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Chrysler says its 8-speed transmissions will save 700 million gallons

Chrysler Group's TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission could be earning some serious green bragging rights if the company's projections are correct. The recently widely proliferated automatic gearbox, which is now in more than a million vehicles around the world, is poised to save drivers an estimated 700+ million gallons of fuel over the vehicles' lifetimes (an expected cost savings of $2.5 billion). In addition, Chrysler expects a reduction in CO2 emissions by more than six million metric tons. According to Chrysler, and depending on the vehicle, the TorqueFlite can improve fuel economy. The TorqueFlite autobox features particularly close ratios from fifth to eighth gear (see the press release below for the specific numbers), and uses low-viscosity fluid that doesn't need to be replaced. Transmission software adapts to the driving situation to optimize efficiency based on driver behavior, temperature, grade, stability control, and longitudinal and lateral acceleration. The TorqueFlite is capable of handling a variety of duties. As evidenced by the wide range of vehicles Chrysler Group has seen fit to equip with the eight-speed transmission, the TorqueFlite is capable of handling a variety of duties. Since its 2012 introduction, the TorqueFlite has gone from performing cog-swapping duties in Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 models equipped with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 to changing gears in vehicles such as the Pentastar- and Hemi-powered Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee and even the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. For the 2015 model year, the eight-speed is finding its way into even more vehicles with the addition of a third version. In addition to the American-made TorqueFlite 845RE and 8HP70, the new 8HP90 will be manufactured in Saarbrucken, Germany. The 8HP90 is designed for higher torque loads, making it ideal for high-performance vehicles like the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. The already-in-use 8HP70 will expand its duties to be used in 2015 Hemi models such as the Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Challenger SRT8. You can see the list of those benchmarks in Chrysler's press release below.

Stellantis pledges $2.8 billion investment in Canadian plants

Stellantis has re-upped its commitment to two pivotal Canadian factories. The Brampton Assembly Plant, where the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger are built, and the Windsor Assembly Plant, where the Chrysler Pacifica minivan is made, will receive a $2.8 million investment in the coming years.  The announcement came as welcome news for Brampton, as the plant's future was very much in doubt. The company had only promised to build the three models, sharing an aged platform, through 2023. Now the future is more clear. Stellantis will begin retooling the facility in 2024 once production of the muscle car trio winds down. When it comes back online in 2025, it will produce "at least one all-new electric model". It will also serve as the production facility for an all-new flexible architecture, but which models it will support were not disclosed. As for Windsor, retooling will begin in 2023. Stellantis didn't say when it would finish, but that it would be home to a "new multi-energy vehicle (MEV) architecture that will provide battery-electric (BEV) capability for multiple models." Both plants are expected to return to a three-shift schedule after layoffs at the plants dropped them down to two shifts. The reaffirmation of investment in Canada follows last month's announcement that Stellantis and LG Energy Solution would establish a $4.1 billion joint venture to make battery packs for electric vehicles. The project is being billed as Canada's first large-scale lithium-ion battery plant. In addition, Windsor's Automotive Research and Development Centre (ARDC) will now become North America's first battery lab. Stellantis is expanding the site by 100,000 square feet, where engineers will conduct R&D into BEV, PHEV and HEV cells, modules and battery packs. Stellantis North America Chief Operating Officer Mark Stewart said, "These investments reaffirm our long-term commitment to Canada and represent an important step as we move toward zero-emission vehicles that deliver on our customers’ desire for innovative, clean, safe and affordable mobility.”  Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Amazon opens contest for The Grand Tour tickets in the US

British enthusiasts already had the opportunity to win tickets to the first taping of The Grand Tour, and now Amazon has opened up a similar chance for customers in the US. In celebration of Prime Day, which starts today, customers in the US can enter The Grand Tour Prime Day Prize Draw. The prize includes travel, $200 to spend, accommodation, and a meet and greet with Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May. Customers that are interested fulfilling a childhood dream should visit Amazon's website and fill out the entry form soon as the draw closes on July 12. The Grand Tour will launch this fall as an exclusive for Amazon Prime members with the exact city locations for studio records set to be revealed later this summer. Amazon, however, did reveal that the trio will host shows in the UK, US, and Germany. So there's no need to get too upset if you don't win the draw. With Top Gear getting a major shakeup with the departure of Chris Evans, we're itching to see Clarkson, Hammond, and May behind the wheel of cars again. The trio, it seems, is also excited to get the new show rolling as Clarkson posted a drifty video on his Facebook page. The trio are currently in Italy filming a comparison between an Aston Martin DB11, a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, and Rolls-Royce Dawn. The five-second clip has the Challenger Hellcat and DB11 drifting head-on into the camera crew, which is behind the wheel of an Alfa Romeo. News Source: Amazon, FacebookImage Credit: The Grand Tour TV/Movies Alfa Romeo Aston Martin Dodge the grand tour