Autoblog

MotoMan at Targa Newfoundland, Part Two

Zach Bowman — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, Dodge, Mazda, Canada, Racing

The crew at MotoMan has rolled out the second episode of its Targa Newfoundland coverage. This time around, Brandon Fitch and I spend plenty of time talking with the guys about the challenges of Day One, how the Flyin' Miata supercharged NC MX-5 Miata handles some of the more technical stages and joy of hauling ass through a subdivision. Meanwhile, team MotoMan gets a few valuable lessons on competition in targa from veterans of the race like Rob Pacione and learns a little about Newfoundland hospitality at the same time. As the week continues, competitors are forced to overcome a variety of challenges, from an entire engine swap in a Lotus to a water-logged 911.

Part Two gives us all a better idea of what it's like to compete in Grand Touring, where the goal is to hit a specific time and speed, rather than simply beat a time like in Targa class. Both competitions are challenging in their own right, but we have to sympathize with MotoMan's frustration at being forced to limp a Dodge Challenger 392 along at 40 miles per hour with an open road ahead of you. Scroll down to check it out for yourself.

Continue reading MotoMan at Targa Newfoundland, Part Two

MotoMan at Targa Newfoundland, Part Two originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MotoMan gives Targa Newfoundland the documentary treatment

Zach Bowman — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Dodge, Mazda, Canada, Racing, AB-Post

It's been seven months since I crammed into a supercharged Mazda Miata with the Flyin' Miata crew and fought tooth and nail for a fifth-place finish in the Grand Touring class of the 2011 Targa Newfoundland. That amount of time has done nothing to dull my desire to head right back into the fray as soon as possible. While I was there, the FM team spent a good deal of time hanging out with our friends over at MotoMan, and the crew just finished putting the final touches on its race documentary.

The first episode shows off the sweet SRT-tweaked Dodge Challenger the MotoMan guys got to play with. With plenty of suspension adjustments, a full cage and a bare-bones interior, the big white beast was as far from the NC Miata we campaigned as you could get. Watch the clip after the jump for an introduction to a few of the other competitors, including SRT CEO Ralph Gilles, as well as an interview with driver Brandon Fitch and myself. Keep an eye out for more episodes, too.

Continue reading MotoMan gives Targa Newfoundland the documentary treatment

MotoMan gives Targa Newfoundland the documentary treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Apr 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge unveils Challenger Rallye Redline at Spring Fest

Drew Phillips — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Dodge

The Spring Festival, held annually in Southern California, has become a sort of mecca for late model Mopar owners, bringing together hundreds of owners of Chrysler's LX platform cars - Challenger, Charger, Magnum and 300. The event was initially started by a small group of passionate forum members, but it has recently grown enough to garner official support from Chrysler. This year, the Pentastar had a special treat planned for its passionate followers, the debut of the company's new Challenger Rallye Redline.

Based on the Challenger SXT Plus, the Rallye Redline features the same 3.6-liter V6 with 305 horsepower and 268 lb-ft torque as the standard model, but it gets a host of visual, interior and handling upgrades. For starters, the exterior gets a triple red stripe and new 20-inch wheels with subtle red stripes around the rims. Inside, the theme continues with available Radar Red leather seats.

Don't think that Chrysler has ignored the Rallye Redline's performance, though. A Super Sport Group handling package has been added that includes firmer front and rear shocks, larger front and rear sway bars, slightly wider tires and 25-percent quicker steering. Stopping power is also improved with larger brakes included in the package.

Pricing for the 2012 Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline is listed at $28,745 (excluding $925 destination) with availability beginning next month. Click past the break to read the full details in the press release from Chrysler.

Continue reading Dodge unveils Challenger Rallye Redline at Spring Fest

Dodge unveils Challenger Rallye Redline at Spring Fest originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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will.i.am starting own car company in Los Angeles

Chris Shunk — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, Dodge, Celebrities, Specialty

If the guy who invented Paypal can start his own car company, than why can't the lead singer of the Black Eyed Peas? The one and only will.i.am has decided to throw his hat into the carmaking ring with a new company that he is calling IAMAUTO.

So far, we have only one photo of the coupe (above), which looks a bit like a 1980s Maserati and Doc Brown's time machine had a love child. Will.i.am stopped by The Tonight Show to officially discuss the vehicle - a good idea since Jay Leno seems to have a bit of pull with the enthusiast. The singer-turned-would-be-auto-tycoon tells Leno that the vehicle is built with Chrysler bits (likely a Dodge Challenger), and the tunes will be special, of course, with Beats By Dre supplying the hardware. The artist is building the vehicle in Los Angeles in an effort to spur job growth in the region.

Hit the jump to watch will.i.am talk cars with Leno. The video starts with a musical number, but we suggest fast-forwarding to 3:40 to the interview.

Continue reading will.i.am starting own car company in Los Angeles

will.i.am starting own car company in Los Angeles originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mopar announces 800-hp V10 crate engine at SEMA

Noah Joseph — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Dodge, Racing

It may be another year or two before the next-generation Dodge Viper comes rumbling in, all 8.7 liters of it. But even though there is no Viper currently on offer, that doesn't mean there isn't some V10 power to be had. If you're a drag racer, anyway.

The Chrysler Group's performance catalog division Mopar has just announced the availability of a V10 crate engine designed for drag racers, and the figures are positively mind-blowing. The Competition crate engine - hand-built and ordered up as Part Number P5144872 - offers a staggering 800 horsepower and 695 lb-ft of torque. Mind you, that's coming out of 512 cubic inches (8.4 liters) of displacement, which is staggering in and of itself, but amounts to 95 horsepower per liter. Which is a lot, but not by racing standards.

Those who enjoy their ten cylinders of power away from the drag strip can opt for a 150-horsepower upgrade kit for the MkIII Viper that takes output up to 650 hp. There's also a new high-output, aluminum-block 426 Hemi V8 available with 590 horsepower, an adapter kit that allows the Hemi to drive the front wheels(!) and a Challenger body-in-white for race teams. Check out the full details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Mopar announces 800-hp V10 crate engine at SEMA

Mopar announces 800-hp V10 crate engine at SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mopar rolling into SEMA with Challenger ACR, Ram 392 and more

Noah Joseph — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, SUV, Truck, Hatchback, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ram

Since the Chrysler Group joined up with Fiat, its brand portfolio has grown to include Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep and Fiat vehicles. And you know what that means: more stuff for Mopar to tinker with. That's just what Auburn Hills has got in store for the upcoming SEMA show in Vegas, with a whole slew of show cars to demonstrate just what the group's performance parts division can do.

The Chrysler brand itself will be represented by the 300 SF6, dedicated to the Spring Festival of Chrysler 300 owners in Southern California. It's distinguished by 22-inch alloys, a KW coil-over suspension and upgraded brakes, intake, headers and exhaust - all from the Mopar parts bin - plus special trim inside and out.

Over at Dodge, the Challenger SRT8 gets the ACR treatment with upgraded suspension, shifter, front splitter, exhaust and 20-inch wheels, capped by a paint job evocative of the much-loved Viper ACR. It's joined by the Durango Tow Hook, decked out in orange and black with 22-inch rolling stock on a dropped suspension.

Fiat continues to make the most of the 500 with two specials called Titanium and Carbon. The former takes its name from the matte-finish brightwork and 16-inch wheels that contrast with the black paint, with enlarged grilles feeding the upgraded intake and exhaust systems. The latter, meanwhile, decks out a 500 Sport in deep blue with carbon-fiber accents and blacked-out trim and 17-inch alloys, riding on a lowered suspension.

Finally, the Ram division is represented by the 392 Quick Silver, dropping a 470-horsepower Hemi V8 into the Ram R/T's engine bay. 22-inch wheels on a lowered suspension house 15-inch Brembo brakes to keep it under control, with a body glazed in silver with red accents and a black roof to do the talking.

These are just five of the 30 "Moparized" vehicles Chrysler will be displaying at the aftermarket expo, and while they've only released four renderings to keep us tantalized, you can scope out all the details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Mopar rolling into SEMA with Challenger ACR, Ram 392 and more

Mopar rolling into SEMA with Challenger ACR, Ram 392 and more originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 2: Technical difficulties

Zach Bowman — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Convertible, Etc., Canada

While Keith and Janel Tanner took Friday to hash out setting the odometer on the Targa Miata, Brandon Fitch and I continued on with our education with the Open Road Motorsports Targa School in our trusty Supercharged NC. The day's instruction orbited around two simulated stages on Bell Island just a short ferry ride from St. John's. With our notes prepped, our own Terratrip rally computer properly calibrated, and a closed course through the winding roads of the island ahead of us, we were understandably enthusiastic about putting our freshly-gleaned skills to use.

We arrived early, took the first spot in the queue just ahead of a vicious-sounding Ferrari Enzo and waited for the stage lights to go green. When the time came, Fitch dropped the hammer and I immediately began rattling off instructions.

Continue reading to see how it went...

Continue reading Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 2: Technical difficulties

Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 2: Technical difficulties originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Sep 2011 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pennsylvania dealer loves Vanishing Point, creates Kowalski Edition Dodge Challenger

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Chrysler, Dodge

As if you needed any reminder, in the 1971 film Vanishing Point, a character by the name of Kowalski is tasked with making it from Colorado to San Francisco in a 1970 Dodge Challenger. Kowalski bets a friend that he can make the run in just 15 hours, but - Spoiler Alert - he doesn't make it... and neither does the muscle-bound coupe. The flick has been a cult favorite for years, and one of its fans, Bob Frederick of New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, got some help from Chrysler to create 10 2011 Kowalski Edition Dodge Challengers.

Starting life as a traditional 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, these white coupes have had their stripes removed and a handful of options added on. Inside, a pistol-grip shifter sits at attention and a numbered dash plaque is mounted nearby. On the outside, the Kowalski Edition Challengers sport Mopar quad exhaust tips, Scat Pack Bee decals in the rear quarter windows and a tasteful Kowalski Edition decal on the rear spoiler.

All 10 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Kowalski Edition cars have been spoken for, so if any owners are reading this and want their car delivered quickly, we can help set that up. We promise to avoid bulldozers and the fuzz.

[Source: Hemmings]

Pennsylvania dealer loves Vanishing Point, creates Kowalski Edition Dodge Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Mopar Charger ready to rumble [w/burnout video]

Chris Shunk — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 13:55:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Chrysler, Dodge

Mopar 2011 Charger - Click above for high-res image gallery

In 2010, Chrysler released the 2010 Mopar Challenger with a 500-unit production run. Chrysler tells us the gussied-up pony car was so popular with the die-hard Mopar faithful that the entire production run was sold out in three days.

Team Pentastar is looking to make similar headlines for 2011 with the official introduction of the 2011 Mopar Charger. The sedan comes only in Pitch Black with a Mopar Blue stripe that stretches across the top of the entire body, and a rear spoiler is standard fare on this limited production model.

Inside, this special edition Charger features Mopar-branded Katzkin leather seats with contrasting Mopar Blue stitching that also appears on the steering wheel. The Mopar Charger also features the next-generation Pistol Grip combined with Auto Stick, which enables the driver to select a higher or lower gear while a transmission controller ensures that you're not over-revving. Further differentiation comes courtesy of special instrument bezels and an identifying plaque on the instrument panel. The Mopar name again appears on the floor mats and door sills.

Continue reading: 2011 Mopar Charger ready to rumble

Gallery: Mopar 2011 Charger

Continue reading 2011 Mopar Charger ready to rumble [w/burnout video]

2011 Mopar Charger ready to rumble [w/burnout video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak sets NHRA AA/SA records

Aaron Richardson — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Dodge, Specialty, Racing

2011 Mopar Dodge Challenger V10 Drag Pak - Click above for larger image

The Mopar Dodge Challenger V10 Drag Pak debuted just shy of a month ago and has already stormed its way into the NHRA record books. Driver Dave Thomas laid down a 9.43-second pass at 143.90 mph at a test session April 7, simultaneously setting the elapsed time and mile-per-hour records for the AA/SA class.

Thomas' record is all the more impressive when you consider that he made his first-ever passes in the car the Sunday before the record run. With capabilities in the nine-second range almost as soon as it comes out of the box, we expect there are quicker times to be pulled out of the only V10-powered factory dragster.

As a refresher, the V10 Drag Pak carries a slightly modified version of the 500 cubic-inch mill from the Viper mated to a two-speed race-only transmission and a Mopar solid-axle rear end. The car comes ready to race, with an NHRA-approved roll cage, fuel system and racing wheels and tires. Full press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Mopar Dodge Challenger V10 Drag Pak

[Source: Mopar]

Continue reading Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak sets NHRA AA/SA records

Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak sets NHRA AA/SA records originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Apr 2011 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samuel Hubinette to field two-car Formula Drift team for 2011

Aaron Richardson — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Dodge, Racing

Two-time Formula Drift champion Samuel Hubinette is fielding a two-car team for the 2011 season, calling on European Pro Drift champion Dean Kearney as his second driver. The two will compete in a Dodge Motorsports Challenger and a Dodge Viper SRT-10. Kearney will wheel the Viper, while Hubinette will pilot the Challenger.

The two will drive for Hubinette's own team, Samuel Hubinette Racing, and will get sponsorship from Dodge and V-LEDs Federal. Hubinette is sticking with longtime crew chief Brad Manka to lead both efforts.

Hubinette managed two Formula Drift championships in his first three seasons in the sport, and hopes to groom 22-year-old Kearney into the next Formula Drift champion. Kearney, a native of Ireland, won the 2009 European Pro Drift Championship. Watch for Hubinette and Kearney when the Formula Drift season kicks off April 8-9 in Long Beach, California.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Samuel Hubinette to field two-car Formula Drift team for 2011

Samuel Hubinette to field two-car Formula Drift team for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Mar 2011 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Ultimate Factories episodes coming for Challenger, Viper, Bentley and more

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Videos, Bentley, Chrysler, Dodge, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz

Ultimate Factories shows how the Dodge Viper gets its heart - Click above to watch video after the jump

Ultimate Factories is coming back to the National Geographic channel, and the newest season is chalk-full of more automotive action. Upcoming shows have camera crews venturing into Dodge, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz and Bentley factories to show how they paint a Dodge Challenger, what it takes to build a Maserati engine and how Dodge builds (or is that built?) the Viper chassis and its 8.4-liter heart.

Ultimate Factories airs Thursday nights at 10pm and the Dodge Challenger episode is set to run on February 3rd. But before then, get a preview in the video after the jump.

[Source: National Geographic]

Continue reading New Ultimate Factories episodes coming for Challenger, Viper, Bentley and more

New Ultimate Factories episodes coming for Challenger, Viper, Bentley and more originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Barrett-Jackson 2011: Mr. Norm's Cuda Convertible melds classic style with modern metal

Jeff Glucker — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Auctions, Chrysler, Dodge

2009 Cuda Convertible by Mr. Norm's at Barrett-Jackson - Click above for high-res image gallery

You've seen the car featured on Autoblog before... Mr. Norm's 426 Hemi 'Cuda Convertible is a modern Dodge Challenger taken to an extreme level. Under the hood sits a 6.1-liter Hemi that pushes out 650 horsepower at the crank. The steel roof has been replaced with a drop-top and the black and yellow paint scheme screams classic muscle. The large "HEMI" graphic on the rear fenders helps a bit too.

The 426 Hemi 'Cuda Convertible uses actual parts from the classic 'Cuda. The taillights, rear panel and fender gills are from a 1971 model. Inside, Mr. Norm's two-door convertible sports all the modern amenities you would expect in a new Challenger, such as Bluetooth connectivity and a Boston Acoustics sound system.

Check out the official listing page for Mr. Norm's 426 Hemi 'Cuda Convertible and be sure to keep an eye on the live streaming feed at Speed.

Are you playing Speed's Online Fantasy Bid Game? If not, test your auction pricing mettle by guessing what a series of featured vehicles will end up bringing at the auction block - you could end up winning a prize, like an Apple iPad. Enjoy!

Gallery: 2009 Prototype 'Cuda Convertible by Mr. Norm's Garage at Barrett-Jackson 2011

Barrett-Jackson 2011: Mr. Norm's Cuda Convertible melds classic style with modern metal originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Jan 2011 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2010: Rich Evans Challenger pulls from the family line

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 14:16:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Dodge

Rich Evans Design Challenger - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mopar said it was out to do special things at this SEMA, and the evidence has been plentiful. Yet more proof of its urge to make a splash came with this, a Mopar Challenger effort with Rich Evans Design. In case you're not familiar with Evans' work, he's best known here for the love he once lavished on a Mustang a few years back.

It is clear in his Challenger build that he saved some of his love just for this moment. Have a look at the Mustang and then glance back at the Challenger - you'll recognize some old friends in places like the rear wing, side skirts, hood scoop and front splitter. And although it was given a place on a turntable in a highly visible corner, while the Challenger 392 and Charger Redline Concept sucked it up on the floor, this one won't be garnering any dubious awards. Feast upon it in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: SEMA 2010: Rich Evans Dodge Challenger

SEMA 2010: Rich Evans Challenger pulls from the family line originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2010: Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is limited edition sweetness

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 14:42:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Dodge

2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 - Click above for high-res image gallery

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. Have a look at it in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: SEMA 2010: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392

SEMA 2010: Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is limited edition sweetness originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler announces pricing for refreshed 2011 Dodge vehicles

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Chrysler, Dodge

2011 Dodge lineup - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler has bombarded us recently with a huge onslaught of changes for the 2011 model year. In addition to the updated ~~Sebring~~ 200 and Town & Country that wear the Pentastar badge, nearly the entire Dodge model line has been reworked for 2011. To recap, the Avenger, Challenger, Charger, Durango, Grand Caravan and Journey are either all-new or refreshed for the new model year, and the automaker has just announced pricing for the full grip of improved vehicles.

Starting with the all-new products, the 2011 Charger will be priced from $25,170 for the base SE model, which features the automaker's new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and rear-wheel drive. If a fully loaded, Hemi-powered Charger R/T AWD is more your thing, expect to pay $37,320. In addition to the Charger, Dodge debuted the wholly revamped 2011 Durango, which shares its platform with the much-improved Jeep Grand Cherokee. A base, rear-wheel drive Durango Express will set you back $29,195, and pricing goes all the way up to $43,795 for the top-end Citadel AWD.

The rest of the Dodge lineup offers mild exterior refreshes, Pentastar V6 power and huge interior improvements. The 2011 Avenger sedan starts at $19,245 for the four-cylinder Express model, with the $23,545 Lux trim topping things off. The family-friendly 2011 Grand Caravan will command $24,995, and the 2011 Journey rings in at $22,245. Last, but certainly not least, is the 2011 Challenger which makes use of a new 305-horsepower V6 for the base SE, priced from $24,670, and that hot new SRT8 392 will set you back $42,555.

Look for all of these updated Dodges to hit dealerships in December. For the full list of pricing and trim levels, follow the jump to read Chrysler's press blast.

Note: All prices listed above exclude their respective destination charges, which can be found in the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Lineup

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler announces pricing for refreshed 2011 Dodge vehicles

Chrysler announces pricing for refreshed 2011 Dodge vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Poll: 2011 Dodge Challenger V6 takes on Mustang, Camaro

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford

Dodge has big things headed our way for the 2011 model year, not the least of which is a thoroughly updated Challenger that seems to be much better equipped to go up against the likes of the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. Up to this point, even those who loved the last generation's styling and optional Hemi engine had to admit that lower level models powered by the old 3.5-liter V6 engine were simply unable to match up against its lifelong mortal enemies from Chevrolet and Ford.

As we've come to find out straight from the ~~horse's~~ pony's mouth, Dodge intends to bring its base-model muscle car up to modern specifications courtesy of a brand spankin' new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. As a reminder, here's how the new V6 engine compares to the competitors' options:

	Base Price	Engine Size	Horsepower	Torque	MPG	Weight
Dodge Challenger	$23,245*	3.6 liters	305 @ 6350	268 @ 4800	N/A***	3819 lb*
Chevy Camaro	$22,680**	3.6 liters	312 @ 6400	278 @ 5200	17 / 28	3741 lb
Ford Mustang	$22,145**	3.7 liters	305 @ 6500	280 @ 4250	19 / 31	3453 lb

* 2010 model ** Plus destination *** Not yet rated

As you can see, the Dodge very nearly matches up with its main rivals on paper, with slight deficiencies in torque and overall weight, though we don't quite know what the 2011 model's final poundage figure will be. We're also unsure of the Challenger's pricing for the new model year, but we can't imagine it will go up too much from its current spot as it's already the priciest of the three competitors, albeit barely.

In any case, we have ourselves one obvious burning question to consider: Does the new V6 engine improve the Challenger enough in your eyes to go head-to-head with the best six-pot pony cars from The Blue Oval and the Golden Bowtie? Or, to put it another way for you Mopar fans, is the 2011 Challenger V6 Sublime or is Chrysler just plain Plum Crazy? Make your voice heard in our completely unscientific, informal poll below.

View Poll

Poll: 2011 Dodge Challenger V6 takes on Mustang, Camaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Dodge Challenger gets new Pentastar V6 with 305 HP

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Chrysler, Dodge

2010 Dodge Challenger - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's no secret that Chrysler is making the most of its new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. We've tested this mill in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and know the automaker has plans to offer it in the forthcoming Dodge Avenger, Durango, Charger and Journey, as well as the new Chrysler 200, 300 and Town & Country. Good news all around, but what's most interesting is that the Challenger pony car will benefit from Pentastar power, meaning that the base V6 model will be better poised to compete with its cross-town rivals, the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro.

The 2011 Challenger V6 will produce 305 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque, gains of 55 hp and 18 lb-ft versus the 2010 model. Compare that to the Mustang with its new 305-hp 3.7-liter V6 and the Camaro with its direct-injected, 312-hp 3.6-liter six, and what we have here is quite the showdown. Now, all the Challenger needs is a slightly better interior, and we'll be in business.

See how the V6 Challenger stacks up to the Mustang and Camaro side-by-side in the table below, and follow the jump for Chrysler's official press release.

	Base Price	Engine Size	Horsepower	Torque	MPG	Weight
Dodge Challenger	$23,245*	3.6 liters	305 @ 6350	268 @ 4800	N/A***	3819 lb
Chevy Camaro	$22,680**	3.6 liters	312 @ 6400	278 @ 5200	17 / 28	3741 lb
Ford Mustang	$22,145**	3.7 liters	305 @ 6500	280 @ 4250	19 / 31	3453 lb

* 2010 model pricing ** Plus destination *** Not yet rated

Gallery: 2010 Dodge Challenger

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading 2011 Dodge Challenger gets new Pentastar V6 with 305 HP

2011 Dodge Challenger gets new Pentastar V6 with 305 HP originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak unveiled with Viper V10 power

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 11:41:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Dodge, Racing

2011 Mopar Challenger V10 Drag Pak - Click above for high-res image gallery

In 2009 and 2010, Dodge released a special edition Challenger called the Drag Pak. Both editions sold out fast so the Mopar boys are building another one for 2011. If the '09 and '10 models went quick, this one is going to be gone before you're done reading this paragraph.

Instead of sticking with the 6.1-liter Hemi V8 used last year, the 2011 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak crams a 512-cubic inch, 8.4-liter V10 engine and mates it to a two-speed automatic transmission. If those engine numbers sound familiar, and they should, it's because that's the same unit used in the Dodge Viper - which produces 600 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque.

Go back and re-read that last line - Viper-V10 powered. Drag-race ready. Mopar Challenger.

Besides the massive mill, this Mopar Challenger Drag Pak also features everything you need to start your professional drag racing career. Get your reading glasses out because there's a long list of features, some of which we've highlighted below (the rest can be seen after the jump):

512 cid V-10 engine
2-speed automatic transmission with shift assembly and built-in roll control
Special body-in-white modified for drag racing
Complete fuel cell assembly
Polycarbonate door windows
Lightweight drag-race only front brake assembly
Race-style wheels and tires

Only 70 units will be produced and they'll each have a starting MSRP of $85,512. There are also three available optional packages for the car. The Competition Package costs $7,950 and adds an eight-point roll cage, six-point safety harness and a mesh window net. The Mopar Body Logo Wrap will cost you $950. Finally, there is a range of available body colors if you don't like the Bright White paint scheme, and they run $6,800.

The 2011 Mopar Challenger V10 Drag Pak will make its debut at the upcoming 2010 SEMA Show in early November. Since there are only going to be 70 made, that may be the last time you see one unless you run down to your local Dodge dealer and fill out an application to own one.

Gallery: 2011 Mopar Challenger V10 Drag Pak

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading 2011 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak unveiled with Viper V10 power

2011 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak unveiled with Viper V10 power originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: No more Dodge vehicles for UK buyers

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Europe, Dodge, UK

The Dodge "Freedom" ad still stands out in our minds as an example of excellent automotive advertising. The spot shows British troops patrolling on U.S. soil when a cavalry of American troops are led out of the woods. Helming the charge is a no-nonsense George Washington behind the wheel of a Dodge Challenger. The British troops flee and the U.S. marches on towards its eventual freedom from the Queen's empire. Fast forward a few hundred years and our friends across the pond are not buying Dodge vehicles the way the automaker would prefer, and company insiders have told Autocar that the brand will no longer sell cars in the United Kingdom.

Recently, Dodge pulled the plug on the Nitro and Caliber due to dismal sales. Now we hear it has also waxed the Journey from price lists - the last Dodge model for sale over there. According to Autocar, Fiat plans to utilize the existing dealer network to launch Chrysler-badged Lancias throughout the UK and Europe.

It's typically sad news to hear an automaker forced to pull out of a specific region or area, but in this case, it seems like Chrysler and Fiat are making smart choices. If the two work together to sell the right vehicles where people want to buy them, then this American-Italian marriage is getting off on the right foot.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: No more Dodge vehicles for UK buyers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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