Sunday, October 21, 2007
Dodge News - New York Times gets a PHEV Dodge Sprinter
Monday, October 1, 2007
NASCAR Dodge Cars Undergoes Changes
At the recently held Canadian Grand Prix, BMW Sauber came in with a strong hold on the third spot in the constructor's championship with an aim to increase their lead over fourth place Renault. Nick Heidfeld gave the team just that after taking the second place at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada. His runner-up finish matched his best career Formula One finish.
With his second place finish, he, along with Alexander Wurz who is driving for Williams-Toyota, became the first drivers to attain a podium finish aside from McLaren and Ferrari's drivers. The driver said that he was impressed how well they have performed at the Canadian Grand Prix. "First of all, I'm stunned about how quick we were in Canada in race conditions," he said. "I think I could have finished second anyway, beaten probably one of the McLarens and both of the Ferraris."
He gave BMW Sauber a stronger hold on third place with 38 points - 17 points clear of fourth place Renault. With the next race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Heidfeld is confident that they can perform well at the circuit since it is similar to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. "It is true that the downforce level in Indy is similar to Canada, probably a bit more - obviously then there are a lot more corners," says the German driver.
"But (Indianapolis) is one of the circuits where I've always done well. Apart from last year, when I was flying a bit! I hope I will have better luck this year." Heidfeld is apparently referring to his last race at the United States Grand Prix where he was involved in an accident which saw his car flying through the air. The said race took out seven cars in just the opening lap. Heidfeld's car was totaled after he took a triple barrel roll which saw his car's components with even the BMW radiator flying through the air.
Heidfeld's teammate met a similar fate at this year's Canadian Grand Prix. The Polish BMW Sauber driver Robert Kubica suffered what is so called the most horrific high speed crash in recent memory. Fortunately though, the driver only suffered a minor concussion and a sprained ankle. Kubica's car looks to have been at a worse condition than Heidfeld's car last year at the United States Grand Prix.
After the race, Heidfeld called out for changes to be made on Circuit Gilles Villeneuve to avoid accidents in the future. "I don't know 100% but I think the circuit was breaking loose, especially in turn 10, and if that could be rectified for next year that would already be a big step," said Heidfeld.
The German driver admitted that he did not know the condition of his teammate immediately after the accident. "It was difficult to get some information," he said. "You just saw the car on the side with nothing left. I was happy to hear that Robert is okay."
Meanwhile the first Polish Formula One driver said that he is looking to participate at the upcoming United States Grand Prix. "As you see I'm quite in good shape and I'm hoping (to be) going to Indianapolis if the doctors will say OK for my driving," says the rising Formula One star after he was released from Montreal's Sacre-Coeur Hospital less than 24 hours after the accident.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive.buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
Reducing air pollution with Dodge catalytic converter and Geo catalytic converter
Problems in the environment are growing, the most common is on air pollution and experts are putting the blame on automotive emissions. Various innovations to help lessen toxic emissions are already available.
One continuous solution being considered are the availability of hybrid cars. Another popular alternative are the installation of catalytic converters. Car companies are now including this exhaust part in their vehicles. Just like in the case of Dodge Catalytic Converter and Geo Catalytic Converter.
Catalytic converters basically reduce the toxicity of the vehicles' emissions. They function in a thorough process to eliminate the harmful elements in the exhaust before they are released in the atmosphere. To do this, car engines carefully control the amount of fuel they burn. They try to keep the air to fuel ratio very close to the stoichiometric point, which is the ideal calculation. Dodge Catalytic Converter and Geo catalytic converter are tasked to take care of this. Dodge catalytic converters and Geo catalytic converters are three-way catalytic converters. This refers to the three regulated emissions they help to reduce, which are carbon monoxide, Hydrocarbons or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and Nitrogen oxides (NOx) molecules. Catalytic converters use two different types of catalysts, a reduction catalyst and an oxidation catalyst.
Dodge Catalytic Converter and Geo Catalytic Converter function in three stages. The first stage is The reduction catalyst. This is where platinum and rhodium are used to help reduce the Nitrogen oxides emissions. In the second stage or oxidization catalyst, the catalytic converter reduces the unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide by burning or oxidizing them over a platinum and palladium catalyst.
The final stage is a control system that monitors the exhaust stream. It also here where the information is used to control the fuel injection system. There is an oxygen sensor mounted upstream of the catalytic converter, which tells the engine computer how much oxygen is in the exhaust. The engine computer can then increase or decrease the amount of oxygen in the exhaust by adjusting the air to fuel ratio. This control scheme allows the engine computer to make sure that the engine is running efficiently or at close to the stoichiometric point.
About the Author
I'm Peter Alexander, 30 years of age. Currently working in a Marketing Firm. I usually spend my time accessorizing my car, reading car magazines, anything bout car will interest me.
Famous Car Brands: Ford And Dodge
Though most car models are static display items, individual model builders have sometimes powered their vehicles in various ways, including rubber bands, springs, inertia mechanisms, electric motors, internal combustion engines and steam engines. You can drive the latest car models for free Ethanol Fuel You can drive the latest car models. So if you are one of those car fanatics who are always looking for opportunities to test out the latest car models, this information will definitely be useful to you.
BMW
Autos - BMW is one of the major automobile manufacture companies in the international market today. History of BMW carsKarl Friedrich Rapp, an engineer in German Aircraft Company formed Rapp Motoren Werke in a suburb of Munich to manufacture aero engines. Though the history of BMW can be traced back to 1913, it was only after 15 years BMW cars were made. The Dixi 3/15PS produced at the Eisenbach factory marked the beginning of BMW automobile production. It was the first production car to be built entirely in-house by BMW. The other two models, which had immense profitable effect on BMW cars, were the 1500 and BMW 507. BMW 507 was the most memorable model in the history of automobile due to its light-alloy 2-door body shell with a retractable soft top. BMW CS Concept is a new high-end sports car, featuring the latest refinements of head designer Chris Bangle's "flame surfacing" aesthetic, with more complex planar transitions and swage lines. BMW caters to all sectors of automobile market, from smaller cars to top range luxury limousines. BMW have managed to squeeze more horsepower and torque from their engines using the latest technology such as double-vanos, vavetronis, etc. Under the leadership of Bernd Pischetsrieder, BMW owned the Rover group between 1994 and 2000. Designs and Engines: In the year 2000, BMW redesigned its various series of vehicle. The largest output of BMW group comes from British factories other than Germany.
Dodge
Dodge, founded nearly 100 years ago, is a branch of the Chrysler Corporation, one of the most successfully American auto manufacturers in operation. Among their first annual kits/promos, was the full-size Dodge Monaco, which was released with a gold metallic painted body and is a valuable collector's item today? Typically, this company produced models of cars by: Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth, American Motors Corp. There is the thrill of walking into a Cadillac Dealership, the first turn of the key in a new Dodge Caliber, or the shine on that prized used Cadillac Escalade. The Dodge 4 door cab 2500 was in South America--years before the U> S> allowed it--too big for most of us in tiny lots.
The days are gone where the only gas friendly car models look like toy cars, or have no horsepower. Not only will these gas friendly car models get more mileage for your gas dollars, the federal government is giving income tax breaks for buying gas friendly car models as well.
About the Author
John Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of www.WeKnowCars.com. He provides more information on all types of famous car brands and car issues that you can research in your pajamas on his website.
Dodge All-New Journey at the Frankfurt
Dodge a division of Chrysler has boosted the brand's expansion in its volume markets outside North America with the introduction of the all-new Dodge Journey at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The all-new Dodge Journey is the solution that Dodge designers and engineers have come up with to answer the needs of the global passenger car market including those of the individual drivers. According to its creators, the Journey is a global vehicle that meets life's changing demands by offering a unique blend of all the best attitudes and overall efficiency of a passenger car and putting them all in a right-sized crossover under the Dodge brand.
The Dodge Journey is based on the company's global D-segment platform and designed to provide customers with the flexibility that goes beyond seating people and storing gear. Everything about the Journey screams Dodge. Its powerful, muscular exterior styling and 19-inch wheels and tires are unmistakably Dodge.
Its stylish, comfortable interior with its unique features such as the integrated child booster seats and MyGIG™ cutting-edge multimedia infotainment system with optional navigation together with other Dodge accessories are added to increase comfort.
And speaking of comfort, the Journey is equipped with flexible seating and storage combinations that include the standard five-passenger seating with spacious cargo room and the available 5+2 seating to accommodate extra passengers. The Journey is also equipped with spacious storage bins that are hidden in the floor and under the front passenger seat cushion. To make the Journey more practical, functional, and fun to drive a variety of fuel-efficient and powerful Petrol and diesel powertrain options were offered for the Journey.
In terms of safety features the Journey is loaded with standard multi-stage front driver and passenger airbags, front-seat-mounted side airbags, three-row-side-curtain airbags, standard four-wheel disc anti-lock (ABS), standard Electronic Stability Programme(ESP), standard Electronic Roll Mitigation and available ParkView™ Rear Backup Camera.
The all-new Dodge Journey will be offered in both left and right hand drive in global volume markets outside North America beginning mid-2008.
Dodge has presently holds 6 percent of the US market share and it is currently the best-selling brand for Chrysler and the fifth largest nameplate in the US. Last 2006 Dodge was able to sell more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. Its global portfolio includes a range of cars, minivans, trucks, and sport-utility vehicles.
The decision of the Dodge brand to expand markets outside North America has helped it raised its year-over-year international sales by 160 percent to 29,859 units sold from January through July. The Dodge Viper and the Caliber both spearheaded the brand's expansion last 2006. For this year, 2007 Dodge Nitro and the Avenger were also offered on global market. The brand is also targeting the high-performance Caliber SRT4 to be offered globally in 2008.
Chrysler is also hoping that the addition of the Dodge brand in its international portfolio would help to increase a 1.4 percent market share in Western Europe by 2009. If Dodge would continuously maintain its strong sales it could account for almost 30 percent of Chrysler's total sales outside of North America by the end of 2009.
About the Author
Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.
Dodge All-New Journey at the Frankfurt
Dodge a division of Chrysler has boosted the brand's expansion in its volume markets outside North America with the introduction of the all-new Dodge Journey at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The all-new Dodge Journey is the solution that Dodge designers and engineers have come up with to answer the needs of the global passenger car market including those of the individual drivers. According to its creators, the Journey is a global vehicle that meets life's changing demands by offering a unique blend of all the best attitudes and overall efficiency of a passenger car and putting them all in a right-sized crossover under the Dodge brand.
The Dodge Journey is based on the company's global D-segment platform and designed to provide customers with the flexibility that goes beyond seating people and storing gear. Everything about the Journey screams Dodge. Its powerful, muscular exterior styling and 19-inch wheels and tires are unmistakably Dodge.
Its stylish, comfortable interior with its unique features such as the integrated child booster seats and MyGIG™ cutting-edge multimedia infotainment system with optional navigation together with other Dodge accessories are added to increase comfort.
And speaking of comfort, the Journey is equipped with flexible seating and storage combinations that include the standard five-passenger seating with spacious cargo room and the available 5+2 seating to accommodate extra passengers. The Journey is also equipped with spacious storage bins that are hidden in the floor and under the front passenger seat cushion. To make the Journey more practical, functional, and fun to drive a variety of fuel-efficient and powerful Petrol and diesel powertrain options were offered for the Journey.
In terms of safety features the Journey is loaded with standard multi-stage front driver and passenger airbags, front-seat-mounted side airbags, three-row-side-curtain airbags, standard four-wheel disc anti-lock (ABS), standard Electronic Stability Programme(ESP), standard Electronic Roll Mitigation and available ParkView™ Rear Backup Camera.
The all-new Dodge Journey will be offered in both left and right hand drive in global volume markets outside North America beginning mid-2008.
Dodge has presently holds 6 percent of the US market share and it is currently the best-selling brand for Chrysler and the fifth largest nameplate in the US. Last 2006 Dodge was able to sell more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. Its global portfolio includes a range of cars, minivans, trucks, and sport-utility vehicles.
The decision of the Dodge brand to expand markets outside North America has helped it raised its year-over-year international sales by 160 percent to 29,859 units sold from January through July. The Dodge Viper and the Caliber both spearheaded the brand's expansion last 2006. For this year, 2007 Dodge Nitro and the Avenger were also offered on global market. The brand is also targeting the high-performance Caliber SRT4 to be offered globally in 2008.
Chrysler is also hoping that the addition of the Dodge brand in its international portfolio would help to increase a 1.4 percent market share in Western Europe by 2009. If Dodge would continuously maintain its strong sales it could account for almost 30 percent of Chrysler's total sales outside of North America by the end of 2009.
About the Author
Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.
The Roadster with an Attitude: Dodge Demon Concept
The 77th International Motor Show shall be featuring the Dodge Demon Concept as a vehicle with perfect balance of classic sports car proportion and simplicity blended with modern design and performance.
The Dodge model is acclaimed as a feasible dream car, as Jae Chung, Dodge Demon Principal Exterior Designer, Chrysler Group, said, "While the iconic Dodge Viper is a dream car for many, the Dodge Demon is designed to be an attainable dream car."
"The exterior design is simple yet bold, featuring an energetic combination of curves and intersecting planes," he added.
Along with premium quality auto parts like Dodge air filters under the hood, Dodge has given the Demon a highlight on its bodyside. Front wheels came up to be the attraction, leading the line towards the angular color-keyed vent on the rear fender. The same pattern can be seen at the vehicle's compound rear fender surface that curves up and over the rear wheel moving into a broad diagonal plane and towards the taillamp. The design gives the Dodge its distinct muscular look.
At the rear, the body is subsequently divided into three planes: two chamfered outboard planes and tapering trapezoidal taillamps. Meanwhile, the front is locked with signature Dodge crosshair grille with aggressive trapezoidal opening. The front even has the sharp-looking image articulated by the grille, headlamps and smooth curves.
The Dodge Demon features 19-inch brushed aluminum wheels that play on the dramatic curves planes and pushed to the corners of the body for the open-spoke design.
Considering the comfort of the interior, Dan Zimmermann, Dodge Demon Principal Interior Designer, said, "In the manner of timeless British sports cars, the interior of the Dodge Demon is purposely functional, not frivolous... Everything relating to the driving experience is emphasized, while that which is not is made visually secondary."
Zimmermann also said, "The well laid out instrument panel, for example, is familiar, yet modern. Everything you really need - the gauges, circular AC outlets, radio - is encapsulated in a cross-car brushed aluminum bezel that also accentuates the width of the cabin. Secondary controls and features, such as the HVAC knobs and the passenger-side glove box, are located below this bezel."
"Each of these features is set flush, or nearly flush, with the bezel surface so as to establish a 'clear zone' for the driver's shift arm in all seating positions, with nothing in the way of the driving experience," he continued.
All being said, the Dodge Demon has the complexity and distinct interior design that all comes proportionate to one another. Even the doors was sophisticatedly design with durable, vertical grab handles attached to a silver bezel that houses the chrome door remote handle. Those doors are well trimmed in the lower portion with a stylish brushed aluminum bezel encapsulating large circular speaker grille.
With regards to technical specifications, the Dodge Demon is equipped with 2.4 L petrol World Engine that produces maximum power of 172 hp SAE (128 kW) @ 6000 rpm and maximum torque of 165 lb.-ft. (224 Nm) @ rpm. The Demon measures 156.5 inches (3974 mm) in length, 68.3 inches (1736 mm) in width and 51.8 inches (1315 mm) in height.
Though the pricing of the Demon hasn't been released yet, Dodge has proclaimed that it will be an affordable sports car. There is no doubt that the Demon will capture the eyes of the many in the International Motor Show in Geneva next month.
About the Author
Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.
Dodge Avenger-Based STARSTER Heading to Frankfurt
STARTECH GmbH, a German auto tuning company exclusively for Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep models adds up a new item on their product lineup of tuned up models.
STARTECH has created the STARSTER, a new concept model based on the Dodge Avenger mid size sedan that aims to "bridge the gap between classic old-school and modern designs", according to the German auto tuner. The car will made its world premiere at the 2007 International Motor Show (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung, IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany. The new STARECH STARSTER comes with a wide range of exclusive features from the German tuner starting from the front grilles up to the tail lamps, and in the interiors.
Outside, STARTECH gave the STARSTER a pearlescent ivory exterior color highlighted by matte-orange contrasts and decals on hood and rear. This represents the aggressive appearance of 1970s model of American muscle cars, according to STARTECH. Other exclusive exterior features of the STARTECH STARSTER include sporty STARSTER front apron, large air dams, stylized bumper horns, new STARTECH headlamp design with LED technology and distinctive Dodge crosshairs, and muscle car hood scoop. In addition, the STARTECH STARSTER is also equipped with striking front and rear fender flares to match the car's wheels and tires. Complementing the fender flares include STARTECH's polished Monostar IV five-spoke wheels measuring 9J x 22 covered with 245/30 R 22 tires in the front, and 10.5J x 22 wheels with size 295/25 R 22 tires in the rear. The rear portion of the STARTECH STARSTER comes with a redesigned styling and includes features like acrylic trunk lid molding, innovative taillight unit with LED lights, and stainless-steel sport exhaust system with integrated tail pipes.
The STARTECH STARSTER also comes with comfortable and elegant interior components to match the concept car's sleek exterior. Interior color trims are matched with the exterior color scheme like the leather seats with sports upholstery. Even the floor of the STARTECH STARSTER is made of leather and features waffle-pattern stitching.
Now on the technical side, the STARTECH STARSTER offers a powerful 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine under its hood. This top of the line power unit is capable of pumping out 335 hp (340 PS / 250 kW) at 6,400 rpm and pulls out 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) amount of peak torque at 3,600 rpm. The engine also features variable valve timing (VVT) and coupled with a five-speed manual transmission, powering the front wheels. With this powertrain package, the STARTECH STARSTER can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 5.6 seconds and can reach an electronically limited top speed of 165 mph (265 kph).
Other exclusive technical feats include locking differential, height-adjustable coil-over sport suspension, selectable damper settings, and STARTECH high-performance brake system. STARTECH probably retains the Dodge altezza lights and other Dodge components. Anyway, STARTECH will announce the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of this model soon.
About the Author
Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.
How To Dodge The Police In Vietnam
The good news about traveling to Vietnam is that you won't have to be concerned with threats of terrorism or border wars. Vietnam has been there, and done that, and now the country is trying something new: it wants to attract foreigners and their money by becoming a tourist magnet.
One way it has of achieving its goal is to guard its borders in a manner which makes most would-be subversives take their acts elsewhere. One sure-fire way for you to dodge the police in Vietnam is to avoid doing anything that might hint of clandestine espionage. When you decide to take photographs, clear them with whatever authority you can find. Don't even bother asking if you can shoot pictures of the Vietnamese government buildings, and ditto for the military establishments should you come near them.
The guy in the tan uniform is a traffic cop, and the guy in the green uniform is with the tourist police. The tourist police are a fairly new addition to the Ho Chi Minh City police force, and their job is to help tourists cross the street if the Ho Chi Minh traffic police are failing to do their jobs. You shouldn't try to dodge the tourist police, because they will wonder why you are afraid to let them help you. Besides, reports are that they spend most of their time congregating on street corners and whistling at passing cars. Usually they are perfectly happy to ignore you if you ignore them.
The traffic police in Vietnam are another matter. The traffic police have a reputation of finding reasons to fine the people they stop, and looking for reason to stop them so they can fine them. This is especially true for those traveling by motorbike.
One way to dodge the traffic police in Vietnam is to eschew the motorbike rentals in favor of taxis. Your taxi driver will be in the loop as to where the speed traps have been set up, and will have the requisite skill for making fast U-turns in the middle of downtown Ho Chi Minh City if there is a police checkpoint ahead. Your taxi driver will also know alternate routes to get you to your destination when there is a policeman standing on a corner. But if you really want to add some spice to your visit, go ahead and rent the motor bike, and try to dodge the police by engaging in a few Evel Knievel moves of your own.
If you're homosexual, the best way to dodge the police in Vietnam is to take your vacation in Thailand, where you will feel much more at home, blending in with local lady boys. Although homosexuality is not outlawed in Vietnam, there remain cultural taboos against it. While the gay scene in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City may be more relaxed, there was a recent incident in June 2007 where a gay sauna in Ho Chi Minh City was raided and closed. The customers themselves were not charged with anything fortunately.
The best way to dodge the police in Vietnam, it seems, is to stay in your hotel room, but that's probably not why you made the trip. So practice your motor biking skills before you leave home, stay away from any place that appeals to homosexuality, watch what you photograph, and look both ways while you are crossing the street!
About the Author
For the Crowd: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10
Chrysler's Dodge division created the V10 powered sports car, the Dodge Viper SRT10, which built up a great name for itself in auto-making history. Its first production was at the New Mack Assembly factory in 1992. By 1995, the production of the two seat super vehicle was moved to the Conner Avenue Assembly factory. Since its debut, the model has been seen in a number of movies, TV shows, music videos and video games.
A lot of people say that the Dodge Viper SRT10 was inspired by the AC Cobra. However, it is a lot larger than the said iconic car. This Dodge model has been a futuristic version of those classic American muscle cars. The Dodge Viper SRT10 also had some help in its creation from industry legend Carroll Shelby.
The earlier concept behind the Dodge Viper SRT10 was developed at the Advanced Design Studies of the Chrysler Corporation back in 1988. It has been a modern day version of the Dodge Cobra, as what Chrysler president Bob Lutz suggested.
There have been prominent upgrades on the Dodge Viper for 2008. Included is its 600 horse power, leaving a great difference from antecedent 90 horse power. Even the torque has been bumped up to 560 lb/ft from 25 lb/ft of the previous. Its displacement has also gained improvement reaching 8.4 liters. According to a source, "The new vehicle will boast better flowing heads with bigger valves, as well as variable valve timing on the dual throttle bodies and the exhaust cam."
There were minimal changes made in the outside of the power plant. However, Ricardo Consulting Engineers along with McLaren Cars managed to make the little changes more significant.
Tremec TR6060 has replaced the classic T56 transmission of the Dodge Viper. Together with a revised shifter, there has been a twenty percent improvement in the shift speed when compared to the Chevrolet Corvette Z06.
A GKNVisco differential has taken oven the Dana M44-4 rear axle that was on the 2003 model of the Dodge Viper SRT10. With its aid, there will be an easier grip on the tires when they are under acceleration.
Another great thing about this new Dodge Viper SRT10 is its new tires, the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 high-performance tires. It gives the vehicle an incomparable handling in almost all kinds of circuit.
Chrysler made a significant change in the 2008 Viper STR10's exhaust system. They had it without crossover, which is actually essential to reduce the amount of heat allowed to enter the cockpit. However, Dodge AC condensers and others remain on its premium state.
About the Author
Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.
