C hrysler Group News Update is published by Chrysler Group Communi-cations and intended for distribution to dealership employees to highlight company and industry news. It includes third-party news sources that do not reflect Chrysler Group views or policies.

Durango is good sign for Dodge?s future



With a revised look and feel, the "handsome" 2011 Dodge Durango could be a sign of good things to come from Dodge, Fortune Magazine wrote.

Despite its three-row size, the reviewers at Automedia.com found it "surprisingly quick, quiet, comfortable and almost sport-sedan fun." The Durango?s structure and suspension enhancements provide an "excellent balance of on-road handling and ride comfort," the story said.

"One of the key elements in this successful update is the new Duran-go?s style," The Car Guide said. From the front, the vehicle shows "real attitude" and the high beltline, reduced windows and inclined rear hatch are reminiscent of the Dodge Magnum and offer a "modern and dynam-ic" appearance.

"Dodge Durango appeals to customers who need the versatility of a crossover and the capability of an SUV, but want the refinement and characteristics of a premium performance vehicle," said Dodge CEO Ralph Gilles, according to Automedia.com.

Motor Trend noted the interior has been redesigned with higher-quality materials and that the result is "impressive, with comfortable seats, good visibility, improved ergonomics, and a vastly improved Gar-min-based navigation system."

The all-new Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee stood out as two of the top three "most outstanding" trucks in the North Ameri-can Car and Truck of the Year (NACTOY) voting, The Detroit Free Press reported.

If you thought Chrysler Group was done unveiling its 2011 lineup, the automaker still has a few surprises left, includ-ing the 2011 Jeep® Compass, which looks more rugged and upscale, according to Cars.com?s KickingTires blog.

The Compass, which was originally marketed as the street-friendly variant of the Jeep Patriot, upgrades its off-road credentials throughout, KickingTires noted. Jeep?s Freedom Drive II full-time active four-wheel-drive system allows the Compass to be "Trail Rat-ed," which means the crossover is capable enough in moderate off-road situations, including rock or log climbing, Kicking-Tires added.

USA Today reported that the new Compass offers interior upgrades, improved ride and handling, more off-road capabil-ity, and front and rear styling that is richer looking.

Edmunds Inside Line said that the 2011 Jeep Compass was released sporting "grand" styling from the Jeep Grand Cherokee, unsurpassed com-pact SUV 4x4 fuel economy (28 mpg), and upgraded interior and exterior.

2011 Dodge Charger ready to perform



Car and Driver bluntly asks: "Is there an angrier car on the road than the Dodge Charger?"

There?s menace in the Charger?s "scowling headlights, the shield-like crosshair grille, and the shoebox-sized side win-dows," Car and Driver said, in a review of the all-new 2011 Dodge Charger four-door fastback coupe.

The Charger has been re-tuned to feel smaller, more agile, and sportier despite its full size, Car and Driver said. A big part of the Charger?s sportier feel is a new, quicker steering rack that now features electrohydraulic assistance to save fuel, the mag-azine added.

and springs, Road and Track reported.

In performance driving, the Charger is benign, requiring trail-braking techniques to reach the apex of corners, but never once did it miss step, Road and Track said. The publication called the steering "light but precise," mak-ing the large sedan feel smaller than it actually is.

According to Road and Track, hitting the keyless ignition brings to life one of two engines: a new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 making 292 hp, or a carryover 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 massaged to make 370 hp. Both powerplants have a throaty rumble totally in character for the car, Road and Track said.

The new Dodge Charger proves that the company is on the right track, Road and Track added.