Ma Mopar may not be in the best shape right now, with the American economy struggling right alongside the currently-weak automotive industry, but in the meantime the show goes on in the Chrysler headquarters with plans for future models. During an interview with Automotive News, VP of product development Frank Klegon commented that the next generation Charger and Chrysler 300 will not only meet the revised 2011 CAFÉ standard, but it will exceed them.
The CAFÉ laws are often misunderstood, and it should be pointed out that a company’s compliance to the laws stretch across the entire lineup and not just a few models, along with a handful of other ways around the penalties associated with said laws. However, the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, even with the 5.7L Hemi engine, are able to achieve mileage in the high 20s, thanks to Chrysler’s Multiple Displacement System (MDS). Real world reports have found the 300C getting near 30mpg on highway trips while driving conservatively, so its no surprise that this is one of the vehicles being called upon for its efficiency.
Klegon went on to mention that new aerodynamic adjustments will be used in conjunction with improved gear ratios and possibly a new lineup of engines, should the alleged Phoenix Engines see the light of day. There is also speculation that Chrysler could call upon one of the major transmission manufacturers to provide a 7 or 8 speed transmission mated to a hybrid engine, similar to those found in the Durango Hybrid models right now.
Although Chrysler is on unsteady grounds right now, the future of the company could rely on highly efficient models designed right now. We have seen Ford release their “EcoBoost” system, so could the secret behind these Phoenix Engines be a turbocharged direct injection system, allowing for “Hemi Power” from a boost V6? Would a TTV6 Charger RT or 300C be accepted by Mopar faithful? Talk about it here!!
"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.
"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.
"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.
"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.
"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.
Ma Mopar may not be in the best shape right now, with the American economy struggling right alongside the currently-weak automotive industry, but in the meantime the show goes on in the Chrysler headquarters with plans for future models. During an interview with Automotive News, VP of product development Frank Klegon commented that the next generation Charger and Chrysler 300 will not only meet the revised 2011 CAFÉ standard, but it will exceed them.