Monthly Archives: September 2018

Chrysler’s Concept Portal Electric Van Confirmed For Production in 2020

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Posted in Chrysler Dealership
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Photo Credit/Copyright: insideevs.com

After much success with the Pacifica Hybrid minivan, Chrysler debuted the all-new fully electric Portal concept minivan at the Consumer Electric Show in early 2017. Set to head to production in 2020, let’s see what else consumers can expect from this next-generation minivan.

Chrysler refers to the Portal as “next generation family transportation designed by millennials for millennials.” The Portal concept vehicle by Chrysler is promising consumers a ton of connected car technology like distinguished exterior lighting that’s designed to let other drivers and pedestrians know what it plans to do next when operating in autonomous mode. Furthermore, the Portal will have a fold away steering wheel at some point in the future when true autonomous driving systems are available.

“To create the next generation of family transportation, FCA sought the collaboration and fresh ideas of millennials working inside its design and engineering functions. Those ideas led to the Chrysler Portal concept — created by millennials for millennials. Millennials are a tech-savvy, environmentally-aware, cost-conscious generation. The Chrysler Portal concept is designed to respond to these needs and it explores the possibility of what a family transportation vehicle could look like for the millennial generation as their lifestyles evolve.​​​ The flexibility, adaptability and technology features also make it ideal for business and commercial applications, such as ride-hailing, car sharing, and delivery services,” says Chrysler.

As a full-electric vehicle, the Chrysler Portal’s battery boasts more than 250 miles of range on a full charge. Equipped with a 350 kilowatt DC Fast Charge, the Portal’s battery pack could be recharged with 150 miles of range in just 20 minutes. The Portal will also include several high-tech features that carmakers believe all vehicles will be required to have in the future. Those features include “vehicle-to-infrastructure and vehicle-to-vehicle communications” and level three autonomous driving level. Additional potential features include sliding front and rear doors, something no other manufacturer has toyed with, and facial and voice recognition technology. What’s cool about the facial and voice recognition technology is, depending on who’s behind the wheel, the vehicle will personalize interior features ranging from lighting to music.

At the North American International Auto Show earlier this year, the late CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Sergio Marchionne, hinted to the press that a new product may be headed to production at FCA’s Windsor, Ontario assembly plant.

“The replacement of the Caravan will be a Caravan-like vehicle. I need another minivan. It’s going to be in line with the Pacifica architecture. The platform that was installed in Windsor to deal with the Pacifica is a world-class platform. I think it’s capable of utilization beyond its current use in the minivan. I think there are plans in place to try to take another product into it.” Marchionne said at the time.

All this comes as no surprise due to the five-year plan Marchionne put in place right before he suddenly passed away.         

The future is near, especially the future of electric vehicles. As previously mentioned, production isn’t set to start until 2020 and we definitely can’t wait. Stop by the Miami Lakes Automall to test drive the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica and follow us on social media for updates on the future of autonomous vehicles.  

Four FCA Vehicles Take Home Best-in-Class 2018 Ideal Vehicle Awards

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Posted in Chrysler 300

THE CONSUMERS HAVE SPOKEN! Based on the responses from more than 58,000 owners of new vehicles, automotive research and consulting firm, AutoPacific, Inc, has announced four Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) vehicles as segment winners in its 2018 Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVA) – the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and the Fiat 500L.  

Surveys were sent out to owners who purchased new model-year cars and trucks between September and December 2017. The questionnaire was conducted from January to April 2018 and consisted of 14 vehicle attributes that consumers had to rate based on their desire for change. Out of those responses, the vehicles wanting the least change, win the IVA for their class. 58,000 surveys were returned, and consumer responses made up the results.

“IVAs speak to a vehicle’s layout and design,” says AutoPacific President George Peterson. “Giving owners a chance to tell us what they would change and how they would change it reveals which vehicles are designed to meet their needs and expectations. In other words, having owners who are happy with things the way they say the manufacturer did their upfront research and designed the vehicle with their target buyer in mind.”

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee – “Best-in-Class Ideal Mid-Size SUV”

2018 jeep grand cherokee miami lakes automall

Photo Credit/Copyright: Jeep.com

For the eighth year in a row, the Jeep Grand Cherokee was awarded the AutoPacific’s IVA for the Mid-Size SUV segment. As the most awarded SUV ever, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has long defined what a top-of-the-line SUV should be. Comprised of available bi-xenon headlamps with signature LED daytime running lamps (DRL), the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a polished exterior design. The legendary Jeep has capabilities like four available 4×4 systems, a Quadra-Lift air suspension system, and Selec-Terrain traction management systems. Additionally, while featuring “legendary capability, world-class craftsmanship, benchmark on-road refinement, and advanced safety and technology,” the Grand Cherokee has a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,400 pounds and a crawl ratio of 44.1:1.

2018 Chrysler 300 – “Best-in-Class Ideal Large Car”

2018 chrysler 300 miami lakes automall

Photo Credit/Copyright: Chrysler.com

Awarded the IVA for “Best-in-Class Ideal Large Car,” the 2018 Chrysler 300 stays true to the brand’s luxurious design that’s carried out with “world-class performance, efficiency, and quality.” The Chrysler 300 lineup includes class-exclusive innovations and state-of-the-art technology, like the available Uconnect 4 system with Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto capabilities, that provides enhanced features at the consumer’s fingertips. Once equipped with the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine and eight-speed TorqueFlite transmission, the 2018 Chrysler 300 delivers up to 30 MPGs.

The segment’s most advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) effortlessly engages at any speed and allows for control based traction during various driving conditions. Furthermore, AWD is available on the Touring, Touring L, 300S, and Limited trim levels. Lastly, the 300C is equipped with a standard 363 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine, the most powerful V8 engine in its class.

2018 Dodge Challenger – “Best-in-Class Ideal Sporty Car”

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Photo Credit/Copyright: Dodge.com

For the second time in three years, the 2018 Dodge Challenger tops the IVA Sporty Car segment. For the 2019 model year, Dodge released the most powerful SRT Hellcat lineup – the 797 horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye. Influenced by the power of the record-setting Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, the Hellcat Redeye is considered the most powerful, quickest, and fastest muscle car within the Dodge brand. Returning for the 2019 model year is the powerful, 717 horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. Both Hellcat models honor the Dodge brand’s unique design theme by featuring a new dual-snorkel hood. Also, the all-new Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody model is equipped with fender flares that add 3.5-inches of body width and 20 x 11-inch forged wheels.

There are eight recognizable models that make up the 2019 Dodge Challenger lineup – SXT, SXT AWD, GT, GT AWD, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, SRT Hellcat, and SRT Hellcat Redeye. Within the lineup, there are numerous engine options like the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine, 392 HEMI V8 engine, 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine, and the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI high-output V8 engine.

2018 Fiat 500L – “Best-in-Class Ideal Compact Car”

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Photo Credit/Copyright: Fiat.com

The iconic 2018 Fiat 500L leads in the Compact Car segment while building on style, efficiency, and driving pleasure. The interior cabin expands by 42 percent while offering comfortable seating for five passengers. Lastly, the standard 160 horsepower 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine improves driving dynamics and preserves the one-of-a-kind modernized Italian design.  

From all of us at the Miami Lakes Automall, we congratulate the winners of the 2018 Best-in-Class Ideal Vehicle Awards! Stop by our location in Miami Lakes, FL and test drive the 2018 Chrysler 300 today. For more information on our entire new car inventory selection, visit the Miami Lakes Automall website or follow us on social media.       

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FCA Invests $30 Million In Autonomous Driving Testing Facility

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Posted in Chrysler dealers in Miami
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Photo Credit/Copyright: connectedautomateddriving.eu

The autonomous world is getting some major upgrades, ya’ll! Thanks to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) investing $30 million in their autonomous vehicle testing facilities, the upgrades will assist the automaker to improve the testing and evaluation of self-driving vehicles at the Chelsea Proving Grounds located in Chelsea, Michigan. The all-new facility, which initiates programs this month, features a dedicated autonomous highway-speed track, 35-acre safety feature evaluation area, and a high-tech command center.

“The all-new facility at Chelsea Proving Grounds will help support and enable the successful rollout of the company’s five-year plan laid out earlier this year,” said Mike Manley, Chief Executive Officer, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Chief Operating Officer, NAFTA region. “Our ability to test for autonomous and advanced safety technologies enables FCA to offer our customers the features they want across our brand portfolio.”

Beginning with the autonomous highway-speed track, which consists of tunnels, obstacles, on-and-off ramps, and different lighting conditions, it will be used for highway-speed testing exclusively for autonomous vehicle prototypes. Secondly, a 35-acre paved area for testing parking and emergency braking systems will also be designed. Lastly, a 6,500 square-foot command center will be created for external control and tracking of prototype autonomous vehicles using computer monitoring systems.

After opening up in 1954, the Chelsea Proving Grounds has undergone numerous expansions. Comprised of nearly 4,000 acres, 100 miles of road-surface, and off-road replicas of challenging trails, the Chelsea Proving Grounds is in operation seven days a week, 365 days a year. Within the facility, various levels of autonomy will be evaluated, as well as enabling the company to assess FCA vehicles by using test protocols from third parties such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), U.S. New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), and European New Car Assessment Program (EuroNCAP).

Additionally, the Chelsea Proving Grounds facility has depended on partnerships with Uber and Google subsidiary Waymo to develop the hardware and software that self-driving vehicles utilize. In May of 2018, FCA announced that it would deliver up to 62,000 additional Chrysler Pacifica Hybrids to Google’s automated driving technology company, while also making Waymo’s tech available in consumer vehicles via a licensing deal. Not only that, but Chrysler is also contributing an additional 20,000 compact cars from Jaguar Land Rover.

“Fiat Chrysler Automotives is committed to bringing self-driving technology to our customers in a manner that is safe, efficient and realistic. Strategic partnerships, such as the one we have with Waymo, will help to drive innovative technology to the forefront”, said the late and former CEO of FCA, Sergio Marchionne.

This is extraordinary news for people that are tired of traffic or having to commute to work. Someday, millions of people won’t have to struggle with such daily inconveniences. Interested in taking the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica for a spin? Stop by the Miami Lakes AutoMall located in Miami Lakes, FL or visit our website for more information on our entire new car inventory selection.  

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Chrysler Pacifica And No Kid Hungry Come Together To End Childhood Hunger

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Posted in Chrysler dealership in Miami

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“No Child Should Go Hungry”

– No Kid Hungry Motto

Chrysler Pacifica and No Kid Hungry National Campaign have partnered up to help connect hungry kids to the nutritious meals they deserve. Chrysler takes pride in being a family-oriented brand, and nothing says family-friendly like the Pacifica minivan. In connecting with children via various No Kid Hungry platforms, Chrysler is making it their mission to help end childhood hunger across the nation.

No Kid Hungry Campaign

In working to solve problems of hunger and poverty in the United States, the No Kid Hungry campaign continuously provides experts with the tool and resources to bring solutions to hungry kids around the world. According to No Kid Hungry, studies have shown that one-in-six kids in America live in hunger. As a result, kids are more likely to struggle in school and feel psychically ill when they don’t eat nutritious meals. Since their launch in 2010, No Kid Hungry has been able to decrease hungry children by one-third. Additionally, within the partnership, Chrysler intends on providing up to 1.5 million meals to hungry kids.

“Through our partnership with No Kid Hungry, the Chrysler brand can help bring awareness to childhood hunger and support the organization’s work across America,” says Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America. “Childhood hunger is a solvable problem. No child in America should go without a meal and, as a trusted family brand, our work with this campaign will help ensure more kids across the country have the food they need to learn and grow.”

While amplifying the campaign’s initiatives through various social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Chrysler will sponsor several fundraising events taking place in multiple cities across the nation.

Taste Of the Nation

Consisting of premier chefs, mixologists, and sommeliers, Taste of the Nation takes place in over 25 different cities. In bringing together 3000 chefs and 25,000 guests annually, each attendee shares one specific goal in mind – help end childhood hunger.

Chef’s Cycle

Compromised of award-winning chefs and various members of the culinary community, Chef’s Cycle is part-fundraiser and part-endurance cycle. The three-day, 300-mile ride will be held on September 25th-27th in Charlottesville, VA. Celebrities and award-winning chefs will jump on their bikes to promote awareness and raise money to end childhood hunger.  

Bake Sales For No Kid Hungry

Encouraging communities to get involved, No Kid Hungry gives the public an opportunity to build their own money-raising team, no matter the location. In order to successfully build their own dream team, organizers are required to follow the steps listed below:

  • Recruit their own team members
  • Assign jobs to bake sale members
  • Update personal web pages
  • Secure a venue and date
  • Update bake sale webpage
  • Send email updates
  • Advertise
  • Ask for donations
  • BAKE!!
  • Send reminder emails
  • Finalize plans
  • BAKE SALE!
  • Submit proceeds to Share Our Strength website

“There is no possible excuse for children to be hungry in this great country of ours. Yet it happens – every day. We are grateful for partners like Chrysler who are committed to helping us end childhood hunger once and for all.” says, Tom Nelson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Share Our Strength, the organization behind the No Kid Hungry campaign.

As previously mentioned, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in the No Kid Hungry Campaign. To learn more about the events listed above and how to get more involved, visit No Kid Hungry and help make a difference in children’s lives. Come test drive the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica today at Miami Lakes Automall! For more information on our upcoming 2019 Chrysler Pacifica, visit our website and reserve yours today!

Photo Credit/Copyright: nokidhungry.org