Is the Sling Shot a Long Shot for North America?
Chrysler Group is in a unique position compared to its domestic rivals. It has the ability to share technologies with its parent company's top-tier division Mercedes-Benz, putting it at a distinct advantage over GM and Ford.
 |
| Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Chrysler Group Design, describes the Dodge Sling Shot's styling during its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 4, 2004. (Photo: Joe Wilssens) |
Why? GM has Cadillac and Saab, both premium brands while Ford has Jaguar. The difference is that GM and Ford outsource many of their key components, such as transmissions, while Mercedes-Benz develops its in-house.
Take Chrysler's newest 5-speed automatic transmission, for an example. Cadillac's advanced 5-speed unit is manufactured by ZF, the same company that supplies automatic transmissions to BMW, among others. It's a great transmission, but too expensive to buy for any rear-wheel drive derivatives in lesser brands such as Chevrolet - excluding possibly the Corvette.
 |
| Chrysler Group is really starting to show the advantages it has gained by joining forces with Mercedes-Benz. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
With Mercedes-Benz just recently launching its 7-speed automatic, Chrysler Group became the beneficiary of the outgoing 5-speed, still state-of-the-art among lower priced vehicles. Chrysler has also adopted the E Class rear suspension. Both technologies will now be made in its Indiana manufacturing facility.
While this technological advantage might not remain the same as time pushes forward, it is the case for now. Case in point is Chrysler Group's new 300 series of sedans and Dodge Magnum sport wagon, featuring rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations, a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability, and a sophisticated 5-link rear suspension. Chrysler throws in its all-American HEMI V8 horsepower and the rest is history, literally.