Chrysler News

The Mopar-branded system will appear first on the Dodge Dart, and uses an integrated charging-grid bin installed at the front of the centre console, with charging activated when you place a smartphone fitted with the charging case into the bin. Charging is available while the car is running, and is able to juice up a range of devices including iPhone, Blackberry, MP3 Players and Droid-based devices The new technology will appear as a $200 option on the Dodge Dart as it rolls out in overseas markets from 2013, then progress to other vehicles in the Chrysler stable. "At Mopar, we look for every single opportunity to make our customers' lives easier," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand. "Our industry-first in-vehicle wireless charging system is the perfect solution for those connected customers who are always on the go."

It is 50 years since Chrysler sold its first Valiant in Australia.Based on the American Plymouth it went into the market place with bold styling and big power from its six cylinder engine. The styling of the Valiant was the work Chrysler's head of design, Virgil Exner. He was determined to create something which stood out in the "small" (for the USA) car class. And he succeeded. Contemporary motoring magazine reports usually described it as "European".Exner even applied for, and was granted, a US patent for the styling of the Valiant. It is design number 190,533 and dated 5th July 1961, if you are interested.For Australian car buyers the styling was only one distinctive aspect of the car. It offered automatic transmission, with gears selected via a space age looking push buttons located on the right hand side of the instrument cluster.Those with extra cash could order a heart, with its press button controls on the left side. And to make it complete, the radio was a push button "Moparmatic Deluxe", slotted into the centre of the dashboard. Mercury astronauts had less buttons to push than the driver of a 1962 Valiant.The front suspension was by torsion bars, and it gave the Valiant a big American car ride, so the advertisements claimed. But it was the 3.7 litre motor, pumping out 108kw, compared to Holden anaemic 60kw, which really captured everyone's attention.Back in the day, the Valiant was one fast car. It had a top speed of nearly 160km/h and did the 400metres in a little over 19 seconds. Just as importantly, the extra power and torque of the engine meant you could now easily tow a boat or caravan with locally built car, rather than having to buy a very much more expensive Chevrolet, Chrysler Royal or Ford Fairlane.By the end of the first year, Chrysler has sold over 11,000 Valiants, winning sales mostly from Holden The early Valiants are sought-after classics today, though in the early 1970s they could be had for a little as $250. I know, because I almost bought one as my first car.I purchased a 1961 Vauxhall Cresta instead, for $200. These days a good quality Valiant can be had for $12000 to $15,000, while ones need a little TLC go for between $5000 and $7000.As a first time classic car, these Valiants are ideal, because the motor and gearbox are just about unbreakable and body, trim and interior parts are easy to come by in Australia and the USA.David Burrell is the editor of www.retroautos.com.au

When your computer spits the dummy Mark fixes it So what car would you expect this technology guru to drive every day? A 1971 VG Valiant four door sedan, that's what. But not any Valiant.This one is a base model, with a basic 215 cubic inch hemi six. It has a three speed automatic, a radio and is stopped by drum brakes. There is no power assistance of any kind.The VG is a genuine one family car. "It was my grandmother's car. She won it in an Art Union lottery. She only bought one ticket," explains Mark.So not only is the Valiant a bare bones basic piece of transport, it cost almost nothing. Mark continues the story:  "My grandmother drove it for about 20 years and when she gave up driving at age 85 it was given to me".Nothing has been done to the Valiant during its forty years on the road, save for the usual servicing and replacement of worn parts. The motor and auto transmission are original. The interior is original, too. The front seat shows some signs of wear but the back seat gleams as if new.Although the body has a few rust spots, the paint work may be fading in a few places and the chrome a little tarnished, Mark's VG is a perfect example of classic car motoring in its purest form. Cheap, reliable transport that has been cared for but not pampered.And it is rare. How many stock standard VG Valiants with the smallest of the hemi sixes have you seen recently?Any automobile that has survived with its original motor intact, its interior in useable condition and the paint work still presentable renders it very desirable and collectible.In the USA and the UK there values of original cars are climbing at a faster rate than restored collectibles. They are considered to be irreplaceable time capsules. "Worn in, not worn out", is a sound bite starting to gain traction.(pic left: The 215 cubic inch 'hemi' engine.)VG HistoryReleased in March 1970 the VG Valiant was little changed from its VF predecessor, at least in the styling department. The VF was itself a mild facelift of the VE, which was an Australianised version of the 1966 American Dodge Dart.By contrast it was the engine which got all the attention. Gone was the reliable `slant' six, and in its place was a trio of `hemi' sixes.These motors allowed Chrysler to keep its bragging rights for having the most powerful six cylinder engines of the big three in Australia.To ensure we all were aware of the hemi , Chrysler brought a retired Stirling Moss out to Australia to front their comprehensive advertising campaign.VE, VF and VG Valiant's are very much underrated as classic cars.The two door hardtops have never reached the money levels of the Monaro, despite their Dodge Dart heritage and cool, clean looks. Consequently they represent great value for those looking for stylish and reliable classic cars. Buy now and avoid the rush. The distinctive concave rear window was an enduring design feature of the VE, VF and VG modelsDavid Burrell is editor of  www.retroautos.com.au

And the qualities have handed Alessi Chrysler Jeep Dodge the 2011 Chrysler Australia Dealer of the Year award. The dealership’s commitment to excellence was cited when the trophy was awarded during the Chrysler gala event last week. “All winners of the Dealer of the Year award share a common characteristic and that is a commitment to excellence,” said Veronica Johns, Chrysler Australia General Manager of Sales. “Satisfying customers when it comes to their motoring needs is the cornerstone of the Chrysler dealer award philosophy. “The Dealer of the Year award recognises benchmark performance of dealers in the network across all areas of their business, including customer service,” she said. The General Manager of Alessi Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Robbie Alessi, welcomed the accolade. “Central to all that we do at Alessi Chrysler Jeep Dodge is our commitment to our customers. This award is a testament to the commitment by all members of Alessi Chrysler Jeep Dodge to customer courtesy, care and professionalism.”

As carmakers turn to the environment as the next tool to market their wares, GM has raised the bar with their Ecologic sticker. It is a step up from the standard fuel consumption stickers seen on new cars in Australia and the US and comes after GM realised many potential buyers want information on what impact their purchase will have on the planet. All 2013 Chevrolets sold in the US will have an Ecologic sticker affixed to the rear driver side window explaining the vehicle's impact on the environment throughout its life cycle. GM North America president Mark Reuss said at last month's Washington Car Show that "customers want companies to be honest and transparent about their environmental efforts and sustainability goals, and rightly so.Putting an Ecologic label on each Chevrolet is just one more way for us to share our environmental progress." The Chevy Sonic that goes on sale in March will be the first vehicle to have the Ecologic labels applied.The sticker shows the environmental impact in three areas: Before the road - aspects related to vehicle manufacturing and assembly. On the road - fuel-saving features such as advanced engine technologies, aerodynamics, lightweight components or low-rolling resistance tyres. After the road - what percentage by weight of the vehicle can be recycled at the end of its lifespan. The data will be verified by Two Tomorrows, an independent sustainability agency that audits companies' environmental initiatives. Holden spokesman Sean Poppitt says there are "no immediate plans" to introduce the innovative label in Australia."As with all GM product and initiatives, we'll look at it to see if it's appropriate for this market and `never say never' as it's a very nice idea," he notes. 

The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia. But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show. With the retro drive in the US, Chrysler is considering a plan that would see the Barracuda join its three current classic nameplates - Challenger, Charger and Avenger.  The Challenger coupe is the hero car for the brand and competes directly with the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, just as it did when the three cars first went head-to-head in the 1970s.  Early details of the Barracuda plan have just leaked in motown during the Detroit motor show, where Chrysler has just returned the Dodge Dart name to its roster with an American remake of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta mechanical package shared with the American company's Italian alliance partner, Fiat.  It's likely that the Barracuda will be based on the mechanical package of the latest 300C sedan, but it is not expected until at least 2014.  But no-one is talking yet. "I've not seen or heard anything official on a Barracuda plan," Clyde Campbell, managing director of Chrysler Jeep Australia, tells Carsguide in Detroit.

The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia. But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show. Chrysler claims credit for originally creating the class back in the 1980s, and this time around its thinking is reflected in a concept car called the  700C.  It shares its nameline with the existing 300C and 200 passenger cars, but takes things to a whole new level.  The 700C is a giant concept car with much more radical styling than  anything currently in the class - and since the 'giant egg' Toyota Tarago - with the focus on a wedgy look with more car-like design cues than most big boxes.  It has electric sliding doors on both sides, big alloy wheels and a front-wheel drive mechanical package.  But Chrysler says nothing about the 700C, not even including the concept in its opening-day press presentation.  More information could emerge on the second day of the Detroit show, but right now its unveiling is so low-key - it was just wheeled onto the Chryler stand without any fanfare - that there is nothing in the official press package handed to journalists today.

And now Chrysler devotees Nancy Clarke and Mark Collins are partners. "I had a Chevy when I was young and it got stolen," says Collins. "I wanted a car that wouldn't get stolen so I bought a Valiant; they didn't become popular with car thieves until the '80s. I always stick up for the underdog." The 50-year-old sales rep still owns the 1974 six-pack Charger ex-cop car he's had since 17 and also owns a stunning 1967 Plymouth GTX with matching numbers on the chassis and 440 Big Block. "That's where the money is; the future is matching numbers in cars," he says. Economics forced accountant Clarke, 40, to switch from a V8 Holden to a Hemi Valiant.  "I had a Holden and had to trade it in because I couldn't afford to run the V8, so I bought the biggest six-cylinder car I could find," she says. It was a 1970 VG Valiant Regal two-door hardtop she bought in 1995 for $2900. She crashed it in 1997, spent $100,000 restoring it and now it's a successful show car that has scooped eight major awards this year. "It's not insured for enough; just $37,500," she says. "There was a lot of panel work involved. I gave $20,000 to the body shop. We had to go to Oakey to pick up one rear quarter panel which cost $1000." Clarke also owns a 2006 Chrysler 300C three-litre, V6 turbo diesel with two-tonne towing capacity to haul a horse float. "I just like Chrysler because they're are different and don't follow a trend," she says. The Chrysler fans got together in 2001 and now store their motoring treasures in a big shed on a acreage property outside Brisbane. Collins bought his GTX in May for $35,000 from Gold Coast Muscle Cars which imported it from the US. The left-hooker has 59,000 miles (94,9512km) on the clock and is in original condition. Chrysler optioned the car up and offered a choice of the two biggest engines they had: the 440 and the 426 Hemi. This one features the 7.2-litre V8 with 279kW of power. "You take this on at the traffic lights at your peril," says Collins, a founding member of the Queensland Chrysler Association since 1984. He hasn't raced it - yet - but he calculates from the power, weight and 8 3/4 Posi Traction 2.75:1 diff that it should do about 14.4 seconds in the quarter mile. One of the quirky features of the Plymouth is that the seat backs don't lock into position. But Collins says they don't rock dangerously forward when you hit the brakes. "That's because the anchors don't work very well. They're not power assisted and they're discs on the front and drums in the rear," he says. The car is one of only 12,000 made and the only one registered in Queensland. "We know this because they had to make a new category at Queensland Transport," says Collins. "She is also the only one insured with Shannons so we don't know if she is the only one on the road in Australia but it must be close." 1967 PLYMOUTH GTX Price New: $3178 Price Now: $38,000 Engine: Super Commando 440 (7.2-litre) HP2, 279kW Body: Four-door "Belvedere" sedan Transmission: 3-speed auto Did you know: Valiant and Plymouth are sub-branches of Chrysler. Plymouth began in 1928 and was axed in 2001. It was considered the cheaper, practical and more performance-oriented brand of Chrysler. Valiant was available in Australia from 1962 to 1981 and was initially a rebadged American Plymouth Valiant. Got a special car you'd like featured in Carsguide? Modern or classic we're interested in hearing your story. Please send a pic and brief info to mark.hinchliffe@carsguide.com.au

Host Adam Carolla, Matt Farah and Dan Neil drive the 2010 Camaro SS, 2011 Mustang RTR and 2012 Charger SRT8 at Willow Springs Raceway.Which of the Big Three’s biggest three comes out ahead?

The souped-up version that will pace the Iveco Australian MotoGP field this weekend even managed to blow its own lights out during a test run at Calder Park. The roof-mounted light pack couldn't cope with 160km/h and parted company with the big V8 on its first flying lap. A few "technical adjustments" and it should be ready for more serious duty keeping Casey Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo in line on Sunday. The Chrysler Group is the official supplier of vehicles for the Phillip Island event and will have 16 cars on duty - six SRT8s, three Jeep Grand Voyagers, six Grand Cherokees and a Wrangler. The regular SRT8 doesn't need much motivation - its 6.1 litre V8 produces 317kW and 569Nm. The two course cars, though, have been "Mopar-vated", with the Chrysler Group's performance arm catalogue raided to fit more than $7000 in upgrades. The kit includes a Mopar exhaust, cold-air intake, coil overs and front sway bar. Jeep spokesman Dean Bonthorne says the upgrades give the course cars the handling and the sound to head the MotoGP field. "A 300C sounds pretty good anyway but the Mopar exhaust really makes it bark. It's a must-have for the SRT8," he says. A back-to-back run in a regular car and the tricked-up version around Calder Park shows the Mopar model hangs on like a tired two-year-old. It turns in to corners at speeds the standard SRT8 wanted to go straight ahead for and then copes with more throttle coming through the corner. Power isn't hugely up on the standard car but there's enough difference to steadily gain ground on the straights. Turn the traction control off on either model, though, and it doesn't take much effort for the torque to wring the traction out the tyres. MOPAR MOJO The Mopar aftermarket parts sales are huge in the US and have a small but staunch group of supporters Down Under, especially those who import North American vehicles. Items range from interior trim upgrades and weathershields to specialist kits for drag and off-road racing. Chrysler's motorport involvement is limited to Greg Crick driving a Dodge Viper in the Australian GT Championship and Lee Bektash in the Team Mopar drag racer. Bektash watched bemused as the SRT8 ran around Calder Park, then offered some advice on how to experience the ultimate in Mopar-enhanced speed. "There's nothing like this, mate," he says, patting his carbon-fibre and alloy Dodge Avenger pro stock racer. "Zero to 100(km/h) in 0.8 (second), I'll change gears five times the first 4.3 seconds of the (quarter-mile) run and we're pulling more than 300 (km/h) at the end. I don't care what else you do - you can't beat that." Bektash set a 7.03 second pass at this year's Winternationals in Queensland.