Autoblog

Spy Shots: 2011 Dodge Charger prototype bagged in testing

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:39:00 EST

Speculation regarding the 2011 Dodge Charger has run rampant ever since a particularly intriguing picture was shown during Chrysler's major day-long, five-year business plan slideshow that was broadcast online. It was obvious that the car pictured was not a current Charger or a previous concept, so the natural conclusion is that it was an intentional teaser of an exciting new product.

Judging by this series of spy shots from Car and Driver, it would appear that some of the more radical styling elements previewed in Chrysler's presentation will make it to production on the 2011 Dodge Charger. Starting up front we, see a more rounded and prominent crosshair grille. We also note that the greenhouse appears more flowing with a sharply raked windshield.

Along the bodysides, it's apparent that the 2011 Charger will have very pronounced hips and shoulders with what appears to be a camouflaged accent directly behind the front wheel wells. At the very rear, the next Charger echoes the changes we saw up front with a smoother rear fascia and new tail light design. So, do you like what you see?

[Source: Car and Driver]

Spy Shots: 2011 Dodge Charger prototype bagged in testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chrysler reportedly set to extend holiday shutdown at five plants

Chris Shunk — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler

Dodge Viper ACR - Click above for a high res image gallery

During last year's holiday season Chrysler's rank and file were faced with extended holiday shutdowns. The reason was simple: Millions of Americans decided to stop buying vehicles due to the economic downturn. While the market is still down, auto sales have stabilized and the Pentastar isn't dealing with an outrageously bloated inventory, but Chrysler vehicles aren't flying off dealer lots. Chrysler was the only major automaker to see year over year sales down by double digits in November and the automaker's short-turn sales outlook is anything but rosy.

The Wall Street Journal reports that for the second straight year many Chrysler workers will be on extended shutdown during the holidays, with five plants taking three week leaves beginning December 21. Vehicles affected by production shutdowns include the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans, the Dodge Viper, Charger and Challenger, the Chrysler 300 and the Jeep Wrangler. Also under consideration for an extended layoff is the Dodge Ram. The Pentastar originally planned to shutter the plants for the typical ten-day holiday shutdown. To help combat continued slow sales Chrysler has increased its advertising budget.

[Source: Wall Streer Journal - sub. req'd]

Chrysler reportedly set to extend holiday shutdown at five plants originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEMA 2009 Worst of Show: This car stinks...

Jonny Lieberman — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:04:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Sedan, Dodge, Specialty

Worst of Show - Click above image for hi-res gallery

Stinks. You might think that we're talking about the overall design of this shockingly orange scissor-door/scissor-trunk Dodge Charger R/T. Or the build quality, what with panel gaps that you can insert your index finger into, wheels so large the tie-rods can't hold them and the world's saddest piece of vinyl covering the trunk's goofy hinge. You might even be under the impression that we're referring to the poor Charger's taillights, which set a new SEMA low. But you'd be mistaken. While this poor, 26-inch dubbed Charger has no doubt been beaten to death with the SEMA stick, we're actually talking about its odor. Quite literally, it smells like synthetic cat urine.

The why and the how of this particular example of aftermarket hubris and wretched, mindless - and let's not forget pointless - excess don't really matter now, as the poor thing will spend the next 15 years quietly rotting in the side yard of some shop in Joliet, Illinois waiting to either shrug off this mortal coil or get turned into a fine LeMons car right around 2025 - whichever comes first. Despite the poor design and execution, the pointy end of our query-arrow is pointed straight at the heart of where the offending aroma came from. Did they finish off the interior with a nice shellacking of formaldehyde? Or, is this rough, slouching-towards-Bethlehem beast already sleeping outside, doors scissored up with cats as tenants? Who knows. But it's easily the Worst of Show; a sad, unfortunate offering at an otherwise entertaining and action-packed event.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Stinking Scissor Trunk Charger

SEMA 2009 Worst of Show: This car stinks... originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee launch threatened by parts dispute?

Chris Shunk — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - Click above for high res image gallery

Chrysler and Daimler have been divorced for nearly three years, but the two automakers are still very much entwined when it comes to product. The Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger use a platform and several components sourced from Daimler. Chrysler's short-term product plans include more Daimler DNA in the the Mercedes-Benz M-Class architecture that forms the basis for the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango underpinnings.

Unfortunately for the Pentastar, Daimler doesn't seem to want to play parts pimp for its former underling, as it is shorting the company of vital components required to continue operations. In August, Chrysler filed suit against Daimler because the German automaker was withholding parts like torque converters and steering columns. That suit has reportedly been settled, but now Chrysler alleges that the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee launch is now in jeopardy. As such, Chrysler has filed a second suit to force Daimler to provide rear axles and other components in a timely fashion, stating that the company needs the parts to build new Grand Cherokee models for testing in advance of the vehicle's May launch.

Daimler spokesman Han Tjan reportedly told The Detroit News that his company feels the situation could be handled outside the courts, but Chrysler doesn't seem inclined to agree. It appears Chrysler is trying to hedge its bets by filing suit, as company spokesman Michael Palese told the News that the company needs the parts in the next 20 days and the company wants Daimler to finalize the contract to supply the parts. Palese added, "Chrysler has too much at stake to take a chance. These are important vehicle programs at a critical point in their launch cycle. We can't afford any delays."

This parts battle is part of a larger war (so to speak) between Daimler and Chrysler over diesel engines. Daimler wants $80 million from Chrysler to cover expenses the former incurred when Chrysler didn't purchase as many diesel engines as expected from Daimler to service the overseas market. Daimler wants the $80 million as a make-good for the lost volume. Chrysler says its recent bankruptcy shields it in this particular conflict, saying that the process resolved any lingering contract disputes, and that its new master, Fiat, isn't on the hook for the money. Ultimately, it boils down to this: Auburn Hills wants the courts to rule that all past contracts are still in effect -- ensuring a parts supply flow from Daimler for the affected new vehicle programs -- and that the Detroit automaker doesn't owe the Germans any money. If things don't go Chrysler's way, it looks as if life could get really ugly for Fiat's new ward.

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[Source: Detroit News]

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee launch threatened by parts dispute? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Oct 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Chrysler files suit against Daimler, says former parent is threatening production

Chris Shunk — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz

When Daimler offloaded Chrysler onto Cerberus back in 2007, the well-heeled German automaker was likely ecstatic. Considering the fact that Daimler left Chrysler without much in the way of new product, the feeling was likely mutual. While the two automakers have parted ways, Chrysler still relies on its former parent for some vital parts and as Automotive News tells it, Chrysler says that Daimler suddenly isn't in the mood to give them up.

Chrysler is reportedly suing Daimler for withholding steering columns and torque converters, saying that the shortage of vital parts is threatening the production of the Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Charger, as well as the launch of the next generation Jeep Grand Cherokee. Daimler told AN that Chrysler's claims were "without merit," and at the same time, the German automaker is demanding $78 million from Chrysler for engines the company never delivered. In the formal complaint, Chrysler spokesman Gualberto Ranieri says Daimler's demand for payment "is designed to extort a settlement by wrongfully withholding crucial parts that Daimler has contractually committed to supply to Chrysler Group."

Daimler says Chrysler owes the money since the Auburn Hills, MI based automaker didn't order as many 2.2-liter diesel engines, which are offered in European PT Cruisers, as it agreed to use. Chrysler counters that an April 17 agreement between the two automakers settled several disputes between the two companies, including the volume shortfall. The agreement between the two automakers was likely a preemptive move prior to Chrysler's bankruptcy filing on April 30. Call us crazy, but it looks like it may be a while before Daimler and Chrysler finally kiss and make up.

[Source: Automotive News, subs req'd]

REPORT: Chrysler files suit against Daimler, says former parent is threatening production originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chrysler to restart seven North American plants by end of month

Chris Paukert — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler

Hot on the heels of news that the Dodge Viper's Conner Avenue facility would be the first Chrysler plant to fire up after the company's bankruptcy proceedings/Fiat tie-up comes official word that the automaker will resume production at seven plants the week of June 29. In addition, Chrysler will bring the supporting powertrain and stamping plants online that supply the assembly factories listed below with parts.

According to Ed Garsten, Chrysler's manager of electronic media communications, the following assembly plants will resume production as part of a "phased production ramp-up" -

Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (Sterling Heights, MI) - Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger
Warren Truck Assembly Plant (Warren, MI) - Dodge Ram and Dodge Dakota
St. Louis North Assembly Plant (Fenton, MO) - Dodge Ram
Toledo Supplier Park (Toledo, OH) - Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Brampton Assembly Plant (Brampton, Ontario, Canada) - Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Challenger
Windsor Assembly Plant (Windsor, Ontario, Canada ) - Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan
Toluca Assembly Plant (Toluca, Mexico) - Dodge Journey and Chrysler PT Cruiser

Despite the start-ups, all Chrysler plants will again idle for two weeks in the second half of July as part of a previously scheduled summer break.

Source: Chrysler | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Chrysler to restart seven North American plants by end of month originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Review: 2009 Dodge Charger SXT 3.5

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 11:59:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedan, Dodge, Reviews

2009 Dodge Charger SX 3.5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been almost a year since a Dodge Charger passed through the Autoblog Garage, and this go-around was very different from the last. Comparedto our last Charger, this one is positively subtle. Last time around, we sampled one of Dodge's police car demonstrators decked out in full law enforcement regalia including a roof-top light bar and traditional black-and-white paint job. Driving the cop Charger was a mix of euphoria and paranoia. This time, Chrysler sent over a civilian SXT model powered by the company's 3.5-liter V6.

While the name hearkens back to coupes of the '60s and '70s (we'll ignore the forgettable badge job Omni edition of the '80s, thank you very much!) this is a full-sized sedan in the great American tradition. Given the current economic environment, future fuel economy regulations and the likely trajectory of gas prices, this is also a tradition that may be on its last legs. Read on after the jump to find out if this is a tradition worth preserving.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Dodge Charger SXT 3.5

Continue reading Review: 2009 Dodge Charger SXT 3.5

Review: 2009 Dodge Charger SXT 3.5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nardelli confirms Chrysler hard at work on new Durango, 300 and Charger

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Chrysler

Chrysler chieftan Bob Nardelli sent a letter to "all employees, dealers, suppliers and other stakeholders" to explain what's happening at the smallest of the Detroit trio. Everything done now falls under one of three umbrellas: enhancing the core, which is improving products, quality, and dealer and customer relations; extending the business with new products or by growing existing products into new areas; and expanding the market with global alliances to fill gaps in the product portfolio.

At the bottom line, Chrysler has lowered its fixed costs by more than $3.4 billion, and has also saved money by achieving the lowest warranty claim rate in the company's history over the past 12 months. Some of that savings - and the bridge loan - are being poured into product renewals: Chrysler plans 24 new vehicle launches from now to 2011, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Charger and Durango, and the Chrysler 300.

The push into technologies and segments will commence in part with Chrysler's ENVI electric vehicle program, the new Phoenix V6 engine, and the potential tie-up with Fiat. The Pentastar aims to have one electric car in production by 2010, four in production by 2013.

The Fiat tie-up would give the Italian company a 35% stake in Chrysler in return for Chrysler getting access to Fiat's small car platforms. The deal is still pending some serious due diligence, but no money would change hands, and Nardelli reassures his readers that none of the taxpayer money would go to Fiat. Nardelli also mentions that the union would also give Chrysler a jedi tutor in the area of restructuring, since Fiat only recently turned itself around. Follow the link for the rest of Nardelli's words.

[Source: The Scoop]

Nardelli confirms Chrysler hard at work on new Durango, 300 and Charger originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jan 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Next-gen Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger to beat CAFE standards, get 8-speed auto

Chris Shunk — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:33:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Green, Chrysler, Dodge

It's pretty obvious at this point that Cerberus doesn't want to keep Chrysler, and turbulent economic realities have scuttled what few available prospects there would have been for new ownership. Some have openly wondered whether team Pentastar is even working on new products at all. Product development VP Frank Klegon insists that new Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models are on their way, and he points to the next 300/Charger as proof.

Klegon told Automotive News at the LA Auto Show that the 2011 redesign of these two large, rear-wheel-drive sedans will beat projected 2011 CAFE standards. That feat will be accomplished with improvements to aerodynamics, axle ratios and upgraded engines. Klegon mentioned that the upcoming Phoenix engines, the development of which has not been cancelled, would motivate the Charger and 300. The new Phoenix family of V6 engines will have variable valve timing, cylinder deactivation and direct injection among its many efficiency increasing technologies. Automotive News also mentioned that Chrysler may employ an eight-speed automatic transmission to further improve performance and fuel economy. We don't know of any Chrysler transmission projects that are this ambitious, and Daimler currently utilizes only seven cogs in its Mercedes lineup, but suppliers like Aisin and ZF already have 8 speeds on the market.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Next-gen Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger to beat CAFE standards, get 8-speed auto originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEMA 2008: Charger Coupe shows up in General Lee trim

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 19:06:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Classics, Coupe, Dodge, Celebrities

Click above for high-res gallery of the Charger Coupe

We had heard rumors that there was going to be a Dodge Charger Coupe at SEMA this year. We had hoped it would be something like the Charger show car from several years ago, the black one that looked a lot like the bad guy's car in Bullitt. In fact, that car was supposed to be made and shown at SEMA, but we never tracked it down. What we did find was probably just as good. If it wasn't going to be black, it might as well have been orange, and orange it was. Orange with a black confederate flag on the roof and a big "01" on the doors. Yep, it was the General Lee. In a year when we saw a Fast and Furious real Charger, a Bullitt movie Mustang, the Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters, and a smart fortwo that had made a trip to the Batcave, it was probably inevitable that we would find the General amidst all of the Challengers and other MOPARS on display. Not that we're complaining or anything.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: General Lee Charger Coupe

SEMA 2008: Charger Coupe shows up in General Lee trim originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Nov 2008 19:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Dodge recalls over 20,000 Charger and Magnum cop cars

Michael Harley — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Chrysler, Dodge, Police/Emergency

Click above for high-res gallery of the Dodge Charger Cop Car

Demonstrating that good cop cars can also go bad, Chrysler has announced a recall of Dodge Chargers and Magnums equipped with the police package and column shifter. While the cars aren't exactly taking sides with the villainous, they are having difficulty displaying the proper transmission gearshift position on the dash. This error is leading to more than a few headaches for men and women in uniform, and can be downright dangerous if they're not in the gear they think they are. The recalled cruisers are 2006-2009 models, and they number more than 20,000 strong (including the 150 sold to Kuwait). Dealers will reportedly add a locking mechanism to the gearshift cable to keep the displays honest.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: Dodge Charger Cop Car

[Source: Good Car Bad Car]

Dodge recalls over 20,000 Charger and Magnum cop cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Force Performance building two-door TriCharger

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Trends, Coupe, Performance, Dodge

Click above for more shots of the Force Performance TriCharger

Fans of the classic B-Body Dodge Charger from the late '60s and early '70s have long been disappointed that Chrysler released the modern Charger as a four-door sedan. Despite being a sales success, there is still a faction of die-hard MOPAR fans who believe it was a mistake to put the Charger name badge on anything other than a two-door. We'll be polite and leave the '80's four-cylinder front-wheel-drive Charger out of the discussion - oops. A company by the name of Force Performance is currently working hard to rectify the situation by chopping up an LX-based Dodge Charger into a coupe. As you can see from the pictures in our gallery, the scalloped doors from the 68-70 Charger have made the conversion along with a twin-nostril split grille reminiscent of the classic '69. We can also see a well-domed hood, which is necessary for clearance over the insane HEMI V8 engine that's both twin turbocharged and supercharged. Three blowers, hence the TriCharger name. Awesome. Thanks for the tip, Orange Bread!

Gallery: Force Performance TriCharger

[Source: Force Performance]

Force Performance building two-door TriCharger originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

New Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300 confirmed for 2010

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Chrysler

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Dodge Charger

Ending speculation about what new products Chrysler will be rolling out in 2010 is none other than Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli. Now confirmed are redesigned full-size sedans in the form of a new Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 as well as a new Jeep. While none of these vehicles is likely to be particularly fuel efficient, the man behind the scenes at Chrysler also stressed that new fuel-saving models are on their way by means of the automaker's recent partnership with Nissan. We believe that the new vehicle will be a version of the Dodge Hornet concept that we've seen everywhere these last few years.

The redesigned 300 from Chrysler and the Charger from Dodge will be extremely important launches. We expect the square-jawed styling to be radically different since Ralph Gilles, who has promised more "organic" styling, is now head of design. Lastly, we're still a bit skeptical that Chrysler will be able to launch an electric car by 2010, we'd love to be proven wrong. A hybrid drivetrain for the Charger and 300, though, seems like a real possibility.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

New Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300 confirmed for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Dealer selling Dodge Chargers branded "SRT-6"

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 28 May 2008 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Tuners, Sedan, Dodge, Carsumer Advocacy

Click above more more images of the Dodge Charger "SRT-6"

When is a Chrysler product branded as an SRT-6 not really an SRT-6? When it comes from Scott McCorkle's Liberty Dodge in Charlotte, NC. The dealership has created what it is referring to as a Dodge Charger SRT-6, though its fitted with just the standard 2.7 liter V6 engine and no performance mods. Also absent are the normal SRT-spec suspension, braking or interior refinements. So, what exactly is it that makes this vehicle qualify as an SRT? Umm, nothing; besides some cosmetic tweaks that range from new wheels to some leftover Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 badges, there is nothing at all with which to distinguish this model from a run-of-the-mill base model Charger. Sheesh, way to dilute the SRT brand, guys.

We would never suggest that making modifications to a stock vehicle is a bad thing. Far from it, in fact. We do, however, feel a bit bad for all the SRT engineers at Dodge who do an admirable job of taking a normal car and making it much, much better. When pressed, the dealership admits that what it's done amounts to nothing more than simple cosmetics, but we feel that they shouldn't have messed with the SRT badge in the process. Thanks for the tip, Bill!

Gallery: Dodge Charger "SRT-6"

[Source: Dodge Charger Forums]

Dealer selling Dodge Chargers branded "SRT-6" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 May 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Sam Hubinette filming Gallardo drifting commercial for Lamborghini

Merritt Johnson — Sat, 10 May 2008 13:26:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Supercars, Dodge, Lamborghini

He usually spends his time behind the wheel of a Dodge Charger, but recently Samuel Hübinette made an exchange for something with a lower roofline. Lamborghini asked him to take a seat in a 2009 Gallardo for the filming of a European-market commercial set on the streets of Los Angeles and Palm Springs. Blowing tire smoke for the camera is nothing new to Sam since his blue Mopar-mobile has been featured in many a BF Goodrich tire commercial. Unlike the Charger though, the Gallardo isn't quite the towering elephant. It is also equipped with all wheel drive, a feature that requires a bit more driving finesse in order to pull off an extended slide. Look for the spot to hit YouTube sometime in the not too distant future. Also follow the link to see a few more of Sam's photos from filming.

Thanks for the tip, Eric!
[Source: Samuel Hubinette Blog]

Sam Hubinette filming Gallardo drifting commercial for Lamborghini originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 May 2008 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

eBay Find of the Day: John Schneider's General Lee going for $2.3 million

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 02 May 2007 14:25:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions, Dodge

Click image for full gallery of John Schneider's original General Lee

While we might stop just short of calling it "The most famous model of the most famous car in the world!" as the seller does, we wholeheartedly agree that this is one of the most iconic cars in cinematic history. And when the seller happens to be one of the stars of the show that made the car famous, well, this is easily one of the most valuable star cars in recent memory. Bo Duke, aka John Schneider, (aka Jonathan Kent - Ed.) is auctioning off his personal "General Lee" Dodge Charger R/T. According to John, this particular car was one of the cars featured in the last REAL Dukes of Hazzard movie, "Dukes Go To Hollywood". The underside of the the hood is autographed by all of the surviving orginal cast members and crew from the TV show, as well. It was also the prototype for all of the General Lees used in the most recent Jessica Simpson Dukes of Hazzard movie.

Thanks for the tip, Matt!

[Source: eBay]

Gallery: General Lee Charger

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: John Schneider's General Lee going for $2.3 million

eBay Find of the Day: John Schneider's General Lee going for $2.3 million originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 May 2007 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spring Festival of LXs: Yep, they ALL have Hemis in them

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Chrysler, Dodge, First Drive

Click the above image for a high-res gallery of Drew Phillips' photos from the event

Spring Festival of LXs - that's the official name of the event, but we doubt many will make the connection to Chrysler's current crop of Hemi cars - you know, the hot-selling, multi-configurable, rough-and-tumble Charger/Magnum/300C platform. It would probably be better to rename it as the Modern Hemi Car Event or some derivitive thereof. Well, whatever they call it, close to 400 cars were in attendance (340 registered cars) at the DaimlerChrysler west coast headquarters in Irvine. Lots of SRTs in the group, too.

Besides all of the proud owners, special guests included Burke S. Brown (chief engineer of the LX vehicle program), Kris Pakizer (Chrysler 300 brand manager), Zoran Bogdanovic (Charger and Magnum brand manager), MOPAR's drift master Sam Hubinette, and of course, DUB, with several of their modified LXs including one of only two officially approved Barbie Edition specials with pink-over-silver paint and Swarovski crystal highlights. The event even hosted a wedding between two LX owners.

Saturday was the fun shine and show, but on Sunday class reconvened at California Speedway in Fontana. The participants had a lot to choose from during their track day. They were allowed to run on the road course (which includes part of the Speedway oval), they could do an autocross session, try their foot at the burnout contest, or even take a lick at the donut competition. We love when manufacturers rally the troops and treat them to a special day enjoying their vehicles they way they were meant to be.

[Source: Muscle Car News]

Gallery: Spring Festival of LXes

Spring Festival of LXs: Yep, they ALL have Hemis in them originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2007 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chrysler recalls more than 68k 2007s

Chris Tutor — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 14:10:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Chrysler, Daimler

If you own a 2007 Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep listen up, because you're likely affected by Chrysler's latest recall. DaimlerChrysler is bringing home more than 68,000 vehicles to reprogram balky brake computers.

The 11 affected models are 2007 versions of the Sebring, 300, Charger, Magnum, Caliber, Commander, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Nitro and Compass. Whew.

Chrysler says computers in the recalled vehicles' could fail, leading to a loss of antilock brakes, traction control and speedomter functions. We don't remember much from our drivers' ed class, but we're pretty sure brake failure is hardly ever a good thing. Thankfully DC says nobody's been hurt yet.

Oh, and you Sebring drivers must have broken a mirror or something. While one team of crack DC mechanics gives your car a brain transplant, another team will be reteaching it to defrost your windshield. So take a book or something. That particular recall affects about 6,000 new Sebrings.

[Source: Reuters]

Chrysler recalls more than 68k 2007s originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Dec 2006 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Chicks dig the Chodge Darger...er...Dodge Charger

Alex Nunez — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Videos, Dodge

More vintage musclecar TV goodness, this time from Dodge in a spot for the 1970 Charger 500. Elliot is a dweeb who looks like he's about to take the next big step with his sweetheart, Charlotte. But then a bikini-clad beauty named Sheila and her friends come along, smitten with the Charger, its hidden headlights, Hurst shifter, high-back seats, and somehow, the man behind the wheel.

He's just learned what it's like to be Dodge Material. Poor Charlotte.

[Source: YouTube]

VIDEO: Chicks dig the Chodge Darger...er...Dodge Charger originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Oct 2006 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Muscle cars continue to fetch big bucks

Erin Mays — Mon, 05 Jun 2006 18:55:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Auctions

It's not just classic Ferraris and rare Jaguars raking in the bucks when the auction hammer drops -- extraordinary specimens surviving (or recreated) from the muscle car era continue to bring six and seven-figure bids, the New York Times reports. Why would cars that went for a few grand -- brand new -- be going for over a million dollars forty years later? Because rich boys (and girls) like their toys, and they're wiling to pay for them, the paper says.

Check out the article for a more in-depth look at changing tastes in high-priced collectible cars.

[Source: New York Times]

Muscle cars continue to fetch big bucks originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jun 2006 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments