Autoblog

VIDEO: Twin-turbo Viper-powered LMC Super Cuda shatters 200 mph against Ferrari Enzo

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Videos

LMC Super 'Cuda vs. Ferrari Enzo - Click above to watch video

Legendary Motorcar Company built a Super 'Cuda for SEMA - no, not with a modern Dodge Challenger, with an actual Barricuda - and then decided to find out what it could do. The car is stuffed with engine and rubber: A twin-turbo Viper V10 with at least 1,000 horsepower, along with 345-series, 19-inch tires in back. So about the only place they could test it properly was Chrysler's Chelsea, Michigan proving grounds. For good measure, the folks at LMC brought a Ferrari Enzo along as well.

Needless to say, in a straight line drag, the Super 'Cuda owns the Enzo. The green monster and its turbine howls raced through the air so quickly that the windshield molding came off and the hood lifted by three inches. When it came to top speed, however - and in all likelihood, real-life cornering- the Enzo took the round, going 218 mph to the 'Cuda's 208 mph. The 'Cuda probably could have gone faster, but vintage aerodynamics and driver heebie-jeebies put paid to that. Get all the action in the video after the jump. Thanks for the tips, everyone!

[Source: Car Chat]

Continue reading VIDEO: Twin-turbo Viper-powered LMC Super Cuda shatters 200 mph against Ferrari Enzo

VIDEO: Twin-turbo Viper-powered LMC Super Cuda shatters 200 mph against Ferrari Enzo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: 2011 Dodge Charger prototype bagged in testing

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

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Dodge

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

The backstory behind HPP's showstopping Daytona conversion... is a Chevy Camaro next?

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST

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

HPP Daytona - Click above for high-res image gallery

When we saw the HPP Daytona at this year's SEMA show, two things became very apparent. One, we'd really like to drive it. Two, we need better pictures of it. See, the poor thing got itself shoved into a tight booth at SEMA and we just couldn't get too many decent shots. So, being the enterprising lads that we are, we wrote HPP and asked if they had some better pictures. Guess what? You're looking at 'em.

One thing we really dig about these studio shots is the detailing. Just check out the custom exhaust tips - the square suckers sticking out of the Daytona's side behind the rear wheel. Nifty, no? Great hood latches, great front splitter, good looking (and apparently functional) hood scoops and really nice hood pins. And just look at that wing - fabulous. Really, the more we look, the more we like this 600-horsepower supercharged bad boy. Which leaves us with one big question: who is HPP?

Well now, included with the purty pictures was a very interesting explanation to that very question. Gordon M. Heidacker is the president of Heide Performance Products (HPP). He's been in the car business for 23 years, working for AMC and Chrysler while getting his hands dirty with cars like Plymouth Prowler and Dodge Viper. After the Cerberus debacle, Heidacker decided to go it on his own, and set up HPP to fill, "a general hole in the market for accessories and upscale vehicles that could be converted into passionate expressions of metal, glass, plastic to become rolling art." Sounds good by us.

As far as this here Daytona goes, Heidacker had a conversation with Chrysler explaining what he and his team wanted to do. And if Chrysler liked it, they'd fund it. But, as Heidacker points out, they "Delivered that proposal to Mopar exactly 1.5 hours before they declared bankruptcy. So we decided to internally fund the project." Timing, as it's said, is everything. What's next for HPP? Next up is another Challenger, but for next year's SEMA show, they'll be bringing a Chevrolet Camaro. We, for one, will be there. For a partial list of the 50 individual changes HPP made to the Challenger when turning it into the Daytona, make the jump.

Gallery: HPP Daytona Studio Shots

Gallery: SEMA 2009: HPP Daytona Challenger

[Source: hppcars.com]

Continue reading The backstory behind HPP's showstopping Daytona conversion... is a Chevy Camaro next?

The backstory behind HPP's showstopping Daytona conversion... is a Chevy Camaro next? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chrysler previews four Mopar SEMA concepts for on- and off-road mastery

Chris Paukert — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, SUV, Truck, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Off-Road

Jeep Wrangler "Lower Forty" - Click above for high-res image gallery of all Mopar SEMA concepts

The performance-partsgasm that is Las Vegas' SEMA Show may be down on fuel this year because of the state of the economy, but that isn't stopping the Chrysler Group from unveiling four concepts based on the models in its lineup that are arguably the most endearing to the aftermarket. To that end, the company's Mopar devision has lavished a bunch of custom bits on everything from a pair of Jeep Wranglers (one of which is fit to sleep in, and the other looking fit enough to climb a wall) to a streetable 556-horsepower Dodge Challenger, and a dolled up Dodge Ram 1500.

Perhaps our favorite vehicle of the lot is the Wrangler "Lower Forty" - an imposing rig that uses a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine to churn its massive 40-inch tires. If it looks familiar, that's because it was first shown at the Moab Safari in April. Interestingly, the huge running gear upgrade has been applied to a standard ride-height two-door Rubicon - no suspension or body lift has been fitted. What has been screwed on, however, are new fender flares that ride four inches higher than stock, and they're an inch wider, too. Other trick bits include a new integrated roll cage, a relocated spare tire, a new drop-down tailgate with an old-school stamped Jeep logo. Did we mention the slick three-inch chop and the extra ten degrees of rake applied to the windshield?

Follow the jump for more details on the three remaining Chrysler SEMA show vehicles.

Gallery: Chrysler Mopar SEMA Concepts

Continue reading Chrysler previews four Mopar SEMA concepts for on- and off-road mastery

Chrysler previews four Mopar SEMA concepts for on- and off-road mastery originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Racecar fabricator and NuFormz owner Shaun Carlson dead at 35

Merritt Johnson — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

In the late hours of October 4th 2009, the world lost an innovator in sport compact racing, Shaun Carlson. The NuFormz owner and fabricator extraordinaire had a genetic heart condition - however, it is unknown if the defect contributed to his death.

In more recent years, Carlson, 35, had been known for his lead on the Team MOPAR drift team, but his roots go all the way back to Truckin' and Turbo Magazine. Although he could shoot cars with the best of them, his talent in building them won out in the end. Carlson knocked the socks off the sport compact industry with the Honda CRX he created in collaboration with Jason Whitfield, but he really blew everyone away when he unveiled the world's first tube frame front-wheel drive Honda Civic. Driven by Stephan Papadakis, the car made the industry stand up and take notice that sport compact drag racing was a force to be reckoned with. Following his Civic's success, Carlson created the spectacular web of steel tubing, carbon fiber and titanium that is known as the Meguiar's Ford Focus. His ability to turn the unfortunate into amazing even transferred over from drag racing and into drifting. This is shown by the Dodge Charger and Challenger he built for two time Formula D champion Samuel Hubinette.

It is an understatement to say that Shaun Carlson will be missed. His influence has been far reaching and he undoubtedly had many more groundbreaking builds ahead of him. On a personal note,I will never forget the guidance and knowledge that he gave me as I was starting to get my feet wet in the automotive industry. I first met Shaun when he brought Stephan's yellow Civic to run on the East Coast. As I stared at the car in wonderment, he went out of his way to tell me all about it. After that, whenever I ran into Shaun at a race, he let me hang around his pit. He never dismissed my probing questions about his mechanical troubles either. He could see I wasn't just a female trying to hang around, but a student with a thirst for knowledge and someone looking for direction. I eventually found that direction with a degree in mechanical engineering. Now, in my work, I think back to design tips I learned from master fabricator Shaun Carlson.

Everyone at Autoblog extends their thoughts to all of Shaun Carlson's loved ones.

[Source: NHRA]

Racecar fabricator and NuFormz owner Shaun Carlson dead at 35 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Chrysler dropping lifetime powertrain warranty to five-year/100,000 miles

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

Back in 2007, Chrysler sent something of a shockwave through the industry by announcing a new lifetime powertrain warranty program for nearly all of its cars and trucks. At the time, we wrote "the only fly in the ointment is that the new warranty applies to the original owner and is not transferable." Once the vehicle had been sold, the warranty reverted to a standard three-year/36,000 mile affair. According to the automaker, that minor nitpick caused a load of confusion amongst its buyers.

But there's new word from the Pentastar faithful over at Allpar that Chrysler is dropping its lifetime powertrain coverage in favor of a more conventional five-year/100,000 mile plan that's fully transferable from one owner to the next. The new warranty will reportedly cover all Chrysler, Dodge (minus the Sprinter van) and Jeep models and extends to the high-performance SRT models, fleet sales and police cruisers as well - vehicles the old lifetime program didn't cover.

Gallery: Chrysler "We Build" Campaign

[Source: Allpar]

REPORT: Chrysler dropping lifetime powertrain warranty to five-year/100,000 miles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

eBay Find of the Day: 1972 Jensen Interceptor III

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, UK

1972 Jensen Interceptor III - Click above for high-res image gallery

Dude. Talk about a find. In case you have no idea what you're looking at, that's an honest to goodness Jensen Interceptor III. Designed in England, styled by Vignale of Italy and powered by a big block Mopar, the Interceptor is just one of those special cars. Special because there is no good reason for them to have ever existed - yet here one is, just waiting for you to put in a bid.

Now it's true, when the Interceptors were first introduced in 1966 they were dismal. The Chrysler 383 V8 could sluggishly move the steel-bodied 2+2 around, but then the steel would rust when it left the garage. Besides, the factory was on strike and the early Interceptors were most likely assembled by frenzied executives. Or rats. But all of that changed when the Series III Interceptors (finally) appeared in 1971. Most important, the 383 had been ditched in favor of a 440 - the same engine in the black Charger that Steve McQueen toys with in Bullitt (with maybe a smog control or two and a bit less compression). Also - the seller's claiming this car has a "472" V8, no doubt trying to convince unwary collectors that this Jensen has a 426 Hemi - but you know better.

This particular low-mileage beauty (ad says 63K miles, odometer says 77k) lives in rust-free Ventura, CA. Moreover it comes with Mopar's bulletproof Torqueflite 3-speed auto and lightweight alloy wheels. Sadly the engine's seized up, but you can pull 440s out of junkyards until the cows come home. The interior can only be described as well worn, but at least all the glass is in good shape. It could be worse. You could be bidding on the Interceptor's infinitely more desirable/complex big brother, the FF. You know, the first production car to feature AWD, ABS and an insanely primitive form of traction control. That would a nightmare. Need a little more convincing? Led Zepplin's John Bonham owned two Interceptor IIIs. The first bid of $1,000 didn't meet the reserve, so its yours for the taking. Happy bidding.

Gallery: Jensen Interceptor III on eBay

[Source: eBay]

eBay Find of the Day: 1972 Jensen Interceptor III originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mopar pulls sponsorship of Sam Hubinette's drift team

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Chrysler

Formula Drift Mopar Dodge Viper - Click above for a high-res gallery

In an unsurprising turn of events, Chrysler has pulled its sponsorship of Sam Hubinette's drifting team as part of the company's restructuring plan. The bankrupt automaker's Formula Drift program was run by Shaun Carlson's NuFormz Racing, which began with Mopar in 2002, competing in the NHRA Sport Compact division. The team eventually made their way into drifting in 2004, where Hubinette captured the championship behind the wheel of a Dodge Viper during Formula D's inaugural season. Hubinette went onto several podium finishes, placing second overall in 2006 and claiming runner-up finishes in both 2005 and 2008.

Although the team's last sideways outing will be at the New Jersey Speedway on June 5 and 6, Chrysler's Director of Brand Marketing and Strategy, Mike Accavitti, said in a release, "At this time, [Chrysler] plan[s] to continue supporting our other racing sponsorships into the foreseeable future." Make the jump for the press release.

[Source: Chrysler via EverythingDrift]

Continue reading Mopar pulls sponsorship of Sam Hubinette's drift team

Mopar pulls sponsorship of Sam Hubinette's drift team originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 May 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: Next Dodge Ram HD to get 6.4-liter V8?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 14 May 2009 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Dodge, Rumormill

2010 Dodge Ram HD - Click above for a high-res gallery

If you think there's nothing wrong with Chrysler's 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine that an extra dollop of horsepower can't fix, we have some great news for you. Our friend and knower-of-all-things with a pickem-up-bed Mike Levine at PickupTrucks.com is reporting that Dodge's next Heavy Duty Ram will be offered with a big 'ol 6.4-liter version of the OHV V8.

Based on the current 6.1-liter version of the HEMI, an engine that appears in any number of SRT-branded cars, the new engine would feature both a larger bore and a longer stroke, with resulting power figures estimated to fall somewhere between 450 and 500 galloping ponies.

An engine with that much power would need a beefy transmission bolted up to its crankshaft, something Dodge already offers with its diesel engines. Levine suggests ChryCo could use the latest six-speed gearbox from German specialist ZF.

Of course, all of this assumes that Chrysler emerges from bankruptcy with these projects intact. Bug assuming that, we're being told that in addition to its spot in the Ram HD lineup, the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 is also likely to make an appearance under the hood of Jeep's next Grand Cherokee SRT8. The next obvious question, then, is how much money will the powerplant add to the cost of the vehicle and what kind of fuel mileage will it be able to muster?

Gallery: 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Rumormill: Next Dodge Ram HD to get 6.4-liter V8? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 May 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

BREAKING: Chrysler 'rejects' 789 dealers nationwide, works to pare network by 25% by June 9

Chris Paukert — Thu, 14 May 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Chrysler, Earnings/Financials

Chrysler has just announced that it will 'reject' some 789 of its dealerships by June 9 as it works to downsize through Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring. That represents a 25% cut in its dealer networks, leaving 2,392 Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge dealers to carry on if the automaker is able to successfully emerge from bankruptcy with its new partner, Fiat.

Auburn Hills reiterated that it will be "business as usual" with its entire dealership body throughout its bankruptcy proceedings, with plans to honor warranty and incentive payments "during the period that rejected dealers remain active."

According to information obtained by Automotive News, individual dealers will learn whether they are rejected or accepted via UPS letters delivered this morning. At that point, dealer owners will have 23 business days for a 'court review' of their individual cases.

The same memo that disclosed the planned UPS letter disbursement also details that after the 789 dealers are rejected, 80% of its remaining dealers will carry all three of the company's brands (that figure presently stands at 62%). According to that communiqué, Chrysler does not expect for many of those dealers to close just because their franchise contracts are being rejected - about 345 of those rejected operations are paired with other competing brands, and according to Chrysler executive vice president of sales, Steven Landry, fully 83 percent of the disenfranchised dealers currently sell more used vehicles than they do new ones.

Thanks to the protections afforded under bankruptcy, Chrysler will not be legally required to buy back any vehicles, parts, or tooling from rejected dealers, but the automaker says it will work to pair the disenfranchised with remaining dealers who may be willing to buy those assets.

Chrysler vows to contact the more than 3.5 million customers who have purchased cars and trucks through the rejected dealers to give them additional information on how to get their vehicles serviced.

If you're wondering if your local Chrysler dealers are earmarked for closure, a complete PDF list is available by clicking here.

Official press release after the jump.

[Sources: Chrysler; Automotive News - subs. req.| Image: Scott Olson/Getty]

Continue reading BREAKING: Chrysler 'rejects' 789 dealers nationwide, works to pare network by 25% by June 9

BREAKING: Chrysler 'rejects' 789 dealers nationwide, works to pare network by 25% by June 9 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 May 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Formula Drift Team Mopar delays launch of 2009 Challenger

Noah Joseph — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:01:00 EST

2009 Formula Drift Mopar Dodge Challenger - Click above for a hi-res gallery from SEMA 2008

As our man Drew Phillips found out first hand, between Tanner Foust's NASCAR V8-powered Scion tC and Rhys Millen's Hyundai Genesis Coupe, there was plenty of exciting new machinery on power-sliding display at this past weekend's Formula Drift season opener in Long Beach. Unfortunately, the new Dodge Challenger wasn't one of them.

Dodge's aftermarket tuning division Mopar unveiled the 2009 Challenger way back at last year's SEMA show, but its driver, Sam Hubinette, had to start the season in last year's Viper (poor guy.) And according to reports, he'll have to slide that snake at the next round too, as the 800+ hp Challenger, slated to be the most powerful car in the championship, won't be ready until the third round of the season, allowing it to compete in the final five after missing the first two of the seven-race season. Hubinette doesn't seem to mind, though, crediting Chrysler with standing by the team during these tumultuous times altogether, even while Mopar goes playing in the sand. In the meantime, drift fans will have to look longingly at the gallery of live shots of the Mopar Challenger in our gallery below.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger

[Source: Motor Authority]

Formula Drift Team Mopar delays launch of 2009 Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mopar Underground unveils concept Jeeps at Moab safari

Noah Joseph — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Tuners, SUV, Jeep, Misc. Auto Shows

Jeep Lower Forty concept by Mopar Underground - Click above for image gallery

Every year, the off-road faithful gather for the annual Jeep Safari. This year's was held in the Moab Desert, held out of the limelight while all eyes - including Chrysler's and our own - were focused on the New York Auto Show. So while Jeep itself was unveiling the new Grand Cherokee, Chrysler's skunkworks division, Mopar Unlimited - the same crew responsible for most of the company's SEMA show cars - brought out a pair of concept trucks for its most hard-core enthusiasts.

The first, called the Grand Canyon II, is based on the outgoing Grand Cherokee Overland, upgraded with some extra luxurious touches. Little information is available on that concept truck, but the real excitement factor was in the Jeep Lower Forty concept (above). Based on the Wrangler, the truck is immediately characterized by its oversized tires, which required a fair bit of hack-sawing of the bodywork by the Mopar crew but no suspension mods, leaving the center of gravity in tact while increasing the ground clearance. Under the hood lies a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with six-speed manual transmission, capped by a custom carbon-fiber hood and a windscreen cut down by 3 inches and raked back 10 degrees. The concept was painted a special shade of red called Red Eye No. 3.

Unfortunately, there's little information available on either concept truck beyond what the team at Inside Line was able to get ahold of, which is a little surprising for a company steered by a guy named Press. So in the meantime we'll just have to suffice with these initial details and the low-res images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Jeep Lower Forty concept by Mopar Underground

[Source: Inside Line]

Mopar Underground unveils concept Jeeps at Moab safari originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

New York: Steve Saleen's SMS 570X ups the ante with 700 supercharged horses

Chris Paukert — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, New York Auto Show, Tuners, Coupe, Performance, Dodge

SMS 570X debut - Click above for a high-res gallery

Under the bright sunlight of the Javits Center's Crystal Palace atrium, Steve Saleen took the covers off of his latest creation, the SMS 570X. The Dodge Challenger-based muscle car registers a few rungs above the 570 that we first viewed at its Orange County unveiling in January. Where that car was fitted with a 5.7-liter V8, the 570X utilizes a 6.0-liter engine, reportedly good for 700 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque - plenty of gumption to roast those wide and flat 20-inch meats.

The engine includes lots of forged bits (pistons, crankshaft, con-rods, etc.) lurking beneath new CNC-ported aluminum heads. In addition, the 570X receives a SMST six-speed manual transmission and a high-performance cooling package. The heart of the car is a production version of the SMS 296 supercharger, the firm's new blower co-developed with Lysholm. Like Mopar muscle of yore, this system features a Six-Pack too - only in the SMS' case, it refers to a brace of cylindrical intercoolers.

While the supercharger comes as part of the 570X package, it will also work on other Chrysler LX products including the Charger, Magnum, and Chrysler 300C. SMS also promises that "aftermarket fitments" are in the works for both Ford and General Motors products.

Aesthetically, the X is nearly identical to the original 570, which is a good thing, because it looks sensational. From its "Red Butterfly" side-induction hood to its flared, vented fenders and new front fascia, the basic form looks spot-on. With its lowered stance, details like its GTX-style grille, fender vents, carbon-fiber splitter and side skirts, and rear spoiler, the 570X is at once classic Motown muscle and a thoroughly modern tuner car.

As this car was just a prototype, there were some unfinished bits (off-kilter badges, hood fitment, etc.), but officials promise to get the production car right. No word yet on official pricing and availability, but well-heeled Mopar fans would do well to reach out to SMS straight away.

Gallery: New York: SMS 570X

New York: Steve Saleen's SMS 570X ups the ante with 700 supercharged horses originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

New York: Chrysler gives a sneak peak at next 300 interior

Chris Paukert — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, Chrysler

Next-gen Chrysler 300C interior - Click above to enlarge

During the Jeep Grand Cherokee press conference this morning, Chrysler vice chairman Jim Press gave the assembled journalists a sneak peak at the interior of the forthcoming Chrysler 300. While little more than a quick glimpse at of the instrument panel flashed up on the screen for a moment, we were able to grab this snapshot for you. We're sorry that the resolution is not as crisp as we'd like it to be, but until Auburn Hills slips us a high-res jpeg, we figure you'd still enjoy an advanced look.

What it shows is an all-new instrument panel of what looks to be a higher-end model (note the abundance of woodgrain trim and leather surfaces), with the centerpiece being a new widescreen navigation system housed in an oval-shaped enclosure flanked by curved air vents. As expected, there is a wood and chrome-ringed steering wheel, switchgear in the standard places (including dual-zone climate control), a gated console shifter, and what looks to be a very large center console.

The interior is markedly more conservative than what Chrysler teased with the 200C Concept from January's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but admittedly, that concept was designed to give a future glimpse of the 300's kid brother, the Sebring). The 200C employed such show car details as a chrome single-spoke steering wheel, a screen in place of the main gauge binnacle, and a sophisticated all-in-one climate/stereo/nav unit that flowed out of a center console.

Despite that, the 300 "spy shot" looks to be a major leap forward in terms of unified style and potentially materials.

No definitive word yet on a date when the rest of the car will be revealed, so for now, 300 fans, you'll have to be content with this.

Photo Copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.

New York: Chrysler gives a sneak peak at next 300 interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chicago 2009: Mr. Norm's Super Challenger

Drew Phillips — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Dodge

Click above for a high-res gallery of Mr. Norm's Super Challenger

Along with Barack Obama, the Cubs, Al Capone and the Sears Tower, Chicago is home to the world's most famous Mopar dealer, Mr. Norm's legendary Grand Spaulding Dodge. While Mr. Norm sold the dealership in the late 1970's, the Mopar Hall of Famer has recently made a resurgence, officially introducing the 1968 Dodge GSS Hemi Dart last year in Chicago as well as the Super Cuda and Challenger at SEMA just a few months ago. The Challenger is making an appearance here in Chicago as well, with a slick new two-tone paint scheme and 900 supercharged horsepower underneath the hood. Other features include a carbon fiber front and rear spoiler, Katzkin leather interior, SSBC eight-piston front brakes, and a Hurst pistol grip shifter. Like the Hurst and its HEMI Challenger, Mr. Norm is selling a production version of the car with a a variety of styling options and performance levels ranging from 600 to 900 horsepower.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Mr. Norm's Super Challenger

Chicago 2009: Mr. Norm's Super Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Detroit 2009: Dodge Challenger R/T accessorized by Mopar

Drew Phillips — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Detroit Auto Show, Performance, Dodge

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mopar-accessorized Dodge Challenger R/T

The Dodge Challenger remains by far one of the most exciting offerings in Chrysler's lineup, and in addition to the R/T Classic edition, Dodge had on display an R/T on display complete with the latest products from its Mopar catalog. The car you see here comes with Nostalgia wheels ($561 each), Go-Wing spoiler ($307), carbon fiber engine cover ($313), cold air intake ($359), cat-back exhaust system ($1,155), performance shifter ($680), coilover suspension kit ($1,704), Katzkin leather seats ($1,240), T/A hood, and more. Some of the parts seem a little expensive, but the Moparized Challenger looks absolutely retrotastic in a more subtle way than the aforementioned Classic R/T. Decide for yourself by browsing the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Dodge Challenger R/T with Mopar accessories

Detroit 2009: Dodge Challenger R/T accessorized by Mopar originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Detroit 2009: Dodge Ram R/T Accessorized

Alex Nunez — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Truck, Dodge

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Dodge Ram R/T

Stuck among the largely forgettable production vehicles at the Chrysler, LLC display is this Mopar-enhanced Ram R/T. Originally shown at SEMA, B5 Blue (we think) covers its bodywork, which is very close to the ground thanks to a new set of springs and shocks. Kumho-shod, 22-inch forged wheels are stuffed into the cutouts. In front, the Challenger-style hood rocks a set of SRT stripes, the headlamp housings are blacked out, and a new front bumper with chin spoiler threatens to scrape against any obstacle taller than a praying mantis. Out back, a body-colored bed cover thwarts prying eyes, and a pair of fat polished exhaust tips pokes under the rear bumper. Inside, you'll find color-keyed inserts and R/T embroidery on the seats. Overall, this thing looks pretty mean, especially when its surrounded with your garden variety Dakotas and Durangos.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Dodge Ram R/T Accessorized

Detroit 2009: Dodge Ram R/T Accessorized originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments