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New
technologies have allowed automakers to create the
best tow vehicles we’ve ever seen. Who knows where
it goes from here?
 For
me, the press days at the Detroit Auto Show are like
being a kid in a tow vehicle candy store. The selection
of new vehicles with innovative technology that can
be applied to tow vehicles has never been better.
Since 1993, we have been using a Chrysler Intrepid
as one of our long-term tow vehicles, and have set
up a large number of them for customers. While climbing
a pass in Colorado with a 30-foot Airstream in tow,
we passed a couple of late-80s motorhomes and that
made me think about just how far engine technology
has advanced. That motorhome’s 7.4 Liter V8 engine
produced 230 horsepower, whereas the Intrepid 3.5
Liter V6 was producing 234 horsepower on a fraction
of the fuel. That old motorhome was also saddled with
mushy three-speed transmission – crude compared to
the Intrepid’s advanced, electronic four-speed with
locking torque converter.
 Well
our faithful Intrepids are no more; they are about
be replaced the Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum. The
300 is a sedan and the Magnum a station wagon (just
in case you did not know, station wagons are cool
again, but you won’t find any wood grain panels).
Potentially these new models will be the best tow
cars we have ever had. The rear overhang is almost
identical to the Intrepid, but the wheelbase has been
extended by six inches to 120 inches overall, and
the track has been widened to 63 inches. The all-new
fine speed transmission will improve performance.
The only thing carried over from the old cars is the
dependable 3.5 Liter engine and the ideal 3.67:1 axle
ratio.
...
(Read Andy's full article in the magazine.)
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