Chrysler: Better Technology to be Introduced Soon

Chrysler has followed up on speculation that it would be constantly

implementing

new features and technologies. The brand has opted to

change its philosophy, which in the past involved waiting and saving

such upgrades for the launch of brand new products, or heavy revisions.

In

addition to the promise of 2 Mode Hybrids for Ram, Durango and Aspen,

as well as a light duty-diesel, the big powertrain news pertains to a

new all wheel drive system that will be featured on large LX-platform

vehicles, including 300, Charger and Challenger. All LX cars, with the

exception of the Challenger, can be had with all wheel drive; it's a

conventional AWD system with a fixed power distribution which results

in a disproportionate thirst for gasoline.

Chrysler's

new solution is one that sees the front axle being disconnected for

the

majority of the driving time, providing fuel economy and performance

equal to standard RWD cars. When wheel spin is detected, an electric

motor that works in conjunction with the transfer case brings power and

traction to the front wheels. Up to 38-percent of twist can be sent up

front with virtually no penalty to be paid at the pumps.

Although

it's yet to be confirmed, further down the road Chrysler is looking to

fit its passenger vehicles with adaptive suspensions. One car being

talked about for this treatment is Chrysler's 300C SRT8, with different

settings for comfort and performance.

Charger

and 300 models will also gain radar-based cruise control and a blind

spot detection system that sounds very similar to Ford's new Cross

Traffic Alert, while through its Mopar division, Chrysler is

integrating high-speed wireless directly into its cars.