New Dodge Durango Heat gets the R/T model

var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; Dodge doubled its new Durango offerings at the Chicago Auto Show with the launch of the Heat performance package that joins the R/T model. The two trim levels share most of their exterior and interior appointments as well as suspension tweaks, but whereas the R/T gets a 360-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V8, the Heat is fitted with a 3.6-liter

Cuban Classics, great photography of the last American cars in Cuba

see more at http://cubanclassics.blogspot.com/

Aussie Valiant Charger R/T Turns Up Stateside

Pop quiz: what’s the greatest sports car ever built in the Australia? Well, there are a few potential candidates. There’s the short-lived 2004-2006 Pontiac GTO nee Holden Monaro, for one. Then there’s the Ford Falcon GTHO Phase 4, the Holden Torana A9X hatchback and the then-futuristic Holden Commodore SS Group A. They’re all good cars, and all highly collectible. Personally, I’ve always been a

MuscleCarDreaming.Tumblr.com focused on photography of great musclecars

and all the cars I posted, to let you know they have cool photos, are Mopars. Huh. Stange how that happened. See Fords, Chevys, and all the other types also at http://musclecardreaming.tumblr.com/

New Viper Designed to Lure Vette and Porsche Buyers

According to Ralph Gilles, Chrysler Group design chief, the next generation Dodge Viper will be drop dead gorgeous – the car’s look being inspired by “a naked woman on a beach,” he declared at a recent Detroit press conference.

However, the new car, to be launched next year as a 2013 model, will have a different mission than its predecessors. Rather than being a brutish, all-out muscle type sports car, relying on cubic inches and brawn to get the job done, it will be conceived to go head to head with the likes of the Corvette and Porsche 911, with features designed to woo drivers away from those iconic machines.

That will probably also mean targeting younger buyers. According to Rebecca Lindland, an auto industry analyst with IHS, “Dodge needs to do more to make the Viper an aspiration to consumers and the redesign gives them a chance to “make it a renaissance of that vehicle. There are not a lot of younger people, and by younger I mean under 45, who [currently]  aspire to own a Corvette or a Viper.”

Perhaps, but given the Fiat influence, now might be the perfect opportunity for Chrysler [and Dodge division] to really knock one out of the park and deliver a car with broader appeal, yet one that doesn’t sacrifice its core raison d’etre.

Although Gilles didn’t give any specifics regarding the 2013 Viper, he recently instructed his design staff to take a ‘breather’ after styling 16 vehicles since 2009. The reason? A chance for them to get creative again, on cars like the upcoming Viper.

“We’ve been working so quickly and so fast that we’re not innovating like we used to,” he said.

He also mentioned that the new Viper won’t use Fiat engines and although it will be profitable; “sales volume isn’t important.” Chrysler expects to sell most new Vipers in North America, with just trickle likely headed for overseas markets, including Europe.

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T Unveiled

Under streams of Chrysler products for this year, Dodge has released a new R / T trim level Grand Caravan. The model will make its debut at the Chicago Auto Show this week some time, and although there is no increase great power, revised interior and exterior design should be enough to keep customers happy.

Affectionately known within the company as "the man go," Chrysler Pentastar used by

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

Dodge Press Release:
2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Delivers Intelligent Performance And Power Set to launch this calendar year, Dodge gives peek at its newest product from the Street and Racing Technology (SRT) team at the Chicago Auto Show6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine offers an estimated 465 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque for power across a significantly wider rpm rangeAll-new active valve

2011 Dodge Challenger Review

It’s amazing how the muscle car wars – all but dead a decade ago – have reached pretty amazing heights. Both the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang get better each model year, with power boosts, chassis changes and visual tweaks bringing a steady flow of news and anticipation from the collective fan-base.

FAST FACTS

1. Replacing the old 250-hp 3.5L V6 for 2011 is a new 305-hp 3.6L unit.2. Base models have increased slightly to $24,670; up from $23,245 in 2010. 3. The HEMI R/T model makes 371-hp with a 5-speed automatic and 376-hp with a 6-speed manual. 4. While fuel economy is improved for 2011, an 8-speed automatic transmission is set to join the lineup soon and help deliver significantly better numbers.

The third player in the trio, the Dodge Challenger, has been relegated to second-tier status. Not because it’s lacking any visual drama – no, the retro-coupe still hits hard in that regard. But simply because its extra weight, softer manners and less potent engines made it more a boulevardier than an outright performer.
For 2011, fixing the Challenger is one of a dozen projects that Chrysler is tackling. Good thing that the basics are solid, requiring a decent, but not unreasonable amount of work to improve.

VASTLY IMPROVED BASE V6 WITH LOTS MORE POWER

Seeing as a muscle car is defined by its engines, we’ll look under the Challenger’s long vented hood first. Thankfully, the old 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 in the base models is replaced by the new Pentastar V6, using variable valve timing and other tricks to deliver a full 305-hp out of 3.6-liters. That’s identical to the 2011 Mustang’s 3.7-liter, but down 7 down on the updated ’11 Camaro.
The difference in performance on the 3,800-lb base model is amazing, and should improve even more when an eight-speed automatic transmission replaces the aging five-speed automatic, which is the sole choice with the SE V6.
As an added bonus, the base engine improves the Challenger’s fuel efficiency too, although official test numbers have not been released.
While the standard ‘six’ can no longer be considered a “secretary’s car”, optioning up to the 5.7-liter HEMI is where the blood starts pumping. Running in higher tune than before, the V8-powered R/T produces 372-hp and an even 400 lb-ft with the standard five-speed automatic transmission or 376-hp and 410 lb-ft of torque when mated to the optional six-speed manual. With either transmission, the Challenger is well into the high-fives for the 0-60 mph dash. The revised MDS system, which shuts off a bank of cylinders at cruising speeds to save fuel, should help improve the results here too.

SIGNIFICANT SUSPENSION CHANGES YOU CAN REALLY FEEL

The rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 has been heavily retuned for better performance, and not just in the V8 versions. There are new mono-tube shocks, springs and bushings, while the rear multi-link gets new geometry to better control camber and toe. Finally, the front- and rear-stabilizer bars are larger to keep the body flatter when cornering.
The base Touring suspension is tighter and more responsive, and gets wider 18-inch wheels and tires. Stepping up to the Performance tune, optional on the V6 and standard on R/T, there are more aggressive brakes and optional 20-inch wheels with all-season performance tires.
For those looking for even more ability, the Super Track Pak, exclusive to the R/T, gets 20-inch wheels with sticky performance tires, heavy-duty shocks and springs, high-performance brake pads and switchable ESC.
The changes successfully tie down the big Challenger to the road, and the new electric power steering provides decent feel for such a large, heavy ride. Obviously, the Dodge wouldn’t be your first choice for an autocross, but it’s very happy with big sweeping corners and elevation changes. Places where you can get that big HEMI working hard, listening to the exhaust roar as the gas pedal flattens.

DODGE DESIGNERS DIDN’T MESS WITH A GOOD THING

Thankfully, Dodge did not make too many changes to the still-iconic exterior. The lower air intake is larger and looks almost like it was turned upside down, and the black front splitter is bigger too. The chromed fuel-filler door and dual exhaust are standard on every model.
Equally minimalist changes have been made inside with a thicker steering wheel, more comfortable and supportive front seats, a leather-wrapped shift knob and a revised instrument panel. A full-on refresh like the ’11 Journey, Avenger and Grand Caravan is still a couple years away, but the cabin is comfortable for long cruises, and the back seat is actually usable by real-sized humans.
Base SE Challengers start at $24,670 and come standard with a six-speaker sound system, cruise control, keyless entry and ignition, climate control, power windows and locks, power-folding mirrors, and 60/40 split-folding rear seat, along with six air bags, ABS and ESC.
The SE Rallye package ($26,670) adds Bluetooth hands-free and streaming audio, a USB and aux input jack, Sirius satellite radio, leather seats, an upgraded stereo and fog lamps to the V6 model. The V8-powered R/T gets the tech from the Rallye pack standard and starts at $29,670.
As with the other modern muscle cars, there are tons of options, appearance packages and accessories to completely personalize the Challenger, both in V6 and V8 versions, including throw-back R/T Classic ($32,970) or individual items like the Mopar T/A-style hood, a Go-Wing spoiler and big retro graphics.

THE VERDICT

So has Dodge’s attention made the Challenger more of a challenger? Sure has. It always had the personality, but now it has the performance – both in a straight line and in the twisties – to run with the Chevy and Ford. And with only a minor price increase too.

Japanese Students craft a Dodge Ram Truck out of a Mazda MPV

We received some e-mails asking us if the green-colored Ram truck hiding behind the Chrysler-ized Prius 300C we showed you earlier today was a tricked out Dodge, or if, like many other project cars shown at the Tokyo Auto Salon, this too was a replica. The answer is it's a Ram Truck clone based on the Mazda Bongo Friendee, which is a Japanese domestic market MPV with seating for eight, offered between 1995 and 2005. Like the Prius 300C, the Ram Truck Friendee was built by a team of students from the Saitama Institute of Automotive Technology.

Photos: Phil Alex / Carscoop

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Japanese Students craft a Dodge Ram Truck out of a Mazda MPV

We received some e-mails asking us if the green-colored Ram truck hiding behind the Chrysler-ized Prius 300C we showed you earlier today was a tricked out Dodge, or if, like many other project cars shown at the Tokyo Auto Salon, this too was a replica. The answer is it's a Ram Truck clone based on the Mazda Bongo Friendee, which is a Japanese domestic market MPV with seating for eight, offered between 1995 and 2005. Like the Prius 300C, the Ram Truck Friendee was built by a team of students from the Saitama Institute of Automotive Technology.

Photos: Phil Alex / Carscoop

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dodge challenger rt 2009

challenger rt 2009.Concorrente de peso do Camaro da Chevrolet.

dodge challenger rt 2009

challenger rt 2009.Concorrente de peso do Camaro da Chevrolet.

dodge challenger rt 2009

challenger rt 2009.Concorrente de peso do Camaro da Chevrolet.

Dodge Says Next Viper's Looks to be Inspired by “a Naked Woman on the Beach”

Speaking at the Automotive News World Congress in Detroit, the head of Chrysler design boss and head of the Dodge brand, Ralph Gilles, told reporters today that the next generation of the Dodge Viper is going to be “drop-dead beautiful” sporting a look inspired by “a naked woman on the beach”.

With sales of the previous generation steadily declining over the years (only 392 were sold in 2010, when production ceased), a totally redesigned Viper could be just what the doctor ordered for Dodge.

As previously reported, the new model won’t be based on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, as some sources suggested, while Gilles also clarified that it’s not going to have Ferrari powerplants either. The Dodge boss was also confident regarding the cost-effectiveness of the Viper, stating that it will be profitable.

The 2013MY Dodge Viper is scheduled to make world premiere next year.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Automotive News

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Dodge Says Next Viper's Looks to be Inspired by “a Naked Woman on the Beach”

Speaking at the Automotive News World Congress in Detroit, the head of Chrysler design boss and head of the Dodge brand, Ralph Gilles, told reporters today that the next generation of the Dodge Viper is going to be “drop-dead beautiful” sporting a look inspired by “a naked woman on the beach”.

With sales of the previous generation steadily declining over the years (only 392 were sold in 2010, when production ceased), a totally redesigned Viper could be just what the doctor ordered for Dodge.

As previously reported, the new model won’t be based on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, as some sources suggested, while Gilles also clarified that it’s not going to have Ferrari powerplants either. The Dodge boss was also confident regarding the cost-effectiveness of the Viper, stating that it will be profitable.

The 2013MY Dodge Viper is scheduled to make world premiere next year.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Automotive News

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2011 Dodge Avenger

Dodge’s midsize Avenger doesn’t get the same amount of recognition as its larger Charger brother, and in some respects has become a forgotten car in the Dodge stable. But the Mopar boys are hoping to change that with an updated 2011 Dodge Avenger.

Following in the footsteps of the its recently revealed Chrysler 200 sibling, the 2011 Avenger is a stopgap to freshen things up until an all-new, Fiat-based model arrives in a few years’ time.

You’ll notice the drab black, gray, and silver Avenger interior of old has left the building. As you step into the cockpit you’re greeted by the colorful gauge cluster and updated steering wheel. Dodge ordered new cloth and leather material for the seats, which are now appointed with more cushioning and retuned base springs. Soft-touch armrests envelop the innards, and 45 new or upgraded sound-dampening treatments have been installed to help quiet the ride.

Continuing the parade of interior changes, the three-spoke steering wheel is fitted with more buttons to control the sound system, cruise control, and more. The vents have been redesigned for aesthetic and functional purposes, and two-tone color schemes may be ordered if desired. Further features include ambient lighting, voice command, a USB port, navigation, Bluetooth, and a hard drive with Gracenote music identification.

America's Top 10 Selling Vehicles in 2010

The U.S. auto sales numbers for 2010 are out and once again, Ford's F-Series pickup truck has been crowned the best-selling vehicle of the year, a title which it has held for 34 years in a row. According to Autodata Corp., the Dearborn-based brand moved 528,349 units of its F-150 light-duty and F-250, F-350 and F-450 heavy-duty trucks in 2010, recording an impressive increase of 27,7 per cent over 2009.

The Chevrolet Silverado took second place with 370,135 units, or some 158,000 less than the F-Series. Sales of GM's pickup truck were up 16,9 per cent from the previous year.

Despite Toyota's recall debacle, the Camry finished third overall earning the title of the best-selling passenger car in the States with 327,804 units, posting an 8.1 per cent drop from 2009. The Honda Accord and Toyota Corolla followed in fourth and fifth positions respectively.

Overall, U.S. automakers had four vehicles on the Top 10 list, while Japanese carmakers took six spots. For more details check out the complete list below that includes percentage changes from 2009.

1. Ford F-Series------------- 528,349 (+27.7%)
2. Chevrolet Silverado ------370,135 (+16.9 %
3. Toyota Camry ------------327,804 (-8.1 %)
4. Honda Accord-------------282,530 (-1.7 %)
5. Toyota Corolla------------ 266,082 (-10.4 %)
6. Honda Civic---------------260,218 (+0.2 %)
7. Nissan Altima-------------229,263 (+12.6 %)
8. Ford Fusion---------------219,219 (+21.3 %)
9. Honda CR-V-------------- 203,714 (+6.5 %)
10. Dodge Ram-------------- 199,652 (+12.6 %)

America's Top 10 Selling Vehicles in 2010

The U.S. auto sales numbers for 2010 are out and once again, Ford's F-Series pickup truck has been crowned the best-selling vehicle of the year, a title which it has held for 34 years in a row. According to Autodata Corp., the Dearborn-based brand moved 528,349 units of its F-150 light-duty and F-250, F-350 and F-450 heavy-duty trucks in 2010, recording an impressive increase of 27,7 per cent over 2009.

The Chevrolet Silverado took second place with 370,135 units, or some 158,000 less than the F-Series. Sales of GM's pickup truck were up 16,9 per cent from the previous year.

Despite Toyota's recall debacle, the Camry finished third overall earning the title of the best-selling passenger car in the States with 327,804 units, posting an 8.1 per cent drop from 2009. The Honda Accord and Toyota Corolla followed in fourth and fifth positions respectively.

Overall, U.S. automakers had four vehicles on the Top 10 list, while Japanese carmakers took six spots. For more details check out the complete list below that includes percentage changes from 2009.

1. Ford F-Series------------- 528,349 (+27.7%)
2. Chevrolet Silverado ------370,135 (+16.9 %
3. Toyota Camry ------------327,804 (-8.1 %)
4. Honda Accord-------------282,530 (-1.7 %)
5. Toyota Corolla------------ 266,082 (-10.4 %)
6. Honda Civic---------------260,218 (+0.2 %)
7. Nissan Altima-------------229,263 (+12.6 %)
8. Ford Fusion---------------219,219 (+21.3 %)
9. Honda CR-V-------------- 203,714 (+6.5 %)
10. Dodge Ram-------------- 199,652 (+12.6 %)

The next Generations of 2011 Dodge Ram Outdoorsman

Trucks are extremely handy and flexible since they can be used as an everyday vehicle and in order to tow heavy items. Modern innovations allow automakers to manufacture vehicle that are not only powerful but also use much less gasoline. One vehicle that stands out in terms of power and sheer value is the 2011 Ram Heavy Duty by Dodge. 2011 Dodge Ram Outdoorsman Front ViewThe next step up

1964 Dodge Hemi Charger Concept Car Hits the Auction Block, Again

You are looking at the first Dodge ever to use the Charger nameplate, the 1964 Dodge Hemi Charger Concept Car. Developed in late 1963 on Polara underpinnings, it was used by Chrysler to showcase its newest engine at the time, the now iconic 426-cubic inch (7.0-liter) Hemi V8.

Owned by several collectors over its 47-year existence, this rare piece of automotive heritage is going to be auctioned off at this year’s Automobiles of Arizona event held at Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, on January 20. RM Auctions hasn’t released an official estimate yet, but last time it changed hands in 2007, it fetched US $1.1 million.

Currently found on the late John M. O’Quinn’s estate, the 1964 concept car has been completely restored by multiple award-winner Fran Roxas and it has one of the original 15 race Hemi engines, rated at 600+ horsepower.

According to the spec sheet, the first Charger also comes with a 3-speed automatic transmission, independent torsion bar front and rear semi-elliptic leaf spring suspension, 4.56:1 “Sure Grip” rear axle and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

Looking at the photos it’s clear that the car is in pristine condition – it has been kept in climate-controlled storage – and I, for one, would definitely prefer to buy this gem over a modern vehicle costing the same amount of money.

By Csaba Daradics

Source / Photos: RM Auctions

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