Autoblog

Click above more more images of the Dodge Charger "SRT-6"

When is a Chrysler product branded as an SRT-6 not really an SRT-6? When it comes from Scott McCorkle's Liberty Dodge in Charlotte, NC. The dealership has created what it is referring to as a Dodge Charger SRT-6, though its fitted with just the standard 2.7 liter V6 engine and no performance mods. Also absent are the normal SRT-spec suspension, braking or interior refinements. So, what exactly is it that makes this vehicle qualify as an SRT? Umm, nothing; besides some cosmetic tweaks that range from new wheels to some leftover Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 badges, there is nothing at all with which to distinguish this model from a run-of-the-mill base model Charger. Sheesh, way to dilute the SRT brand, guys.

We would never suggest that making modifications to a stock vehicle is a bad thing. Far from it, in fact. We do, however, feel a bit bad for all the SRT engineers at Dodge who do an admirable job of taking a normal car and making it much, much better. When pressed, the dealership admits that what it's done amounts to nothing more than simple cosmetics, but we feel that they shouldn't have messed with the SRT badge in the process. Thanks for the tip, Bill!


[Source: Dodge Charger Forums]

We've been too busy throwing down new posts to attend Spike TV's second annual AutoRox awards, but apparently that didn't stop the cable network from going on with the show at Fremont Experience in Las Vegas. Hosted by rapper/actor Ice Cube and featuring a variety of performances and celebrities, the show is America's only nationwide televised automobile awards ceremony.  Chevrolet's Corvette Z06 came away the big winner, netting the night's top honor for "Car of the Year," as well as taking home the "Best Sports Car" and "Deal of the Year" awards.

Other big winners included former Chrysler Chairman and CEO Lee Iacocca, who took home the "Icon Award". Sadly, Snoop Dogg was apparently unable to deliver the award to his golfing buddy, so 24's Kiefer Sutherland stepped in on his behalf.

Other winners include:

• BEST TRUCK - Honda Ridgeline
• BEST LUXURY CAR - Audi A8
• BEST SUV - Land Rover Range Rover Sport
• HOTTEST EXOTIC - Bugatti Veyron
• BEST TUNER - Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX
• BEST CONCEPT CAR - Chevrolet Camaro
• BEST MUSCLE CAR (viewers' choice) - Dodge Charger SRT8

Catch the delayed broadcast on Tuesday, April 18th on Spike TV, when it airs from 10pm-11:30pm Eastern.

[Source: Spike TV via PRNewswire.com]