Dodge
I had high hopes for the Dodge web site, as it integrates Flash, without relying on it totally. Plus, it has links for low-bandwidth versions. But it won't stay in that mode, and so it becomes even more confusing for someone like me who can't understand why the low bandwidth version is as slow as the high bandwidth one...
As the industry shudders through the collapse of credit, Dodge has slashed its AWD product offerings. Gone are the AWD Avenger and Caliber, making the 2008 Avenger RT with AWD a potential collectible. Magnum is also in our rear view mirror for 2009. The '09 Nitro sticks with what's called a part-time 4wd system.
Dodge has also changed its Charger AWD implementation. The 2009 Dodge Charger includes both Active Transfer Case and Front Axle Disconnect. Chrysler is the only manufacturer to pair these two technologies on the same vehicle. Chrysler’s system transitions between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive with no driver intervention by disconnecting the front wheels from the drivetrain to reduce friction and rotational inertia. That no-driver-intervention aspect keeps Chrysler's implementation in the AWD area and out of the on-demand 4wd systems. It provides optimal traction, performance and safety, as well as a fuel economy improvement of one mpg (combined city/highway).
Dodge AWD Choices
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The 2009 all-wheel-drive Dodge Charger is equipped with Active Transfer Case and Front-axle Disconnect. This transitions between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive with no driver intervention. When all-wheel drive is not required, the system automatically disconnects the front axle and opens the transfer case from the drivetrain to reduce the load on the engine. Automatic all-wheel-drive operation may be activated by outside temperatures or wheel slip. All-wheel-drive mode can also be manually selected by shifting the gear selector to Auto Stick mode or by activating the windshield wipers for an extended period of time. Either the SXT or the R/T versions can be had with AWD. Switching between two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive improves fuel economy on all-wheel-drive Dodge Charger models by up to one mile per gallon (mpg) on the highway, while still providing the outstanding performance and handling inherent in a rear-wheel drive configuration. The Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) indicates when the switch is made from AWD to RWD. The SXT has a 250hp 3.5 liter V6, while the R/T brings it on with the 5.7 liter Hemi. Prices for the AWD Charger SXT start at $29,490.
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The mid sized Dodge Nitro with 4wd is available in 3 trim levels; SE, SLT and R/T. The SLT and RT have a neat Load ’N Go™ cargo floor that slides 18 inches rearward for easy loading and unloading and holds as much as 400 pounds. (So even I can sit on it!). Gone is last year's manual gearbox with AWD, leaving only the automatic transmissioned part-time 4wd set-up. Since this system is engaged via a switch on the console, it is not technically an AWD car. But it's my web site, and I'm gonna include it anyway. So there. Very little else has changed from the 2008 models, except some braking and axle improvements. Powered by a 3.7 liter V6, the 2009 Nitro SE w/4wd prices start at
$23,600 |
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The AWD 2009 Dodge Journey is available in 2 trim levels; SXT, and RT. The base version, the SE, is not available with an AWD option. The Journey rides on a stretched version of the Dodge Avenger/ Chrysler Sebring platform. The AWD optioned version is powered by a 3.5-liter, 235-hp V6 with a six-speed auto. On-demand all-wheel drive (AWD) with an Electronically Controlled Coupling (ECC) sends torque to rear wheels to make the car turn more easily and can provide minimal torque to rear wheels under normal driving conditions, providing better fuel economy. There are no significant mechanical differences between the SXT and the RT, only interior appointments Stick to the SXT w/AWD, whose prices start at $26,170 |
