Questions about new Challenger: engine options, how much Mercedes content?

Anyone know what engine and transmission options the upcoming Challenger will have, and how much Mercedes content (suspension and other stuff) it will have?

Will Chrysler show it at the 2008 Detroit auto show in January? (did they show it at previous auto shows?)

Anyone know how long Chrysler will continue to be using Daimler parts in their cars? Anyone seen the USD:Euro exchange rate lately?

Reply to
MoPar Man`
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US$ to Euro was about $1.39/Euro 9-12-07.

Reply to
NapalmHeart

Rumor and common sense both say it will share the exact same engine/transmission options as the 300/Magnum/Charger, except that it may not offer the 2.7 v6 but instead start with the 3.5. That would mean

3.5, 3.5HO (maybe only v6?) 5.7, and 6.2 Hemis. There's not really any "Mercedes content" at all. Some of the suspension components are derived from the general E-class Benz system, and the transmission for the v8s (at least some versions of it) is Benz-derived but its both modified from Benz production units and is built in Kokomo right next to all the others. All the v6s get either a 4-speed version of the 42LE, or a 5-speed derivative similar to what's in the Pacifica except laid out for rear-drive.

They never DID, other than the Common-Rail Diesel engine that briefly appeared in the Jeep Liberty, and of course the Crossfire was totally Benz other than the coachwork. Obviously they'll quit basing future designs on Benz designs altogether, but there was NEVER a "common parts bin" as some people seem to think.

Reply to
Steve

Will the Challenger be assembled in Brampton, Ontario along with the Charger & Magnum?

-KM

Reply to
kmath50

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PRESS RELEASE

February 13, 2007

Ontario to become home of the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger

Brampton, Ontario plant will begin production in the spring of 2008 Plant will become Chrysler Group's first to build four different models DaimlerChrysler's commitment to Canada continues Countdown begins for highly-anticipated sports coupe Toronto, Ontario -

DaimlerChrysler announced today that the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger will be built at its Brampton Assembly Plant near Toronto.

"It's good news that the Dodge Challenger will be added to the Canadian production line-up," said Reid Bigland, President and CEO of DaimlerChrysler Canada. "Quickly bringing desirable new products such as the Dodge Challenger to market is critical to keeping our plants humming, and our dealerships busy."

The Brampton plant also produces Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Magnum and works on three shifts. The Windsor (Ontario) Assembly Plant also works on three shifts and produces Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country minivans as well as Chrysler Pacifica. Production of the Dodge Challenger will begin next year and preparations to ready the plant are already underway.

"Brampton is our first plant to demonstrate the ability to build four models on one line," said Frank Ewasyshyn, Executive Vice President - Manufacturing, Chrysler Group. "As we continue to expand our new model line-up and further implement our flexible manufacturing strategy, other facilities will also have this capability."

Lean manufacturing and product development strategies also allow the Chrysler Group to bring new models, like the Dodge Challenger, to market more quickly. First revealed as a concept vehicle at the North American International (Detroit) Auto Show in 2006, it was announced this past summer that the 2008 Dodge Challenger would be going into production in 2008.

Riding a wave of fan anticipation, a new clock will be on display along with the Dodge Challenger concept car to count down to the unveiling of the production version of the car at the Chicago Auto Show next year. Today, the count-down clock shows 358 days.

"Our speed to market means that Challenger production is now measured in only days," said George Murphy, Senior Vice President - Global Marketing, Chrysler Group. "The ability to quickly react to ever- changing consumer tastes is a competitive advantage for the company."

It will be just a little over two years from Dodge Challenger's concept car introduction to the time it will be available in dealerships.

The company has already seen passionate response to the Dodge Challenger with its bold, powerful and capable attributes. Challenger content received a total of 1.5 million visits on the Dodge.com website in 2006 and 20,000 potential customers have asked the company for more product information regarding the car.

The production version of the 2008 Dodge Challenger will be true to both its historical and modern concept car roots as a two-door, HEMI=AE V-8 powered, rear-drive vehicle. It will be the first coupe built on Chrysler Group's highly successful large car platform which includes the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Dodge Magnum.

Source: DaimlerChrysler Media Services

Reply to
Jalapeno

I've no idea. I'm wondering if its dead, or priority is bumped down after the split from Daimler. A year ago the rumors were that it would be heading into production probably mid-model-year 08, but I've not read ANYTHING about it in several months.

Reply to
Steve

Actually, that was from VM, an Italian company. But the 3.0 diesel V6 in the Grand Cherokee now IS an M-B engine.

Cruise control lever! :-)

Reply to
Lloyd

Very few parts were sourced through or by MB (Daimler). The Cruise Stalk, some wiring harness architecture are about the most DAIMLER content. The Transmission is built in Indiana licensed to Chrysler (and built by Chrysler employees) from an older (now unused) MB design. The diesel engine that was in the Liberty was a VM engine as noted. VM is now owned 50% by General Motors. The new Jeep Gd Cherokee diesel is a 3.0L from MB. The 2.0L diesel in the Caliber is sourced from Volkswagon.

Some of the suspension on the LX vehicles were derived from the last generation E-Class (MB) but were adapted by Chrysler engineers to be heavier and fit in the available space. MB parts were also made of aluminum, which would be cost prohibitive for Chrysler, so the ones made here are from steel.

There really was never a combined "Parts Bin" between Chrysler and MB. Some general designs were shared, but each has made their own. But the new upcoming "Phoenix" V-6's are a joint development. They are an engine family of V-6's that will replace ALL Chrysler and ALL MB V-6 units. There will be common blocks of different displacement that will be shared. (Similar to the arraingment between Chrysler-Mitsubishi- Hyundai for the "World" I-4's)

Reply to
chryslerman

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