Charger Fast Off the Line in NEXTEL Cup Race

Posted Apr 28, 2006, 07:47 AM by Editor @ TheFirehouse.biz.
Category: Motor Sports

   

The Dodge Charger is fast becoming a force on the NASCAR NEXTEL
Cup circuit, so it’s a perfect time to stir up some up heat over
its success here on TheFirehouse.biz.

Dodge has won three of the last four NASCAR NEXTEL Cup races
beginning with Kasey Kahne at Atlanta, Kurt Busch at Bristol and
Kahne again at Texas earlier this month. Dodge and Chevy are tied
with three wins each in the first seven races, and Chevy holds a
47-45 advantage Dodge in the season-long manufacturers. Kahne and
Busch won the two most recent races at Richmond International
Raceway. Kahne scored his first career victory in last year’s
spring race at RIR while Busch won race No. 26 last year at the
D-shaped .750-mile track.  Kahne ranks third in the series
standings 51 points behind leader Matt Kenseth. Kahne was 23rd in
the standings at the same stage of the 2005 campaign.

KASEY KAHNE (No. 9 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge Charger)

“We’re trying to get ready to come back. This is
always a great race for the fans and the drivers enjoy it, too.
It’s a lot of fun. The track gets to where you can race pretty
hard. We’re just trying to get our car as good as we can.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO ALREADY BE LOCKED IN THE CHASE BEFORE THE 26TH RACE AT RICHMOND? “
I think it would be great if we could be in that spot
where we didn’t have to worry about this race, but if it is a race
we need to worry about to get in that top 10, it is a good track
for us. It’s nice to be able to test here. It’ll help us for the
first race and the second race. Right now we’ve been running good.
We’ve had some great runs this season, and we’re doing a good job
in the points, too. We just need to keep that up and hopefully we
won’t have to worry so much about the second race here like we have
in the past and just trying to get into that final 10.

Once in a Lifetime Road Trip Challenge Awaits College Students on Summer Break: Dodge Invites High Caliber Students to Take to the Road and Give Back

* Boston, Chicago and Dallas-area college students invited to compete in five-day, cross-country road trip
* Three teams will compete to raise awareness for Global Music Project
* Members of the winning team will each be awarded the grand prize of a 24-month lease on an all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber

Auburn Hills, Mich., Apr 28, 2006 –

Are you a “high Caliber” college student attending a university in the Boston, Chicago or Dallas areas? Do you like road trips? Are you and your friends looking for a challenge to kick off your summer break? If so, then the Dodge High Caliber Challenge is for you.

One lucky team of three students from Boston, Chicago and Dallas will be selected to go head-to-head to road trip their way to Miami in the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber and help raise awareness for the Global Music Project, benefiting Doctors Without Borders. For their efforts, each member of the winning team could win a 24-month lease on a Dodge Caliber.

“The Dodge High Caliber Challenge gives college students a chance to experience and win the boldest new compact car on the market today, while raising awareness and money for the Global Music Project,” said Tom Loveless, Dodge Marketing & Global Communications. “Equipped with a Chill Zone TM beverage storage bin, MusicGate Power TM liftgate speakers, available MP3 jack and a self-charging removable flashlight, the all-new Dodge Caliber has all the essentials for a road trip.”

Interested students will be asked to submit an essay on why they want to take this road trip and how they will use the all-new Dodge Caliber to raise awareness for the Global Music Project during the five day road trip. Participants must be traditional full-time college students between the ages of 18 and 25 who are enrolled in an accredited college or university during the 2006 spring semester. Complete contest rules, eligibility requirements and entry form can be viewed online at www.DodgeHighCaliberChallenge.com.

New Michelin Tire

Radical New Tire design by Michelin

Received this in an E-mail, and thought I would pass this along.

The new next generation 9f Michelin tires. These tires are airless and are scheduled to be out on the market very soon.
The bad news for law enforcement is that spike strips will not work on these tires
This is what great R&D will do and just think of the impact on existing technology:

.. no more air valves
.. no more air compressors at gas stations
.. no more repair kits+

Pictures are said to be taken at the South Carolina Plant of Michelin.

7.2 Liter SuperHemi ?

The Hemispherical Blog takes all credit on this post on a rumor about a SUPER HEMI!

Chrysler SW Engineers new 7.2 Liter SuperHemi or 440 CUI
by HemiDakota on Thu Apr 27, 2006 6:35 pm

Surprising move by DaimlerChrysler SW Engineers new 7.2 Liter SuperHemi or the 440 CUI engine

HEMIBLOG, SRTMOPAR.COM – - – We have seen the first of the line of DaimlerChrysler Hemi engines starting with the 5.7 liter in 2002. Next it was the 6.1 liter Hemi in 2005 with advent of the Chrysler 300 SRT8. Last year surprise at SEMA revealed to us a SkunkWerks bored out, tweaked, and massaged 6.4 liter Hemi. Allpar insiders released rumors of the ‘Phoenix Project’ to update the V-6 line of powerplants that closely resembles the 5.7 liter Hemi engine design and may add some spin offs. So what’s left?

Are you sitting down? Now take a deep breath…here it is – - –

Image Credited: oh2o

Few months ago, an insider leaked that SW engineers purposed a gapper motor between the soon-to-be SRT’s 6.4 liter Hemi and the Viper ‘8.4 liter’ V-10. What is known, the powerplant is currently being worked via the west coast at one of the SkunkWerks engine sub-contractors facilities, dubbed the 7.2 liter Super-Hemi or known as the 440-cubic motor. Talk about retro and remembering the old days, a theme that now ringing in my ears is the title – ‘Good Times are here again,’ this heavy weight giant motor supposed to reside on a new block and may be shared with the Gen II 6.1 liter Hemi.

GM, DaimlerChrysler, BMW Premiere Unprecedented Hybrid Technology

Vienna, Apr 27, 2006
The state-of-the-art full hybrid system, whose components are being co-developed by General Motors Corp., DaimlerChrysler and the BMW Group for production beginning next year, represents a major automotive industry milestone due to the unprecedented fully integrated combination of electric motors with a fixed-gear transmission.

As a result of its low- and high-speed electric continuously variable transmission (ECVT) modes, the system is commonly referred to as the 2-mode hybrid. However, the sophisticated fuel-saving system also incorporates four fixed gear ratios for high efficiency and power-handling capabilities in a broad variety of vehicle applications. During the two ECVT modes and four fixed gear operations, the hybrid system can use the electric motors for boosting and regenerative braking.

In summary, the four fixed gears overlay two ECVT modes for a total of six operating functions:

* Input-split ECVT mode, or continuously variable Mode 1, operates from vehicle launch through the second fixed gear ratio.
* Compound-split ECVT mode, or continuously variable Mode 2, operates after the second fixed gear ratio.
* First fixed-gear ratio with both electric motors available to boost the internal combustion engine or capture and store energy from regenerative braking, deceleration and coasting.
* Second fixed-gear ratio with one electric motor available for boost/braking,
* Third fixed-gear ratio with two electric motors available for boost/braking.
* Fourth fixed-gear ratio with one electric motor available for boost/braking.

The result is trend-setting hybrid technology that provides superior fuel economy, performance and load carrying capability.

The full hybrid system being co-developed by General Motors, DaimlerChrysler and the BMW Group has an overall mechanical content and size similar to a conventional automatic transmission, yet this full hybrid transmission can operate in infinitely variable gear ratios or one of the four fixed-gear ratios.

A sophisticated electronic control module constantly optimizes the entire hybrid powertrain system to select the most efficient operation point for the power level demanded by the driver.

Key Advantages

Chrysler 300 Driving Chrysler Brand Success

Auburn Hills, Mich., Apr 27, 2006 –

Big news from Dodge and Jeep® has overshadowed Chrysler-branded vehicles in recent months, but that’s about to change.

U.S. sales of the Chrysler 300 surpassed the 300,000 mark in April 2006, making it the quickest Chrysler brand vehicle to reach the milestone in 25 months. This comes on the heels of another Chrysler brand achievement: global sales of the Chrysler PT Cruiser exceeded 1 million units in March.

In 10 years, Chrysler brand sales in the U.S. have increased 144 percent from 265,897 units in 1995 to 649,293 units, making 2005 the brand’s best sales year in company history. Since its introduction in March 2004, the Chrysler 300 has powered the Chrysler brand to new sales heights; first quarter Chrysler brand sales increased 32 percent to 162,888 units compared to first quarter 2004 sales of 123,460 units.

“The Chrysler Group is firing on all cylinders,” said Gary Dilts, Senior Vice President – Sales, Chrysler Group. “In addition to the growth of the Chrysler brand, the all-new 2006 Dodge Caliber is moving out of dealer showrooms at a brisk pace. The Jeep®family is growing with the recent introduction of the 2007 Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot. We have a strong product lineup going into the spring and summer selling seasons.”

With the introduction of the Chrysler 300, the Chrysler Group revived the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sedan after a 15-year hiatus. In addition, the legendary HEMI® engine returned to the Chrysler brand after nearly 50 years with the debut of the Chrysler 300C. Personifying the image of new American muscle, the Chrysler 300 earned the title of the most most-awarded new car in automotive history in 2005.

However, the Chrysler brand is always looking to improve. Coming later this year, the 2007 Chrysler 300 Long Wheelbase will feature a wheelbase that is 6 inches longer than the current model, providing more than 46 inches of rear legroom and an additional 10.2 cubic feet of interior space. This extended Chrysler 300 is expected to attract sales from the limousine industry, as well as retail customers.

“The Chrysler brand’s forward-thinking vehicle designs continue to resonate well with the public and are some of the most desired in the marketplace,” Dilts said. “With a portfolio lineup to accommodate almost every vehicle price segment, the performance, luxury and affordability of Chrysler brand vehicles continues to stand out.”

Jeep® Brand to Join DaimlerChrysler Flexible Fuel Lineup for 2007, As Company Expands Commitment to Clean, Renewable Fuels

* Company plans to sell more than 250,000 FFVs in MY2007
* Will expand to nearly 500,000 in 2008
* Nearly 1.5 million DaimlerChrysler FFVs already on the road
* Ethanol, Biodiesel Are “Homegrown Solution” to Nation’s Energy, Environment, Security Issues, Chrysler Group CEO Tom LaSorda Tells Renewable Fuels Association

Washington, Apr 25, 2006 –

The Jeep® Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee engineered to operate on clean, renewable, American-made ethanol fuel will be available to U.S. customers as part of DaimlerChrysler’s lineup of alternate fuel vehicles in 2007.

Overall for 2007, the company plans to sell more than 250,000 Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) capable of running on E85 (85 percent ethanol) fuel, said Tom LaSorda, President and CEO – Chrysler Group. That number will increase to nearly 500,000 units beginning in the 2008 model year — about one-quarter of the company’s U.S. fleet.

“A significant part of the solution to our energy, environment and national security issues can be homegrown,” LaSorda said.

LaSorda discussed the benefits of renewable fuels ethanol and biodiesel in remarks to the Renewable Fuel Association annual conference in Washington, D.C., today.

For 2007, all Jeep Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee retail and fleet buyers who select the 4.7-liter engine option will receive vehicles capable of running on E85 fuel. Also available in Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) capability for 2007 are:

* Chrysler Sebring sedan and convertible with the 2.7-liter engine
* Dodge Dakota and Dodge Ram pickups and Dodge Durango SUV with 4.7-liter engine

Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans equipped with 3.3-liter engines will also be available with FFV capability for fleet customers.

About 1.5 million FFV-capable Chrysler Group vehicles are already on the road, representing about 10 percent of all vehicles sold by the company since 1998 — a greater percentage than any other company.

In addition, Chrysler Group is the industry leader in promoting use of biodiesel, a clean, renewable fuel made from plant oils that can be mixed with conventional diesel fuel. Each Jeep Liberty CRD diesel SUV built at the company’s Toledo, Ohio, assembly plant is fueled with B5 (5 percent biodiesel), made from soybeans grown and refined in Ohio.

Beginning this fall, the company will test use of B20 (20 percent biodiesel) in its industry-leading Dodge Ram heavy duty diesel pickup trucks, working initially with commercial, government and military fleet customers.

“Biofuels represent a huge opportunity to reduce our consumption of conventional petroleum-based fuel and our dependence on foreign oil,” LaSorda said.

Other benefits cited by LaSorda are:

* “Reduced lifecycle carbon dioxide (greenhouse gas) emissions, because the plants from which the fuels are made absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during growth.”
* “Reduced tailpipe emissions of particulates, carbon monoxide and other pollutants compared with conventional fuels.”
* “A stronger American economy through support of U.S. agriculture.”

For vehicles to operate on ethanol-based fuels, engine computer controls must be adjusted and the fuel system (fuel tank, fuel pump and fuel lines) must be altered to resist the effects of the alcohol (ethanol). Chrysler Group FFVs use a patented sensor system to determine the exact content of the fuel (E85, gasoline or any mixture of the two). The seamless transition of one fuel to another is accomplished by an advanced calibration system that determines the concentration of ethanol in the gasoline and adjusts for greatest operational efficiency.

“Unfortunately, too many of these vehicles have been — or will be — running on pure gasoline due to the lack of a fuel infrastructure,” LaSorda said. “But we know that flex-fuels can work, when industry and government get behind them and encourage infrastructure development.”

Jeep Brand Product Offensive
Sales of Jeep brand vehicles increased 12 percent in 2005 to their highest total since 2000 to 476,532 units compared with 2004 sales of 427,329 units. The positive sales momentum for the brand has continued this year. Through March, Jeep brand sales are 10 percent more than the same period in 2005.

This year, the Jeep brand’s lineup grows from four to seven models. The all-new Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (4-door), Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot join the Jeep Commander, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Liberty in dealer showrooms.

Maximizing MPG with MDS

Tips from the Chrysler Group on Getting the Most Fuel Savings with Its Multi-Displacement System

* Chrysler Group MDS improves fuel economy up to 20 percent
* Standard equipment on almost all HEMI 5.7L engines

Auburn Hills, Mich., Apr 20, 2006 –

Just a few simple tips can help owners of Chrysler Group engines with Multi-Displacement System (MDS) get the most fuel mileage possible from their 5.7L HEMI® V-8 engine.

The customer does not need to drive in a certain way to realize a fuel economy improvement with MDS, but these driving habits can maximize their fuel savings with this technology.

* Keeping speeds to 65 mph or below — MDS uses four cylinder mode most at these speeds
* Use cruise control — this helps maintain a steady speed, generally allowing the HEMI to run on four cylinders for longer periods
* Accelerate more gradually — the HEMI will provide V-8 power whenever it is requested by the driver
* Use a steady throttle whenever possible — this maximizes four cylinder mode

The Chrysler Group MDS is standard equipment with the 5.7L HEMI on seven vehicles: the Chrysler 300C, Dodge Charger R/T, Durango, Magnum R/T, Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander.

With the addition of MDS to HEMI-equipped Dodge Durango and Ram, MDS-equipped vehicles through the end of the 2007 model year will save more than 60 million gallons of fuel each year.

The Chrysler Group MDS seamlessly alternates between smooth, high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed, and V-8 mode when more power from the 5.7L HEMI engine is in demand. This optimizes fuel economy when V-8 power is not required, without sacrificing vehicle performance or capability.

Chrysler Group was the first to offer modern, large-volume vehicles in North America with cylinder deactivation — the HEMI-powered 2005 Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum R/T went on sale in the of spring 2004 with the Chrysler Group Multi-Displacement System, or MDS. Chrysler Group was also the first to offer cylinder deactivation in an SUV with the introduction of MDS in the 2005 HEMI-powered Jeep® Grand Cherokee. Chrysler Group is the first to offer MDS in a pickup truck — the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500.

MDS is a fuel-saving technology that is here today — customers get the power and capability of the HEMI V-8 that they desire with the fuel economy of a less powerful engine.

Earth Day Success Story — One Billion Dollars, 1.2 Million Miles and 60,000 Gallons of Fuel

DaimlerChrysler Fuel Cell Vehicles Save more than 60,000 Gallons of Fuel with Zero Emissions Technology

Sacramento, Calif., Apr 21, 2006 –

DaimlerChrysler has logged more than 1.2 million miles of zero-emissions fuel cell experience — no other automobile manufacturer even comes close.

This combined mileage is a result of more than 100 fuel cell vehicles operating worldwide, including Mercedes-Benz F-Cell passenger cars, Dodge Sprinter medium-duty fuel cell-powered vans and Citaro fuel cell-powered transportation buses.

The average petroleum-powered vehicle in the United States has a fuel economy of about 20 miles per gallon. Using that as a base, the operation of these hydrogen fuel cell vehicles has reduced conventional gasoline and diesel consumption by more than 60,000 gallons with zero emissions.

The aggressive $1 billion-plus investment that DaimlerChrysler has committed to fuel cell vehicle research will continue to keep the company on the cutting edge of fuel cell technology.

Through programs such as the Department of Energy Controlled Hydrogen Fleet and Infrastructure Demonstration and Validation Project, DaimlerChrysler will place more fuel cell vehicles in the hands of customers, who will provide valuable feedback about performance in different environments.

DaimlerChrysler is testing more than 100 fuel cell vehicles under varying weather, traffic conditions and driving styles in different locations worldwide. This experience will benefit the development of the fuel cell automobile and how it will be refueled. BP is the energy partner of DaimlerChrysler in the project.

DaimlerChrysler has been involved with fuel cell development for more than 10 years and is one of the founding members of The California Fuel Cell Partnership. The company also works closely with Ballard Power Systems to further develop the technology. Fuel cell vehicles are part of DaimlerChrysler’s advanced propulsion technology umbrella, which also includes exceptionally efficient gasoline engines, advanced diesels, bio-fuels and hybrid powertrain systems.

Global Electric Motorcars, LLC, Celebrates Production Launch of All New Six-Passenger GEM Electric Vehicles

* Worldwide leader in production and sales of low-speed neighborhood electric vehicles
* Product lineup expands for clean, quiet, convenient, fun-to-drive GEM vehicles
* Steady market growth expected to continue

Fargo, N.D., Apr 20, 2006 –

Global Electric Motorcars, LLC, a DaimlerChrysler company, today launched production of its all-new six-passenger GEM electric vehicle at the company’s headquarters and assembly plant in Fargo, N.D.

The GEM e6 is being added to the current GEM lineup of two- and four-passenger vehicles and two utility vehicle models. The street-legal GEM e6 is the perfect local transportation solution for larger families or shuttling groups of people.

“We created this new GEM model as a result of customer demand,” said Rick Kasper, President and Chief Operating Officer of Global Electric Motorcars.

“The GEM e6 is the perfect local transportation solution for larger families or for transporting groups of people around real estate developments, theme parks as well as around business, college and medical campuses. With the “S” package, the GEM e6 is the perfect all-around shuttle and delivery vehicle for use on roads within resorts, airports and military bases where ruggedness and continuous-duty is an issue.”

California remains the strongest market for zero-emission GEM vehicles, along with Sun Belt states such as Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Florida and Hawaii.

“We’ve just completed a 15-city tour to introduce our upgraded 2006 model lineup, and we’re capping it off today with our celebration of the first six-passenger production vehicles to come off the assembly line. We’re anxious to get these vehicles to our customers who have ordered them sight-unseen,” said Kasper.