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.