LexFather

Chrysler sticking with RWD for 2011 LXes - "Can't afford FWD"

A switch to front-wheel drive could improve the fuel economy of the sedans, but reports to TCC say that there’s no money set aside to make the switch to front-wheel drive. The Canadian plant where the 300/Charger and new Challenger are built formerly was outfitted to build front-drive sedans, back when the plant produced the Chrysler “LH” cars in the early

Nextourer

Interesting... Maybe they can figure out how to improve RWD fuel economy?

How does FWD reduce fuel economy? less weight b/c of the lack of a driveshaft?

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

Not really weight because of the drive shaft, but less parasitic drag because of the lack of that drive shaft and rear diff. Less stuff for the engine to have to spin.

19psi

they should be able to make up the fuel econ numbers with their economy cars. some cars are just not meant to be fwd; it woudl ruin them.

<VENOM>

The #1 concern of many of the LX drivers is that Chrysler does not destroy the layout/design of this car when it gets redesigned, since we have 2, 300 in the family, but these cars do not strike me as the ones to buy for fuel economy.

Improved fuel economy is great but no need to destroy cars for better gas mileage.

Nextourer

ahh ok, thanks!

LexFather

They need to keep RWD and just make more efficient engines and hold the weight down.

They are acting like economy would increase 50%. We are talking 2-3 MPG at best.

Nextourer

Well if they use more aluminium (yeah I know expensive), that'll help with FE.

It's sad when a smaller Caliber or Nitro weighs more than our large 02 Camry.

Bean

iTrader: (1)

Yeah if they put half of their marketing budget into R&D, they might have a halfway decent engine on their hands.