by the Texas Auto Writers Association.

"We are delighted that the influential journalists representing the Texas Auto Writers Association have once again recognized Jeep vehicles with several awards, and particularly the Jeep Grand Cherokee as the 'SUV of Texas,'" said Mike Manley, President and CEO - Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "Winning this award last year started a string of Grand Cherokee accolades that made it the most-awarded SUV of all-time."

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler was also named the "Mid-size SUV of Texas."

"The 2012 Dodge Durango made quite an impression at this year's TAWA Truck Rodeo," said Mike Herzing, President of TAWA. "With its spacious and refined interior, impressive driving dynamics, and class-leading towing capability, it's only fitting that the Dodge Durango is named the 2012 Full-Size SUV of Texas."

According to a recent interview with Automotive News, Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has confirmed that the current Dodge Grand Caravan and Avenger models will be replaced by a single crossover in 2013.

The plan is an effort by Chrysler to ends its duplicate models like the current Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans. Chrysler is going to only offer one minivan, the Town & Country, which is due in 2014. The Dodge Grand Caravan will be replaced by a new crossover that will be based on a Fiat platform.

The Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger twins will also end as Chrysler is only planning on continuing with the 200, which will get redesigned in 2013.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is slated to be the next Chrysler model to get the new ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. The eight-speed transmission has already been confirmed for the V6 versions of the 2012 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is expected to get the new transmission next year and it's also been revealed that a nine-speed transmission is also possible in the future.

Jeep CEO Mike Manley recently told Autocar, "Our approach to lowering CO2 is a deployment of lots of different technologies," he said. "Hybrids, improved aerodynamics, more diesels, eight-speed gearboxes and nine-speed gearboxes for front-wheel-drive cars will all help us improve economy and CO2."

Jeep also confirmed that the eight-speed transmission can be applied to all the engines in the Grand Cherokee lineup, so it's a good possibility that the Grand Cherokee SRT8 will also get the new transmission.

September's sales numbers are in Detroit's automakers had a great month with Chrysler up 27.2 percent, GM up 19.6 percent and Ford's sales improving 8.9 percent. Honda and Toyota's production is now back to normal following the earthquake in March, but both automakers still have supply issues, which are hurting sales. Toyota was down 17.5 percent and Honda's sales were off by 8.0 percent. Japan's other big automaker, Nissan saw its sales rise by 23.5 percent last month.

September's Top-10 list remains largely unchanged from the month before it, with nine out of the ten models making it the list again. The only new model on September's list was the Honda CR-V, which had a 9.5 percent improvement over August.

Check out the list after the jump.

Consumer Reports recently tested the revamped 2011 Chrysler 300C and labeled the sedan as the "best Chrysler car we've seen in decades." The 2011 Chrysler 300C received a total test score of 80, which is up from 64 for the previous model.

"The 300C's quick, muscular 5.7-liter V8 engine is now complemented by responsive handling and a more comfortable ride. And thanks to a major upgrade, its roomy interior is now quieter and more luxurious."

Consumer Reports tested the Chrysler 300 against the Hyundai Genesis, Toyota Avalon and Acura TL. The Hyundai Genesis took the top score with a test score of 92 points.

Chrysler recently introduced the SRT8 version of the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee and now comes word that the automaker is considering a high-performance version of the Dodge Durango, that shares the same platform as the Jeep. Chrysler hasn't confirmed a Dodge Durango SRT8, but according to sources it is seriously being considered.

If Chrysler does build a Durango SRT8 it will be powered by the same 6.2L Hemi V8 as the other SRT8 models. The only major hurdle is the fact that the current performance version of the Durango, the Durango R/T isn't selling as well as Chrysler hoped. The Dodge Durango R/T is powered by a 370 horsepower 5.7L Hemi V8. Out of all the Durango's sold this year, only seven percent have been the R/T model.

Maybe a 470 horsepower Durango SRT8 would be more exciting. What do you think? Another issue would be the price, would a Durango SRT8 that costs over $50,000 find any buyers?

Have you been dying for Jeep to release a pickup truck? Well if you are and also aren't satisfied with the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Pickup conversion, you will have to wait another four years for a true Jeep pickup.

According to Jeep CEO Michael Manley, a Jeep pickup is high on Jeep's priority list, but it won't happen until the next-generation Wrangler is released. ""It is too late in Wrangler's product cycle to add a pickup. The 2015 or 2016 time frame makes more sense."

Manley is keeping an eye on the demand for the kit that is offered by Chrysler's Mopar aftermarket division that essentially turns the Wrangler into a pickup. The kit costs $5,499 and includes a steel bed, inner and outer bedsides, sport bar extensions, Freedom panel assemblies, fiberglass hardtop and bulkhead.

Chrysler has already announced plans to kill the Dakota pickup and the Dodge Caliber, but there's another model getting the ax after the 2011 model year. The Dodge Nitro SUV will be done by the end of the year.

Chrysler has decided to produce the Nitro until December since demand is up 24% this year. The last Nitro models to be produced will be the Heat model with its 210-hp 3.7L V6 and the more powerful R/T Nitro, which packs a 260 horsepower 4.0L V6.

The Jeep Liberty, which is built on the same platform as the Nitro will continue to be produced until an all-new Liberty is ready, which is expected in 2013.

August is officially gone! Most of the automakers had a good month with GM's sales up 18 percent and Nissan up 19 percent, but Toyota and Honda's sales continued to suffer. Toyota's sales were down 12.7 percent, while Honda sales fell 24.6 percent.

Even though Toyota's sales were down, the Toyota Camry held onto the top-selling car spot with the Nissan Altima right behind it. The Honda Accord returned to the top-10 list, but only at the number nine spot.

Honda and Toyota expect their sales in September to improve, since production is back at 100% following the tsunami in March.

The Dodge Caliber has hit the end of the road. It's being reported that the last Dodge Caliber will roll off the line in November.

Are we surprised? The Dodge Caliber replaced the Dodge Neon in 2006, but even though the Neon was a hit when it launched in 1994, its replacement failed to succeed. The Neon was plagued by quality issues when it first launched, but at least there was a waiting list for the small Dodge/ Plymouth. The Dodge Caliber also launched with quality issues, but even if it had a more "popular" SUV-like shape, its interior and horrible CVT transmission kept it from flying off dealer lots.

Well five years later, Chrysler has decided to finally kill the Caliber. According to Allpar the last Caliber will be produced in November. It's replacement is going to come from Fiat, but it's not known if it will be released by the time the Caliber disappears. It's rumored that we will get our first preview of the small Chrysler at the 2011 LA Auto Show in November.

Chrysler has officially announced the updates to the 2012 Jeep Wrangler. And as previously reported the biggest changes to the 2012 Wrangler are under the hood.

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler is ditching the old, slow 3.8L V6 for Chrysler's new 3.6L Pentastar V6 that has 285 horsepower (40 percent improvement) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (10 percent improvement). The 2012 Wrangler also gets a new five-speed automatic, which helps the Wrangler get 21 mpg.

"Jeep Wrangler - the most capable and iconic vehicle in the world - has a new heart but retains the same soul for 2012," said Mike Manley, President and CEO - Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "Our new 3.6-liter V-6 engine gives the ever-capable Wrangler a completely new, more refined on-road driving experience - complete with more fuel efficiency, power and torque.

"Available in 2-door and 4-door models and boasting an untouchable combination of efficient design, open-air freedom, significant towing capability, improved real-world drivability, and unique 4x4 systems that deliver unmatched off-road prowess, Jeep Wrangler once again resets the benchmark and offers consumers the ultimate vehicle for any driving adventure," Manley added.

Chrysler is expected to end production of the Dakota midsize pickup this week at its Warren truck plant. The end of the Dakota means that 39 temporary workers have already lost their jobs, but there could be more layoffs. The total layoffs could reach 150 or more.

The Dakota debuted in the late 1980's and was dubbed the first "midsize" pickup. The small truck segment has seen its market share slip dramatically since the Dakota was first launched. In 2000 Chrysler sold 177,000 Dakotas, but last year only 13,000 were sold. Ford has also announced plans to end production of its small truck, the Ranger by the end of the year.

Chrysler's CEO Sergio Marchionne has already announced plans to replace the Dakota with a car-based "lifestyle" model for the Ram brand. Marchionne has not announced when the Dakota's replacement will be released.

Maserati's upcoming SUV is going to be produced at Chrysler's Jefferson North plant in Detroit, according to the Automotive News.

What will Maserati's new SUV look like? Well it's based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee and we will get a preview of the SUV at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, when the concept version debuts.

The biggest concern is how much Maserati and it's parent Fiat can differentiate the Maserati from the Grand Cherokee.

"The important point is that whatever Maserati we launch will be a product that respects the entire heritage, image, characteristics, and customer expectations of this brand," Harald Wester, Maserati's CEO, said in an interview earlier this year. "What ends up in the dealer shops should be 100 percent Maserati."

We do know that the Maserati SUV will be powered by the Grand Cherokee's HEMI V8.