Chrysler Group Product Plans
The current issue of Automotive News outlines Chrysler Group's product plans for the 2010 calendar year. I thought it might be informative to give you a brief description of what's coming from Chrysler in the next 10 months.

Redesigned or Reengineered
1st quarter 2010
Ram Chassis Cab: Redesigned chassis for Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500
2nd quarter 2010
Jeep Grand Cherokee: New platform; first to get Chrysler's Pentastar V-6 engine
4th Quarter 2010
Dodge Durango replacement: 7-seat sibling of Grand Cherokee; unibody construction, Pentastar V-6
Dodge Charger: New sheet metal; heavily revised LX platform, including new rear suspension; Pentastar
V-6 and revised V-8s; new interior
Chrysler Town & Country: New front end; Pentastar V-6; new interior; sharply differentiated from the Dodge Grand Caravan
Chrysler Sebring sedan and convertible: New front and rear; Pentastar V-6; new interior; revised suspension; first with Fiat-engineered 6-speed dual-clutch transmission; probable new name
Chrysler 300: New sheet metal; heavily revised LX platform, including new rear suspension; Pentastar V-6 and revised V-8s; new interior

Restyled, freshened
1st quarter 2010
Jeep Liberty: Styling tweaks
3rd quarter 2010
Jeep Wrangler: Diesel Wranglers, not sold in the U.S., will get stop-start; modified exterior design; Pentastar V-6 in 2011
Jeep Patriot: Revised exterior
4th quarter 2010
Dodge Avenger: New front and rear bumpers and grille; major interior changes; upgrades to suspension; Pentastar V-6
Dodge Grand Caravan: Minor styling tweaks; new interior; Pentastar V-6
Dodge Journey: New interior; restyled front end; Pentastar V-6
Jeep Compass: Revised exterior

All New 2011 General Motors HD Pickups
General Motors has introduced all-new 2011 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra HD pickups The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra HD lineup offers all-new, fully-boxed frame assemblies; stronger independent and new asymmetrical leaf-spring rear suspensions; a strengthened 6.0L Vortec 6L90 standard powertrain; a new, exclusive exhaust brake system; larger brakes; improved ride, handling and steering; and comprehensive safety and functional technologies such as 170-degree-opening rear access doors on extended cab models and state-of-the art connectivity.

The Silverado/Sierra heavy-duty lineup grows to 11 2500HD models and eight single- and dual-rear-wheel 3500HD models – including a new 3500HD Crew Cab with a 6.5-foot cargo box. WT, LT and LTZ trim levels are offered and popular features, including the EZ Lift tailgate and rearview camera system, return. All models bring greater capability, improved ride and handling and a greater feeling of driver control.

Depending on the model the Silverado/Sierra HD offers:

• On the available Duramax 6.6L diesel, horsepower and torque are expected to top the previous model, along with expected segment-best fuel economy and B20 biodiesel capability
• Segment-best fifth-wheel towing capacity of 20,000 pounds (9,072 kg)
• Segment-best conventional towing capacity increases up to 23 percent, with a maximum of 16,000 pounds (7,272 kg)
• Segment-best payload capability of 6,335 pounds (2,873 kg) with a complete vehicle
• Segment-best Gross Combined Weight Rating increases to 27,500 pounds (12,500 kg)
• Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings increases up to 17 percent to 13,000 pounds (5,909 kg)
• Front Axle Weight Rating increases by up to 25 percent to 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg)
• Exhaust brake system designed to extend brake pad life and help avoid overheating on long descents
• Snow plow capability enabled for all 4WD cab configurations

• the material used to mold the engine cam cover for the 3.0-liter V6 is from post-consumer nylon carpet;
• the seat fabrics are 100% post-industrial recycled yards;
• the seat cushions and seatbacks are produced with soy-based polyurethane foams;
• the headliner is soy-foam.