Jeep Patriot rocks up with modest facelift for 2011

Chrysler has just revealed the first images and details of its 2011 Jeep Patriot, and the compact softroader has received very subtle nip/tuck for the new model year that touch nearly every aspect of the vehicle.

The alterations include a new front fascia with fog lamps integrated with the headlamps, color-keyed grille, a new front fascia that's lower than before, new 17-inch alloys and a brace of new colors, among other differences.

Under the skin, the baby Jeep receives reworked steering and suspension tunings (though the company declines specifics) and 4x4 models benefit from additional inch of ride height to augment its off-road capabilities.

Like other recent Chrysler models, the Patriot's interior has been a sticking point since the model was introduced for the 2007 model year, and the Auburn Hills automaker has devoted quite a bit of attention to upgrading the cabin in this revised model. Changes include new soft-touch door panels with backlighting for the door and window switches, a new armrest, a new wheel with redundant audio controls (along with Bluetooth and cruise), higher-quality cloth on the seats, and so on.

Make sure to stop by Prince Frederick Chrysler Jeep Dodge for more information

This Man Survived A 39-Story Fall By Landing On A Dodge

Your friends at Prince Frederick Dodge have always thought that a Dodge could save your life...today we found the proof....

Thomas Magill apparently attempted to end his 22 years of life by jumping off a high-rise building on the West Side of New York yesterday, only to survive by landing on a 2008 Dodge Charger parked 39 floors below.

Thomas Magill is a 22-year-old New Yorker not unlike most twentysomething New Yorkers, according to his Facebook page. He studied English at Fordham University, and had a job as a "stylist" at Club Monaco until recently. His family's from Staten Island, but the New York Daily News says he once lived in the building he jumped off of yesterday.

Complete story here

Dodge & PETA equal an Invisible Monkey Ad

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade; When PETA complains about the chimp used in your commercial, digitally erase it — kind of. This might be the best Dodge commercial yet. Before and after commercials below.

Commercial before PETA's bellyaching

The above commercial was created to build buzz for Chrysler's big tent event and features a monkey dressed like a stuntman setting off some lame fireworks. It was a marginally cute advertisement, but someone at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals saw it and complained. We'll let their spokesperson/primatologist explain:

Most top ad agencies in the country won't even consider producing an ad featuring a great ape these days given the well-documented abuse that young chimpanzees and orangutans suffer in the entertainment industry. This abuse starts when they are prematurely removed from their mothers and continues when they are trained to perform through savage beatings, denied even the most basic necessities, transported and housed in barren steel cages, and then discarded at seedy roadside zoos around the age of 8, even though they can live into their 60s. You won't find a great-ape trainer without a history of Animal Welfare Act violations and a reputation for dumping animals when they're no longer profitable. After watching a video narrated by Anjelica Huston about the use of great apes in entertainment, savvy ad agencies such as BBDO, Young & Rubicam, Grey Group, Draftfcb, and Saatchi & Saatchi made the compassionate decision not to exploit great apes in future ads. Dodge isn't going to dodge a bullet on this one. It needs to pull the ad - and we've contacted the company asking it to do just that.

Dodge, displaying a rare sense of humor and cleverness, created the new advertisement below with what looks like a digitally-erased monkey. It's even more humorous than the original.

Commercial after PETA's bellyaching

2011 Jeep Wrangler changes it's top.

2011 Jeep Wrangler spy shots

Spy Shots! We love a little bit of covert ops. Our Friends from AutoBlog posted this little tidbit about the 2011 Jeep Wrangler. We at Prince Frederick Jeep think this is a long overdue change. Make sure to stop by your favorite Maryland Jeep dealer and check it out!

As the most iconic model from a certifiable American institution such as Jeep, it comes as little surprise that every new version of the venerable Wrangler (or CJ if you happen to remember Carter's presidency) causes pangs of distress from Jeep's loyal fanbase. Still, from the square headlights of the original Wrangler YJ to the coil springs of the Wrangler TJ and finally – and easily the most egregious of all in our eyes – the loss of the stalwart 4.0 HO inline-six in favor of the 3.8-liter V6 from a minivan in the latest JK, the Wrangler has continued to sell.

That doesn't seem likely to change for 2011, either. From what we can tell from these few spy shots that were snapped at the Jeep factory in Toledo, Ohio, the biggest external change to the next Wrangler is the inclusion of a color-matched hardtop. This is definitely not a bad thing. We can only hope that the next significant alteration to the tried-and-true off-roader-for-the-masses model includes a new drivetrain. Pentastar V6, please, along with automatic and manual transmissions with six forward ratios each.

SOURCE [AutoBlog]

500 Mopar 2010 Challengers to be built

Mopar '10 Challenger

The Mopar division of Chrysler has, in a way, been one of the automaker's silent heroes. This brand continues to build standard-spec and aftermarket parts for a range of Chrysler products, and while these optional goodies have always been offered in an a-la-carte fashion, Chrysler is now offering a true Mopar version of the 2010 Dodge Challenger.

Mopar starts with a Challenger R/T, fitted with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and adds a hood-venting system, cold-air intake, front strut brace, unique engine cover and a strut-tower brace. Chrysler hasn't released official numbers, but we'd say that these modifications are good for an additional 10 or 15 horsepower – nothing crazy.

Inside, there's a Katzkin leather seating package, special gear shifters for either transmission, a custom leather-wrapped steering wheel and – you guessed it – a serialized dash plaque. Only 500 of the Mopar '10 Challengers will be built, finished in a brilliant black clear coat with a choice of either red, blue or silver accents. (What, no white?) Other exterior changes include things like a black chrome grille surround, black wheels, functional hood vents and hood pins.

The Mopar '10 Challenger hits dealerships next month, priced from $38,000 with the automatic transmission (including the $750 destination charge). Want a do-it-yourself shifter? Add $1,000 to that price. (Wait, what?) For the full details, give us a call at Prince Frederick Dodge.


Source [AutoBlog]

Fiat 500

Here is some interesting news we stumbled across this afternoon. Keep your fingers crossed that Prince Frederick Chrysler Jeep Dodge will be one of the dealerships chosen!

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 6 (UPI) -- U.S. automaker Chrysler said it had invited its dealerships to bid on rights to sell the Fiat 500 and that only 125 outlets would be approved.

Potentially, 2,300 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram truck dealers could bid on the option to sell the small Fiats, which are scheduled to go on sale in the United States in December, the Detroit Free Press reported Tuesday.

In addition to a general investment in the brand, Chrysler is requiring dealerships arrange for showroom space that is separate from their Chrysler brand vehicles, company spokesman Ralph Kisiel said.

The four-cylinder vehicle is scheduled for construction in Toluca, Mexico, using engines made in Dundee, Mich.

The company has said half of the 100,000 Fiat 500s would be sold in the states, while the other half would be targeted for South America.

Source: UPI.com

2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Top Safety Pick Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Chrysler Group LLC announced today that the all-new 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee has received a Top Safety Pick award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – the highest rating the organization bestows.

“The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the first production vehicle to launch since our alliance with Fiat and a ‘Top Safety Pick’ is a great way to start our 2011 product offensive,” said Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President – Engineering, Chrysler Group LLC. “IIHS’ recognition of five products underscores Chrysler Group’s engineering capability and leadership in occupant protection.”

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee joins the 2010 Dodge Journey, 2010 Dodge Avenger*, 2010 Chrysler Sebring*, and the 2010 Jeep® Patriot (equipped with available seat mounted air bag) as 2010 Top Safety Picks, according to IIHS.

For pictures and the full article, click here.

Want more information on the 2011 Grand Cherokee, stop by and see us at Prince Frederick Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Prince Frederick.