Rumor-Hybrid Ram Truck Coming
According to Electrovaya a lithium ion battery maker, Chrysler is planning to unveil a hybrid version of the Ram Truck at the Washington Auto Show. Electrovaya has apparently been working with Chrysler to bring a hybrid truck to market. This is all speculation, and has not been confirmed by Chrysler.
Quick Houston Auto Show Overview
Here’s a great walk-around of the Houston Auto Show. The FIAT 500 is labeled a hit in this post found on CutureMap Houston. Here’s the link to get the overview for yourself.
FIAT $435 Million Profit For 4Q
FIAT who now controls Chrysler LLC reported fourth quarter earnings of $435 Million Dollars. FIAT currently has a 25% stake in Chrysler, with possible plans to increase its stake by years end. Improved sales of trucks are said to be a factor in the profit gain.
Helfman Launches New Body-Shop Website!
Helfman launched a new Body-Shop website this week. http:www.houstonbodyshop.com
Service Running Alignment Special
Alignments are now available through the Helfman Dodge Chrysler Ram Jeep Service department for $48.83. The only caveat is that the vehicle must be a Chrysler Dodge or Jeep.
Challenger/Charger Special!!!
We always want to keep our customers informed about our specials. Today we’re offering 0% on a Dodge Charger with $8k Off. 1.9% available on a Dodge Challenger. Challenger also sporting an 8k discount. Give Helfman a call if interested. 713-533-6100.
What is this? Maybe Chryslers Hybrid Future.
Oh no, it’s not nuclear is it, I mean it does have that odd looking red tank. That’s got to be a fusion reactor. Nope… What your looking at is a diagram of a vehicle equipped with a HHS (Hydraulic Hybrid System). It’s this kind of system that Chrysler is betting at least part of it’s hybrid vehicle future on. As of now, Chrysler offers some lean gas eating machines, but none of which are consumer hybrids. The cool thing about this system is that it’s a NO BATTERIES REQUIRED vehicle. The system uses hydraulic fluid to that is pressurized during breaking. This pressurized fluid is placed in a special container that has an elastic bladder. This bladder pushes back against the fluid and forces high pressure fluid into a pump that powers the engine. The experience for the driver is much like that with other hybrids. When at a stop the engine cuts off. Once you’re ready to accelerate, the HHS takes over and gets you up and going until the engine is neede
Maserati SUV – Ferrari Engine, Jeep Underpinnings, Built By Chrysler.
The picture in this post is a Ferrari not a Maserati, but you get the idea. According to some info hitting the news sites, Maserati may have a SUV in the works. Maserati is owned by FIAT group, as is Chrysler and Ferrari. Together they will be combining processes and engineering to create a Maserati SUV. The engine may be a Ferrari V-12, the underpinnings will be Grand Cherokee and the assembly will be by Chrysler.
Mayhem – Takes Aim At Sat Nav Zombies
Mayhem Commercial aims its sights on Satellite Navigation, or more directly on the individuals who trust it way too much.
Chrysler Unveils New 300 (Video)
Chrysler unveils the All-New 300 at the Detroit Auto Show. This car is simply stunning. Watch the video to see for yourself.
FIAT 500 Introduced At Detroit Auto Show
The FIAT 500 was introduced today in Detroit at the International Auto Show. Apparently it will ship the first quarter of this year and will come in 3 models. The models are Sport, Pop, and Lounge. Starting price is around 15k. All models will be powered by a 1.4 Liter engine that gets 30+ mpg’s. For safety there’s 7 standard airbags and a reactive head restraints. The design is definitely Italian, which is a good thing because this car is cute and beautiful at the same time. Helfman was chosen by FIAT to open a dealership. Plans are underway to sale FIAT’s on the current Helfman campus as soon as they are released to the public. For those of you who don’t know the current dealerships location, it’s 7720 Katy Freeway @ Silber Rd. (Next To Ikea).
Seth Rogen Takes Back Seat To Superhero Car
Seth Rogen may pull in the crowds, but the real superhero in the movie “Green Hornet” is actually “Black Beauty” the super modified mid 1960’s Chrysler Imperial. Imperial fanatics will notice the characteristic chrome accents, but may find much of the car unidentifiable as it has been equipped with bad guy crushing weaponry. According to the producers they spent tremendous amounts of time looking for the right vehicle. They wanted something modern, but not too futuristic, that delivered a retro cool look. It took a few different versions of “Black Beauty” to film the movie. Some were specially modified for stunts, and others for aesthetic appeal. Green Hornet will be burning rubber at your local theater on January 14th.
Is A Jeep Comanche In The Works?
According to a report by Tim Higgins with Bloomberg News, Chrysler may be considering adding some new models to it’s line-up. Current vehicles under review by Chrysler are a smaller minivan, a seven passenger Jeep, and possibly two truck models, one for Dodge, and one for Jeep. The truck for the Jeep will most likely be based off the current Wrangler body. Some of you may remember the Jeep Comanche from the 80’s which shared the same platform as the Cherokee. To check out the entire article, click the Read link below.
Chrysler Unveils 2011 GEM Line (Electric Vehicles)
For those of you who don’t know, Chrysler has an all electric division known as GEM (Global Electric Motorcars). These vehicles are known as LSV’s or Low Speed Vehicles. Chrysler is the brand leader in this vehicle class. Chrysler displayed their 2011 lineup at the North American International Auto Show. They are offering 6 models. The base model starts at $8,000. These vehicles are street legal in most states, but must be driven on roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less. To view Chryslers new lineup click the Read link below.
Houston Auto Show Dates And Times – SEE THE FIAT 500
Show Dates
Wednesday, January 26 – Sunday, January 30, 2011
Please note:
This year’s show falls on only one weekend
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Show Hours and Location
Wednesday thru Thursday : Noon – 9:30 p.m.
Friday : Noon – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday : 10:00 am – 9:30 pm.
Sunday : 10:00 am – 7:00 pm.
Please Note:
There will be no admittance 45 minutes prior to the close of the show!
Location:
Reliant Center
One Reliant Park
Houston, TX 77054
(832) 667-1400
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Admission
Adults – $10.00 (cash only) There is an ATM on-site.
Children 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult.
Tickets are sold at Reliant Center box office. The box office opens 15 minutes prior to show opening and closes 1 hour prior to show closing. There are no advance sales of tickets.
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Parking
The Reliant Center charges $10 for all day parking.
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Coach Mike Sherman Talks About The Aggies Loss
Love the way A&M coach Mike Sherman handles this interview. He’s the best thing for the A&M athletic program in a while. You have to watch this press conference.
What The Heck Is That Behind My Wrangler! I don’t know…but it’s EXTREEEEEEME!(Video)
Jeep is offering two models of Off-Road camping trailers to tow behind your Jeep. Both these trailers offer a queen size bed, a small sofa, table, and internal storage. They incorporate 32″ BF Goodrich Mud Terrain Tires so there’s plenty of clearance. One model is the Trail Edition, the other is the Extreme Trail Edition. The Extreme Edition offers a full underbody skid plate and a 15 inch ground clearance, heavy duty framing as well as the ability to accommodate 37″ tires. Contact the Helfman Parts Department for all of the details. 713-533-6333.
RoadFly Review Of 2011 Grand Cherokee(Video)
Here’s the video review of the 2011 Grand Cherokee recently posted by RoadFly. Remember this is a SUV. Twenty two miles per gallon is pretty darn good.
The SUV Is Back!
Oh poor little SUV. How we have shunned you nay the last few years. Much like the witches of Salem we saught to cast you from our US villages. Spat upon and cursed. In just a few years our anger has driven you to only the most utilitarian spaces of americana. But Fear not oh mighty city hauler, for a new day has begun. America has seen the light, turned from old ideas and reinvented new ones.
Ok so the above may have been a little over-dramatic, but it really does capture the view America took towards SUV’s following the economic turmoil that began 2 years ago. Let’s be honest. How many of you SUV owners felt a little like outcasts when driving your beloved family friendly SUV? Well it looks like people may be changing their view of the SUV with the help of newer more fuel efficient models being released by automotive manufaturers.
Chrysler has launched two new vehicles to fit the bill. First is the Dodge Durango, and second is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Both share the same uni-body design which reduces weight by roughly 200 lbs. Both have also received the super efficient 3.6 liter Pentastar engine which has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics. These changes add up to a gas saving rating of 23 mpg hwy. O.k it’s no Prius but can you haul 5 kids and a dog in a Prius. No you can’t.
The reality is that people hated letting go of their SUV’s. The practicality of a SUV is simply unmatched (Considering the fuel mileage is good). Now consumers can once again embrace the SUV, and do it without the guilt.
Hop on over to the Durango web page to check it out. For you Jeep lovers head on over to the Grand Cherokee page to check it out.
Helfman Cars 
