Upgraded Chrysler 300C Now More Enhanced

The award-winning car that continues to make everything else on the road seem ordinary has received minor changes to the rear fascia and tail lamps, with the sedan now sporting a rear deck lid featuring an SRT-inspired integrated spoiler and high-mounted stop light. The dramatic nose and the classic long-bonnet, short-deck styling remain unchanged.

Inside, however, is another story. The interior design of the Chrysler 300C has been enhanced with luxury appointments that include a change to dark slate premium leather upholstery, LED lighting in the front cup holders and front- and rear-door map pockets, along with soft-touch surfaces on arm rests and door panels. Also new are the instrument panel and centre-console design, highlighted with satin silver bezels.

New entertainment and communications options on the Chrysler 300C sedan and Touring wagon include a Boston Acoustics eight-speaker 5.1 Matrix Surround Sound system and MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System. An iPod® interface is also added to the UConnect® Hands-free Communication System module for seamless connection and playback of MP3 files.
"Most of the changes are subtle, because you don't want to radically alter what is already such a successful formula, so what we have aimed to do is enhance the ownership experience and value," says David Smith General Manager of Chrysler New Zealand.

"The 300C has become a benchmark for Chrysler in terms of its styling, performance and quality of craftsmanship and the new model lifts the bar even higher."

Under that elegant bonnet the 300C continues to offer four power options, but with some minor changes.
The 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine has improved performance and economy thanks to an all-new active, three-plenum intake manifold and ETC, which provides higher power and torque over the entire operating band, offering 183kW @ 6500 and 340Nm @ 3800rpm.

The 5.7-litre V8 HEMI®-powered Chrysler 300C now has a "Fuel Saver Mode" display, included as part of the Electronic Vehicle Information Centre (EVIC), that tells drivers when they are in four-cylinder mode, allowing them to modify their driving habits for improved fuel efficiency.

Chrysler 300C Sedan and Touring are the only vehicles in this segment to offer a Multi-Displacement System (MDS) as standard on a V8 engine. Chrysler's MDS seamlessly turns off the fuel consumption in four cylinders of the 5.7-litre HEMI engine when V8 power is not needed. This provides a world-class combination of outstanding performance, power and competitive fuel economy. MDS improves fuel economy by up to 11%, depending on driving style and vehicle usage.

Also available is the 3.0-litre V6 CRD engine, fitted with Bosch high-pressure fuel injection (1600+ bar), a variable geometry turbocharger, four valves per cylinder with dual overhead camshafts, and Piezo injectors with a 0.1 millisecond response time. Maximum power of 160kW and peak torque of 510Nm from just 1600rpm is unchanged.

Chrysler 300C SRT8
The visual changes have been reserved for the Chrysler 300C SRT8, now featuring an all-new deck lid with an integrated spoiler, new tail lamps and black mesh definitive front grille. Other unique touches to the 300C SRT8's exterior include new body side mouldings, body-colour front and rear bumper inserts, body-colour mirrors and door handles, along with unique SRT badging.

The refreshed Chrysler 300C SRT8 envelopes the driver and passengers in an even richer interior with a dark slate grey palette, revised instrument panel with carbon fibre effect dash inserts and centre console with LED lighting in the cup holders and door-map pockets.

End-user technology figures prominently in the Chrysler 300C SRT8 with new features such as the SRT-exclusive Reconfigurable Display in the cluster providing performance data, Adaptive Cruise Control and a Kicker premium surround-sound system.

Befitting its high-performance character, the Chrysler 300C SRT8 continues to provide power-adjustable front sport seats accented with suede inserts (matched in the rear seats), full instrumentation, automatic temperature-control system with dual-zone controls and infrared temperature sensing, and an EVIC with 128 customer-programmable features.

Powered by a 6.1-litre HEMI V8 engine producing 317kW and 569Nm of torque, the Chrysler 300C SRT8's powertrain represents a higher level of HEMI performance, with over 65 additional kilowatts 27% more than the 5.7-litre HEMI.
Chassis setup for the Chrysler 300C SRT8 is aimed at all-round performance, including SRT-tuned dampers, specially tailored spring rates and suspension bushings, and large-diameter anti-sway bars. Revised front and rear suspension knuckles contribute to a ride height that is lowered 13mm from the 300C. In addition, the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) has been tuned for the 300C SRT8's Adaptive Cruise Control.

The stopping performance results from a four-wheel, disc-brake system featuring performance callipers developed by Brembo, each equipped with four pistons for even clamping. Up front, the Chrysler 300C SRT8 has 360 x 32mm vented rotors, and 350 x 28mm vented rotors in the rear.

MyGIG
MyGIG is a completely integrated Harman/Kardon touch-screen audio, entertainment and hands-free communication system.

This next-generation radio features a 16.5cm (6.5-inch) Thin Film Transistor Display with a touch-screen panel that can support 65,000 colours, providing a three-dimensional appearance to graphics and animation, as well as multiple font sizes and styles. The MyGIG system allows voice-activated commands and includes many new features for music, sound, movies and personalised picture displays, including:

• A 20-gigabyte hard disc drive that includes Music Juke Box for organising music and pictures
• Universal Serial Bus (USB) port for downloading WMA, MP3 and JPG files onto the hard drive
• Gracenote® database installed on the hard drive to provide song identification, including composer, artist and title
• Playlist creation capability for easy access to files
• Voice memo recording that allows a 3-minute message to be recorded using the microphone integrated into the rear-view mirror
• Radio display screen that can show movies (when vehicle is not in motion)
• UConnect Hands-free Communication System that uses Bluetooth® technology to provide voice-activated wireless communication between the occupants' compatible mobile phones and the vehicle's onboard receiver. The hands-free option promotes safety, freedom, value and flexibility
• Six language function (Dutch, English, French, German, Italian and Spanish).

From a safety viewpoint, all models offer electronic stability programme, featuring ABS anti-lock brakes and traction control, along with six airbags to protect occupants. Chrysler 300C pricing starts from $60,990 and currently all Chrysler dealers are offering a 1/3+ 1/3+1/3 finance deal at a 3.9% interest rate.

New 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee More Frugal & More Comfortable

2009 Grand Cherokee features an enhanced 4.7L V8 engine that delivers a 30% increase in power and a 10% percent increase in torque, yet still manages to improve fuel economy by more than 5%, due to increased compression ratio, improved cylinder-head port flow and a new combustion system.

"You really are getting more for less with the new Grand Cherokee V8 - it's all part of the enhanced ownership experienced that Jeep is developing," says David Smith, General Manager of Chrysler New Zealand.

The smooth, high-torque V6 3-litre diesel engine continues as before, as does the 6.1-litre HEMI V8 that powers the SRT8 high performance model.

Also new in the 2009 Grand Cherokee are a variety of premium amenities including the MyGIG^TM Multimedia Entertainment System , reversing camera display and an entertainment and communication system. MyGIG enables customers to use touch-screen or voice commands to control all of the features, and includes a 20-gigabyte hard drive where music and photos can be stored. There's space reserved on the hard drive for approximately 1,600 songs; that's more than 100 hours of music. And there is a voice-memo recorder feature.

MyGIG is a standard feature on the new Grand Cherokee, other standard features include; ParkSense® rear park assist system, rain-sensing wipers, 8-way memory driver's seat and a U-connect system which connects to your mobile phone via Bluetooth resulting in your cellphone being operable through the vehicle sound system with handsfree functionality.
The interior is also new, with royal leather and a two-tone colour scheme lifting the style of the cabin.

Improvements to the four-wheel-drive system will make the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee even more capable off-road. They include Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and Trailer Sway Control.

Hill Descent Control (HDC) is standard on all Grand Cherokee 4x4 models except SRT8. Operational in the "4WD Low" position, HDC provides downhill assistance at a controlled rate of speed. By means of electronic brake control, HDC supplements the gear reduction and engine braking that a traditional mechanical low-range transfer case provides. For ease of operation, Grand Cherokee's HDC is activated and deactivated automatically, after the HDC button is engaged, as the system senses changes in topography. The system works whether the vehicle is in forward or reverse.

The Hill Start Assist (HSA) allows the driver time to transition from brake to throttle to achieve a smooth launch on a grade. The system will hold brake pressure for two seconds upon the driver's release of the brake pedal. The ABS system decreases wheel pressure in response to increasing throttle to provide a smooth launch.

Trailer Sway Control is standard on all Grand Cherokee models (except SRT8). This system reduces trailer sway and provides improved trailer stability and increased towing safety.

Detail changes in the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee - now available as a Limited model with V8 petrol or V6 diesel power and the Hemi-powered SRT8 - are:

Exterior Enhanced
With its upright and substantial posture, the refreshed 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee's design offers an athletic and contemporary appearance. The grille has been lengthened, and the headlamps are more circular for a more dominant and expressive front view. A new HID headlamp becomes standard on SRT8 and includes an internal optic lens for the park/turn function. Fog lamps have also been lowered for enhanced road visibility. Off-road enthusiasts will be pleased with the new two-piece front fascia, allowing for the entire lower piece to be removed before hitting the off-road trails.
The shape of the body is designed to protect the sides of the vehicle from potential road debris. At the side, a proportionately longer hood and greater distance between the centre of the front axle and the base of the windshield emphasise the engine compartment and help to achieve a more powerful image.

Interior Design Elegant and Functional
The more luxurious cabin has a two tone instrument panel featuring a new level of refinement with bright accents, softer surface, and updated styling.

A new tilt and telescoping steering column is standard, with a new steering wheel that includes two-tone leather and bright chrome accent rings, which house the electronic vehicle information centre's switches. Also new is the updated line of instrument clusters that feature new brighter LED illumination, with a modern and elegant treatment. When the vehicle is started, the dark-tinted lens fades to reveal chrome-ringed black gauges that are surrounded by a bright silver accent field.

The new floor console has revised cup holders and the Limited models receive a new leather-wrapped and chrome-accented parking brake handle. The door panels have new substantially bolstered armrests for improved ergonomics and comfort.

Jeep Grand Cherokee's seats are beautifully crafted with contours that are precise, firm and ergonomic, featuring a robust structure. They are purpose-built and designed for long-distance comfort and feature two-tone leather with perforated inserts. In the cargo compartment a reversible load-floor panel is carpeted on one side and offers easy-to-clean plastic on the other. The plastic side includes a large shallow tray for additional utility.

Engineering

Jeep-engineered Hill Descent Control
Jeep engineering designed the Hill Descent Control system to mimic the downhill control and flexibility afforded by the ultra-low gearing found in a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with its 4:1 ratio transfer case.

Operational in the 4WD Low position, Hill Descent Control provides downhill assistance at a controlled rate of speed with more precision and smoother operation than simply using the brakes. Unlike many of its competitors, the new Grand Cherokee with Hill Descent Control offers extremely smooth transitions between speeds and allows the driver to use the throttle and brakes without turning the system off, with a smooth and controlled return to the preset speed after the driver releases the throttle or brakes.

Once Hill Descent Control is activated by pushing the button in the centre stack, preset speeds can be selected by using the transmission shifter. For ease of operation, after the Hill Descent Control button is engaged, Grand Cherokee's Hill Descent Control is activated and deactivated automatically, as the system senses changes in topography. The system works whether the vehicle is driven in forward or reverse.

The preset maximum speeds are:
1st gear: 1.6 km/h
2nd gear: 4 km/h
3rd gear: 6 km/h
4th gear: 9 km/h
5th gear or D: 12 km/h
Reverse (R): 1.6 km/h
Neutral (N): 4 km/h

Hill Descent Control was engineered to provide the smoothest transitions possible, even from a complete stop on extremely steep and slippery surfaces. Hill Descent Control is standard on all Grand Cherokee models with the exception of the SRT8.

Hill Start Assist
The Hill Start Assist system provides the driver time to transition from brake to throttle to achieve a smooth launch on a grade. The system will hold brake pressure for two seconds upon the driver's release of the brake pedal. The Hill Start Assist system decreases wheel pressure in response to increasing throttle to provide a smooth launch. This system is extremely helpful when driving in urban as well as off-road areas with steep hills.

Hill Start Assist is standard on all Jeep Grand Cherokee models with the exception of the SRT8.

Trailer Sway Control
Trailer Sway Control minimises trailer sway (an alternating yaw of the vehicle) and improves handling in adverse towing conditions caused by crosswinds and traffic, provides trailer stability and increases towing safety.

Sensors monitor the vehicle's movement relative to the driver's intended path. The vehicle yaw sensor recognises sway. Once the system determines the sway is increasing and is not a result of the driver's steering input, Trailer Sway Control applies brake pressure on one front wheel to counteract the yaw induced by the trailer and smoothly applies brake pressure to the other wheels to slow the vehicle. As the trailer sways to the other side of the vehicle, Trailer Sway Control will increase pressure to the opposite side of the vehicle. The technology will continue to apply alternating brake pressure and reduce engine torque until the trailer sway is under control.

Four-Wheel Drive Systems

Quadra-Drive II®

The Quadra-Drive II® Jeep 4x4 system offers customers the ultimate in off-road capability. It combines the NV245 full-time transfer case with Electronic Limited Slip Differentials (ELSD) for best-in-class tractive performance. The system instantly detects tyre slip and smoothly distributes engine torque to the tyres with traction. In some cases, the vehicle will even anticipate low traction and adjust to proactively limit or eliminate slip.

The heart of the system is the NV245 active transfer case. This transfer case includes a centre differential coupled with an electronically controlled clutch pack, varying it from a completely open state to completely locked and infinite possibilities in between. The 4-Low gear ratio is 2.72:1.

A key component in the Quadra-Drive II system is the ELSD - an industry-first application front/rear/centre and the benchmark for automatic traction differentials. The ELSD uses electronically controlled clutch packs to automatically and instantly vary from slip to lock at each axle. This maximises traction when needed without any of the on-road drawbacks normally associated with such a robust 4x4 system.

All components of the system work together, continually monitoring needs, to provide smooth and automatic application of the components for best-in-class tractive performance while improving the day-to-day on-road driving experience. For example, the ELSD releases the clutch packs in the front axle during turns to allow differentiation and prevent crow hop.

Powertrains

3.0-litre Common Rail Turbo Diesel (CRD)
The 3.0-litre common rail turbo diesel (CRD) V6 engine produces 160 kW @ 3,800 rpm and 510Nm of torque @ 1,600 - 2,800 rpm. The engine offers up to 30 percent improvement in fuel economy, class-leading torque and outstanding towing capacity (3.5 tonne). And, clean diesel technology reduces CO2 emissions by an average of 30 percent.

4.7-litre SOHC V-8
For 2009 the 4.7-litre V8 engine offers better fuel economy, power and torque than the previous 4.7-litre engine, while at the same time delivering improvements in refinement.

The new 4.7-litre V8 incorporates two spark plugs per cylinder (the only Chrysler Group engine to do so, other than the 5.7-litre HEMI), increased compression ratio, improved cylinder-head port flow and a new combustion system. The result is 223kW @ 5,650 rpm, a 30 percent increase, and 445 Nm of torque @ 3,950 rpm, a 10 percent increase and five percent improvement in fuel economy compared with the previous 4.7-litre V8 engine.

Improvements in the new 4.7-litre V8 result from significant revisions to the induction system, a lightweight piston/rod assembly and reduced accessory drive noise through lower accessory drive speed. Engine smoothness at idle is enhanced with a new cam design, two spark plugs per cylinder and a new valve-lash adjuster system. The new 4.7-litre V8 is also equipped with electronic throttle control.

6.1-litre HEMI® V8
The 6.1-litre HEMI V8 delivers outstanding performance and reduced noise, vibration and harshness. It produces 313kW and 569Nm of torque and delivers a complete performance package with exceptional acceleration and makes the SRT8 the quickest, most powerful Jeep vehicle ever created, offering 0-100kph in the low 5 second range.

Suspension Steering Systems and Transmissions
The short- and long-arm independent front suspension on Grand Cherokee provides the driver with a greater sense of precision and control and more precise steering, and reduces vehicle weight, all without compromising the vehicle's off-road performance. The five-link rear-suspension geometry, including a track bar, also improves lateral stiffness to match that of the front suspension for optimum handling.

Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which is standard on all models, aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability in severe manoeuvres on any type of surface. It works by using signals from sensors throughout the vehicle that then determine the appropriate brake and throttle adjustments for directional stability.

Grand Cherokee's rack-and-pinion steering imparts more precise steering to the driver, providing quick response during all types of manoeuvres.

The 3.0-litre CRD engine is mated to the W5J400 five-speed automatic transmission. The 4.7-litre V-8 engine is mated to the 545RFE five-speed automatic transmission. These Grand Cherokee models have class-leading towing capacity of 3.5 tonne(SRT8 Towing restrictions apply). All transmissions feature Electronic Range Select driver interactive shift control. The shifter provides fully automated shifting when in the "drive" position. Or the driver can manually select each gear by simply moving the shifter left and right from the "drive" position using the tiptronic facility. This gives the driver control to precisely match any on-road or off-road requirement.