DateLine! DetroitDateline: Detroit! Compiled by Neal White Motor News Media Corporation January, 2008 Installment Dodge announces pricing for all-new 2008 Challenger SRT (1) (Source Routing Transparent) An IEEE-standard that provides bridging between Ethernet and Token Ring networks. Ethernet LANs use transparent bridging, and Token Ring LANs use source route bridging (SRB). 8 AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Dodge has announced pricing for the modern interpretation of the American muscle coupe. The 2008 Dodge Challenger Dodge Challenger is the name of three different automobile models marketed by the Dodge division of the Chrysler Corporation since the 1970s. First generation (1970-1974) SRT8 will arrive in showrooms next spring at a Manufacturer?s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP MSRP Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price MSRP Message Session Relay Protocol MSRP Multi-Species Recovery Plan (US Fish & Wildlife Service) MSRP Member of the Society for Radiological Protection (UK) ) of $37,995 (which includes $675 destination). Due to unprecedented demand, Dodge dealers began taking orders on Dec. 3 for the limited-edition 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 models. Each will feature a numbered dash plaque and a 6.1-liter HEMI? V-8 engine. 2008 Challenger SRT8 models will be available in black, silver and HEMI orange. All will feature dual ?carbon-fiber? hood stripes, harkening back to the original Dodge Challenger. The SRT8 will be built at the Chrysler Canada Chrysler Canada Inc. is Chrysler's Canadian division. Incorporated in 1925, the Chrysler Corporation of Canada gained complete control of a Maxwell-Chalmers plant that had been used to manufacture some Chrysler models in the previous year. Assembly Plant in Brampton, Ontario Brampton (IPA: ˈbræmptən, ˈbræmtən) is a city in the GTA of Ontario, Canada and the seat of Peel Region. As of the 2006 census, Brampton's population stood at 433,806. , on the same assembly line with the Dodge Charger There have been many different Dodge vehicles, on three different platforms, bearing the Charger nameplate. The name is generally associated with a performance model in the Dodge range, however it has also adorned mundane hatchbacks and sedans and a personal luxury coupe. , Charger SRT8, Magnum, Magnum SRT8, Chrysler 300 and Chrysler 300 SRT8 vehicles. Ford paces Escape Plug-In, Edge HySeries Research Vehicles Dearborn, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company is advancing plug-in hybrid technology through two different applications on research demonstration vehicles as a way to help improve the functionality and durability of lithium-ion battery Lithium-ion batteries (sometimes abbreviated Li-ion batteries) are a type of rechargeable battery commonly used in consumer electronics. They are currently one of the most popular types of battery for portable electronics, with one of the best energy-to-weight ratios, no packs and the future commercialization of plug-in hybrid technology. The first Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid demonstration vehicle was delivered to Southern California Edison Southern California Edison (or SCE Corp), the largest subsidiary of Edison International (NYSE: EIX), is the primary electricity supply company for much of Southern California. It provides 11 million people with electricity. for testing in early December. Under a unique two-year partnership with the utility company, a 20-unit fleet will be tested in California, first in the utility?s electric vehicle fleet, and later with selected residential customers. The Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV PHEV Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle PHEV Porcine Hemagglutinating Encephalomyelitis Virus PHEV Pigeon Herpes Encephalomyelitis Virus PHEV Pneumatic Hybrid Electric Vehicle ), capable of delivering up to 120 miles per gallon Noun 1. miles per gallon - the distance traveled in a vehicle powered by one gallon of gasoline or diesel fuel unit, unit of measurement - any division of quantity accepted as a standard of measurement or exchange; "the dollar is the United States unit of , would mean far fewer trips to the gas station. The parallel hybrid electric vehicle A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is a vehicle which combines a conventional propulsion system with an on-board rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) to achieve better fuel economy than a conventional vehicle without being hampered by range from a charging unit like an uses common household current (120 volts) for charging, with a full charge of the battery completed within six to eight hours. When driven on surface streets for the first 30 miles following a full charge, the Ford Escape PHEV can achieve up to 120 mpg roughly 4.5 times its traditional gas internal combustion engine-powered counterpart. A fully charged Ford Escape PHEV operates in two modes, electric drive and blended electric/engine drive. At urban speeds, the high capacity plug-in hybrid battery allows for extended battery-only driving distance. At higher power Higher power is a term used in a 12-step program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, to describe "a power greater than yourself." Although many participants equate their higher power with God, a belief in God or in formal religion is not mandatory; the higher power is intended as a demands and vehicle speeds, the vehicle automatically switches to blended electric/engine mode, providing propulsion using both the engine and the high-capacity battery, further reducing fuel consumption. The vehicle is not range-limited by the amount of charge available in the high-voltage lithium-ion battery, because once the charge in the battery is depleted de·plete tr.v. de·plet·ed, de·plet·ing, de·pletes To decrease the fullness of; use up or empty out. [Latin d , the vehicle continues to operate as a fuel-efficient, standard Ford Escape Hybrid The Ford Escape Hybrid, launched in 2004, is a gas-electric hybrid powered version of the Ford Escape SUV developed by the Ford Motor Company. Built in Kansas City, Missouri, it was the first hybrid SUV to hit the market. . The transition is automatic and unnoticeable to the driver. Pontiac announces pricing for 2009 Vibe DETROIT -- Pontiac in December confirmed pricing for the 2009 Vibe will start at $15,895 when it arrives in dealer showrooms in February 2008. Also returning to the Vibe family for the 2009 model year, an all-wheel drive model will start at $19,495 and the performance-oriented GT model will start at $19,895. All prices include a $585 destination and freight charge. ?Our goal with the new Vibe was to enhance its style and performance without sacrificing functionality and fuel economy,? said Craig Bierley, Pontiac marketing director. ?Every Vibe model now comes with a bold new look, increased engine power and a host of standard safety features, but still gets up to 32 miles per gallon.? Dodge introduces all-new Journey Crossover Auburn Hills, Mich. -- Chrysler LLC Chrysler LLC U.S. automotive company first incorporated in 1925, as Chrysler Corp. It was founded by Walter P. Chrysler (1875–1940), who built it into the country's second largest automobile manufacturer, noted for its Plymouth, Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep vehicles. announced in December the US Manufacturer?s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the 2009 Dodge Journey This article contains information about a scheduled or anticipated . It may contain preliminary or speculative information, and may not reflect the final version of the vehicle. as $19,985 (including $625 destination). The 2009 Dodge Journey was designed to give buyers a crossover vehicle that meets life?s changing demands by offering unsurpassed versatility and flexibility in a sporty, stylish package. ?The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey gives our customers the complete package at an incredible value,? said Deborah Meyer, vice president and chief marketing officer, Chrysler LLC. ?For less than $20,000, Dodge Journey blends safety, quality and reliability with innovative technology, entertainment features and tons of useful storage, wrapped in a package that is pure Dodge.? The Dodge Journey is built on the company?s global D-segment platform. In the Dodge brand line-up, this new crossover falls between the compact Dodge Caliber  It has been suggested that some sections of this article be split into a new article entitled Dodge Caliber SRT-4. and the Dodge Grand Caravan. It is designed for customers ranging from young singles, couples and families with small children to mature families who want the flexibility to do more in terms of carrying passengers in comfort or storing all their gear.
It will be available in U.S. dealerships in the first quarter of 2008 and in global volume markets outside North America in both left-hand and right-hand drive, starting in mid-2008. Lexus unveils all-new 2008 LX 570 full-size luxury utility vehicle TORRANCE, Calif. -- Lexus introduces the all-new, more powerful, more capable and more luxurious 2008 LX 570 premium luxury utility vehicle. With a host of technological advancements and a new high-strength chassis, the third-generation LX offers significantly increased performance and new safety features over the LX 470 model it replaces. The all-new roomier eight-passenger LX 570 casts about the same footprint as its award-winning predecessor. For the third generation LX, Lexus retained the basic formula of the previous model, amplifying and enhancing its core attributes. The 2008 LX 570 emphasizes Lexus identity with new L-finesse styling, combining it with the muscular strength and sense of security sought in a four-wheel-drive luxury utility vehicle. The LX 570 is built on a more capable chassis and features an advanced new suspension system. With 383 horsepower, its new 5.7-liter V8 is 42-percent more powerful than the 4.7-liter V8 engine it replaces, and it is expected to achieve ULEV ULEV Ultra-Low-Emissions Vehicle ULEV Ultra Low Emission Vehicle II certification. 2009 Corvette corvette, small warship, classed between a frigate and a sloop-of-war. Corvettes usually were flush-decked and carried fewer than 28 guns. They were widely employed in escorting convoys and attacking merchant ships during the great naval wars of the late 18th and ZR1 powered by supercharged su·per·charge tr.v. su·per·charged, su·per·charg·ing, su·per·charg·es 1. To increase the power of (an engine, for example), as by fitting with a supercharger. 2. LS9 small-block V-8 PONTIAC, Mich. -- When it arrives next summer, the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will be the most powerful and fastest production car ever produced by General Motors, with performance enabled by a new, supercharged 6.2L LS9 small-block V-8 engine. Incorporating the engineering experience already found in the Corvette Z06?s LS7 engine and the new-for-2008 6.2L LS3 of the Corvette, GM Powertain is targeting 100 horsepower per liter for the LS9, or 620 horsepower, and approximately 595 lb-ft of torque; final SAE-certified power levels will be available in early March 2008. It is, indeed, the ultimate small-block engine for the ultimate Corvette. ?When you experience the LS9 in the Corvette ZR1, the terms performance and refinement take on a new meaning,? said Tom Stephens, group vice president for GM Powertrain and Quality. ?The LS9 demonstrates an outstanding performance range, with smooth driveability at low speeds, and surprisingly fierce performance when the customer wants more power.? The Corvette ZR1?s LS9 engine is backed by a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission, with a twin-disc clutch system. It is based on the proven T56 six-speed, but upgraded to handle the LS9?s torque output and delivers improved shift quality. Prototype Honda Pilot headed to North American North American named after North America. North American blastomycosis see North American blastomycosis. North American cattle tick see boophilusannulatus. International Auto Show TORRANCE, Calif. -- A prototype of the next-generation Honda Pilot will be unveiled at the January 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced in December. The prototype will convey design features of the more boldly-styled, next-generation Pilot and will emphasize authentic SUV styling, clever interior packaging and advanced technologies for safety, fuel efficiency and convenience. Additional Honda vehicles to be on display at NAIAS include the FCX FCX French Connexion (gaming site) FCX Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold Inc (stock symbol) FCX Fuel Cell Experiment (Honda) FCX Fire Coordination Exercise FCX Fire Control Exercise Clarity hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, introduced at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, and the CR-Z concept vehicle, introduced at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show The Tokyo Motor Show (東京モーターショー) is a biennial auto show held in October-November at the Makuhari Messe, Chiba City, Japan for cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles. . Limited retail marketing of the FCX Clarity will begin in summer 2008. The CR-Z is a next-generation lightweight sports car concept equipped with Honda's original gas-electric hybrid system. All-new Toyota Venza to debut at 2008 North American International Auto Show TORRANCE, Calif. -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS TMS Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (alternative medicine for depression) TMS Test Match Special (sports - cricket) TMS Texas Motor Speedway TMS Transportation Management System TMS Toyota Motor Sales ), U.S.A., Inc., will stage the world premiere of the all-new 2009 Toyota Venza crossover sedan at a press conference at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Venza is said to be a unique blend of sedan and sport utility vehicle, offering seating for five, easy ingress An entrance. Contrast with "egress," which means exit. See ingress traffic. See also Ingres 2006. and egress See ingress. , a car-like ride and functional utility. Venza was designed and engineered in the United States and will be assembled at Toyota's manufacturing plant in Georgetown, Ky. Chevrolet Volt development focuses on aerodynamics aerodynamics, study of gases in motion. As the principal application of aerodynamics is the design of aircraft, air is the gas with which the science is most concerned. Warren, Mich. -- The massive fan in GM?s aero lab wind tunnel was cranked up to full blast as GM?s designers and engineers work to optimize the aerodynamics of the Chevrolet Volt as part of the quest to make the breakthrough concept car a production reality. Aerodynamic improvement is a critical step in meeting the range targets necessary for moving the vehicle to a final production decision. The design team, now with its own studio dedicated to the development of vehicles powered by the E-flex propulsion system, has been working with engineering, aerodynamicists and other scientists to develop an energy efficient Chevrolet Volt by optimizing aerodynamics. As a new trend in aerodynamics emerges, GM leverages its heritage and expertise to develop full-sized trucks as fuel efficient as a mid-sized sedan and the next generation of electric vehicles with extended range, starting with the development of the Chevrolet Volt. Ford?s new model quality center opens DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company in December marks the opening of its new Model Quality Center at the historic Rouge site to support the introduction and ensure top quality of the new 2009 F-150 pickup next year. Located in the renovated historic Dearborn Glass Plant, the New-Model Quality Center is designed to take Ford?s quality-focused manufacturing processes to the next level. The center is helping Ford prove out manufacturing, test vehicles and train employees for the next-generation F-150. ?Our recent launches have shown that we are among the best in the industry in quality,? said Mark Fields, president of The Americas, Ford Motor Company. ?The New-Model Quality Center at the Rouge will ensure the same top quality for the new F-150 when it goes on sale next fall.? Ford officials said quality is being designed into the 2009 F-150 at the earliest stages of development using highly advanced digital tools. For example, at Ford?s Digital Pre-Assembly laboratory, 18,000 truck design elements are evaluated on computer screens to ensure each part meets Ford?s own high standards, shaped by customer input. Meanwhile, at the company?s Virtual Build Center, a launch team of engineers, plant employees and suppliers are ?building? the new pickup on virtual assembly lines that replicate the Dearborn Truck and the Kansas City assembly The Ford Motor Company's Kansas City Assembly plant in Claycomo, Missouri is a large automative manufacturing plant which has been called the largest car manufacturing plant in the United States in terms of units produced. plants, where the new F-150 will be produced in 2008. 2008 Saab 9-3 models earn safety pick honors DETROIT -- The Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible earned the 2008 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a U.S. non-profit organization funded by auto insurers. It works to reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes, and the rate of injuries and amount of property damage in the crashes that still occur. ?s Top Safety Pick Award in the midsize category. This is the fourth consecutive year that the 9-3 Sport Sedan brings home IIHS IIHS Insurance Institute for Highway Safety IIHS Institute of Integral Handwriting Studies top honors, an unique achievement in the luxury segment. For 2007 the 9-3 earned the Top Safety Pick Award, in 2006 the 9-3 earned the Top Safety Pick -- Gold Award and received a Double Best Pick crash-test rating for 2005. The institute began testing convertibles in 2007. In the inaugural year, the 9-3 Convertible earned a top spot. This is the second year running that the Saab 9-3 Convertible earns the Top Safety Pick Award -- one of two convertibles and the only soft-top convertible to earn a top spot. The Institute rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, or poor based on performance in high-speed front and side-impact crash tests plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries. Winning vehicles must earn good ratings in all three tests and offer electronic stability control. Seven 2008 Chryslers earn five stars in government crash tests AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- The 2008 Jeep Liberty, 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-size sport utility vehicle produced by the Jeep division of DaimlerChrysler. European Grand Cherokees are manufactured in Austria by Magna Steyr. Development The Grand Cherokee was a spinoff of the smaller Jeep Cherokee. , 2008 Dodge Nitro, 2008 Dodge Caliber, 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, 2008 Chrysler Pacifica and the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country received the U. S. government?s highest safety ratings for frontal- and side-impact crash protection from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA, often pronounced "nit-suh") is an agency of the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government, part of the Department of Transportation. (NHTSA NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (US government) ). ?Through a broad range of engineering technologies, Chrysler is offering its customers the safety they expect and deserve,? said Frank Klegon, executive vice president -- Product Development, Chrysler LLC. ?Both passive and active safety systems enhance the inherent stability and safety we design into all of our Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles.? Two new GM engines make Ward's 'Ten Best Engines' list PONTIAC, Mich. -- General Motors is the only automaker to have two new engines on Ward's AutoWorld magazine's 2008 "Ten Best Engines" list for North America. The GM Powertrain engines making Ward's 14th annual list were the Vortec 6.0L Gen IV small-block V-8 hybrid engine, which is in the all-new 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon Hybrid full-size SUVS; and the 3.6L V-6 VVT VVT Variable Valve Timing VVT Validation, Verification and Testing VVT Variable Volume & Temperature VVT Variable Voltage Technology Ltd VVT Vivid Virtual Theatre VVT Variable View Table with direct injection in the 2008 Cadillac CTS sedan. PHOTO CAPTIONS Due to unprecedented demand, Dodge dealers began taking orders on Dec. 3 for the limited-edition 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 models. Each will feature a numbered dash plaque and a 6.1-liter HEMI? V-8 engine. (The Dodge Challenger concept This article contains information about a scheduled or anticipated . It may contain preliminary or speculative information, and may not reflect the final version of the vehicle. The Dodge Challenger Concept car is a remake of the 1970's Dodge Challenger. is shown.) (photo #1) Ford Motor Company is advancing plug-in hybrid technology through two different applications on research demonstration vehicles as a way to help improve the functionality and durability of lithium-ion battery packs and the future commercialization of plug-in hybrid technology. (The Ford Edge HySeries Drive concept is shown.) (photo #2) The 2009 Pontiac Vibe family will include the return of an all-wheel drive model and the availability of the performance-oriented GT. (photo #3) The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey is built on the company?s global D-segment platform. In the Dodge brand line-up, this new crossover falls between the compact Dodge Caliber and the Dodge Grand Caravan. (photo #4) With a host of technological advancements and a new high-strength chassis, the all-new third-generation 2008 Lexus LX 570 SUV offers significantly increased performance and new safety features over the LX 470 model it replaces. (photo #5) The Honda FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell sedan, introduced at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show will be marketed to the public in limited numbers starting this summer. (photo #6) Extensive aero development of the Chevrolet Volt electric car resulted in a coefficient of drag Noun 1. coefficient of drag - the ratio of the drag on a body moving through air to the product of the velocity and the surface area of the body drag coefficient coefficient - a constant number that serves as a measure of some property or characteristic that is more than 30 percent lower in drag than the original concept. (photo #7) ##### 
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