Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Watch this 650-hp Hennessey Jeep Grand Cherokee go from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/watch-this-650-hp-hennessey-jeep-grand-cherokee-go-from-0-60-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/watch-this-650-hp-hennessey-jeep-grand-cherokee-go-from-0-60-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/watch-this-650-hp-hennessey-jeep-grand-cherokee-go-from-0-60-in/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

650-hp Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 from Hennessey ready to go drag racing - video screencap

Hennessey Performance Engineering has created an HPE650 package for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT fitted with the 6.4-liter Hemi engine. When it leaves the showroom floor it has 470 horsepower and gets from 0-60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds. When it leaves Hennessey's garage floor after the upgrade it has 650 horsepower - 530 hp at the wheels, according to Hennessey - and gets to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds on its way to running the quarter-mile in 12.6 seconds.

There's more than just a Roots-type supercharger bolt-on, with ported cylinder heads and high-flow headers among the many changes made to the engine. You can watch this pre-2014 facelift silver model prove its spec sheet on the drag strip in the video below.

Continue reading Watch this 650-hp Hennessey Jeep Grand Cherokee go from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds

Watch this 650-hp Hennessey Jeep Grand Cherokee go from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 jeep grand cherokee srt8hennesseyhennessey grand cherokee srt8hpe650jeepjeep grand cherokeejeep grand cherokee srtjeep grand cherokee srt8john hennesseysrtvideoTue, 14 May 2013 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565375/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/watch-this-650-hp-hennessey-jeep-grand-cherokee-go-from-0-60-in/20565375/article-detail.xml 20565375 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hennessey-grand-cherokee_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hennessey-grand-cherokee.jpg <![CDATA[Viper GTS-R will have first full season chronicled in web series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/viper-gts-r-will-have-first-full-season-chronicled-in-web-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/viper-gts-r-will-have-first-full-season-chronicled-in-web-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/viper-gts-r-will-have-first-full-season-chronicled-in-web-series/#commentsFiled under: , ,



SRT will be documenting its second season - and first full season - of Viper GTS-R racing in the American Le Mans Series with a new web series called Beyond the Checkered Flag. We don't know much yet, but the team has released a teaser video (below) and promises the series will run at least four episodes, if not more. The videos will feature all six drivers who are responsible for piloting the No. 93 and 91 Viper GTS-R cars that compete in each race, and each episode will be told from a different perspective of the action (drivers, the pits, the fans, etc.).

As we've mentioned before, the return of the Viper to motorsports is a big deal, and we're excited that SRT Motorsports has decided to document it. The car's first go around in racing began in the late '90s and peaked during the fledgling seasons of the then-new American Le Mans Series when the Viper GTS-R won 16 of 18 races during 1999 and 2000. The new Viper GTS-R hasn't been nearly as dominant as the original since returning to ALMS racing last August, the team having only just achieved its first podium finish a few weeks ago in Long Beach with one of its cars finishing third.

The first episode of Beyond the Checkered Flag, which should air in mid-May, will focus on preparations for the 2013 season, specifically the time leading up to the season-opening 12 Hours of Sebring in March. Spoiler alert: the team didn't win its class, though the No. 91 car did lead for much of the race and finished fifth, scoring valuable championship points to kick off the team's first competitive season back.

Scroll down to watch the trailer for Beyond the Checkered Flag.

Continue reading Viper GTS-R will have first full season chronicled in web series

Viper GTS-R will have first full season chronicled in web series originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsbeyond the checkered flagsrtsrt motorsportssrt vipersrt viper gts-rTue, 07 May 2013 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20560675/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/viper-gts-r-will-have-first-full-season-chronicled-in-web-series/20560675/article-detail.xml 20560675 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/viper-beyond-the-checkered-flag_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/viper-beyond-the-checkered-flag.jpg <![CDATA[2013 SRT Viper spends its days living life a quarter mile at a time]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/2013-srt-viper-spends-its-days-living-life-a-quarter-mile-at-a-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/2013-srt-viper-spends-its-days-living-life-a-quarter-mile-at-a-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/2013-srt-viper-spends-its-days-living-life-a-quarter-mile-at-a-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 SRT Viper drag strip

There are lots of ways to measure the performance of a car, but there's only one that is quintessentially American: the quarter mile. And while we've already seen a proper comparison test or two that puts the new (and also quintessentially American) SRT Viper on a racetrack, we've yet to see what it can do when put in the hands of a proper drag racer for an entire day of tire-burning performance testing. Now we do.

And so the $64,000 question is, How does it perform? Pretty well indeed, recording a best time of 11.1 seconds at 127.4 miles per hour, wearing street-legal drag radials with the boys from Drag Times behind the wheel. That run included 3.1 seconds for the big Viper to hit 60, and it took just 7.1 seconds to reach 100. Impressive performance, to be sure. But those figures need to be put in context for the full picture... in other words, how does its acceleration compare to such high-horsepower rivals as the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and Ford Mustang Shelby GT500?

Well, without running all three of these muscle machines down the same track on the same day with the same driver, it's not going to be a fair comparison. Plus, the Corvette in particular has had several models years for drivers to keep plugging away for the best possible results. That said, the Viper's 11.1 seconds at 127.4 mph is well shy of Drag Times' best recorded (and verified) ZR1 time slip of 10.332 seconds at 132.74 mph, and there are a total of seven documented ZR1 runs quicker than the Viper's.

As for the GT500, the best recorded run on file at Drag Times is 11.570 seconds at 124.3 mph. So, it's not as quick as the Viper or ZR1, but we wouldn't really expect it to be. In any case, it's a fun comparison for bragging rights, but it's anything but scientific. In other words, take all this with a healthy spoonful of salt and stay tuned for more in this space from all three of the American automakers.

Check out a video from Drag Times below, and remember, reaction time doesn't matter in this scenario.

Continue reading 2013 SRT Viper spends its days living life a quarter mile at a time

2013 SRT Viper spends its days living life a quarter mile at a time originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 srt viperdodge viperdrag racedrag timesquarter milesrtsrt vipervideoviper drag raceWed, 24 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547271/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/2013-srt-viper-spends-its-days-living-life-a-quarter-mile-at-a-t/20547271/article-detail.xml 20547271 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-srt-viper-drag-times_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-srt-viper-drag-times.png <![CDATA[See how SRT cooks up new paint colors in its 'kitchen']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/see-how-srt-cooks-up-new-paint-colors-in-its-kitchen/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/see-how-srt-cooks-up-new-paint-colors-in-its-kitchen/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/see-how-srt-cooks-up-new-paint-colors-in-its-kitchen/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

SRT Color Kitchen - Viper coupe - screencap

Paint colors are a big deal for any automaker, and choosing hues for a specific brand can take as much fretting and focus as nearly any other aspect of vehicle design. For SRT, that means finding colors that cooperate with everything from the high-performance Grand Cherokee SRT8 SUV and the Chrysler 300 SRT8 sports sedan, to the wilder Charger SRT8, Challenger SRT8 and Viper. That range requires more than a little breadth, and Jim Parker, Head of Exterior Color at Chrysler, recently took the time to sit down for a little video to talk about what goes on in the SRT Color Kitchen.

What start out as computer-generated images move to paint samples from a supplier, which then get sprayed on more complex shapes. From there, SRT may spray a whole car to see how the color looks in the flesh before ever giving the hue the nod for production. You can check out the video below to see how it goes for yourself.

Continue reading See how SRT cooks up new paint colors in its 'kitchen'

See how SRT cooks up new paint colors in its 'kitchen' originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 srt viperautomotive paintchryslerpaintpaint colorssrtsrt color kitchensrt vipervideoMon, 15 Apr 2013 17:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20540073/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/15/see-how-srt-cooks-up-new-paint-colors-in-its-kitchen/20540073/article-detail.xml 20540073 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/srt-color-kitchen-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/srt-color-kitchen-628.jpg <![CDATA[SRT's Ralph Gilles addresses the infamous <i>Motor Trend</i> Viper vs. ZR1 test]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/srts-ralph-gilles-addresses-the-infamous-motor-trend-vip/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/srts-ralph-gilles-addresses-the-infamous-motor-trend-vip/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/srts-ralph-gilles-addresses-the-infamous-motor-trend-vip/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Ralph Gilles with Motor Trend staff

In one of the most interesting roundtable discussions we've seen in quite some time, the boys from Motor Trend, along with pro racing driver Randy Pobst, sat down with SRT head honcho Ralph Gilles to discuss the 2014 Viper. And the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, naturally. As you may remember, Motor Trend has filmed two videos pitting the latest Viper from SRT against the standard-bearing ZR1, with the Viper losing the first battle but barely eking out a victory with the upgraded TA model in the second.

A few interesting tidbits sneak out regarding the Viper, such as the fact that an ACR model isn't ready "yet," as well as the story of how the TA model came into existence after the first test by Motor Trend. Apparently, that test also resulted in a slight softening of the regular Viper's suspension for production. Interestingly, Gilles doesn't seem ready to admit defeat even in that first testing session, saying that the Viper used by MT was a pre-production model and that it had been out of alignment - that said, he does offer up an apology of sorts for "throwing gas on the fire" on social networks after the video hit the web.

Moving away from the Viper toward the end of the discussion, Gilles touches on the new Camaro Z28 and mentions that "the Challenger is under the knife as we speak... and we're going to come with an answer to [the Z28] and an answer for our friends at Ford." That sounds mighty intriguing... though Gilles also admits that a Cuda isn't coming "anytime soon," but that it is "a couple years out" on a different platform than the Challenger. Fortunately, it sounds like the next-generation of the Challenger SRT will make an appearance in New York in 2014.

There are plenty more interesting tidbits in the video, so we suggest you take about 20 minutes of at the end of your day to watch it yourself. Scroll down below to watch it, along with the two MT videos comparing the Viper and ZR1 at Laguna Seca.

Continue reading SRT's Ralph Gilles addresses the infamous Motor Trend Viper vs. ZR1 test

SRT's Ralph Gilles addresses the infamous Motor Trend Viper vs. ZR1 test originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 chevrolet corvette zr12013 srt viperchevrolet corvettemotor trendralph gillesrandy pobstsrtsrt vipersrt viper tavideoThu, 04 Apr 2013 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20530411/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/04/srts-ralph-gilles-addresses-the-infamous-motor-trend-vip/20530411/article-detail.xml 20530411 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mt-gilles-roundtable_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mt-gilles-roundtable.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler begins shipping 2013 SRT Viper]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/chrysler-begins-shipping-2013-srt-viper/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/chrysler-begins-shipping-2013-srt-viper/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/chrysler-begins-shipping-2013-srt-viper/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 SRT Viper - front three-quarter view at speed in the rain

Almost a year to the day after SRT president and CEO Ralph Gilles first introduced - and kissed the fender of - the 2013 SRT Viper at the 2012 New York Auto Show, the high-performance coupe has begun shipping to dealers. The first production cars started rolling off the line at Chrysler's Conner Avenue Assembly plant in Detroit back in January (a facility Gilles lovingly compares to Santa's workshop), but The Detroit News is reporting that the cars just started heading to customers across the US on Sunday.

Two of the first examples destined for driveways include a Stryker Red example that was the very 2013 Viper to be sold (the car was won by Scott Thomas of Oklahoma City at a Barrett-Jackson charity auction for cancer for $300,000), along with a white example headed to Gilles' personal collection. The report says that Gilles took delivery of his Viper and put just 30 miles on it before heading to New York for this week's auto show. What, he didn't drive?

Chrysler begins shipping 2013 SRT Viper originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 srt viper2013 srt viper productionconner avenue assembly plantralph gillessrtsrt viperFri, 29 Mar 2013 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20523120/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/29/chrysler-begins-shipping-2013-srt-viper/20523120/article-detail.xml 20523120 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-srt-viper-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-srt-viper-fd.jpg <![CDATA[2014 SRT Viper TA attacks Manhattan [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-srt-viper-ta-video-new-york/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-srt-viper-ta-video-new-york/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-srt-viper-ta-video-new-york/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2014 SRT Viper TA live on stage at 2013 New York Auto Show

As if the 2013 SRT Viper GTS hasn't stirred up enough excitement, SRT has created a more specialized version of the car designed to attack any track. On display at the New York Auto Show, the 2014 Viper TA has been enhanced for even better track duty, but production will be limited to just 33 units when it goes on sale later this year.

Obvious changes to SRT's flagship performance car include upgraded Brembo brakes, a carbon fiber x-brace under the hood and carbon fiber front and rear spoilers - the latter aero changes providing about 300 pounds of additional downforce at speed. Oh, and if you didn't notice, the car will only be offered in this eye-blazing Crusher Orange paint job with black, lightweight wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires. The black-only interior gets similar contrasting orange stitching all over to bring some color indoors.

Less obvious changes include a revised two-mode Bilstein suspension that is firmer than the standard Viper GTS to begin with, and has a "smaller spread between the modes," suggesting that even though the car is road-legal, it's likely to be a pretty extreme ride. Asis the case with "lesser" Vipers, the TA relies on the 8.4-liter V10 to churn out 640 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque. Scroll down to watch video of how the TA came to be and to read the official press release.

Continue reading 2014 SRT Viper TA attacks Manhattan [w/video]

2014 SRT Viper TA attacks Manhattan [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 new york auto show2014 srt viper2014 srt viper tadodge vipernew yorknew york auto shownyias 2013srtsrt viperWed, 27 Mar 2013 11:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20519971/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/27/2014-srt-viper-ta-video-new-york/20519971/article-detail.xml 20519971 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-srt-viper-ta-new-york_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-srt-viper-ta-new-york.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler unveils Dodge Charger SRT8 392, 300 SRT Concept to the faithful [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/chrysler-unveils-dodge-charger-srt8-392-300-srt-concept-to-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/chrysler-unveils-dodge-charger-srt8-392-300-srt-concept-to-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/chrysler-unveils-dodge-charger-srt8-392-300-srt-concept-to-the/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 392 Special Edition Package - white - front three-quarter motion view

Our man Steven J. Ewing recently spent some time in a 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee, and while he found a lot to love - particularly underhood - he didn't care for the sedan's retro-steeped visuals, preferring the standard SRT's look instead. Perhaps he'll dig this throwback look instead. Over the weekend, Chrysler unveiled this handsome 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 392 Appearance Package at the eighth annual Spring Festival of LXs, a gathering of Charger, Challenger and Chrysler 300 enthusiasts held in Irvine, California.

Unveiled by SRT CEO Ralph Gilles in front of an estimated 2,500 Spring Fest goers, the 392 features 20-inch Black Vapor Chrome alloys set off by a black-painted roof panel, hood bulge, spoiler and mirror caps. Additional exterior changes include model-specific striping and badging along with the requisite serialized dash plaque inside. The 392 will be available in five colors - Billet Silver Metallic, Bright White, Hemi Orange, Plum Crazy and the TorRed pain seen here.

Performance-wise, the 392 remains unchanged from standard SRT8s, but that's hardly a slight - the 6.4 liter Hemi V8 continues to churn out 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. Like other 2013 SRT8s, the 392 benefits from the institution of a new launch control system and a retuned three-mode adaptive suspension.

The 392 package will make for a rare beast - just 392 examples are planned between the 2013 and 2014 model years, with dealers slated to begin taking orders in April. Interested? Ordering your SRT8 with 392 limited-edition frosting will cost an addition $2,495 on top of the SRT8's $45,250 base price and $995 delivery fee.

In related news, Chrysler also used Irvine's LX Fest to test the waters of a 300 SRT Concept which featured a non-metallic paint trimmed by blacked-out mirror caps, taillamps and window surrounds. The Black Vapor Chrome wheels have also been given a matte finish. While purely a concept for the moment, we'd be shocked if something like this didn't show up in dealers sooner rather than later.

UPDATE: Official press shots have been made available. You'll find them in our expanded gallery.

Continue reading Chrysler unveils Dodge Charger SRT8 392, 300 SRT Concept to the faithful [UPDATE]

Chrysler unveils Dodge Charger SRT8 392, 300 SRT Concept to the faithful [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 dodge charger srt8 392392392 appearance packagechryslerchrysler 300dodge chargerhemilx festralph gillesspring festival of lxsrtTue, 26 Mar 2013 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20518274/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/26/chrysler-unveils-dodge-charger-srt8-392-300-srt-concept-to-the/20518274/article-detail.xml 20518274 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2013-dodge-challenger-srt8-392-se-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2013-dodge-challenger-srt8-392-se-628.jpg <![CDATA[Viper TA track-special unveiled to avenge loss to ZR1 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/viper-ta-track-special-unveiled-to-avenge-loss-to-zr1/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/viper-ta-track-special-unveiled-to-avenge-loss-to-zr1/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/viper-ta-track-special-unveiled-to-avenge-loss-to-zr1/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Ready for round two? Friend of Autoblog and Motor Trend personality Jonny Lieberman has helped SRT whip the covers off the new Viper TA (which stands for Time Attack, apparently) by putting professional racecar driver Randy Pobst behind the wheel and pointing him at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca with cameras in tow.

What those cameras captured includes plenty of footage of a Crusher Orange SRT Viper TA running amok at The Corkscrew and generally bludgeoning the race track into submission. Updates to the Viper package for TA duty include bigger brakes from Brembo, a Carbon Fiber Aero Package that includes a massive rear wing and a Track Package that boasts better wheels and Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires.

Weight savings are found via a new carbon fiber X-brace underhood along with badges that have been replaced with stickers (seriously). Perhaps most importantly, the TA comes equipped with the two-mode remote reservoir shocks seen on the more expensive GTS. While the GTS offers Street and Track modes, the TA goes a step further with Smooth and Rough settings - no Street mode here.

The result? According to Motor Trend, the TA is the fastest Viper it's ever tested, reaching 60 miles per hour in 3.3 seconds and a quarter-mile ET of 11.3 seconds at 129.3 mph. But is the TA good enough to beat the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, the car that beat the Viper the last time MT put them together at Laguna Seca? Scroll down below to find out, and join us in waiting for round three, when Chevy releases the next generation of its Corvette for the track.

Continue reading Viper TA track-special unveiled to avenge loss to ZR1 [w/video]

Viper TA track-special unveiled to avenge loss to ZR1 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 srt viper tachevychevy corvettechevy corvette zr1laguna secamotor trendrandy pobstsrtsrt vipersrt viper taMon, 18 Mar 2013 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20508952/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/18/viper-ta-track-special-unveiled-to-avenge-loss-to-zr1/20508952/article-detail.xml 20508952 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/srt-viper-ta-03-opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/srt-viper-ta-03-opt.png <![CDATA[2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/2013-dodge-charger-srt8-super-bee-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/2013-dodge-charger-srt8-super-bee-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/2013-dodge-charger-srt8-super-bee-quick-spin-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee

I can pinpoint the exact moment when I fell in love with this car. It was starting down a nearly straight entrance ramp at 15 miles per hour when I buried the throttle. In a moment, I was thrown back into my seat as the big SRT8's engine came to life with commensurate sound, fury and force, bringing me up to 75 mph in what felt like two blinks of an eye. This thing feels so much quicker than its 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque would lead you to believe. And mashing the right pedal never, ever gets old.

But beyond sheer speed, I found a whole lot to like about the Charger SRT8 during my week with the Pitch Black test car here in Detroit. And while the whole Super Bee kit isn't really my style, it's really easy to overlook those badges for a package that offers so much for so little.

Driving Notes
  • Like I said, the 392 Hemi engine feels much more powerful than its numbers might suggest. Chrysler estimates that the car will rip off 0-60 times in the high-four-second range, and you'll pass the quarter mile just before the 13-second mark.
  • And then there's the transmission. Dodge fits a five-speed automatic unit to its 6.4-liter Hemi here in the Charger, and while that's almost an archaic piece of technology by today's standards (and considering that the recently refreshed Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT with the same engine uses an eight-speed auto), it's still well-suited to the big motor. Shifts happen quickly, both up and down the range, and because there are only five ratios, there's less hunting around between cogs.
  • There are steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, but the transmission felt best when left to its own devices. Just hit the throttle when you want to go, and you'll go. There's no drama, just speed.
  • The rub, though, is with fuel economy - at best, you'll manage 23 miles per gallon on the highway, and my average of 16 mpg fell just short of the estimated 17-mpg combined rating. Oh, well.
  • But this thing is just so damn fun to drive. You can get the rear tires to spin at every stoplight, but in an incredibly manageable and playful fashion. Likewise, it's easy to nudge the rump out around turns, and the thick, leather-wrapped SRT steering wheel is a joy to toss back and forth.
  • This is a big, heavy car, though, and you won't forget it from behind the wheel. At no point would I describe its handling as nimble or precise, but it's not nearly as tough to wrangle as you might imagine. There are big Brembo brakes to keep all that power in line, and you don't need to turn off the traction nannies to have a good time.
  • Visually, the Super Bee kit offers unique, double-five-spoke 20-inch wheels, decals on the hood and rear quarter panel, and a small graphic next to the SRT badge in the grille. Inside, unique trim is found on the cloth seats and there's another Super Bee graphic on the dash. It's not what I'd spec, but to each their own. The Charger is still a great-looking car regardless.
  • That said, this model, as-tested, was $44,435. Of course, that's without premium features like navigation, the awesome leather SRT thrones, HID headlamps, a sunroof, and so on, but it's a nice value. It's basically one of the new SRT Core models, but with some decals.
  • This car offers a ton of bang for the buck in terms of performance, but it's easy to feel cheated inside, despite the spacious, quiet cabin. The standard 4.3-inch touchscreen display works well and is incredibly responsive, but combined with the large cubby underneath, it really reminds you that you didn't pony up for the big screen Uconnect system. And while the cloth seats are comfortable, they aren't nearly as supportive as the seats of the standard SRT8, and you can't get them with heat, either.
  • If anything, this SRT8 Super Bee reminded me just how awesome the Charger SRT8 is as a whole. And by offering so much punch underhood, the Super Bee package strikes me as being an excellent bargain for people looking for no-frills high performance.

2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 dodge charger srt82013 dodge charger srt8 super beechargerdodgefeaturedquick spinquickspinsrtsrt8super beeTue, 12 Mar 2013 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20496032/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/12/2013-dodge-charger-srt8-super-bee-quick-spin-review/20496032/article-detail.xml 20496032 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/001-2013-dodge-charger-srt8-super-bee-quick-spin628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/001-2013-dodge-charger-srt8-super-bee-quick-spin628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Will Fiat cap performance of 2014 SRT Viper ACR out of fear for Ferrari? [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/will-fiat-cap-performance-of-2014-srt-viper-acr-out-of-fear-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/will-fiat-cap-performance-of-2014-srt-viper-acr-out-of-fear-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/will-fiat-cap-performance-of-2014-srt-viper-acr-out-of-fear-for/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2014 SRT Viper - front three-quarter view in the wet

Motor Trend has got word that an SRT Viper ACR - the acronym for American Club Racing - is headed for a reveal in 2014. However, at the same time as SRT is working to maximize the model's performance, the report says there's an internally imposed performance ceiling on at least one aspect of the super coupe that will keep it from being all the Viper it could be.

Having watched other super sports cars go super fast on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires - MT cites the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 as the prime example - SRT is looking to Pirelli for a set of rubber that improves on the Viper's P-Zero Corsas. Where the Viper ACR will be restrained is its power-to-weight ratio; rumor is that bosses at parent company Fiat have decreed that the Viper cannot outdo the 5.2-pounds-per-horsepower of the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. It's also rumored that Ferrari doesn't want the Viper to have more power than the 731 horsepower of the F12, even though SRT has said it would be "relatively easy" to increase output from the current 640 hp.

The last Viper ACR didn't get more oomph under the hood, so there should be plenty of ways to navigate Ferrari sensitivities. However, the last Viper club racer did offer a Hardcore Package that dropped weight by 40 pounds. If the specific power-to-weight number really is a bright line for the coupe's development, it will be interesting to see if such a package is offered again and how SRT manages it.

UPDATE: SRT boss Ralph Gilles has poo-pooed these reports, saying that the whole thing stemmed from a "joke I made at the [New York Auto Show] Viper reveal ... that apparently took a life of its own," and tweeted that "Ferrari plays in a totally different market."

Will Fiat cap performance of 2014 SRT Viper ACR out of fear for Ferrari? [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2015 srt viper acracrdodge vipersrtviperviper acrMon, 25 Feb 2013 13:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20474815/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/25/will-fiat-cap-performance-of-2014-srt-viper-acr-out-of-fear-for/20474815/article-detail.xml 20474815 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/viperacr2014_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/viperacr2014.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/2014-jeep-grand-cherokee-srt-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/2014-jeep-grand-cherokee-srt-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/2014-jeep-grand-cherokee-srt-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fun Thrown In The Face Of Conventional Wisdom



Let's talk asses for a moment. What do they have to do with the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, you ask?

Well, we're here to tell you that this SRT can haul some. Lots of them, as a matter of fact: Jeep has increased the towing capacity of its most powerful SUV to 7,200 pounds. Assuming the average donkey weighs about 400 pounds, the Grand Cherokee SRT can haul ass to the tune of 18 burros, give or take a covered trailer or so, which is significantly more than it could in previous years. In 2013, the machine could manage 5,000 pounds, while the first generation was rated at just 3,500. The increase is mostly attributable to a new eight-speed automatic transmission and beefier rear axle, and it's a welcome update for those who'd like to use their SUV as, well, an SUV with an emphasis on utility.

You'll be pleased to know that this isn't the only kind of ass hauling the 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT is capable - it can also accelerate really, really quickly - 0-60 in 4.8 seconds to go along with quarter mile times in the low 13-second range and a top speed of 160 miles per hour. That's extraordinary for a vehicle of this ilk - and the run to 60 matches that of the last-gen model despite an extra shift taking place due to the new gearbox. Passing performance is even more impressive, as evidenced by a 35-75 mph sprint that's almost four seconds quicker than it was last year, again, thanks to the extra three gears in the transmission. It goes without saying that the 470 horses grazing on premium unleaded and spitting out 465 pound-feet of torque are also responsible for these accelerative antics, along with the full-time four-wheel-drive system called Selec-Track, which provides more traction than the most stubborn mule in the animal kingdom.

We've been rather fond of previous versions of this menacing machine, and with a slew of meaningful enhancements on the menu for the 2014 model year, we took to the track at the brand-new and most excellent Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas at the invitation of Jeep to find out just how Grand the iconic Cherokee nameplate has become.

Continue reading 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 jeep grand cherokee srtfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivegrand cherokeegrand cherokee srtgrand cherokee srt8hemijeepsrtMon, 25 Feb 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20475363/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/25/2014-jeep-grand-cherokee-srt-first-drive-review/20475363/article-detail.xml 20475363 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/03-2014-jeep-grand-cherokee-srt-fd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/03-2014-jeep-grand-cherokee-srt-fd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[SRT Viper's initial allotment sold out, convertible still a ways off]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/srt-vipers-initial-allotment-sold-out-convertible-still-a-ways/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/srt-vipers-initial-allotment-sold-out-convertible-still-a-ways/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/srt-vipers-initial-allotment-sold-out-convertible-still-a-ways/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The launch of the 2013 SRT Viper marked the first time the car has been introduced as a coupe rather than a roadster, but that didn't matter to buyers. According to Wards Auto, the initial run of 800 Vipers has already sold out with deliveries starting next month, and, even more impressively, SRT president Ralph Gilles reportedly said that more than 80 percent of those sales consisted of the sportier, more expensive Viper GTS model.

Gilles indicated that a convertible version of the new Viper could be available within a few years, and it won't be hard to produce since the current car was designed with a topless model in mind. Two of the likely reasons behind the SRT Viper reversing the trend of launching as a convertible was that the outgoing Viper was selling 60 percent coupes and 40 percent roadsters when production ended in 2010. Further, the SRT team wanted to get back into American Le Mans Series racing, which necessitated a hardtop.

SRT Viper's initial allotment sold out, convertible still a ways off originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 srt viperralph gillessrtsrt viper convertiblesrt viper coupesrt viper roadsterviperviper productionviper salesWed, 13 Feb 2013 13:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20459098/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/13/srt-vipers-initial-allotment-sold-out-convertible-still-a-ways/20459098/article-detail.xml 20459098 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-srt-viper-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-srt-viper-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Old vs. New: 2014 SRT Viper takes on upgraded 16-year-old Dodge Viper]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/08/old-vs-new-2014-srt-viper-takes-on-upgraded-16-year-old-dodge/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/08/old-vs-new-2014-srt-viper-takes-on-upgraded-16-year-old-dodge/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/08/old-vs-new-2014-srt-viper-takes-on-upgraded-16-year-old-dodge/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Old vs. New Viper - C/D video screencap

It's easy to play the "Would you rather have a New X or an Old Y with a bunch of upgrades?" game more often than we care to admit, but the crew at Car and Driver have taken bench racing to the next level with their latest video. In it, the magazine pits a brand-new 2014 SRT Viper against a highly modified 1997 Dodge Viper GTS. There are 16 years between the time this particular GTS rolled off the production line and when the new car bowed, but that doesn't mean the old snake's owners have been sitting on their hands.

Thanks to a spate of modifications, the GTS offers up a better power to weight ratio than the new machine, but is that enough to overcome the technological leap forward represented by the 2014 Viper? We won't spoil it for you. You'll just have to check out the full clip below for yourself.

Continue reading Old vs. New: 2014 SRT Viper takes on upgraded 16-year-old Dodge Viper

Old vs. New: 2014 SRT Viper takes on upgraded 16-year-old Dodge Viper originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Feb 2013 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1997 dodge viper gts2014 srt vipercar and driverdodgeold vs new videosrtsrt vipervideoviperviper gtsFri, 08 Feb 2013 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20454330/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/08/old-vs-new-2014-srt-viper-takes-on-upgraded-16-year-old-dodge/20454330/article-detail.xml 20454330 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/old-v-new-viper-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/old-v-new-viper-628.jpg <![CDATA[SRT adds new cost-saving Core models to Challenger SRT8, 300 SRT8]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/08/srt-core-models-chicago-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/08/srt-core-models-chicago-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/08/srt-core-models-chicago-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2013 Chrysler 300 SRT8 Core Model

As the high-performance division of Chrysler, the SRT brand used the Chicago Auto Show to reveal new "Core" models for the Dodge Challenger SRT8 and Chrysler 300 SRT8. Similar to a move made by Chrysler in Australia, both of these new Core models will get a significant drop in price compared to the current SRTs, and each will get some new, exclusive styling elements as well. Both new models will arrive in showrooms this summer.

The Challenger SRT8 Core will start at $38,995 (not including $995 for destination), which is $5,780 less than the SRT8 currently on sale. Along with the lower price, this new configuration gets classic colors like Orange Pearl Coat and Plum Crazy Pearl Coat (shown at right), and all models get black accents on the grille, a spoiler, 20-inch wheels and Brembo brake calipers. The interior also gets some unique elements such as cloth inserts on the seats (also used on the SRT Viper) and a "mini-carbon bezel" on the instrument panel.

As for the 300 SRT8, the Core version has a new price of $43,995 marking a drop of $5,000 over the current 300 SRT8 base model. This car also gets similar upgrades - inside and out - as the Challenger SRT8, but it will also have plenty of matte carbon and piano black interior accents and the option of red-painted calipers. The finishing touch on this model is the addition of the "6.4L" fender badges, which is a first for the 300 SRT8.

It isn't clear what, if any, equipment has been de-contented to create this new lower price, but we're sure buyers looking to get behind the wheel of either one of these products will be happy. Scroll down to read more about the Challenger SRT8 and 300 SRT8 Core models.

Continue reading SRT adds new cost-saving Core models to Challenger SRT8, 300 SRT8

SRT adds new cost-saving Core models to Challenger SRT8, 300 SRT8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Feb 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 chrysler 300 srt82013 chrysler 300 srt8 core2013 dodge challenger srt82013 dodge challenger srt8 core300 srt8challenger srt8chicagochicago 2013chicago auto showsrtsrt core modelssrt8str8 core modelsFri, 08 Feb 2013 10:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20453057/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/08/srt-core-models-chicago-2013/20453057/article-detail.xml 20453057 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2013-chrysler-300-srt8-core-chicago_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2013-chrysler-300-srt8-core-chicago.jpg <![CDATA[SRT Viper officially accepts invitation for 24 Hours of Le Mans return]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/03/srt-viper-officially-accepts-invitation-for-24-hours-of-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/03/srt-viper-officially-accepts-invitation-for-24-hours-of-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/03/srt-viper-officially-accepts-invitation-for-24-hours-of-le-mans/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

SRT Viper GTS-R

We were on hand last year when the 2013 SRT Viper made its racing debut at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for the American Le Mans Series, but now Chrysler has accepted the invitation to run two Vipers at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. The Viper has a brief but successful history at Le Mans, finishing in the top two spots of its class for three consecutive years (1998-2000), and it will look for more of the same success when it returns to action in the LM GTE Pro class.

Chrysler said that the two cars entered into the 24-hour race would be driven by Marc Goossens, Tommy Kendall, Kuno Wittmer, Dominik Farnbacher and Jonathan Bomarito, but it also promised "additional team announcements" at a later date. In addition to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Viper GTS-R will also be running a full season of ALMS, which kicks off next month at the 12 Hours of Sebring.

Chrysler released a press release for the Viper's return to Le Mans, which we've posted below.

Continue reading SRT Viper officially accepts invitation for 24 Hours of Le Mans return

SRT Viper officially accepts invitation for 24 Hours of Le Mans return originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 heures du mans24 Hours of Le Manssrtsrt viper gts-rviperviper gts-rSun, 03 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20446678/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/03/srt-viper-officially-accepts-invitation-for-24-hours-of-le-mans/20446678/article-detail.xml 20446678 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/srt-viper-gtsr-petit-le-mans_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/srt-viper-gtsr-petit-le-mans.jpg <![CDATA[Hagerty predicts this year's future classics]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/#commentsFiled under:



Hagerty Insurance, which specializes in covering cars already deemed classics, is out with its annual Hot List predicting this year's ten cars that will be future collectibles. Even though it stays under $100,000, it spans almost $74,000 in MSRPs starting with the $23,700 Ford Focus ST on the affordable end and peaking with the $97,395 SRT Viper.

Other notables include the Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 427, what with 2013 being both the 60th anniversary of the brand and the last year of the C6, the 505-horsepower 427 special edition being a send-off to the sports car that always does well in the last model year of a particular generation. The Tesla Model S collects yet another award for delivering a welcome and overdue shock to the electric-car game and is the only sedan to make the list, and the Subaru BRZ also adds to its trophy chest, the lightweight coupe doing so much with so little that it might be worth a packet after Father Time has waved his staff a few times.

You can check out the rest of Hagerty's picks in the press release below.

Continue reading Hagerty predicts this year's future classics

Hagerty predicts this year's future classics originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AudiBRZCamarocamaro ZL1Caymancayman SChevroletclassicscollectiblesCorvettecorvette 427Focus STFordGTihagertyhagerty hot listhagerty insuranceJohn Cooper Works GPMiniModel SPorscheRS5SRTSubaruTeslaViperVolkswagenThu, 31 Jan 2013 17:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20444538/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/31/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/20444538/article-detail.xml 20444538 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/hagertyhotlist_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/hagertyhotlist.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler earns $1.7B in 2012, revises product plans for US]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/chrysler-earns-1-7b-in-2012-revises-product-plans-for-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/chrysler-earns-1-7b-in-2012-revises-product-plans-for-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/chrysler-earns-1-7b-in-2012-revises-product-plans-for-us/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



Hot on the heels of Ford's earnings announcement for the year that was, Chrysler today reported a 2012 net income of $1.7 billion, up substantially from the comparatively minuscule $183 million profit earned in 2011 when it repaid its US government loans.

Chrysler's good year ended with an excellent fourth quarter that saw net income rise 68 percent from $225 million in 2011 to $378 million. Where are all those extra earnings coming from? Market share, which Chrysler saw increase to 11.4% last year on sales of 1.65 million vehicles. In fact, the Auburn Hills, MI-based automaker out-paced the industry's market growth of 13 percent last year with sales up 21 percent for the year.

The company also revealed an updated product plan for its Chrysler Group and Fiat brands that looks all the way out to 2016. It's an updated version of the plan introduced in 2009 shortly after Fiat took control of the American automaker, and includes such new additions as an Alfa Romeo model, likely the 4C, to be introduced in the US this year, as well five more Alfa models by 2016. Likewise, Fiat will be growing by an additional seven models in the coming few years.

As for the Chrysler Group's brands, many new models and refreshes are being delayed a year or two, including a Ram-badged version of the Fiat's small commercial van, a small Fiat-built Jeep and the return of the seven-seat Grand Wagoneer. A number of vehicles from Dodge, however, are getting surprise refreshes this year and next, and the new Viper looks scheduled for an update in 2015.

Continue reading Chrysler earns $1.7B in 2012, revises product plans for US

Chrysler earns $1.7B in 2012, revises product plans for US originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 earnings4calfa romeochryslerdodgefiatjeepproduct plansprofitramsrtWed, 30 Jan 2013 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20443206/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/30/chrysler-earns-1-7b-in-2012-revises-product-plans-for-us/20443206/article-detail.xml 20443206 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/gyi0057647924-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/gyi0057647924-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee pricing leaks out]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/24/2014-jeep-grand-cherokee-pricing-leaks-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/24/2014-jeep-grand-cherokee-pricing-leaks-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/24/2014-jeep-grand-cherokee-pricing-leaks-out/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



With our deep dive and auto show coverage of the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee revealed at the Detroit Auto Show, we brought you as much information as Chrysler would allow us to, but one thing we're still left in the dark about was the pricing. It would seem that Jeep Garage might have the answer for that. The Jeep enthusiast forum claims to have gotten its hands on the ordering and pricing breakdown for the updated Grand Cherokee, and while a Jeep representative has yet to get back to us as to the validity of the site's claim, these preliminary numbers look pretty kosher to us.

In base form, the two-wheel-drive Laredo will reportedly start at $28,795, which is a $1,100 increase over the 2013 model year, and the new Grand Cherokee Summit trim level starts at $47,995 for 4x2 models and $50,995 for the 4x4. Waiting for the new diesel engine? The torquey new 3.0-liter oil-burner will be a $4,500 option on Limited, Overland and Summit 4x4 models, but 4x2 pricing (and availability) are not known. As for the range-topping Grand Cherokee SRT (no longer called the SRT8), this added performance could run you an extra $2,700 with a new starting price of $62,995. More importantly, loaded to the gills with all available options, the 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT will top out at around $72,400 - or around $6,000 more than a fully loaded 2013 GC SRT8.

We'll let you know if the gang over at Jeep get back to us with any confirmation, but until then, head over to Jeep Garage to see the pricing details it has listed.

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee pricing leaks out originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 jeep grand cherokee2014 jeep grand cherokee pricing2014 jeep grand cherokee srtgrand cherokeegrand cherokee pricingjeepmsrpsrtThu, 24 Jan 2013 18:41:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20437772/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/24/2014-jeep-grand-cherokee-pricing-leaks-out/20437772/article-detail.xml 20437772 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2014-jeep-gc-srt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2014-jeep-gc-srt.jpg <![CDATA[Watch new SRT Vipers snake down the assembly line]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/21/watch-new-srt-vipers-snake-down-the-assembly-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/21/watch-new-srt-vipers-snake-down-the-assembly-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/21/watch-new-srt-vipers-snake-down-the-assembly-line/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Official production of the 2013 SRT Viper kicked off this month with VIN No. 001 rolling off the Conner Avenue Assembly plant to a small celebration that included the car's owner and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne. Now, The New York Times has released a video and some great pictures showing just what it takes to get the newest Viper from a bare frame and engine to the final product.

The fast-motion video shows various stations along the Viper's production line ranging from engine inspection and assembly to a dyno test of the body-less car (shown above). The video of the birth of these early Vipers is posted below, but be sure to visit the NYT site for a handful of images of the car, the plant and its workers.

Continue reading Watch new SRT Vipers snake down the assembly line

Watch new SRT Vipers snake down the assembly line originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jan 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 srt viperchryslerconner avenue assembly plantdodge vipersrtsrt10videoviperviper assemblyMon, 21 Jan 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20433817/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/21/watch-new-srt-vipers-snake-down-the-assembly-line/20433817/article-detail.xml 20433817 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/srt-viper-assembly_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/srt-viper-assembly.jpg -1 2