Chrysler and EPA Working on Hydraulic Hybrid System for Passenger Cars [with Video]

Chrysler and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a new partnership to explore the possibility of adapting the EPA's hydraulic hybrid system for passenger cars and light-duty vehicles. Developed by the EPA, the hydraulic hybrid system is currently used in industrial applications, including large delivery trucks and refuse trucks, but Chrysler, keen on developing a new portfolio of hybrid vehicles, wants to adopt it for use on passenger vehicles. Read more »

Lancia to Unveil Chrysler 200-based Model at Geneva Show, may name it Flavia

*The above image is a Carscoop illustration

It appears that all those the rumors regarding future Lancia models are true as the Italian automaker is gearing up for this year’s Geneva Auto Show with several new additions to its line-up.

At the Detroit Motor Show, Fiat Group execs revealed that along with the Chrysler 300-based Thema flagship, Lancia will also unveil its own version of the Chrysler 200. The mid-size model will be offered in both sedan and convertible body styles, and is destined to replace the Sebring in the European market.

“The new Chrysler 200 will come – cabriolet included – to Europe as a Lancia, and Flavia is a very good hint as its possible name,” Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne said on the sidelines of the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

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Lancia's 2011 New Year Greeting Card Teases 2012 Ypsilon, Announces Two More New Models

In a surprise move, Lancia literally outlined its forthcoming 2012 Ypsilon supermini through an animated New Year's greeting card posted on a special minisite. And if that's not enough news for you, the chalk-like drawings were accompanied by a teaser message that reads, "A new horizon, three new Lancia models".

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Chrysler and Volkswagen Issue Massive Recalls on Separate Issues

Chrysler and Volkswagen have issued massive recalls, affecting a combined total of almost 600,000 vehicles. The American automaker is recalling 367,350-2008MY Chrysler Town and Country/Dodge Caravan MPVs, while Wolfsburg’s finest will notify 228,236 owners of Golf, Jetta sedan, Jetta Sportwagen, New Beetle and Rabbit models, manufactured between 2006 and 2010 that their vehicles are being called in.

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2011MY Chrysler Town & Country Pricing Released, Starts at $30,995

Chrysler states that its refreshed 2011 Town & Country "delivers great American design, innovative technology and unparalleled functionality, all at surprising value". Well, we'll you be the judge of that, but for now we can tell you that the facelifted minivan will soon hit U.S. dealerships in three trim levels (Touring, Touring L and Limited) and prices starting from $30,995, including the $835 destination fee.

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Pentastar V6 to Find its Way Into 13 Models Across the Chrysler Group Range, Including 2011 Challenger

The Chrysler Group's new Pentastar V6 gasoline engine will either replace current six-cylinder units or be introduced for the first time on a total of 13 vehicles across the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep range by 2013, the company announced this week.

The 3.6-liter V6 unit will be offered with different levels of output, the most powerful [for now] iteration being the one fitted on the upcoming 2011 Dodge Challenger, which will be rated at 305 bhp at 6,350 rpm and 268 lb.ft. at 4,800 rpm, representing a 55 horsepower increase over the previous 3.5-liter V6.

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Chrysler Celebrates Grand Voyager's 25th Anniversary with Limited Edition Version

In celebration of the Grand Voyager's 25th birthday, Chrysler has launched a new special edition version of its full-size MPV in Britain. As with most models of the sort, the Grand Voyager 25th Anniversary comes with extra interior and exterior equipment along with the necessary memorabilia that in this case include commemorative badging on the outside and a special keyring.

The interior equipment of the 25th Anniversary Grand Voyager includes leather trimmed upholstery, dual screen rear DVD entertainment system and a GPS system with a phone and voice recognition. The exterior features include Xenon headlamps, chrome mesh grille, LED daytime running lights, revised lower front fascia and a special paint finish.

Available exclusively with a 2.8-liter diesel that provides acceleration from 0-62mph (100km/h) in 12.8 seconds plus a top speed of 115mph (185km/h), and a combined fuel economy figure of 30.4 mpg UK, the 25th Anniversary Grand Voyager is priced at £32,600 on-the-road with only 100 units being allocated to the British market.

Chrysler Reveals Electric Minivan for Postal Service, Asks Gov. Money to Create Demo Fleet...

Those 'jolly old' folks down at Chrysler never cease to amuse us with their government loan tactics. Today, Chrysler LLC showed off four all-electric Town & Country minivan concepts to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) as part of the USPS Earth Day celebration. The catch? Well, Chrysler said that in conjunction with the USPS and select energy service providers, it intends to apply for the U.S. Department of Energy's (DoE) Transportation Electrification stimulus program for a federal grant.

According to Chrysler LLC, the grant (feel free to call it taxpayers money) would be used to establish a nationwide demonstration fleet of zero-emission electric minivans that could -and we repeat, could- be used by the U.S. Postal Service for mail delivery. In other words, you pay for it, Chrysler takes the credit for creating a useless fleet of electric demo cars slapped with its logos. Wonder what they'll come up with next...

Chrysler Grand Voyager 25th Anniversary Edition

Celebrating its minivan’s 25th anniversary, Chrysler decided to rock the foundations of the Paris Motor Show by unveiling a special, one-of-a-kind, unique etc, etc, edition of the Grand Voyager. The “25th Anniversary Edition” special model that will be available for international markets beginning in early 2009 is distinguished by the new 17-inch alloy wheels, chromed belt and body-side moldings, and a roof rack with cross bars. Interior appointments include French-stitched (sic) leather seats and dark accents along with heaps of badges just so you don't ever forget that you bought a special edition version of the Grand Voyager. -Continued

Chrysler Town and Country EV with 255 HP Hybrid Powertrain

In case you happened to overlook the discreet insignia, this is the Chrysler EV, one of three electric powered prototypes that were revealed today by Chrysler LLC. The other two vehicles were the Dodge Coupe EV and the Jeep Wrangler EV. Based on the Town and Country minivan, Chrysler's proposal utilizes the same hybrid system as the Jeep EV combining the electric-drive components of an Electric Vehicle with an integrated small-displacement engine and generator to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed. If you're thinking Chevy Volt you're absolutely right as GM’s forthcoming hybrid uses a similar in philosophy drivetrain. -Continued

In the Chrysler EV the electric motor produces an output of 190 kW or 255 HP and 350 Nm or 258 lb.-ft. of torque, providing 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) acceleration in approximately nine seconds. Just like the Wrangler EV, the Chrysler Town and Country EV can drive 40 miles on all-electric power, and boasts a range of 400 miles on approximately eight gallons or 31 liters of gasoline.