Autoblog

Pull Over: Broward County Sheriff gets a full-dress Challenger R/T

Alex Nunez — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Dodge, Police/Emergency

Dodge Challenger R/T Police Car - Click above for high-res image gallery

We like police cars. Seriously. Just not when they're filling our rearview mirrors, blue-and-reds ablaze. Then, our fanboy status diminishes markedly. In the meantime, however, we get pretty jazzed when a department does something a little different and cool. This week's example comes from the Broward County Sheriff's office, which appears to have added a fully-marked Dodge Challenger R/T to its fleet. Decked out in the BSO's familiar green-and-white livery, the muscular Mopar looks like it means business, ready to take down speeders and bust up meth labs with aplomb. We totally want to see it in person the next time we're down in South Florida -- just under our own, friendly terms. Thanks for the tip, Lee!

Gallery: Broward County Sheriff Dodge Challenger R/T

[Source: Law Officer Connect]

Pull Over: Broward County Sheriff gets a full-dress Challenger R/T originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:57:00 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, 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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First Drive: SMS 570X makes 700 hp, gobs more joy

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Dodge, First Drive

SMS 570X - Click above for high-res image gallery

During the course of a wide-ranging, more than two-hour long conversation, we asked racing legend, aftermarket impresario and SMS namesake Steve Saleen what's the single most important thing he wants Autoblog readers to know about not only his new 700-horsepower 570X, but about SMS as a whole. Without missing a beat, Mr. Saleen cocked his head to one side and said, "That we're not a tuning shop. SMS is an Original Equipment Manufacturer."

"We're not a tuner.
SMS is an Original Equipment Manufacturer."
- Steve Saleen

Normally, when the head of a company that takes existing cars and modifies them says something like that, you nod politely and draw your own conclusions. But in the case of Steve Saleen, you err on the side of trust. For one thing, he's been at this for 25 years - in fact, a 1984 Saleen Mustang just sold for $80,000. Compare that price to other 1984 Mustangs. For another, he's the man behind the Saleen S7, a totally bespoke beast of a machine that's one of the most dominant supercar-based race cars ever.

Still, looking at the all-new SMS 570X, it's very hard not to see an aftermarket Dodge Challenger, albeit a heavily modified one. But keep on staring and you'll notice that not only are most of the body panels new, they're actually well constructed. More importantly, they fit together properly. And SMS cars come with actual warranties (three year/36,000 mile for the 570, one year/12,000 for the 570X) and have countless thousands of hours of R&D behind them. But really, it's only once the 570X's hood gets popped that you suddenly realize this ain't no backyard tuner.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 SMS 570X

Continue reading First Drive: SMS 570X makes 700 hp, gobs more joy

First Drive: SMS 570X makes 700 hp, gobs more joy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Jay Leno drives the 1970 Hotchkis E-Max Challenger

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Dodge, Celebrities

Jay Leno and the 1970 Hotchkis E-Max Challenger - Click above to watch video after the jump

Well, well, well -- look who's jumping on our Hotchkis bandwagon. It's none other than Jay Leno behind the wheel of the 1970 Hotchkis E-Max Challenger! What a wonderful beast of an automobile.

To refresh your memory a bit, the suspension gurus at Hotchkis wanted to build a classic muscle car that not only looked and sounded the part, but that handled like a modern performance car. In fact, they wanted to take things a step further, so they went and built an auto-crosser. To quote ourselves, "Tooling around the 'hood a bit I'm slightly amazed at how much the bright yellow Dodge feels like a go kart. A gigantic go kart, but a go kart nonetheless."

And guess what? Jay feels the same way. Well, not quite the same, as he compares the handling to a Lamborghini. We're not prepared to go quite so far, but there is no question that as far as 1970 Mopars go, this is the best handling one out there, period. One thing Jay does that we didn't get to do is place the E-Max on a lift and get a guided tour of all the fancy-pants suspension components from none other than John Hotchkis himself. They examine the poly-bushings, the shiny tie-rods and the elegant A-arms that make up the E-Max's sophisticated front end, as well as the less-than-modern (but still nifty) solid-axle leaf-sprung rear. Then they venture out into the streets of Burbank for a little hoonage, including a smoky burnout. Watch the video, after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 1970 Hotchkis E-Max Challenger T/A

Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

VIDEO: Jay Leno drives the 1970 Hotchkis E-Max Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: HPP Daytona is one big Hot Wheels toy

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:00:00 EST

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

HPP Daytona - Click above image for high-res gallery

We've been hearing about this car for three days, but we just couldn't find it. Then, just before lunch, one of our intrepid reporters tracked the beast down within the tropical bowels of Las Vegas Convention Center's Central Hall. Behold: the HPP Daytona!

Yes, it's a new Dodge Challenger wearing a Charger Daytona costume, but updated for today's muscle car aficionados. Under the hood sits a standard 5.7-liter HEMI V8, further proving the point that when it comes to the Daytona/Superbird, it's what's on the outside that counts! Luckily for us, HPP did a pretty decent job on the outside.

The nose cone works, and works well. Here comes the hate mail, but this author thinks the nose actually looks better than the original 1969 Charger Daytona's does. Here's a pic for reference. To be fair, the HPP's schnoz is actually much more like a Plymouth Superbird's than the Dodge. The wheels are great, the fake vents on the door are bad, the stance is right... and then we get to the rear wing.

While we're positive that it's the same dimensions as the mondo-sized Daytona/Superbird wing, the new Challenger's trunk is about half the length of the Sixties/Seventies cars. Meaning it looks... not quite right. Also, this Mopar muscle car has grown so much since forty years ago that the car is just screaming for more wing. But we'll still happily take one, as the HPP Daytona was/is totally worth the hunt.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: HPP Daytona Challenger

SEMA 2009: HPP Daytona is one big Hot Wheels toy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Dodge Challenger Mopar Edition

Drew Phillips — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:20:00 EST

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

Dodge Challenger Mopar Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Chevrolet Camaro might have a dominating presence on the show floor at SEMA, but there were still a handful of Dodge Challengers to wave the Mopar flag. This particular example was found tucked away in the Chrysler display described as a "Mopar Edition" and features two dozen items straight from the Mopar catalog. Some are as simple as the hood pin kit ($71), while other upgrades are more substantial like the Stage II coilover suspension system ($1,750).

We especially liked the Mopar Edition hood decal even though it's a bit pricey at $350, and the set of five-spoke, 20-inch aluminum wheels would be on our wish list as well. Follow the jump for the full list of parts installed on the car, and decide what would go on your own Mopar Challenger.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Dodge Challenger Mopar Edition

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Dodge Challenger Mopar Edition

SEMA 2009: Dodge Challenger Mopar Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Steve Saleen launches SMS Superparts

Drew Phillips — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:40:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Performance

SMS Superparts - Click above for a high-res image gallery

With SMS Supercars recently launching the 570 Challenger and with a Mustang and Camaro, it was inevitable it would soon offer many of the parts individually. On the first day of SEMA Steve Saleen and his new company announced Superparts, the aftermarket sales and distribution arm of SMS Supercars. Many of the parts on the 570 Challenger are now available individually, including the SMS 296 supercharger, aerodynamic parts, and suspension, wheel and tire packages.

Also making its debut at the show is the new SMS 296 supercharger for the 2005-2010 Ford Mustang. The system uses many of the same core components from the Challenger kit, but has a few new features specific for the 4.6-liter V8. The most notable feature is the "Duo-Path" induction system that splits the incoming air starting at the throttle body, going around the supercharger housing to the back of the engine where it enters the rear intake of the compressor. Expected power will be in the 475-650 range depending on the package.

Read more on the SMS Superparts announcement after the jump, or opt for the visuals with the '90s-style 2010 Mustang and a 570X Challenger painted in Sour Grape Green in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: SMS Superparts

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Steve Saleen launches SMS Superparts

SEMA 2009: Steve Saleen launches SMS Superparts originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Dodge Challenger 1320, living life a 1/4 mile at a time

Drew Phillips — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:56:00 EST

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

Dodge Challenger 1320 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's always somewhat dark and murky down at the Mopar booth at SEMA, but this year Chrysler managed to bring out some pretty cool concepts. One of our favorites is this Dodge Challenger 1320 (if you don't know the reference, channel you inner Vin Diesel), which started as a Drag Pak Challenger and even has a cool Christmas tree lights logo on the front fender.

The heart of the Challenger 1320 is an all-aluminum Gen III 426ci crate engine putting out 556 horsepower and 540 lb-ft torque. The folks at Mopar gave the engine bay a few unique touches including custom valve covers, intake manifold, fuel rails, and long tube headers. The body, although it looks relatively stock, has been upgraded too and features a carbon fiber hood, front spoiler, and headlight surround. If you look closely you can see that the inside headlights have been removed and ducted to the cold air intake system. Other upgrades include a Dynatrac rear end, ARB locking differential, Mopar police wheels, adjustable coilover suspension system and Mickey Thompson street-legal drag radials on all four corners. Hit the jump for the press release and check out our live photos in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Dodge Challenger 1320

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Dodge Challenger 1320, living life a 1/4 mile at a time

SEMA 2009: Dodge Challenger 1320, living life a 1/4 mile at a time originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All four new Nationwide Series cars tested at Talladega

John Neff — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Toyota

Nationwide Series cars testing at Talladega - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've already shown you the new Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger cars that will soon be running in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, but Chevy also introduced a new Impala car and Toyota a new Camry. All four new cars were out at Talladega Superspeedway today for some test runs, which gives us our first chance to view the new, more production-like bodies in the revealing light of day.

What we've learned is that all four manufacturers - Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge and Toyota - worked with NASCAR to develop the new body types that look markedly more like their production counterparts than cars raced in the upper level Sprint Cup. Those cars, based on the NASCAR Car of Tomorrow chassis, look identical from the bleachers, making the task of identifying your favorite brand practically impossible. Not so with the new Nationwide Series cars. They actually have distinct shapes that clearly communicate which pony car and/or family sedan you're watching race.

We wondered how much these new bodies would affect aerodynamics and give some brands with sleeker designs an edge, and we're told that all four cars are within "three horsepower of drag and just a few pounds of downforce." Those teams that might have an advantage are likely Chevrolet and Toyota, both of which opted to base their cars on family sedans - the Impala and Camry - with sleeker front ends. The Mustang and Challenger cars may suffer a disadvantage when it comes to wind with their more upright and recessed grilles, but Ford and Dodge will surely win the PR war with their iconic pony cars on the track.

Gallery: Nationwide Series tests four new cars at Talladega

[Source: NASCAR]

All four new Nationwide Series cars tested at Talladega originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Old Yeller: 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic in Detonator Yellow

Alex Nunez — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:19:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Dodge, Design/Style

2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic in Detonator Yellow - Click above for high-res image gallery

While it lacks the agility of the Mustang GT and the raw knuckle-dragging power of the Camaro SS, the Dodge Challenger drips with style and no small amount of comfort, plus it's plenty fun in its own right, too. As you all know, there's not a lot of new stuff going on with Chrysler's 2010 lineup, so to keep things interesting with the Challenger, they're doing it with colors. We've seen the big coupe in Plum Crazy already, and now, via Red Letter Dodge, we have our first look at a Challenger R/T Classic in Detonator Yellow, the special "high impact" color that preceded the currently-available Plum Crazy. Not shabby. Check it out in high-res in the attached gallery.

Gallery: 2010 Dodge Challenger - Detonator Yellow

[Source: Red Letter Dodge]

Old Yeller: 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic in Detonator Yellow originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Challenger NASCAR Nationwide Series racer unveiled

Alex Nunez — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:24:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Dodge

2010 Dodge Challenger New Nationwide Series racer - Click above for a high-res image gallery

NASCAR's rollout of its new Nationwide Series race car design has garnered buzz already with the introduction of the first-ever Mustang-branded stocker, and it got another shot in the arm yesterday at Talladega when Chrysler pulled the wraps off its brand-new Dodge Challenger Nationwide racer. We personally love the fact that the Challenger NNS car retains the same general front-end look as the production street car -- partially restoring an element that's been missing from stock cars for years now. The new Nationwide Mustang and Challenger will join their yet-to-be-unveiled counterparts from Chevy and Toyota (don't hold your breath for a Nationwide Camaro) in four races on the 2010 Nationwide Series calendar: Daytona in July, then later dates at Michigan, Richmond, and Lowe's Motor Speedway. The new car designs are expected to be fully adopted for the 2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series season. This process mimics the way NASCAR rolled out the Car of Tomorrow in the top-tier Sprint Cup series. Check out Dodge's official press release after the jump, and have a closer look at the new Dodge Challenger Nationwide car in the gallery below. As soon as Chrysler PR uploads photos that show more than just the car's front end (come on, guys...), we'll update the gallery.

UPDATE: NASCAR.com has shots of all four new NNS cars. The Chevy and Toyota retain Impala and Camry branding.

Gallery: 2010 Dodge Challenger NASCAR Nationwide Series Car

[Source: Dodge Motorsports]

Continue reading Dodge Challenger NASCAR Nationwide Series racer unveiled

Dodge Challenger NASCAR Nationwide Series racer unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: Speedfactory will debut 700-hp supercharged 440 HEMI-powered Challenger

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:58:00 EST

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

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

Even though last year's SEMA was ostensibly represented by the Camaro, it was Dodge Challenger City in the halls. To make sure the Challenger doesn't come up lame a year later, Speedfactory has taken a 2009 SRT8 Charger with a 6.1-liter Hemi aluminum block, bored that block out to 7.1-liters (440 cu. in.) and, among other tweaks, pasted a Vortech V3 centrifugal supercharger on top. The result is 700 horses when provided with 91 octane to drink.

To handle the boosted grunt Speedfactory has made a number of other modifications, including the installation of a Mopar Performance NAG 1 transmission and Getrag IRS with 1000 HP half-shafts. You can read get all the details in the release after the break and check out the Challenger in the high-res images below.

Gallery: Speedfactory 440 cu in Challenger

[Source: Speedfactory]

Continue reading SEMA Preview: Speedfactory will debut 700-hp supercharged 440 HEMI-powered Challenger

SEMA Preview: Speedfactory will debut 700-hp supercharged 440 HEMI-powered Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 1970 Hotchkis E-Max Dodge Challenger causes smiles lasting longer than four hours

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Dodge

1970 Hotchkis E-Max Dodge Challenger - Click above for high-res image gallery

Before we begin, we have to state up front that we've rarely - if ever - had more fun with a car than we had with the Hotchkis E-Max Challenger. And the loud yellow Dodge was in our possession for maybe five hours. Why are we cutting to the chase like this? Why not structure this review like any other and start with the basics, describe the vehicle and then state a conclusion? First of all, just look at the bloody thing: "dripping with sex" is the only proper description. But the truth is that this is more the recounting of an adventure than a plain old car review. Keep reading. You're going to have some fun. Though not nearly as much fun as we did.

This is the type of experience that as a journalist you undeniably have to go through.

But yes, we should start with the basics. Legendary suspension tuner Hotchkis took a 1970 Dodge Challenger with a 340 six-pack and built themselves an autocrosser. The list of modifications is not only the stuff of which jealousy is made, but exhaustive. Though, Hotchkis claims the E-Max isn't so wild, "Even in Auto-Cross trim, E-Max is a relatively stock vehicle compared to many of the auto-cross competitors." Good to know. That said, it's still a long list.

Here's some of it: Custom Moroso oil pan, Be Cool aluminum radiator, Red Line synthetic oil, Optima Battery, MSD ignition, Classic 5-Speed Tremec TKO, Flowmaster exhaust, Stoptech brakes, Forgeline wheels and Yokohama tires, Sparco Milano 2 seat (as in just the driver seat), Hurst Shifter. Not bad, right? Then you got all the Hotchkis stuff that lies beneath, including tubular A-arms, front and rear sport sway bars, subframe connectors, sport springs, adjustable steering rods with a fancy Flaming River power steering unit and adjustable strut rods. Says Hotchkis of their handiwork, "The bolt-on system creates a proper negative camber curve, sufficient positive camber for high speed stability and full bump and droop travel without bumpsteer. Prototype Hotchkis-Afco adjustable stocks provide high performance damping." Got it? Good - let's get to the story.

Gallery: Review: 1970 Hotchkis E-Max Challenger T/A

Continue reading Review: 1970 Hotchkis E-Max Dodge Challenger causes smiles lasting longer than four hours

Review: 1970 Hotchkis E-Max Dodge Challenger causes smiles lasting longer than four hours originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Challenger goes Plum Crazy Purple for 2010

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chrysler, Dodge, Design/Style

2010 Dodge Challenger in Plum Crazy - Click above to enlarge

Of the three classic muscle car nameplates currently on sale in the United States, the Dodge Challenger may very well sport the most retro look and feel. Whether or not that's a good thing depends on your personal point of view, but Chrysler seems happy to accept the role and is further promoting the link to Challenger's '70s heritage with a new Plum Crazy Pearl Coat color option for 2010.

In case you're not aware, Plum Crazy was the surprisingly popular deep purple hue found on the Challenger and its stablemate, the Plymouth Barracuda, during the heyday of the American muscle car wars. These days, any car originally painted up in Plum Crazy has an intrinsic value to many collectors, and it seems Dodge is hoping for a similar situation the second time around.

The purple color is only available on R/T (for $225) and SRT models (for $500) for 2010 and the package also includes Plum interior stitching and a Plum seat stripe on the SRT8. Outside, buyers can choose from either Black Dual Wide Stripes or a newly-optional set of stripes in white. Previous High Impact colors Detonator Yellow and B-5 Blue are no longer available for order.

Also new for the Challenger in 2010 is a Super Track Pack option for a reasonable $400 that allows the driver to fully disengage stability control (finally) and adds 245/45ZR20 tires from Goodyear along with an uprated suspension with Load Leveling and Height Control, Performance Steering and heavy-duty disc brakes.

[Source: Allpar, Motor Authority]

Dodge Challenger goes Plum Crazy Purple for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: A different take on Challenger vs. Camaro

Dan Roth — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Etc., Chevrolet, Dodge, Humor, Reviews

A different take on Challenger vs. Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery

The original ponycar wars have boomeranged back after forty years. Ford started it all with a retro-tasty Mustang, and Dodge and Chevrolet have rolled out new versions of the Challenger and Camaro to get in on the frenzy. Looking at the window sticker of any of these cars may seriously depress you. Your retired boomer Dad could swing it as a way to recapture the time before his potential was all used up, but you're not going to step into one of these things if the ink on your diploma has been dry for less than a year.

We have uncovered a way for anyone to get their hands on a Camaro for a price that would please even your paperboy. Better yet, it comes with its own instructional course, so you know what the heck you're doing. It's not exactly a Camaro of the vehicular variety, but HSN's limited-edition Esteban Camaro guitar (almost sold out!) can grab attention in its own right. What's more, those halcyon days of carburetors and bias ply tires are at your fingertips - classic rock tablature abounds. We figured that we'd try out the guitar with the potential to make you a rock star and compare and contrast it with the Dodge Challenger SRT8, a vehicle that nudges the driver that much closer to being chased by paparazzi. Think it's an even, if category-bending matchup? Hit the jump to find out.

Gallery: A different take on Challenger vs. Camaro

Continue reading Review: A different take on Challenger vs. Camaro

Review: A different take on Challenger vs. Camaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hurst unveils signature color combo on Series 4 Challenger

Drew Phillips — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Dodge

Hurst Silver and Black Series 4 Challenger - Click above for a high-res image gallery

We happen to love the gold theme on the Hurst Challenger, whether paired with black or white paint, but we could see why not everyone would want something so...gold. Apparently Hurst felt the same way, and has announced that customers can now choose a silver and black paint scheme with red trim, coinciding with the company's traditional colors.

The cars, all of which come with a unique production number and certificate of authenticity from Hurst, feature a red anodized pistol grip shifter, 20-inch forged wheels with graphite gray painted spoke inserts, red perforated leather inserts and stitching, and Hurst logos on the dash, grille, wheel caps, floor mats, and on the front fenders. The Performance Series cars also come standard with Eibach suspension upgrades, a Magnaflow exhaust system, BFGoodrich KDW tires, and an optional Vortech supercharger. Hit the jump for Hurst's press release and get your visual appetite sated by checking out the gallery below.

Gallery: Hurst Silver and Black Series 4 Challenger

Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Hurst Performance Vehicles]

Continue reading Hurst unveils signature color combo on Series 4 Challenger

Hurst unveils signature color combo on Series 4 Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Jay Leno promotes new show, damages 1970 Challenger

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:21:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Dodge, Celebrities, Humor

Jay Leno and friend - Click above to after the jump

Ha ha ha! Jay Leno likes cars and has a new show on NBC this fall, which, while not focused on cars, will have something to do with cars now and then. In fact, Jay went ahead and cut a trailer for his new show featuring somebody named "Rich Mantooth," comedian Fred Armisen and a Vanishing Point-style 1970 Dodge Challenger (knowing Jay, it probably is the Vanishing Point Challenger). Just after making fun of Fred for taking subways, Jay bangs up his Dodge and hi-jinks ensue! But for reals, if this is a taste of what Leno's new show has to offer, we'll probably be checking it out. Full trailer after the jump. And thanks for the tip, Andrew!

Gallery: Jay Leno and Bertone Mantide

[Source: thrfeed.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno promotes new show, damages 1970 Challenger

VIDEO: Jay Leno promotes new show, damages 1970 Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Mr. Norm's 426 Hemi Challenger and Cuda Convertible

Drew Phillips — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Dodge

Mr. Norm's 426 Hemi Cuda Convertible - Click above for a high-res image gallery

With Chrysler's woes leaving plenty of room to go gangbusters with Dodge Challenger variants, Florida-based Mr. Norm's Garage is determined to fill any gaps that need to be filled, particularly high horsepower and convertible models. The legendary Mopar performance shop unveiled the 426 Hemi Challenger and Cuda Convertibles at the Chryslers at Carlisle event in Carlisle, PA last weekend, both painted in a custom yellow hue.

When the phone call came letting us know that both cars would be in Southern California for a few days, we didn't need much convincing to go check them out for ourselves. While the retro overdose might be too much for some, there's no doubt that each of these modern day muscle cars was built with the utmost attention to detail. For instance, the Cuda's shaker hood scoop is the exact dimensions as the original, the rear fenders have been reshaped to mimic the classic lines, and the rear end features genuine '71 taillight assemblies and 'Cuda badge. Did we mention both have also been converted into ragtops?

Fortunately, both cars have the power to back up their looks. Under their hoods is the SRT8 Hemi V8 that has been bored and stroked to 426 cubic inches and then supercharged to produced 725 tire-melting horsepower running through a Dana 44 rearend. Sound like your idea of fun? Browse through our high-res galleries of both cars below or read about the full list of upgrades after the jump.

Gallery: Mr. Norm's 426 Hemi Cuda Convertible

Gallery: Mr. Norm's 426 Hemi Challenger Convertible

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: Mr. Norm's 426 Hemi Challenger and Cuda Convertible

Pics Aplenty: Mr. Norm's 426 Hemi Challenger and Cuda Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exclusive: Hurst announces Competition/Plus Dodge Challenger

Drew Phillips — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST

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

Hurst Competition/Plus Dodge Challenger - Click above for high-res image gallery

When we last visited the Hurst facility in Irvine, CA, we noticed something unusual. While nearly all of the Challengers were painted in either white or black, a lone Challenger painted in B5 Blue sat tucked away in a corner. When we inquired about the car, we were told that we would find out soon enough. Well, we know now, as Hurst has just unveiled a Competition/Plus package for the Dodge Challenger at the NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, CA.

The Competition/Plus project was started in an effort to provide a more affordable package, as well as appeal to customers who might not necessarily want the classic gold paint schemes. Named after the legendary shifter that helped make Hurst famous, the package includes only the essentials: an Eibach suspension system, Magnaflow exhaust system, Hurst 20-inch alloy wheels, color-matched leather inserts and stitching for the interior, matte black exterior accents, and, of course, a Competition/Plus short throw shifter with the classic white ball. We're told the package is available on any color of Challenger, whether it's the B5 Blue pictured here, Hemi Orange, TorRed or any other.

Pricing has yet to be announced, but full details on the car should be released soon. Until then, take a look at our exclusive gallery of photographs that were given the chance to snap a couple of days before the car's release.

Gallery: Hurst Competition/Plus Challenger

Exclusive: Hurst announces Competition/Plus Dodge Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How It's Made: Hurst Hemi Dodge Challenger

Drew Phillips — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:57:00 EST

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

How It's Made: Hurst Hemi Dodge Challenger - Click above for a high resolution gallery

At SEMA last year, the legendary shifter company Hurst made huge waves with its Hemi Challenger. We've been following Hurst's progress of the cars ever since, and even got the chance to get behind the wheel of the prototype car for a brief stint. We recently made the trip down to Hurst Performance Vehicles' headquarters in Irvine, CA to see just how stock Challengers are transformed into one of their limited edition muscle cars.

You might think that Hurst would be hard pressed to find customers in today's economy, but we were surprised to see their building overflowing with Challengers. There were completely stock cars that had just been delivered, cars getting superchargers and suspension upgrades, and plenty of complete cars waiting to be delivered to their lucky new owners.

Hurst was kind enough to give us a full tour of the facility, and showed us exactly what goes into making one of their Challengers, whether it's a base Series 2 model or a full blown Series 5 with all the bells and whistles. Follow us on our tour in the gallery below, which includes high-res photographs and detailed descriptions that follow a Hurst Challenger from start to finish.

Gallery: How It's Made: Hurst Hemi Dodge Challenger

How It's Made: Hurst Hemi Dodge Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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