Autoblog

Drop Top Customs puts tops on Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, proceeds to drop them

Zach Bowman — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Sedan, Chrysler, Dodge, Specialty, Design/Style

Shocking, we know. We can't imagine sawing the roof off a vehicle like the Dodge Charger SRT8 or Chrysler 300 would do the machines any favors, but we can certainly respect the gumption behind bringing more four-door convertibles into the world. That seems to be exactly what Drop Top Customs is into these days. The company has worked up a pair of Mopar sedans with their hard tops deducted. DTC says it does plenty of structural work under each vehicle to make it safe to drive with the roof removed, including the addition of a strut tower brace up front and a shock tower brace in the trunk.

Of course, hustling that big top up and down manually would be an arduous feat, so each car comes with an automatic folding soft top. There's no word on how much weight the conversion adds to the recipe, but we wouldn't expect the finished product to be a featherweight. Want more information? Head over to the Drop Top Customs site for the full skinny.

Drop Top Customs puts tops on Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, proceeds to drop them originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Dec 2012 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hagerty predicts this year's future classics

Zach Bowman — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Classics, Etc., Audi, Buick, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Jeep, Nissan, Porsche, Volkswagen

The world would be considerably less entertaining if we could all predict the future. Even so, the classic car gurus at Hagerty Insurance have cast a few chicken bones in an attempt to figure out which vehicles produced today might eventually turn collectible.

The company restricted entrants to hardware with a price tag of less than $100,000, so the list isn't populated with too many wild exotics. While vehicles like the Nissan GT-R Black Edition, Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca Edition, Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and Porsche 911 are low-hanging fruit, the list also featured a few surprises.

For starters, it begins with none other than the mighty Buick Regal GS. Hagerty says the vehicle is a win because it's the first Buick with a manual transmission since the fall of the Holy Roman Empire. The Fiat 500 Abarth also makes an appearance alongside an even hotter hatch, the Volkswagen Golf R. Of course, we're simply thrilled to see the sinister Audi TT RS make a showing. Hit the jump for the full list or view each vehicle in our gallery above.

Continue reading Hagerty predicts this year's future classics

Hagerty predicts this year's future classics originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Chrysler, Dodge, First Drives

Meet The Modern Muscle Sedan

"Did you know that it was never supposed to be called a Charger?"

The man posing the question is Ralph Gilles, President and CEO of Chrysler's SRT group. According to Gilles, the modern Charger was styled to have been branded differently, but the suits wanted a sporty full-size four-door. The design team delivered what was asked and the marketers went ahead and applied the name. Much to the chagrin of many a Mopar fanboy on the planet.

Thankfully, our time with the the affable Mr. Gilles wasn't spent pondering the last generation LX's branding issues. Or refinement issues. Or interior gaffes. Instead, Chrysler rounded up its newest factory-fettled performance superstars in Southern California so we could get some quality time with the latest generation of SRT machines, including the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8.

This updated model provides a welcome change compared to its predecessor. Some may still feel that the last-gen Charger may not have deserved to wear the badge, but Chrysler's latest is clearly closer to its B-Body brethren. To find out just how close, we strapped in and ran down some of California's finest roads on our way out to Willow Springs for some track time.

Continue reading 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: Dodge does walk-around of new performance models, including Charger SRT8

Zach Bowman — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Sedan, Performance, Videos, Crossover, Dodge

Dodge Charger SRT8 Walk Around - Click above to watch video after the jump

Itching for a closer look at the new line of performance-oriented vehicles from Dodge but don't want to brave the polyester-clad wolves at your local dealership? We have good news for you.

Dodge has been so kind as to turn out a handful of videos that focus on each and every one of the new muscle-bound pieces of hardware. The clips feature plenty of insight from Fred Deperez, head of Dodge marketing and David McDonald, the engineer responsible for crafting the luscious new Charger SRT8. The videos are rife with performance figures and long looks into the engine bay, and you even get to spend some time gawking at the vehicles' interiors as well.

Dodge has dusted off videos for the Charger SRT8, Durango R/T and even the Grand Caravan R/T for your viewing pleasure. Hit the jump to check out the footage for yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Dodge does walk-around of new performance models, including Charger SRT8

Video: Dodge does walk-around of new performance models, including Charger SRT8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chicago 2011: 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 is a 465-horsepower family sedan

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:27:00 EST

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

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're still wrapping our heads around the appearance of the new 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8, but we don't need even a second thought regarding its performance specifications. Just about anything sporting a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 putting out 465 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque will find a welcome bay in our garages, and this Charger is no exception.

Yes, the five-speed automatic is a bit of a disappointment in this day and age, but something tells us a few 12-second trips down the good ol' 1320 ought to ease that bit of pain, as would an autobahn blast at the Charger SRT8's 175 miles per hour top speed. If those tantalizing little tidbits are enough to whet your appetite for more, we highly suggest you click here to read the rest of the impressive specifications.

Naturally, you'll want to take a nice, long gander at the live photos from the 2011 Chicago Auto Show in our high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8: Chicago 2011

Gallery: 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

Chicago 2011: 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 is a 465-horsepower family sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

PCRides launches licensed Dodge Charger SRT8 desktop computer

Dan Roth — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Dodge, Toys/Games, Design/Style

PCRides Charger SRT-8 computer click above for gallery

It would be understandable, should you be lucky enough to occupy your driveway with a Dodge Charger SRT8, that the car would occupy your thoughts more often than something more bland. For high-style computing, many turn to the folks at Apple, but that's just one design direction. PC Rides has an altogether different number cruncher for those of you with a browsing history full of automotive websites.

No, it doesn't have a Hemi, but the PC Rides Charger SRT8 computer uses an Intel Core2Duo processor packed inside a unique form factor. The front bumper hides the tray for the optical drive, and out back are all the gozintas and gosoutas, which cover most bases with DVI, HDMI, six USB ports, audio, network, and VGA.

As you'd hope, appropriate SRT colors are available - no beige box here - and prices range from $1850 to $2495, depending on the level of performance you desire. The headlights fire up when the computer is on, and when the hard drive is moving data, the taillights flash, which might get annoying fast. Call it silly, but since it's an official Dodge licensed product, Chrysler calls it cash flow. Head on over to PC Rides to check out all the details, or check out the company's Facebook page instead. Gallery below, official press release posted after the jump.

Gallery: PC Rides Charger SRT8 Computer

[Source: PCRides.com]

Continue reading PCRides launches licensed Dodge Charger SRT8 desktop computer

PCRides launches licensed Dodge Charger SRT8 desktop computer originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments