Autoblog

Followup: Mystery Dodge Journey SRT R/T might be the real deal

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Minivan/Van, Performance, Wagon, Crossover, Dodge

SRT-prepped Dodge Journey R/T - Click above for high-res image gallery

We first informed you yesterday about an interesting looking Dodge Journey SRT R/T prototype that AB reader Nick Leonard stumbled upon in Saginaw, MI. With its manufacturer lincense plates, unique wheels, quad exhaust tips, road-hugging stance and a well-integrated new front fascia, we figured might be some kind of HiPo Mopar project that the company has kept close to its vest. We didn't know anything else about it other than the fact that we wanted to know more.

Well, today we have word of a secondhand account of the beast that would add fuel to the fire. Apparently, if a new LS1Tech thread is to be believed, this Journey is pretty darned quick. Forum member Outlaw55 tells the story:

Just got smoked by a white Dodge SUV thing! I was just out cruising back to work after grabbing a bite to eat and I got pumbled by some newer 4-door Dodge wagon/SUV looking thing. My 02 SS has been 12.90's with Drag Radials and now it has Blizzacs on the back but everything else was the same.

It was behind me and then beside at a stop light. I did not intend to race the guy but my lane ended about 10 yards ahead so I punched it when the light went green, his fender was at my door m so I banged second and went WOT and he friggin passed me. I merged in behind him and then my turn came up and I got off that road.

WTF. It wasn't a Cherokee SRT8 and it certainly wasn't V8 because it didn't sound like it. It had 5 star rims and quad exhausts..thing was white ?

Granted, this was on Michigan's cold winter streets and the Chevrolet Camaro in question was wearing Blizzaks, but either way, it would appear that this all-wheel drive Journey is packing some serious heat. Outlaw says he didn't think it was a V8, and it would be hard to believe a Hemi could be crammed into the Journey's engine bay, so if we had to guess, it might have a breathed-on SRT-4 powerplant in there. With the Caliber SRT-4 turbo mill underhood, it could be producing as much as 285 horsepower in stock configuration, possibly enough to humble the Camaro under very poor traction conditions. But who knows, perhaps it was secreting some extra boost? Thanks for the tip, Tracy!

Gallery: Reader Spy: SRT-prepped Dodge Journey R/T

[Source: LS1Tech]

Followup: Mystery Dodge Journey SRT R/T might be the real deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reader Spy: SRT-fettled Dodge Journey R/T spotted

Chris Paukert — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:20:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Minivan/Van, Wagon, Crossover, Dodge

SRT-prepped Dodge Journey R/T - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've always been intrigued by the notion of a higher performance people carrier, from back before Car and Driver magazine's Ford Windstar-based SHOStar to various shadetree high-strung turbocharged Chrysler minivans and outright lunacy like Renault's Espace-bodied F1 car.

Of course, that isn't what you're looking at here: it's what appears to be an SRT-tweaked Dodge Journey R/T, a vehicle that we want to like for its useful size and packaging, but can't because of its indifferent drivetrains and tragic interior materials and ergonomics.

Now, normally we wouldn't get too excited about something like this, in part because private owners often add badges from other vehicles in order to make them seem more impressive (we just saw an i-VTEC Chevrolet Beretta the other day), but these spy shots sent in from reader Nick Leonard appear to be the real deal - not only does the Journey in question boast a well-integrated new front fascia, but also unique wheels, a lowered stance and a quad-outlet rear exhaust surrounded by a different valance. The clincher? Michigan manufacturer licence plates.

Nick says notes that he came upon the car in the parking lot of a Best Buy in Saginaw, Michigan, and he only noted a laptop bag and a jacket in the passenger seat - no sign of any further testing equipment or interesting things on the dashboard. He further instructs that there was an AWD badge on the car (not pictured).

Now, it isn't at all clear that this is a production-intent vehicle, especially considering that R/T and SRT are usually mutually-exclusive designations in the House of Pentastar. This vehicle might be something that bored engineers cooked up for their own entertainment, for a SEMA reveal, or perhaps for a customer clinic - but who knows? It could be something, right? If so, let's hope there's some genuine chutzpah under the sheetmetal, otherwise we're looking at the decline and dilution of the SRT-branded vehicles as we know it.

Check out our gallery of images below... and thanks for the shots, Nick!

Gallery: Reader Spy: SRT-prepped Dodge Journey R/T

Reader Spy: SRT-fettled Dodge Journey R/T spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Next Dodge Ram HD to get 6.4-liter V8?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 14 May 2009 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Dodge, Rumormill

2010 Dodge Ram HD - Click above for a high-res gallery

If you think there's nothing wrong with Chrysler's 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine that an extra dollop of horsepower can't fix, we have some great news for you. Our friend and knower-of-all-things with a pickem-up-bed Mike Levine at PickupTrucks.com is reporting that Dodge's next Heavy Duty Ram will be offered with a big 'ol 6.4-liter version of the OHV V8.

Based on the current 6.1-liter version of the HEMI, an engine that appears in any number of SRT-branded cars, the new engine would feature both a larger bore and a longer stroke, with resulting power figures estimated to fall somewhere between 450 and 500 galloping ponies.

An engine with that much power would need a beefy transmission bolted up to its crankshaft, something Dodge already offers with its diesel engines. Levine suggests ChryCo could use the latest six-speed gearbox from German specialist ZF.

Of course, all of this assumes that Chrysler emerges from bankruptcy with these projects intact. Bug assuming that, we're being told that in addition to its spot in the Ram HD lineup, the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 is also likely to make an appearance under the hood of Jeep's next Grand Cherokee SRT8. The next obvious question, then, is how much money will the powerplant add to the cost of the vehicle and what kind of fuel mileage will it be able to muster?

Gallery: 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Rumormill: Next Dodge Ram HD to get 6.4-liter V8? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 May 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mopar(ty) On: Dodge's SRT performance division to stay the course

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:55:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Chrysler, Dodge

2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 - Click above for high-res gallery

After learning that General Motors would be disbanding its High Performance Vehicle Operations team to focus on less performance-oriented projects, our thoughts naturally turned towards Ford's SVT and Chrysler's SRT groups. Would Detroit's other automakers follow GM's lead and kill off their fellow speed divisions? Apparently not. Ford has gone on record stating that the SVT program will continue on in its current capacity and now Chrysler has announced that it will continue to develop SRT versions of its volume sellers.

In a posting on Chrysler's Red Letter Dodge blog, Steve Bartoli, Chrysler's vice president for global product planning, had a few choice comments regarding the future of the Pentastar's SRT models, saying, "We are working on a sedan as we speak. We will look at many styling options." Admittedly, that's short on detail, but it does portend good things to come for fans of big HEMI engines and fat rear tires.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8

[Source: Red Letter Dodge Blog via Inside Line]

Mopar(ty) On: Dodge's SRT performance division to stay the course originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'09 Challenger brochure hits the web, retro overload ensues

Alex Nunez — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 19:55:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Dodge

Click above image for the 2009 Dodge Challenger brochure

In the gallery below, you'll find the full brochure for the 2009 Dodge Challenger, and yeah, there's some good stuff to be found in there. We're particularly fond of the R/T Classic package (above), which gets a coat of B5 Blue, 20" torq-thrust lookalikes, throwback R/T stripes, and the old-school script Challenger badge on the front fender. Unfortunately, while Chrysler was cooking up the retro badging, they neglected to order up some nouveau Fratzogs to really finish off the look, so the Ram-head shield sits on the hood, instead. Too bad. As for the rest of the car? Badass. There are some pretty cool stripe and wheel options to be had regardless of trim level, plus what's sure to be a bevy of aftermarket parts from Mopar and other third parties. Finally, Chrysler's offering a factory R/T Track Pack that, in its most aggressive form, combines the 6-speed Tremec with 20" wheels and a 3.91 rear axle ratio. Bring money for tires. Ford is the king of leveraging its heritage to keep the Mustang interesting. Chrysler has a shot at doing the same thing here with the Challenger. From the looks of things, it's off to a good start. That R/T Classic? Yeah, we could roll like that. Thanks to Challenger64HEMI for the heads-up!

Gallery: 2009 Dodge Challenger brochure

[Source: Flickr user mnhotrod]

'09 Challenger brochure hits the web, retro overload ensues originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Jun 2008 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SRT engineers ready to take questions about Dodge Challenger

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Coupe, Dodge

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Dodge Challenger SRT8.

There isn't much mystery left to the Dodge Challenger, but for those of you who like to geek-out on suspension geometry and torsional rigidity, the SRT crew from Dodge is making itself available to answer all your burning questions online. The SRT chat session will take place tomorrow from 6 pm to 8 pm EST at 300cforums.com, where members can submit a maximum of two questions each to be answered by Dodge's in-house tuners. While the topics of conversation will generally center around the LX platform and the SRT models on which they're based, this will be the first time that engineers will be able to answer questions about the Challenger SRT8 in an enthusiast forum. You can log on two hours before the discussion begins to start submitting questions and for those of you planning to attend, drop us a line if anything juicy appears.

Thanks for the heads-up Jay.

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

SRT engineers ready to take questions about Dodge Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Mar 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Dodge Challenger romping in the desert

Dan Roth — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Videos, Chrysler, Dodge

Chrysler has released some video of the Challenger zooming around on some desert tarmac. We think that this video is from the same shoot that produced the teaser pics we all salivated over before the Challenger was officially unveiled. With that, on to the video, after the jump. Hit the gallery for more stills, while you're at it.

[Source: Chrysler]

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

Continue reading VIDEO: Dodge Challenger romping in the desert

VIDEO: Dodge Challenger romping in the desert originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Feb 2008 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR at the track

Dan Roth — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Chrysler, Dodge

click above to view the video

The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR is a racing machine, that's what the three letter suffix denotes (American Club Racer), of course. You don't even have to be within 100 feet of the Viper ACR to know what it is, that wing on the back clues you in. Somewhere, a 737 is missing an elevator flap. If you were to somehow miss the gigantic horizontal stabilizer, the ACR's paint scheme with its wicked-looking asymmetrical stripes announce what it is from a mile away.

The current Viper enjoys a reputation as a natural at the track, though it needs to be handled with a steady, heavy hand. The ACR strips a lot of equipment away in the name of weight savings, and some componentry is swapped out to bring unsprung mass down, as well. The result is a car with even sharper responses than the already born-to-run "regular" Viper. PentastarVideo has supplied us with a very entertaining video, apparently from Chrysler Design Veep Ralph Gilles, of some ACRs ripping it up at No Problem Raceway in Belle Rose, Louisiana. Here we sit, using a corporate high-speed internet connection to live vicariously through a heavily compressed piece of video media. Oh cruel world, why can't we just have a Viper and a road course at our disposal?

Follow the jump to watch the action

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR

Continue reading VIDEO: Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR at the track

VIDEO: Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR at the track originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Feb 2008 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SRT safe from the firing squad

Alex Nunez — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Chrysler, Dodge

It's no secret that Chrysler's going through a rough patch right now as it sets its turnaround plan in motion. Just last week, the automaker announced additional job and manufacturing cutbacks and killed off four underperforming models. Of interest to enthusiasts, however, is the news that SRT, the in-house tuner responsible for niche vehicles like the Dodge Charger SRT8 shown above, went unscathed.

In an interview with Edmunds Auto Observer, SRT marketing head Michael Accavitti weighs in with his thoughts about SRT's current position and future direction, how the Daimler split affects it (not much, apparently) and how it'll fare under new Chrysler boss Bob Nardelli (Accavitti is extremely "up" on the former Home Depot chief). We encourage you to read the interview in full, but based on his comments, it seems that SRT remains very much in the plan for Chrysler. It has received support from new sales/marketing/product czar Jim Press, who understands the need to have halo cars such as the SRT models, and for his part, Accavitti doesn't come across as someone who's worried his toys might get taken away from him anytime soon. Check it out by clicking here or hitting the "Read" link below.

[Source: Edmunds Auto Observer]

Photo Copyright (C)2007 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc.

SRT safe from the firing squad originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #75

Dan Roth — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Cadillac, Dodge, GM, Honda, Mini, Toyota, Misc. Auto Shows

So, it's a couple days late - call it a summer vacation hangover and let's just move on. We had a busy weekend covering both the Woodward Dream Cruise and the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, which pushed our schedule back. Once in front of our mics, we start Autoblog Podcast #75 by mulling the 2008 Honda Accord. Damon regales us with the story of the Cadillac CTS media launch out at Laguna Seca. GM's made enough progress that we can just drop the "for a GM" modifier from the sentence "The new CTS is a great car." No longer able to heap abuse on the General, we look to Europe and find MINI. It seems nobody considered that the clamshell door setup on the Clubman should be engineered to swap sides, so it would always be on the passenger side, even in right-hand-drive countries. Whoops. Continuing with entertaining small cars, the Dodge Caliber SRT-4's pricing was announced. $23 large for 285 horsepower - such a deal. Big horsepower was also stuffed under a Toyota Aurion's Australian hood. The 320-odd horsepower Camry spinoff slaps our mamby-pamby weak-kneed Joe Camel Camry around pretty well. Don't change it, just send it. Speaking of car-lust, new DeLoreans are coming! $57,500 will buy you a hand built car that will net endless stupid-ass questions about the flux capacitor.

That's it - a meaty 51 minutes this week, enjoy!

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Autoblog Podcast #75 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Aug 2007 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Caliber SRT4 starts at $22,995

Alex Nunez — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 09:56:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Hatchback, Dodge

Click image for photo gallery

If you're looking for new, interesting, and not-too-expensive ways to immolate front tires at a prodigious rate, Dodge's compact rocketship, the Caliber SRT4, will arrive at dealers with a price tag of $22,995, the automaker has announced. In addition to the 285-horsepower/265 lb-ft turbo four tucked behind the Caliber's pugnacious mug, that sum also nets buyers the full suite of SRT performance modifications (6-speed Getrag DMT6 manual, SRT bodywork, 19" painted wheels, brake and suspension upgrades, etc.) plus an interior that features bolstered SRT-branded sport seats, a unique gauge cluster, and standard equipment like the Chill Zone cooled storage bin, illuminated cupholders, and other assorted items. Chrysler also listed the prices of three options it figures to be popular selections. A power sunroof will tack on $795, the Kicker/SRT audio system runs an additional $1,190, and 19" polished aluminum SRT wheels will carry a $400 surcharge.

Follow the jump for Chrysler's full press release.

[Source: Chrysler LLC]

Gallery: Dodge Caliber SRT4

Continue reading Dodge Caliber SRT4 starts at $22,995

Dodge Caliber SRT4 starts at $22,995 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Aug 2007 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Woodward Dream Cruise 2007 - The Chrysler display

Chris Shunk — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 13:55:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Videos, Crossover, Chrysler, Dodge

Some of the most valuable muscle cars in the world today come from the Chrysler group, with Challengers in some cases auctioning for hundreds of thousands of dollars. The automaker certainly does a great job of making interactive displays for auto shows, and the expertise carries over to Woodward, as well. The Chrysler group display was chock full of tuners, muscle cars, chromed Hemi engines, and things to do for the kids. We stopped by the huge display, and we've got video after the jump for you to enjoy. Take a look!

Gallery: Woodward Dream Cruise 2007: Chrylser

Continue reading VIDEO: Woodward Dream Cruise 2007 - The Chrysler display

VIDEO: Woodward Dream Cruise 2007 - The Chrysler display originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Aug 2007 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler set to reveal new model at Woodward

Dan Roth — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:35:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Chrysler, Daimler, Dodge, Misc. Auto Shows

Information is more than scant, but Chrysler will be kicking off the 2008 Woodward Dream Cruise by pulling the wraps off a new vehicle later this morning. Not just any new vehicle, but a limited production model. Judging from the fact that Larry Lyons, VP for the FWD product team, will be in attendance, our money's on the Caliber SRT-4, which we've seen before at shows and been promised in showrooms before the year's out. Woodward is a good place to unveil such a vehicle as the Caliber SRT-4 with its performance bent and 280 nasty horses funneling through the front wheels. The Caliber's forebear, the Neon, already established the SRT moniker as a furious buzzbomb to be reckoned with, and the SRT's certainly got more powder in the charge. We should note, however, that Chrysler has unveiled a special edition model right before the Dream Cruise for a few years in a row now, and in the past it's always a special edition of the PT Cruiser. We think it will be the Caliber SRT-4 this time, but we could be wrong. What we find most amusing is that the unveiling will take place at an Irish pub. At 8:30AM. Right on.

UPDATE: We're wrong. It's the PT Cruiser Sunset Boulevard edition.

[Source: TAC]

Chrysler set to reveal new model at Woodward originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Caliber SRT-4 finally coming this fall

Chris Shunk — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 07:54:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Dodge

It's taken about a year and a half to get the Dodge Caliber SRT-4 to market, but by September the newest and smallest SRT vehicle will be available for purchase. Chrysler's turbocharged 2.4-liter world engine will still boast a best-in-class 280 HP and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. All that power to the front wheels will be kept under control by an electronically-tuned brake lock differential that controls throttle, spark advance, and boost, while a Getrag six-speed manual transmission will round out the powertrain. To make sure the Caliber SRT-4 holds the same value quotient of the Neon SRT-4, Dodge is working hard to deliver a stripped-down model at just under $20,000.

When we heard that the Caliber would be FWD and have 300 HP, we were skeptical that such a light vehicle would be able to handle that much grunt being sent to the front wheels. 280 HP isn't a drastically lower number, but Dodge engineers are at least trying to keep the prodigious understeer in check. If Dodge can deliver a budget hot rod under $20,000 that boasts 280 useful horsepower and a road-holding suspension (plus those trick 19" SRT wheels), then the Mazdaspeed3 and VW R32 are going to be in for some stiff competition.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Dodge Caliber SRT-4 finally coming this fall originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 07:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Wrangler Unlimited w/ SRT-8 HEMI

Alex Nunez — Fri, 18 May 2007 19:14:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Jeep

Well, this looks like it could be fun. If you're in the market for a new Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited, you might want to check out this eBay auction first. The Jeep that's up for grabs has under 300 miles on it, and while it may look bone-stock, it's anything but. When you lift the hood, you'll find a 6.1L SRT-spec HEMI. The work was done by Burnsville Offroad, which specializes in conversions like this. According to Burnsville's website, an upgraded radiator is part of the deal when they perform these HEMI swaps, so cooling won't be a problem. All the accessory systems work as new, too. Looks like it came out of a Jeep factory, only better. Added bonus: you'll surprise more than a few unsuspecting drivers at stoplight grands prix.

Nice tip, Jay!

[Source: eBay]

Gallery: SRT HEMI Jeep Wrangler conversion

eBay Find of the Day: Wrangler Unlimited w/ SRT-8 HEMI originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 May 2007 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Dodge marketing director has SRT roots

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 16 May 2007 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Dodge

When some us of think Dodge, we think performance. And that's as it should be. In the past few years, the automaker has blessed us with rides that are wholly American, whether it's the Charger, the Viper or any of the SRT-infused vehicles that roll of the line. So why not build off that image?

It seems that some of the heads of Dodge see their company in the same light, and have decided to make the director of marketing for the Chrysler group's SRT offerings the main man in charge of promoting Dodge. Michael Accavitti has swapped titles and is now the brand manager for Dodge and the SRT wing. We think it's a smart move, but we'll reserve final judgment until we see how the Chrysler buyout affects the brand.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

New Dodge marketing director has SRT roots originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2007 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Caliber SRT-4 coming Fall '07

John Neff — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Dodge

The Dodge SRT team is more accessible than most engineers working for a major OEM, which is evident by its participation in monthly forum chats on CaliberForums.com to update fanboys on the progress of its projects. Currently, the team has the Caliber SRT-4 on its plate, and the focus of the most recent chat session centered around the car's impending arrival. The SRT team revealed that Dodge's 300-horsepower "economy" car will be a normal 2008 model year car, which means it will arrive "as the leaves change colors", according to one engineer. Unfortunately, the on-sale date can't be pinned down to a specific day this far out, so we'll have to be satisfied with an autumnal arrival. We're very eager for someone to get their hands on an SRT-4 to see how Dodge handles the torque steer issues with routing 300 horsepower through the front wheels. But for now, we wait.

Thanks for the tip, John!

[Source: CaliberForums.com]

Dodge Caliber SRT-4 coming Fall '07 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Mar 2007 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago Auto Show engine porn: Mopar 8.4L V10

Eric Bryant — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Performance, Technology, Dodge

The Dodge Viper's V10 might sound like a garbage truck at idle, but who cares when it delivers 600 horsepower with emissions certification and a warranty? Still, for some, that's just not enough power, and so the Mopar guys have come through with some parts to take the new McLaren-engineered 8.4L up to 650 HP. We're going to take a closer look at some of these components after the jump, and feel free to click on any of the photos to get a high-resolution version from our gallery.

Continue reading Chicago Auto Show engine porn: Mopar 8.4L V10

Chicago Auto Show engine porn: Mopar 8.4L V10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Feb 2007 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: New SRT-10 owner learns that sometimes it is better to lift!

Scott Davis — Sat, 25 Nov 2006 12:49:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Truck

This video is an excellent example of Newton's Third Law. For every action (inexperienced or unknowledgeable driver spends $45K on 505 horsepower Dodge Ram SRT-10, looking forward to many days of enjoyable driving) there is an equal and opposite reaction (takes it to the drag strip on day one and destroys it!) Having spent time in many of these trucks on comparison drives while working at Ford SVT, I can tell you from experience that they must be driven with respect and finesse or many days at the track will end just like this poor guy's! Unfortunately he learned about 8 seconds too late that sometimes it is better to just lift and try again another day.

[Source: Streetfire.net via Jalopnik]

VIDEO: New SRT-10 owner learns that sometimes it is better to lift! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Nov 2006 12:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA speed: Hennessey Viper Venom 800R

Scott Davis — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, SEMA Show, Supercars, Daimler, Dodge

Updated with Frank's live pics

Why worry about superchargers and turbochargers when you've got good old-fashioned cubic inches? After all, bigger is better right?

Living up to its VenomAero and Daytona spoiler-equipped body kit, the Hennessey Viper Venom 800R packs an amazing 585 naturally aspirated cubic inches under the bright yellow bonnet. After 12 weeks of Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE) mojo, the nearly 10-liter monster belches out 810 bhp and 810 lb/ft of torque. Gulping air and fuel at a rate sure to satisfy an F16 in full afterburner, the 800R is capable of 0-60 in 2.9 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 10.88 @135 mph on its way up to a reported top speed of over 230 mph.

How fitting is it that this monster will officially debut on the Dupont stand at 10AM on Halloween as a part of the SEMA show in Las Vegas?

(Press release after the jump)

[Source: supercars.net]

Continue reading SEMA speed: Hennessey Viper Venom 800R

SEMA speed: Hennessey Viper Venom 800R originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Oct 2006 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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