The Chrysler EV, An Electric Hybrid Town & Country

Introduced in conjunction with Chrysler ENVI’s electric hybrid 3-vehicle line-up, the Chrysler EV is a hybrid version of Chrysler’s current minivan offering, the Chrysler Town & Country. Ipso facto, the Chrysler EV is also a vehicle that no one, save for that overzealous mom who runs the local PTA, could ever possibly want. Fortunately, although Chrysler has admitted that only one of the three extended-range electric vehicles will make it to production, it hasn’t revealed which one, allowing us the glimmer of hope that it won’t be the Chrysler EV.

Despite the fact that its official classification as a minivan earns it our scathing ire, like the other two Chrysler ENVI vehicles, the Chrysler EV’s fuel-efficient engineering and innovative technology is actually pretty impressive.

Chrysler EV photo gallery after the jump

With the same electronic drive train application as both the Dodge EV and the Jeep EV, the Chrysler EV minivan is powered by a gasoline-powered small displacement engine that is integrated to function in tandem with an electric generator, both of which provide additional power to the Chrysler’s electronic drive system. The motor itself produces a zippy 9 second 0-60 mph acceleration time and produces 255-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It also provides zero tailpipe emissions, and like it’s two ENVI siblings, features a fuel consumption average of approximately 50 mpg, or 400 miles per every 8 gallons of gasoline.

In addition to serving as a preview of what could possibly translate into a production model, the Chrysler EV also serves as a rubric for future, as yet unreleased vehicles. According to Chrysler, the knowledge and experience gained from engineering the Chrysler EV “will be applied to other front-wheel drive applications in Chrysler’s portfolio.”

We say: Chalk the Chrysler EV up to experience, and give us the Jeep EV.

[Photo Cred: Jalopnik]

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How and Why to Shift Gears Using the Double Clutch

Double clutching is a method for downshifting that gives you smoother transitions and lowers the wear on your transmission. It’ll prolong your transmissions life and giving you an overall smoother ride. You will, of course, need a manual transmission.

Double-clutching is usually only used by truck drivers or race-car drivers, but if you have a manual transmission, you can double-clutch. It’s easy.

Usually with a manual trans, you depress the clutch, put the shifter in the next gear, and release the clutch. Double clutching adds another step. Instead of going from one gear right to another gear, you stop in neutral and release the clutch momentarily and tap the gas. Doing this allows the engine to speed up a bit so the transition into the next gear goes more smoothly. It only takes a split second to get the gear speeds matched, so it’s all done as a nice fluid movement. So it goes like this: you want to change gears > press clutch > shift to neutral > release clutch > tap the gas > press clutch again > shift to next gear > release clutch. Done and done.

Here’s a video showing how it’s done:

There is a debate about double-clutching though, since most modern cars have a device called a synchronizer that helps match the speed of the gearbox with that of the engine. Some people say this eliminates the need for double-clutching. Still, double-clutching usually makes for a smoother ride and puts less stress on the gearbox. Either way, it’s an easy skill to learn and it’s good to know.

Steve McQueen, king of the double-clutch

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Detroit 2009: Production Fisker Karma debuts for 2010 [w/VIDEO]

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2010 Fisker Karma

It's been a scant 12 months since Henrik Fisker debuted the curvaceous Karma concept that bears his name, and today the former PAG design star returned to Detroit with a very similar looking production model and a business plan.

It's been a busy year for the upstart luxury manufacturer, and in that time, a development center has been built and staffed in nearby Pontiac, Michigan, and the Karma has received an all-new interior ("with eco-friendly materials and absolutely no black plastic buttons") that includes a new haptic touch-control system for the driver.

The aluminum spaceframe four-door is a plug-in hybrid vehicle that Fisker says will reach 60 miles-per-hour in 5.8 seconds and be able to cruise comfortably at 125 miles-per-hour. Power gets to the 22-inch wheels via a pair of 201 horsepower electric motors backed by a lithium-ion battery pack. A generator is affixed to a 260-horsepower version of General Motors' 2.0-liter Ecotec engine to provide extended-range capability.

Fisker says his company expects to sign 40 dealers up by year's end, and notes that he already has 22 on-board. Furthermore, Fisker says he expects production to ramp up to 15,000 units per year, and 1,300 units have already be pre-sold to early adopters. The asking price for the Karma is a reasonable-sounding $87,900, a number that has us wondering how Fisker and Co. intends to make money considering the modest volume projections and cost-intensive R&D. Check out the high-res gallery below, and the video and press release after the jump.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: 2010 Fisker Karma

Gallery: Production Fisker Karma

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Production Fisker Karma debuts for 2010 [w/VIDEO]

Detroit 2009: Production Fisker Karma debuts for 2010 [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Top 25 Jalopnik Photos Of 2008 [Jalopnik 2008 Year In Review]

We hope you’ve had as much fun reading Jalopnik this year as we’ve had bringing it to you. Here’s our 25 favorite photos we shot in 2008. We think they sum up the experience.

Rather than focus on mere page views, we thought we’d pick our personal favorite shots from those that either we took, or were taken for us, presenting them in reverse chronological order. Better than the Ten Most Popular Stories of 2008 or the Ten Most View Photo Galleries of 2008, we think this gallery sums up our 2008.

We've included descriptions underneath each photo — so start with picture #1 and work your way through for the full effect. Enjoy!

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Official: GM shrinking to four brands; Pontiac to four models

Filed under: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, HUMMER, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn

In an interview Sunday with Automotive News (sub. req'd), Troy Clarke, GM's North American president, said that General Motors will be able to make good on its promise to Congress to drastically cut costs. Clarke said that GM will now focus its "product and marketing resources" on Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC. That would leave Pontiac, Saturn, Saab and HUMMER in automotive limbo. As part of that same plan presented to lawmakers, GM said it would sell or close Saturn. And since no one has yet stepped forward with cash, the future is not at all certain for the unique brand despite what GM's marketing VP Mark LaNeve says.

In a separate interview, Bob Lutz told AN that Pontiac will also have to get by with only four models: the G8, G5, Vibe and Solstice. Or five models if you count the Solstice coupe separately as Lutz does. Shrinking the brand would complete yet another promise GM made to Congress to make Pontiac a niche brand.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Official: GM shrinking to four brands; Pontiac to four models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read |  |  | 

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Detroit 09': Kia Soul'ster Concept Attempts to Appeal to "Active People"

The Kia Soul'ster concept immediately recalls such fun "open-air" cars like the old Isuzu Amigo and Jeep Wrangler (although this concept could never hit the trail like a Jeep).

The Kia Soul'ster concept is based on the new Kia Soul, but with only two doors and a two-piece canvas roof. There are no frills in this concept either, which means no power windows and a manual gearbox.

Kia describes the concept as a “fun, affordable convertible for active people who like to share good times with friends.”

The concept is powered by either a 120 horsepower 1.6L or a 140 horsepower 2.0L engine. Fuel economy for both engines is estimated at 30 mpg.

The Kia Soul will be in dealerships this spring, it's not known if Kia is actually going to produce the Soul'ster. It could be just what Kia needs to make the brand more appealing to 20-somethings.

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Detroit 2009: Dodge Ram HD goes for the Big Horn

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Trucks/Pickups, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Dodge Ram HD

The 2009 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty was left to rumble on its own out back while the electric concepts took to the Chrysler stage at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. But the hulking oil-burner certainly deserves mention. Powerplants come in two flavors on the 2500 models: a 5.7-liter V8 with 355 hp and 395 lb-ft. of twist and twizzle, and the big daddy 6.7-liter Cummins with 350 hp and 650 lb-ft. The 6.7-liter diesel particulate filter reduces NOx emissions by 90%, meaning the car passes 2010 standards right now, and if you step up to the Ram 3500, you get the 6.7-liter standard - because obviously you go by the name Hoss.

Inside, the manual is no longer an option with the 5.7-liter, but Dodge wants to make that up to you with an available Infinity sound system, Internet connectivity with uConnect, and a power-sliding rear window. You'll want to make sure you choose your truck carefully, though - Dodge touts them as the longest lasting trucks out there: the 6.7-liter is expected to get you 350,000 miles before its first major overhaul. You can learn more than you ever wanted to know about Dodge Rams after the jump, and check out the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Dodge Ram Heavy Duty

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Dodge Ram HD goes for the Big Horn

Detroit 2009: Dodge Ram HD goes for the Big Horn originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda Reveals its 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon Lineup

Honda has unveiled its lineup for the 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon, which is basically similar to SEMA. The show kicks off at the same time as the Detroit Auto Show, this Sunday.

The two main vehicles at the show will be the Sports Modulo S2000 and Fit Concepts, but check out the gallery to see the other models.

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V10-Powered BMW Z4: The Non-Hairdresser Version [Custom Cars]

With the arrival of the new BMW Z4 looming on the horizon, this previous-gen Z4 packs a little something extra to grab your attention.: the 5.0-liter V10 from the BMW M5.

A lot of you were enraged when we referred to the 2009 BMW Z4 as a hairdresser’s car. Today we bring you the non-hairdresser version of the Z4 and it’s not the M Roadster.

OK, we lie, it was an M Roadster at one point, but the owner wasn’t content with the paltry 343 HP inline six it was packaged with from the factory. No, they needed more -– much more. The six was ripped out and replaced by what some call a technical marvel or possibly just the 2005 Engine of the Year — the 5.0-liter V10 from the BMW M5 / M6.

It appears the M5’s donor V10 fits perfectly under the hood of the Z4 and it likely packs quite the wallop when the go pedal is stomped. But when you decide to go, it’s not the stock 507-hp that you’ll be feeling, but a Hartge-tuned 551-hp instead. All this power is routed through a six-speed manual gearbox allowing this non-hairdresser’s Z4 to rocket to 60 much faster than the stock M5’s 4.7 seconds.

The Z4 appears mostly stock from the exterior with the exception of a set 20-inch Hartge wheels – a true sleeper indeed. The asking price for this little beast is a non-carpocalypse friendly 97,900 Euros which rounds out to roughly $140,000 U.S. For that money, you could almost buy five standard M Roadsters to strut your pretty self in, but we’d rather have just this one so we could lay to rest the hairdresser debate once and for all.

[Carscoop via Mobile.de]

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Missouri Teen Crashes Truck To Escape Abductor, Needs Course On “Convincing Excuses For Playing Hooky 101″

In Leadington, Missouri, high school football star Kory Wakefield has become the center of a bizarre story after he was abducted last week. According to the Kansas City Star, shortly after leaving his house for school at around7:20 am on Monday morning, Wakefield was approached by a man with a gun and ordered to get into his [Wakefield's] truck and drive to Columbia. Although it’s unclear exactly how, at some point between Wakefield leaving the house and eventually being discovered by police, he text messaged his girlfriend, Katelyn Neff, “HELP.”

“[That's] When I knew something was wrong,” Katelyn explained, “Because Kory would never joke like that.” At that point Wakefield’s family began to worry and immediately sent out the alert that something was wrong. After repeated calls to Wakefield’s cell phone were sent directly to voicemail, Wakefield’s aunt finally got through to Wakefield, who sounded terrified and was pleading for someone to help him. Next, Wakefield called his father Sonny, who told the boy to hang up and dial 911. Wakefield did, and the police responded to the call, finding Wakefield in the Macon County, MI wildlife area. Wakefield told authorities that the man with the gun had ordered him into the woods, where Wakefield feared he would be murdered. Apparently deciding this was his only way out, Wakefield intentionally collided head-on with a pile of logs, knocking both himself and his abductor unconscious. When he recovered, he saw another man helping his abductor out of the vehicle, and decided to “play dead” to avoid being noticed. After the two men left, Wakefield called the police. Based on the description given, police are looking for a 35-40 year-old man, about 5′5″, with a reddish-brown ponytail.

Final weird element: police dusted the vehicle thoroughly for prints, and found only Wakefield’s.

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Detroit 2009: Jeep Patriot EV joins the ENVI lineup

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Crossovers/CUVs, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge, Jeep

Click above for high-res image gallery of the Jeep Patriot EV

It remains to be seen how serious Cerberus is about keeping Chrysler LLC going or if anyone else will step forward to take control of the Auburn Hills-based company. While the gang in the executive suite determine the company's fate, the engineers at the ENVI division have their shoulders to the grind-stone turning out a fourth electric vehicle for the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. This time the team has applied it's extended-range electric-drive powertrain to the Jeep Patriot. Like the earlier Town and Country EV, this one has an electric motor driving the front wheels, in this case a 150 kW unit. A lithium-ion battery pack of indeterminate capacity gives the Patriot EV a claimed 40-mile range per charge.

A surprisingly small 60-hp internal combustion engine/generator combo keeps the Patriot going after the battery is depleted for up to 400 miles. Since the Patriot is a rebodied Caliber, it seems plausible that if the lights are still on by the time we get to Chicago or New York, we might see an ER-EV version of the Dodge at some point, too. Unfortunately, unless the economy picks up and Chrysler's mainstream lineup is improved, the efforts of the ENVI team might all be for naught.

Gallery: Jeep Patriot EV

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Jeep Patriot EV joins the ENVI lineup

Detroit 2009: Jeep Patriot EV joins the ENVI lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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