Flint Township View

CHRYSLER GLACIER, DODGE SPORT FEATURE WINTER DRIVING SAFETY





The 2013 Chrysler 300 Glacier Edition

The 2013 Chrysler 300 Glacier Edition

Consumers who live in areas affected by wintry weather can benefit from improved control offered by all-wheel-drive systems. To meet this need, Chrysler is showcasing two vehicles equipped with the newest AWD system: The 2013 Dodge Charger AWD Sport, designed for performance enthusiasts, and, for the luxury car customer, the new 2013 Chrysler 300 Glacier Edition.

Both vehicles have recently been put through their paces in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. According to Engineering, Powertrain, Safety & Regulatory spokesperson Eric Mayne, Chrysler regularly performs winter driving tests at Michigan Technological University’s Keweenaw Research Center adjacent to Houghton Memorial Airport in Calumet.

Both vehicles feature Chrysler’s segment exclusive Intelligent AWD with Disconnect.

“Both products performed as designed,” Mayne said. “The system anticipates traction loss based on steering/throttle inputs, manages torque to provide AWD on demand when traction is poor, and seamlessly engages and disengages the front axle (going back to RWD mode) when conditions do not require AWD.”

Mayne said Chrysler’s new AWD system is unique, based on the combined effect of a single-speed transfer case and front- axle disconnect capability, giving improved fuel economy by allowing the AWD system to remain stationary when not needed. On the other hand, the driver has in- traction control in poor weather. “Among its AWD competitors, the Glacier Edition delivers best-in-class fuel economy – 27 miles per gallon highway,” he said.

The seamless operation of this advanced AWD system, say Chrysler officials, makes it a great fit for the Glacier, the new all-season “athlete” of the Chrysler 300 line of luxury sedans.

Taking a page from the looks of the Chrysler 300S, the Glacier features contemporary styling on its exterior and interior. Yet, the Glacier has the power to muscle through snow-covered roadways with a state-of-theart eight-speed automatic transmission and a more powerful 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine with new sport-tuned exhaust and cold-air induction system.

While the Glacier delivers style, comfort and the increased safety of AWD, the 2013 Dodge Charger AWD Sport (based on the Charger SXT and SXT Plus models) lives up to its performance reputation with two available engines: the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-liter HEMI V8.

The Pentastar V6 now generates 300 horsepower with the addition of a sport-tuned dual exhaust system and cold-air induction system. With this engine, the car packs plenty of power, yet it offers best-in-class city and highway fuel economy (18/27 mpg).

For the true performance enthusiast, the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine offers 370 horsepower, 395 lb.-ft. of torque and four-cylindermode Fuel Saver Technology.

Both V6 and V8 models have the segment exclusive active transfer case and frontaxle disconnect system when AWD is not required. Just like in the Glacier, the AWD system in the Dodge Sport seamlessly engages and disengages with no driver action required.

More bonuses for performance buffs in the AWD Sport include paddle shifters and a “sport” mode that, when active, enables faster gear changes. Also, revs are held higher for faster acceleration and higher shift dynamics.

Performance and traction control are strong selling points for police departments. The new Dodge Charger Pursuit will feature the 5.7 HEMI V8 engine with available Intelligent AWD with Disconnect for maximum foul weather traction.

When AWD is not needed, the car defaults to standard RWD. Mayne said vehicles with AWD are becoming more common in this segment.

“Adding available all-wheel- drive capability to the already popular Dodge Charger Pursuit will broaden the Charger’s appeal to police departments that are accustomed to dealing with rough winters and adverse weather conditions,” said Peter Grady, vice president of Chrysler’s Network Development & Fleet.

“With the Charger Pursuit now offering dual capability of both rear- and all-wheel drive, we’ll be able to meet the needs of our police fleet customers across the country.”

Content provided coutesy of Detroit Auto Scene. For more automotive news visit detroitautoscene.com.


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