Chrysler Group in 2015, Under The Hood: More Power, Greater Efficiency And Exceptional Value

• Celebrated TorqueFlite family grows by one with most robust eight-speed automatic in Chrysler Group history; 15th new transmission
• TorqueFlite transmissions – projected to save current Chrysler Group customers more than 700 million gallons of gasoline – now available across entire Dodge full-size car lineup
• Debut of new, high-efficiency, lightweight axle family
• Expansion of fuel-saving Engine Stop-Start (ESS) technology
• North American powertrain portfolio further enriched by Alfa Romeo 4C’s 1750 -cc turbocharged I-4 and twin-clutch transmission
• Breakthrough nine-speed automatic transmission, unique rear-axle disconnect system migrates to new applications – each a segment-first
• Introducing the HEMI® Hellcat - Chrysler Group's most powerful V-8 ever; 18th new engine added to Company lineup in less than five years

June 26, 2014 - Auburn Hills, Mich. - Power, efficiency and value are essential to maintaining powertrain leadership in today’s new-vehicle market. Chrysler Group checks all three boxes – with authority – for model-year 2015.

“From the dyno lab to the test track, we have been relentless,” says Bob Lee, Vice President and Head of Engine, Powertrain and Electrified Propulsion Systems. “Our engineers don’t just strive for excellence; they seek to redefine it by continually raising the bar.”

This is evidenced by Chrysler Group’s aggressive support for advanced powertrain development. It began as soon as the Company was established in 2009. Today, investment is approaching $2.5 billion – nearly half its total manufacturing outlay.

From model-year 2011 to the present, Chrysler Group has introduced 15 new transmissions, 18 new engines and the battery-electric drive system featured in the acclaimed Fiat 500e all-electric vehicle.

Power Trip
The new supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 HEMI® Hellcat best symbolizes this march forward. Its 600-plus horsepower rating is unparalleled in the Company’s matchless history of eight-cylinder prominence.

The HEMI Hellcat, with 91 percent new content compared with the 392 HEMI, is the heart and soul of the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT. It is, in a word, extreme. Consider:

• Its forged-steel crankshaft is so well-engineered it can withstand firing pressures of 1,595 psi (110 bar) – the equivalent of five family sedans standing on each piston, every firing event
• Its twin-screw supercharger, which has polymer-coated rotors, boasts a drive ratio of 2.36:1 and a maximum speed of 14,600 rpm
• A low-temperature cooling circuit with two air/coolant heat exchangers integrated into the supercharger housing, keeps charged air temperatures below 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) while enabling air flow of up to 30,000 liters per minute
• Its power is not de-rated due to cooling demands, even after 20 laps of a grueling 3.1-mile road course at an ambient temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius)
• Eight injectors served by half-inch fuel lines, each capable of delivering a flow rate of 600 cc/min; can drain the fuel tank in approximately 13 minutes at full power
   

And, of course, its block is HEMI Orange.

TorqueFlite in High Gear
But an extreme engine deserves an equally extreme transmission. Enter the newest member of Chrysler Group’s celebrated TorqueFlite family of eight-speed automatic transmissions, the HP90. Its maximum engine-torque capacity is greater than any previously offered TorqueFlite.

This is accomplished by adding pinion gears, one each in the 1st and 3rd gear sets, and five additional clutch disks, incorporated into 4 of the 5 clutch packs. Its ratio spread is an impressive 7.03.

 “A wide ratio spread is one of the characteristics of all TorqueFlite transmissions,” says Jeff Lux, Vice President and Head of Transmission Powertrain. “It enables superior fuel economy to benefit our customers and affords Chrysler Group a key competitive advantage.”

The advanced-technology TorqueFlite eight-speed automatics – first of their kind ever made available to mainstream-brand customers – now are powering more than one million vehicles, worldwide. And their combined effect is staggering.

Over their lifetimes, these vehicles are projected to save their owners more than 700 million gallons of fuel, compared with their predecessors that featured five- or six-speed automatics. That quantity of gasoline is worth approximately $2.5 billion at the pump, based on current fuel-price forecasts.

Replacing their conventional transmissions with TorqueFlites also promises to reduce their combined C02 emissions by more than six million metric tonnes over the same timeframe.

In addition, TorqueFlite eight-speed transmissions contribute to best-in-class fuel-efficiency standards such as the EcoDiesel-powered Ram 1500’s 28 miles per gallon (mpg) highway fuel-economy rating, the best ever recorded for a full-size pickup; and the 31 mpg highway rating for the Dodge Charger, best among full-size sedans equipped V-6 engines.

For 2015, TorqueFlite does even more for the iconic Charger and its legendary Dodge stablemate, the Challenger. The technology can now be paired with either of their available V-8 engines, the 5.7-liter HEMI or 6.4-liter HEMI.

New Axle Family
These cars and the Challenger SRT further benefit from the introduction of a new family of efficient, lightweight axles. It will account for vehicle applications previously served by two axle families.

The new family, which has three variants, affords weight reductions of up to seven pounds, compared with the components they replace. Additional efficiency benefits include spin-loss reductions.

Distinguished by a die-cast aluminum housing and a four-point mounting system with integrated mounting arms and bosses, the new axles deliver greater refinement.
The SRT versions, with their unidirectional limited-slip differential, feature unique bias-ratio tuning for on- and off-throttle performance. This affords greater flexibility to tune the vehicle for maximum grip, stability and steering response.

The new axles smoothly deliver power during hard acceleration on corner-exit.  On corner-entry trail-braking, the differential further tightens to stabilize the car and prevent oversteer.

ObsESSed with Efficiency
Model-year 2015 also marks the debut of two new applications of Engine Stop-Start (ESS) technology.

Availability in the popular Jeep Cherokee is scheduled for third quarter. ESS arrives the following quarter in the all-new Chrysler 200. It will account for fuel-economy gains and C02 reductions of up to three percent.

The technology made its NAFTA-region debut in the Ram 1500 full-size pickup. ESS helps deliver a one-mpg city-cycle fuel-economy gain in the Ram, the most fuel-efficient truck in its segment.

At the heart of ESS is a high-speed/high-durability starter that reduces crank time for quicker restarts. Its function is regulated by algorithms, which act on a vehicle’s powertrain and chassis components.

As a result, acceleration is always aligned with driver inputs. Passive accelerator application is met with measured throttle response; hard inputs trigger aggressive starts. And there’s no waiting for either.

ESS works this way:

• Engine controls constantly monitor vehicle speed
• When vehicle brakes to a stop, fuel flow is cut and engine turns off – events that save gas and reduce emissions
• Beefier batteries maintain other vehicle systems so in-cabin comfort is unaffected
• When brake pedal is released, engine automatically restarts and segment-exclusive nine-speed automatic transmission is engaged – all within 0.3 seconds
   

Bella Boost
Lending greater diversity to Chrysler Group’s powertrain landscape in North America is the return of Alfa Romeo. The two-seat 4C will be powered by a 237-horsepower 1750-cc direct-injected turbocharged intercooled I-4.

The high-performance powerplant features dual (intake and exhaust) continuous variable-valve timing (VVT). Intake and exhaust systems for the Alfa Romeo 4C’s mid-engine layout were optimized for maximum responsiveness. For added refinement, this high-output engine includes a crankshaft with eight counterweights.

A new generation turbocharger features a pulse-converter exhaust manifold to exploit pressure waves and boost torque at low-engine speeds. Additionally, a waste gate valve adjusts turbo pressure and improves the 1750 cc engine’s efficiency by minimizing pumping losses.

Advanced scavenging technology enables the all-new Alfa Romeo 4C to maximize torque at low-engine speeds and deliver more response to driver input. The resulting air flow from the inlet manifold to the exhaust manifold increases combustion efficiency and turbine speed, all while eliminating turbo lag. The outcome: 258 lb.-ft. (350 N·m) of torque, 80 percent of which is available at 1,700 rpm.

An automatic after-run pump cools down the system.

The 1750 cc turbo engine is mated to specifically tuned Alfa TCT twin-clutch transmission. Paddle shifters accommodate aggressive driving.

Grunt Work
Another milestone for model-year 2015 is the migration of Chrysler Group’s innovative nine-speed automatic transmission to the all-new Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan, Jeep® Renegade small SUV and the Ram ProMaster City commercial van.

In each, the transmission’s availability marks a segment-first.

With its unique 9.81 ratio spread, the nine-speed automatic delivers efficiency and refinement. In the all-new Chrysler 200, it contributes to a fuel-economy gain of up to 13 percent, compared with the model it replaces.

In Sport mode, the transmission’s shift schedule is altered for firm, quick engagement – a level of responsiveness further intensified by paddle-shifter activation.

Traction Action
In addition, the launches of the Chrysler 200 and Jeep Renegade are distinguished by their respective applications of Chrysler Group’s innovative rear-axle disconnect technology. It uniquely disconnects and reconnects the rear axle – automatically and seamlessly – as needed and at any speed.

When driving conditions warrant only front-wheel-drive, the rear axle disconnects at both the PTU and rear-drive module, which improves fuel economy by reducing the parasitic loss, which occurs with conventional systems.

For the all-new 200, the result is best-in-class all-wheel-drive system. For the ground-breaking Renegade, two levels of 4x4 capability are offered, both of which live up to the Jeep brand’s reputation for intrepidness.

Jeep Active Drive is fully automatic and delivers seamless operation in and out of four-wheel drive, and at any speed. This system requires no driver intervention, delivers yaw correction during dynamic events and improves both understeer and oversteer conditions.

Jeep Active Drive can provide up to 1,475 lb.-ft. (2,000 N·m) of the engine’s available torque to the rear wheels, enabling optimal grip in low-traction conditions. A fully variable wet clutch housed in the rear-drive module utilizes the Jeep brand’s proprietary algorithms to provide the proper amount of torque for any driving condition, including low-traction surfaces, aggressive starts and dynamic driving.

Jeep Active Drive Low is available in the Renegade Trailhawk and delivers best-in-class off-road performance. Building off Jeep Active Drive, the system affords a 20:1 crawl ratio for 4x4 Trail Rated capability.

Automatic Accessibility
Also new for model-year 2015, the Fiat 500L, 500 Turbo, Abarth and Abarth Cabrio will feature an available new six-speed automatic transmission.

The 500L and 500 Turbo upgrades are designed to deliver greater refinement, while Abarth enhancements make more accessible the driving experience for which the athletic brand is famous. To accommodate the torque-rich 1.4-liter turbocharged I-4, the new six-speed transmission has been upgraded with additional clutch plates to match the engine’s sporty attributes.

A Sport mode further augments driver engagement through aggressive pedal-mapping and capabilities such as fuel-cut upshifts, rev-matching downshifts and corner gear-hold.

About Chrysler Group LLC 
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 to establish a global strategic alliance with Fiat S.p.A., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge SRT, Ram, FIAT and Mopar vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler Group’s culture of innovation, first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925, and Fiat’s complementary technology that dates back to its founding in 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group’s product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Dart, Ram 1500, Dodge Viper SRT and Fiat 500. Fiat contributes world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-size cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

Follow Chrysler news and video on:
Chrysler On Demand (COD): www.chryslerondemand.com
Company blog: http://blog.chryslergroupllc.com
Company website: www.chryslergroupllc.com
ChryslerGroup360: www.chryslergroup360.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChryslerGroup
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/chryslergroup/
Media website: www.media.chrysler.com
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Ram and Mopar Provide The Keys To Personalize All-New 2015 Ram ProMaster City

More than 60 Mopar accessories are available to customize Ram’s new small van

• Commercial customers can create a custom mobile office or workspace with Mopar accessories available for the 2015 Ram ProMaster City
• The best-in-class features, versatility and functionality of the ProMaster City can be complemented with Mopar accessories for exteriors, interiors, towing, security, lifestyle and more
• Select Mopar accessories are available through the Mopar Custom Shop, allowing owners to modify the ProMaster City before taking delivery
• Commercial and small business owners purchasing Mopar accessories for ProMaster City are eligible for “On The Job” incentives and discounts

June 26, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Mopar is ready to go to work with the all-new 2015 Ram ProMaster City, offering more than 60 accessories to help commercial customers personalize Ram’s new small van workhorse to perfectly suit any task, trade or transport need.

Already the embodiment of versatility, providing big capability in a small package through best-in-class features such as payload, capacity and fuel economy, the 2015 Ram ProMaster City can be augmented even further with a great offering of Mopar products. Accessories for the interior, exterior, towing, security, electronics, safety and lifestyle are available to assist businesses large and small in getting the job done.

“Commercial customers can pull from a list of Mopar products tailored to personalize the all-new Ram ProMaster City and create their own vision of a workshop on wheels,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO — Mopar, Chrysler Group’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “Owners can choose from upfit options such as towing packages, roof racks, carriers and more to adapt Ram’s new small van to exactly fit their business needs.”

“As businesses strive for lower costs, the demand for a smaller, more efficient van has increased and Ram Commercial is answering the bell with the all-new ProMaster City,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO — Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “Years ago, the selection of delivery and cargo vehicles was limited and those offerings didn’t focus on cost of ownership. Today all of that has changed with the recent introduction of the full-size Ram ProMaster, and the now the Ram ProMaster City.”

Based on the successful Fiat Doblò platform but also endowed with distinct Ram Truck elements and features, the Ram ProMaster City can be modified to fit any job with Mopar accessories. Mopar canvas seat covers, cargo mats, floor mats and slush mats are available for the interior, as well as work ready options, including a tool bag, duffle bag and cooler. The smooth lines, versatility and refinement of the Ram ProMaster City exterior can be protected with window deflectors and splash guards. Customizable graphics packages are available from Mopar to take advantage of the ProMaster City’s large exterior real estate, which transform the van into a rolling billboard.

When extra capacity is required, Mopar is ready to shoulder the load with a number of towing accessories for the Ram ProMaster City, including ball mount adapters, trailer hitch balls, hitch receiver, hitch receiver plugs and a trailer-tow wiring harness.

Mopar also can help keep the ProMaster City mobile workshop safe, secure and connected. The Mopar Electronic Vehicle Tracking System (EVTS) is available in a variety of packages for the United States and Canada, and rear park distance sensors alert drivers when obstacles loom near in the rear.

Customers can build their own mobile workshop using Mopar accessories. A universal handsfree cell phone kit keeps workers in touch responsibly while in transit, and Mopar Web takes the office on the road through a private mobile network. A variety of Mopar racks and carriers, including a Mopar roof rack, roof basket, bike carrier, ski carrier and cargo basket, provide additional space for transporting passenger luggage or other work materials.

Ram ProMaster City owners also can choose to personalize the Ram brand’s new Class 1 entry with select Mopar products through the Mopar Custom Shop. Specified accessories can be chosen during the ordering process to custom fit the needs of commercial customers. The additional Mopar accessories are installed before delivery to the dealership and are included on the vehicle’s Monroney sticker, assuring the products are covered under the warranty and add to the vehicle’s residual value.

“On The Job”
For commercial customers seeking to modify the Ram ProMaster City, Chrysler Group’s “On The Job” vehicle program offers a variety of incentives and discounts to assist in designing a vehicle that addresses unique work needs. Mopar certificates, custom upfit allowances, service contracts and cash allowances are just a few incentives available for business owners at any of Chrysler Group’s 2,317 dealerships.

Business owners may take advantage of these incentives in addition to existing BusinessLink or retail specials. Most Chrysler Group vehicles qualify for “On The Job” program advantages when the vehicle is purchased for business use. For “On The Job” program information, call (877) ONTHEJOB.

The following are select Mopar parts and accessories available for the all-new 2015 Ram ProMaster City:
•     Multiple towing accessories
•     Multiple roof racks and carriers
•     Customizable graphics packages
•     Mopar Web
•     Universal handsfree cell phone kit
•     Mopar EVTS
•     Rear park distance sensors
•     DOT Approved Roadside Safety Kit
•     Tool bags and totes
•     Canvas seat covers
•     Cargo mats
•     Floor mats
•     Slush mats

Mopar Brand
Mopar (a simple contraction of the words Motor and PARts) was trademarked in 1937 with the launch of an antifreeze product but truly made its mark in the 1960s during the muscle-car era. From Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use, the brand soon expanded to include technical service and customer support.

Today, Mopar is Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand and distributes more than 500,000 parts and accessories in more than 130 markets, integrating service, parts and customer-care operations in order to enhance dealer and customer support worldwide. Mopar is the source for genuine parts and accessories for Chrysler Group brands as well as FIAT brands.

Mopar parts are unique in that they are engineered with the same teams that create factory-authorized vehicle specifications for Chrysler Group and FIAT vehicles – a direct connection that no other aftermarket parts company can provide. A complete list of Mopar accessories and performance parts is available at www.mopar.com.

Mopar-first Features
Mopar has introduced numerous industry-first features including:

• Vehicle-information apps: first to introduce smartphone vehicle-information applications, a new channel of communication with customers
• Electronic owner manuals: first to introduce traditional owner manuals in a DVD and brief user-guide format. First to offer complete vehicle-information kits in Spanish
• Wi-Fi: first to offer customers the ability to make their vehicle a wireless hot spot
• Wireless charging: first to introduce in-vehicle wireless charging for portable devices
• Electronic Vehicle Tracking System (EVTS): first to market with interactive vehicle tracking device that sends owner a text when vehicle is driven too fast or too far based on pre-set parameters
• wiAdvisor: first to provide factory-connected tablet technology in the service lane for instant vehicle diagnosis
• wiTech: first to support vehicle diagnosis and software updates leveraging off-the-shelf personal computers and a dedicated wireless tool network
• 2011 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak: first to introduce a 500-plus cubic-inch V-10 drag-race package car

Follow Mopar brand and Chrysler Group news and video on:
Chrysler On Demand (COD): www.chryslerondemand.com
Company blog: blog.chryslergroupllc.com
Company website: www.chryslergroupllc.com
ChryslerGroup360: www.chryslergroup360.com
Mopar website: www.mopar.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mopar or www.facebook.com/ChryslerGroup
Flickr: www.flickr.com/chryslergroup
Media website: www.media.chrysler.com
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Instagram: www.instagram.com/officialmopar or  www.instagram.com/chryslergroup
Streetfire: www.streetfire.net/uploaded/chryslervideo.htm
Twitter: www.twitter.com/officialmopar or www.twitter.com/chrysler
YouTube: www.youtube.com/mopar or  www.youtube.com/pentastarvideo

2014 Rogue SL AWD and the 2014 Touareg TDI® R-Line®

By Darlene Donloe

You can get around car in a car, or you can drive a car that makes a statement. There are lots of vehicles from which to pick. But if you want to look good while driving down the road, test drive one of the following. I recently drove the 2014 Rogue SL AWD and the 2014 Touareg TDI® R-Line®.  Both cars make a statement!  This is my testimonial.

THE CAR: 2014 Rogue SL AWD

This is a cool SUV. It looks good, it drives well, it handles even better. The new crossover’s interior is spacious and the console is easily accessible and makes sense. The seats are comfortable and the trim is nice. There are 2.6 inches of rear legroom and an optional third row. The car also boasts an impressive navigation system and improved mileage.  A load of technologies are included for safety.  Some striking features include voice recognition, Pandora radio, you can access Facebook, Sirius XM radio, I Heart radio and do Google local searches. For safety reasons Facebook, of course, is locked while you’re driving. More features are set to come later this year and in 2015.

The 2014 Rogue SL AWD is positioned to compete against the Honda CRV, Ford Escape and Chevy Equinox.

VEHICLE AT A GLANCE:  2.5-liter DOHC I-4 engine, 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of Torque, Xtronic CVT® (continuously variable transmission) with sport mode switch, al wheel drive, 4-wheel fort and rear disc brakes, 18” alloy wheels, all season tires/temporary spare tire, hill start assist and descent control, 6-way power driver seat with power lumbar support, 4-way manual front passenger seat, 40/20/40 folding and reclining, 60/40 sliding second rows, leather appointed seats, dual-zone automatic temperature control, active ride control, hands free text messaging assistant, streaming audio via Bluetooth® USB connection port for IPod®, roof rails, power liftgate and LED daytime running lights.

MSRP: $32,990

FUEL ECONOMY: 28/32

THE DRIVE: Pleasing!

THE CAR: 2014 Touareg TDI® R-Line®

You get what you pay for! And, in the case of the 2014 Touareg TDI® R-Line®, at $58,525, it’s worth every penny.  The ride is smooth and the maneuverability is exceptional. This car looks good. The R-Line adds muscular, more manish style cues. It’s a fabulous, classy car that is a bit of a chameleon. It can ride around the city as a family car or it can be a sleek, sophisticated ride for a man or woman about town. Plus, it’s a diesel!! Yep, a diesel! So, what does that mean? Well, first it means that there is excellent fuel economy. It also means it offers excellent torque that is better than a gasoline engine of a similar size.  It doesn’t have great gas mileage, but it does have great power. This car is a winner!

VEHICLE AT A GLANCE:  3.0L, 240 horsepower, 406 lbs-ft torque TDI® Clean Diesel engine, 4Motion all wheel drive, sport suspension, 20” alloy wheels with all season tires, driver and front passenger airbag supplemental restraint system, driver and front passenger side airbag supplemental restraint system, R-Line® interior and exterior design, panoramic sunroof, touch screen navigation system with CD player, rearview camera system, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, media device interface with IPod cable, Bluetooth® mobile telephone connectivity, keyless access with push button start, dual zone climate control, automatic headlights, power liftgate, power adjustiable and folding and heatable exterior mirrors with memory.

MSRP: $58,525

FUEL ECONOMY: 23/29

THE DRIVE:  Dazzling!

New Ford Focus Set For Global Debut in United Kingdom

The new Ford Focus ST will make its global debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed in the United Kingdom, June 27. Ford’s new performance model headlines the First Glance category, with professional drivers showcasing the car’s abilities on the world-famous hill climb on all three days of the event.

Benefiting from technology and quality improvements revealed earlier this year for the new Ford Focus, Focus ST will be displayed on the Ford stand at Goodwood. First launched in 2002, Focus ST has now seen sales of more than 140,000 units in more than 40 countries.

Ford also is teaming up with Sony Computer Entertainment to stage the first-ever “virtual versus real” race on the hill. On its first run each day, the new Focus ST will compete in real time against the Focus ST featured in the Gran Turismo^®6 game for PlayStation^®3.

A designated gamer at the Ford stand will match skills against Ben Collins – formerly The Stig of Top Gear – with the action displayed on big screens throughout the festival. Visitors to the Ford stand also have the chance to record their own times on the Gran Turismo 6 simulators.
Also starring at Goodwood will be the all-new Ford Mustang that makes its first U.K. appearance. A 5.0-liter V8 fastback will take part in the Supercar Class, with Ford Team RS vehicle dynamics specialist David Put at the wheel. Ford also will display a Mustang convertible.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 183,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

Ford of Europe
Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 50,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and approximately 69,000 people when joint ventures and unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 24 manufacturing facilities (13 wholly owned or consolidated joint venture facilities and 11 unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.

About Gran Turismo®6
Gran Turismo®6 ©2014 Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Published by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. Developed by Polyphony Digital Inc. “Polyphony Digital logo,” “Gran Turismo” and “GT” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Manufacturers, cars, names, brands and associated imagery featured in this game in some cases include trademarks and/or copyrighted materials of their respective owners. Any depiction or recreation of real world locations, entities, businesses, or organisations is not intended to be or imply any sponsorship or endorsement of this game by such party or parties. All rights reserved.

A Review: The Dodge Durango Rallye RWD, The 300C John Varvatos Luxury Edition and Nissan Versa

I recently drove the 2014 300C JOHN VARVATOS LUXURY EDITION, the 2014 DODGE DURANGO RALLYE RWD and the 2014 NISSAN VERSA. What?  Yep!  

THE CAR: 300C JOHN VARVATOS LUXURY EDITION

If you’re going to drive, you may as well look good doing it. And, if that’s the case, you may as well drive the 300C John Varvatos Luxury Edition. It has a style all its own with its redefined design and style. Anyone who knows designer John Varvatos, knows he does everything with style. It’s about the Detroit attitude. Varvatos, who made it his priority to use only the finest materials, equipped his namesake with chrome mesh grille. Poltrona Frau^® leather trim elegantly wraps the instrument cluster, door uppers and center console side panels. Napa leather dresses the door armrests, door bolsters and center console armrest.

Premium leather jackets are integral to the John Varvatos brand collection. In honor of his vision, we have given the 300C John Varvatos Luxury Edition with leather-trimmed seats embossed with the signature John Varvatos Logo.

If this car was a man, he’d be fine!

The story goes that growing up in Detroit taught Varvatos an important lesson: authenticity is everything. That’s why every inch of his namesake vehicle—including the wood interior accents—is designed to be a real reflection of his Detroit born style.

VEHICLE AT A GLANCE: Electric stability control, , all speed traction control, heated front seats, ventilated front seats, rear power sunshade, 20-inch polished aluminum wheels; driver inflatable knee-bolster airbag, dual pane panoramic sunroof, standard on every trim level, the 3.6L Pentastar^® V6 with dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and an eight-speed automatic transmission delivers an impressive 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The standard 8.4-inch Uconnect^® system has the largest touchscreen in its class⁺. But, if you want to keep your hands on the wheel, the Uconnect System allows you to use your voice to select AM/FM radio stations, SiriusXM^® Satellite Radio⁺ channels and make calls.

MSRP: $48,170

FUEL ECONOMY: 19/31

THE DRIVE: Brilliant!

THE CAR: 2014 DODGE DURANGO RALLYE RWD

If you want a car with attitude, drive this SUV.  Why? This SUV is stylish, handles well, has great steering and maneuverability, towing ability, a comfy ride, idiot-proof tech features, the ability to seat seven, and great performance. The 2014 Dodge Durango is ranked #4 out of 23 in affordable midsize SUVs, #4 in affordable SUVs with three rows an #7 in affordable crossover SUVs.  The V6 engine provides ample power, although a V8 is also available.  Although the fuel economy isn’t much to write home about, it is comparable for its class.  The Durango, with its refreshed exterior styling and even powertrain, comes in five trims: SXT, Rallye, Limited, Citadel and R/T. The Uconnect infotainment system, which has a 5-inch touch-screen display, is user-friendly.  Options include an upgraded Uconnect system with a larger, 8.4-inch touch screen, navigation, a nine-speaker Alpine stereo system and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Another option is the safety features, which include adaptive cruise control, parking sensors and rear cross path detection, blind spot monitoring and rear cross path detection.

VEHICLE AT A GLANCE: Engine: 3.6-liter V6 24-valve VVT Engine; Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, rotary shifter, keyless go, active head restraints, integrated voice command with Bluetooth, Bluetooth streaming audio, Uconnect 5.0AM/FM/BT, LED running lamps, 12-Volt auxiliary power outlet, electronic vehicle information center, illuminated cup holders.

MSRP: $35,475

FUEL ECONOMY: 18/25

THE DRIVE: Smooth!

THE CAR: 2014 NISSAN VERSA

Ok, I’m going to be honest, this sedan doesn’t have bells and whistles. It’s a simple car. It looks simple. It drives simple. That’s it. It’s a family style car. Acceleration is acceptable, but not fantastic.  There’s a lot more room in the backseat than one would expect. In fact, there’s a lot more space in the car than one would expect. There is a large trunk. The Versa comes standard with a two-speaker CD audio system and an auxiliary input. Buyers have to upgrade to get Bluetooth or a USB port, which are features that come standard in many rivals. Additional options include a multi-view camera, navigation, keyless entry, push-button start, power windows and door locks, cruise control, an upgraded stereo with satellite radio and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Unfortunately, when it’s sunny, it’s very difficult to see the screen on the console. It hampers the reverse camera, making it difficult to see. Although a driver could go back to the archaic way of seeing behind them by looking in the rear window, or simply looking out the rear window. Go figure! The engine is a bit noisy, but tolerable!  There is no razzmatazz in this vehicle. But, if your plan is to get from point A to point B – you will. And, you’ll probably save money doing it.  Overall, the Versa is a comfortable ride!

VEHICLE AT A GLANCE: 1.6-Liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine Xtronic CVT® (continuously variable transmission), front wheel drive, front and rear stabilizer bars, power assisted vented front disc/rear drum brakes, 15” steel wheels w/full wheel covers, active grille shutter, 6-way adjustable driver seat w/arm rest, 4-way adjustable front passenger seat, Bluetooth® hands-free phone system.

MSRP: $19, 545

FUEL ECONOMY: 31/40

THE DRIVE: OK

Darlene Donloe is a seasoned entertainment and travel journalist whose work has appeared in People, Ebony, Essence, LA Watts Times, Los Angeles Sentinel, EMMY, The Hollywood Reporter, Rhythm & Business, Billboard, Grammy, CYH, BlackVoices.com and more. Contact her via: DCdwriter@aol.com.