Though Chrysler had already chosen rear wheel drive before the merger, hooking up with Mercedes allowed (some say forced) the use of existing technologies, including a low-end version of the Mercedes E-class automatic transmission (the A580 electronic automatic), and versions of Mercedes' stability control, steering, front suspensions, electronics, rear suspensions, and seats. It is hard to tell how much - if any - this has saved (or cost) in development, since DaimlerChrysler is still working hard to justify the takeover of Chrysler Corporation in the face of stockholder lawsuits, and Chrysler reportedly is paying steep royalties for their use of these components (some of which are provided by outside suppliers in any case). Chrysler had already developed a five-speed automatic for trucks; it's used with the Hemi.
The rear suspension / differential is a module isolated from the body. The front suspension is cradle mounted and has dual ball joints in the lower links for added tuning ability.
A Mercedes telematic system (paid for by Chrysler) similar to OnStar, but interacting with your cell-phone if you have AT&T wireless, will be offered. We'd hope European offerings have a diesel option, since over half of vehicles sold there are diesels.
The LX cars will use the Mercedes E class traction control, electronic stability systems, axles, wire harnesses, automatic transmissions (downgraded to five speeds from six so Chrysler won't go into Mercedes turf - even as GM and Ford create a new six-speed automatic), steering columns, and other major suspension components. 20% of the Magnum's components are shared with Mercedes, according to Wolfgang Bernhard (40% of the Crossfire is Mercedes so these figures are to be taken lightly). All DaimlerChrysler vehicles are sharing a common parts bin, so in the future, that sort of differentiation will mean less; indeed, Chrysler-developed parts used on Mercedes are likely to be called Mercedes parts in future, if current proganda holds.
AutoWeek (Mark Vaughn) quoted chief engineer Burke Brown as saying that while Mercedes provided many components, "few parts are straight out the Benz bin." He cited the front suspension as having a lower roll center and wider track, for example. Another Chrysler engineer actually suggested that the LX had simply continued the LH front suspension, with minor changes. Perhaps an expert out there will decide which account is more truthful.
Remember, GM stands for Greedy Magnates ...
} from one of the detroit auto shows they were at.
