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Ram unveils 1500 Code Name: Adventurer, pulls ahead Tradesman launch

Filed under: Truck, Chrysler, Dodge

2011 Ram 1500 Code Name: Adventurer

2011 Ram 1500 Code Name: Adventurer – Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler is banking on the warm reception that the Ram 1500 Tradesman received at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show this year by unveiling another low-buck model targeted at first-time vehicle buyers. For now, the pickup is cruising under the “Code Name: Adventurer” moniker, and Chrysler says that when it arrives in the second quarter of this year, it will come packing more horsepower and a lower MSRP than the competition. For $23,830 (including a $975 destination charge), buyers can look forward to sinking their teeth into the same 5.7-liter V8 found in the Tradesman. That means that there will be 390 horsepower and 407 pound-feet of torque on hand to do whatever deed needs done.

In addition, the Adventurer will be differentiated from the rest of the company’s pickup flock thanks to monochromatic paint, body-colored front and rear fascias and a dual-tip exhaust. The truck comes with 20-inch aluminum wheels as the standard rollers and a 3.55 axle ratio. Buyers can also choose a 3.21 or a 3.99 ratio if they so desire. With the latter choice mated to the hearty V8 on board, we’re guessing that this will be a pretty solid factory-bred street machine – at least in a straight line.

In addition, Chrysler has announced that it will accelerate the launch of the Tradesman thanks to “overwhelming response,” though it isn’t immediately clear how soon buyers can expect to see the work truck in their neighborhood Ram Truck showroom. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: 2011 Ram 1500 Code Name: Adventurer

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Ram unveils 1500 Code Name: Adventurer, pulls ahead Tradesman launch

Ram unveils 1500 Code Name: Adventurer, pulls ahead Tradesman launch originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: Porsche pulls the covers off 2011 Cayman R

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Porsche

2011 Porsche Cayman R

2011 Porsche Cayman R – Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche has pulled the silk off its all-new 2011 Cayman R, the latest variant of the German automaker’s two-seat coupe. Aside from the obligatory decals and badging designed to differentiate this new flagship Cayman from its siblings, the Cayman R boasts a chassis that has been lightened by about 120 pounds and a handful of other tweaks.

Inside the cabin, the Cayman R features Alcantara and leather upholstery, sport seats, strap door handles and a painted console color-keyed to the exterior. Under the skin, the suspension has been enhanced with shorter, more rigid springs and there are customized anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles (the ride height is about 20 millimeters lower than the Cayman S).

Motivation comes from Porsche’s 3.4-liter flat-six, bumped up slightly to 330 horsepower, while transmission choices include Porsche’s excellent PDK automatic gearbox or a traditional six-speed manual. According to the automaker, the 2,855-pound Cayman R will hit 62 miles per hour in less than five seconds and top out at 175 mph. Look for the Cayman R in dealers wearing a $66,000 price tag before the end of the year. Follow the jump for the official press release from Porsche.

Gallery: LA 2010: 2011 Porsche Cayman R

2011 Porsche Cayman R

Gallery: 2011 Porsche Cayman R

Continue reading LA 2010: Porsche pulls the covers off 2011 Cayman R

LA 2010: Porsche pulls the covers off 2011 Cayman R originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Update: King reportedly pulls famed UAW Black Lake resort off the auction block

Filed under: Etc., Earnings/Financials, UAW/Unions

UAW black lake resort banner image

Are you looking for 1,000 heavily forested acres in the heart of Northern Michigan? Something in the $33 million range with a world class golf course and sleeping quarters for a couple thousand? If you are, it appears that the United Auto Workers’ Black Lake resort is going to have to come off that (very) short list, because the Rank and File isn’t selling. The Detroit News reports that UAW chief Bob King and the new union board has taken the resort off the market. CB Richard Ellis Senior Real Estate VP John Carver called the decision “a matter of the new board reviewing previous policy decisions.”

That previous board said in January that the recession was a big reason that the facility needed to close. The fact that the resort has lost a reported $23 million since 2005 didn’t help much either, and declining union membership appeared to be the nail in the coffin. Guess not. UAW leadership apparently isn’t talking about Black Lake and why they took it off the market, but DetNews quotes UAW local leaders who say that events are still being scheduled there.

We’re sure there will be plenty of people out there who won’t like the decision to retain such an extravagant resort considering the fact that thousands of UAW members have lost their jobs in the past couple of years. But then again, with Bob King and his blue-collared brothers and sisters looking to make a comeback, selling off the UAW’s crown jewels probably wouldn’t serve to bring up morale.

[Source: Detroit News]

Update: King reportedly pulls famed UAW Black Lake resort off the auction block originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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