Bestop Supertop

• The standard against which all other soft tops are measured
• Include hardware, fabric and windows
• Bestop Belt-Rail attachment system ensures a fast and easy installation
• Mildew resistant, UV-treated fabric
• Heavy duty zippers
• Two year limited warranty

Bestop Supertop

Dodge Avenger Golden Colorado … www.christophersdodge-world.com

The natural green Jeep® Patriot, which will be delivered to B.Z. Motors Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge in Lewisburg, Pa., is one of three models produced at the plant. The other two models are the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass. Production of the family of vehicles began in 2005 with the Dodge Caliber.

“The Belvidere plant has been producing some of Chrysler’s most popular models for the past 45 years and the Jeep Patriot is just the latest model to add to the list,” said Kurt Kavajecz, BAP Plant Manager. “We are honored to be part of this significant milestone. The success of the Jeep Patriot, Jeep Compass and Dodge Caliber is a testament to the dedication of our workforce and their commitment to producing a high quality product.”

The 2010 Jeep Patriot that rolled off the line was equipped with a 2.4-liter engine, a five-speed manual transmission and premium features including satellite radio, power heated seats, keyless entry, speed control, leather wrapped steering wheel and aluminum wheels.

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of a Jeep Patriot starts at $15,995 (including $630 destination).
Overall, sales of the Jeep Patriot through June have totaled nearly 16,500 units, up 21 percent from 2009. Since production began, more than 550,000 Patriots have been produced.

About the Jeep Patriot
Jeep Patriot is designed for customers who want four-wheel-drive capability or the year-round versatility of front-wheel drive, excellent fuel economy of 29 mpg and an attractive price point. With modern interior and classic Jeep exterior styling, including traditional round Jeep headlamps, seven-slot grille, muscular body-side flares, and strong stance—the 2010 Jeep Patriot broadens the classic Jeep design appeal to new customers.

Jeep Patriot has received a Top Safety Pick award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – the highest rating the organization bestows. The Jeep Patriot has also received the Compact SUV Texas award by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA).

History of the Belvidere Assembly Plant
Belvidere Assembly Plant was constructed in 1964-65. The first car was produced on July 7, 1965. The product line from 1965 to 1977 included the Plymouth and Dodge two-door, four-door models and station wagons, and the Chrysler Town & Country station wagon.

In 1977, the plant was converted to front-wheel-drive production. From 1978-1987, the product lines included Plymouth Horizon and Dodge Omni.

In 1987, the plant underwent a $367 million state-of-the-art, 16-week model changeover to produce the Chrysler New Yorker and Dodge Dynasty, the company’s full-size front-wheel drive four-door sedans. Two years later, the plant underwent a $72 million model changeover for production of 1990 models that included the Chrysler Imperial and New Yorker Salon.

In 1994, the plant was converted to produce the Plymouth and Dodge Neon. Production of the Neon ended in September 2005. The Dodge Caliber was launched in December 2005, followed by the Jeep Compass in May 2006 and Jeep Patriot in December 2006.

The One Millionth Vehicle Rolls off the line at Chrysler Group LLC’s Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant

Chrysler LLC has concluded its 7-hour-long marathon presentation of the business plan (read our Live Blog of the event here) that will see it through the next five years, and what we’re left with is a little confusing. It’s almost as if the automaker’s new executives, amidst apologizing for the company’s past and promising to do better in the future, were hoping we’d all fall asleep or get lost in the details. Well, we didn’t fall asleep or get lost, and below you’ll find a breakdown of what we learned while spending the day hip deep in Chrysler’s future product. You can also check out the slides from Chrysler’s presentation relating to product in the gallery below.

Models On Their Way Out

• Jeep Patriot (end of 2012)
• Jeep Compass (end of 2012)
• Jeep Commander (end of 2010, may continue being sold internationally)
• Chrysler PT Cruiser (end of 2010)
• Dodge Dakota (mid 2011)
• Dodge Caliber (mid 2012)
• Dodge Viper (mid 2011, may return in 2012)

New Models That Are Coming

• Jeep compact SUV (2013, supplied by Fiat, may be Panda)
• Jeep small CUV (2013, supplied by Fiat, replaces Patriot and Compass)
• Jeep Liberty (2013, replaced by Fiat product but retains name)
• Chrysler small car (2013, supplied by Fiat)
• Chrysler compact sedan (2012, supplied by Fiat, replaces PT Cruiser)
• Chrysler Sebring (2013, replaced by Fiat product but retains name)
• Chrysler midsize CUV (2013, supplied by Fiat)
• Ram midsize unibody pickup (under consideration for 2011)
• Ram large and small commercial van (2012, supplied by Fiat)
• Dodge small car (2013, supplied by Fiat)
• Dodge compact sedan (2012, supplied by Fiat)
• Dodge Avenger (major update 2010, replaced by Fiat product 2013)
• Dodge full-size CUV (2010)
• Fiat 500 (late 2010, convertible 2011, Abarth 2012)

Models Staying, Receiving Attention

• Jeep Wrangler Diesel (2010/2011, not confirmed for U.S. market… yet)
• Jeep Grand Cherokee (all-new 2010)
• Chrysler 300C (all-new 2010)
• Chrysler Town & Country (major update 2010, next-gen 2014)
• Ram 1500/2500/3500 (major update 2012)
• Dodge Journey (major update 2010)
• Dodge Nitro (major update 2011 under consideration)
• Dodge Challenger (refresh 2011)
• Dodge Charger (all-new 2010)
• Dodge Grand Caravan (major update 2010, next-gen 2014)

UPDATE: You can dive whole hog into the plan yourself at Chrysler’s website.

View Poll

Chrysler’s 5-Year Business Plan: The Product Breakdown originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler’s 5-Year Business Plan: The Product Breakdown

Starting in late December, Chrysler Group LLC will take claim as the first U.S. automaker to offer live mobile television in its Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. Programming for up to 20 channels will come through FLO TV[TM] Auto Entertainment and will offer shows for nearly everyone. As of now, the lineup includes CBS Mobile, CNBC, Comedy Central, FOX News, MSNBC, MTV, Nickelodeon, and more.

While companies have offered “live” TV in the past through large and expensive roof-mounted satellite dishes, the Mopar system captures signals through a mouse-size roof antenna. The feed arrives via a dedicated multicast network from FLO TV (a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Inc.). The associated receiver and wiring are all hidden, so that they remain out of view to the vehicle’s occupants. Utilizing the existing DVD system’s 7-inch display, passengers will be able to use a wireless remote control to surf channels, much like they do with current home-based systems.

The $629 (plus installation) package will be offered as a deal-installed option on most new Chrysler SUV/minivan products, and may be retrofitted to some older vehicles equipped with DVD entertainment systems. The cost of system, however, includes a one-year pre-paid FLO TV service subscription. As long as Sponge Bob is on, we’re sure many of Chrysler’s smallest customers will be quite happy.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler gets in-car TV going with FLO TV

Chrysler gets in-car TV going with FLO TV originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler gets in-car TV going with FLO TV

It comes as little surprise that Jeep is looking beyond its current Patriot and Compass models, which have, to put it mildly, underperformed in the burgeoning compact CUV market. While the two concepts had lots of potential, the actual production ComPatriot twins were deemed uncompetitive with class leaders right when they were launched.

As such, the two models are both destined to meet their makers after the 2012 model, to be replaced by a single model sourced from Fiat. Can you say Panda (the image above is just a possible rendering, not a production car)? It’s also worth noting that the iconic Wranger will get mild makeovers for both the 2010 and 2011 model years along with what seems likely to be a special 70th Anniversary Wranger for 2011.

Across the line, all Jeeps will reportedly come with an optional Trail Rated package, which means no more on-road only models like the Compass are likely to dilute the Jeep brand. That edict includes the new Grand Cherokee, and Jeep says the Trail Rated Grand Cherokee has already successfully tackled the legendary Rubicon Trail and Moab.

Jeep Patriot and Compass being replaced by models from Fiat… Panda, here we come! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep Patriot and Compass being replaced by models from Fiat… Panda, here we come!

Jeep Lower Forty - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Our SEMA coverage generally doesn’t include too much from the off-road segment, but the Jeep Lower Forty concept in the Mopar booth was too good to pass up. Sporting 40-inch Mickey Thompson tires, this Jeep can pretty much go wherever it wants without the help of a suspension lift. Granted, plenty of bodywork was removed to make the new rubber fit, but impressive nonetheless. A 5.7-liter Hemi V8 sends grunt to a six-speed manual transmission before hitting all four wheels via a Dana 44 front axle and a Dana 60 rear axle fitted with 5.38 gears.

Additional features include a carbon fiber hood, custom bikini top, a chopped windshield, and a color-matched interior with Katzkin leather seating. You can read more details after the jump, and we have plenty of high-res photos in the gallery below.

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Jeep Lower Forty a favorite in the Mopar display

SEMA 2009: Jeep Lower Forty a favorite in the Mopar display originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Jeep Lower Forty a favorite in the Mopar display

Finally, after years of mismanagement marked by a distinct lack of tangible product decisions, the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands seem likely to get a thorough makeover via its new Fiat corporate overlords. Whether this turns into a good thing or bad thing for the three brands remains to be seen, and the stage is set for the plan to be officially released on November 4.

The Wall Street Journal has apparently procured a little inside knowledge on the plan, and, if accurate, there are a few surprises. First, the expected: Chrysler will begin offering the Fiat 500 in its own U.S. dealerships as soon as possible; Alfa Romeo will make its long-awaited American comeback with an established dealer network and the majority of the Dodge and Chrysler lineups will be reworked atop Fiat platforms, save the rear-wheel drive architecture of the Dodge Charger/Challenger and Chrysler 300.

Looking further down the line, the Dodge Grand Caravan will reportedly be dropped in favor of the Chrysler Town and Country and unloved nameplates like Dodge Nitro, Caliber and Avenger will be forgotten, probably along with the Jeep Patriot and Compass. New models will be brought in from Fiat to replace these outgoing cars, including a new mid-size sedan in 2012. Finally, Alfa Romeo’s resurgence will begin with the subcompact MiTo in 2012 and a larger sedan a year later.

We won’t know how much of this is accurate until we hear it from the horse’s mouth next Wednesday, but it definitely gives us plenty to chew on. Thanks to all who sent this in!

[Source: Wall Street Journal | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Wall Street Journal makes early Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat predictions originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wall Street Journal makes early Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat predictions

Remember California’s “Cool Cars” regulation? Coming into force in 2012, the rule requires manufacturers to install windows that prevent 45% of the sun’s energy from entering a vehicle by 2014, and 60% by 2016. It’s the law that no one thinks is cool at all. In a minor victory against The Golden State’s increasingly severe environmental regulations (and we live there and love it, but still…), the soft-top Jeep Wrangler has reportedly been given an exemption.

Specifically, any flexible plastic window is exempt. Said a CARB representative, “If the plastic windows are rigid, they must comply with the same standards as glass windows, beginning with the 2012 model year.” If not for the flexible-window exemption, Chrysler wouldn’t have been allowed to sell the Wrangler in California with the soft top because its plastic windows would have been non-compliant. Chrysler’s Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) were also threatened, but are now safe from the regulation as well.

As for the other issue — radio wave interference that degrades GPS and other signals — CARB said it hasn’t found any such problems in its testing. But who knows, now that the Jeep gets a pass, carmakers might just put flexible windows in every car sold in CA … and how cool would that be?

[Source: The Detroit News]

REPORT: Jeep Wrangler safe from CARB “Cool Cars” proposal originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Jeep Wrangler safe from CARB "Cool Cars" proposal

The performance-partsgasm that is Las Vegas’ SEMA Show may be down on fuel this year because of the state of the economy, but that isn’t stopping the Chrysler Group from unveiling four concepts based on the models in its lineup that are arguably the most endearing to the aftermarket. To that end, the company’s Mopar devision has lavished a bunch of custom bits on everything from a pair of Jeep Wranglers (one of which is fit to sleep in, and the other looking fit enough to climb a wall) to a streetable 556-horsepower Dodge Challenger, and a dolled up Dodge Ram 1500.

Perhaps our favorite vehicle of the lot is the Wrangler “Lower Forty” - an imposing rig that uses a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine to churn its massive 40-inch tires. If it looks familiar, that’s because it was first shown at the Moab Safari in April. Interestingly, the huge running gear upgrade has been applied to a standard ride-height two-door Rubicon - no suspension or body lift has been fitted. What has been screwed on, however, are new fender flares that ride four inches higher than stock, and they’re an inch wider, too. Other trick bits include a new integrated roll cage, a relocated spare tire, a new drop-down tailgate with an old-school stamped Jeep logo. Did we mention the slick three-inch chop and the extra ten degrees of rake applied to the windshield?

Follow the jump for more details on the three remaining Chrysler SEMA show vehicles.

Continue reading Chrysler previews four Mopar SEMA concepts for on- and off-road mastery

Chrysler previews four Mopar SEMA concepts for on- and off-road mastery originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler previews four Mopar SEMA concepts for on- and off-road mastery