Showing posts with label Dodge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dodge. Show all posts
Dodge Hornet
Dodge Hornet
Dodge Hornet
Dodge Hornet
Dodge Hornet
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Keegan
Mercedes B-Class Begets the Dodge Hornet
The Mercedes B-Class, a line of compact cars about the size of a Volkswagen Golf, is expected to be imported to the U.S. market within one or two years time. This model is unusual in that it will be the first vehicle marketed by Mercedes in the U.S. that is not a true luxury car. Instead, the German automaker is hoping to capitalize on its venerable name by serving a greater share of the American populace by marketing a more ordinary model. Soon after the B-Class' debut, yet another small vehicle derived from Mercedes will also make its appearance in the U.S.: the Dodge Hornet. Both the B-Class and Hornet are being developed to revolutionize their respective brands, pitting DaimlerChrysler against some of the leading youth brands in the world.
Not everyone thinks that it is a good idea for Mercedes to sell a budget model in the U.S., particularly one sporting the Mercedes marque. Yet, Mercedes has been building smaller models for years and in Europe the brand is known for producing luxury cars as well as vehicles for the masses. Indeed, Mercedes' biggest adversary, BMW, also produces a line of small cars and is planning on bringing these vehicles to the U.S. shortly. Thus, like it or not, Mercedes must respond and the B-Class will be the answer.
For Mercedes, the B-Class likely to make it to the U.S. will be a four door sedan outfitted with a six cylinder gas engine. A hatchback, popular in Europe, will probably not be included in the deal knowing American consumers' disdain for that particular body style. Diesel powered B-Class' are a possibility and will become even more likely should BMW introduce the same.
For Dodge, the Hornet represents an answer to Scion and their line of youth oriented brands. While the Mercedes B-Class will likely appeal to VW and Nissan owners, the Hornet will target Scion owners as well as those inclined to purchase a Honda Element or other small, boxy vehicle. DaimlerChrysler, the owner of both Mercedes and Dodge, knows that the Hornet is necessary as the brand's current entry level vehicle, the Caliber, is too expensive to compete against the lowest priced cars from Japan and Korea. Considering that Chinese cars selling for $8500 or less will also be arriving soon, DaimlerChrysler must respond and respond quickly with the Hornet.
While plans haven't yet been finalized, the Hornet will likely strongly resemble the concept vehicle now on display at car shows around the country. This means that the Hornet will sport a 1.6L I4 mated to a 5 or 6 speed manual transmission, with a horsepower output of 170. With 19 inch tires, stow and go seating, and Saturn ION-like doors, the Hornet will not be confused with any other vehicle on the road which is exactly what Dodge hopes will happen.
To keep production costs down, DaimlerChrysler is looking for a manufacturing plant, probably in Mexico, to build the vehicle. Aiming to keep prices to around $10,000, DaimlerChrysler may tap Volkswagen to produce the vehicle at one of its own plants. This would enable VW to fill excess capacity and give DCX a readily available source to produce the Hornet.
Yes, the B-Class is poised to change the way American consumers think about the Mercedes brand while giving the make a chance to capture a broader chunk of the market. With the Hornet deriving its platform and other key components from the B-Class, Dodge will also benefit and be able to holds its own against Asian imports. Yes, both products present risky moves for parent DaimlerChrysler, one that the automaker must take in an ever changing and highly competitive world.
Not everyone thinks that it is a good idea for Mercedes to sell a budget model in the U.S., particularly one sporting the Mercedes marque. Yet, Mercedes has been building smaller models for years and in Europe the brand is known for producing luxury cars as well as vehicles for the masses. Indeed, Mercedes' biggest adversary, BMW, also produces a line of small cars and is planning on bringing these vehicles to the U.S. shortly. Thus, like it or not, Mercedes must respond and the B-Class will be the answer.
For Mercedes, the B-Class likely to make it to the U.S. will be a four door sedan outfitted with a six cylinder gas engine. A hatchback, popular in Europe, will probably not be included in the deal knowing American consumers' disdain for that particular body style. Diesel powered B-Class' are a possibility and will become even more likely should BMW introduce the same.
For Dodge, the Hornet represents an answer to Scion and their line of youth oriented brands. While the Mercedes B-Class will likely appeal to VW and Nissan owners, the Hornet will target Scion owners as well as those inclined to purchase a Honda Element or other small, boxy vehicle. DaimlerChrysler, the owner of both Mercedes and Dodge, knows that the Hornet is necessary as the brand's current entry level vehicle, the Caliber, is too expensive to compete against the lowest priced cars from Japan and Korea. Considering that Chinese cars selling for $8500 or less will also be arriving soon, DaimlerChrysler must respond and respond quickly with the Hornet.
While plans haven't yet been finalized, the Hornet will likely strongly resemble the concept vehicle now on display at car shows around the country. This means that the Hornet will sport a 1.6L I4 mated to a 5 or 6 speed manual transmission, with a horsepower output of 170. With 19 inch tires, stow and go seating, and Saturn ION-like doors, the Hornet will not be confused with any other vehicle on the road which is exactly what Dodge hopes will happen.
To keep production costs down, DaimlerChrysler is looking for a manufacturing plant, probably in Mexico, to build the vehicle. Aiming to keep prices to around $10,000, DaimlerChrysler may tap Volkswagen to produce the vehicle at one of its own plants. This would enable VW to fill excess capacity and give DCX a readily available source to produce the Hornet.
Yes, the B-Class is poised to change the way American consumers think about the Mercedes brand while giving the make a chance to capture a broader chunk of the market. With the Hornet deriving its platform and other key components from the B-Class, Dodge will also benefit and be able to holds its own against Asian imports. Yes, both products present risky moves for parent DaimlerChrysler, one that the automaker must take in an ever changing and highly competitive world.
Copyright 2006 – Matt Keegan is a freelance writer covering cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs. You can keep your Mercedes vehicle running and looking cool by shopping the Mercedes Benz Car Parts superstore for superior automotive parts and accessories.
Dodge Avenger 2011
Discover What's New in the Latest Dodge Avenger
By Geof Ryan
The latest 2009 launched Dodge Avenger is offered in three variants, namely the sporty R/T, well equipped SXT and the base SE. The SE model is facilitated with cruise control, air conditioning, an auxiliary audio jack, satellite radio, four speaker audio system, a cooled front storage compartment, full power accessories, a tilt and telescoping steering wheels and 16-inch steel wheels.
In the SXT model, some extra features are added, which are steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, eight way power driver seats, six CD changer and six speakers for the audio system, fog lights, 17-inch steel wheels and a rear spoiler.
On the other hand, the Avenger R/T is facilitated with an auto dimming rear-view mirror, single zone automatic climate control, heated side mirrors, automatic head lights, firmer suspension tuning and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The 2009 Dodge Avenger initially came with an engine power of up to 173 hp and a torque up to 166 lb-ft. Later on, this engine power was increased up to 186 hp and torque up to 191 lb-ft, but the engine power of Avenger SXT was boosted up to 235 hp and its torque to 232 lb-ft. The 3.5 liter v6 power R/T takes about 7.7 seconds to accelerate from 0-60 mph.
From safety point of view, full-length head curtain airbags and front seat air bags are added to the car. Standard anti-lock brakes are also available with the R/T and V6 models. The trunk capacity of Avenger is about 13.4 cubic feet.
To take a look at some uber-cool Dodge Avenger Pictures Click-Here
To find more Dodge Car Pictures Click-Here
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Geof_Ryan
2011 Dodge
Dodge Diesel Performance
By Nathan Young
The Dodge Cummins diesel is a favorite of many diesel enthusiasts because of how many modifications can be done to it. The Dodge Cummins diesel comes stock with great power and fuel economy and can be tweaked to get diesel fuel mileage in the upper twenties and some even report low thirties in mpg. That is phenomenal economy for a truck. They can also be turned into ground pounding monsters. Today we will take a look at a few of the modifications that can be done to make the vehicle either more economical or more powerful.
First the most popular modification for any diesel is a performance chip. These come in chips, modules and programmers. All have the same basic functions although they will all alter the fueling in slightly different ways and have a variety of safety features. Generally for a conservative driver, with almost any diesel chip about three to four mpg increases can be achieved. Most of these chips add about 120 horse power on their top setting. There are some extreme chips though that will add about 230 hp and over 400 torque to the dodge Cummins diesel.
Probably the second most popular modification for the Dodge Cummins Diesel is performance diesel fuel injectors. Upgraded injectors can also add economy for a conservative driver. The injectors come in stages that range from 50 hp to 150 hp over stock, and even more extreme injectors can be custom made. 50 hp injectors would be for someone looking for a little more power and better economy. 150 hp injectors would be considered extreme. They also come in complete injector replacements or just nozzle or injector tip upgrades.
For any diesel that is being modified, a higher flow exhaust should be added to help it keep exhaust gas temperatures down and to relieve engine stress. Most people upgrade the size of the entire exhaust from the turbo. Others use the Aero Exhaust which is a muffler replacement only. The design of the Aero Exhaust increases the speed of the exhaust like a jet would as the exhaust flows through it. On the 2005 Dodge Cummins diesel the Aero Exhaust adds 19 hp and 38 dyno tested torque by just replacing the muffler.
Another popular modification is the cold air intake which allows more air into the engine which helps to combust a higher percentage of the fuel. This gets more power to the wheels instead of out the tail pip in a big black cloud.
The Aero Exhaust and Diesel Performance Chips are basic Dodge Diesel Performance upgrades- Nathan Young
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