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What's new from DaimlerChrysler?
By Daniel
Fricker • Bankrate.com
 For
people serious about off-roading, Jeep is introducing the Wrangler Rubicon
for 2003. Jeep is advertising the Wrangler Rubicon, with a base price of $24,995,
as an extreme vehicle able to traverse the toughest trails with the capabilities
of a custom-modified four-wheel drive.
It comes with a four-liter engine, generating 190 horsepower and
235 pounds of torque. The engine can be matched with either a five-speed manual
transmission or a new four-speed automatic transmission with driver-actuated
locking differentials. There is also a dash-mounted switch to lock the front
and rear axles to increase traction by having the wheels move at the same speed.
It comes equipped with rugged Dana axles front and rear and Goodyear Wrangler
MT/R 31-inch tall tires.
"It's for that owner who wants the most capable vehicle out
there,'' DaimlerChrysler spokeswoman Carrie McElwee says. "You can use
it as an everyday vehicle, but there are some people who just want it as an
off-road vehicle.''
Chrysler has expanded its PT Cruiser lineup for 2003 with
a performance model, the 215-horsepower PT Turbo.
PT Turbo |
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It is equipped with a 2.4-liter engine that can be matched with
a five-speed manual gearbox or the optional AutoStick four-speed automatic transmission.
It comes with a performance exhaust system with a chrome exhaust
tip, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with traction control, 17-inch painted
aluminum wheels and all-season performance tires. The body also was upgraded
for the performance model. The PT Cruiser's standard gray bumpers have been
replaced on the PT Turbo with bumpers painted in the body color.
Prices start at $22,365.
Dodge has launched a performance Neon for 2003. The Neon SRT-4
packs an all-new 2.4-liter turbo-charged engine. Its 215 horsepower performance
makes the SRT-4 the second quickest Dodge from 0 to 60 mph, surpassed only by
the super-fast Viper. The newest Neon comes with a heavy-duty five-speed manual
transmission, high-performance suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, 17-inch alloy
wheels, performance tires and rear spoiler. The base price is $19,480.
Viper SRT-10 |
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Want to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in fewer than four seconds?
The Dodge Viper is all new for 2003 and even more powerful. The Viper SRT-10
features a 500-horsepower V10 producing 525 foot-pounds of seat-gluing torque.
The top speed is a phenomenal 190 mph.
It has lower hood lines, swept-back fenders and deep-cut side
scallops reminiscent of the original 1992 Viper. Dodge has extended the wheelbase
by 2.6 inches. A new aluminum suspension improves handling and reduces the body
weight by 100 pounds. The four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes allow a driver to
go from 60 mph to a dead stop in less than 100 feet. The latest Viper is priced
from $79,995.
If you work construction or pull a heavy load, Dodge has a new
Ram heavy-duty pickup truck for 2003. The new Ram offers a choice
of three engines. There is a Cummins high-output turbo diesel producing 305
horsepower and 555 foot pounds of torque and a Cummins standard-output turbo
diesel delivering 250 horses and 460 foot pounds of torque.
Finally, Dodge also offers a 5.7-liter HEMI. It packs 345 horses
and 375 foot-pounds of torque. The Ram heavy duty has a base price of $22,540.
Daniel Fricker is a business writer at the Detroit
Free Press.
-- Posted: Oct. 1, 2002
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