Chrysler showcases its present and future at the 2009 Toronto Auto Show
• 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty debuts in Toronto
• Chrysler Town & Country EV showcases Chrysler’s vision for the future
Chrysler Canada continues its product momentum at the 2009 Canadian International Auto Show with the premiere of the 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty.
The 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty, revealed today at both the Toronto and Chicago Auto Shows, is available for the first time in a crew-size cab model, providing Dodge with a formidable entry in the highest-volume part of the heavy-duty pickup segment in Canada.
With unique “heavy duty” styling, a choice of legendary diesel or gasoline fueled powerplants, improved driving dynamics and a significantly increased Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, the new Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 are the ultimate heavy-duty pickups.
“Last year the Dodge Ram 1500 was clearly the best pickup truck in the Canadian market,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO of Chrysler Canada. “Not only did it outperform the competition and set an all-time sales record, but it also received the prestigious Automotive Journalists Association of Canada’s award as the best new pickup truck. The all-new Ram Heavy Duty will continue this momentum with superior capability and towing, three cab styles, two cargo-box sizes, and single and dual rear-wheel configurations.”
Dodge Ram Heavy Duty offers a 6.7-liter Cummins® Turbo Diesel I-6 producing up to 650 lb.-ft. of torque at 1500 rpm and 350 hp at 3000 rpm. The 6.7-liter engine meets the most stringent emission requirements and is coupled with a six-speed manual (ultra-low first-gear ratio) or six-speed automatic transmission including electronic range select. The Ram Heavy Duty is also equipped with a 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine.
An increased Dodge Ram 2500 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 4354 kg (9600 lb.) results in an increase of 272 kg (600 lb.) of payload capacity in crew-size and Mega Cab 4x4 models equipped with the Cummins TD I-6 engine. The increased Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 11,521 kg (25,400 lb.) on all Ram 3500 models with dual rear wheels, 6.7-liter TD I-6 with automatic transmission and 4.10 axle ratio equates to an additional 635 kg (1400 lb.) handling of trailer weight.
The Dodge Ram Heavy Duty will arrive into Canada in the fall of 2009 followed by the all-new Dodge Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab.
Electric Technology
Making its debut outside of the United States, the Chrysler Town & Country EV Range-extended Electric Vehicle is showcased today at the Canadian International Automobile Show.
The Chrysler Town & Country EV prototype combines the electric-drive components of an electric vehicle with an integrated, gasoline auxiliary power unit and generator to power the electric drive when needed.
The Chrysler Town & Country EV uses a 200 kW (268 hp) motor, producing 350 N•m (258 lb.-ft.) of torque. The system provides a total range of about 650 km including approximately 65 km of zero-emissions, all-electric operation. This makes the Chrysler EV the perfect fuel-efficient family vehicle.
“We’ve made electric drive a primary path to developing clean vehicles for all of our product lines. And thanks to that sharp focus, we’re making fast progress,” said Bigland. “Our first Chrysler electric vehicle will be produced in 2010, and this demonstrates how serious we are about offering our customers environmental responsibility without giving up driving range, comfort or utility.”
Chrysler Canada offers one of its most fuel-efficient ranges ever, with six vehicles achieving 40 miles per gallon (mpg) or higher and more than 15 vehicles reaching over 30 mpg. Over forty percent of Chrysler Canada sales are fuel-efficient four-cylinder and diesel engine vehicles. In January 2009, Chrysler was the second largest automaker in Canada.