Chrysler is moving ahead with plans to deliver its light-duty Ram pickups with a diesel option, sourced from none-other than the automaker’s long-time heady duty diesel partner, Cummins.

Joe Veltri, VP of product planning at Chrysler told PickupTrucks.com that they are currently in discussions with Cummins, commenting that, “There’s no contract [with Cummins], but [a light-duty diesel] is in our plan.”

Chrysler had planed to introduce a diesel for the Ram 1500 already, but any existing contracts were voided when Chrysler filed for bankruptcy over the summer. The rumored new engine is said to be a 5.0-liter V8 that Veltri says could also be used in the heavy duty pickups as well, something that would certainly give Dodge (or the new Ram brand we should say) a unique offering in the light-duty truck segment.

With talks ongoing, there’s still no word on when a light-duty diesel Ram could make it to market.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

You’ve likely heard a lot about Toyota’s woes over the past several months and there’s one automaker who couldn’t be happier to be out of the hot-seat – Chrysler. While sales are only down three percent so far this year, over half of Chrysler’s sales have been to fleets, which is never a positive sign and simply kills a car’s resale value.

A member of the Big Three, Chrysler isn’t so big any more, slipping to 7th place in the U.S., when you examine just sales to customers. Edmunds.com says consumer sales have dropped 44 percent. Comparatively, Toyota’s consumer sales have dipped just 14 percent, even with a still struggling economy and massive recalls that have smeared the Japanese automaker’s once-good name.

Chrysler representatives are very much aware of their company’s problems but even with new Fiat ownership and leadership, new and updated models will take time to come to market. “We have to rebuild consumers’ confidence in the company,” said a company spokeswoman to CNN Money. “The fact that large companies are willing to buy our vehicles helps rebuild that confidence, so fleet is part our businesses strategy.”

Fleet sales will help sustain Chrysler in the short term, but improved consumer sales are the only viable long-term solution.

The problem appears to be with the brand image, as according to Erich Merkle, president of Autoconomy.com, even highly-acclaimed vehicles like the new Dodge Ram are suffering, despite winning Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year award.

For Chrysler to change its perception, it will take many long years and quality products, the first of which is expected this year in the new Jeep Grand Cherokee. After that, Chrysler will roll out several updated versions of its most popular models, while a longer-term strategy will have new, possibly Fiat-based, compact and mid-size models hit the market. Also included in the new product plan are several new and more efficient engines.

[Source: CNN]

We’ve already seen a few spy photos of the updated Dodge Charger, but a selection of new images now reveals some impressive updates to the big sedan’s interior. Likely a high-end trim level, the photos show an impressive two-tone interior with leather door inserts, stitched into patterns. The instrumentation looks nicer overall and the new gauges have a retro feel with plenty of aluminum color trim. There’s also a sporty three-spoke steering wheel and a push button ignition.

These updates, along with a revised exterior with a more sloping rear roofline, should arrive for the 2011 or 2012 model year. The updated car is also expected to get a new standard 3.6-liter V6 with more power (280-hp most likely) and much improved fuel economy, while the HEMI 6.1-liter V8 will be replaced by a 6.4-liter V8 with cylinder deactivation and Fiat’s MultiAir variable valve timing.

We’re interested to get a closer look when these much-needed updates make it to market. In the mean time, See more Charger spy photos here

[Source: Autoblog]

The folks at AllPar seem to have gotten hold of a list of production dates for all Chrysler products this year, including everything from a revised Chrysler 300 to the Fiat 500. The AllPar team is also claiming to have some pretty big news on future Chrysler engines, including the elimination of the HEMI 6.1-liter V8 (in favor of a 6.4) and new versions of the Pentastar V6. Plus, the 200C (pictured above) has also reportedly been approved for production – but with a gasoline engine.

The first model set to hit production is the Viper, followed by the Ram Chassis Cab models and then the 2011 Grand Cherokee in May. In November, production for a significantly revised Avenger and renamed Sebring will begin, as well as new Dodge/Chrysler minivans and full-sized models (Charger, Challenger, 300) followed in December by the North American production of the Fiat 500.

As for future engines, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that will debut in the Grand Cherokee is reportedly also designed for Fiat’s MultiAir variable valve timing, direct-injection and turbocharging, although none of those technologies will be on the engine when it launches. Both 3.0-liter and 3.3-liter turbo and twin-turbo versions are likely, but probably only for pricey European vehicles.

Chrysler’s 4-cylinder World Engine will get MultiAir technology, as well as direct injection and turbocharging for some versions. The 4.7-liter V8 will be dropped, as will the 6.1-liter HEMI V8 in favor of a more efficient 6.4-liter HEMI V8 with cylinder deactivation and MultiAir.

As for hybrids, a Ram 1500 Hybrid will make it to market soon, followed by an electric commercial vehicle based on a Fiat van.

As for the Fiat 500, it will be offered with one of two engines, a 1.4-liter I-4 FIRE with Multiair, which makes 100-hp at 6,500 rpm and 95 ft-lbs of torque at 4,250 rpm, as well as a 1.4-liter I-4 FIRE Turbo with Multiair that delivers 170-hp at 6,750 rpm and 170 ft-lbs of torque at 3000 rpm.

All these changes are part of a larger Fiat/Chrysler plan to not only make its models more efficient (by 25 percent by 2014) but to also make them more attractive to consumers. We’re eager to see what sort of additional updates Chrysler’s lineup gets and if a few tweaks and name changes can help the struggling brand.

[Source: AllPar]

With the success of last year’s model, Dodge has released 100 more Track Pak Challengers for the 2010 model year. Built to compete in the NHRA Stock, Super Stock and Comp Eliminator classes this track-only model is powered by Mopar’s 6.1-liter HEMI V8 and comes with either a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. Offered exclusively in Stone White and in Stock Eliminator trim, the best part of the Track Pak is that it weighs just 3,200 lbs.

In order to get down to that weight, the Track Pak model includes Viper-style seats, polycarbonate door windows, a lift-off composite hood, manual steering, special light-weight front brakes and a special cable-operated throttle linkage and pedal assembly.

Pricing for the Drag Pak is set at $39,999, but with just 100 units available you had to submit an application, available at www.mopar.com or call the Mopar Direct Connection Tech Line at 888-528-HEMI (4363).

Official release after the jump:

The upcoming Alfa Romeo Giulietta, set to debut at the Geneva Auto Show next month, will likely underpin the next generation Dodge Caliber and Chrysler PT Cruiser. According to a report by Automotive News, Fiat (Alfa’s parent company) is looking to sell one million vehicles based of the Giulietta platform, 700,000 of which it intends to move in the U.S. as Chrysler company products.

The Giulietta will have to be made larger for the North American market and Alfa is reportedly working on a widened version called “Compact Wide,” which will not only underpin the Caliber and PT Cruiser, but five other Chrysler brand products. Both front drive and AWD versions of the platform can be had and yes, that does mean a Jeep version is included in Chrysler’s Fiat’s plans.

Above we have an early design sketch of what an Alfa Romeo Giulietta-based Dodge Caliber would look like, provided by Dodge Brand CEO Ralph Gilles. A gallery of Giulietta images can be found below, including one image of a 1750cc turbocharged Fiat engine, with 200-hp and 236 ft-lbs of torque, which could likely be tweaked further for an SRT4 version. The 2012 Dodge Caliber, at least in base trim, is likely to get the company’s revised 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 190-hp and 175 ft-lbs of torque.

GALLERY: Alfa Romeo Giulietta

[Source: Automotive News and Autoblog]

Dodge is once again releasing a new special edition versions of its Challenger with another signature paint color. This time it’s Furious Fuchsia and as girly as it might be, the Challenger still manages to look like a man’s machine. The car was officially shown for the first time today at the Chicago Auto Show and we’re pleased to report that in person its definitely not pink.

While it may be feminine, what’s under the hood most certainly isn’t with no V6 being offered. Instead, Dodge will offer the Furious Fuchsia Challenger as an R/T Classic and as an SRT8 model. R/T models get matte-black or bright white side stripe package, “Challenger fender badges”, 20-inch wheels, a body colored rear spoiler, function hood scoop and racing style fuel door. Inside, there’s the option of Pearl White seats with Dark Slate Gray and Furious Fuchsia stitching. Those who opt for a six-speed manual transmission will also get the Track Pak with a 3.92 differential, dual-exhaust system, and a pistol-grip shifter to help get all 376-hp to the ground.

Better yet, ensure exclusivity with just one of 400 SRT8 models with 425-hp. It gets much of the same items but includes the Pearl White seats as standard with a Furious Fuchsia stripe, 20-inch forged aluminum SRT wheels with Stain Black accents, chrome quad-exhaust tips and a limited edition dash plaque.

Pricing for the R/T is set at $35,140, while SRT8 models will run you $45,150.

The Furious Fuchsia is the latest “high-impact heritage” paint color that Dodge has released, with a Plum Purple model being shown at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year.

GALLERY: Furious Fuchsia Dodge Challenger R/T

Dodge is once again releasing a new special edition versions of its Challenger with another signature paint color. This time it’s Furious Fuchsia and as girly as it might be, the Challenger still manages to look like a man’s machine.

While it may be feminine, what’s under the hood most certainly isn’t with no V6 being offered. Instead, Dodge will offer the Furious Fuchsia Challenger as an R/T Classic and as an SRT8 model. R/T models get matte-black or bright white side stripe package, “Challenger fender badges”, 20-inch wheels, a body colored rear spoiler, function hood scoop and racing style fuel door. Inside, there’s the option of Pearl White seats with Dark Slate Gray and Furious Fuchsia stitching. Those who opt for a six-speed manual transmission will also get the Track Pak with a 3.92 differential, dual-exhaust system, and a pistol-grip shifter to help get all 376-hp to the ground.

Better yet, ensure exclusivity with just one of 400 SRT8 models with 425-hp. It gets much of the same items but includes the Pearl White seats as standard with a Furious Fuchsia stripe, 20-inch forged aluminum SRT wheels with Stain Black accents, chrome quad-exhaust tips and a limited edition dash plaque.

Pricing for the R/T is set at $35,140, while SRT8 models will run you $45,150.

The Furious Fuchsia is the latest “high-impact heritage” paint color that Dodge has released, with a Plum Purple model being shown at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year. Dodge will show the Furious Fuchsia Challenger R/T and SRT8 at the Chicago Auto Show later this week. We’ll be sure to bring you a few photos.

For complete 2010 Chicago Auto Show coverage click here

GALLERY: Furious Fuchsia Dodge Challenger R/T and SRT8

Official release after the jump:

Spy photographers have caught the folks at Chrysler Corp. out testing the 2011 Dodge Charger. While the entire vehicle is covered in the typical camo, it’s still possible to see a new rear roof-line, which gives the rear of the muscle-sedan a more sleek European look. A full mid-cycle refresh is expected for the 2011 model year, after a very mild set of adjustments that Chrysler debuted on the 2010 model at the Detroit Auto Show this year.

More importantly, the 2011 Charger looks to get big changes inside with a big LCD screen and revised center stack.

Under the hood, the 2011 Charger will get Chrysler’s new Pentastar V6, which will debut in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee this year making 280-hp and 260 ft-lbs of torque.

Follow the link below for a full gallery of exterior and interior photos:

[Source: Autoblog]

The very first street car to come from legendary racer Richard Petty’s own shop sold for a solid $130,000 at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdate, AZ over the weekend. Built by Petty’s Garage, the Challenger SRT8 is a prototype for a future production model is features the 0001 serial number. Along with the custom body and a long list of suspension modifications, this Challenger features a HEMI V8 built by Arrington Engines to produce 585-hp and 560 ft-lbs of torque. It has also been painted a special (and trademarked) Petty Blue paint made specially by BASF.

All proceeds of the sale will go to the Petty Family Foundation, including charities like the Victory Junction and Paralyzed Veterans of America.

GALLERY: Petty’s Garage Dodge Challenger SRT8

See after the jump for more details on the Petty’s Garage Dodge Challenger SRT8: