From the article: “Chrysler LLC is expected to slash at least 1,000 salaried workers, cut contract employees and trim manufacturing jobs in an effort to downsize payroll and production to match its shrinking U.S. market share.

People close to the company said Chrysler’s board Tuesday approved the job cuts and possible factory shift reductions in addition to dropping four vehicles from its product lineup.

The cuts are expected to be announced as soon as today as the newly independent automaker revamps its operations under the ownership of the private-equity firm Cerberus Capital Management. ”

Anyone care to speculate what the fourth vehicle will be? Will the Aspen join the PT, Pacifica, and Magnum?

Chrysler to cut deeper: 1,000 managers targeted - detnews.com

From the article:”The board of Chrysler LLC is expected to decide today to kill at least three slow-selling models as part of a sweeping strategic realignment of the newly private automaker.

People close to Chrysler said the board, in its initial meeting under new Chairman and CEO Bob Nardelli, likely will approve plans to discontinue the Chrysler Pacifica crossover, the Dodge Magnum wagon and the PT Cruiser hatchback. ”

Chrysler to dump three slow-sellers - detnews.com

From the coverage: “For 2008, the Dodge Viper SRT will use an 8.4-liter aluminum V-10 engine that produces a full 600 horsepower and 560 lb.-ft. of torque. 0-60 times are under four seconds, 0-100-0 in under 12 seconds, and braking 60-0 comes in less than 100 feet.”

2008 Dodge Viper cars: up to 600 horsepower - allpar.com

From the press release:
“What do you get when you combine the new 392 HEMI® crate engine from Mopar® with the world’s first-ever steel reproduction of a 1927 street rod body and three car-crazy designers? The result is a custom SR 392 Roadster that will debut in the Mopar booth (#42427) at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show. The SEMA Show is the annual showcase of technology, trends and products representing the $36.7 billion automotive parts and accessories industry that will be held Oct. 30 – Nov. 2, 2007 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

For nearly two years, Chrysler’s Mark Allen and Ralph Gilles planned to build the SR 392 Roadster as a SEMA stunner with Michael Chetcuti of Livonia, Mich.-based auto supplier, Quality Metalcraft (QMC). Allen is chief designer, Jeep®/Dodge Truck Studios – Chrysler LLC and Gilles is Vice President of Jeep/Truck & CFM Design, Chrysler LLC. Gilles and Allen are members of Chrysler’s Mopar Underground SEMA design team, a group of in-house automotive enthusiasts who donate their time to SEMA project vehicles.”

SEMA 2007 Preview: Chrysler SR 392 Roadster! - autoblog.com

From the article: “A new four-year national labor contract between Chrysler LLC and the United Auto Workers has been ratified by rank-and-file workers, overcoming significant opposition.

The agreement was approved by 56 percent of production workers and 51 percent of skilled trades workers, the UAW said in a statement Saturday. Ninety-four percent of office and clerical workers approved the pact and 79 percent of UAW-represented Chrysler engineers voted for the contract. ”

With the new contract now in place, will the Chrysler executive team share their vision for the new Chrysler?

Chrysler workers approve UAW contract - detnews.com

From the article: “There’s no doubting this car’s capabilities on the road: it’s quick, agile and powerful. However, its interior still needs some improving, when held up against competitors such as the Civic Si sedan and MazdaSpeed3, which are similarly priced and more refined.”

HOT WHEELS: Dodge Caliber SRT pushes 285 horses from 2.4-liter engine - detnews.com

Jeep Wrangler All-Access - autoblog.com

Dodge Avenger StormTrooper - autoblog.com

Dodge Dakota MX Warrior - autoblog.com

Dodge Ram BFT - autoblog.com

From the article: “A majority of UAW workers at Chrysler’s Jefferson North Assembly plant rejected the tentative contract today, dealing another serious blow to chances the deal will be ratified.

It was the fourth large assembly plant to reject the agreement since voting began last Thursday. Despite hard lobbying by United Auto Workers leadership to convince voters to accept the contract, UAW workers across the country have been saying “no.”

The last time a contract was voted down was in 1982, also by workers at Chrysler. Will Cerberus need to show their hand with future product commitments in order to win over the union?

Jefferson North workers reject Chrysler deal - detnews.com

From the WSJ:”Chrysler is also killing some models before they even reach the market, as part of the effort to focus scarce capital and human resources. A midsize sports-utility vehicle, code-named JZ, has been canceled, people familiar with the company’s plans said.

Chrysler is still weighing the fate of certain vehicles, including a small Jeep called the Compass. The Compass hasn’t sold well in the U.S. but has done better in Europe and other overseas markets.”

Chrysler Will Dump Some Models, Dealers - wsj.com

From the article:”Chrysler LLC could cut as many as five nameplates within the month as part of its quick and dramatic makeover as a newly private company.

Auto industry analysts predict the Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Dakota, and Jeep Commander and Compass could face elimination. A company insider included those vehicles among a list of vehicles facing review. The source and another familiar with Chrysler’s design pipeline also questioned the future of the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Durango.

The Chrysler Sebring is being considered for a complete makeover, though if that is not feasible, the car will probably be eliminated, the company insider said.”

Chrysler set to ax models - freep.com

From the article: “Two top Chrysler executives have confirmed recently that the automaker is on a global hunt to find a partner to help it build small vehicles, ones like the hot Dodge Demon sports car and the clever Dodge Hornet people mover. And that partner apparently won’t be Chrysler’s current Chinese partner, Chery.”

I wonder if Cerberus decided that a Chrysler-Chery partnership was not the right direction for the company. Did Nardelli or Press mention the Demon or Hornet at the recent Las Vegas gathering?

Thanks for the tip DaveS!!!

Dodge Demon, Hornet: Who Will Build These for Chrysler? - edmunds.com

From the article: “The Dodge Caliber has been criticized by many reviewers for its lack of power; the SRT-4 changes the equation with a turbocharger that boosts the 2.4 liter engine to a full 285 horsepower, enough to make the Caliber quite fast - 0-60 comes up in a bit over 6 seconds - if not instantly responsive. The SRT-4 also has a tuned suspension and higher capacity brakes, along with better tires than the ordinary Caliber; the result is a vehicle which can achieve excellent test ratings all around.”

Check out the video below to see Dave from Allpar squawk the tires on the all new Dodge Caliber SRT-4.

2008 Dodge Caliber SRT-4 test drive / car reviews - allpar.com

Check out by the plant by plant commitments in the new UAW contract. One thing you will notice is that Chrysler will not kill any car or truck during its product lifecycle.

Chrysler promises products to plants - detnews.com