Triple Recall for Dodge Affects Over 144,000 Journey and Ram Vehicles

The Chrysler Group is recalling certain Dodge Journey crossovers and Ram trucks in three separate actions to repair defective steering wheels, airbags and noisy rear axles.

The largest of Chrysler's recalls involves 65,180 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured from November 1, 2007, through September 7, 2008. According to a posting on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA], the wires within the front door wire harnesses may fatigue and break. If this happens, the side-impact sensors may not work resulting in inoperative side airbags. Chrysler said it will replace the left and right door wiring harnesses free of charge.

The second recall affects a total of 22,274 Model Year 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 trucks to address a problem with the steering system. NHSTA said these vehicles may experience a weakening and fracture of the left ball stud on the tie rod resulting in the potential loss of steering. The Detroit automaker will fix the aforementioned issue by replacing the left outer tie rod free of charge.

Finally, the Chrysler Group is recalling 56,611 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from September 2009 through December 2010 to fix components within the rear axle. "Some vehicles may experience a noise (growl, grind) coming from the rear axle bearing which could eventually seize," said the NHTSA posting.

All three recalls are expected to begin in February 2011.

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Dodge Journey to be Sold as the Fiat Freemont in Europe

The Fiat Group, which currently owns a 20 per cent controlling stake in Chrysler, is planning to rebrand the Dodge Journey crossover to the Fiat Freemont in Europe, according to a report from Autoweek citing inside sources from the Italian company. The sources said the American automaker will stop selling the Journey in Europe and that the Fiat version, will get its world premiere at the upcoming Geneva Salon in March 2011 with sales set to start in June of the same year.

The styling changes over the recently refreshed Dodge Journey are believed to be kept to a minimum, however, the Freemont will get Fiat's 2.0-liter turbo diesel unit with 170HP in place of the Journey's VW-sourced 140HP 2.0-liter diesel engine.

It is reported that the Freemont will also act as a replacement to the Fiat Ulysse, which ended production this month.

According to data provided by JATA, Dodge sold some 8,400 Journeys in Europe last year. Fiat believes that the recent updates along with the more powerful diesel engine and more importantly, the Italian firm's 5,000-strong European sales network which is significantly larger than Chrysler's, will help boost sales of the 5+2 seater crossover wagon.

The Fiat Freemont will be manufactured alongside the Dodge Journey at Chrysler's Toluca, Mexico plant.

Source: Autoweek

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Dodge Announces Pricing on 2011 Models Including Challenger, Charger and Durango

Over the past few weeks, the Chrysler Group has been revealing information and pictures on a slew of all-new or refreshed models for 2011. Now, it's time to let out the pricing details beginning with Dodge and its 2011 model year Durango SUV, Charger, Journey, Grand Caravan, Avenger and the Challenger.

You can read the full details in the press release after the jump, but for those that want the skinny, here are the starting prices for the new models:

New Durango from $29,195; Charger SE with the new 292HP 3.6-liter V6 from $25,170; refreshed Journey crossover with 283HP V6 $22,245; Grand Caravan from $24,995; Avenger from $19,245 and Challenger from $24,670. Also, the new limited edition 2011 Challenger SRT8 392 with a 470HP V8 starts at $42,555.

Press Release

2011 Dodge Durango – A three-row performance SUV

Dodge is putting the 'sport' back into the sport utility (SUV) segment with the 2011 Dodge Durango, a three-row design spacious enough to carry the entire crew and performance-tuned to thrill anyone who truly loves to drive. From its sleek exterior design and modern, spacious interior to the 50/50 weight distribution and a unibody structure that is more than 25 percent stiffer than its predecessor; the all-new Durango delivers crossover versatility, SUV capability and unexpected performance a league above its competitive class. Durango is the perfect balance of functional versatility and luxury at an outstanding value.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the all-new 2011 Dodge Durango (Rear-wheel-drive/All-wheel-drive):

Durango Express: $29,195 / $31,195
Durango Crew: $33,195 / $35,195
Durango Crew with CrewLux package: $38,195 / $40,195
Durango Citadel: $41,795 / $43,795
(All prices exclude an $850 destination charge.)

All-new 2011 Dodge Charger – World-class Performance and Precision with an Iconic Soul

With its iconic character, contemporary fastback four-door coupe proportions, world-class performance, craftsmanship and refinement, and state-of-the-art connectivity features, the all-new 2011 Charger is the Dodge brand's flagship that proudly delivers premium, world-class E-segment sedan precision at an incredible value.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the all-new 2011 Dodge Charger (Rear-wheel-drive/All-wheel-drive):

Charger SE: $25,170
Charger SE (with Rallye Package): $27,420
Charger SE (with Rallye Plus package): $29,170
Charger R/T: $30,170 / $32,320
Charger R/T (with R/T Plus Package): $32,170 / $34,320
Charger R/T (with Road and Track Package): $33,170 / $35,320
Charger R/T (with Max Package): $35,170 / $37,320
(All prices exclude an $825 destination charge.)

2011 Dodge Journey Crosses Over: A Gorgeous New Spirit and a Driver's Soul

For 2011, Dodge takes what was good with the Dodge Journey and makes it better. The Journey receives a major overhaul with a completely redesigned and retuned suspension, a new V-6 engine and a gorgeous new interior. And that's not all. Journey also features the latest and greatest in vehicle connectivity and customization with the Chrysler Group's new PowerNet electrical architecture. Owners will feel like they have the world at their fingertips with the Journey's available touch-screen command center. In addition, at 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2011 Dodge Journey equipped with the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine delivers a 20 percent boost in power compared with the V-6 engine it replaces. It's mated to the smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new 2011 Dodge Journey:

Dodge Journey Express: $22,245
Dodge Journey Mainstreet: $24,245
Dodge Journey Crew: $29,240
Dodge Journey R/T: $28,245
Dodge Journey Lux: $32,740
(All prices exclude $750 destination charge.)

The Originator is Back with an All-new Attitude--The New 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan: New Heart, New Moves, New Soul

The new 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan is a minivan with the driving dynamics of a performance sedan – and a little bit of attitude. Dodge believes that just because a driver needs the versatility of a minivan doesn't mean that the experience has to be boring. So engineers redesigned and retuned virtually every system in the new Grand Caravan's suspension. That major suspension overhaul, combined with a new V-6 engine that delivers best-in-class horsepower, gives Grand Caravan drivers a dynamic driving experience that other minivans in the segment just don't deliver. Get behind the wheel, and enjoy a driving experience once never thought possible in such a functional vehicle.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan:

Dodge Grand Caravan Express: $24,995
Dodge Grand Caravan Mainstreet: $25,995
Dodge Grand Caravan Crew: $28,695
Dodge Grand Caravan R/T: $30,595
(All prices exclude $835 destination charge.)

An All-new Dynamic for the 2011 Dodge Avenger: A Mid-size Sedan Designed, Engineered for Spirited Performance

In addition to an all-new interior, the Dodge Avenger's "fun to drive" quotient rises exponentially for 2011 with a significantly upgraded suspension to give drivers agile, confident, handling performance in all driving situations, whether it's a spirited adventure on twisty roads or an emergency maneuver. A new and improved powertrain lineup contributes to the 2011 Avenger's driving experience. In addition to the standard re-calibrated 2.4-liter World Engine with an available 6 speed automatic transmission, Avenger customers also can opt for the new Pentastar V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that gives customers the best of both worlds – best-in-class 283 horsepower (an increase of 20 percent compared with the engine it replaces) and 29 miles per gallon Highway fuel economy.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new 2011 Dodge Avenger:

Dodge Avenger Express: $19,245
Dodge Avenger Mainstreet: $21,245
Dodge Avenger Heat: $23,745
Dodge Avenger Lux: $23,545
(All prices exclude $750 destination charge.)

New 2011 Dodge Challenger: Upgraded Performance, Handling, Style and Value

The new 2011 Dodge Challenger delivers more of what muscle-car enthusiasts want — a more powerful and efficient engine lineup, maximum grip with an all-new performance suspension design and even more athletic styling — all executed with quality and precision. The new 2011 Dodge Challenger combines world-class ride, refinement and braking performance with more power and new track-tuned suspensions to deliver a thrilling driving experience. With its all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine producing 305 horsepower — 55 more horsepower than the engine it replaces — the new 2011 Dodge Challenger SE is the most powerful, refined and technologically advanced entry-level Challenger ever.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new 2011 Dodge Challenger:

Dodge Challenger SE: $24,670
Dodge Challenger SE (with "Rallye" package): $26,670
Dodge Challenger R/T: $29,670
Dodge Challenger R/T (with "Plus" package): $31,170
Dodge Challenger R/T (with "Classic" package): $32,970
(All prices exclude $825 destination charge.)

Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Delivers New Levels of Performance With Loads More Torque, Horsepower and Maximum Handling

With the introduction of the legendary 392-cubic inch HEMI® V-8 for the street, the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 builds on its original mantra of a rear-wheel-drive coupe that promises a balanced approach between form and function. The new 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 pumps out 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. However, impressive straight-line acceleration is just part of the performance story, as world-class ride and handling, high-performance braking and the latest technology that delivers improved fuel efficiency, results in the newest version of the quickest coupe in the Dodge product lineup.

Dodge Challenger SRT8 392: $42,555
(Price excludes $825 destination charge and any applicable gas guzzler taxes.

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.

On the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Pentastar V6 produces 290HP, while on the forthcoming 2011 Dodge Avenger, and Chrysler 200 sedan and Town & Country minivan, it will deliver 283HP. The soon-to-be-launched 2011 Dodge Charger will feature a 292-horsepower variant of the 3.6-liter V6. Other models to get the Pentastar V6 include the new Dodge Durango and Journey.

According to Chrysler, the new Pentastar V6 is not only more and fuel efficient than the six-cylinder engines it replaces, but is also significantly lighter. For example, the new 3.6L V6 is 94 lbs. lighter than the 3.7-liter engine it replaced in Jeep Grand Cherokee and 42 lbs. less than the 3.5-liter it replaces on the Chrysler 300.

"The Pentastar engine is suited to meet the requirements for a full range of vehicle applications in terms of power and fuel efficiency (average savings up to 7 percent across the model range) including passenger cars, mini-vans and sport utilities," said Bob Lee, vice president of engine engineering for Chrysler Group LLC.

"It has been designed for today and many years to come. Already, we are looking forward to adapting future technologies as they become available to the Pentastar V-6 for even more fuel efficiency and performance."

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