Chrysler Group's Massive Product Offensive Expected to Boost Sales

A chorus of oohs and aahs could be heard when Chrysler Group COO Wolfgang Bernhard presented the production ready Ram SRT-10 during a November full-line preview in Detroit, and for good reason. Its 5 second 0 to 60 sprint is unheard of for the pickup truck category, the direct result of a Viper derived 500-hp 8.3-L (505 cu in) V10 with 525 lb-ft of torque delivered through a 6-speed manual

Chrysler Group COO Wolfgang Bernhard presented the production ready Ram SRT-10 during a November full-line preview in Detroit. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

transmission to the rear wheels. Dodge continues the 500 theme by offering an audio system with the same wattage. Handling is reportedly sports car like, due to significant suspension improvements, lightweight components, as well as standard 305/40ZR22 114 W Pirelli Scorpion Zero performance tires. The truck looks sensational as well, inside and out, with comfortable and supportive alcantara sport seats. The best news is a price less than $60K, beating Chevy's comparably anemic SSR, in every performance test and by $10,000 on the window sticker! Ford's Lightning is officially dethroned.

The Dodge Caravan doesn't get as much of an exterior upgrade as the Chrysler Town & Country, which itself is only minor, but the introduction of the best-in-class, ultra-functional Stow n' Go seats means Chryco's vans

The completely redesigned Grand Cherokee features a number of brand new design elements. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

should not only hold onto their top spot as the minivan best-sellers but increase their market share.

New Jeeps include the TJ Unlimited, sporting a 10-inch extension to the wheelbase pushing its overall length to an increase of 15-inches. Ten inches has been added to the cargo area as well, the TJ's weakest point. Maximum towing will be 3,500 lbs. A new face-lifted Liberty improves on the old design, featuring a new wider and flatter grille, updated front fascia and revised front fender combination, the latter which integrate thin horizontal blinkers at its base. It will also get an optional Italian-made 2.7-liter common rail turbodiesel ideal for 4x4 purists and the environmentally conscious combined.