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News
January: 2012 Chrysler 200
The Chrysler 200 may be the new car on the block, but with its wide range of trim levels, a convertible model and a starting LX MSRP of $18,995, the 200 is a strong part of Chrysler's line-up. The new sedan's sleek and sporty styling, combined with its aggressive design elements puts it in a category all its own - a car for a new generation, representing a new direction for Chrysler and its hometown. Now it's a perfect to purchase your own "Imported from Detroit" model, because this month at Courtesy Chrysler Jeep Dodge you can receive up to $4,500 in rebates on the 2012 Chrysler 200!*
2012 Chrysler 200 - At a Glance:
- 2011 IIHS Safety Pick
- LX, Touring, Limited, S Trim levels
- Advanced Uconnect Media Center
- Bluetooth Streaming Audio
- LED-accented headlamps
- Best-in-class Pentastar V6
- Electronic Stability Control System
- MacPherson Strut Suspension
Read up on all Chrysler 200 trim-levels.
Read up on "Imported from Detroit":
Chrysler's New "Imported From Detroit" Project to Raise Funds for Detroit Charities
Chrysler's "Imported From Detroit" Helps Re-brand Motor City
Learn more about the past 'Car of the Month' choices:
2012 Ram 1500 - December
2012 Dodge Journey - November
2012 Jeep Grand Liberty - October
*Disclaimer: Customer must qualify for all applicable rebates. All rebates assigned to dealer. See dealer for details.
Read more on GRAutoBlog.com
Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram Edition
2011 was quite a year for Chrysler. Thanks in part to its "Imported from Detroit" campaign, award-winning Chrysler 300, and more, the automaker started to revive itself and infuse some much-needed hometown-pride back into the Motor City.
As this year is coming to a close, we wanted to compile a short-list of our favorite auto stories from 2011. The articles range from the new Call of Duty Jeep, which was a big hit with our readers and Facebook fans alike, to a look at Chrysler's popular "Imported from Detroit" campaign that spurred renewed interest in the brand and acted as a catalyst for reigniting a sense of hope and appreciation for Detroit.
We hope you enjoy our selection! Tell us your favorite part of 2011 in the comment section.
Chrysler Highlights:
Chrysler's New "Imported from Detroit" Project to Raise Funds for Detroit Charities
Chrysler and Eminem are teaming up once again to not only incite passion for Detroit, but actually raise money for local Detroit charities in order to have a positive impact in the Motor City community.
Chrysler's commitment to the revitalization of Detroit has evolved from its pro-Detroit advertising campaign, to its "Imported from Detroit" merchandise and is now revving up once more with its new "Imported from Detroit" project. Read more ...
Chrysler's "Imported From Detroit" Helps Re-brand Motor City
Detroit, poised to be the new comeback kid of American cities, goes by many names: Motown, Motor City, Hockeytown. And now, the city that represents the heart-and-soul of the American Auto Industry is embarking on a new era of civic pride and positive public relations, mostly thanks to the Chrysler brand.
Chrysler's "Imported From Detroit" campaign was pushed into national consciousness with its Eminem-embellished Super Bowl commercial and has maintained momentum with a series of YouTube videos featuring local heros that represent the dedication and spirit of the city. Read more...
More on Chrysler from GRAutoBlog.com
Jeep Highlights:
2012 Call of Duty Jeep: Modern Warfare 3 Special Edition
Gamers, step away from your controllers: Jeep and Activision are joining forces once more for a second Call of DutyJeep.
In 2011, the Call of Duty franchise teamed up with Jeep for a game-inspired Black Ops Wrangler. Now Jeep has a new special edition just in time for the release of the much-anticipated Modern Warfare 3. Read more...
JK-8 Jeep Wrangler Pickup by Mopar
Jeep has yet to provide us with a pickup version since the Comanche truck that ended its solo reign in 1992. However, thanks to the conversion-geniuses over at Chrysler and Mopar, the dry spell is finally over!
The JK-8 Jeep Wrangler Pickup conversion kit by Mopar is the perfect combination of a Jeep's classicly rugged style with the extra advantage of a truck's practical versatility. The JK-8 kit transforms any 2007-2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited into a pickup with a 50 by 44 inch pickup bed. The conversion kit's suggested retail price stands at $5,499, a decent price to pay for a unique Jeep-truck hybrid. Read more...
More on Jeep from GRAutoBlog.com
Dodge Highlights:
2012 Special Editions: Dodge Charger Super Bee, Yellow Jacket Dodge Challenger
We're buzzing with excitement over the special edition 2012 Dodge Charger Super Bee and Dodge Challenger Yellow Jacket!
The stunning Stinger Yellow paired with Pitch Black paint-job is not a subtle statement, so if you're looking for a car that will blend in at a Grand Rapids stop-light: These are not the cars for you. Read more ...
Dodge Ram's Letters for Lyrics
Here are two great things we here at GRAutoBlog can get behind: supporting our troops and listening to great music. You can do both thanks to Dodge Ram's "Letters for Lyrics" program.
It's a simple enough idea: Write a supportive letter to the troops, (thank you for your service, come home soon, etc.) and in return you receive an exclusive compilation album featuring Southern Ground artists: Zac Brown Band, Sonia Leigh, Nic Cowan, Levi Lowrey. Read more...
More on Dodge from GRAutoBlog.com
Detroit Red Wings Limited Edition Ram 1500 Express
Want to be the ultimate Detroit Red Wings fan on your block? Having the new Red Wings Edition Ram 1500 Express in your driveway might help!
Ram known for its "Guts. Glory. Ram." tagline, was a perfect fit for a team who can bring a new meaning to "HEMI-Powered Hockey!" Now Ram is amping up their partnership with the Detroit Red Wings by releasing a limited edition Ram Express 1500 model. Read more ...
Mopar Introduces Ram Runner Off-Road Kit
Think off-roading is just for the Jeep crowd? Think again. Mopar has introduced a Ram Runner kit that can turn your truck into a full-throttle off-roading machine!
Say goodbye to the road and hello to the sand dunes with this land-hungry conversion that was designed in part by Baja off-road racer Kent Kroeker. Read more...
More on Ram from GRAutoBlog.com
We hope you enjoyed our favorites for 2011, and we look forward to a new year of sharing interesting insights into the automotive world with you!
Get all our blog post updates and more on our Facebook page: Facebook.com/courtesycjd and Twitter: @GRAutoBlog
Check out this year's highlights for our Betten Imports brands: Best of 2011 from GRAutoBlog: Volkswagen, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz Edition.
Read more on GRAutoBlog.com
Winter may be upon us, but that doesn't mean that you'll be left out in the cold. Courtesy Chrysler Jeep Dodge and Ram have got you covered with a great deal on on Ram 1500s.
Courtesy Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram has chosen the Ram 1500 as the "Car of the Month" for December. The Ram 1500 has everything you need to see you through another West Michigan winter, not to mention a shiver-inducing incentive of up to $5,000 in rebates.*
Ram 1500 at Courtesy Chrysler Jeep Dodge:
- Starting MSRP $21,475
- Available 5.7-liter HEMI V8 - Fuel-Saver Technology
- 20 mpg highway
- 390 horsepower
- 10,450 pounds maximum towing capacity
- 6 passenger cab
- 20-inch aluminum wheels
Standard Safety Features:
- Trailer Sway Control
- Electronic Stability Control
- Hill Start Assist
Available Features:
- Electronic Range Select
- Exclusive RamBox Cargo Management System
- Integrated 4-inch dual chrome exhaust tips
- From Mopar: sidestep bar, performance hood and more!
- Flex-Fuel capable
Read about the Laramie and Outdoorsman edition Ram 1500s.
Get all the details on the Red Wings Limited Edition Ram 1500 Express.
Visit Mopar.com to check out all the available additions that will make your Ram 1500 truly stand out: Ram accessories.
To browse Courtesy's extensive Ram inventory, and to check out our other dealership incentives on new and pre-owned Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles, visit www.courtesy.com.
To find out how you can win free gas, check out our Facebook page.
*Check dealership for details.
Read more on GRAutoBlog.com
Here at Courtesy Chrysler Jeep Dodge we have first-hand experience with the longevity and lasting power of the Jeep brand. We know that when you buy a Jeep, you're buying an American icon, one with enduring value that can be passed down from generation to generation.
The 2012 Jeep Wrangler recently received this year's ALG Residual Value Award. From ALG, the industry's ultimate authority on automotive value, the 4x4 Wrangler took home the award in the "Compact Utilities" category.
The new Jeep Wrangler maintains the classic Jeep styling known the world over, while increasing its horsepower by 40 percent! The trail-rated Wrangler also features improved fuel-efficiency: A 21 mpg highway capability with its 3.6-liter V-6 engine.
Read the official press release from Jeep.com.
Read more on GRAutoBlog.com
Want to be the ultimate Detroit Red Wings fan on your block? Having the new Red Wings Edition Ram 1500 Express in your driveway might help!
Ram known for its "Guts. Glory. Ram." tagline, was a perfect fit for a team who can bring a new meaning to "HEMI-Powered Hockey!" Now Ram is amping up their partnership with the Detroit Red Wings by releasing a limited edition Ram Express 1500 model
The "Official Truck of the Red Wings" will feature the Detroit Red Wings logo on the front-seat headrests, with optional Red Wings embroidered leather seats. The "Detroit Red Wings Edition" graphic will also appear on the truck's tailgate, and rear-bed sides.
Based off the recently introduced Ram Express 1500 4x4 Crew Cab model, the Red Wings Edition comes in the appropriate Hockeytown fan colors: red, white and black.
The Red Wings Rams will only be available in extremely limited qualities, but Courtesy Chrysler Jeep Dodge is one of the just 90 dealerships who will be selling the special edition trucks!
Stay tuned to our Facebook for further updates on when we will be receiving our Red Wings Rams, so you can come in and check out the "Official Truck of the Red Wings" for yourself!
Read more on GRAutoBlog.com
We're buzzing with excitement over the special edition 2012 Dodge Charger Super Bee and Dodge Challenger Yellow Jacket!
The stunning Stinger Yellow paired with Pitch Black paint-job is not a subtle statement, so if you're looking for a car that will blend in at a Grand Rapids stop-light: These are not the cars for you.
2012 Dodge Charger Super Bee SRT8:
The Dodge Charger's Super Bee package is a nod to classic car nostalgia. As a timeless muscle car, no matter the year, from its introduction to the Charger family in 1971 to its all-new 2012 model, the Super Bee special editions have always added a touch of drive-out-loud style to the Dodge model line.
Not to be out-done by its head-turning exterior, the Super Bee's race-inspired cloth interior is accented with yellow and silver striping and stitching, accompanied by a unique dash plaque featuring the Charger Super Bee logo.
2012 Dodge Challenger Yellow Jacket SRT:
This heritage high-performance model is inspired from the 1970 Dodge Challenger. The 2012 Yellow Jacket edition features a new Yellow Jacket logo on its Stinger Yellow accent band, and a 470 horsepower, HEMI V-8 engine to back up its sting-worthy stylings. The Challenger carries its Yellow Jacket theme into the interior with its embroidered silver-stitched Yellow Jacket logo.
These special edition muscle cars will make its world debut later this month at the LA Auto Show. Orders are tentatively scheduled for December, with the models hopefully landing in West Michigan dealerships in early 2012.
Which Dodge special edition would you like to get stung by?
Read more on GRAutoBlog.com
2012 Dodge Journey
Here at Courtesy Chrysler Jeep Dodge, we've chosen the 2012 Dodge Journey as our "Car of the Month." The Journey has buying incentives of $1,000, with $3,250 available in leasing cash.*
With the American Value package and an affordable starting MSRP of just $18,995, the Dodge Journey is the least-expensive seven-passenger vehicle currently being sold on the American market.
American Value Package:
- Five seats
- 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway
- 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine
- Four-speed Automatic
- Push-button start
- Satellite radio
- Seven Air Bags
- Touch screen media interface
SE Trim-Level:
- Seven passenger seats
- Roof rails
- Tinted Glass
- LED Tail-lamps
To check out more dealership specials, and browse our extensive Dodge inventory, visit www.courtesy.com.
To find out how you can win free gas, check out our Facebook page.
*Check dealership for details.
Read more on GRAutoBlog.com
Name the Dodge car used in the famous Blues brothers mall chase scene. What is Michigan's state motto?
If you can answer trivia questions like these, then you can have the chance to win free gas cards!
Courtesy Chrysler Jeep Dodge is happy to announce Fuel for Fans, a new contest series happening right now on our Facebook page.
We love our Facebook fans, so naturally we want to reward them. Every Friday, over on our page, we'll feature a new trivia question that will range from auto industry facts, Michigan history and just about everything in between.
The weekly winner will be randomly chosen from the contestants who have answered the question correctly. It's that simple: Be a fan, flex your trivia muscles and win a gas card!
Who doesn't love free gas, right? Become a fan and join in on the fun!
Read more on GRAutoBlog.com
Guest Blog from LeftLaneNews.com:
1) Quadra Lift
An innovative air-suspension, dubbed Quadra-Lift, is one of the keys to the Grand Cherokee's versatility. The system utilizes pressurized air from a reservoir in order to lift the front and rear air springs, raising the vehicle up to 2.6 inches from its normal height of 8.1 inches for optimal ground clearance and off-road performance. Quadra-Lift can also lower the suspension for sportier handling, better aerodynamics and increased fuel efficiency, while in its standard mode the system is excellent at masking road imperfections to create a refined and luxurious ride.
2) Multi-Displacement Hemi V8
Hemi V8's have been known for supreme power for decades, and the variant under the Grand Cherokee's hood doesn't disappoint: with 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, there's ample thrust for any situation. However, when all that power isn't needed, the big V8 has a Multi-Displacement System that automatically deactivates four cylinders in order to save fuel. The switch from eight to four cylinders is electronically controlled, smooth and takes just 0.04 seconds.
3) Sumptuous Interior
With a French-stitched leather console and genuine wood trim, the Grand Cherokee has received a number of awards for its impressive new cabin. Fit and finish is excellent, and soft-touch materials abound for a particularly rich feeling. Optional features like a panoramic sunroof and 506 watt Alpine Stereo make for a truly sybaritic environment.
4) Robust Towing
For all its refinement, the Grand Cherokee is no slouch when it comes to demanding tasks like towing. When equipped with the Hemi V8 and the trailer tow package, it can tow up to 7400 pounds, a testament both to the power of its engine and the rigidity of its frame. Additionally, a Trailer Sway Control system can automatically senses dangerous trailer sway and take action by automatically applying the right amount of braking to maintain control.
5) Forward Collision Warning System
Research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that almost 30 percent of the total crashes reported to police each year in the U.S. were from rear-end collisions. However, another study concluded that 1.5 seconds of additional warning could prevent up to 90-percent of rear-end collisions. To try to give drivers an extra heads-up, Jeep developed the Forward Collision Warning System, which uses radar sensors to detect when the Grand Cherokee may be approaching another vehicle too rapidly. The system then alerts driver with an audible chime.
For more great automotive articles, check out Leftlanenews.com.
Read more on GRAutoBlog.com
Candy corn, pumpkins, haunted houses: Some things just go hand-in-hand with the month of October. And now, thanks to this month's fantastic Chrysler incentives at Courtesy Chrysler Jeep Dodge, add the 2012 Jeep Liberty to that list!
Just in time for off-road fall color tours, the Jeep Liberty is the Car of the Month at Courtesy, with incentives of up to $7,000!*
Starting at $23,250 the compact SUV is available in two or four-wheel drive and is equipped with 3.7-liter V6 standard powertrain engine. The new Liberty comes in three trim levels: Sport, Limited and the new-for-2012 Jet Edition that is replacing the Renegade trim level.
Check out the extensive Jeep Inventory at Courtesy Chrysler Jeep Dodge, your West Michigan Jeep dealer since 1966!
Standard Features:
- SIRIUS Satellite Radio
- Electronic Stability Control
- Anti-lock with brake assist
- All-speed traction control
- Electronic Roll Mitigation
Available Features:
- Multimedia infotainment system
- 30-gigabyte hard drive
- Navigation system
- SkySlider full-length open canvas sunroof
All-new for 2012 Jet Edition Trim Level:
- 20-inch polished wheels
- Chrome body side molding
- Blacked-out headlamps
- Unique 'Jet' badging
Get Jeep trivia, news and more on our Facebook: www.facebook.com/courtesycjd
*Check dealership for details.
Read more on GRAutoBlog.com
Consumer Reports ranked the Chrysler 300C number six in their upscale sedan category, making it the top domestic luxury sedan!
Scoring an "excellent" on its road tests, the sedan beat out many of its competitors: the Lincoln MKZ, Buick LaCrosse CXS, Ford Taurus Limited, among others.
Consumer Reports is calling the 300C the best Chrysler sedan they've tested in decades, citing its V8-engine and "well-trimmed cabin" as some of the vehicle's most positive attributes.
The 2011 Chrysler 300C received an impressive overall road test rating of "80? placing it into the Consumer Reports "excellent" category.
For more car reviews and ratings, check out the Consumer Reports site.
Read more on GRAutoBlog.com
Gamers, step away from your controllers: Jeep and Activision are joining forces once more for a second Call of Duty Jeep.
In 2011, the Call of Duty franchise teamed up with Jeep for a game-inspired Black Ops Wrangler. Now Jeep has a new special edition just in time for the release of the much-anticipated Modern Warfare 3.
Although the real world you'll be driving your Jeep through will be hopefully much less 'exciting' than the hazardous war zone of the game, the Wrangler is loaded with some impressive off-road features. It's equipped with 32-inch tires, a power hood dome and new special edition features including live axles, a two-speed transfer case and locking differentials for both the front and rear.
The Modern Warfare Wrangler also comes equipped with some major Mopar additions, including a heavy-duty front bumper with an optional winch, revised rear bumper, rock rails and more.
What makes the special edition truly stand out are its Call of Duty graphics on the spare tire cover, front fenders, embroidered seats, and our personal favorite: a special, serialized dashboard-plaque, (watch the video below for a look at the interior.)
The MW3 Wrangler will be released in both black or silver editions, with the option of either two or four-door body styles. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and the Jeep it inspired will both be released in November.
Read more on GRAutoBlog.com
The right time to buy is right now, thanks to Chrysler's new 'No Payments for 90 Days' Program.
Through September 6, the program applies to all 2011 and 2012 models from Chrysler, Jeep,Dodge and Ram Trucks.
Here's the breakdown of the cash-back incentives:
- 2012 Dodge Charger, Chrysler 200 = $500
- 2012 Jeep Liberty = $1,000
- 2012 Ram Truck = $1,500
- 2011 Chrysler 300 = $2,000 cash back or three-year loan with zero interest
- 2011 Dodge Charger = $2,000 cash back or three-year loan with zero interest
To learn more about the program and find out if it is right for you, give Courtesy Chrysler Jeep Dodge a call: 616-452-2143 or visit our web site at www.courtesy.com.
Read more on GRAutoBlog.com
On August 27 is a West Michigan automotive tradition that shouldn't be missed! The 28th Street Metro Cruise is back for another year of car-camaraderie and automotive history.
At Courtesy Chrysler Jeep Dodge, you can connect with fellow auto-enthusiasts and check out all the greatest Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge, old and new, that the Metro Cruise has to offer. And, let's not forget the Mopar!
For the first time ever, we will also be holding a "People's Choice" award through our Facebook page. The car's photo that receives the most "likes" after a week following the Metro Cruise, will win a prize and be featured on GRAutoBlog.
You can follow along with the contest on the Courtesy Chrysler Jeep Dodge Facebook.
Check out more information on the official site: http://www.28thstreetmetrocruise.com/
Chrysler and Eminem are teaming up once again to not only incite passion for Detroit, but actually raise money for local Detroit charities in order to have a positive impact in the Motor City community.
Chrysler's commitment to the revitalization of Detroit has evolved from its pro-Detroit advertising campaign, to its "Imported from Detroit" merchandise and is now revving up once more with its new "Imported from Detroit" project.
The project is a web collaboration with the company 8 Mile Style that manages Eminem's song rights. With the slogan "Never Give Up. Always Give Back," the IFD Project will help promote Detroit events and continue the Chrysler legacy of supporting local charities.
Eminem originally lent his starpower, Detroit roots and "Lose Yourself" single to the "Born of Fire" Super Bowl ad that sparked the initial "Imported from Detroit" campaign for Chrysler.
Now Eminem is back, but in a different way.
The rap artist's song, "Lose Yourself," now synonymous with Chrysler and Detroit, has been re-imagined by the "Selected of God" gospel choir who were previously featured in their own "Imported from Detroit" spot.
The re-interpreted "Lose Yourself" is meant not just as an inspirational power-ballad, but as an actual way to raise funds for charity organizations in the community. The gospel version of "Lose Yourself" is available for download on iTunes with all of its proceeds going toward three Detroit charities: Abayomi Community Development Corporation, The Yunion and Robert S. Shumake Scholarship Foundation.
Interact with the IFD Project on their Facebook page: Facebook.com/IFDProject
Read more on GRAutoBlog.com
Chrysler is infusing some extra power and a boost of improved fuel economy into its 2012 Jeep Wrangler.
The new Wrangler will feature Chrysler's Pentastar V6 engine that gets 17 miles per gallon in the city, 21 mpg on the highway with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.
2012 Jeep Wrangler's "Go Anywhere. Do Anything." features:
- Command-Trac Shift on the fly 4WD
- Full-size spare tire
- 16-18 inch wheels
- Two front tow hooks, one rear (not on sport model)
- Next generation Dana 30 solid front axle
- Next generation Dana 44 heavy-duty rear axle
- Full metal doors with roll-up windows
- Available media center with satellite radio
Read more on GRAutoBlog.com
The 2011 Dodge Durango has been awarded the coveted "Top Safety Pick" by the ultimate authority on vehicle safety: the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Dodge Durango has been completely reworked for 2011 with 3.6 Pentastar V6 engine and a strong body structure that allows the Durango to support 4.67 times its 5,059 lb curb weight.
The SUV earned "Good" ratings for frontal, rear and side impact tests, thanks to numerous advanced features such as its Electronic Stability Control system that has three settings that adjusts for various types of terrain and cargo amounts.
The 2011 Dodge Durango also boasts over 40 safety features including curtain air bags, active head restraints and blind spot monitoring. These features, in combination with the SUV's Electronic Roll Mitigation, Hill Start Mitigation and Trailer-sway Control, makes the 2011 Dodge Durango a solid safety pick for the IIHS.
Read more on GRAutoBlog.com
With a little help from the Tooth Fairy, Thornapple Elementary's Odyssey of the Mind team took second place in the world.
Working with the Odyssey of the Mind 'tooth-brushing' theme, Thornapple's team chose the "As Good as Goldberg" technical problem. This resulted in a complex yet successful 7-step Rube Goldberg contraption combined with a creative skit featuring students as a wisdom tooth and the Tooth Fairy.
Utilizing their teamwork and problem-solving skills, the students took first in regionals and state, propelling them to the world competition held at the University of Maryland. There they engaged in spontaneous challenges, met students from numerous other countries and competed against 61 other teams showcasing their various innovative interpretations of the different themed challenges.
West Michigan car dealership, Courtesy Chrysler Jeep Dodge, acted as a crucial fundraiser for the team's trip. Enlisting Chrysler's "Drive for the Kids" program, Courtesy raised over $1,800 in just 3 hours to help the team experience Odyssey of the Mind at the international level.
"Drive for the Kids" brought Courtesy sales consultants and three Chrysler vehicles, a Chrysler Town & Country, Chrysler 300 and Chrysler 200, to Thornapple Elementary. For every test drive, Chrysler donated $10 to the school, which chose to use the funds for its highly successful Odyssey of the Mind team.
Chrysler and Jeep are celebrating the fact that the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most awarded SUV ever. From journalist associations to industry organizations, the Grand Cherokee has earned 30 awards.
To celebrate the Jeep Grand Cherokee's critical and commercial success, Jeep is starting a new advertising campaign that will highlight the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit model for the first time ever!
Read more on GRAutoBlog.comJeep has yet to provide us with a pickup version since the Comanche truck that ended its solo reign in 1992. However, thanks to the conversion-geniuses over at Chrysler and Mopar, the dry spell is finally over!
The JK-8 Jeep Wrangler Pickup conversion kit by Mopar is the perfect combination of a Jeep's classicly rugged style with the extra advantage of a truck's practical versatility. The JK-8 kit transforms any 2007-2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited into a pickup with a 50 by 44 inch pickup bed. The conversion kit's suggested retail price stands at $5,499, a decent price to pay for a unique Jeep-truck hybrid.
Read more on GRAutoBlog.com
If this Jeep looks like it would be more at home on the set of "Jurassic Park" than in your garage, well, we wouldn't exactly blame you.
This Jeep is an off-road vehicle concept designed by Max Ostap for the Art Center College of Design.
This Survivor Concept most closely recalls the Jeep Bantam from World War II, but if we're being honest with ourselves, this Jeep concept is in a league all its own ? a crucial marker for originality in the sometimes over-saturated world of automotive concepts.
Read more at GRAutoBlog.com
20 lucky Mopar fans will soon embark on an epic 7 day journey that is part road rally, part scavenger hunt - all -approved!
Travelling 1,900 miles from Detroit, Michigan to Golden, Colorado, 10 teams of 2 will use a blend of road warrior strategy and social media savvy to compete for $5,000 worth of Mopar parts and accessories.
Provided with a diverse mix of 2011 and 2012 Chrysler models, the contestants will travel through a wide variety of different terrains, all the better to show off the versatility of the brands that are involved: Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep and FIAT.
Read more at GRAutoBlog.com
Chrysler has just moved into the fast lane with the announcement of the rejuvenation of their Street and Racing Technology (SRT) brand.
Until now, the SRT portion of the Chrysler brand has been essentially an internal engineering program. It was originally launched in 2002 at the North American International Auto Show(NAIAS) as a new line for producing "industry-leading performance vehicles and parts."
Now Chrysler is ready to re-imagine its SRT division as its own separate brand and they have handed the reins over to Ralph Gilles. The title of president and CEO of Chrysler's SRT brand will be added to his other labels: president and CEO of Dodge and senior vice president of product design for Chrysler.
The SRT brand will focus on low-volume, high-performance vehicles. Currently the only SRT available is the Dodge Challenger SRT8, but Chrysler fans will not have too long to wait for new models. Beginning this fall, 2012 SRT models of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, Chrysler 300 SRT8 and the Dodge Charger SRT8 will all be released.
Read more at GRAutoBlog.com
Think off-roading is just for the Jeep crowd? Think again. Mopar has introduced a Ram Runner kit that can turn your truck into a full-throttle off-roading machine!
Read more at GRAutoBlog.com
Jalen Rose has been part of the legendary 'Fab Five' at the University of Michigan, spent 13 years in the NBA and is an analyst for ESPN. Now Rose, a Detroit native, can add philanthropist to that list with his Jalen Rose Leadership Academy.
Rose's 1969 Dodge Charger, one of the last original General Lee Dodge Chargers from the popular television show "Dukes of Hazzard" will be auctioned off to benefit the charter school set to open this fall on the Northwest side of Detroit. The car will be sold as part of a five-day eBay Motors auction beginning May 22 with a starting bid of $45,000.
Rose customized his 1969 Dodge Charger by removing the Confederate flag and altering the '01' to his Michigan basketball number '05.' The car also has autographs with personalized messages by Rose and "Hazzard" actor John Schneider.
Read more at GRAutoBlog.com
Chrysler is engaging in some significant corporate responsibility that will put books straight into the hands of America's schoolchildren. The automaker is dedicated to promoting literacy and has pledged to donate 150,000 Scholastic books with its 'Road to Literacy' program.
When you test drive a 2011 Chrysler Town & Country Minivan from now until June 1st, Chrysler will donate 5 books to a school of your choice and 5 to a school in need.
For further details on the program and to promote it, become a Facebook fan of Chrysler Town & Country and check out their 'Donate Books' Facebook application tab.
Read more at GRAutoBlog.com
Dodge Ram Long-Hauler Concept
Chrysler's latest concept takes the idea of a pickup truck and then supersizes it.
The new Dodge Ram concept is a full 24 feet of long-hauling power complete with a six-cylinder, 6.7 high output Cummins Turbo Diesel engine and six-speed Aisin AS68RC automatic transmission.
Read more at GRAutoBlog.com
Chrysler in the Kitchen: SyFy's Quantum Kitchen in Detroit
In the episode, Vigneron, of Top Chef fame, travels to Detroit and serves up a complex dinner for a diverse blend of Chrysler employees. Also present were a dozen students from Detroit's College of Creative Studies who collaborated with Chrysler designers for a semester-long project on car models that were present at the dinner. The culinary event took place in none other than the Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Vigneron specializes in molecular-gastronomy where a combination of art and science can result in wildly unique culinary creations. Therefore, it's no surprise that the meal with a Chrysler 200 theme took three days to create and was futuristic in nature. The four-course meal for 32 featured car-shaped desserts and a fish course that created its own 'psychedelic art' while being consumed.
Chef Vigneron is a self-proclaimed "car guy" who grew up attending car shows and driving at the Jim Hall racing school. During his visit to the Motor City, Vigneron took the Chrysler 200 for a test drive on the evaluation course. While touring the Chrysler design studios, he discussed the creative process behind automobile design, making parallels with his own world of culinary creativity.
Read more at GRAutoBlog.com
While much of the auto world has been glued to the events happening at the simultaneous auto shows in New York City and Shanghai, another important auto industry event took place in a lesser known venue: Moab, Utah.
The annual Jeep Easter Safari Event is a gathering of thousands of die-hard Jeep fans and off-road auto aficionados for a week of America's best trails and Jeep customized eye-candy.
The event is the auto-equivalent to a music festival, with all the hottest Jeep acts that have been customized by Mopar.
Read more on GRAutoBlog.com
New Beats by Dre Chrysler Audio System
Chrysler has recruited Eminem's mentor Dr. Dre to take the 2012 300 S to the next level of luxury.
Beats by Dr. Dre, a new studio-quality audio system, is the result of the Chrysler partnership and the latest addition to the new 300 model. The collaboration of music producer Dre, Interscope chairman Jimmy Iovine and a team of Chrysler engineers is what it took to make the 'Beats' audio system a reality.
This exclusive partnership is some of the most exciting news to come out of the Chrysler portion of the 2011 New York Auto Show where it was announced on Wednesday. Chrysler sees this as a way to raise the overall bar for car audio systems. At the auto show, Interscope's Iovine spoke of the 'Beats' system finally reconciling vehicle audio technology with the way that music should be listened to for full enjoyment.
'Beats' by the numbers:
- 10 speakers
- 552 watts
- 8.4-inch touchscreen display
The 2012 300 S will be in dealerships this fall. Dr. Dre will also be featured in upcoming "Imported From Detroit" Chrysler commercials.
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It has been confirmed that Chrysler is actively developing vehicles powered by compressed natural gas. The brand hopes to be producing Natural-Gas Vehicles, (NGV's) by 2017.
Cars that use natural gas are more cost-efficient than their electric counterparts and if a recently introduced bill passes, natural gas could be even more appealing to car companies.
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Detroit-pride is in full swing with the third installment of Chrysler's "Imported From Detroit" commercials. Chrysler is breathing new life into the popular campaign with a little help from Detroit's very own citizens.
The campaign that began with Eminem will now feature a diverse group of people ranging from Detroit Lion Ndamukong Suh to a high school English teacher named Andre Harding.
The commercials will also showcase menswear designer John Varvatos, a Detroit native who is renowned for using other homegrown Detroit icons, (Iggy Pop, Alice Cooper) in his own advertisements.
Alongside the metro-Detroiters, Chrysler's new ads will highlight the Chrysler 300 against the backdrop of some of the city's most notable landmarks such as the Detroit Public Library.
The ads will also be integrated into Chrysler catalogues that will be appearing in dealerships next month.
Stay tuned to www.grautoblog.com for the premiere of the new commercials and other news from Chrysler.
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Chrysler is taking the test-drive out of the dealership and bringing it to you, at your local mall.
This unique nationwide event is poised as a chance for consumers to speak directly with Chrysler product specialists and gain a tangible, hands-on knowledge of all the innovations that have been integrated into Chrysler's 2011 refurbished lineup.
Consumers that take the opportunity to embark on a test-drive may just end up in a future Chyrsler commercial, and they will also receive a $15 mall gift card.
For all you West Michiganders, the closest location for a Chrysler test-drive event:
Briarwood Mall, Ann Arbor Mich.
Sat. Apr. 30 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sun. May 1 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
The 2011 Chrysler vehicles available for test drives:
- 200 Sedan
- 200 Convertible
- 300 Sedan
- Town & Country Minivan
Additional dates and locations may be added at a further date. Visit Chrysler.com or keep an eye on GRAutoBlog.com for continued updates on Chrysler promotions and events.
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Jeep enthusiasts rejoice: The brand's 70th Anniversary has inspired an exhibit at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum.
The exhibit 70 Years of Jeep celebrates the beloved brand and its evolution from military vehicle to one of the auto industry's brand-darlings.
Starting April 19th and running through December, the Chrysler museum in Auburn Hills, Michigan will be home to the exhibit that will feature a classic, yet rare Jeep model: Willys MA78621.
Just how rare you ask? The car is one of only 45 known models stemming from the benchmark year of 1941. Jeep fans will cringe at the thought that this particular model was found rotting in a field near Fort Lewis. It was restored in 2002 and was believed to be one of 4 MA's shipped to Fort Lewis for testing by the 15th Infantry.
Jeep's passionate brand loyalists will relish viewing the iconic progress of Jeep with the exhibit's sizable collection of models ranging from the 1940-era classics to the innovative auto-concepts of the mid 2000's.
Click for a full list of featured Jeep vehicles and more exhibition details
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Detroit, poised to be the new comeback kid of American cities, goes by many names: Motown, Motor City, Hockeytown. And now, the city that represents the heart-and-soul of the American Auto Industry is embarking on a new era of civic pride and positive public relations, mostly thanks to the Chrysler brand.
Chrysler's "Imported From Detroit" campaign was pushed into national consciousness with its Eminem-embellished Super Bowl commercial and has maintained momentum with a series of YouTube videos featuring local heros that represent the dedication and spirit of the city.
Now Chrysler has taken the campaign to the next level by utilizing its "Imported From Detroit" brand with merchandise that allows people to express their passion for Detroit, no matter what nickname they think fits it best.
Some of the brand's most popular merchandise includes tasteful posters brandishing the "Imported From Detroit" motto along with iconic images representing the past, present and future of Detroit's potential. The limited edition poster series are also a tangible effort towards rebuilding Detroit because a portion of the proceeds from each $25 poster goes toward local charities.
Take a closer look at the complete poster series, other official "Imported From Detroit" merchandise and the charities they help support at http://www.collection.chrysler.com/
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Emerging from the shadow of Ram's "Adventurer" prototype, the freshly-named '1500 Express' has finally come into the light.
The buzz about the Express, greatly welcomed by sports-truck enthusiasts, is that it is a vehicle with a powerful engine that will not overpower your wallet. The truck boasts a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 engine with an impressive 20 mpg rating, 390 horsepower and a hefty 407 lb.-ft. of torque.
Ram is hoping that its new shortbox pickup will make good on its aptly-named moniker of 'Express' in the way that consumer self-'Express'ion can be fully realized by its simple design that lends itself easily to customization.
The base price for the Express is a reasonable $23,830 making it a smart choice for young first-time car buyers. This price-tag includes destination charges and leaves ample room for a multitude of custom additions and available Moparproducts.
This model's production has been catalyzed by the positive response of the Ram Tradesman pickup truck, another no-nonsense model revealed at Chicago's Auto Show in February.
Visit your local Ram dealership for further details and to soon check out a Ram 1500 Express for yourself.
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Here are two great things we here at GRAutoBlog can get behind: supporting our troops and listening to great music.
You can do both thanks to Dodge Ram's "Letters for Lyrics" program.
It's a simple enough idea: Write a supportive letter to the troops, (thank you for your service, come home soon, etc.) and in return you receive an exclusive compilation album featuring Southern Ground artists: Zac Brown Band, Sonia Leigh, Nic Cowan, Levi Lowrey.
Sometimes even the most civically-minded people need a reminder to show our gratitude for the US troops and all their self-less work both overseas and closer to home.
Ram's "Letters for Lyrics" program with a little help from the Grammy-award winning Zac Brown Band does just that.
Even if the music isn't your style, we hope that supporting the troops is, so put your thankful pen to paper and turn your letter into a Dodge Ram dealership to receive the free Breaking Southern Ground album.
For more information on the program and to check out the artists, visit:http://www.ramtrucks.com/en/letters_for_lyrics/
Read more on GRAutoBlog.comChrysler pushes Saturday service By BRADFORD WERNLE, AUTOMOTIVE NEWS on 12/06/2010
Chrysler Group's Mopar parts and service division is ratcheting up efforts to get more dealers to open service departments on Saturday.
Starting in January, Mopar will open all of its 20 North American parts distribution centers on Saturdays. In April, Mopar launched Saturday hours for its help desk so dealership service technicians could call with questions about repair issues.
Saturday hours can boost revenues for dealers--and Mopar. Coupled with Mopar's Express Lane oil change service, Saturday hours help dealers compete in a marketplace crowded with quick lube and light maintenance shops that stay open all weekend. Chrysler estimates there are 37 such independent shops competing with each dealership.
Chrysler says 69 percent of its dealers were open Saturday as of Oct. 31, up from 60 percent at the beginning of the year.
Chrysler used a little psychology to help persuade dealers of the wisdom of staying open on Saturday. Last spring, field office workers went into the field with cameras.
"We used the tactic of taking pictures showing the competition open on Saturday," said Jim Sassorossi, Mopar's director of sales. Those photos of Dodges, Chryslers and Jeeps up on Jiffy Lube hoists got some dealers thinking.
Also, Mopar is offering dealers who stay open Saturday a small percentage of co-op advertising funds to advertise their service departments.
Second try
Brent Locey, director of fixed operations at Courtesy Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge in Grand Rapids, Mich., said he tried Saturday service about five years ago, but it didn't work.
"We staffed it wrong, and we did not have support from factory. We were only open four hours."
This time, Locey said, Saturday service ramped up quickly since he began Saturday operations in October.
"It's really becoming a sixth workday. When it's staffed right and you have the right hours and the right people, you can really make it happen."
Now Courtesy's service department is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Locey says he already is doing about 70 percent of the business of a normal weekday.
"The first weekend we worked on 18 cars; this past weekend we worked on 55. On a regular day we write up 80 to 100. My objective is to mirror a regular workday."
Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20101206/CARNEWS/101209944#ixzz17X6ekRI3