In an interview in New York on Wednesday, Fiat S.p.A. and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne revealed that one of the first priorities of the partnership is to decide how to handle the Dodge and Alfa Romeo brands, which he sees as American and European counterparts. It sounds crazy but one of the scenarios being examined by Marchionne is the possibility to sell Alfa Romeo models under the Dodge brand in the U.S. and Dodge cars as Alfa Romeos in Europe.

In an interview in New York on Wednesday, Fiat S.p.A. and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne revealed that one of the first priorities of the partnership is to decide how to handle the Dodge and Alfa Romeo brands, which he sees as American and European counterparts. It sounds crazy but one of the scenarios being examined by Marchionne is the possibility to sell Alfa Romeo models under the Dodge brand in the U.S. and Dodge cars as Alfa Romeos in Europe.

Here’s some good news for muscle-car enthusiasts. The Chrysler Group announced today the company has decided to continue production of the Dodge Viper SRT10 after all. Following several failed attempts to sell off its Dodge Viper business unit, the Detroit automaker had originally made plans to cease production of the V10-powered sports car in December, 2009. Since the introduction of the first generation Viper in 1995, Dodge has built more than 25,000 Vipers.

A member of the Caliber Forums has posted what looks to be a computer generated image along with some specific details on the changes that Dodge is supposedly working on for the 2010 Caliber’s interior. We can’t vouch for the photo’s authenticity, but just like the Jeep Patriot and Compass, if there’s one thing that the Chrysler Group needs to fix on the Caliber ASAP, is the poor choice of materials in the cabin.

Dodge has increased the frame strength and the Ram 3500 remains the only heavy-duty truck to come standard with a 5.7 liter Hemi V8 engine. Buyers can choose from a wide array of trim levels, including the ST, SLT, Laramie, and Resistol. However, consumers may be turned off by the higher price tag than competitors offerings from Ford or Chevrolet as well as the lackluster warranty plan.

The standard 2-door 3500 seats three in the same cloth-upholstered bench seat as the prior year’s model. Dodge has employed a stain and odor resistant fabric for the upholstery, surely a shout-out to the dirty workman who has an aversion to shampooing his work truck. The center seatback folds down to allow for both convenient storage space and a comfortable writing surface. The Laramie trim boasts dual-zone temperature controls that give the driver and passenger a comfortable ride no matter their differences. For the vertically-challenged driver, the Ram features adjustable foot pedals.

The 3500 has made several technological advances as well. The truck comes standard with a UConnect handsfree phone system that allows the driver to make and answer phone calls with simple voice commands. The radio mutes itself during any phone calls. The busy contractor, or any driver that communicates frequently by phone, will find this a handy and safe alternative to taking their hands off the wheel to answer that all-important call.

The Ram also comes standard with Sirius Satellite Radio and a free one-year subscription. For those that long for all-day Elvis or Blue Collar Comedy, the radio subscription is a welcome treat. GPS Navigation Radio is also a convenient luxury that will allow the driver to brag that he never stops for directions. Actually, he never even gets lost. The Quad and Mega Cab versions make available a ceiling mounted video system. So, when the crew gets bored during those long drives to the worksite, pop in the latest Bob the Builder DVD to keep them busy.

The 6.7 liter turbo diesel engine upgrade packs 350 horsepower and 16,500-lb towing capability. For those that have gotten on the “green” train, this diesel engine claims to put out superiorly clean emissions as well. Both 8-ft and 6.25-ft bed lengths are available on the regular and quad-cab versions. Heavy loads in the bed will not bog down the 2008 Ram; it maintains a payload of 12,200 pounds in the gross vehicle weight rating.

Though the new 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 includes numerous technological amenities, its hefty MSRP could be enough to deter interested buyers. While the Ram’s base model is listed at $28,695, Chevrolet’s and Ford’s comparables are both listed in the mid to lower-twenty thousand range. Not only that, both Ford and Chevrolet boast higher powertrain and rust/corrosion warranties. Roadside assistance lasts for five years on the comparables, while Dodge only offers a three-year program. The techie construction worker will be pleased with the Ram’s capabilities, but wallet-conscious, no frills buyers should look elsewhere.

The Ram name supposedly came from a hood ornament that was utilized on Chrysler vehicles in the earlier part of the twentieth century. From the beginning, the Dodge Ram has been marketed as a tough truck that can beat the competition in design and power. Motor Trend magazine has agreed with Dodge for two of its model years by voting it Truck of the Year in 1994 and 2003.

It was not until 1994 that the Ram 3500 got its current name. From 1981-1993 the one-ton Ram was referred to as the Ram 350. Owing to its excellent design, not a lot has been altered in the Ram 3500. Initially, three cab sizes were available: standard, club, and crew. Buyers had their choice of two different bed lengths as well. The Ram took the place of the D-Series truck in Dodge’s lineup. The newest addition had more defined lines, a boxier build, and squared headlights. Since the earliest days, the Ram has undergone quite a physical transformation. The second generation of the Ram 3500 had rounded edges, wraparound headlights, and a massive front grille. The third generation saw minor style changes, while the newest fourth generation is a complete overhaul of the design. The 3500 is more streamlined and the front end gives the impression of an open mouth. Also, the latest 2009 Ram 3500 will be outfitted with an additional 35 horsepower.

The HEMI engine made its debut under Ram hoods in 2001. Dodge recognized that a powerful engine was needed to make the truck truly Ram tough. Not only that, Dodge is one of the few makers that have released a significant number of special edition trucks. The SRT-10, considered the fastest truck in the world, was first issued in 2004. A sports edition called the Rumble Bee was released in 2005. Also, Dodge created a Ram Indy Pace Truck that was available in the mid-nineties.

The newest Ram 3500 is available with a Cummins Turbo Diesel engine that reaches up to a whopping 350 horsepower. The Ram 3500 has always been on the affordable end for heavy-duty trucks, and currently asking a base MSRP of $29,755 for a one-ton pickup keeps it in a reasonable price point. Unfortunately, being that the 3500 is a diesel truck, estimated miles per gallon is not available for this model.

Once buyers became aware that Dodge was doing something different, they responded with higher sales. From its birth, the Ram 3500 has been something of an icon, a truck that both looks good and runs well. With the latest generation revamp, Dodge will surely see a perk in sales once again. If there is something that time will tell, it is that when Dodge implements innovative design changes in the Ram, buyers take notice.

Right off the bat, the new Journey claims to have secured the coveted best in class for MPG, with 19mpg city, and 25mpg for highway. A lot of potential customers will be looking for that claim in a non-hybrid vehicle. Journey claims that distinction with one of its engine options, the 2.4L 4-cylinder world engine which also boasts of 173hp and 166lb-ft of torque.

For those with a penchant for higher performance, you can order your Journey with a 3.5L 235hp V6 that manages 16mpg city and 23mpg highway with the FWD drive train and 15mpg city and 22mpg highway with the AWD model. The V6 model comes with a 6-speed automatic with Auto Stick, a smooth auto-manual option. Get the sturdy and dependable 4-speed automatic on the 4-cylinder power train. The Dodge Journey’s exterior is a combination of the familiar cross-hair chrome grille and departure from the norm in styling. Bold style lines combined with attractive new 19″ wheels are sure to attract a lot of attention.

Available in three trims, the SE, SXT, and R/T with AWD optional in the last two, the R/T offers a sport suspension package and plenty of racing-inspired accessories. The SXT is bristling with technological hardware and audio capabilities that rival a home stereo system. Safety is brought to a new pinnacle with Journey’s six airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, and ABS, brake augmentation, traction and stability containment.

2009 Dodge Journey has succeeded in making a bold, muscular statement that captures the potency of the SUV concept. Its versatile seating and cargo options are sure to please the hard core SUV aficionado.

Dodge had developed a dud, just another high-promotion low-performance vehicle on the market. Nevertheless, critics were quickly calmed when they discovered that the Journey can be customized to take diesel fuel, gets 173 horsepower, and can reach 19 city MPG and 25 highway MPG (no small feat for a large CUV).

Dodge went through much careful consideration to come up with the name. Journey - what they settled on after much debate - represents the notion that a vehicle can be equipped for any type of journey. If a family needs to haul groceries, the Journey has the cargo space for the bags. If a family needs a vehicle that is incredibly safe and features many child-friendly options, the Journey fits the bill. If a family needs transportation that can get them to all places in all weather, the Journey can be that automobile. In this sense, Dodge has made the Journey appealing to a wide range of buyers, not just large families. The cargo space for hauling, safety features for any type of driver or passengers, and superior handling in all types of weather give the Journey the charm that many other CUVs on the market are lacking.

Michael Manley, the Vice President of International Sales for Chrysler (Dodge’s parent company), says that the Journey has the ever-present Dodge attitude. If the Dodge attitude refers to interior and exterior styling, then he hit the mark. The Journey features the recognizable crosshair grille, rounded edges, and the interior technological highlights that have made Dodge a leader in sales. The manufacturer plans to have the CUV on sales lots in the summer of 2008. While so many other makers are developing CUVs that veer away from their signature styles, the Journey is unquestionably a Dodge. It fits in with Dodge’s current lineup and doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb. With the Journey, Dodge has stayed true to its roots, but updated and refined its design.

Dodge has used its D-segment design for the Journey. This same design can be seen in Dodge’s Avenger. And the Journey wouldn’t be a crossover if it didn’t have seating for up to seven passengers. Also, the now common Dodge feature the Chill Zone is accessibly located in the glove box to keep drinks cold during long trips. Estimates read that Dodge sells almost one quarter of the minivans sold in the United States. Though after the release of the Dodge Journey, their crossover sales may match or even top that number.

With is new 256 horsepower 4.0 Liter V6 engine and smooth 6-speed automatic transmission, the Grand Caravan provides admirable highway performance. However, for certain families that have need for a larger, multifunctional and flexible vehicle, a minivan can be the most reasonable solution. In that situation, the Dodge Grand Caravan has always been and continues to remain a fine selection. Now, with a more environmentally friendly flex fuel-capable engine, Grand Caravan maps a new route for the minivan.

Of course, one of the more important things when it comes to the Grand Caravan is its safety. Now with electronic stability control, your Dodge is more sure-footed than ever. Full banks of airbags in addition to knee protection minimizes injury and protects lives to earn a five star frontal and side crash test rating.

Dodge Grand Caravan continues the admirable system of Stow’n Go seating, which competitors like the Nissan Quest still do not match. The seating just seems to magically disappear into the floor when one needs to remove seats for extra storage. This system is such a vast improvement on the old system of having to lug heavy van seats in and out, that we can count it a blessing that no clever engineer has decided it would be best to go back to the old ways.

There are a few things that people also want from their minivans; convenience, and safety. As far as minivans go, the Grand Caravan does fantastic job of allowing an enjoyable family ride. Cup holders are sprinkled throughout the vehicle, and the optional multimedia entertainment center can help make those extra long rides a little more bearable for everyone involved. Airbags are as plentiful as the cup holders, which makes those carrying their families feel slightly more reassured, which is always a good thing.

Although the SUV seems to have captured the family market, Grand Caravan, with its 225/65R16 BSW All Season Tires, is able to tackle the everyday challenges of your work and weekend recreational needs. The body is much bulkier, with a feeling of sturdiness and strength that definitely invokes the feeling of some of the more family oriented SUVs on the road today. The ride however is pure minivan, smooth and quiet. The vehicle is designed to provide a calm and uneventful ride for people taking their families to school, or on vacation, and that is exactly what it does.

So, what’s the downside to the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan? That would have to be the fact that it is a minivan. The upside is that it is a very good minivan. Obviously, these vehicles are nowhere near as popular as they have been in the previous few decades but, for everything that is built, there is a buyer somewhere. For those people that need a minivan, they couldn’t do much better in this price point than picking up a Grand Caravan.

With seating for seven and the highest safety ratings from the NHTSA, the 2009 Grand Caravan comes stock with several new, and nice, features sure to please every family. MSRPs range from $21,975 up to $27,825 package dependent and fuel ratings superior to the Honda Odyssey are impressive at 17/24 mpg. Backed up by the Dodge Basic Warranty of 36,000 miles or 36 months, dependable performance is to be expected as well.

There is a newly-designed 3.8L 250hp V6 engine option that is coupled with a minivan specific 6-speed transaxle. The stock power train is a 3.3L 175hp V6/4-speed auto combination. The wheelbase and the width have been extended slightly for 2009 as well. The ride granted is smooth, powerful and quite responsive, especially for a minivan. The vehicle’s height has not changed from the previous year’s model, but there is more headroom nonetheless. Improved aerodynamic schemes and a quieted cabin are also included.

Electronic Stability Control is now a standard feature on all 2009 Grand Caravans. That’s just another feature included to represent the fact that these vans are made for people transport. Dodge wants you and yours to feel safe - and comfortable. Full-length curtain airbags and 4-wheel ABS with brake assist are also standard features. Tempting optional features like swiveling second row chairs, pop-up tables, seat-back screened video systems, laptop plugs and power side doors/lift-gates make the Grand Caravan great for both road trips and tailgating.

The front and rear fascias have been redesigned as well as the tail lights. A less-sloped hood line is accentuated by a chrome cross-hair grille giving the van a truck-like appearance from the front. The thinner pillars combined with tinted glass panels are difficult to even notice from the exterior. Standard wheels are 16-inch and a bit plain, but the optional 5-spoke 17-inchers are a definite step up. The Interior has been redesigned to incorporate more versatility and convenience for all passengers. Package-dependent, of course, the 2009 Grand Caravan can make you feel quite luxurious and pampered.

One complaint from canine-loving owners is that the fabric seating seems to grab up dog hair, even though it is easy to clean. In the case of frequent hound hauling, you may wish to opt for leather seating. DVD screens that drop down from the ceiling delight children and adults alike and seem to perform flawlessly. The interior is also equipped with a convex conversation mirror - great for yelling at a pack of kids while in motion without having to spin around. Overall, the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan offers everything that purchasers wish for in a minivan: safety, space, dependability, fuel efficiency, stylistic advancements and a responsive power train.

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