Chrysler Vehicles to be Equipped with Backseat TV

Innovations in the auto industry continuously pour in year in and year out. The race among auto makers to provide their consumers with the best features has led to the development of advanced vehicle features.

Partnering with other industries, car makers are able to provide their customers with the latest in auto convenience and comfort. Chrysler is one car maker to join the force with another company so as to provide promising features for their vehicles.

The member of the Big Three recently announced that they have formed a partnership with the SIRIUS Satellite Radio to equip the 2008 model year Chrysler Group vehicles with SIRIUS’ Backseat TV™.

The Backseat TV™ is an innovative and cutting edge television technology which delivers TV signals directly to cars on or off the road. The TV service provides family TV for backseat occupants which are mostly occupied by kids. Backseat TV™ allows owners of selected Chrysler models to gain access to three family entertainment channels.

The initial lineup of TV programming that SIRIUS offer consists of Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, and Cartoon Network. These programmings are aimed for children, who more often than not, will occupy the backseat of a vehicle. Chrysler will equip select 2008 model year vehicles with the feature and the list of vehicles does include the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, Jeep Commander, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Frank Klegon, the Executive Vice President for Product Development at Chrysler group, has this to say at the announcement of the partnership: “Chrysler Group is committed to offering innovative technologies that are right for our customers. SIRIUS Backseat TV makes its world debut in Chrysler Group's all-new 2008 minivans and marks the third SIRIUS service - - along with SIRIUS radio and SIRIUS real-time traffic -- available to Chrysler Group customers.”

For the SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Mel Karmazin, the Chief Executive Officer, has this to say: “SIRIUS is dedicated to bringing Chrysler Group customers the best in-vehicle entertainment available anywhere, whether it is through radio or video. SIRIUS Backseat TV, with its best-in-class programming from our partners -- Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network -- further enhances the already exceptional driving experience for Chrysler Group customers. In SIRIUS' first venture in visual entertainment, I am pleased to have the three most original family-centered programming providers in TV. Just as we provide the Best Radio on Radio, this allows us to launch SIRIUS Backseat TV as the Best TV in the Backseat.”

This technology is just starting its career in the auto industry. With the expected success of the technology, it is just a matter of time before features such as the Backseat TV™ become standard feature for many vehicle models.

By Anthony Fontanelle.

Chrysler Crossfire Ð Brakes and Brake Assist System

The power-assisted braking system provided in the Chrysler Crossfire is befitting to the performance level of the Chrysler. Undoubtedly, brakes and brake assistant system are important factor of a racing car like Crossfire. The brakes and brake assist system in the Chrysler Crossfire is appropriate for a racing car and also has set yardstick for others in the motor industry.

Following are some of the salient features of brake assist system used in the Chrysler Crossfire. The brake system of the crossfire has large diameter ventilated front discs and solid rear discs. The system is backed up by the highly sophisticated electronic wizards of Brake Assist System and ANS anti-lock.

The front brakes of crossfire have ventilated discs of 300 X 28 mm measure with single piston floating calipers. The rear brake discs of crossfire measures 278 X 9mm. These rear discs have opposed-piston calipers. When any set of front pads becomes worn the wear sensors fitted in the system illuminate dashboard warning light. The power assistance is provided through tandem master cylinder and single=diaphragm vacuum booster.

The Chrysler Crossfire has state of the art ABS consisting of four-channel, four wheel anti-lock of standard quality. This brake system is considered most suiting for the crossfire.

When a driver applies heavy brakes, specifically on slippery surface, the system gets activated and applies and releases the brakes at high rate. The optimum brake applies and release rate is 30 times per second. Despite the higher rate of brake applying and release the system prevents wheel lock up and helps the driver in retaining steering control.

The Brake Assist System fitted in the Chrysler Crossfire anticipates the emergency application of brake by the driver and immediately releases optimum available power boost to help the driver gain control over the car without loosing steering control. The driver may have usual human tendency of not braking hard or not breaking soon enough. The Brake Assist System overcomes these problems.

Like other features of the Chrysler Crossfire, its brakes and brake assist system is reliable. The system is of high standard quality technology and produces excellent performance even in adverse conditions.

By Scott Byers.