Innovation and Improvements Keep Dodge’s Frontrunner Charging Ahead
With new features, new special edition models and an incredible new eight-speed automatic transmission, the 2012 Dodge Charger powers past its competitors to the top of the performance sedan food chain.
Is it possible to be thick and thin at the same time? Well, if so, the Charger’s aggressive design epitomizes lean muscle. Long, dramatic lines stretch the sedan’s frame while features like the dual-scalloped hood, iconic crosshair grille and deeply-slashed side panels deliver inherent brawn. In a model lineup that spans the value-packed SE through the high-performance SRT8, the Charger integrates available high-intensity SmartBeam® Intelligent Headlamps, foglamps, trapezoidal dual-chrome exhaust tips, 20-inch wheels and signature “racetrack” LED taillights.
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Tags:cedar rapids·Dodge Charger·Ford Taurus·HEMI·Nissan Maxima·Pat McGrath Dodge Country·SRT8
Taking the Best and Making it Better
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a spacious powerhouse with confident handling and superb ride quality. Since its introduction in the 1990s, the Tahoe has improved on its predecessors in every way, and Chevrolet shows no signs of slowing progress. For 2012, the new Tahoe is full of improvements ranging from new comfort and entertainment options to new colors and safety systems.
The 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe (MSRP starting at $38,450) seats up to nine (yes, nine) and is available in LS, LT and LTZ trims (plus a Hybrid, a topic for a separate article), each available with either rear-wheel drive or 4WD. Every Tahoe is equipped with an E85 FlexFuel-capable 5.3-liter Vortec™ V8 and a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission. That V8 is capable of 320 hp and 335 lb/ft of torque and, in combination with the Tahoe’s fully boxed frame, provides a generous towing capacity of up to 8,500 pounds. That impressive power and tow rating comes with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg highway (2WD models), thanks in part to Active Fuel Management (AFM), which can deactivate as many as four cylinders during light driving conditions. This transition is seamless and takes less than 20 milliseconds, meaning you feel virtually nothing.
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Tags:2WD·4WD·cedar rapids·chevy tahoe·FlexFuel·hybrid·Pat McGrath Chevyland·Vortec
A Big Deal in a Small Package
This year, Chevrolet is going to show the world that big things can come in small packages. The all-new 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is big design, big fun and big practicality, all situated in a small footprint.
To make sure you can get the perfect car, the Sonic is offered in two body styles – a sedan (MSRP starting at $13,735) and a five-door hatch (MSRP starting at $14,635) – each with six trim levels that include the top-of-the-line 1LZ and 2LZ trims. Once you have decided on a body style, and your pick of the six color choices, the fun begins.
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Tags:Chevy Sonic·compact car·ford fiesta·honda accord·Pat McGrath Chevyland
Surviving and Thriving in the Great Outdoorsman
The 2012 Ram 1500 Outdoorsman brings true greatness to the great outdoors. Built with ample power, refinement and versatility, the Outdoorsman scoffs in the face of a steadily softening half-ton pickup class.
The newest Ram Outdoorsman (starting MSRP $28,250) may be the best looking half-ton on the market. Rugged and handsome, the 1500 has broad shoulders that bear the weight of a beautifully boxy frame, and comes complemented by available features like foglamps, quad halogen headlamps, power heated mirrors, a power sliding rear window and standard 17-inch aluminum wheels. Doors are triple sealed for a quieter cabin, and the integrated dual-exhaust is a class-exclusive.
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Tags:Dodge Ram 1500·Outdoorsman·Pat McGrath Dodge Country·ram 1500
“You Are What You Think” – The Power of Positive Thought
What are positive affirmations?
Positive affirmations are a daily self-talk technique that build us up and make us strong. They are positive, present-tense statements or thoughts that your tell yourself regarding you, your behavior, or the situation you find yourself in.
What can positive affirmations do?
Positive affirmations help us to develop overall positive attitudes. These statements empower us to take chances and be our best. Positive thoughts about our work situation help us to challenge those self-doubts and fears we have about ourselves.
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Tags:cedar rapids·Mercy EAP·Positive Thinking·Stress Management
GM Leads U.S. Automakers in December to Post the Best Sales Year Since ’08
By Tim Higgins | January 4, 2012
Original Article: Read Full Article Here
General Motors Co. (GM), Ford Motor Co. (F), and Chrysler Group LLC finished 2011 stronger than analysts predicted, as annual U.S. auto sales reached 12.8 million in the best year since 2008, when GM and Chrysler sought U.S. bailouts.
Auto sales increased as consumer confidence reached an eight-month high in December, and carmakers aired holiday ads and continued promotions started in November. The U.S. automakers rallied in 2011, two years after GM and Chrysler emerged from U.S.-backed bankruptcies. GM also reclaimed the top spot in world vehicle sales from Toyota Motor Corp.
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Tags:Bloomberg·chevrolet·Chevy Cruze·chrysler·Ford·General Motors
Dodge Charger Wins Edmunds.com’s 2012 Breakthrough Technology Award
By Doug Newcomb | January 10, 2012
Original Article: Edmunds Inside Line
The Dodge Charger is the winner of Edmunds.com’s 2012 Breakthrough Technology Award. The award is presented each year to a vehicle that sets the standard for intuitive, practical and affordable automotive technology that enhances safety and convenience for both drivers and passengers. All new cars and trucks available for sale in the U.S. within the last 12 months are eligible.
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Tags:dodge·Dodge Charger·Edmunds.com·Pat McGrath Dodge Country
Fun Had and Food Consumed in Celebration of 100 Years of Chevy
Last Thursday we celebrated Chevrolet’s 100th Birthday and many were in attendance to enjoy the food, fun and atmosphere at Pat McGrath Chevyland! We’d like to thank everyone for coming! Here’s to 100 more years of great American automobiles!
Enjoy some photos from the event and be sure to visit our McGrath Auto Facebook page and share your thoughts!
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Tags:100 Years of Chevy·cedar rapids·Dann Steward·Jaymie McGrath·Pat McGrath Chevyland
The Smartest $620 You’ll Ever Spend on a Compact Sedan
There’s no question that the Honda Civic has been a popular and admired compact model. Chevrolet, however, designed the Cruze to deliver features and benefits that the Civic simply does not. A factual comparison between the two, with some help from respected media, tells the story.
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Tags:Buick LaCrosse·cedar rapids·Chevy Cruze·Cruze 1LT·Cruze LT·Honda Civic·iowa·Pat McGrath Chevyland
Amber Mussman Tweets Live About the New Chevy Cruze
Want to know what real people have to say about the Chevy Cruze?
Amber Mussman (AMussman) started test driving our Chevy Cruze Wednesday, November 2nd and will be ‘cruzing’ around until Thursday, November 10th. She will be giving her own opinion about what it is like to drive the Cruze!
You can find Amber’s comments about the Cruze on our McGrath Auto Facebook Page and our Twitter page @McGrathAuto.
Tags:Amber Mussman·Chevy Cruze·McGrath Auto·Pat McGrath Chevyland·Twitter
