Autoblog

SRT adds new cost-saving Core models to Challenger SRT8, 300 SRT8

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 10:15:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Sedan, Chrysler, Dodge, SRT

As the high-performance division of Chrysler, the SRT brand used the Chicago Auto Show to reveal new "Core" models for the Dodge Challenger SRT8 and Chrysler 300 SRT8. Similar to a move made by Chrysler in Australia, both of these new Core models will get a significant drop in price compared to the current SRTs, and each will get some new, exclusive styling elements as well. Both new models will arrive in showrooms this summer.

The Challenger SRT8 Core will start at $38,995 (not including $995 for destination), which is $5,780 less than the SRT8 currently on sale. Along with the lower price, this new configuration gets classic colors like Orange Pearl Coat and Plum Crazy Pearl Coat (shown at right), and all models get black accents on the grille, a spoiler, 20-inch wheels and Brembo brake calipers. The interior also gets some unique elements such as cloth inserts on the seats (also used on the SRT Viper) and a "mini-carbon bezel" on the instrument panel.

As for the 300 SRT8, the Core version has a new price of $43,995 marking a drop of $5,000 over the current 300 SRT8 base model. This car also gets similar upgrades - inside and out - as the Challenger SRT8, but it will also have plenty of matte carbon and piano black interior accents and the option of red-painted calipers. The finishing touch on this model is the addition of the "6.4L" fender badges, which is a first for the 300 SRT8.

It isn't clear what, if any, equipment has been de-contented to create this new lower price, but we're sure buyers looking to get behind the wheel of either one of these products will be happy. Scroll down to read more about the Challenger SRT8 and 300 SRT8 Core models.

Continue reading SRT adds new cost-saving Core models to Challenger SRT8, 300 SRT8

SRT adds new cost-saving Core models to Challenger SRT8, 300 SRT8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Feb 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham and Chrysler teaming up for SEMA project car

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Chrysler, Celebrities

Next in the lengthening line of comedian car enthusiasts is Jeff Dunham. A ventriloquist and Mopar fan normally spotted on video in the company of Achmed and Walter, for this video Dunham has put down the dummies and picked up a job: helping Chrysler and "a big shot with a t-shirt" put together a show car for SEMA.

Called Project Ultraviolet, it starts with a Dodge Challenger SRT8 purchased in downtown LA. The muscle car is being built to show off new technology and a brand new engine - declared "an amazing thing" in the video - that Chrysler will be unveiling in Las Vegas.

The first webisode detailing the genesis of the build is below. And since the crew is putting a new engine into Project Ultraviolet, we guess there's no need to cringe at Dunham's smoky, drift-happy mockery of the break-in period on that SRT8...

Continue reading Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham and Chrysler teaming up for SEMA project car

Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham and Chrysler teaming up for SEMA project car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Place Your Bets: Dodge Challenger SRT8 takes on... an MD500 helicopter?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, Dodge, Humor

Here at Autoblog, obsessively covering the automotive industry sometimes takes us places we'd never have expected. Today is one of those days.

In the video pasted below, you'll see a very nice Dodge Challenger SRT8 - modified in some way if the quoted 490 horsepower figure is accurate - lining itself up on a long, straight stretch of tarmac. Pulling up alongside... or rather, setting itself down, is a McDonnel Douglass MD500 helicopter. Yep, we said helicopter.

So, is this a fair race? We have no idea. For starters, there's no indication as to how long this runway may be, and we don't know the various skills of the pilot or driver. Do we care? No, not really. The race results in a fun video, which you can watch below, and we suggest you keep your eyes peeled all the way through for a little surprise.

Continue reading Place Your Bets: Dodge Challenger SRT8 takes on... an MD500 helicopter?

Place Your Bets: Dodge Challenger SRT8 takes on... an MD500 helicopter? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Challenger SRT Yellow Jacket and Charger SRT8 Super Bee debuting in LA

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Dodge, Design/Style

Chrysler is taking a page from the insect world with its latest set of high-performance machinery. Just as the bright yellow and black motif of a bumble bee is meant to warn potential predators that they might get stung if they come too close, the new 2012 Charger SRT8 Super Bee and Challenger SRT8 392 Yellow Jacket feature Stinger Yellow and Pitch Black paint schemes to signal their ill intent.

Included in the Charger Super Bee package for 2012, in either yellow or black motifs, is a full sticker and stripe package highlighting the 3D helmeted bee logo along with five-spoke aluminum wheels with black painted pockets. Inside, the cloth interior is punctuated with yellow and silver striping and stitching. Subtle it is not.

Similarly, the Challenger Yellow Jacket is covered in various coatings of yellow and black, both inside and out, with the addition of a new Yellow Jacket logo. Both models come equipped with Chrysler's venerable 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine that puts out 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The Challenger is available with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic; the Charger offers only the auto.

You'll be able to see both machines live and in living color at the upcoming LA Auto Show. Ordering is slated to begin in December and the first shipments will arrive sometime in the first quarter of 2012. Pricing has yet to be announced, but you can read all about each machine in the press releases after the jump.

Continue reading Dodge Challenger SRT Yellow Jacket and Charger SRT8 Super Bee debuting in LA

Dodge Challenger SRT Yellow Jacket and Charger SRT8 Super Bee debuting in LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Challenger ACR sheds pounds, adds speed

Zach Bowman — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Dodge, Racing

The Mopar team showed up to SEMA 2011 in full force with a bevy of factory-tuned machines, including a Dodge Challenger ACR. The company says that the vehicle is an homage to the option-delete muscle-bruisers of old, and as such, this Challenger has scrapped any component that could possibly slow it down.

In addition to a gutted interior and plenty of carbon fiber, the Challenger ACR features a laundry list of Mopar components. Those include a complete coilover suspension, massive front and rear strut tower braces as well as a short-throw shifter and full cat-back exhaust. The easy-breathing pipes likely help the 6.4-liter V8 produce a bit more power than the base SRT8's 470 horses.

Inside, the SRT engineers fitted a Drag Pack center stack and a carbon weave shift bezel kit. While we typically shy away from massive wheels, we have to admit that the 20-inch rolling stock on the Challenger ACR is plenty fetching.

Continue reading Dodge Challenger ACR sheds pounds, adds speed

Dodge Challenger ACR sheds pounds, adds speed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:30:00 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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Chrysler prices 2012 SRT fleet

Zach Bowman — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, SUV, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

Chrysler has announced pricing on four of the company's new SRT models, including The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8, 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8, 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 and the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.

According to Automotive News, buyers looking to jump into the 470-horsepower Charger with its scowling bodywork and 12-second quarter mile time can expect to be met with a $46,660 MSRP, including an $825 shipping and destination fee. The Charger's two-door cousin, the 2012 Challenger SRT8, comes saddled with a moderately cheaper $44,077 price tag, though the gap narrows somewhat when you realize that the car gets hit with a $1,500 gas guzzler tax in automatic guise and a $1,000 tax when equipped with the six-speed manual gearbox. Sounds like all the more reason to row your own cogs to us.

Step off of the Dodge lot and into the Chrysler showroom, and the 2012 300 SRT8 will set you back $47,995 thanks to some additional luxury bits.

Which vehicle is the most expensive of the SRT flock? That title goes to the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 with its $55,295 entry price.

Everyone who purchases an SRT vehicle gets a one-day track experience to help them understand how to better control their vehicle, a move that sounds like a good investment to us. Hit the jump for the gaggle of press releases on these vehicles.

Continue reading Chrysler prices 2012 SRT fleet

Chrysler prices 2012 SRT fleet originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motor Trend compares muscle cars, past and present

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM

Old muscle versus new muscle - Click above to watch the video after the break

All day long, boys. All. Day. Long.

To what are we referring, you ask? Well, that's how long all six muscle cars rounded up by the staff at Motor Trend will eviscerate their tires. Such is the nature of the beast, and, in fact, it's why many automotive enthusiasts just can't get enough horsepower at the rear wheels.

What we have here are Camaros, Challengers and Mustangs, gathered in pairs - one vintage example from the height of the muscle car's reign of terror in 1969 and '70 along with one 2011 model. This begs the question: Which era of American performance resulted in the better car?

Well now, that depends on just what you're looking for...

There's simply no arguing the fact that the 2011 Camaro SS, Challenger SRT8 392 and Shelby Mustang GT500 can accelerate (though the quarter-mile results would be closer if the old bias-ply tires were replaced with something more... modern), turn and stop better than their old-timer predecessors.

But, as the editors of Motor Trend found out, that's not the whole story. Check out the video after the break to find out what we're on about.

One last thing: Words cannot express how badly we want the keys to that 1970 Challenger. It's nothing short of muscle car perfection.

Continue reading Motor Trend compares muscle cars, past and present

Motor Trend compares muscle cars, past and present originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 [w/video]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Dodge, New Car Reviews

God's Own Engine Wrapped In The Most Appropriate Package

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

Though it's cleverly disguised as an automobile, don't be fooled. The 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is the world's ultimate portable smoke generator. The fact that it can pull double-duty as a method of transportation is nothing but a quirky side benefit to its purpose in life. Consider it a value-added feature that helps justify its seemingly high $45,000 price tag.

It's really quite ingenious. All that's required to create your own massive plume of thick white smoke is premium-grade gasoline and two 245/45ZR20 tires, both of which are readily available, and both of which are consumed in roughly equal quantities. The actual process of making the smoke-screen is so simple even a caveman could do it. One step: Mash the throttle pedal to the floorboard. Done.

Strangely enough, during our First Drive of the beast, we found out that it's possible to do other things with the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392. For instance, with a modicum of restraint at the specific point at which your right foot comes into contact with the throttle pedal, you can drive the 392 in a straight line. Equally as surprising, at least to those who know anything about classic muscle cars, the Challenger is even capable of traveling in directions other than forward, and for more than 1,320 feet at a time.

We're just as shocked as you.

We decided to borrow one of these weapons of mass (tire) destruction for a week with two goals in mind: to see both how much smoke can be created from one set of tires (or one tank of gasoline, whichever comes first...) and how the most powerful Challenger fulfills the unlikely role of an everyday driver. Continue reading...

Continue reading Review: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 [w/video]

Review: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Dodge Challenger torched on assembly line due to unattended heat lamp?

Chris Shunk — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Dodge

In March, Chrysler served up a smoking-hot 31 percent sales increase in compared to the same month in 2010. Unfortunately for the automaker, the "heat and serve" theme continued this week, as there were two stories about flaming Chrysler products Monday alone. First we told you about a Dodge Durango turned car-b-que in front of hundreds of onlookers at a Washington D.C. parade. Then came news that China has suspended importation of the Jeep Wrangler due to complaints of vehicle fires.

Now we have a photo of a Dodge Challenger (above) posted by Moparts forum poster Mccannix that allegedly went up in flames at the Brampton, Ontario assembly plant. There is no official cause for the fire, though as you can tell from the picture above the Challenger must have been really cooking.

One unsubstantiated report claims that a heat lamp got too close to some paperwork, which started the blaze. Even sadder is the fact that the high-end wheels tell us that we're likely looking at a burnt SRT8. A moment of silence, please.

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392: First Drive

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Moparts via Jalopnik]

2011 Dodge Challenger torched on assembly line due to unattended heat lamp? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2011 Dodge Charger R/T and Challenger SRT8 392 make more power than expected

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Chrysler, Dodge

2011 Dodge Charger R/T and Challenger SRT8 392 - Click above to watch the video after the break

As part of its Hemi Highway Tour, a country-wide tour that started in November of 2010 and just recently came to its end, Dodge decided to stop and spend some quality time with the boys and girls from National Speed in Wilmington, NC. Though that company's main purpose is modifying high-performance machinery to make even more power, Dodge decided to put a couple of its brand new 2011 models on their dyno to see what kind of power could be had right off the showroom floor.

As a preface to the actual dyno results, you should know that Ralph Gilles, Dodge Car Brand President and CEO, claims that a bone-stock 2011 Challenger SRT8 392 ran the quarter-mile at Infineon Dragway in just 12.44 seconds at 110 miles per hour. That, boys and girls, is seriously fast. And those figures are backed up by the data spat out by the computers hooked to National Speed's dyno.

Without further ado, the numbers: The 2011 Dodge Charger R/T put down 327 horsepower at the rear wheels and 349 pound-feet of torque. For a car rated at 368 horses and 395 lb-ft, that's quite good. Remember, the dyno measures power after it's already gone through the transmission and through the wheels to the ground, which saps around 15 percent of total power.

And now on to the big guns. The 2011 Challenger SRT8 392 was measured at 420 rear-wheel horsepower and 419 lb-ft of torque. Also impressive when stacked up against its factory ratings of 470 ponies and pound-feet. Even more interesting, these same machines put down ever more power just a few days later on a different dyno, though still below the 452 horses obtained by the scribes at Inside Line. Enough talking already. Check out the video after the break. Thanks for the tip, Norm!

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392: First Drive

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Red Letter Dodge]

Continue reading Video: 2011 Dodge Charger R/T and Challenger SRT8 392 make more power than expected

Video: 2011 Dodge Charger R/T and Challenger SRT8 392 make more power than expected originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:58:00 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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Mustang 5.0 wins first comparo against Camaro SS, Challenger SRT8

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 13:28:00 EST

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

2011 Ford Mustang GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Well, this certainly didn't take long. Only a few weeks after Ford let the 2011 Mustang GT loose on the road, the boys at Motor Trend have done what we've all been waiting for, putting the new 5.0-liter V8 model up against the Chevrolet Camaro SS and Dodge Challenger SRT8 in a head-to-head muscle car throwdown. In our first drive, we were very impressed with the new GT's antics, and apparently, we aren't the only ones. Sorry, Camaro and Challenger - the Mustang takes top honors in this comparison.

Motor Trend points out that, at the end of the day, the Mustang 5.0 is the closest representation of what a modern day muscle car should be. It stands true to the original concept of a lightweight coupe with a nimble body and chassis that's stocked to the brim with rumbling V8 power, and they say that there's no doubt that it's dynamically better than the Chevy and Dodge. What's more, the interior offers better tech and refinement - something that's key in the year 2010. Be sure to click over to MT's comparison test for the full details.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Ford Mustang GT

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Mustang 5.0 wins first comparo against Camaro SS, Challenger SRT8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wow: Dodge Dealer honors disputed eBay Challenger auction and then some

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Auctions

Well, score one for the little guy. Or, as the case may be, the guy that won an eBay auction, getting himself one helluva mondo deal on a 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8. To refresh your memory, a Southern California dealer called Glenn E Thomas Dodge Chrysler Jeep had the Challenger in question on eBay. The Buy It Now price was $43,425 and the reserve (according to Glenn E Thomas) was $42,995. Then the dealer lowered the Buy It Now price to $43,425 and suddenly, somehow the reserve disappeared.

That's when Alex (aka Hitman from Challengertalk.com) pounced and won himself a 250-mile SRT8 for the crazy price of $29,100. Only thing is, of course, Glenn E Thomas didn't feel like taking a $14,000 bath and refused to honor the auction. Their argument was that they didn't intend to remove the reserve and, in fact, they may not have removed it. They contend that there may have been a glitch in eBay's software. Glenn Dodge did offer to meet Alex halfway, promising him a great deal on the Challenger of his choice, but Alex hung tough, demanding the car he won. It seemed as if the two sides had reached the kind of impasse that can only be settled by those of the lawyerly persuasion. But that was last week.

Yesterday, Alex updated his original post at Challengertalk.com with a picture of the keys to his new car and the following message:

First of all, "Thank You" to everyone for cheering me on and helping me move forward in a positive way. A lot of message boards picked up this thread and have to thank everyone for passing the word around too. There you have it. Visual of the keys in my possession of the SRT8 deal that Glenn E. Thomas Dodge honored for $29.1K plus tax and license fees of course.

Both parties had plenty to talk about that day but in the end of it all, things worked out for everyone. So there is praise to be made to both sides, especially the dealer who did honor the auction. Would encourage everyone to send them praise and not attack anyone in that establishment as this was not the point of this thread. I'm sure there will be questions on how things went down.

While swallowing a nearly $14,000 loss must be a bitter pill to choke down, we can all agree that in the end Glenn E Thomas did the right thing. Actually, they did better than the right thing, selling Alex a 2010 Challenger SRT8 rather than the 250-mile car he won in the auction. Put another way, in terms of positive publicity, this will turn out to be the best $14,000 they ever spent.

[Source: Challengertalk.com]

Wow: Dodge Dealer honors disputed eBay Challenger auction and then some originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge announced 2010 Challenger Drag Pak availability, 2009 sold out

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:56:00 EST

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

2009 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak driven by Don Garlits - Click above for high-res image gallery

The "more power" guys over at Mopar have released details about the 2010 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak, and you better get your order in soon because these suckers are gonna go fast. Last year the company offered 100 Drag Pak Challengers and all were sold rather quickly. Heck, even legendary drag racer Don Garlits took the keys to one, coming out of a six-year (most recent) retirement to run his Drag Pak Challenger at the U.S. Nationals last year.

For 2010, Dodge is offering another lucky 100 folks the chance to get behind the wheel of a Challenger Drag Pak racer, which is built to compete in sanctioned NHRA Stock, Super Stock and Comp Eliminator classes. The Drag Pak isn't street legal, but it should be worth every penny of its $39,999 pricetag. Underhood you'll find the ubiquitous 6.1-liter Hemi V8 mated to your choice of a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

The Stone White Drag Pak cars are based on the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 and in Stock Eliminator configuration, they're almost 1,000 pounds lighter than the street car. Imagine if the street SRT8 weighed just 3,200 pounds! To help pare that weight and make it more race-ready, the package includes a "composite lift-off hood with functional scoop, Dodge Viper-style front seats, polycarbonate door windows, a light-weight cooling module with electric fan, manual rack-and-pinion steering, a special cable-operated deck-lid release, special light-weight front-brake assemblies and special cable-operated throttle linkage and pedal assembly."

If you'd like to get a Drag Pak for yourself, you need to submit a Dodge Challenger Drag Pak Application, which is available at www.mopar.com or from the Mopar Direct Connection Tech Line at 888-528-HEMI (4363). The full press release can be found after the jump and you can check out a gallery of the 2009 Drag Pak below.

Gallery: Don Garlits Dodge Challenger Drag Pak

Gallery: 2009 Dodge Challenger Drag Race Package

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Dodge announced 2010 Challenger Drag Pak availability, 2009 sold out

Dodge announced 2010 Challenger Drag Pak availability, 2009 sold out originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mopar's 15 ways to make your custom Dodge Challenger look just like everyone else's

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Chrysler, Dodge

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

According to Pietro Gorlier, (deep breath) President and Chief Executive Officer of Mopar Service, Parts and Customer Care, Chrysler Group LLC., (whew) the average Dodge Challenger owner spends about $600 on accessories and performance parts from Chrysler's Mopar catalog. Interestingly enough, the most popular single piece of aftermarket kit for the Challenger are Mopar's brushed stainless steel door sill guards. These bits add at least 10 extra horsepower, we're told.

Second on the list is Mopar's vehicle cover (an accessory we can wholeheartedly recommend), which is designed specifically to fit the Challenger. Consider us unsurprised that the chromed fuel-filler door and rear deck-lid Go-Wing Spoiler grab slots three and four - doesn't every single Challenger you see on the road have these installed?

And now for the Mopar pieces that actually improve the straight-line performance of the Challenger: cold-air Intake systems and cat-back exhaust systems for both the 5.7- and 6.1-liter Hemi V8s. Don't forget the stage 2 coilover suspension kit and Mopar strut tower brace to make the big musclecar handle and performance brake pads to haul it back down from speed. See the complete list of Mopar's best-selling Challenger parts and accessories after the break.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 6-Speed

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Mopar's 15 ways to make your custom Dodge Challenger look just like everyone else's

Mopar's 15 ways to make your custom Dodge Challenger look just like everyone else's originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge celebrates 40 years of performance with Furious Fuchsia Challengers

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Dodge

2010 Dodge Challenger R/T and SRT8 in Furious Fuchsia - Click above for high-res image gallery

For the record, the Dodge Challengers you see above are not pink. Despite a Pepto-ish hue, they're actually Furious Fuchsia. It would seem that Chrysler is choosing not to remember that it offered a similar shade back in 1970 and 1971 known as Panther Pink. This despite the fact that Dodge president and CEO Ralph Gilles tells us in the press release after the break that the R/T Classic and SRT8 Furious Fuchsia editions "[commemorate] four decades of Challenger performance" and "modernize one of the most memorable hues from 1970."

It seems to us that if it's acceptable to reintroduce Plum Crazy in its original purple flavor that it's equally okay to call these cars Panther Pink, but whatever. In any case, there's also an optional set of Pearl White performance seats with Furious Fuchsia stitching that we think would look just dandy with the Bright White A-line body-side R/T stripes and functional hood scoop on the R/T Classic (above left).

If the R/T's 376 horsepower just aren't enough for your tire-screeching needs, you can always upgrade to the SRT8 (above right) and its 6.2-liter Hemi V8, which offers up a willing 425-horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque... but act fast as there's only 400 slated for production. Base price for the 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic in Furious Fuchsia Pearl Coat comes in at $35,140 with the SRT8 model at $45,150 (both prices include $725 destination) and cars will hit dealerships in March. We'll do our best to bring you live shots of the pair from the Chicago Auto Show later this week.

Gallery: Furious Fuchsia Dodge Challengers

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Dodge celebrates 40 years of performance with Furious Fuchsia Challengers

Dodge celebrates 40 years of performance with Furious Fuchsia Challengers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 six-speed reveals its true character

Michael Harley — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Dodge, New Car Reviews

2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 6-Speed - Click above for high-res image gallery

This isn't our first sampling of the reborn Dodge Challenger. We've driven the SE, R/T and SRT8 variants before. However, this time it's different. We've secured a Challenger SRT-8 with a six-speed manual transmission - and it's a whole different breed of bull.

The six-speed-equipped Dodge Challenger SRT8 drives exactly as it looks. Unlike the countless poseurs promising handling with oversize tires, performance with monstrous exhaust pipes, or luxury with overstuffed cabins, the Challenger SRT8 delivers only what its exterior suggests - a mountain of machismo-infused muscle-car entertainment.

We had a week with Dodge's tribute to testosterone, and it's one we won't soon forget. Contrary to its automatic-equipped siblings, the manual gearbox transforms the SRT8 from merely entertaining to positively supernatural. Make the jump to find out why this husky red coupe had us shaving twice daily.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 6-Speed

Continue reading Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 six-speed reveals its true character

Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 six-speed reveals its true character originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Dodge EV vs. Dodge Challenger

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Hybrid, Performance, Green, Videos, Dodge

Click above to watch video after the jump

A few days ago we showed you some pics of the Dodge EV concept at a local car show in Southern California. It appears that the Dodge-branded, battery-powered Lotus Europa made a few other stops in the area as well, one of which was at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Alongside the EV, the Dodge boys were displaying, among other things, a Challenger SRT-8. Well, one thing led to another and before long a battle between '60s retro muscle and modern electric power was underway. Lucky for us, someone was there with a video camera to capture the fraternal pissing match. This impromptu drag race doesn't give us any clear indication of times, but you can definitely see the EV's advantage of light weight and instant-on torque from a stop. The concept electric vehicle jumps ahead at the start, but the Challenger hangs on. Just when the big HEMI seems to be getting a full head of steam, however, they run out of space. We've embedded the video for you after jump. Check it out and let us know how you think this battle would play out on a real 1/4 mile drag strip.

Gallery: Dodge EV in the wild

[Source: ALLPAR]

Continue reading VIDEO: Dodge EV vs. Dodge Challenger

VIDEO: Dodge EV vs. Dodge Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More pics from Top Gear testing American metal

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Supercars, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, UK, Celebrities

Click above for high-res gallery

Not long after we learned that the famous Top Gear trio was in the U.S., a fan managed to snap some shots of Clarkson, Hammond and Mays testing their favorite examples of American muscle at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. The hosts made their way to salt flats by way of Reno, Nevada where they had a few modifications done to each vehicle in the name of high speed safety, namely driveshaft loops and fire extinguishers. If you saw our previous post on the subject, you already know that Clarkson is driving a Corvette ZR1, Hamster a Challenger SRT8 and May the super-fast but still luxurious Cadillac CTS-V, a car that shares much of its supercharged V8 architecture with the new force-fed mill in the 'Vette. We can already surmise that the ZR1 easily took top honors at Bonneville thanks to its slippery shape and abundance of power. Now, which car wins the comparison test? We look forward to next season to find out. Check out the gallery below for more pics of the action going down, or click here and follow the photostream. Thanks for the tips, AkulaX1 and Andi!

Gallery: Top Gear at Bonneville

[Sources: Flickr, Digital Corvettes]

More pics from Top Gear testing American metal originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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