Chrysler Canada Showcases New Autos

By: Anthony Fontanelle


Chrysler Canada keeps gaining momentum. Matter of fact, at this year’s Canadian International Automobile Show, which runs from February 15 through 24, the automaker will showcase new vehicles.

The new vehicles, which will arrive in dealerships this year, include 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 modern muscle car, 2009 Dodge Journey crossover, and 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup. The Journey will hit the Canadian market this month followed by the Challenger SRT8 this summer and the Ram 1500 this fall.

"2008 will be a great year for Chrysler Canada in terms of exciting new products that are well-aligned with the Canadian market. We are using the Toronto show to introduce together for the first time in Canada three of the critically important new models that will be arriving in dealer showrooms this year. The Challenger is one of the most anticipated new models to hit the market in years and the Dodge Ram and Dodge Journey are exactly the kind of vehicles Canadian consumers are demanding today,” said Mark Bosanac, Vice President Marketing, Chrysler Canada, in a company release.

The new Journey crossover offers outstanding flexibility in a chic and sporty package. "The Dodge Journey's $19,995 price tag and fuel efficient four-cylinder engine should make it the next Dodge-brand vehicle to have a big sales impact in Canada," said Bosanac.

All-new Ram, meanwhile, boasts of bolder and more powerful styling as well as 35 new or improved auto features. "The Canadian truck market is such a significant segment that in 2007, pickup trucks made up four of the eight best selling vehicle nameplates in the industry, with Dodge Ram becoming the 5th most popular," said Bosanac, Vice-President Marketing for Chrysler Canada Inc. "To further build on our truck leadership, we designed the 2009 Dodge Ram to be the most stylish and useful truck out there."

To boost power, the Ram is equipped with the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI which produces 380 hp and 404 lb.-ft. of torque. Other variations include the 4.7-liter V-8 generating 310 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque, and a 3.7-liter V-6 producing 215 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque.

Dodge is pleased to unveil a modern muscle car in Challenger SRT8. The muscle coupe is packed with cutting-edge technology such as the SRT-exclusive Reconfigurable Display that offers drivers instant feedback on 0-60 mph time, 60-0 mph braking, g-forces and 1/4-mile time.

The modern muscle car is devoid of the traditional cargo liner but highlights refined accessories like race-inspired leather seats, an exclusive orange accent stripe, as well as stitched accents on the seats and steering wheel.

"The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 offers pure American pony-car muscle. With styling that stays true to Challenger's original heritage, an abundance of modern amenities and cutting-edge technology, the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will deliver the SRT credo of benchmark performance at a tremendous value. The Challenger SRT8 is only the beginning of the story, as we'll soon follow with a complete lineup of Challenger models that will offer a wide array of features and deliver outstanding value for our customers,” noted James Press, Vice Chairman and President, Chrysler LLC.

For more information about your parts needs like cargo liner visit your trusted online source. Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.