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Fiat 500 new Panda platform first for US market

Matt Brogan — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 02:50:41 +0000

The new Fiat/Chrysler alliance may already be paying dividends for US consumers with the 2010 Fiat 500, due to go on sale there later this year, the first in the world to receive the brand’s “new and superior” Fiat Panda platform.

Fiat will begin building its new 500 in Mexico later this year, though it is not yet clear if the traditional European-American product exchange will be reversed.

Fiat recently invested US$550 million to upgrade the Toluca, Mexico plant which is capable of producing between 100,000 and 130,000 units annually, 95 per cent of which will be exported.

It is understood the plant was selected to adopt the new platform as it had not yet been fitted with the existing model’s tooling infrastructure.

The new platform is said to improve the structural integrity of the Fiat 500 – vital for crash testing – while also reducing noise and weight. It is also rumoured that the new 500 may, in the US at least, revert to its Italian ‘Cinquecento’ (the Italian word for 500) nomenclature to avoid confusion between the upcoming, larger 300 model (replacement for the 300C).

(with Inside Line)

Atomik Cars (Fiat) 500 Abarth EV ready for sale

Matt Brogan — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:57:08 +0000

With Fiat/Chrysler yet to deliver an all-electric version of its lovable 500 model, someone else had to step up to the plate – and it seems someone has.

Atomik Cars, who fittingly use the motto “Anticipating the future”, has modified a Fiat 500 Abarth to deliver what it says is “a zero-emissions vehicle that blends supercar performance with city car packaging”.

It is reported that output from the electric 500’s AC brushless synchronous motors are the equivalent to that of a 224kW petrol engine, enough to propel the light-weight hatch from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds.

The 500 EV uses lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries (in unknown quantity), a ceramic heating system to warm its passengers and a “Peltier A/C module w/o gas” to cool them.

Further details of the Atomik Cars 500 EV will be presented at its April debut at Top Marques Monaco, a four-day event full of super cars, luxury transportation and suchlike.

Atomik plans to make 50 examples of its 500 EV for purchase – pricing has not yet been revealed.

Mazda to fit brake override technology to all future models

Matt Brogan — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:38:02 +0000

Although Mazda hasn’t yet experienced any of the unintended acceleration complaints recently experienced at Toyota, the manufacturer has today announced that it will install a brake override system on all future models as a precautionary step.

Toyota recently announced it will install the system on all its models from 2011 onward following two recent safety recalls involving nearly 9 million vehicles around the globe.

The Mazda system will cut power to the engine in the event the vehicle senses both application of the brake and throttle pedals at the same time. Mazda have not yet offered a date for the system’s introduction.

Some rival manufacturers already feature a form of the brake override system on certain models including Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler and Volkswagen. It is reported that Honda, Suzuki and Mitsubishi are also considering adopting a version of the system.

The news comes as the US government considers plans to make the technology mandatory on all vehicles sold there within the next two to three years. So far, there has been no talk of similar legislation being introduced in Australia.

Chrysler, Hyundai offer more incentives to Toyota owners

Tim Beissmann — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 01:39:28 +0000

Chrysler and Hyundai are the latest US automotive companies to jump on the bandwagon and offer incentives to fleeing Toyota owners.

Following the lead of General Motors and Ford late last week, the newcomers have also put US$1000 on the table for Toyota owners and lease holders who jump ship.

Chrysler’s $1000 bonus scheme, effective immediately, applies to owners and lease holders of current Toyota Tundra, Tacoma and Sienna models who trade-in and purchase or lease any new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or Ram vehicle.

Hyundai’s deal, which ends today, applies to owners of all Toyota vehicles who trade them in for a Sonata, Elantra or Elantra Touring.

American Honda executive vice president, John Mendel, said his company would not have a change of heart, confirming that poaching Toyota customers remained off the agenda.

“We will not react in a predatory way toward either Toyota or Toyota customers,” Mr Medel said.

Meanwhile, Ford continues to step up its assault, providing its dealers with more money to advertise its incentives scheme.

(with The Detroit News)

Ford introduces incentive program as Toyota recalls spread

Tim Beissmann — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 01:49:09 +0000

Following the lead of General Motors, Ford US has introduced an even more aggressive incentive program to encourage Japanese car buyers to abandon their brands in the wake of Toyota’s accelerator recall issues.

From today until March 1, Ford is offering US$1000 rebates to owners of Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles as well as Honda and Acura cars made within the last 15 years.

Ford said Honda was included in the incentives not over any quality or safety concerns but because Toyota owners are likely to consider Hondas as a replacement.

The rebate is also available to customers who are currently leasing Toyota or Honda vehicles with a contract expiring by June 30.

The incentive program applies to all Ford vehicles excluding Ford hybrids, Edge all-wheel drive SE, F-150 Raptor, Taurus SE, Shelby GT500 and KR versions of the Mustang.

Honda and Nissan have confirmed that they will not be introducing any incentive programs like GM and Ford, while Chrysler has said it does not currently have any plans to do so.

Ford itself has not been entirely immune from the accelerator issues that have plagued Toyota, yesterday being forced to suspend production of its Transit Classic commercial van in China.

Ford has produced 1663 vehicles for the Chinese market with CTS Corp pedals (the company responsible for the defective Toyota accelerators) since supply began in December. So far it remains unclear how many vans have been delivered to dealers and customers.

Ford confirmed that CTS does not supply pedals for any of its other vehicles.

Meanwhile, Toyota yesterday extended its floor mat recall to another 1.1 million vehicles in the US, taking the total number up to approximately 5.4 million.

The latest recall includes the 2008-2010 Highlander and 2009-2010 Corolla, Venza, Matrix and Pontiac Vibe.

It is still assessing whether it will recall up to two million more vehicles in Europe also believed to be affected by the sticking accelerator malfunction.

Update: Lancia-Chrysler could merge within a year

Tim Beissmann — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:38:01 +0000

Yesterday CarAdvice revealed that Lancia cars could be sold in Australia rebadged as Chryslers.

This morning Chrysler and Fiat CEO, Sergio Marchionne, has admitted that the two brands may have merged their product line-ups within 12 months.

“We could see the two converge as early as the end of the year,” he told UK automotive website Autocar.

Mr Marchionne confirmed the global plan for Lancia-Chrysler is to have just one brand name per market. In countries where Lancia has already established itself, Chrysler vehicles will fill the larger segments of the range. In all others, the Chrysler brand name will take priority and the Lancias will fill the smaller car classes.

“Let’s get this straight,” Mr Marchionne said. “I’m not selling any Lancias in the US.”

We saw evidence of this at last week’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit with a rebadged Lancia Delta sitting on the Chrysler stand.

One of the few factors that may slow the merger process for markets like Australia and the UK is that there are currently no Lancia vehicles manufactured in right-hand drive. But with Marchionne’s determination it seems like it will only be a matter of time.

(with Autocar)

Lancia back Down Under says CEO, Chrysler Australia tight-lipped

Tim Beissmann — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:07:56 +0000

Chrysler and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne says Lancia cars will be sold in Australia badged as Chryslers, according to automotive industry journal GoAuto.

Mr Marchionne told GoAuto the global plan to expand the Chrysler range with Lancias and other Fiat Group vehicles included Australia.

“Yes, you will [see Lancias as Chryslers in Australia]. Fear not, you will. To the extent that Lancia is not active, not present in any given jurisdiction, Chrysler will be with a combined offering of Lancia and Chrysler,” he said.

Despite there currently being no right-hand drive Lancia models, Mr Marchionne is reportedly interested in expanding into the right-hand drive UK market and combining the two brands throughout the world.

“The benefit of this alliance is that both Lancia and Chrysler will become full liners.

“In the case of Chrysler they had nothing below the Sebring and in the case of the Lancia they had nothing above the Delta, so it is a good marriage,” he said.

But Chrysler Australia public relations manager, Jerry Stamoulis, remained much more tight-lipped on Lancia’s possible re-entry as rebadged Chryslers.

“It’s something I can’t comment on … not at this stage, no. There’s not much I can say,” he said.

Mr Stamoulis said he was not aware of any product plans for right-hand drive versions of Lancias and could not confirm that they will arrive in Australia.

He said despite the mid-sized Sebring currently being the smallest car offered by Chrysler Australia, no specific models or segments were being targeted for new vehicles.

“As with every vehicle that is put to us we put together a business case and it really depends on the vehicle and a lot of other factors. You can always fill a gap in the market but it all comes down to specification and pricing.

“There isn’t a particular area that we’re looking at but it’s whatever is presented to us at the time and we build our business case from there,” he said.

Chrysler revealed a rebadged version of the Lancia Delta at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit with minimal fuss last week, but it seems to be a sign of things to come from the high-spec brand.

Lancia’s range includes the Delta (a five-door Fiat Ritmo-based hatch), Ypsilon (a three-door Fiat 500-based city car), and the Musa and Phedra people-movers.

Chrysler’s Australian sales fell 26.4 per cent in 2009 with just 1818 new cars finding homes.

With the total small car market making up 213,988 vehicles (or 22.8 percent) Chrysler could certainly do with at least one model in this segment. Only nine Sebring’s were sold in Australia in December, six of those the Cabrio version.

(with GoAuto)

Jeep to use Fiat C-EVO platform for new models

Tim Beissmann — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 05:41:55 +0000

Future off-road and urban-focused vehicles from Jeep will be underpinned by Fiat’s C-car platform, according to UK automotive website Autocar.

Chrysler-Fiat is planning to build a new assembly line in the US for the highly versatile C-EVO platform, which can be produced in two different lengths and is capable of housing a four-wheel drive system.

The platform is already used for numerous European models including the Fiat Bravo (Ritmo) and Alfa Romeo’s Milano and new Giulietta hatch.

Jeep plans to use it for fuel efficient entry-level models as well as the rugged four-wheel drives that have become synonymous with the brand.

Given that the Compass and Patriot twins will be discontinued by the end of 2012, the adoption of the Fiat platform should give the American brand’s range a much needed boost.

Jeep also used the North American International Auto Show in Detroit to add three special edition models to its range.

The Liberty Renegade, Wrangler Islander and Wrangler Mountain all gain bigger alloys and greater personalisation features, including exterior graphics packages, restyled side steps and rail guards, new paint colours and interior revisions.

The three limited editions will be available in the US only.

(with Autocar)

Chrysler 300 Sneak Peak

Adam Marshall — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 05:23:53 +0000

A new Chrysler 300 is getting ready to become the first of many new or updated models for the brand in the next 48 months.

Sketches of the 300 were previewed last year, but now we have a sneak peak of what the grill and headlights look like.

Chrysler claim the 300 is up to 19 percent more fuel efficient compared to the current model, the engine choice will be either Chrysler’s Pentastar V6 or the Hemi V8 with cylinder deactivation. The high performance SRT8 should also be available.

Among the safety features will be ‘Rear Cross Path’ and ‘Blind Spot Monitoring” systems which warn drivers of unseen vehicles. The all important electronic stability control is also on the safety list as well as an energy absorbing steering column.

Chrysler were planning to release the 300 in the last quarter of this year but with their recent financial condition the debut of the 300 may end up being later.

US Chrysler dealers unsatisfied with termination explanation

Tim Beissmann — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 22:14:56 +0000

Chrysler Group in the US maintains that it has not violated a new dealer-arbitration law despite the allegations of three dealer attorneys representing 65 rejected showrooms.

The lawyers told Automotive News that by failing to explain the reasons for each dealership’s termination Chrysler had shown bad faith with its rejected dealers.

“We’re going to make an issue of this early on and explain that they’re not in compliance with the law,” said Mike Charapp, a legal consultant to state dealer associations with more than 20 arbitration clients.

“There are consequences to that. We’ll have to ask the arbitrators to decide what the consequences are.”

The dealer-arbitration law states that by January 15, Chrysler and General Motors must have provided each closed dealer with “the specific criteria pursuant to which such dealer was terminated, was not renewed or was not assumed or assigned to a covered manufacturer”.

For Chrysler that was 789 dealers and 1350 for GM.

Each Chrysler dealer received a four page letter listing rejection criteria as a whole and an individual scorecard of how the specific dealer rated, but didn’t say which scores were considered deficient or which categories were used to decide that a dealer would be closed.

Dealers were assessed across 22 criteria including customer service, market share and sales volume, and were given percentage scores against 13 factors including customer and sales satisfaction indexes and minimum sales responsibility on the personalised scorecards.

GM’s letters contained a short explanation of why each individual dealer was targeted for shutdown.

Chrysler has since defended its handling of the situation.

“The legislation requires the company provide the criteria used in rejecting the dealership’s dealer agreement. We did that.

“Not only did the company comply with the requirements of the legislation, we exceeded them.

“The information shared with the affected dealers is the specific criteria used in deciding which dealer agreements were rejected as well as the individual dealer’s data. A narrative was not required.”

But some dealers and lawyers remain unsatisfied with Chrysler’s explanation.

“The Chrysler scorecard doesn’t reflect what the company did at the time of the termination decision. I find that incredible,” said Eric Chase, representing more than 10 arbitration clients.

“The common sense interpretation of the statute requires that Chrysler tell the dealer why he was terminated.”

Dealers have one week from today to flag their intent to file for arbitration, with decisions on whether to reinstate dealerships or not due by June.

(with Automotive News)

Chrysler launches new ‘Off-Road Runner’ TV campaign

Matt Brogan — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 21:13:27 +0000

Chrysler Australia last night aired its new retail campaign certain to stir the emotions of the Australian public – young and old alike.

Not shying away from their brands’ American heritage, Chrysler Australia has developed an all-new locally produced television commercial inspired by the much-loved Road Runner cartoon series. With a Jeep focus, it is for the aptly named “Off-Road Runner Sale”.

“We not only wanted to continue our popular record of producing cut-through themes for our latest Jeep campaign, we wanted something that was all-new, iconic and equally as entertaining,” said Craig Bradshaw, General Manager Marketing and Product, Chrysler Australia.

The commercial features various Jeep vehicles in situations you might expect to find the Road Runner and Wile Coyote with all assets produced locally. The backgrounds were all hand-drawn specifically for the campaign and the composed music was recorded by a live orchestra for the television commercial.

The Off-Road Runner Sale fits naturally with Jeep, as Chrysler Group is the rights holder to the Road Runner name from a no-frills performance muscle car produced in the late 60s and 70s under the Plymouth nameplate.

Alfa Romeo not for sale despite shortcomings says CEO

Matt Brogan — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:02:56 +0000

Fiat CEO, Mr Sergio Marchionne, said the company’s Alfa Romeo brand is not for sale, but says he understands its shortcomings and is working to determine a strategic direction for the luxury sports car unit.

Fiat, which took a 20 per cent stake in Chrysler Group last year as part of the US car manufacturer’s bankruptcy restructuring, is also close to deciding whether to reintroduce Alfa Romeo vehicles to US consumers.

“We need to be realistic on what Alfa should do,” said Mr Marchionne.

Last month, Fiat Chairman, Mr Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, dismissed a suggestion by analysts with asset management fund Sanford Bernstein that Volkswagen could be the right buyer for money-losing Alfa Romeo.

“We will present the new Alfa that substitutes the 147, and we think there are also very important opportunities for Alfa Romeo in the United States,” Mr Montezemolo said at the time.

Alfa’s new-car sales have declined steeply in the past decade as its range became older and new products were delayed.

Last year, Alfa sold 103,000 new cars in Europe, down from 203,000 units in 2000. The brand has lost between 200 million and 400 million euros (AUD$315 million to $630 million) a year in the past 10 years, according to industry sources. Fiat does not release separate financial results for any of its brands.

Mr Marchionne is expected to announce the future of Alfa early next year, when the Italian automaker presents its 2010 to 2014 business plan.

In Detroit on Monday, Mr Marchionne, who heads both Fiat and Chrysler, said Chrysler’s iconic Jeep brand would be the most immediate way for the companies to tap China’s rapidly growing auto industry, which overtook the United States as the world’s largest car market last year.

Mr Marchionne said the Fiat-Chrysler alliance has started to discuss ways to promote the Jeep brand in China and boost the combined company’s presence there.

With Autonews EU

Chrysler’s US sales lowest since 1962

Matt Brogan — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:02:54 +0000

Chrysler’s tough times continue in the US, and as the 2009 sales figures are tabulated, the harsh reality of the brand’s economic uncertainty has become plainly obvious.

Posting its worst sales figures in 47 years, the iconic US brand has seen sales of less than one million units (931,000) in 2009, a number last seen in 1962. The figure represents a 36 per cent year-on-year fall.

It was a tough year for most car manufacturers in the US with Ford posting a 15 per cent annual drop in sales compared to the year prior. Toyota and Honda were both down 20 per cent while GM posted a 30 per cent sales drop.

The total estimated sales in the US for 2009 (for all car manufacturers) is estimated to be 10.6 million units – or to give some perspective, the lowest annual volume since 1982.

Chrysler to show Fiat 500 EV at Detroit Motor Show

Matt Brogan — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 22:16:02 +0000

Sources close to Chrysler have confirmed that it plans to show two new vehicles at next month’s Detroit Motor Show, both of which will hint at future collaborations with Italian partner Fiat.

Ready to take centre stage at the show will be an electric version of the popular Fiat 500 and a Lancia Delta hatch dressed with a Chrysler grille.

The sources went on to say that although Chrysler has no immediate plans to sell either of the vehicles in North America, CEO Sergio Marchionne has confirmed that he plans to gradually merge the Lancia and Chrysler brands.

A corner of Chrysler’s stand will also be dedicated to showing vehicles from Fiat’s luxury-sports brands, including Ferrari (with the 458 Italia) and Maserati (with the GranCabrio).

The Detroit Motor Show kicks of on January 11, 2010.

Chrysler introduces Fiat four-cylinder to range

Matt Brogan — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 21:59:06 +0000

Chrysler will debut Fiat’s 1.4-litre, in-line four-cylinder Fully Integrated Robitised Engine (FIRE) featuring MultiAir in the Fiat 500 from next year.

The engine develops 75kW @ 5,750rpm and 129Nm of torque at 4,250rpm making it ideal for small car applications. The 1.4-litre FIRE features Fiat’s Multiair technology, which significantly reduces emissions while improving fuel economy and power delivery.

Featuring four valves per cylinder and incorporating state-of-the-art technology for Fully Variable Valve Actuation (FVVA), also known as MultiAir, the engine delivers an increase in power of up to 10 per cent while also reducing fuel consumption and emissions by the same amount.

A turbocharged version of the engine is also planned and will produce a fuel economy improvement of up to 25 per cent when compared to a V6 engine with equivalent power.

The MultiAir system consists of electro-hydraulic variable valve actuators filled with conventional oil, which is interposed between the camshaft and each valve. A solenoid valve is energized every 360-degree camshaft rotation, regulating the quantity of oil addressed to the actuator or to a reservoir. The lift of the valve is a function of the quantity of oil addressed to the actuator, ranging from full lift to complete valve closure. Each solenoid valve may also delay application of the actuator in advance, leading to late valve opening or early valve closing.

MultiAir is exclusive for Chrysler Group in North America and is based on a series of Fiat Powertrain patents related to hardware, combustion strategies and controls that allow for full control of the lift and timing of engine valves.

In the early 1970s, robotics in assembly plants was not common. The term “FIRE” came into existence when Fiat integrated the use of robotics in the production process of manufacturing plants. Although mechanised assembly is commonplace today, the brand name FIRE has remained with Fiat’s powertrain lineup

The 1.4-litre FIRE with MultiAir is the world’s first mass production engine to incorporate such technology to control the intake valves. Dedicated components have been developed to accommodate four “bricks” (one for each cylinder), which package relevant components. MultiAir technology can be adapted to different types of engines, including Diesels for enhanced NOx control, and is planned for Chrysler Powertrain’s four-cylinder World Gas Engine and all-new Pentastar V6.

CEO to quit Fiat or Chrysler within two years

Matt Brogan — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:09:02 +0000

Running both Fiat and Chrysler is proving a massive responsibility for the CEO of both manufacturers, Mr Sergio Marchionne. Speaking yesterday in Washington DC, Mr Marchionne said he plans to resign from one of the two positions sometime within the next 24 months.

Though not set in concrete, Mr Marchionne did strongly hint which company would soldier on without his leadership.

“This cannot go on forever,” said Mr Marchionne. “Certainly within the next 24 months, we’ll find a more permanent solution, either there (in Italy) or here. I’m not threatening the Italian side with a departure from Italy, but we need to find a solution.”

Mr Marchionne said that his primary focus is on turning Chrysler around in order to pay back American taxpayers. Chrysler received significant low-interest loans from the US Treasury earlier this year.

“We are not planning miracles at Chrysler,” he said. “We deliver what we promise.”

Chrysler slips to fifth in US, may take over Lancia name

Tim Beissmann — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 01:53:47 +0000

November’s sales figures have guaranteed that Chrysler will slip to fifth behind Honda in the US market for 2009.

Honda has sold 1.044 million vehicles in the first 11 months of 2009, leading Chrysler by an unassailable 200,000 units, but the American brand is confident it is on the right track.

“We are taking the steps that are necessary to have a good foundation and to build consumer confidence,” said a Chrysler spokeswoman.

“We are on the right path. There will be short-term pain to get to our long-term goals.”

Last year Chrysler held off the Japanese manufacturer by 25,000 units and Honda America executive vice president, John Mendel, said everyone was finding the industry difficult at the moment.

“We are all in the same hospital, and some of us are more critical than others.

“Everyone is hurting. We cut Formula One. We cut 200,000 units of production. It was the right thing to do, but it was painful,” he said.

The news comes just days after Fiat-Chrysler CEO, Sergio Marchionne, hinted that the Chrysler brand name could replace Lancia in most European markets.

“There is no doubt that, outside a limited number of markets in Europe, Chrysler is going to be the global brand,” he said.

But Marchionne insisted that the 103-year-old Lancia name would not disappear entirely.

“We need to be very careful that we don’t destroy Lancia’s roots, to find a way to preserve the identity of Lancia through an agreement that commonises as much of the portfolio as possible (with Chrysler).”

In its home in Italy, 93,000 Lancias were sold in 2008 while Belgium and France also recorded strong figures.

Last year 29,000 Chryslers were sold in Europe compared to 103,000 Lancias.

Another possibility is to make the Lancia name an upscale derivative of Chrysler, like Abarth is to Fiat, but that is expected to be unpopular in Italy and result in a sales backlash.

Marchionne said his company would be in a better position to make a decision after the introduction of the new 300C, Sebring and Voyager models in 2010.

“We need to see product, we need to see positioning and based on that we can make a decision,” he said.

A decision on the future of the Chrysler and Lancia names is expected by the end of next year.

(with Automotive News)

Chrysler Australia sees strong November sales

Matt Brogan — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:38:05 +0000

Chrysler Australia delivered 875 vehicles last month (November), an increase of 46 per cent when compared to the same period in 2008.

Stand out performers include Chrysler 300C, PT Cruiser and Grand Voyager, Jeep Cherokee, Patriot, Wrangler, plus Dodge Journey and Nitro models, all reporting year-on-year sales increases.

“The November results are a clear indication that Australians continue to have a strong appetite for our vehicles,” said managing director of Chrysler Australia, Mr Gerry Jenkins. “Wrangler is consistently our best seller and last month was no different. We’re expecting Patriot to close the gap as more stock arrives into our dealers over the coming weeks.”

Dodge Viper engineers seek advice from Ferrari

Matt Brogan — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:44:23 +0000

As the Fiat-Chrysler merger begins to set, it would be a reasonable assumption that Dodge would have access to the Ferrari parts bin, but unfortunately there will be no such luck. In fact the only thing Dodge will be importing from Ferrari is advice.

Dodge brand chief Mr Ralph Gilles alluded to a possible engineering partnership while introducing the brand’s Viper ACR model recently:

“When we have partners across the ocean who are known as the best sports-car makers in the world, the future opportunities are huge,” said Mr Gilles.

This week Mr Gilles clarified his statement in a media interview:

“We just want some advice,” said Mr Gilles, “Ferrari is Ferrari, Viper is Viper.”

Video: Dodge Viper ACR Laguna Seca lap footage

George Skentzos — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 04:23:58 +0000

Since the SRT team from Chrysler Group announced that its Viper ACR had reclaimed the production lap record at the Laguna Seca race circuit early last week, this is the footage we have been waiting for.

Accompanying the in-car footage is narration throughout by driver Chris Winkler who describes the record breaking lap in detail, turn by turn.