It’s a go for the Dodge Challenger concept. At the Pepsi 400 in Daytona, Florida, DaimlerChrysler is expected to announce its plans to build the production version of the sensational, retro-styled Dodge Challenger concept it debuted earlier this year in Detroit. The Dodge Challenger stole the show at this year’s NAIAS with its old-school looks, a dead ringer for the original 1970 Challenger and its exciting 425hp, V-8 engine.

The new Dodge Challenger will be built with the same basic chassis found on the Chrysler 300 and the popular Dodge Charger. The first new Dodge Challenger is expected by 2008. This could be a renaissance of sorts for muscle cars in the U.S. automotive scene; after the resounding success of the Ford Mustang, General Motors Corp. is expected to bring back the Chevrolet Camaro, another popular pony/muscle car.

When it comes to pricing, Chrysler’s sales and marketing exec, Joe Eberhardt, said that the new Dodge Challenger may be priced a little bit higher than the Ford Mustang, which is currently priced at $19,000 to $26,000.

Finally, the unique, environment-friendly, two-seat smart car will be available in the U.S. automotive market by 2008. DaimlerChrysler, makers of the smart car has announced that a new version of the smart fortwo will be available in three models for the American market. The smart car is already a familiar sight in European streets and has had quite a success in Canada. DaimlerChrysler wants to replicate this scene in the U.S. A few months ago we reported on the DaimlerChrysler’s plans to offer a smart SUV called the formore.

The smart fortwo will take advantage of the increasing demand for affordable cars with excellent fuel economy. The fortwo has an average of 40 miles per gallon on combined city and highway driving. Also, fortwo has a three-cylinder, 700cc engine offers considerably lower fuel emissions compared to other cars. DaimlerChrysler also emphasizes that the fortwo is ‘outstanding from the standpoint of safety’ as it features engineering and safety features such as air bags, electronic stability control and excellent performance in crash tests. Meanwhile, the fortwo is expected to come with a price lower than $15,000.

In the history of the automotive industry, police cars and other fleet vehicles have almost always been on the receiving end of recycled technology. Well, that was not the case today when DaimlerChrysler unveiled to the world the first operational fuel cell-powered police vehicle – the Mercedes F-Cell.

The Mercedes F-Cell is the latest product of DaimlerChrysler’s continuing development of fuel cell technology in vehicles. Pioneering the fuel cell vehicle technology more than a decade ago, the company is now the biggest proponent of the said technology, spending more than $1 billion in fuel cell vehicle research and registering more than 1.2 million miles of zero-emissions driving. Among the company’s large fleet of fuel cell vehicles are the Dodge Sprinter vans, Mercedes Benz Citaro fuel cell buses, and several of other research vehicles.

For the Mercedes F-Cell, the entire fuel cell system of the vehicle is laid down underneath its floor, leaving enough space in its interior for passengers and cargos. The vehicle is powered by an 88 hp electric motor that allows the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 16 seconds, with a top speed of 85 mph. While all these figures are modest, to say the least, the car is definitely an achievement in fuel cell vehicle technology.

Complete with a third generation police radio, decals, lights and sirens, the Mercedes F-Cell will be operated by the Wayne State University Police Department of Detroit as a supervisor’s vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle will also serve as a learning laboratory for the students of the WSU College of Engineering Alternative Energy Technology. The WSU Police Department will refuel the said vehicle at NextEnergy’s new hydrogen refilling station.

The new 2006 Jeep Commander scored a victory at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) crash tests receiving the highest ratings for frontal-impact crash protection. The Commander is the eleventh new vehicle from the Chrysler group to achieve top safety ratings in the frontal crash tests. The all-new SUV features the latest in safety and security technology offered as standard equipment. Among the many safety features of the Commander are side-curtain airbags with a roll detection system.

Other major safety innovations include electronic stability program, electronic roll mitigation, brake assist, anti-lock brake system, and 4-wheel brake traction system. Craig Lowe, VP for Rear-wheel Drive Product Teams of the Chrysler Group says that the “Chrysler Group is offering Jeep Commander customers peace of mind through more standard safety and security equipment and the application of a broad range of engineering technologies.”

I bet you didn’t know that, did you? Maybe you’re thinking paper or plastics are the most recycled products in the world today. But actually, newspapers, aluminum, glass and consumer electronics are only next to automobiles in the most recycled products list. Every year, 95% of old automobiles are stripped down and processed for recycling. Nearly 84% of the automobile’s materials are up for recycling. In fact, 26 automobiles are recycled every minute says a report from the American Iron and Steel Institute. Reusable parts such as engines, transmissions, doors and bumpers are dismantled and remanufactured or rebuilt for use on other vehicles.

When these parts have been dismantled, the car is then compacted and passed through a shredder that sorts the vehicle’s materials into metal and non-metal parts. The metal parts are then melted down and recycled for various uses ranging from construction materials to batteries. In 2004, almost 15 million tons of steel was recycled from automobiles. Non metal components are also recycled into new parts for autos. These include sound deadeners which are recycled from carpets and splash shields which were originally part of spent battery casings.

Fluids such as engine oil, coolant, refrigerant and gasoline, as well as other scrap materials such as batteries, catalytic converters, tires and plastic components are also recycled. Tires become floor mats or brake pedals. Carpets become sound deadening materials. Manufacturers such as DaimlerChrysler and GMC use recycled parts on some components of its new vehicles. In fact, ten percent of the plastic parts of a MINI Cooper, a product of BMW, is made of recycled plastics.

Auto recycling is a very important part of the automotive industry and is actually the 16th largest industry in the US with revenues reaching $25 billion per year and employing over 46,000 people. There are over 7,000 auto-recycling centers scattered across the country today. Automakers are also stepping up their recycling operations to help promote environmental conservation. Auto owners are also encouraged to turn in their old vehicles for recycling.

Advocates of the technology claim that it is the best solution to the nation’s current fuel problems. Major automakers, however, claim that the technology is anything but feasible for production, at least for now. Well, let us just allow these experts to discuss the possible scenarios by themselves. The important thing is that another possible solution to our power problems has been brought to the table. And that proposed solution is the ‘plug-in’ hybrid vehicle.

A ‘plug-in’ hybrid vehicle is a special type of gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle that can simply be plugged into a wall outlet for charging. But while the technology makes it easier for hybrid vehicle owners to power their cars, it makes the production of hybrid vehicles more difficult and costly on the part of auto manufacturers. This is probably the reason why many auto makers are still not biting the idea.

The largest obstacle for the eventual integration of a ‘plug-in’ hybrid system in a production vehicle is the battery. According to Brian Corbett, spokesman for General Motors Corporation, ‘plug-in’ hybrids “typically have bigger batteries, which are usually the most expensive part of a hybrid car.” And while using exotic materials like lithium and nickel alloy for the production of the battery can partially solve the size problem, these materials can also heighten the production cost.

Despite the production hassles and costs, some companies are willing to give the idea a try. This willingness was manifested first by eDrive Systems, a California company who is planning to offer a plug-in conversion for the Toyota Prius. The conversion will add 180 pounds in lithium-ion batteries to the Prius. However, it will also allow the vehicle to run 100 mpg, with up to 35 miles driving on electricity alone. The same company is also working on the conversion of other hybrids, including the Ford Escape.

On the part of the large auto manufacturers, only DaimlerChrysler AG has, so far, offered to give the technology a try. The company has agreed to build 40 ‘plug-in’ hybrid Sprinter delivery vans for testing worldwide.

Three vehicles from the Chrysler group, namely the Dodge Charger, Chrysler Town & Country and the Jeep Commander were among those chosen as this year’s Best Cars for Families list from AAA (American Automobile Association) and Parents Magazine. To come up with the list, AAA and Parents evaluated everything from cup holders to fuel economy. The cars were also tested for child safety seats.

In the minivan category, the popular and highly-successful Chrysler Town & Country was once again chosen as the best. Features that helped the Town & Country to the top include a ‘Stow ‘n Go’ second and third row seats that easily folds flat to the floor for extra cargo space. Safety is also assured in case of a rollover with side curtain air bags. Overall, the Chrysler Town & Country is a stylish, spacious, versatile and safe family car.

In the sedan category, the 2006 Dodge Charger was cited for its combination of fresh, contemporary looks plus convenience and interior capacity. The Charger offers great value as an affordable, fun-to-drive, and well-equipped family car. This car is also very safe and was recently awarded by the NHTSA with five stars for driver and front passenger protection in a frontal crash. With its safety and security features, the Dodge Charger is an excellent choice for a family sedan.

In the SUV category, the 2006 Jeep Commander is honored for offering advanced safety technologies and first-rate amenities. In fact, the Jeep Commander offers the highest level of standard safety and security technology and features in a Chrysler Group vehicle. With its base price of $28,135, the Jeep Commander has great value with more power, control and flexibility. If ever you are looking for a new family car, these three models are definitely worth considering.

As expected, the Dodge Hornet Concept, DaimlerChrysler’s foray into the rapidly growing B-segment market created a big buzz in its world premiere at the ongoing 2006 Geneva International Auto Show. Featuring a brash, rally inspired look reminiscent of the Scion xB, MINI Cooper and Suzuki Swift, the Dodge Hornet Concept will certainly appeal to European sensibilities regarding size and engine power and the American predilection for an aggressive, youthful stance and versatile interior space.

Unlike other B-segment cars that offer friendly and even “cutesy” looks, the Hornet concept does look ready to sting with its aggressive styling: tall, boxy shape with 19-inch wheels pushed out to its far corners, signature Dodge crosshair grille, muscular profile with sculpted fenders and arching wheel flares. The Hornet also ups the coolness factor with its “Blue View” tinted windows contrasting with the Liquid Silver paint. Stark, beryllium gray “skunk stripes” inspired by the iconic Dodge Viper crosses the hood, roof and overhanging rear defuser wings. The Hornet concept will also be offered in a spectrum of paint and window color schemes.

Under the hood, a 1.6L 16 valve OHC supercharged I/C 4-cylinder engine produces 170 hp and 165 lb.-ft of torque at 4000rpm. The Hornet can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 second and can reach 130mph, much like the MINI Cooper. The Hornet concept’s interior is sporty and flexible with space-saving foam seats, modular instrument panel, and three-circle six gauge delta shaped instrument panel. In a predominantly black and slate gray color scheme, the Hornet interior is designed to offer both style and utility and is surprisingly very spacious (the Dodge Hornet Concept is almost as wide as a C-segment vehicle).

“We wanted the Hornet to be dynamic, nimble, fun to drive, and have an adaptable space-efficient interior, at the same time we set out to create a vehicle with a uniquely American character to expand the image and presence of the Dodge brand in Europe and international markets, especially in the entry-level market” explained Mark Moushegian, Principal Exterior Designer. For now, the Hornet is nothing but a concept vehicle, but considering the largely positive response for this stinger, we may eventually see lots of Hornets buzzing around. Estimated sticker price for the Hornet is expected to be below the Dodge Caliber, which is priced at $13,985.

Is America ready for Europe’s ‘little’ Smart car? DaimlerChrysler, makers of the Smart car, thinks so, according to German newspaper Handelsblatt. The German-US automaker is considering launching the Smart car in America and is currently in the process of studying the market as well as assessing the brand’s chance of success in the US. Dieter Zetsche, DaimlerChrysler head said that, “Right now it’s more probable that we’ll make a decision in favor of the U.S.A. rather than against it,”

Ever since it was introduced in 1998, the tiny Smart cars have had considerable success in Europe, where its cute looks and excellent mileage are well-received. However, this 60-mpg, two-seater car, has yet to break in to the American automotive market, long known as the bastion of big and brawny SUVs and Pickups. Prospects might look rosier for the Smart car this time with the increased awareness for hybrid cars and fuel economy as well as the success of other small cars such as the highly popular MINI Cooper.

As yet, Smart USA is planning to offer a smart SUV called the formore, anytime this year. Importers are anticipating various obstacles for the Smart car’s entry into the US including changing the perception of American buyers about the safety of these “tiny” cars. Smart claims that the car is indeed very safe; owing to its high-strength beams that reinforce key areas much like a walnut’s shell protects the nut as well as other key safety features. Smart cars might come at a price range of $12,000 for the cheapest model to $20,000 for a convertible with additional features.