4-Speed not to last very long in LXs

[DMAG]

Hawk on Allpar caught this article:

In normal driving conditions, both engines were impressive, with the V8 obviously providing a significant increase in power over the V6. That being said, the V6 will not disappoint -- put your foot on the accelerator and the V6 car gets up to speed smoothly and quickly. On the highway it’s very quiet, only barely making 2000 r.p.m. at 120 km/h. Mr. Broomall pointed out that the four-speed automatic transmission would likely not see the end of this product cycle for the V6-powered cars, being replaced with a five-speed transmission subsequently.

Article in Canadian Driver

[E8502]

Woot!!

The 4-speed has to go.

[TehKing]

Good!

Get rid of that Ultradrive POS.

[BrilliantBlackHemi]

Now why didn't they do that FROM the beginning I wonder?

[DMAG]

Now why didn't they do that FROM the beginning I wonder?

Good question...I guess the only reasonable answer is that they weren't ready?

I remember when the 94 Mustang came out with the 5.0L engine. Two years later they went with the 4.6L even though it was already out in the Crown Vic. Why? Who knows.

:?

[E8502]

For the fleets maybe??

[E55 KEV]

If you opt for the AWD in either the V6 300 Touring or 300 Limited you get the Mercedes 5-Speed Autostick. The AWD option comes in the Fall 2004.

[E8502]

If you opt for the AWD in either the V6 300 Touring or 300 Limited you get the Mercedes 5-Speed Autostick. The AWD option comes in the Fall 2004.

Yup...Novemeber for the 300, September for the Magnum.

[talon139]

Any more details ready for the public on the AWD?

Would be really nice to know things like price, tire sizes and other changes against the non awd model...

[E8502]

Nope, DaimlerChrysler has not given us anything more then what we already know. Big thig is the lower models get the 5 speed if they have AWD.

[E55 KEV]

I have read that the AWD models will ride 1" higher than RWD. The torque/power split will be 38% front and 62% rear. The tire size is the same but the AWD models get a SUV tire - the Continental 4X4 Contact with the self sealing tire as option. The SXT AWD will get the same bigger brakes as both RT version. Front Rotor 13.6" & Rear Rotor 12.6" both vented. All AWD model

It appears that the AWD versions 'may' get there own wheels. This is a pic of a Magnum RT AWD with different wheels than the regular RT:

[DMAG]

Yup, you got it right Kev!

From the DM.Net Specs page:

TRANSFER CASE

Availability: Std. with all-wheel drive
Type: Single-speed constant engagement
Center Differential: Planetary
Torque Split, Front/Rear: 38/62

SXT and RT AWD

Availability: Std.
Size & Type : P225/60 R18H 99H all-season touring
Mfr. & Model: Continental 4 x 4 Contact
Revs per Mile (km): 735 (457)
Availability: Opt.
Size and Type: P225/60 R18 99H all-season touring self sealing
Mfr. and Model: Continental CH95 ContiSeal™
Revs per Mile (km): 735 (457)