LX News (Charger, Diesel LX, AWD)

**DMAG** · 03-03-2004, 08:26 AM

Sourced from DI.Net

Hi folks. Last wed. we built a beautiful black Magnum with tinted windows, HEMI, 18" wheels, and ALL WHEEL DRIVE! Very cool. It's my understanding that the entire driveline is lifted straight from a Mercedes for this model. The front brakes had bigger calipers mounted ahead of the rotors( I think). It had special tires with a street tread pattern,but 4x4 on the side. And unique aluminum rims. Inside there was no indication of any driver adjustable features for the AWD, so I assume it's full-time and fully automatic. Apparently we'll build about 5 more this week for the engineers, no word on when they'll ship, but I would guess next year.

Also, we will be trial building a right-hand drive, a Diesel, and something called a 2005 Charger in the coming weeks. The Charger is real, several have already been framed in the body-shop and at least one painted. From what I'm hearing it's a fastback version of the 300C, with a dodge grill. Not exactly what I think we were all hoping for. But I'll reserve judgement till I actually see one, it may be good, I hope.

Thread on DodgeIntrepid.Net

**E8502** · 03-03-2004, 05:09 PM

Originally Posted by DMAG

Sourced from DI.Net

Hi folks. Last wed. we built a beautiful black Magnum with tinted windows, HEMI, 18" wheels, and ALL WHEEL DRIVE! Very cool. It's my understanding that the entire driveline is lifted straight from a Mercedes for this model. The front brakes had bigger calipers mounted ahead of the rotors( I think). It had special tires with a street tread pattern,but 4x4 on the side. And unique aluminum rims. Inside there was no indication of any driver adjustable features for the AWD, so I assume it's full-time and fully automatic. Apparently we'll build about 5 more this week for the engineers, no word on when they'll ship, but I would guess next year.

Also, we will be trial building a right-hand drive, a Diesel, and something called a 2005 Charger in the coming weeks. The Charger is real, several have already been framed in the body-shop and at least one painted. From what I'm hearing it's a fastback version of the 300C, with a dodge grill. Not exactly what I think we were all hoping for. But I'll reserve judgement till I actually see one, it may be good, I hope.

Thread on DodgeIntrepid.Net

300C fastback?

Let's hold on a little bit longer....

**TehKing** · 03-03-2004, 06:42 PM

Any stats on the diesel?

I wonder if it is the same or similar to the one in the new Mercedes E320CDI wagon. 3.2L I6 diesel that makes 201hp and 365lb/ft or torque at 1800rpm. It propels the Merc wagon to 60mph in 6.5 seconds.

**AudaciousMSpecial** · 03-03-2004, 07:52 PM

I wonder if the diesel will be available in North America.

Being a division of Daimler-Benz, DCX may now be looking at production for the global market. If that's the case, a diesel engine availability goes without question in such a large car. Perhaps this vehicle is a test vehicle for overseas (Europe?)

Then again, I am currently sleep deprived (what else is new)

BTW, just a reminder. Any brampton worker posting in this topic is doing so at his/her own risk.

**BrilliantBlackHemi** · 03-03-2004, 08:14 PM

There is an effort to bring Clean Diesel Technology to the US. The thing that is going on now is first to change the Diesel fuel in use to the Euro style fuel so the engines will burn clean. VW, Audi and even DC, probably others, are planning on reintroducing Diesels again in the US in the next couple of years. The Liberty is scheduled first I think, either next year or the year after.

**AudaciousMSpecial** · 03-03-2004, 09:11 PM

Originally Posted by 99300mricva

There is an effort to bring Clean Diesel Technology to the US. The thing that is going on now is first to change the Diesel fuel in use to the Euro style fuel so the engines will burn clean. VW, Audi and even DC, probably others, are planning on reintroducing Diesels again in the US in the next couple of years. The Liberty is scheduled first I think, either next year or the year after.

How would the changes in the Diesel fuel effect currently diesel equipped vehicles (everything from Jetta's to Ford's Powerstroke and Cummins' Turbo Diesel)?

**YB Normyl** · 04-04-2004, 07:07 PM

Originally Posted by AudaciousMSpecial

Originally Posted by 99300mricva

There is an effort to bring Clean Diesel Technology to the US. The thing that is going on now is first to change the Diesel fuel in use to the Euro style fuel so the engines will burn clean. VW, Audi and even DC, probably others, are planning on reintroducing Diesels again in the US in the next couple of years. The Liberty is scheduled first I think, either next year or the year after.

How would the changes in the Diesel fuel effect currently diesel equipped vehicles (everything FROM Jetta's to Ford's Powerstroke and Cummins' Turbo Diesel)?

I followed a diesel Liberty being tested on the way to gearfest last year. The guy driving wasn't too happy about me takin pics.