Chrysler just announced a new promotion that spans its list of sub brands, except for SRT, to delay payments on the purchase of any new vehicle for 90 days.

That means holding off on payments for the first three months on all Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, RAM, or Fiat vehicle. The promotion extends through the rest of May and is only valid when financed through Ally Financial or Chase Auto Finance.

Just before making that announcement, the automaker also said it would offer a military discount in conjunction with Memorial day, running until the end of the month as well. The discount takes $1,000 off an eligible vehicle, which is double the normal active personell discount.

As is  often the case with these deals, the fun cars are left out. All SRT models are excluded, as is the Fiat 500 Abarth, Dodge Journey AVP, Chrysler 200 LX, Dodge Avenger SE and (of course) the Viper.

Today’s cars all seem to be focused on delivering fun driving experience that’s still friendly on gas. Those two elements are often an important factor in a car purchase, but sometimes you just want to feral thrill of a big, loud engine.

Lets take a look at our top ten list of the most affordable cars with big V8s. Just about all of these cars have at least 300 horses under the hood, and have the personality of old-time muscle cars. The range here includes sports cars, sedans and luxury vehicles, so you might see something out of place while looking through this top 10. The price range also starts off pretty steep, but ventures into real bargain-bin prices near the top three.

At the end of our list is the new Chevrolet Camaro.  ZL1At $54,095 The Camaro ZL1 might not sound like value. That is, until you consider that it has 580-hp and makes a whopping 556 lb·ft of torque. The supercharged 6.2-liter V8 helps you get to 60 mph in under four seconds, and this hopped-up Camaro is also capable of lapping the famous Nurburgring in 7:41.27. The ZL1 accomplishes this thanks to its high-tech Magnetic Ride Control, which you’ll find in some high-class exotics like the Ferrari 458 Italia.

In a recent article, Automotive News praised the new Dodge Dart as an example of true synergies between Fiat and Chrysler, declaring, “the Dart uses savings from its shared Fiat platform and co-developed technology to give Chrysler a larger, more powerful and technologically advanced compact sedan at a lower price than its competitors.” 

The publication also hinted that new models based on this architecture, dubbed CUSW are already in developmental testing, “including the successor to the Jeep Liberty that will be built at Chrysler’s Toledo (Ohio) North Assembly plant and a Chrysler 100 hatchback that will join the Dart on the line in Belvidere, Ill. Both of those vehicles are expected in 2013.”

Another interesting rumor emerging is that the Liberty’s successor, despite being car derived, will revert to the Cherokee name. Jeep brand CEO Mike Manley was recently quoted as saying, ”the Cherokee has a huge amount of equity. Liberty, I think, has built up some equity as well. I don’t think we’re going to invent a name.”

This would seem logical, since the Liberty was called a Cherokee in Europe and would not only save costs and time on nameplate manufacturing but likely also marketing strategies and brand awareness campaigns too.

[Source: Auto News]

Every car, whether it has a big V8 engine or an electric motor powering the wheels, is being equipped with fuel saving technologies.

Recall variable-valve timing. Introduced on the Acura NSX, and at one time a revolutionary technology, now practically all cars have some form of VVT. Now more technologies are being introduced as innovations for saving fuel. Let’s take a look at some of the more important and popular features being introduced on new models; many of which will soon be as prevalent as variable valve timing.

1. Start-Stop systems:

You might think that an idling car isn’t too big of a deal, especially when it’s just for a stop-light, but all those seconds add up. After making a big splash with hybrid vehicles, idle start-stop systems are starting to show up everywhere.

There are a few different kinds of start-stop systems, and for different kinds of vehicles. In mild hybrids, start-stop systems consist of a gas engine, an electric starter/generator and a beefy battery. When the car is braking, regenerative brakes store the energy from the deceleration of the car in the battery. When the car is stopped, the generator shuts off the gas engine. When you need to get moving again, the car uses the energy stored in the battery from the regenerative brakes to work the electric starter and start the engine. Items like your car radio still work thanks to the stronger battery used in this system. If the stop is prolonged, however, the gasoline engine may come on.

In some vehicles, there isn’t a need for all that complicated technology. Rather than requiring heavy and expensive electrical components Mazda uses a start-stop technology called i-stop that puts a piston in the best position to restart the fastest when the engine turns off. That piston would already have air and fuel ready to be ignited, so that when the car needs to start again, it doesn’t require much time or power. This allows the car to start in as quick as 0.35 of a second. Other car companies like Mercedes-Benz are using technology like this in its big cars too. Mazda states that its start-stop system results in about 10% better fuel economy and while no Mazda vehicle is available with the feature in North America, look for it to arrive soon.

Currently government fuel economy testing methods don’t take into account start-stop systems, so for cars that do come equipped with them, like the 2012 Kia Rio, real world fuel economy numbers could be better than advertised. If and when government testing does take into account the benefits of start-stop systems, look for this new feature to go mainstream.

2. Variable Displacement/Active Cylinder Deactivation:

Another way to help improve fuel economy is to shut off unnecessary cylinders. Mercedes-Benz uses a cylinder deactivation system that deactivates half the cylinders in its V8 and V12 engines, essentially turning them into more frugal 4, or 6 cylinder engines. GM has a system that’s present in quite a few of its trucks that shuts off half the cylinders in the engine when cruising. This is also present in sportier cars like the automatic transmission equipped Chevrolet Camaro SS.

Chrysler’s version of cylinder deactivation is present on its HEMI V8s. In Chrysler products the system will shut off half the cylinders at speeds above 18 mph during moderate rpm. Chrysler says that thanks to cylinder deactivation technology its vehicles have 10-20% better fuel economy.

Honda also offers a cylinder deactivation technology called variable cylinder management (VCM) that shuts off two or three cylinders in V6 models like the Accord, Pilot and Odyssey.

3. Direct Injection:

Fuel efficiency might mean frugalness to some people, but it also means getting the most out of your engine. Direct-Injection means that the gasoline is injected right into the cylinder chamber of each cylinder in the engine, and at such a high pressure that the liquid gas is actually a gaseous gas, mixing better with the air and improving combustion. This improved combustion means more power is being generated, and as a result fewer emissions remain.

James hope, Kia Product Communications Manager explained that due to direct-injection, along with other key technologies, the Kia Optima is able to achieve best-in-class highway fuel consumption with its 2.4-liter 4-cylinder model, and tons of power from its relatively small 2.0-liter turbo.

4. Smart Alternator:

Hyundai has been boasting its smart alternator technology, which is in all of its U.S. Models. The major function of this alternator is that it chooses the best time to recharge the car’s battery. For example, when you’re decelerating, the system will kick in to charge the battery, as opposed to when you’re accelerating, and likely want all of the cars available power. “It allows us to cut the alternator drag,” said Derek Joyce from Hyundai Public Relations. “It basically recoups energy that would probably be wasted anyways.” Joyce also said that the technology helps improve fuel economy by around 1.5 to 2 per cent.

5. Electric Power Steering:

Furthermore, many companies are switching to electric power steering instead of conventional hydraulic steering systems. Rather than powering a hydraulic pump and keeping up system pressure at all times, the electric system only needs to engage when steering is required. Not only does the system save fuel by not being a drag on the engine at all times, it also helps cut weight by removing all the hydraulic components. The new Chevrolet Malibu Eco features this electric power steering and Chevy says it can help improve fuel economy by up to 2.5%.

Mark Meyers, General Motors global vehicle performance manager said “Electric power assist steering is just one example of how a system improvement can deliver not one but several benefits for customers.” He added that “By the end of the 2013 model year, more than half of all Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC vehicles will have electric power steering.” Electric power steering is also making its way into BMW models, as well, as part of its EfficientDynamics philosophy and can be found on everything from Ford and Dodges to Hondas and Hyundais.

6. Eco Button:

Your next car may also feature a little button somewhere on the dash that helps get your more miles per gallon. “When activated, ECON mode alters the Drive-by-Wire throttle system response curve in the range from about 10 percent of pedal movement to 80 percent,” said Chris Martin, from Honda Public relations, about what the ECON mode button does in the new 2012 Honda CR-V.

He added that “With less gain, the throttle opening in this range increases more gradually to reduce a potentially excessive peak input for better fuel efficiency.” He explained that ECON Mode affects more than just your throttle though. “ECON mode also alters the operation of the cruise control system and the air conditioning system, allowing for slightly increased variances with the set speed or the set temperature in order to conserve fuel whenever possible.”

Many other automakers, from Chevrolet to Hyundai use an “eco mode” that puts the transmission on a short leash, making the vehicle shift sooner into higher gears when accelerating to reduce engine rpm and save gas.

7. Low Rolling Resistance Tires:

Finally, more and more companies are including low rolling resistance tires on their vehicles. Martin says “[Honda] has had great success working with the tire manufacturers to develop all-season tires that provide handling expected and appropriate for each vehicle while significantly reducing rolling resistance.”

Low rolling resistance tires minimize energy wasted from friction between the tire and the road. Traditionally used only on hybrids, these tires are now being used on a wide variety of models. Mazda recently started including low rolling resistance tires on its Skyactiv Mazda3. These can result in pretty significant fuel savings, up to five per cent. However, there are certain compromises when having low rolling resistance tires. They tend to not be as grippy as traditional tires, and can even be less comfortable.

With automakers still wanting to offer a wide range of vehicles by combining several of these seven new fuel-saving technologies it’s possible to make a noticeable improvement in fuel economy, without having to make due with a smaller engine or switch to a hybrid powerplant.

Chrysler is recalling 471 Town & Country minivans because of a liftgate issue that might increase the risk of a limb being caught during closing.

The problem stems from a right-side pinch sensor that may not function properly, meaning additional force might be required to stop it during the final closing stages. Translated from NHTSA jibber jabber into plain english, the door might not stop if someone is caught in it as it’s closing.

Before you wince at the thought, stop and ponder what that means. We have yet to see an automaker dumb enough to have a self-slamming lift gate. In fact, the things can be painfully slow. Yes, what NHTSA says is true: there is  an increased risk that the door “may close on an appendage,” but only if you’re too slow or stupid to get out of the way first.

There’s no question that Chrysler should fix the issue at no cost to the consumer, which it will, but it’s almost hilarious to think that this merits a recall when fire risks in Ford E Series vans don’t.

The affected units were made between March 9 and 12. Owners should expect to be contacted by Chrysler but can also call the company at (800) 853-1403 for further information.

The automotive industry is a global business that is constantly evolving and growing, and we here at AutoGuide know it can be hard to keep up sometimes. So here is a summary of the top stories you may have missed this week:

Scion FR-S TRD With Five Axis Aero Kit- Video

There remains to be no official word on a higher-horsepower version of the ScionFR-S…

Chinese F-150 Ripoff Truck Kept From Production by Ford

Stealing doesn’t seem to bother Chinese automaker JAC…

Toyota Supra Successor Nearing Production Based on Mid-Engine Hybrid Concept

With the launch of the Scion FR-Sas a ToyotaAE86 successor, the return of the Supra might not be far off…

Chevrolet SuperSport Sedan Detailed, Ute and Wagon Variants Likely

Rumors are flying ever since an OnStar apprevealed that Chevrolethas an ‘SS Performance’ model in the works…

Nissan Juke-R Confirmed for Limited Production, Delivery this Summer

In a surprise move, Nissanannounced that it will offer production versions of its insane Juke-R…

April 2012 Sales Summary: Chrysler, Toyota and VW Gain While Ford and GM Drop

The April 2012 sales numbers were released today, and Chrysler and Toyota have the most to rejoice over…

Oh the irony! After being selected as Top Safety Picks by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and earning a five-star safety rating from NHTSA, the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans are being recalled for a possible malfunction of its anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC).

In total 119,700 vehicles are being recalled due to a problem with the power distribution center that could overheat causing both those valuable systems to fail on the vehicle. Without a doubt, the failure and loss of those two safety systems increases the risk of a potential car crash. Currently no accidents or injuries related to the recall have been reported.

“A plastic insert surrounding a fuse may be subject to distortion caused by thermal expansion and contraction,” Chrysler announced in a statement. “Such distortion could interrupt power to the ABS/ESC control system and temporarily suspend its function.”

Those affected by the recall can take their vehicles to a Chrysler Group dealership to have the ABS/ESC system fuse relocated for free.

Hot off its huge first quarter where sales jumped 33 percent, Chrysler will have four of its North American plants skip the normal two week summer shutdown this year.

Chrysler’s sales hit 523,000 vehicles in the first quarter of 2012 and its success means less summer break time for its employees. The four plants skipping its two week summer shutdown are the Jefferson plant in Detroit that builds the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Belvidere plant in Illinois that makes the new Dodge Dart, the Toluca plant in Mexico where the Dodge Journey is built, and the Toledo Supplier Park in Ohio that supports the Jeep Wrangler’s assembly.

And instead of shutting down for two weeks, a pair of plants will see only a one week break this year: the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant near Detroit where the Chrysler 200 is produced, and the Saltillo plant in Mexico that makes the RAM trucks.

All other Chrysler plants will have its routine two week summer shutdown this year.

[Source: Automotive News]

The April 2012 sales numbers were released today, and Chrysler and Toyota have the most to rejoice over, while Ford and General Motors need to do a little bit of catching up. 

Before you read the numbers, you must know that the sales numbers from this April are a little misleading, as last April there were three more recorded selling days than this April. That means when a manufacturer reports an increase or decrease, they are comparing two sales numbers that had different amounts of time to build up.

Chrysler recorded a 20 percent increase in sales this April over last, and had the best April to date since 2008, but the growth this month is actually slightly smaller than the growth seen last month. The company, as well as the whole industry, saw demand for light vehicles and cars increase as well, much more than the need for SUVs and trucks.

The Volkswagen Group saw a 27 percent increase in sales over last April, and had the largest gains out of any other major volume selling automaker.

Toyota was the most successful Japanese company this April compared to last, with an increase of 12 percent, while Korean rivals Hyundai and Kia only clocked a sales growth of one percent, the first time in 20 months that the sales gain for these two companies wasn’t in the double digits. That being said, April 2012 was a record month in volume for both Kia and Hyundai, but though they are growing, the companies sales might be slowly plateauing. Nissan saw a zero percent increase, with sales staying flat in the market this April over last.

Luxury cars did well last month, with Jaguar-Land Rover up three percent, Porsche up eight percent, Mercedes up 27 percent, and BMW up 12 percent compared to April, 2011.

General Motors saw a decline of eight percent, while Ford sales dropped five percent. This was the largest decline for both automakers since 2010.

In summary, Chrysler is doing the best out of the big three American companies,  Toyota is coming out ahead of its Japanese rivals and Korean counterparts, and the Volkswagen Group is making big gains in the American market, all at the expense of Ford, GM and Hyundai-Kia.

Overall, light vehicle sales rose two percent last month, as consumers are moving away from trucks and SUVs, and focusing on buying small fuel efficient cars that make sense in today’s economic climate.

Detroit is the place to be in America if you are in the auto business, and Chrysler is marking its presence in the city by taking up an office in downtown Detroit.

Dubbed the Chrysler House, the office will offer a workplace to 70 workers, including the CEO of Chrysler Group LLC, Sergio Marchionne. This building marks the first time that Chrysler has had an office presence in downtown Detroit, though the companies headquarters is in Auburn Hills, Mich.

The reason for the move seems to be more symbolic than practical, as Chrysler wants to make sure it is known that they are a serious competitor in the industry, especially after the government bailouts and the doubt that has surrounded the company. The Fiat takeover has also been publicly viewed with some distaste, so the company’s Detroit presence could help solidify the all-American image.

Chrysler is also helping Detroit dwellers by backing a new light-rail project with 3$ million in funding. ”We are Detroit. It’s that simple,” Sergio Marchionne said in an interview. ”Other people may have their name on the side of a building, but we live here.”

Chrysler may not have had busines centers in downtown, but the company has always maintained a production facility within city limits.

Just like Chrysler, Marchionne is hoping that Detroit can be turned around from the economic hardships it is facing.

[Source: Detroit News]

Fuel economy numbers are more important now than ever before, as gas prices continue to rise in North America.

Recently Dodge came under criticism for announcing its upcoming Dart compact will get 40 mpg combined.

An impressively high number, even a class-leading car like the Hyundai Elantra, which gets 40 mpg highway, only achieves an average of 33 mpg. While the exact fuel economy figures have yet to be released and a 40 mpg highway rating is still in sight, when the Dart (above) goes on sale later this year it most certainly will not get 40 mpg average; not in real world driving and not even on the window sticker.

Dodge wasn’t wrong. They’re not even entirely to blame. If fact, they were just using a different testing method to get their fuel economy numbers. Or to put it more accurately, they weren’t even doing the testing. So why would a different testing method be used? It’s a long and complex story, but the gist of it is that according to a government mandate, in order for Fiat to take control of Chrysler it needed achieve three goals, the final one being building a 40 mpg car on American soil. Being government related, that number is a CAFE number, not an EPA number. What’s the difference? Read on.

The one measure of fuel economy that we’re most accustomed to is provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These are found after testing a vehicle on a dynamometer and incorporating various ‘real-world’ conditions. We have another story detailing what goes on behind the EPA numbers, so if you want to know how and why the EPA tests cars for fuel economy be sure to check it out here.

But what Dodge and other car makers are talking about is the Corporate Average Fuel Economy, or CAFE numbers. CAFE is a politically driven regulation intended to improve the fuel economy of vehicles in the United States. Like the EPA number, it is expressed as miles per gallon and represents the fuel efficiency of a car manufacturer’s total cars made in the current year.

The reason CAFE numbers are important is because it helps rank the manufacturers in terms of fuel efficiency.

CAFE is a defined fuel economy standard for each year, and if a company falls below the standard, they must pay a fine. Currently, for every .1 mpg below the standard, a car manufacturer has to pay $5.50 multiplied by the number of cars manufactured.

Passenger cars and light trucks are classified by CAFE rules. Each category of vehicles has two sections. For passenger vehicles, cars with a “footprint” of 41 sq. ft. or smaller get a different CAFE standard than those that are 55 sq. ft. or bigger. For light trucks, vehicles with a footprint of 41 sq. ft. or smaller, get a different CAFE standard than those that are 75 sq. ft. or bigger. In fact, these rules are partly to blame for Ford’s decision to axe the smaller Ranger pickup. In between the two footprint ranges the CAFE targets are calculated by an average, comparing vehicle size to fuel economy.

These standards are set pretty aggressively. However, the manufacturers do get a break since mpg numbers for CAFE are based on an older version of the EPA test. New tests involving real user conditions are the main area where the EPA numbers and CAFE numbers differ. Since the EPA also tests cars for other factors, like a car being driven in cold weather, or with the AC on, they tend to have lower MPG numbers. It’s worth noting though, that the EPA test doesn’t actually put the car on the road, and makes some fuel optimizing technology untested, including start-stop systems that shut off the engine at stop signs or street lights.

However, if the automaker can prove that technologies like active grille shutters, start-stop systems, and active aerodynamics do work, credits can be issued to help an automaker meet the standard. Using technology like this can improve a manufacturer’s CAFE numbers by 3 mpg, or even more if there is data to back up the advantages of using this technology to improve fuel economy.

Additionally, there are bonuses for car companies that sell electric, plug-in hybrid and fuel cell vehicles. To encourage their sales the government will value each sale of an electric vehicle as two when calculating a fleet’s CAFE numbers. This helps boost numbers significantly, so car manufacturers can avoid the penalty of not meeting CAFE numbers.

CAFE standards will continue to be an important part of the car industry. For 2012, CAFE regulations for a small passenger vehicle is 36 mpg. In 10 years, it will be 53 mpg. By 2025, it will reach 61 mpg. It’s clear that the government is pushing better fuel economy numbers in an effort to rely less on costly and dirty gas.

As the only minivan to boast a plug-in hybrid powertrain in combination with flex-fuel capability, Chrysler also revealed the specifications of its new plug-in Town & Country.

Each van offers a powertrain featuring Chrysler’s 3.6-liter flex-fuel V6 engine combined with an electric motor  to produce a total 290 hp. Energy for the electric motor is stored in a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery while a two-mode hybrid transmission transfers the power to the front wheels.

According to Chrysler, the batteries in the Town & Country are designed to recharge in 2-4 hours using a 220 volt “Level 2″ Charge cord, while a 110 volt “Level 1″ cord will take a longer eight to 15 hours. Ready for road trips, the plug-in hybrid Town & Country boasts a 700-mile range. Comparatively, the standard gasoline Town & Country ‘s range is only a little more than half that at 360 miles.

While Chrysler has not made any announcements about plug-in hybrid Town & Country production, we expect more details as the two-year trial runs its course.