Autoblog

Autoblog Podcast #184 - IPOs, Manly Minivans, City Cars and Hemi horsepower

Dan Roth — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Dodge, GM, Honda, Infiniti, Nissan, Earnings/Financials, Rumormill

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Chris Shunk rejoins Sam, Alex and Dan for Episode #184 of the Autoblog Podcast. Topics we mull are Tesla's actual IPO and General Motors' apparently impending public offering. Gordon Murray's T.25 city car makes the cut before we do a 180 and talk about the possibility of a 480-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT8 and a manlier minivan. It ends with your feedback, a tidy hour and ten minutes. See you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #184 - IPOs, Manly Minivans, City Cars and Hemi Horsepower

In the Autoblog Garage:

Infiniti G37x Coupe
Honda CR-Z
Nissan Altima V6

News:

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid, Alex Nunez, Chris Shunk

Runtime: 71:22

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Feedback:
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Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

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Autoblog Podcast #184 - IPOs, Manly Minivans, City Cars and Hemi horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:28:00 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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Followup: Not so fast, says dealer of Dodge Challenger eBay debacle

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:56:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Dodge

Earlier this week, we shared with you the budding saga of "Hitman" and the fact that he had won a 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 from Glenn E Thomas Dodge Chrysler Jeep for the amazing low price of $29,100 - about $13,000 less than the car is worth and also $13,000 less than Glenn Thomas wanted to sell it for. However, because eBay auctions are "legally binding" contracts and the dealer failed to put in a reserve, tough turkey, you gotta sell the car at a loss, right? Not quite.

We just got off the phone with John Davis, the general manager of Glenn E Thomas. Here's his side of the story: About two weeks ago, Glenn put the SRT8 up on eBay with a Buy It Now price of $43,425 and a Reserve price of $42,995. Six days into the seven day auction, Davis says that the dealership changed the Buy It Now price to match the lower Reserve price. At that time, the highest bid was about $21,000 (around half of the Reserve) and Glenn was hoping that a lowered Buy it Now price would drum up some bids. It did, in fact - but not for the reasons Glenn wanted.

Here's where the story gets fuzzy... Follow the jump to hear the rest of the dealership's side of the story.

Continue reading Followup: Not so fast, says dealer of Dodge Challenger eBay debacle

Followup: Not so fast, says dealer of Dodge Challenger eBay debacle originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yet Again: Dealer accused of failing to honor eBay deal for new car and this time it's a Dodge Challenger

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Dodge

It's like déjà vu all over again. Fact: Dude wins an eBay auction for a 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with 250 miles on the odometer. Fact: Usually a new (or in this case, new-ish) SRT8 sells for about $41,000. Fact: Winning bid was $29,100. Opinion: Sweet deal, bro!

Of course there's the small matter of the people selling it not wanting to let it go for that price. The seller, Glenn E Thomas Dodge Chrysler Jeep in Signal Hill, CA near Long Beach, has apparently made the same mistake that Glenn Hyundai of Lexington, KY made with the Genesis Coupe. Meaning that somebody at Glenn E Thomas forgot to set a reserve on the auction, and they just sold a car for much less than they'd planned.

There's a 20+ page "discussion," raging over at Challengertalk.com. Opinions are slightly mixed, but it seems that the overriding sentiment is that the buyer (named Hitman) won the auction fair and square and that once again, a novice dealer has wandered into the minefield that is selling a new car for less than they intended via eBay. Last we heard, Hyundai of America stepped in and helped settle the Genesis Coupe debacle. Good luck to Hitman, that (possibly) lucky SOB.

[Source: Challengertalk]

Yet Again: Dealer accused of failing to honor eBay deal for new car and this time it's a Dodge Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:01:00 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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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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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, New Car 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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First Drive: Classic Design Concepts Group 2 Widebody Challenger

Drew Phillips — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Supercars, Dodge, First Drives

CDC Group 2 Widebody Challenger - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Challenger SRT8 marked the official return last year of the musclecar to the Dodge lineup, and its retro styling, 425-horsepower V8 and tire-shredding capabilities had Mopar enthusiasts giddy with excitement. What, you say, could be much better? Enter Classic Design Concepts. The Novi, Michigan-based company has been adding its visual touch to cars since 1990, and recently tried its hand at Dodge's new musclecar. The result? The Group 2 Widebody Challenger that made its debut at SEMA in 2008. We were instantly smitten with the car's aggressive appearance on the show floor, and were determined to get a closer look if we ever had the chance. Jumping forward a couple of months, we recently learned that the car would be out in Southern California for a Mopar gathering. A phone call to CDC later and we were fortunate enough to land an afternoon behind the wheel of this 575-horsepower bona fide modern musclecar.

Gallery: First Drive: Classic Design Concepts Widebody Challenger

Continue reading First Drive: Classic Design Concepts Group 2 Widebody Challenger

First Drive: Classic Design Concepts Group 2 Widebody Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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1,000 hp, twin-supercharged Dodge Challenger by RDP Motorsport

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Dodge

Click above to enlarge

Excessive power is just enough, right? If you abide by that rule of thumb, perhaps you'd be interested in RDP Motorsport's latest offering, which trumps the Challenger's SRT8's 6.1L Hemi and its 425 horsepower with a stroked version displacing a classic 440 cubic inches. That block is topped with a duo of superchargers that offer an astounding 1,000 horsepower. Oh yeah, it's also boosted with two nitrous kits. That's enough grunt to catapult the portly Challenger down the 1/4 mile in the nines, and if that's not fast enough for you, we suggest therapy.

This outrageous pony car was recently unveiled at the PRI Show in Florida and is definitely a bit overkill for most people's needs. So, while the Australian company will be happy to replicate this powertrain combination for you for a price, it's good to know that RDP will work with you to design pretty much whatever you need on a custom basis. Check out the video after the break for more.

[Source: RDP Motorsport via Challenger Blog via Motor Authority]

Continue reading 1,000 hp, twin-supercharged Dodge Challenger by RDP Motorsport

1,000 hp, twin-supercharged Dodge Challenger by RDP Motorsport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8

Chris Shunk — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Coupe, Chrysler, Dodge

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

Back in September we reviewed the V6-powered Dodge Challenger SE, and our conclusion was that an uninspiring engine and benign handling was trumped by terrific curb appeal and an affordable price tag. The R/T model we reviewed yesterday fared even better, with a near perfect combination of brawn and beauty. It was fun spending time behind the wheel of both the SE and R/T models, but we knew we had to get our hands on a fire-breathing, 425-hp 6.1L HEMI V8 to see how capable the Challenger could be at full tilt. After all, there are few things in life better than classic muscle car looks combined with a brute-force V8. And if there are two available V8 engines, it just makes sense that we'd prefer the Challenger with the most powerful powerplant. Did Dodge hit the mark with its top Challenger? We welcomed the Challenger SRT8 into the Autoblog Garage to find out for ourselves.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8

In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 11:58:00 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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VIDEO: GM's Chris Berube could school Clarkson on burnouts

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Videos, Supercars, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge

Click above to view videos from the latest Top Gear after the jump

Top Gear is widely regarded as the best television show ever produced about cars. The production values are outstanding, the hosts are amusing and their tamed racing driver, "the Stig", is amazing to watch as he improves his mind while hustling cars around the test track. A few months back we all got wind that Jeremy, Richard and James had returned to the U.S. for another road trip. This time around they headed to the West Coast to drive a new Corvette ZR1, Cadillac CTS-V and Dodge Challenger SRT-8 from San Francisco to the Bonneville Salt Flats. Along the way, Jezza decided to stop at some desolate spot somewhere in Nevada or Utah to lay down some black lines on the pavement. Now while we generally love to watch Mr. Clarkson playing with fast cars, he doesn't quite seem to have mastered the art of the burnout. If you start about 9 minutes into the first clip after the jump and continue to the second and third videos, you'll see our favorite limey trio attempting to shred their tires during last night's second episode of Series 12 (Download via bittorrent here). Compared to Clarkson in the ZR1, Hammond and May were utterly hopeless in their Challenger SRT-8 and Cadillac CTS-V, respectively. After that, watch the last video with GM's Chris Berube showing us all how it's done properly in both the ZR1 Vette and Caddy CTS-V.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: GM's Chris Berube could school Clarkson on burnouts

VIDEO: GM's Chris Berube could school Clarkson on burnouts originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: Challenger SRT10 Concept ultimate response to not having a HEMI in that thing

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:20:00 EST

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

Click above for high-res gallery of Challengers SRT10 from SEMA

That thing got a Hemi in it?
Nope. Doesn't need one. It has a Viper V10.
Oh. Ohhhhh.

The Challenger SRT10 Concept, as you no doubt know, sports the 8.4L V10 engine from the Viper SRT10. All 600 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque in that retro mod muscle car is probably too much power for the Challenger's rear tires, so expect smokey skies to always accompany overambitious throttle inputs. Besides the obviously welcome Viper mill, the Challenger SRT10 concept features a carbon fiber front splitter and rear deck lid, a new rear spoiler, BILSTEIN shocks at all four corners, larger wheels, bigger brakes and quad exhaust tips out back. There's also carbon fiber trim inside the cockpit along with new sports seats and a red engine push-button start just like in the Viper. It all ads up to one seriously awesome piece of retro goodness. Check out the gallery of live shots and the full press release after the jump.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Challenger SRT10

Gallery: Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept

Continue reading SEMA 2008: Challenger SRT10 Concept ultimate response to not having a HEMI in that thing

SEMA 2008: Challenger SRT10 Concept ultimate response to not having a HEMI in that thing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: Hurst/HEMI Challenger packed with 500+hp for Vegas trip

Drew Phillips — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Dodge

Click above for a high resolution image

Hurst is no stranger to offering up special edition Mopars. The 1970 Chrysler 300 Hurst packed a 440ci "TNT" V8 with 375 horsepower, as well as a fiberglass hood and trunk, Satin Tan leather interior, and a Spinnaker-White paint scheme with gold trim. Ok, that was nearly 40 years ago, but Hurst is still going strong and planning to renew its Mopar connection with a limited edition Dodge Challenger that will make its debut at SEMA this year. The Hurst Challenger will be available in four trim levels and include features like a supercharger system good for 500 horsepower, 5-spoke Hurst alloy wheels, and a "Pistol-Grip" Hurst shifter. Pricing will start at a $10,000 premium over the stock Challenger and could go as high as $20,000 for the top level model. Follow the jump for the press release from Hurst.

Gallery: 2009 Hurst Dodge Challenger SRT8

[Source: Hurst via Edmunds.com]

Continue reading SEMA Preview: Hurst/HEMI Challenger packed with 500+hp for Vegas trip

SEMA Preview: Hurst/HEMI Challenger packed with 500+hp for Vegas trip originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT-8 w/VIDEO

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Dodge, First Drives

Click the Challenger for a high res gallery

During the recent What's New event at Chrysler's Chelsea Proving Ground, we had the opportunity to sample the new Dodge Challenger SRT-8. For the 2008 model year, Chrysler is only building SRT-8 versions of the Challenger with a combination of the 6.1L HEMI V8 and a five-speed automatic transmission. We first saw the production version of the Challenger earlier this year at the Chicago Auto Show and while we thought the styling was great with perfect muscle car proportions, it is undoubtedly a big car. The Challenger is built on Chrysler's LX platform shared with the 300 and Charger. Compared to the Mustang it looks huge and it hardly seems like it would actually feel sporty.

Fortunately, the dynamic behavior of large cars has made huge strides since the original Challenger went away in the mid-seventies. We first tried out the Challenger on the road at Chelsea before taking it for a hot lap around the evaluation track. The circuit was built back in the early '90s when a certain gentleman named Lutz was still occupying an office on the top floor of Chrysler's headquarters. It's basically a lovely little natural terrain road course, not quite as elaborate as the new road course that Maximum Bob built at the GM Proving Ground, but it's a good way to get a dynamic feel for a car. After lunch we had another opportunity to thrash the Challenger on the autocross course that Chrysler set up on the vehicle dynamics pad. Find out how the Challenger did after the jump, along with some video of our time behind the wheel.

Gallery: First Drive: Dodge Challenger SRT8

Continue reading First Drive: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT-8 w/VIDEO

First Drive: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT-8 w/VIDEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8s still available

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:26:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Dodge

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8.

For those of you desperately waiting for the next batch of Dodge Challenger SRT8s to be built after the announcement that the first 6,400 2008 models were already spoken for, fret not, supply is on your side. The Detroit News is reporting that while the majority of limited edition SRT8s were already sold before they were built, about one-quarter of the Challengers were set aside for dealer orders.

Several retailers across the U.S. have between two and twenty Challengers sitting on the lot, with one dealer advertising in Michigan's Macomb Daily that nine Brilliant Black, eight Hemi Orange and two Silver Metallic HEMI-powered coupes are available for the taking. Naturally, supply is dependent on where you live. One dealer in Naples, Florida sold out all eight Challengers in three days, while others have only sold only one out of their allotment. And just because you can find one, doesn't mean it will be selling for sticker. Markups are to be expected, with one dealer charging $45,145 - or about $7,000 - above the SRT8's MSRP.

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT-8 - First Drive

[Source: Detroit News]

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8s still available originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog autocrosses the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 and Viper ACR

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Dodge

Click above for high-res gallery of Autoblog autocrossing

Yesterday at Chrysler's annual media gathering to show off new products at the its proving grounds in Chelsea, MI, the struggling automaker wanted to demonstrate the performance capabilities of its SRT branded vehicles. SRT staff set up an autocross course on the vehicle dynamics pad and brought out examples of every SRT vehicle from the Caliber SRT-4 to the mighty Dodge Viper ACR. Before we were allowed to hop in the cars, we had listen to a short briefing that described the course and some safety rules. And before being allowed to climb into the big snake, we had to complete at least a couple of laps in one of the five Challenger SRT-8s to get familiarized with the course. For a big 4,140-lb coupe, the Challenger proved surprisingly nimble. We learned that with the electronic stability control enabled, it's almost impossible to get the back end to swing wide. The stability control has two alternative modes. The first is engaged by a momentary stab of ESP button and allows some extra slip before intervening, while pressing and holding the ESP button for five seconds completely disables the stability and traction control leaving only the ABS. Read what happens (and watch the tire-burning videos) after the jump.

Gallery: Chrysler SRT Autocrossing

Continue reading Autoblog autocrosses the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 and Viper ACR

Autoblog autocrosses the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 and Viper ACR originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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