Is the Sling Shot a Long Shot for North America?
Chrysler Group is in a unique position compared to its domestic rivals. It has the ability to share technologies with its parent companys top-tier division Mercedes-Benz, putting it at a distinct advantage over GM and Ford.
Why? GM has Cadillac and Saab, both premium brands while Ford has Jaguar. The difference is that GM and Ford outsource many of their key components, such as transmissions, while Mercedes-Benz develops its in-house.
Take Chryslers newest 5-speed automatic transmission, for an example. Cadillacs advanced 5-speed unit is manufactured by ZF, the same company that supplies automatic transmissions to BMW, among others. Its a great transmission,
Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Chrysler Group Design, describes the Dodge Sling Shots styling during its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 4, 2004. (Photo: Joe Wilssens)but too expensive to buy for any rear-wheel drive derivatives in lesser brands such as Chevrolet - excluding possibly the Corvette.
With Mercedes-Benz just recently launching its 7-speed automatic, Chrysler Group became the beneficiary of the outgoing 5-speed, still state-of-the-art among lower priced vehicles. Chrysler has also adopted the E Class rear suspension. Both technologies
Chrysler Group is really starting to show the advantages it has gained by joining forces with Mercedes-Benz. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)will now be made in its Indiana manufacturing facility.
While this technological advantage might not remain the same as time pushes forward, it is the case for now. Case in point is Chrysler Groups new 300 series of sedans and Dodge Magnum sport wagon, featuring rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations, a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability, and a sophisticated 5-link rear suspension. Chrysler throws in its all-American HEMI V8 horsepower and the rest is history, literally.
Most
The Dodge Sling Shot poses a unique opportunity for Chrysler Group, strike a chord with young, less affluent drivers and opening doors to new international markets. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)recently weve witnessed this process played out in the domestic automakers most recent products, starting with the Pacifica crossover that features M-B derived suspension components, to the Crossfire that is close to forty percent SLK.
But the technology advantage may not just end with powerful sports cars, sedans and crossovers, the domestic division might just get the opportunity to tap into what is becoming a lucrative subcompact market.
Chrysler Group is in a unique position compared to its domestic rivals. It has the ability to share technologies with its parent companys top-tier division Mercedes-Benz, putting it at a distinct advantage over GM and Ford.
Why? GM has Cadillac and Saab, both premium brands while Ford has Jaguar. The difference is that GM and Ford outsource many of their key components, such as transmissions, while Mercedes-Benz develops its in-house.
Take Chryslers newest 5-speed automatic transmission, for an example. Cadillacs advanced 5-speed unit is manufactured by ZF, the same company that supplies automatic transmissions to BMW, among others. Its a great transmission,
Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Chrysler Group Design, describes the Dodge Sling Shots styling during its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 4, 2004. (Photo: Joe Wilssens)but too expensive to buy for any rear-wheel drive derivatives in lesser brands such as Chevrolet - excluding possibly the Corvette.
With Mercedes-Benz just recently launching its 7-speed automatic, Chrysler Group became the beneficiary of the outgoing 5-speed, still state-of-the-art among lower priced vehicles. Chrysler has also adopted the E Class rear suspension. Both technologies
Chrysler Group is really starting to show the advantages it has gained by joining forces with Mercedes-Benz. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)will now be made in its Indiana manufacturing facility.
While this technological advantage might not remain the same as time pushes forward, it is the case for now. Case in point is Chrysler Groups new 300 series of sedans and Dodge Magnum sport wagon, featuring rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations, a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability, and a sophisticated 5-link rear suspension. Chrysler throws in its all-American HEMI V8 horsepower and the rest is history, literally.
Most
The Dodge Sling Shot poses a unique opportunity for Chrysler Group, strike a chord with young, less affluent drivers and opening doors to new international markets. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)recently weve witnessed this process played out in the domestic automakers most recent products, starting with the Pacifica crossover that features M-B derived suspension components, to the Crossfire that is close to forty percent SLK.
But the technology advantage may not just end with powerful sports cars, sedans and crossovers, the domestic division might just get the opportunity to tap into what is becoming a lucrative subcompact market.
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