Jeep Mopar
December 15, 2011 by Larson Automotive Group · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Aftermarket , SUV , Jeep Jeep enthusiasts have been asking for a Wrangler pickup for years, and 2011 is the year they finally got their wish – at least in kit form . The only thing that could keep the JK-8 Independence kit from being a success is the $5,499 price, which doesn’t include assembly. But it appears that the serious Jeep fans are all-in, and Mopar is stepping up to meet demand. Wards Auto reports that Mopar’s original estimate of 200-300 kit sales was trumped by 400 dealer orders. Team Mopar is reportedly stepping up to meet the demand, as President Pietro Gorlier tells WA that more kits are on the way. Gorlier adds that Mopar continues to be cautious about sales expectations in part because the kits are so large and difficult for dealers to store in any real numbers. Early demand for the kits, which is also available for the Wrangler Unlimited , also shows Chrysler that a next-generation Wrangler truck could take the market by storm. Gorlier points out that Jeep President Mike Manley has gone on record as saying that the next redesign of the Wrangler could include a pickup option, though no definite plans have been announced. Mopar pickup kit for Jeep Wrangler a hot seller, coming early originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
2013 Dodge Dart
December 8, 2011 by Larson Automotive Group · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Hatchback , Chrysler , Dodge Dodge might have teased us with a few images and some initial powertrain details on the 2013 Dart , but Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has provided even more in an interview with Reuters . According to Marchionne, the Dart is one piece of a larger puzzle for Chrysler in 2013, and the all-new Dart – based off a widened and stretched Alfa Romeo Giulietta – will hit 40 mpg thanks to a host of new engines and transmissions. As previously reported , the turbocharged 1.4-liter MultiAir fitted to the Fiat 500 Abarth will grace the top of the Dart range, but Dodge also plans to fit modified versions of the 2.0 and 2.4-liter World Gas Engine, comically rebranded as the Tigershark. When the Dart debuts, a Fiat-sourced six-speed dual-clutch transmission will feed the front wheels, but later in 2013 Dodge will reportedly offer a nine-speed automatic gearbox supplied by the ZF Group and manufactured in South Carolina. ZF officials claim fuel economy will be boosted between 10 to 16 percent over the dual-clutch ‘box, and that should put it handily in the 40 mpg range. And that last bit is important, as Fiat will receive its final five percent of Chrysler stock from the feds when it produces a vehicle with a 40-mpg rating. Marchionne: 2013 Dodge Dart will have optional 9-speed auto, hit 40 mpg originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
2012 Passat Alltrack
December 7, 2011 by Larson Automotive Group · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs , Plants/Manufacturing , Chrysler , Ford , GM , UAW/Unions According to a top researcher, labor costs for salaried employees at Chrysler , Ford and General Motors will surpass those of workers represented by the United Auto Workers for the first time next year. A report in Automotive News says the calculation was performed by the Center for Automotive Research (CAR), and made public at a recent conference. Sean McAlinden, chief economist for CAR, explained the math like this. The Big Three’s 66,000 salaried employees make an average of $122,500, or just over $8 billion in wages. That’s a little more than the $7.9 billion that 115,000 hourly workers will take home at roughly $69,000 each. Until 2009, McAlinden said, hourly employment had a decisive edge in total compensation, but plant closings and a paring down of the blue collar workforce have left salaried employees accounting for about 37 percent of the Big Three’s American workers. Is this just another sign of a shrinking UAW, or something more significant? It’s hard to say, but the article hints that salaried workers could be the next targets for cost-cutting: “McAlinden said a recent pledge by General Motors CEO Dan Akerson to cut vehicle platforms by half and consolidate advertising with fewer agencies recognized that salaried labor costs are mounting.” White collar salaries to overtake UAW labor costs next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
New 2013 VW CC
November 2, 2011 by Larson Automotive Group · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Aftermarket , SEMA Show , Convertible , SUV , Videos , Jeep Considering how long the Jeep Wrangler has been in production, we’re surprised that nobody thought of this sooner. The Jeep enthusiasts at Omix-Ada Inc. have designed what they’re calling the world’s first power folding soft top kit for the beloved Wrangler, which can be fitted to any 2007-2012 model year four-door model. (The company says a kit for the two-door Wrangler is expected to arrive later in 2012.) The Rugged Ridge package comes complete with a vinyl top, power top frame, hydraulics, wiring harness and installation pack, and the top itself includes a zip-out, removable, tinted rear window. Omix-Ada says the whole kit comes ready to install with “no fuss or mess.” We can’t help but notice that the top looks sort of flimsy during operation, but nevertheless, it’s a neat aftermarket tweak to one of the most iconic off-roaders ever to grace our roads (and trails). We’re not sure how well the hardcore purists will receive something like this, but there are plenty of people buying four-door Wranglers as lifestyle vehicles, too. Check out a pair of videos after the jump showing the power folding top in action, along with Omix-Ada’s press release. Continue reading Jeep Wrangler power folding top kit debuts at SEMA Jeep Wrangler power folding top kit debuts at SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Special Edition MW3 Jeep : Call of Duty Modern Warfare
September 28, 2011 by admin · Leave a Comment
Jeep and Activision have partnered up once again, this time to produce a new special edition Wrangler designed to commemorate the launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. The 2012 Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 Special Edition is set to land on dealer lots on November 8 in conjunction with the launch of [...]
2012 Saab 9-4x earn top saftey pick!
July 7, 2011 by admin · Leave a Comment
The new 2012 Saab 9-4x has just been named a “Top Pick” from IIHS Top Safety Pick for its luxurious crossover. The Saab 9-4x recieved top scores in front, rear and side-impact crashes, with standard stability control. Come and see all of our new Saabs at Larson Saab of Tacoma today! The Insurance Institute for [...]
Deal to Give Chinese Companies a Majority of Saab Owner Spyker
June 13, 2011 by paramopgi · Leave a Comment
Saab said today that Zhejiang Youngman Lotus will pay 136 million euros for a 29.9% share of Spyker and joint ventures to make and distribute Saabs in China. And Saab‘s earlier Chinese partner, Pang Da, will raise its investment to 109 million euros to keep its 24% stake. Come test drive an all new Saab [...]
Bodyless Dodge Viper is the ultimate burnout machine
May 16, 2011 by Dodge Blogger · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Coupe , Performance , Etc. , Europe , Videos , Dodge Bodyless Dodge Viper does perfect burnouts – Click above to watch video after the jump Chrysler really should have sold the Dodge Viper without its body. We don’t really have anything against the slinking lines of the big snake, but there’s something about the vision of the V10 monster frolicking around with its skirt off that simply flips all the right switches. It’s like a post-pubescent Ariel Atom. If you recall seeing the awesome Viper-powered Saab 9-3 SportCombi built by Zatzy forum member mrspringer, you probably spent at least half a second wondering what fate befell the engine’s donor. Well, wonder no more. Mrspringer seemingly got a hold of the whole vehicle in running condition with one notable exception – it had no skin. Like any mad scientist worth his salt, the guy immediately set the rear tires spinning and the naked guts of the Viper pirouetting in a remarkably tight parking area. We applaud both his car control skills and his commitment to safety. Remember, kids, always wear your seatbelt. Hit the jump to check out the action for yourself. Continue reading Bodyless Dodge Viper is the ultimate burnout machine Bodyless Dodge Viper is the ultimate burnout machine originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 May 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Ford joins GM, Chrysler in sitting out Tokyo Motor Show
April 30, 2011 by Dodge Blogger · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Japan , Tokyo Motor Show , Chrysler , Ford , GM An American auto show wouldn’t be the same without the participation of Japanese automakers. But the inverse could hardly be said, as all three of Detroit’s automakers are set to be no-shows at the Tokyo Motor Show once again. News of General Motors and Chrysler passing on the semi-annual Japanese auto expo came back in February, with word of Ford ‘s plan to pass just now being released. It will be the second time that the Big Three are staying back in Detroit, after having sat out the last show in 2009. Tokyo Motor Show organizers tried to attract more exhibitors by changing its venue and timeframe – a necessary move, as Tokyo is quickly losing ground to the auto shows in Shanghai and Beijing. A slew of European automakers are set to be on hand in Tokyo, as the list of exhibitors has been released to include Volkswagen and several of its brands, as well as Daimler and BMW , along with Saab , Renault , Citro
2011 Saab 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition
April 14, 2011 by paramopgi · Leave a Comment
Saab has announced it will build a limited-production variation on its 9-3 drop-top. Based on the top-spec Aero model and making its formal debut in Geneva, the 2011 Saab 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition goes on sale worldwide during the next couple of months. The automaker plans to turn out just 366 examples — one for [...]
