The Dodge Charger is a modern, four-door coupe that combines rear-wheel-drive muscle-car power, sports-car handling and leading-edge technology to deliver a thrilling driving experience with improved fuel efficiency and increased horsepower from a new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine in 2009.
The 2009 all-wheel-drive Dodge Charger models are now equipped with Active Transfer Case and Front-axle Disconnect. No other major manufacturer offers these two independent technologies together. The unique system seamlessly transitions between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive with no driver intervention. When all-wheel drive is not required, the system automatically disconnects the front axle and opens the transfer case from the drivetrain to reduce friction and rotational mass. Automatic all-wheel-drive operation may be activated by outside temperatures, wheel slip or by other predetermined conditions. All-wheel-drive mode can also be manually selected by shifting the gear selector to Auto Stick mode or by activating the windshield wipers for an extended period of time.
Enabling the vehicle to switch between two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive improves fuel economy on all-wheel-drive Dodge Charger models by up to one mile per gallon (mpg) on the highway, while still providing the outstanding performance and handling inherent in rear-wheel drive. To inform the driver when he or she is in two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) indicates when the switch is made.
The 2009 Dodge Charger R/T rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models both feature the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with a five-speed automatic transmission that produces an estimated 368 horsepower (274 kW) and 395 lb.-ft. (536 N•m) of torque. The 5.7-liter HEMI continues to offer fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS) technology. MDS seamlessly turns off fuel consumption in four cylinders when V-8 power is not needed, improving fuel economy as much as 20 percent. To inform the driver when he or she is in four-cylinder mode, the EVIC now automatically displays “ECO” when the switch is made, providing drivers the opportunity to modify their driving habits in order to achieve better fuel economy.
On the exterior, the rear styling of the Dodge Charger is refreshed for 2009 with a bold, retro-style taillamp design that is distinctively Dodge. Recessed circle cutouts give the taillamps added dimension over the previous design and provide enhanced definition to each taillamp’s two circular lamps.
On the interior, accents in the Dodge Charger R/T are extended to the entire lineup for 2009 with the Dodge Charger SE receiving satin silver door trim spears, satin silver center console cup holder rings and satin silver instrument panel bezels. Now standard, light-emitting diode (LED) lighting appears on all models in the front cup holders and standard LED map-pocket lighting on the Dodge Charger R/T provides additional driver convenience.
2009 Jeep Patriot
The Jeep® brand continues its expansion with the 2009 Jeep Patriot’s combination of fun, freedom, utility and best-in-class Jeep 4x4 capability.
The 2009 Jeep Patriot combines the packaging and interior flexibility of a sport-utility vehicle with the performance, handling, fuel economy and price of a compact car or small pickup. Safety features, such as standard side-curtain air bags and standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), add to Jeep Patriot’s tremendous value.
For 2009, Jeep Patriot features an all-new redesigned instrument panel, center console with split lid for added storage space and door trim panels. The all-new instrument panel features a smoother look while chrome accents brighten the new round heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) vents, shift bezel, door spears and cluster rings. The all-new center console and door trim panels feature padded armrests for added comfort. New LED-illuminated cup holders make it easier to place beverages in the right spot at night.
To reduce noise and give the 2009 Jeep Patriot a quieter ride, engine compartment and interior floor insulation has been added. Tuning improvements to the engine exhaust also have been made.
Suspension tuning for on-road packages has been revised, giving the 2009 Jeep Patriot a more comfortable, smoother ride.
Innovative technology affords Jeep Patriot more capability than any other vehicle in its class. Jeep Patriot is available in three drive configurations: front-wheel drive, Freedom Drive I™ (a full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with lock mode) and the Freedom Drive II™ Off-Road Package (a full-time, active 4x4 system with low range that provides true Jeep 4x4 Trail Rated® capability).
Freedom Drive I features a lockable center coupling, which gives Jeep Patriot drivers the ability to handle rough weather conditions and low-traction surfaces. The Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package is an available four-wheel-drive system that makes the 2009 Jeep Patriot a Trail Rated 4x4, creating the most capable vehicle in the crowded compact SUV class. The Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package includes a second-generation Continuously Variable Transaxle with low ratio (CVT2L), 17-inch all-terrain outlined white letter (OWL) tires (Limited models only) and aluminum wheels, a full-size spare tire, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lamps (Sport “E” only), trailer tow wiring harness and manual seat height adjuster (Sport “E” only). The available Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package is recommended for off-road situations that include grades, occasional wheel lift and moderate rock or log climbing.
The Trail Rated Jeep Patriot sits one inch higher than non-Trail Rated versions and meets Jeep off-road capability requirements for traction, water fording, articulation, maneuverability and ground clearance. The Off-Road Package’s 17-inch wheels and OWL tires contribute to the Trail Rated Patriot’s 9 inches of ground clearance, 29.6-degree approach angle, 34.2-degree departure angle and 23.3-degree breakover angle. Trail Rated Jeep Patriot models also have additional body sealing and high-mounted drivetrain vents to support 19-inch water fording capability. The Jeep Patriot’s body and chassis were developed and tested over numerous rugged off-road terrains to meet the requirements of the Jeep enthusiast.
All 2009 Jeep Patriot models include standard brake traction control, driver-controlled three-mode ESP, Brake Assist, Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) and Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with rough-road detection.
Click here to check out our Jeep inventory.
MileOne Automotive Launches MileOneService.com; Integrates Online Service Scheduling
MileOne has announced the official release of the first, service only website and the integration of online service scheduling into nearly all-Maryland and Pennsylvania dealership websites.
Baltimore, MD (PRWEB) October 1, 2008 -- Today, MileOne Automotive is pleased to announce the first ever service-only website by an automotive retail dealership group. The new site features service specials, educational service videos, vehicle maintenance tips for new and used cars, and will help customers better understand the care required to maintain and extend the life of their vehicles. From both MileOneService.com and individual dealership new and used car websites, customers will also be able to schedule confirmed service appointments, monitor the progress of their service and eventually pay for their visit directly through the website, allowing them to expedite their servicing visits.
"We know our customers want to do business with us on their terms and as an automotive group, we have been very diligent about giving our customers the ability to find, research, watch videos and buy new and used cars through our websites, but it was time we provided the same services for our most loyal customers - our service customers. We believe this site, which will continue to expand, will change the way customers service with our dealerships and increase their awareness of proper car and truck maintenance," says David Metter, Chief Marketing Officer for MileOne Automotive.
MileOne Automotive is known as a technology leader in the automotive retail space and with their service site, they have once again stepped out in front of the competition with resources to add value to their customer experience. Future plans for the site include full customer portals, where users can access personalized coupons and maintenance tips based on their vehicle servicing and purchase history, discussion forums to answer their servicing questions, customer video reviews and the latest recall information with an RSS feed. Their goal is to revolutionize the way customers think about vehicle maintenance and service with a proactive approach to taking care of their car or truck and MileOneService.com is the engine for creating this transformation.
Mike Zalowski, Service Director of Heritage Honda in Parkville and Towson, MD has been eagerly awaiting the launch of the site, "I have been in the automotive servicing business for 20 years and with Honda for 10 of those years and I have seen the industry change drastically on the sales side and lag behind in service when it comes to how our customers interact with our service teams. Sure, we have top of the line diagnostics equipment and master trained technicians that can diagnose just about any vehicle issue, but until now we couldn't even allow our customers to truly schedule a confirmed service appointment online. Some customers who used the site when it was in BETA have already raved about how user-friendly and easy it was to get the service information they needed and to then schedule the appropriate service appointment for anything from tire rotations, to express oil changes, to major services and even reserve their loaner car. Our customers will love this new way to service with us. "
Go to www.mileonservice.com to learn how to take proper care of your car or truck, watch service maintenance videos, view great service specials, print coupons for discount service and schedule your appointment for service. Scheduling is as easy as 1, 2, 3 by first picking your location, registering for your account and then selecting your advisor and date/time for your appointment.
About MileOne Automotive (www.mileone.com)
MileOne Automotive operates 65 retail automotive franchises representing 28 different brands and 9 collision centers in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia with a focus on the Baltimore-Washington, Hampton Roads/Virginia Beach and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton major metro areas. MileOne.com allows customers to research new, used and fuel-efficient luxury, import and domestic cars and trucks, send information about vehicles to their mobile device, schedule service appointments, buy parts and accessories, play automotive games, and download automotive wallpaper and mobile ring tones. For more information or to find a quality MileOne dealership near you, please visit www.mileone.com.
Tailgating Tips From The Pros
From Jim Walczak
Here are the best tips from professional tailgaters on how to throw the perfect tailgate party yourself, as well as tips to help you become the ultimate tailgater:
Make a Tailgating Checklist
To ensure nothing gets left at home, make a list of things you need to take to the tailgate party. Be sure to put your game tickets on the list too!
Have a Tailgating Theme
Think up a creative theme for your tailgate. If it's Thanksgiving, bring a turkey. If it's Christmas, bring a tree. Or, base your theme and decorations on the opponent. For example, you might have Cajun food against the Saints, Philly cheese steaks against the Eagles, or fish against the Dolphins.
Dress for the Occasion
Dress appropriately for several hours outdoors -- and be prepared for drastic temperature changes. And don't forget to wear comfortable shoes.
Show Some Tailgating Team Spirit
Show your team spirit... Wear team colors. Tailgaters are usually the biggest and best fans! After all, to become the ultimate tailgater, you'll want to stir up some tailgater's envy!
Timing is Everything
Get there early. You'll want to arrive 3-4 hours before game time to beat the crowd and claim your turf. And, plan to stay late so as to not miss a moment of the post-game enthusiasm.
Location, Location, Location
Set up your tailgate party near a grassy area, or bring a roll of Astroturf to set up at the end of the row -- for a more comfortable atmosphere with lots of room to socialize. Parking at the end of a row can also give you more partying space.
Tailgating in Parking Lots
Serious tailgaters choose a parking lot that has a view of the stadium if on-site parking is not available. Since the stadium is your Mecca, you need to be able to see it so you can bow to it occasionally.
Mark Your Spot At The Tailgating Party
A flag or team pennant on a tall pole helps people locate the party and makes a statement of team spirit.
Seating Arrangements
Don't worry about bringing chairs for everyone. Those who want to sit will bring their own chairs.
Generating Power
Serious tailgaters bring a small generator for powering a TV, stereo system or electric space heater during cold weather games.
Timing the Eats
Make sure your food is ready 1 to 2 hours before game time, so you have enough time to eat, clean up and find your seat in the stadium.
Put out the Fire
If you're using a charcoal grill, bring along extra water to douse the embers and a plastic garbage bag to put the cold coals in.
Be Smokey's Best Friend
Make sure that you have some way of extinguishing and throwing away your hot coals. Whatever you do, dispose of firewood or charcoal briquettes properly. Some stadiums have a designated place for hot ashes, but do not dump them in the grass or in trash bins.
Garbage In, Garbage Out
Bring your own lawn-size trash bags, because there never seem to be enough garbage receptacles on hand.
Maryland’s state tree is the:
Answer:
(Two Words)
See answer under Car Doctor.
