2024 Chrysler Pacifica Touring L on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Chrysler says its 8-speed transmissions will save 700 million gallons

Chrysler Group's TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission could be earning some serious green bragging rights if the company's projections are correct. The recently widely proliferated automatic gearbox, which is now in more than a million vehicles around the world, is poised to save drivers an estimated 700+ million gallons of fuel over the vehicles' lifetimes (an expected cost savings of $2.5 billion). In addition, Chrysler expects a reduction in CO2 emissions by more than six million metric tons. According to Chrysler, and depending on the vehicle, the TorqueFlite can improve fuel economy. The TorqueFlite autobox features particularly close ratios from fifth to eighth gear (see the press release below for the specific numbers), and uses low-viscosity fluid that doesn't need to be replaced. Transmission software adapts to the driving situation to optimize efficiency based on driver behavior, temperature, grade, stability control, and longitudinal and lateral acceleration. The TorqueFlite is capable of handling a variety of duties. As evidenced by the wide range of vehicles Chrysler Group has seen fit to equip with the eight-speed transmission, the TorqueFlite is capable of handling a variety of duties. Since its 2012 introduction, the TorqueFlite has gone from performing cog-swapping duties in Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 models equipped with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 to changing gears in vehicles such as the Pentastar- and Hemi-powered Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee and even the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. For the 2015 model year, the eight-speed is finding its way into even more vehicles with the addition of a third version. In addition to the American-made TorqueFlite 845RE and 8HP70, the new 8HP90 will be manufactured in Saarbrucken, Germany. The 8HP90 is designed for higher torque loads, making it ideal for high-performance vehicles like the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. The already-in-use 8HP70 will expand its duties to be used in 2015 Hemi models such as the Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Challenger SRT8. You can see the list of those benchmarks in Chrysler's press release below.

Chrysler will debut a fully electric Pacifica at CES

Fiat Chrysler Automotive will debut a fully electric version of its Pacifica minivan at CES, according to a report from Bloomberg citing "people familiar with the plans." There's already a plug-in hybrid Pacifica model with a battery large enough to allow for an all-electric range of 30 miles. It's unclear if it's this electric version of FCA's minivan that will be the basis of the self-driving vehicle the automaker will provide to Google. Bloomberg's report also suggests that FCA has an electric vehicle in the works for the Maserati brand. This Tesla-fighting vehicle has been rumored for some time, with previous reports pointing for a debut in 2020. In other words, we don't expect to see an electric Maserati at CES, but we'd love to be surprised. And we'll know soon enough – CES starts in less than month. Stay tuned. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Man escapes attempted carjacking and catches the incident on his dashcam

(Warning: video contains strong language. Viewer discretion is advised.) A quick-thinking driver avoided a potentially dangerous situation this week in New Mexico when he evaded and attempted car jacking. On the evening of December 6, an unnamed man accompanied a friend to a market near the intersection of Central and San Mateo in Albuquerque. After he saw his friend safely away in her car, he got back into his and pulled out of the parking lot. Almost immediately, as shown in dashcam footage uploaded to Youtube, a red Chrysler 300 began following him. When the driver pulled up to a stop sign around the block from the market, the Chrysler zipped around and pulled in front of him, blocking his forward progress. Figuring he was about to be carjacked, the driver threw the car into reverse and backed quickly away from the Chrysler. The Chrysler followed, and a chase ensured. With the Chrysler close on his tail, the unnamed driver fled through the nearly empty streets. At one point he cut through a gas station when the Chrysler tried to block him at another intersection. As they drove through the city the Chrysler continually tried to stop the fleeing driver, but he successfully evaded every time. The driver called 911 and reported his predicament. Eventually, both vehciles pulled up at a stop light right next to an Albuquerque Police cruiser. The driver laid on the horn to get the cop's attention, then jumped out to tell the cop what was going on. The Chrysler then made a run for it with the cop in hot pursuit. Unfortunately, the red Chrysler evaded the APD and the car's license plate was obscured so the APD was unable to identify the vehicle or its occupants. Thankfully no one was hurt during the chase, and the driver was able to get home safe and sound. Carjacking is a serious crime. The driver in this video did everything right, except maybe delay calling the police a little too long. The crime is so prevalent that the US Department of Justice has tips for avoiding carjacking. They suggest drivers avoiding stopping when signaled by other drivers or assisting during an accident. Calling the authorities should be your first step if you're every followed or harassed while driving. Head to the nearest police station if you can't get a hold of a cop in time. Related Video: News Source: YouTube Auto News Weird Car News Chrysler Police/Emergency police chase carjacking albuquerque