2002 Chrysler Concorde Lxi Leather Moonroof Alpine Ipod Cd 3.2l V6 on 2040-cars

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2021 Chrysler Pacifica First Drive | More features, better van

Ever since its introduction as a 2017 model, the Chrysler Pacifica has been one of our favorite minivans. It offers stylish looks inside and out, traditional minivan practicality, excellent infotainment and some of the most compelling powertrain options. For its 2021 model year refresh, the Pacifica smartly expands on all the things we already enjoyed and avoids ruining any inherent goodness, as evidenced by our test van, a new-for-'21 Pinnacle trim level. The Pacifica’s changes start on the outside with redesigned front and rear fascias. These changes are probably the least successful, by which we mean, theyÂ’re not bad, just different. The modest grille and simple bumper design have given way to a deeper main grille and large lower openings, plus a pronounced air dam. It gives the van a wider, lower and meaner look. We donÂ’t dislike it, but it seems different rather than better. We do like the revamped tail with its full-width taillights. And if for some reason you prefer the previous design, the entry-level Chrysler Voyager is just a decontented Pacifica with the old styling. Under the skin, the biggest change is the addition of all-wheel drive, something not shared with the Voyager. The feature has been absent from the Chrysler van lineup for several years, since Chrysler couldnÂ’t fit a driveshaft between the underfloor wells for the Stow ‘n Go second-row seats. That issue has been solved, and now you can have AWD without sacrificing any interior seating flexibility. The AWD system can send all power to the rear wheels as needed, and it also can disconnect the rear driveshaft to increase fuel economy. Our test Pacifica was equipped with all-wheel drive, and it was certainly effective in some of metro DetroitÂ’s snowy conditions, offering a bit more launch traction and some assistance powering out of slow corners. But in the dry, it doesnÂ’t change the driving experience at all. Also, despite the ability to disengage the rear driveshaft, fuel economy still takes a hit compared to the front-drive model, dropping from 19 mpg in town and 28 on the highway, to 17 in the city and 25 on the highway. That's a difference of 2 mpg combined, which works out to be $150 per year in annual fuel costs, according to the EPA.

Marchionne now considering 'Plan B' partners for FCA merger

Okay Sergio, just stop. With the sting of rejection from General Motors CEO Mary Barra still fresh, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne is moving on and trying to find another automaker to merge with. FCA may not be giving up hope on a merger with GM, but that doesn't mean it isn't at least considering alternatives. Sergio's so-called "Plan Bs" include the Volkswagen Group, as well as smaller Asian outfits, like Mazda, Honda, Suzuki, and Hyundai. Bloomberg reports that France's beleaguered PSA Peugeot Citroen could as a sort of "fallback" option due to its relative lack of volume, an unidentified source claimed. There are, of course, problems with each option. According to Bloomberg, Volkswagen expects complete control of a company, but the Agnelli family, which holds a large portion of FCA stock, is loathe to relinquish its stake in the company. On top of that, VAG just isn't looking to make a deal right now. Mazda, meanwhile, is enjoying a new partnership with Toyota and Suzuki is partially owned by VW. Honda and Hyundai have never expressed any interest in a partnership with a western automaker. That kind of just leaves the French then, but even that remains a long shot. As Bloomberg tells it, PSA boss Carlos Tavares is still working on a turn-around plan, and would want at least another six months to execute before even considering a deal with FCA. And even then, Tavares hasn't given any indication that he's considering a pairing. News Source: BloombergImage Credit: Paul Sancya / AP Chrysler Fiat GM Honda Hyundai Mazda Suzuki Citroen Peugeot Sergio Marchionne FCA Mary Barra psa peugeot citroen

Junkyard Gem: 1991 Chrysler LeBaron GTC Convertible

Chrysler's versatile front-wheel-drive K Platform saved the company from certain doom during the early 1980s, then spawned so many derivatives — including the vehicle that started the minivan revolution — that we can't keep track of all of them. One of the original K-cars was the affordably luxurious 1982 Chrysler LeBaron, which evolved into a snazzy convertible later in the decade. The LeBaron disappeared after 1995, replaced by the Sebring and the Cirrus, and I'm seeing fewer and fewer of these cars during my wrecking-yard explorations. Here's a sporty '91 convertible in a Denver-area yard. The top-of-the-line LeBaron convertible in 1991 was, in fact, badged by Maserati and came only with a Mitsubishi V6. That 141-horse engine was the base powerplant for the '91 LeBaron GTC, though an optional 2.5-liter, 152-horsepower straight-four could be purchased for the LeBaron (but not for the TC By Maserati). The "litre" spelling was considered very classy by Detroit during the 1975-2000 period. Whoever bought this car in the first place must have been a bit of a hell-raiser, because here's the 5-speed manual transmission that became increasingly rare in members of the K-Car family as automatics got cheaper. It also has the driver's-side airbag, which meant that those horrible automatic seat belts that ruined early-1990s cars weren't required. The interior has suffered much fading from the Colorado sun, but it started life as an exquisitely 1980s/1990s Bordello Red palace, all done up in pseudo-velour and hard plastic. Not quite 150,000 miles on the clock. 1992 was the last year for the LeBaron's pop-up headlights. That's just as well, because the mechanisms that opened the "eyelids" tended to get flaky as the years went by. ] This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. There Is No Luxury Without Engineering.