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The Plug-In Hybrid Chrysler Pacifica | Translogic 212

Unless you've been living under a rock, you probably know that minivans have a bit of a rep for being uncool. The poor minivan has been relegated to that of a tool solely intended to get kids to and from soccer games. Here at Autoblog, we're already proponents of the minivan for its incredibly utility and under-the-radar, nearly hipster-like ironic coolness. This year, the good folks at Chrysler are working to change the soccer-mom stereotype by giving its people-hauler a much needed injection of style, lots of new tech, and a plug-in hybrid option in the form of the new Pacifica. Translogic host Jonathon Buckley sat down with Matt McAlear, Senior Manager of Chrysler Brand Product Marketing to discuss how Chrysler went from inventing the segment all the way back in 1984 to reinventing it in 2016. Matt explains that not only is the Pacifica "...the first hybrid in the minivan segment," but it's alsm one of the most functional hybrids available. With room for 7 passengers plus cargo and 30 miles of all-electric range, the features on the van are nothing to scoff at. After the chat, Bucko takes the minivan to someone who will be able to appreciate it even more than him, a mom of two. Click here to find more episodes of Translogic Click here to learn more about our host, Jonathon Buckley

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says manufacturing can reopen May 11

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday said the state's factories can reopen next Monday, May 11, removing one of the last major obstacles to North American automakers bringing thousands of laid-off employees back to work amid the coronavirus pandemic. While reopening the manufacturing sector, Whitmer also extended her state's stay-at-home order by about two weeks to May 28, citing a desire to avoid a second wave of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus. “WeÂ’re not out of the woods yet, but this is an important step forward," Whitmer said in a statement. "As we continue to phase in sectors of our economy, I will keep working around the clock to ensure our businesses adopt best practices to protect workers." This week, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said they were targeting resuming vehicle production in North America on May 18, but suppliers would need time to prepare ahead for that date. Ford has not said what date it is targeting. The governor previously extended the state's coronavirus stay-at-home order through May 15, but had lifted restrictions for some businesses. Neighboring Ohio had allowed manufacturing to resume this past Monday, putting pressure on Whitmer to follow suit. Michigan's shutdown had stymied efforts by the Detroit Three and rival automakers to restart vehicle assembly anywhere in the United States, because so many critical parts suppliers are based in the state. Automakers and their suppliers already have begun gearing up for a possible resumption of work at their U.S. plants, but needed the official go-ahead from Whitmer. Industry officials had been pressing Whitmer to allow suppliers to reopen starting May 11 so the automakers could resume operations on their target date. They also wanted the green light so they can press Mexico to open its auto sector as suppliers there are also critical for the industry restart. The automakers' plans were tacitly approved on Tuesday by the United Auto Workers union, which represents the Detroit automakers' hourly U.S. plant workers. The union had previously said early May was "too soon and too risky" to restart manufacturing. Under Whitmer's new order, factories must adopt measures to protect workers, including daily entry screening, no-touch temperature screening as soon as possible and use of protective gear like face masks. Automakers have already rolled out such policies.

Chrysler 300C returns for 2023 with SRT power and more

Chrysler will revive the SRT formula for a special 2023 300C model equipped with the snarling 6.4-liter Hemi V8. While the badge itself won't return, the 2023 300C will offer everything the old 300 SRT had and more, including a limited-slip differential, big brakes, a sport exhaust and active dampers. Chrysler 300 Scat Pack, here we come — but you'd better act fast, as only 2,000 of them will be produced for the U.S. market (plus another 200 for Canada). And after 2023, the whole Chrysler 300 lineup will be gone for good.  "WeÂ’re celebrating the Chrysler 300 and itÂ’s iconic legacy in the automotive world," said Chrysler brand chief Chris Feuell. "The Chrysler 300 changed the automotive world in so many ways, and we will carry that spirit of ingenuity forward as we transform Chrysler with a fully electrified future and breakthrough customer experiences." Chrysler last sold the 300C variant (with its standard 5.7-liter Hemi V8) for the 2020 model year. While the 5.7 was still available in the 300S, the C was long the pinnacle of non-SRT models in the 300 lineup. In much the same way that Lexus IS500 F Sport Performance revived the underlying formula of the old IS F, this limited-edition 300C brings back the magic that made the SRT8 (later just SRT) model so desirable.  Before it was canned for the U.S. market in 2015, the 300 SRT was briefly offered with the 6.4, albeit with the five-speed automatic that dated to the Daimler-Chrysler years. The 2023 revival packs 485 horsepower (up from the old SRT's 470) and 470 pound-feet of torque. Power goes to the rear wheels by way of an eight-speed automatic and limited-slip differential. Chrysler says this combo is good for a 4.3-second sprint to 60 and a quarter-mile time of 12.4 seconds.  2023 Chrysler 300C View 28 Photos From there, the list of goodies on this limited-run 300C lines up pretty closely with a standard Dodge Charger Scat Pack. Chassis improvements include four-piston Brembo brakes and active dampers, and the round black tips are attached to an active exhaust to allow for mild cruising or wild hooning. Unique 20-inch wheels, black chrome accents on the grille and bumpers, blacked out head- and taillights and a new tri-color Chrysler badge will help the 2023 300C stand out in a crowd.  Inside, unique elements include Black Laguna leather seats embossed with the 300C logo, unique silver stitching, carbon fiber inserts and gloss black trim.