2011 Dodge Ram Long-Hauler Concept

They don't get much bigger, have more range or more pulling power than the Ram Long-Hauler Concept truck.



On display at selected events across the country, the Ram Long-Hauler is based on a Class 5 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab, and is designed to suit the needs of anyone that tows multiple or heavy trailers, drives long distances or small business owners looking for a "work horse" at the job site.



Designers started with a Class 5 Ram 5500 Crew Cab and converted to a Mega Cab passenger compartment, added an 8-foot box and upped the range between refueling stops with a mid-ship fuel tank. Combined with a second frame-mounted tank and a third, optional, bed-mounted auxiliary tank, total fuel capacity is 170 gallons.



With a 197.4 - inch wheelbase and 37,500 Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), the concept Long-Hauler from Ram is just the truck for those wanting to step up from a traditional Class 3 (one-ton) or Class 4 truck. Overall length of the Ram Long-Hauler is 24 feet, height is 79.1 inches and estimated curb weight is 9,300 lbs.



The powertrain for the concept truck includes an inline six-cylinder 6.7-liter High Output Cummins Turbo Diesel engine rated at 800 lb.-ft. of torque. The Ram's legendary diesel engine is mated to a six-speed, Aisin AS68RC automatic transmission with four-wheel-drive transfer case coupled to a 4.88 Dana 110 axle with dual rear wheels.



Riding on a full Kelderman Air Suspension front and rear and 19.5-inch Alcoa aluminum wheels, on-road driving dynamics are civilized and even the toughest road surfaces are easily absorbed providing the driver and passengers with a smooth, comfortable ride. In fact Ram Long-Hauler's ride qualities are more inline with those of a 3/4-ton truck. The suspension package also is self-leveling with kneel feature.On the exterior, brilliant black paint is accented by white gold metallic lower two-tone including body side moldings and wide wheel flares at the front and rear. Up front, a bull bar extends the entire width of the vehicle. For full use of the bed, the spare tire is located under the box. To help make trailer line-up easier on the fifth wheel, a separate back-up camera provides a full view of the bed.



A custom hitch-access tailgate allows easy hook-ups without the need to open or remove the entire tailgate.



Inside, interior noise levels have been heavily dampened with an upgraded NVH package that ensures a quiet cabin environment. The Ram Long-Hauler Concept includes 2+2 leather seating with a specific, high comfort driver seat. Rear passenger comfort is assured with power-adjustable footrests and a rear center console that includes a refrigerator, cup holders and tray tables.



In-cabin power includes 115V and 12V outlets front and rear. With the interior Wi-Fi enabled, passengers can easily work on laptop computers connected to the Internet during long drives.



Additional cabin features also include a laptop storage area and a safe for valuables. Interior items designed to keep the driver monitoring of vehicle performance will include a tire pressure monitoring system, rear axle temperature gauge and exhaust gas temperature and boost gauges. Convenience features also include an inductive charger and DVD player with overhead screen for rear seat passengers to enjoy their favorite programs and entertainment.



The rear seats and console also fold flat for additional storage or as a berth for resting.



Ram Truck has identified a potential market for a Class 5 pickup, including race car teams, car haulers, RV owners, ranchers and rodeo competitors, boaters and commercial expediting operations.



The Ram Long-Hauler, while only a concept, will be seen across the country in the next eight months to help gauge public opinion on the appeal of a vehicle that provides an upgrade from a 1-ton truck without moving up to a full Class 6 truck.

Dodge offers sneak peek at 2011 Mopar Charger

The 2010 Mopar Challenger arrived last summer to a hero’s welcome. Chrysler only offered 500 copies of the special edition Mopar model, which carried a base sticker price of $38,000. With the all-new 2011 Charger now trolling Dodge dealer parking lots all around the country, you can probably guess which vehicle is next to feature a Mopar makeover.

Fortunately, Chrysler doesn’t plan to disappoint, as the automaker has released the first sketch of its forthcoming special edition model. The rendering reveals a black and blue color scheme similar to that of the Challenger, though the side stripes have been replaced with a stripe that stretches across the hood, roof and trunk. As an added bonus, the Mopar team appears to have gotten rid of the bulbous and unnecessary hood scoop for the 2011 Charger; a move we support 1,000 percent.

Some 2010 Mopar Challenger owners may have been disappointed that Chrysler’s mod team opted for the 5.7 liter V8 as the engine of choice instead of the more powerful 6.1 liter V8. Team Pentastar hasn’t yet announced which engine the Mopar Charger will receive, though the automaker did promise that engineers have “added even more performance.” We’re hoping that “more performance” translates into the new 470-horsepower, 6.4 liter V8, but we’ll have to wait until later this month when Chrysler officially reveals the hot new sedan at an as-yet undisclosed event (New York Auto Show?).

[Source: Chrysler]

PRESS RELEASE:

Auburn Hills, Mich. - Today, Chrysler Group LLC issued a sketch of its new Mopar® ‘11 Charger. The company will release details of the vehicle later this month.

“After the success of our Mopar ‘10 Challenger, we moved on to the iconic Dodge Charger and added even more performance,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “As a new company, we will continue to leverage the heritage of the Mopar brand at every turn.”

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan RT

Dodge is giving the Grand Caravan an extra dose of mojo for 2011. The result is the Dodge Grand Caravan R/T - a minivan that delivers the driving dynamics of a performance sedan and a little bit of attitude. Affectionately known internally within the company as the "man van," the new 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T throws down the gauntlet for a whole new level of cool transportation for families on the go.



At the heart of the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T is an all-new powertrain. The new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine is mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transaxle and delivers best-in-class horsepower (283 horsepower compared with 197 horsepower in the previous 3.8-liter V-6 engine) and more torque (260 lb.-ft. versus 230 lb.-ft.) without sacrificing fuel economy.



Uniquely designed both inside and out, the Dodge Grand Caravan R/T proves a driver doesn't have to give up a spirited driving experience or their identity when they have a family.



The 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T unique features include a "dipped" body-color grille, body-color side moldings and exclusive 17-inch wheels.



The 2011 Grand Caravan also features a new driver-selectable fuel-economizer mode. Drivers can change the transaxle shift schedule with the flip of a switch to maximize their fuel economy. In addition, a 12 mm lower ride height, new premium, lower-rolling resistance tires, a new spoiler and reduced brake caliper and rear bearing drag all contribute to Dodge Grand Caravan's class-leading aerodynamics and excellent fuel economy.



An all-new, exclusive to the R/T, all-black interior features exclusive perforated black leather seats with red stitching, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and a premium sound system with nine-speakers, a subwoofer and 506-watt amplifier. Add in a performance-tuned suspension and the weekend warrior runs will never be the same.



With sleek, athletic styling, smart, cutting-edge entertainment features, flexible seating, cool storage options, the reliability of a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and models that fit specific lifestyles, the new Dodge Grand Caravan moves families where they need to go in a way that makes the journey of life easier.



Arriving in U.S. dealer showrooms in the Spring of 2011, the R/T model will appeal mainly to customers who have driven a performance sedan, but need the flexibility and functionality of a minivan and are looking for a vehicle with superior handling and agility. The R/T is where extreme versatility meets performance and attitude.



The 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T model has a starting U.S. MSRP of $30,595 (excluding $835 destination).



The R/T model is available in eight paint colors: Blackberry Pearl Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat, Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat, Stone White Clear Coat, Mango Tango Pearl Coat and Dark Charcoal Pearl Coat.

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

The new product onslaught continues for the Dodge brand with the announcement at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show that the Dodge Charger SRT8 will return for the 2012 model year.



"We're continuing the fast-paced rebuilding of Dodge as our performance brand, and the expansion of our SRT product lineup in 2012 is an important part of our rejuvenation," said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Brand — Chrysler Group LLCs. "The new 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 builds on the iconic four-door fastback coupe design of the all-new Charger and adds a much larger power band across the rpm range, along with intelligent performance attributes and safety and creature comforts for customers who are passionate about performance driving."



The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 will be built at the Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada and will be in dealer showrooms in late 2011.



"AWE-INSPIRING" POWERTRAIN



Under the hood, the new 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 delivers more horsepower and torque than the 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 it replaces. It also will offer improved fuel economy.



Estimated power ratings for the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 are 465 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque, including an estimated additional 80 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,900 rpm. Specific horsepower, torque and fuel economy numbers will be announced closer to the vehicle introduction.



Building upon the standard Fuel Saver technology (four-cylinder mode) found in the new 6.4 HEMI V-8, a new for 2012 adaptive valve exhaust system allows the technology to engage over a wider rpm range, which delivers improved fuel efficiency or the use of all eight cylinders when the power is needed.



An active intake manifold and high-lift camshaft with cam phasing provides maximum low-end torque for impressive standing starts while optimizing high-end power.



For the first time in any Chrysler Group LLC SRT product, standard paddle-shift technology joins the standard AutoStick on the floor shifter. Both are mated to the proven W5A580 five-speed automatic transmission, allowing a choice of spirited shifting on the road and the racetrack.



Both shifting methods give the driver the ability to shift while the transmission controller calibration prevents situations that might over rev the engine. Fully adaptive electronic control of all shifting makes the powertrain more responsive while minimizing harshness.



OUTSTANDING RIDE AND HANDLING



New for 2012, the Dodge Charger SRT8 features an adaptive damping suspension that uses a wide range of on-road and driver inputs, such as vehicle speed, steering angle, steering speed, brake torque, throttle position and lateral acceleration, to automatically tune the suspension for specific conditions. Drivers also can manually choose between "Auto" and "Sport" settings that quickly change the shock damping and harshness characteristics from the ease of everyday commuting to harsher, more challenging driving situations.



The performance SRT-tuned, fully hydraulic steering system also is improved with a new, heavy-duty pump and revised gearing to give drivers more direct feel and on-center response.



New, split five-spoke, 20-inch lightweight forged and polished aluminum wheels with black painted pockets provide great looks, and the available three- or four-season tires make the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 easy to handle and fun to drive.



OUTSTANDING BRAKING



World-class stopping power for the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 comes through four-piston Brembo calipers and vented/slotted rotors measuring 14.2 inches up front and 13.8 inches in the rear.



The Dodge Charger SRT8's Ready Alert Braking system anticipates situations when the driver may initiate an emergency brake stop and engages the electronic stability control pump to set brake pads against rotors in order to decrease the time required for full brake application.



AGGRESSIVE AND FUNCTIONAL EXTERIOR



Exclusive new front and rear fascias, along with a new rear spoiler, distinguish the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 with a high performance look.



The front grille, grille surround and Dodge crosshair feature high-gloss black finishes and the SRT badge. A newly sculpted hood features a 6.4 L (liter) badge and black air exhauster for added engine cooling.



In the rear, the Charger's new signature "racetrack" taillamp design with 164 illuminating LEDs receives new 4-inch round dual exhaust tips and an SRT8 decklid badge to boldly show the Street and Racing Technology DNA.



Unique fside-sill cladding is painted to match the body color.



A newly designed underbody belly pan features integrated brake ducting to improve cooling and brake fade performance at all four corners.



RACE-INSPIRED AND FUNCTIONAL INTERIOR



Building upon the all-new design from 2011, the interior environment of the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 combines more world-class accommodations with race-inspired technology and appointments.



An all-new, leather-wrapped, SRT-exclusive steering wheel features a unique rim section with a flattened bottom surface that showcases the SRT logo. The standard paddle shifters flank both sides of the new steering wheel behind the new contoured palm rests.



For the high-performance look, carbon-weave, fiber aluminum interior trim pieces are integrated into the new instrument panel and shifter bezel.



The front seats have unique, aggressive bolstering and perforated suede insert fabric to help "grip" the driver and passengers, keeping them in place during spirited driving. Heated and ventilated front seats are standard. Reactive headrests also are standard. The SRT logo is embroidered in the seat backs. Rear seats also are heated for passenger comfort.



Modified door trim panels feature unique bolster material and accent stitching on arm rests to match the seats.



New for 2012, the Dodge Charger SRT8 features a 900-watt, 19-speaker premium SRT performance audio surround-sound system from Harmon Kardon. The intuitive user interface for the system is controlled through the state-of-the-art Uconnect® Touch on the largest standard touchscreen display (8.4-inch) in the segment. Benchmarked against the best E-segment sedans from Europe, Asia and North America, the easy-to-use system also features Uconnect Voice to deliver world-class functionality to keep all passengers easily connected, comfortable and secure.



Exclusive Performance Pages are new for 2012 and included within the touchscreen display. The instrument panel display can be customized to view driver preferences and expanded to include instant feedback on steering input measurements, horsepower, torque, expanded engine information, along with 0-60 mph time, 60-0 braking, g-forces and one-eighth mile and quarter-mile times. The color graphic Electronic Vehicle Information Center also includes the Performance Pages timers and added engine information.



SAFETY AND SECURITY



For everyday commuting, the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 incorporates features like Keyless Enter-N-Go, adaptive-cruise control with Forward Collision Warning and Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection, to keep drivers and passengers secure.



Standard front-row reactive head restraints, standard full-length side-curtain air bags, driver's knee bag and standard front seat-mounted side-thorax air bags offer enhanced occupant protection to passengers in the event of a collision.



Standard three-mode electronic stability control with segment-exclusive Ready Alert Braking and Rain Brake Support safety features, offer improved overall vehicle handling and performance both on the road and the track.



2012 DODGE CHARGER SRT8



* Engine: 6.4-liter (392 cubic inch) HEMI V-8

* Power: 465 bhp (est.)

* Torque: 465 lb.-ft. (est.)

* Handling: .88g on skidpad (est.)

* Top Speed: 175 mph (est.)

* 0-60 mph: High 4-second range (est.)

* ¼ mile: High 12-second range (est.)

2011 Dodge Avenger

Press Release



An All-new Dynamic for the 2011 Dodge Avenger: A Mid-size Sedan Designed, Engineered for Spirited Performance



October 28, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -



Dodge today introduced the new Dodge Avenger, totally overhauled for 2011 with an all-new interior, a redesigned exterior and performance attributes that put the "fun" in functional. A new powertrain lineup and completely redesigned and retuned suspension mean drivers will experience Dodge's fun-to-drive dynamics in a front-wheel-drive mid-size sedan.



The Avenger's "fun to drive" quotient rises exponentially for 2011 with a significantly upgraded suspension to give drivers agile, confident, handling performance in all driving situations, whether it's a spirited adventure on twisty roads or an emergency maneuver.



Dodge engineers retuned or redesigned virtually every part of the suspension for 2011, including 26 of 30 suspension bushings. The suspension and the geometry were completely rethought. The track is an inch wider, tire width increased from 215 to 225 millimeters and the vehicle is 12 millimeters lower in the front and 6 millimeters in the rear for a more aggressive stance. Customers will feel more confident when driving the new Avenger because of less body roll, less vehicle shake, improved isolation, better steering precision, response and feel and the increased grip of new premium tires.



A new and improved powertrain lineup also contributes to the 2011 Avenger's driving experience. The vehicles has a standard 2.4-liter World Gas Engine, which has been recalibrated and is now available mated to a new smooth-shifting six-speed transmission for an exceptionally fun and fuel-efficient driving experience. Avenger customers also can opt for the new Pentastar V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that gives customers the best of both worlds – best-in-class 283 horsepower (an increase of 20 percent compared with the engine it replaces) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (an increase of 12 percent) combined with competitive fuel economy.



New exterior styling features clean, smooth aggressive lines. The new fascia sports the new signature Dodge Brand "split crosshair" grille, while an aggressive lower fascia completes the Dodge look from top to bottom.



The Chrysler Group LLC's Interior Design Studio also worked its magic on the new 2011 Avenger. The all-new instrument panel, bezels, gauge faces and new Dodge steering wheel transform the driver seat into a cockpit-like experience. Upgraded seats incorporate more cushion material and revised spring geometry. Dodge Avenger also features several new two-tone interior color schemes, new leather and cloth seating materials and accent stitching. Owners can select from these schemes to design a vehicle that matches their lifestyle needs.



Designers developed the 2011 Dodge Avenger with new "soft touch" armrests and instrument panels, new, premium interior finishes for touch points that are not only pleasing to the touch but also to the eye. They also redesigned the heating and cooling outlets in the instrument panel to make them more appealing and better functioning. The 2011 Dodge Avenger also offers one of the quietest cabins in the segment with 45 new or upgraded sound-deadening treatments integrated throughout the vehicle.



Clever features include new ambient interior lighting and a new multi-function three-spoke Dodge steering wheel with integrated controls that allows drivers to operate the radio, cruise control, hands-free phone and other vehicle functions while keeping their hands on the wheel. Available cool technology includes voice command functions for hands-free phones, integrated USB port for streaming music, navigation and memo record, an iPod/MP3 jack, Bluetooth streaming music; Gracenote music identification; a hard drive that stores approximately 6,700 songs and remote start.



The standard mid-size sedan segment is the largest vehicle segment in the United States, with more than 1.6 million vehicles sold in 2009. The 2011 Dodge Avenger is uniquely positioned as an alternative for consumers looking for a sedan with more style, personality and performance than the segment is traditionally known for.



The 2011 Dodge Avenger will be built at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Sterling Heights, Mich., and will arrive in dealerships in the fourth quarter this year.

2011 Dodge Charger RT

Dodge has introduced the all-new 2011 Dodge Charger, which is planned to arrive in showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2010. With its new second-generation E-segment rear-wheel drive (RWD), Dodge Charger features world-class suspension-tunings with re-designed geometry.



Engineered to perform against the best E-segment sport sedans, the all-new 2011 Dodge Charger SE and Charger Rallye feature the new 3.6-liter Pentastar engine for world-class levels of power, refinement, technology and fuel efficiency.



For maximum thrills, efficiency and best-in-class power, the new Dodge Charger R/T lineup features the legendary 5.7-liter HEMITM V-8 engine with four-cylinder mode FuelSaver Technology.



Safety and security features are available for the first time on the Dodge Charger include adaptive-cruise control (ACC) with forward-collision warning (FCW), and blind-spot monitoring (BSM) with rear cross path (RCP) detection and ParkViewTM rear back-up camera with grid lines.

SEMA 2010: Dodge Charger Redline Concept

Among Chrysler's homage to the storied past at this year's SEMA Show is this 2011 Dodge Charger Redline Concept – the Charger that Mopar Underground would build if it could. The crimson four-door sits an inch lower to the ground over 22-inch Super Alloy wheels, all the better to keep your eyes on the black roof. Other trim pieces include the black spoilers fore and aft, tinted head- and taillights and a black side scoop to take you back to the 1970 Dodge Charger R/T.

Under the aluminum hood is a 5.7-liter Hemi wearing Mopar headers, as well as a cold-air intake and exhaust. Come shimmy and shake time, things are kept in better check by a Mopar strut tower brace. A black and red interior fills out the theme, aluminum bezels and Katzkin leather keeping it swish and prototype paddle shifters keep it truly conceptual.

SEMA 2010: Dodge Charger Redline Concept

Among Chrysler's homage to the storied past at this year's SEMA Show is this 2011 Dodge Charger Redline Concept – the Charger that Mopar Underground would build if it could. The crimson four-door sits an inch lower to the ground over 22-inch Super Alloy wheels, all the better to keep your eyes on the black roof. Other trim pieces include the black spoilers fore and aft, tinted head- and taillights and a black side scoop to take you back to the 1970 Dodge Charger R/T.

Under the aluminum hood is a 5.7-liter Hemi wearing Mopar headers, as well as a cold-air intake and exhaust. Come shimmy and shake time, things are kept in better check by a Mopar strut tower brace. A black and red interior fills out the theme, aluminum bezels and Katzkin leather keeping it swish and prototype paddle shifters keep it truly conceptual.

SEMA 2010: Dodge Challenger SRT8 392

One of the 1,492 Challenger SRT8 392s that Dodge says it's going to build next year is menacing the corner of the Mopar booth at this year's SEMA show. With a new 6.4-liter V8 offering 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque under the hood, this muscle machine appears ready to tame the road.

The SRT8 392 should prove to perform significantly better than previous Challengers thanks to quicker steering, revised suspension settings, beefier shocks and added downforce. The wheels are also a treat. Plus, you'll get better gas mileage than in the 2010 Challenger – that is, if you manage to scoop one up before everyone else.

2011 Dodge Viper SRT10

The Viper has hissed its last. But before the ageing supercar is consigned to the history books later this year, it will shed its skin one last time with a limited run of 50 Final Edition models.



Only available in the US, buyers will have the choice of conventional Coupe or Roadster models. But for the ultimate Viper experience, the Coupe-based ACR (American Club Racer) version with its huge rear wing and lighter kerbweight will be the enthusiasts’ choice.



Each Final Edition Viper features a graphite-coloured clear-coated paint finish with a black centre stripe highlighted in red. The Coupe and Roadster models feature Anthracite-coloured six-spoke alloys while the ACR version has black, five-spoke items. All Final Edition models have unique side sill badges.



The interior has been treated to black leather with red stitching, red painted dial surrounds on the instrument cluster and bright stainless steel screws on the centre console. A numbered dash plaque and unique Viper Final Edition floor mats complete the changes.



All models are powered by the enormous 603bhp 8.4-litre V10 engine, ensuring sensational performance. The 0-60mph sprint takes less than 4.0 seconds, while top speed is 202mph. The braking power is equally staggering, with 0-100-0 mph taking just 11 seconds.



Production of the Final Edition models will begin in early summer, with 20 Coupes, 18 Roadsters and 12 ACRs due to be made. That figure is considerably less than the 360 red and white Final Edition coupes that heralded the departure of the previous generation Dodge Viper in 2002

Dodge Challenger SRT10 in 2011?

I went to the SEMA show in Las Vegas back in 2008 and one of the first cars I noticed there was a new Dodge Challenger dubbed the SRT10 concept. Obviously the SRT10 denotes that this particular Challenger packed the same 600 hp V10 hammer under the hood that came standard in Dodge’s Viper, but up until now actual production of this car has been just a rumor. Now, according to OntarioStreetCar.com we’re hearing that this V10 monster may actually see the light of day. We just posted that the new 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8′s 6.4-liter HEMI will pump out 475 hp, and while an impressive number it still falls short of Ford’s Shelby GT500 Mustang’s 550 hp. Combine this with news of a new high horsepower Chevrolet Camaro Z28 and Dodge has every reason to produce a car such as the Challenger SRT10.

As of right now there is no word if the car will be produced by Dodge or shipped off to a subcontractor like Roush Performance. Either way we really hope that Dodge has the stones to step up to the plate with this thing and give the boys of the blue oval and the Chevy bow-tie a real run for their money. Let’s just hope that pricing isn’t too far out of whack in comparison to the competition, because if that happens then all this hoopla and the car itself will just be an exercise in futility.

2012 Dodge Viper Preview

The last model for the current generation Dodge Viper has already rolled off the assembly line, but instead of crying about it, we can take comfort in knowing that the next generation has already been confirmed for production. News of this came when the future sports car was shown at a private Chrysler dealer conference this week.

Insiders at the event said that the next Viper will come with a more aggressive design, featuring all-new bodywork painted 25 times in candy-apple red. They also said the car’s look had moved away from its race-car roots and evolved into a more traditional sports car.

It is rumored that Chrysler will place an 8.4-liter V10 engine incorporating Fiat’s innovative Multiair technology under the hood. Rumors are also circulating that an entry-level V8 engine is also under consideration.

The next generation Viper should be a force to be reckoned with considering Dodge has asked for Ferrari’s assistance in the development of the new sports car. Ralph Gilles, Dodge CEO said that we should be seeing the next Dodge Viper in 2012. We can’t wait!

[Source:Autocar]

Dodge Charger saves life of suicide jumper

A 2008 Dodge Charger played the role of lifesaver on Tuesday when a man fell 400 feet and amazingly lived to see another day. The New York Post reports that 22-year-old Thomas Magill allegedly tried to commit suicide by jumping out of a 39-story New York high-rise when the aforementioned Charger broke his fall. Witnesses said that Magill flew through the air at "like 100 miles per hour" and landed on the Charger's rear window.

The man's impact sent glass flying everywhere and even knocked his tennis shoes clear off his feet and onto the windshield of another vehicle. After Magill hit the vehicle, witnesses claim the young man screamed that his legs hurt. Understandably.

While Magill lived through the tremendous fall, he's not out of the woods yet. He is reportedly listed in critical condition at a local New York hospital.

[Source: The New York Post]

Dodge Challenger SRT8 (2008)

The return of the iconic Dodge Challenger brings what pony car fanatics crave: ground shaking performance, unmistakable design cues reminiscent of the original Challenger, world-class ride and handling characteristics and benchmark braking. Dodge will offer the limited-edition 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 in three colors: HEMI® Orange, Bright Silver Metallic and Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat. Each two-door, rear-wheel-drive coupe will be produced with a numbered dash plaque, carbon fiberlike hood stripes and will be powered by SRT's 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine that boasts 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque.The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 vehicles will be manufactured at Chrysler's Brampton, Ontario, Canada assembly plant.

Performance targets for the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 include a 0-60 mph time in the low 5-second range, 0-100-0 mph in less than 17 seconds, a ¼-mile elapsed time of less than 14 seconds, 60-0 mph braking distance of approximately 100 feet, and a skid pad performance of 0.88 g.

Detroit 2010: Dodge Viper ACR 1:33 Edition

We heard about it in Los Angeles, and now we see it here in the D. Meet the 1:33 Edition of Dodge's most potent ever Viper. Why the name? We're glad you asked. Back in November, hot-shoe Dodge Chris Winkler managed to hammer the track-focused Viper ACR around Laguna Seca in 1:33.944, faster than any other production car has ever gone (Note: the spoiler says 1:33.915). Impressive, no? Only 33 of these special Vipers are being built.

Here's what makes 'em so grand: Thanks to new, more bonkers gearing, the 600-horsepower monster does everything quicker. Try this statistic on for size: 0 to 202 miles-per-hour happens 14 seconds quicker with this 2010 Viper ACR than the 2009 model. Can we get a wolf whistle? The 1:33 Edition also gets a unique two-tone Black Clear Coat/Red Clear Coat exterior color, the inverse of the original ACR, as well as modified end caps on its massive carbon-fiber wing, too. We're going to miss the uncircumsized Dodge Viper (how would you describe it?), but at least it's going out with a big bang.

Detroit 2010: Dodge Nitro Detonator

Dodge is rolling out three special edition Nitros here at the Detroit Auto Show named Heat, Detonator and Shock. For now, we're focusing on the Detonator, a massively loud yellow mid-size SUV. Aside from the eye-scorching paint, the Nitro Detonator gets standard 20-inch wheels, eight premium speakers hooked into a 368-watt amp plus a nine-inch subwoofer. Tinted glass, too.

The real news, however, is the engine. All three special edition Nitros get an aluminum 4.0-liter V6 that makes 23 percent more horsepower and 12 percent more torque. Specifically, the overhead cam V6 pumps out 260 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. That's some decent grunt, though a 4.0-liter-V6-powered Nissan Pathfinder makes 266 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque. However, the Nitro Detonator has gray stripes on the hood. Costs $25,995, too.

Detroit 2010: Dodge Ram is Dancing on the Ceiling

Entering the Chrysler display promised to yield few surprises here at the Detroit Auto Show. The automaker doesn't even have a press conference scheduled – mostly because there isn't a lot happening new product-wise. But that doesn't mean The Pentastar doesn't have anything to be proud of, including the latest iteration of the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty, which was recently named the Motor Trend Truck of the Year.

Ostensibly to celebrate that award, but probably more likely to add a little excitement to its booth area here in Detroit, Chrysler has somehow managed to attach a brand-new 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty to the ceiling of its display. So, if you plan on visiting Detroit this week to see all that the world's finest automakers have to offer, make your way to the Chrysler booth... and keep your eyes skyward.

First Drive: 2010 Dodge Ram HD

Back in 1993, truck drivers had no choice but to depend on domestic automakers for work-ready pickups, and only Ford and General Motors offered competitive haulers. That all changed a year later when Dodge set the pickup truck market on its leaf springs with the introduction of its all-new Ram. With a big-rig appearance thanks to an imposing front grille that looked ready to kick you in the Truck Nutz, Dodge's truck sales tripled inside of 12 months and gave load-hauling manly men a real alternative to Ford and Chevy. But while Dodge hit a home run with the 1994 Ram, the Penta-horned brand didn't have a heavy-duty option in its lineup until 2003, and an all-important diesel powerplant didn't come online until 2004. In 2008, Dodge filled out its pickup lineup with heavy-duty 4500 and 5500 variants, finally giving Chrysler's trucking arm the range of choices necessary to get plucky with the competition from Detroit and Dearborn.

Last year, Dodge introduced a new light-duty Ram, with sleek updated aesthetics and controversial coil springs that provide a superior ride at the expense of some towing and hauling capability. Fast-forward a year and the truckmakers at Chrysler are set to unleash a new heavy-duty Ram that's been redesigned to provide customers more capability, more options and a better ride while competing against offerings from its crosstown rivals with a lower cost of entry. We headed out to Ann Arbor, MI to drive, tow, brake, climb and traverse in the new Ram HD to see if Chrysler's truck team has succeeded.

When it comes to passenger cars, it's difficult to discern exactly what your customer base is after. An automaker can make a sedan with good power and handling, fine interior appointments and tons of room for four adults, yet the final product can still go over like a herpes flare-up. Trucks are a bit different. If you can deliver rugged good looks; strong, usable power; plenty of storage and top-notch reliability, chances are customers are going to find you. After all, there were 1.6 million trucks sold in the U.S. last year; about one-in-eight of the total consumer-grade vehicles sold, so there's plenty of reward for a job done right.

But the trick to nailing a top-notch pickup is working tirelessly with customers to figure out who buys trucks and how they're used, and the guys and gals at Dodge have it down to an exact science. How exact? Dodge's marketing team tells us that a typical truck buyer is a 55-year-old male, about 5' 11" and 203 pounds. There is a 67-percent chance that customer is going to have at least one dog (half the animal owners have two or more), and there's a 58-percent chance he tows a trailer.



To cater to that core customer, every Dodge Ram HD comes with a standard Class IV hitch, along with both four- and seven-pin hookups. As is increasingly common these days, Dodge is also offering an optional trailer brake package integrated into the dashboard. And since the guys who use their truck for work all week typically also use that truck on the weekends, the new Ram HD now has a crew cab configuration to ensure there's enough room for the camper, the family and the dog.

The new Dodge Ram HD looks smooth, maybe even a bit sexy.

Truck buyers demand a lot out of their pickups, and utility will always take precedence over appearance in the heavy-duty segment. But that doesn't mean looks are unimportant. HD-class pickups need too look, well, heavy-duty, and this new Ram has bad-ass written all over it. For 2010, the Ram's already substantial crosshair grille gets even bigger, with enough chrome to fry even the most bling-resistant of retinas. The shiny metal parade continues with the bumper, which has been impressively fashioned from a single chunk of metal.

The hood now has a prominent power dome that seems to be all the rage these days and the headlamps received the same treatment as Dodge's light-duty model, only bigger. Arguably the most impressive design feature of the new Ram is a dually exclusive. Dodge decided to shy away from the composite body panels to cover the rear tires, instead opting to stamp the dually rig's rear quarters using honest-to-goodness steel. The look is smooth, maybe even a bit sexy, especially if trucks that can tow 17,000 pounds is your thing.



In all, Dodge manages to make an already manly looking truck even more rough and ready. Gaps are tighter, sheetmetal is curvier and everything just looks brawnier. But today's heavy-duty truck buyer is shelling out anywhere from $30,000 to over $60,000 for the right to go big, and they demand a functional, configurable and comfortable interior. The 2010 Dodge Ram HD has an interior for every taste, from a regular cab for work applications to the crew cab and even a largest-in-class mega cab.

We spent the majority of our time in a Ram 2500 SLT crew cab with a 6' 4" bed. Dodge says this is their volume truck, so we were more than happy to take the Cummins diesel-powered example as our test model. Over the course of our testing at Chrysler's Chelsea, MI proving grounds, it proved to be a nice place to work. First off, the crew cab's cabin is huge – which is expected of a four-door pickup weighing more than 6,000 pounds. There's so much room inside the new Ram HD that Dodge engineers found enough space to throw in 42 storage areas – up from 24 cubbies in the last-gen Heavy Duty. While some of those compartments are only big enough to handle a cell phone or a couple packs of gum, others are large and quite handy. The massive glovebox can fit drinks for everyone in the cabin, while the in-floor cooler can fit added refreshments plus ice.



Beyond a plethora of cab configurations, Dodge is also offering two different levels of interior refinement. The base interior, in which we spent most of our time, is fine for most applications, with harder plastics better suited to a work site than a trip to the opera. It'll be fine for most truck owners, though, with comfortable seats and armrests aplenty. We did manage to spend some time in an upscale Laramie model, which contains the same top-notch materials found in the higher-spec light-duty Ram. Soft touch, leather-like materials abound, and the hide-wrapped steering wheel is one of the best in the business – even eclipsing the offerings from Ford or GM's truck.

But while a great cabin certainly helps both the recreational and work truck buyer do their job in comfort, the most important factor is capability. And since the Ram HD can haul up to 24,500 GCWR, we're confident the newest Dodge has all the skills that most truck buyers could ever need. During our stint with the Ram HD, we were given the opportunity to drive three Dually 3500 models, each towing or hauling something significant. The first model, a regular cab model with a six-speed manual transmission and an eight-foot bed, had over 1,200 pounds of straw strapped to its back. The 350 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque provided by the 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six diesel engine (which carries a $7,615 price tag over the standard HEMI V8) hauled this big load without breaking a sweat, though rowing our own gears isn't nearly as much fun when motivating 8,000 pounds of truck.




The giant bale of straw was only an appetizer, though. The big fun was to be had when we got behind the wheel of a Ram 3500 Crew Cab Dually with an eight-foot box. Latched onto the truck's bed was a trailer containing a Case IH Maxxum 125 tractor. That's 16,500 pounds of tractor and trailer – exactly the sort of payload you pictured yourself hauling as a kid playing with Tonka Trucks. With all that weight in tow, the Ram HD's best-in-class 650 lb-ft of torque at 1,500 RPM came in handy. Taking off from a stop was a snap, and coming to a halt wasn't as laborious as expected. The Cummins I6 displayed steady grunt when towing the load, never feeling overmatched. Once up to speed, we were able to shift our own gears thanks to Dodge's Electronic Range Select feature, which lets the driver manually limit the highest available gear. ERS comes in handy when traversing steep grades while hauling a big load, as there are only so many algorithms engineers can program to provide up/down shifts exactly when you need them. Turning was made a bit easier with the aid of the new Ram's excellent sideview mirrors, which kept a crystal clear picture of everything going on around our super-sized cargo.

The Ram HD also has a few features that make hauling a big load safer. Diesel models now come with a standard exhaust brake that can be turned on and off via a switch on the dash. The exhaust brake shuts down the turbos, using engine compression to slow down the mini big rig, which also reduces brake fade when hauling loads on downhill grades. We weren't able to test the exhaust brake during our time hauling the Case IH Maxxum 125 tractor, but we did try out another way Dodge engineers were able to make the Ram HD easier to stop. While coasting at 60 MPH, we were instructed to simply ease off the accelerator and tap the brake. The integrated trailer brake controller worked in concert with the Ram's six-speed auto 'box to quickly slow over 24,000 lbs of steel, glass and rubber without overtaxing the truck's disc brakes.



Dodge appears to have built a work truck for everybody from the grunt to the site foreman, and the horned beast is looking to appeal to the ardent off-roader as well. The new 2010 Ram HD Power Wagon is no joke. Its 33-inch LT285/70R17D BF Goodrich All-Terrain tires, solid axles, locking front and rear differentials and electronic sway bar disconnect have banded together to accomplish one goal: making you a superstar when tackling the wild. Dodge set up a sweet off-road gauntlet within its proving grounds to properly test the Power Wagon's prowess. We simply put the Ram into 4WD low and headed off into the rough stuff.

Chrysler has a great opportunity to improve upon its 23-percent share of the HD truck market.

The course contained uphill and downhill grades, massive boulders, several inches of mud and even a steep, dirt-encrusted log bridge. The Power Wagon cut through all of the obstacles without breaking a sweat, with the 383-hp HEMI V8 (the Cummins diesel isn't available on the Power Wagon) providing plenty of punch for anything we were able to throw at it.

Dodge management challenged its truck engineers to deliver similar ride quality improvements to its heavy-duty offerings as it did with the light-duty Ram, but without the use of coil springs. We wouldn't exactly say those engineers nailed this request like a Rodney Dangerfield Triple Lindy, but we would definitely call the new Ram HD a more comfortable cruiser than the outgoing model. Among the engineering changes for 2010 are mounts that connect the C-Pillar to the truck's frame, resulting in less cabin shake on rough roads. The new Ram is also quieter on the inside with the aid of triple sealed doors and improved aerodynamics. The change is noticeable when holding conversations on the open road, and we were even able to talk in muted tones when traversing the gauntlet in the Power Wagon.



After spending a day with the extensive lineup of heavy-duty Dodge Rams, we're confident that Chrysler's truck division has a reasonable shot at improving upon its 23-percent share of the HD truck market. That's already a big chunk of pie in a segment Dodge has only played in for seven years, and a new-and-improved truck for 2010 that will retail for less money than the model it replaces makes the fight for customers a bit more interesting. Dodge's new trucks are now more competitive than ever with improved aesthetics and ride quality, terrific interiors, more configurations and improved capability. At the very least, the Mopar brand has put a lot of pressure on the competition to hit a home run with new product offerings next year. Because if Ford or GM miss, Dodge will be more than happy to take their customers and run.

[Source: Autoblog]

Ram hybrid coming in 2010

According to The Detroit News, the big joint development program formed several years ago between General Motors, Daimler, Chrysler and BMW to develop a two-mode hybrid system for light duty vehicles is over. With all four automakers now having launched versions of the gas-electric system, the joint program is being wound down and the Troy, Michigan office where engineers from each company collaborated will be closed by the end of this year. Most of the joint work actually ended last June and many of the staff have already been relocated to other facilities.

The Mercedes-Benz ML450 hybrid and BMW X6 ActiveHybrid are both going into production right about now using a version of the two mode transmission built by Daimler. Chrysler, which briefly built a version of the Durango and Aspen SUVs with the hybrid system last year, remains committed to re-launching the system in the Ram pickups in 2010. At this point, however, it looks unlikely that the planned light-duty hybrid will launch anytime soon in the Ram 1500.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Dodge Hornet Concept 2006

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