The Car Geek: September 2007

The Car Geek

Friday, September 28, 2007

The New Pricing Program from the Total Parts Plus

I visited the official website of Total Parts Plus hoping to find the best deal on Dodge shocks but I was surprised when I found something even better. Total Parts Plus Incorporated has developed a new Value Pricing Program that will sure favor the practical needs of their clients. Under the new program, the customers can avail of the newest offers of Total Parts Plus in terms of budget-friendly services which does not have extra fees for those who avail of the program. This will definitely attract more clients to avail the new program.

I was able to find about this content on the New Pricing Program of Total Parts Plus on theautochannel.com. Here, take a few minutes learning the new program. The Parts Plus Content Tracker provides:

  • Complete BOM/AVL management for obsolete components
  • Identification of No-Lead components
  • Daily PCN/PDN Alert Service for obsolescence and material changes
  • Lifecycle forecasting and alternate component sourcing - Manufacturing Process Information (MSL and Reflow Temperature)
  • Lead finish analysis and reporting for entire BOM/AVL
  • RoHS compliance data and reporting in IPC-1752-2 format
  • Full material disclosure per JIG-101 A and B
  • Reliability information JESD 201 (Tin Whisker Management)
  • Manufacturer Datasheets and suggested replacement parts
  • 100% coverage of your BOM/AVL

These are the content of the new pricing program on the Total Parts Plus. This seeks to provide the customers with more services based on the customer’s budget. So, they don’t have to spend much on services without paying too much. The program also allows complete access to the online site Parts Plus Content Tracker which manages 100% of the customer’s electronic components.

The Total Parts Plus is an engineering services company which provides management as well as environmental compliance solutions in the web-based products forms as well as custom engineering services. This is also according to theautochannel.com.

The Chief Executive Officer of Total Parts Plus Keith Biggs was also quoted saying, "We are very excited to offer this cost saving solution to our customers. Companies, whether large or small, require a solution for RoHS compliance and obsolete components which is both affordable and inclusive.”

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

The 2008 Jaguar XJ8: Feel The Roaring Power!

All Jaguars are accounted as fast and splendid cars. This is the reputation that Jaguar holds on to over the years. Beautiful… it’s the constant character of all Jaguars… Unrivaled? Definitely! One of the Jaguars that claims these qualities plus an exceptional aluminum body shell, and reduced weight… almost as strong as the man of steel in fact. So step aside Subaru tune up parts and to all those who dare… Ladies and gents, hear the mighty roar of the 2008 Jaguar XJ8!

All the amenities and comfort you can possibly experience in a luxury car is in the 2008 Jaguar XJ8! A spacious legroom both in the front and back allows you to experience the most convenient ride inside a mean and powerful vehicle. Speed? As quick as a cunning jaguar ready to take on its prey and go for the kill… definitely fierce!

I did find some pretty interesting quotes about this vehicle too. Read on, you know.

"The American Automobile Association (AAA) announced its top cars for 2006 in 13 distinct categories and selected the Jaguar XJ8L as its top pick in the $50,000+ category." - American Automobile Association
"The Jaguar XJ has already collected its first award of 2006, topping the Luxury Car category at the Fleet Excellence Awards, voted for by readers of Fleet Week and Fleet Management magazines." - Carpages.co.uk
Check out some of the standard features of the 2008 Jaguar XJ8 courtesy of http://www.jaguarusa.com/:

  • 300-horsepower V8 engine
  • 6-speed ZF automatic transmission •18-in. Tucana wheels
  • Optional 19-in. Polaris wheels (no cost option)
  • Adaptive Restraint Technology System (A.R.T.S.) - provides unique protection through the use of ultrasonic sensors to continually calculate the front passenger position along with the position of the driver in relation to the steering wheel, and seat belt use to determine which safety systems to activate and, when applicable, the airbag energy levels most appropriate
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System
  • Dynamic Stability Control
  • Self-leveling and adaptive air suspension
  • Body-colored exterior mirror caps and grille surround
  • Electrochromic self-dimming power-adjustable heated door mirrors
  • Automatic Xenon headlamps with adjustable shut-off delay and power wash
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers - Discreetly built into the rearview mirror mount, sensors sense rain and appoint the windshield wipers. The speed and frequency perfectly match the amount of precipitation, so you never have to lift a finger.
  • Reverse Park Control
  • Acoustic Laminated Glass - The addition of an acoustic laminate to the windshield and side glass helps to reduce interior noise and block ultraviolet (UV) radiation, while simultaneously increasing occupant safety and security by making "smash and grab" theft particularly difficult.
  • One-touch power moonroof
  • Premium softgrain leather front and rear seats with piping
  • 16-way adjustable front seats with 3-stage heating
  • Power adjustable pedals and steering column with memory settings •Burl Walnut interior trim
  • Elm interior trim option
  • 140-watt AM/FM sound system with single in-dash CD player
  • Bluetooth® wireless technology
  • New accessory Audio Connectivity Module for iPod® or mp3 player2

Sunday, September 23, 2007

The Dodge Dendro

Here's a new concept car called a Dodge but not actually made by the engineers from Dodge. This new concept vehicle is made by a pair of students. Designed by Nicolas Ren Stone of the College for Creative Studies and engineered by Alok Pradhan of the University of Michigan, this new concept cart is named after a snake. And not just an ordinary snake but the fastest and the most venomous of them all. This would surely put to shame the iconic Dodge Viper which has been the favorite of performance enthusiast for years.

According to Mr. Stone, the cars we see today are "built much like humans, with a structure under a layer of cosmetically pleasing skin". He added that: "All of the strength of the vehicle is hidden. While the structure may be strong, the external parts outside the structure are easily susceptible to damage." Thus he set out to "take the automobile and apply evolutionary design principles and the new technologies in steel to explore (and push) the possibilities for the next generation of cars."

He looked for inspiration and found it with Mother Nature. He said that the frame of the concept car is based on snakes. "For the frame design, I combined the strength of exoskeletons with the flexibility of a creature that appears to have no skeleton, the snake. Able to flex its body into almost any position was a perfect compliment to steel technology currently being developed for airplane wings," said Mr. Stone.

He explained his work of art saying: "I designed an exoskeleton frame to enclose the occupants in a triangle shape. This unique shape allowed for the absence of a typical B-pillar, allowing the front grill to serve as an intrinsic part of the structure, rather than as decoration. The bumpers are connected through a long vertical structure that travels the length of the car through the interior. This anchors the structure, while providing stiffness to the rear “tail bone,” which also serves as the trunk."

And as for the choice of giving the car a Dodge name, Stone said: "With this much innovation, strength and character, the car was unmistakably Dodge from the start. Dodge creates the impression of strength on the road, with a style and attitude that is unmistakable. And with their history of venomous serpentine sports cars and concepts, I wanted to offer the next step in the blood line." Surely, some Dodge brake pads will not look out of place in this concept car. And the name of the car? The Dodge Dendro, from "Dendroaspis polylepis".

Thursday, September 20, 2007

How Sweet Is That Chocolate-Coated Jeep?

Finger-lickin’ goodness - that’s a Jeep. Sweet and luscious Jeep! Huh? Yes, Jeep is offering a chocolate-coated treat…with a driver’s seat!

But why? The company has this to say:

Are you a chocolate lover? Do you believe anything is better when it's covered in chocolate? What about a Jeep?

With Sweetest Day right around the corner, the Jeep brand is inviting consumers to prove just how "sweet" their "sweet tooth" is in the Sweetest Day the Jeep Way challenge.

On Thursday, Oct. 18 in Cleveland, Ohio, where the Sweetest Day tradition began, 7 randomly selected participants will lick their way through 1 of 7 chocolate-covered Jeep vehicles, representing each of the models in the brand's lineup. The first two participants to lick their way through the layers of chocolate will make their way to the Jeep Liberty, filled with wrapped chocolate and candies, in search for the keys to an all-new Jeep Liberty 4x4 with a Sky Slider roof.

And because Sweetest Day revolves around the giving of sweets, the Chrysler Foundation, on behalf of Jeep, will make a "sweet" donation of $7,000 - $1,000 for each of Jeep vehicle - to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland.

How sweet are those vehicles? There’s only one way to find out. Lick it!

For complete registration details, official contest rules, or more information about the full line of Jeep vehicles click here http://www.jeep.com/en/pr/sweetestday/. Consumers with a “sweet tooth” for a Jeep can register online at http://www.sweetestdaythejeepway.com/.

The sugary stunt, called "Sweetest Day the Jeep Way," is in conjunction with Sweetest Day, a holiday invented 85 years ago by Cleveland candy makers.

If you think you have what it would take to lick six other chocolate-chomping contestants, go to Chrysler's Sweetest Day Web site, fill out the form and write a 250-word essay on why you should be picked to lick. Hopefuls also must be residents Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Kentucky, Pennsylvania or West Virginia and at least 18 years old.

“With the growing popularity of Sweetest Day, the Jeep brand wants to give consumers the opportunity to celebrate ‘Sweetest Day the Jeep Way.’ Jeep vehicles love to get dirty, but instead of covering the vehicles in mud, we’re going to cover them in chocolate and let participants have fun getting the chocolate off. The prize - an all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty,” said John Plecha, the Director of Jeep Brand Marketing and Global Communications.

According to a national survey conducted by the Jeep brand, 67 percent of Americans do not know the history behind Sweetest Day. In fact, the survey results revealed:

  • The Sweet Spot: Only one in three adults are aware that Sweetest Day was founded by candy makers in Cleveland as an act of goodwill.
  • Chocolate Covered Confusion: Nearly one in five adults (20 percent) mistakenly believe that Sweetest Day was founded by greeting card manufacturers, while 13 percent believe it was founded by a floral company.
  • Nuts About Chocolate: Forty-six percent of Americans agree that nuts are their favorite chocolate-covered food.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Jay Leno With The BMW Hydrogen 7!

Jay Leno, not only the lively and comic host of the most watched program, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno - he is one hell of a car collector! Several of the rarest vehicles lie in Jay Leno’s garage! And oh, if you want to get familiar with these cars, just visit his site on http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/! Anyway, talking about Jay Leno’s collection with his unlimited supplies of wholesale auto parts, the Emmy-winning comedian and host will add another great vehicle to his line-up of vehicles! He will soon hit the road with the BMW Hydrogen 7 - the first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan!

The news was published on TheAutoChannel.com yesterday. According to this featured story, BMW has handed down the keys to a brand new BMW Hydrogen 7 to Jay Leno, the newest owner of this one of a kind hybrid car next to actor Will Ferrell and other known personalities as announced by BMW Company. The host is very much excited to shelter his brand new car under his infamous garage in Burbank, California!

"As an avid car enthusiast I'm always interested in the future of automotive technology. With the BMW Hydrogen 7 I can experience all the fun and great features of a performance car, yet know that I'm being environmentally friendly at the same time! I look forward to driving the Hydrogen 7 and learning more about hydrogen as a fuel for our future," says Jay Leno with immense energy and excitement.

Jay utilizes a massive steam and natural gas engines from the 19th century to efficiently decrease his energy needs in his "green garage”. Leno changed his garage into a self-reliant power station. There is no reason why a garage full of old cars can't be environmentally responsible according to Jay - even if it means having to go back more than a century for the technology. Jay is dedicated to the improvement of his almost 20,000-sq.-ft. garage with the hottest environmentally friendly shop equipment and products. He is also working with professionals in an array of fields to study his garage's energy use and planned alternative energy systems. Now, he is setting an example by driving the BMW Hydrogen 7!

The BMW Hydrogen 7 basically discharges nothing but water vapor when running in hydrogen mode, on behalf of a significant step in decreasing destructive CO2 emissions. The Hydrogen 7 is not a concept car but it is a production model vehicle that has effectively completed the entire Product Development Process. It is believed to be a major milestone in bringing up hydrogen as the sustainable fuel for individual transportation despite the fact that the BMW Hydrogen 7 is not for sale yet.

It is expected that hydrogen will replace petroleum as the long-term alternative to fossil fuel according to BMW. They also hope that Hydrogen 7 will play a ground-breaking part in driving forward the hydrogen technologies that will guarantee our mobility in the next years to come.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Top Ten Cars We Can’t Get in the US Car Market

This is in connection with the recently opened Frankfurt Auto Show in Germany where most of the cars will only be available in the European car market. The car show displays lots of new gorgeous cars. But sadly, we Americans can only see whatever's happening at the auto show through pictures because only those who are in European countries would be very much accessible to the show.

As we all know, Europe is the home for small cars... say the SmartForTwo. They are also into diesel propelled cars like Acura which is a little greener now because of its Acura 2.2 cl radiator. European car owners are also looking for small cars, oil-burners, touring vehicles, wagon type cars and hybrid cars as well. Of course, the US car market also need more car buyers who are looking for these types of vehicles.

Motortrend released the '2007 Frankfurt Motor Show: Top 10 Cars We Can't Get in the U.S.' on their official website. Here are the top ten cars on the list.

  1. Audi RS 6 Avant
  2. Artega GT
  3. BMW M5 Wagon
  4. Ford Kuga
  5. Honda Civic Type R
  6. Peugeot 207 RC and Clio Renaultsport 197
  7. Mercedes-Benz GL420 CDI
  8. Fiat 500
  9. Mazda2
  10. Suzuki Swift

Among all the cars, American would look at the Audi RS 6 Avant as one among the most interesting car models at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. But sadly, just like Artega GT and the BMW M5 Wagon which took the second and third spots, the Audi RS 6 Avant will only be available in the European car market. The ever famous Ford Kuga comes at the fourth notch followed by the Honda Civic Type R - a Japanese car brand that hits the fifth spot on the list. The Peugeot 207 RC and the Clio Renaultsport 197 both take the sixth spot. The Mercedes-Benz GL420 CDI landed on seventh place. The Fiat 500, also a European car, made it to the top eight. The Mazda2, another Japanese car brand, took the ninth spot leaving another Japanese car model, the Suzuki Swift, at the last rank.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

BMW, DCX: Chinese Are Copying Cars

True. Imitation is the greatest form of flattery. But too much of it is quite repulsive. In the auto industry, the latest victims of the alleged copying of cars are Germany’s BMW and DCX.

BMW AG claims that a Chinese automaker’s sport utility is very much similar to one of its own. This week, the German automaker filed suit in Frankfurt against Shuanghuan Automobile. The suit intends to preclude the Chinese automaker from selling its car model called the CEO. The Munich-based automaker said that the SUV was a copy of the BMW X5. ‘‘China is here and we are here at the fair,’’ said Karl Schloessl, the CEO of China Automobile, which plans to import and sell the car in Europe. He said that the car was designed independently.

‘‘We do not deny. We do not admit,’’ Schloessl told AP Television News. ‘‘One gets inspiration from every SUV, no matter whether it is Japanese, Chinese, German or French. When you look at a car today, no matter from which perspective, you will always discover similarities, even at the wheels.’’

The spat reflects wider concern among Western companies, many of whom want to do business in China's vast markets but also protect their own copyrights. Shuanghuan maintains that the CEO bears no resemblance to the X5, either in style or price, reported the Associated Press.

The X5's base price in Europe is 59,000 euros equivalent to $85,207, while the CEO's base model will sell for 25,900 euros or $37,396. At a glance, similarities cannot be denied. Additionally, the difference in price could lure shoppers into purchasing.

"The issue directly concerning BMW is that there is a Chinese carmaker trying to copy the side and rear view of the previous generation of our X5 model," said Wieland Bruch, a BMW spokesman. He added that a close inspection would reveal any differences, but a first impression would not.

Fearless, Shuanghuan's European importer, brought the sport utility to the Frankfurt auto show.

"China is BMW is not alone in its concern. Last week, DaimlerChrysler AG said it might take legal action against Shuanghuan Auto because its Noble resembled its Smart fortwo, a tiny two-seater aimed at buyers in big cities. Offering a vehicle so obviously similar to the Smart fortwo would be a violation of intellectual property," DCX said in a statement.

DCX Chief Executive Dieter Zetsche told reporters at the show that having cars that look too similar could be confusing "to our customers.''

Shuanghuan, on the other hand, has said that it does not think its Noble is similar to the fortwo, telling Dow Jones Newswires late last month that it was "only the media stirring things up.'' The Noble will not be displayed in Frankfurt Auto show which is scheduled on Sept. 13-23.

Similarities to Audi brake dust shields and other auto accessories could be tenable but imitation of the entire styling of a car is another story. Fair competition should prevail. It isn’t a simple issue to be ignored.

Monday, September 10, 2007

The Volt's European Counterpart

We already know what the Chevy Volt is all about. It is just a matter of waiting until the fuel miser that is the Volt reaches the production stage. But the Volt is not the only General Motors car which boasts of superb fuel economy and limited greenhouse gas emission. That's because the Chevy Volt has a European counterpart in the Opel Flextreme.

The Flextreme is a concept car just like the Chevy Volt. It is also a vehicle that will get you to your office and back without ever burning a single drop of fuel if your daily mileage amounts to about 34 miles. And I think, just as the Volt will use components as sturdy as Chevrolet Tahoe step plates, the Flextreme will also be using reliable and safe parts.

While American automakers are more focused on the development of gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles, European automakers are focusing on the use of clean diesel engine. And since Opel is a German brand, the automaker will equip the Flextreme with a fuel efficient, clean as gasoline 1.3-liter diesel powerplant. This engine will act as a 'range extender' as General Motors call it. When the juice of the car's battery runs out, the diesel engine will start charging it.

According to the automaker, this is not a technology they will display just to keep environmentalists out of their back. The technology used by the Volt and the Flextreme are already in the developmental stages and may soon be practical enough to be mass produced. Thus, for those looking to own a vehicle as green as the Volt, the wait may reach four or five years but the wait will be worthwhile once General Motors makes these cars available to the general car buying public.

The Flextreme may have a lot in common with the Volt, after all, it is the Volt's European counterpart, but there is one thing that the Flextreme has which I think the Volt does not have. And that is a Segway. This technologically-advanced two-wheeled personal mobility device gives you an added 23 miles of clean transportation although the use of the Segway on public roads is prohibited in some countries. I think that the Segway will not make it into production since it would cost too much. But for those willing to do more for the environment for additional cost, I think a Segway can be stowed in the Flextreme when it comes to production.

Toyota Motor Corporation Reveals Another Plug-in for France

The leader in making quality hybrid cars is now making a new wave in another car market. The Toyota Motor Corporation, the maker of the famous Prius, is now making another breakthrough. This time the new product is not going to be sent to the US car market, nor to Japanese car market. Now, the Asian famous fast growing car maker is venturing to France and it is building a new plug-in hybrid for the French car market.

The news was from theautochannel.com. According to the one among the most reputable sources of car information, Jiji Press reported that Toyota is cooperating with France's state-owned power supplier EDF in the test of the plug-in vehicles for the French car market. After two years of perfecting these four new plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles, the collaboration between the two famous companies will bring the test on the road of the French capital. This is to identify the effectively of the plug-in in terms of recharging as well as the billing systems of hybrid cars.

After the tests done in the European car market, the Japanese car maker is planning to launch the particular plug-in car, according to the car maker’s officials.

The wide-area billing system of the EDF made the Toyota Motor Corporation decide to go in partner with the company in France.

Toyota has always been successful in every plan they made. In terms of quality, their car parts may not be as expensive as the Mercedes Benz vent visor but the Japanese car maker always make it a point that every car they make is of great excellence and quality. Hybrid cars may have been started by the Honda Motor Corporation but Toyota has perfected hybrid technology with the existence of its Toyota Prius. This was proven because of the numerous amounts of award that the vehicle has received because of it real time fuel efficiency.

Thursday, September 06, 2007

Special Edition Mercedes C350 To Raise $1M For ‘Key To The Cure’

Mercedes for a cause. The German automaker reaches out to lend a helping hand and touch other people’s lives. It intends to put a stress on benevolence and not just profit-making ventures.

The German automaker’s American division has engineered a special edition version of its sleek 2008 C350 sport sedan to raise $1 million for Saks Fifth Avenue's “Key To The Cure” - a women's cancer initiative developed in partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation's (EIF) Women's Cancer Research Fund.

To raise awareness of the cause, actress Renee Zellweger has been named the Entertainment Industry Foundation ambassador for Saks Fifth Avenue's 2007 Key To The Cure and will show her support by wearing this year's Key To The Cure t-shirt designed by Juicy Couture. The actress will appear in promotional materials and in a national public service announcement (PSA) to bring attention to this critical issue.

As a national sponsor of “Key To The Cure,” MBUSA expects to contribute $1 million through the sale of 1,000 exclusive C-Class vehicles scheduled to arrive at Mercedes-Benz dealerships this month, The Auto Channel reported. Sales of this well-equipped, powerful and fun-to-drive sedan will benefit charitable programs dedicated to finding new detection methods, treatments and a cure for women's cancers nationwide. Over the past five consecutive years, MBUSA has supported Key To The Cure and has raised over $5 million for women's cancer research.

The agile new 2008 C350 Sport Sedan combines the power of a 268- horsepower, 3.5 liter V-6 engine with the most desirable new options and technology available from Mercedes-Benz and the exclusive Sahara Beige and Black leather interior to create the Special Edition C350 for “Key To The Cure.” This sophisticated sedan offers auto enthusiasts not only cutting-edge style, superior technical innovations and performance but the chance to help make a difference in the fight against cancer, the report continued.

"The new C-Class is one of our most eagerly awaited new models," said Steve Cannon, the vice president of marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA. "We're pleased to be able to take advantage of that enthusiasm in support of a cause that touches so many lives."

The Special Edition Mercedes-Benz C350 is equipped with:

  • Obsidian Black Metallic Paint
  • Exclusive Sahara Beige / Black Leather Interior
  • 18 inch AMG twin-spoke aluminum alloy wheels
  • Multimedia Package (HDD Navigation, Harman Kardon sound system, DVD changer, Voice Control)
  • iPod Integration Kit

Each of the 1,000 special-edition sport sedan features the athletic new profile of the AMG lower bodywork and rear spoiler, sport sedan interior elements including gauges, sport steering wheel and pedals, and a Black Birdseye Maple trim. The winning style of this new model combined with the exclusivity of the Special Edition for Key To The Cure leather interior creates a striking addition to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class line. The car also features a power sunroof, eight-way power front seats with lumbar support, two-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, a central controller, and an LCD display screen.

Funds raised will benefit over 50 charitable programs nationwide.

Monday, September 03, 2007

Chinese Women Prefer...

We cannot deny the fact that more and more vehicles are being sold in the Chinese auto market. And in that said market, women buyers are increasing. By last count, of the total car buyers in the Asian country, 32 percent are women. That means that automakers, in order to have a strong foothold on the Chinese auto market should design cars which can attract Chinese women. According to this article from the autochannel.com, Chinese women auto buyers prefer small cars. Although ordinary folks like us will not be involved in the designing of a new car for the Chinese, I would still share to you what these cars are.

The Chery QQ with the round headlights is a bit on the bad side of things for me but Chinese women dig it, or so the article said. The Honda Fit or the Jazz as it is called in other markets is also a favorite of Chinese women. I kinda like this car because even if it's small, it has that aggressive look to it thanks to that headlight. In the United States, the Fit is the eighth most favorite car by American ladies.

The third car on the list is the Nissan Tiida or the Versa. I believe that this car was just recently launched and the fact that it has become the third most favorite cars by Chinese women shows that Nissan is doing well in its expansion of operation outside of Japan and the United States. The Chevrolet Spark which is the mold of the Chery QQ is number four on the list. Maybe its the price which makes the Chery more attractive than this Chevy.

Next on the list is from a European automaker. It's not an Audi with reliable and sport-tuned shocks but a Volkswagen. The VW Polo which I also like is the fifth most favorite car by Chinese women. The hatchback version of this car is very popular among women in the said country. Last year, 90 percent of the total number of Polo units sold were bought by Chinese women.

Sixth on the list is the Suzuki Swift. Sales of this car was given a boost by a commercial featuring Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo. Number seven on the list is the Chevrolet Sail - a global car from General Motors. Number eight is the Peugeot 206 with the Audi A4 on number nine and the redesigned Toyota Yaris which is marketed as the FAW Vizi in China.

Featured Features of 2009 Dodge Journey: Technologies for Flexibility

Just recently, I have learned about an upcoming Dodge model for 2009 that has been engineered to provide everyone’s preference for a car. It is the 2009 Dodge Journey with SUV capabilities. From jalopnik.com, several features amazed me. These are the following I found:
  • Innovative and Clever Technologies for Flexibility
  • MyGIG™ cutting-edge multimedia audio and entertainment system
  • Available ParkView™ Rear Backup Camera displays the view behind the vehicle in the navigation display when backing up or parking
  • Available Full-color, GPS Map Navigation System with 7-inch (17.8 cm) display provides convenient directions and traffic alerts
  • Chill Zone™ cooled beverage storage bin located in the glove box helps keep two cooled 12-oz. (330 ml) cans cool through the air conditioning system or fresh air inlet
  • YES Essentials Premium Cloth Seats are stain resistant, odor resistant and anti static for easy cleaning and a long-lasting appearance
  • Available Aimable LED Map/Reading Lamps provide focused light without distracting the driver
  • Available Removable, Rechargeable LED Flashlight is stored in the rear cargo area for convenient light when needed
  • Illuminated Cup Holders glow blue green for easy nighttime access
  • Available Rear-seat Entertainment System includes an 8-inch (20.3 cm) color monitor that works with the radio DVD player. The display conveniently folds down from the headliner to entertain rear seat passengers
  • Available 115-volt, 150-watt Power Inverter on the rear of the console powers small household appliances (available in North America)
  • Available SIRIUS™ Digital Satellite Radio offers a variety of subscription-based radio programs and music for enhanced listening enjoyment (available in North America)
  • Available UConnect™ provides convenient, hands-free communication with BlueTooth™ cellular phones
  • Four 12-volt Power Points for powering small electronics. Two are in the front, one is in the second row and one is in the cargo area
  • Available Remote Start starts a secured vehicle with the key fob for added convenience (available in North America)
Those are just not all. More have been discussed in the site. You could simply check it out for a more elaborated version. And, expect it to be shown on display at the Frankfurt Auto Show.