Archive for category Dodge
Dodge Challenger
Posted by in Dodge on June 30, 2011
So it’s not as quick as the Ford Mustang; so it’s not as sleek as the Chevrolet Camaro. Who cares – it’s American muscle, so what’s not to love? Here’s an ovation to ’70s retro, and to the Dodge Challenger.
The Dodge Challenger debuted in 1970 as the twin of the renowned Plymouth Barracuda. It was the epitome of the pony car aesthetic: long hood, short rear deck, blunt-nosed grill and aggressive hood scoops. Owners could choose from an astonishing cornucopia of options, colors, trims, fobs, and nine engines, the most famous of which was the 426-hp Hemi. In its first year, 84,032 Challengers were sold. The second year, due to loss of interest in muscle cars and increased emission regulations, only 29,883 Challengers were produced. In subsequent years, the one-hit wonder faded from memory, and the apathetic 1978-1982 Japanese Dodge Challenger merely nailed the coffin shut.
Resurrected in 2008, the Dodge Challenger blesses streets with its balanced fusion of strength, panache and deftness. As a bulky five-seater coupe, it offers three trims: an unappreciated SE; popular and powerful R/T; and an over-the-top, pure blazing speed SRT8.
SE
Powered by an apathetic 3.5-liter, 250-hp V6 leaking out 250 lb-feet of torque, coupled with a five-speed automatic gear box, the $23,000 SE is the wanna-be muscle car of the trio. The feature roster is sufficient but unimpressive. Besides regular amenities, the SE has an eight-way power driver seat, a 60/40-split folding rear seat and a four-speaker CD/MP3/audio jack sound system.
R/T
Labeled as the best buy of the three, the $31,000 R/T is powered by a whopping 5.7-liter, 376-hp V8, capable of 400 lb-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard, while a six-speed manual is optional. The R/T offers sport-tuned suspension and steering, exterior elements like automatic headlamps and foglights, and leather-wrapped interior bric-a-brac.
SRT8
Check out the $41,000 SRT8′s 6.1-liter, 425-hp V8 thrusting out 420 lb-feet of torque. Transmission options are the same as the R/T. Interior features include leather upholstery, heated front seats, premium sound system with Bluetooth, keyless ignition, and a performance meter that measures criteria like acceleration and lateral G-forces. On the exterior: twin black stripes, dual hood scoops, sport-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, automatic xenon headlights and heated side mirrors.
A wealth of options and packages add to the madness. A multimedia package, a navigation system, 13-speaker sound system, performance tires and equipment, Mopar accessories and more are all available.
Performance & Handling
While most enthusiasts bemoan the SE’s somewhat droopy performance, all laud the R/T’s impeccable racing style, and many revere the SRT8′s tire-shredding speed. The Challenger is more powerful but less agile than the competing Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro. The SRT8 trim easily keeps pace with the Camaro SS and Shelby Mustang GT500. Read the rest of this entry »
Dodge First to Get Fiat Architecture
Posted by in Dodge on June 30, 2011
As part of Fiat’s gradual acquisition of the Chrysler Group, the Italian automaker must expand Chrysler’s model line up to include several fuel efficient models. The U.S. government literally gave Fiat a 20 percent stake in Chrysler in exchange for that promise, with Fiat not required to contribute a single lira to the cause.
40 MPG
When the second step has been reached, a fuel efficient vehicle getting 40 mpg developed for Chrysler, then Fiat’s share in Chrysler will increase to 35 percent. Eventually, Fiat may own a controlling 55 percent stake in Chrysler, again with no money of their own contributed.
The Chrysler Group consists of four brands: Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram. Dodge, which is the company’s best-selling brand, is slated to be the first brand to receive a new model based on Fiat architecture, an unnamed vehicle slightly smaller, but much more fuel efficient than the Dodge Caliber.
USA Made
The all new compact Dodge sedan will be built in the United States and go on sale in late 2011 as a 2012 model. That car will ride on Fiat’s “compact wide” architecture currently powering the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Fiat and Chrysler CEO, Sergio Marchionne, calls its “compact wide” platform the most advanced mass-production car ever-built by Fiat.
The Dodge model will be different from the Alfa Romeo, itself a five-door hatchback. Details about this car are being held close to the vest, but given that at least one version will need to hit the magical 40 mpg highway figure, a very small four-cylinder engine seems probable. That engine would be the Fiat 1.4-liter FIRE MultiAir engine which will be built in Michigan. The first U.S. application involving this engine will be in the Fiat 500, a car already on sale in Europe, but also being built in Mexico for the North American market.
Future Cars
Beyond the compact Dodge, not much is known about what other models are in the planning stages for Chrysler. However, there are some hints at where this may go and that is by filling in holes in the current line ups and updating vehicles coming to the end of their life cycles.
Look for the next generation Dodge Caliber or its replacement model to show up in 2012 as a 2013 model. Also, if Chrysler is to keep pace with Buick, then an answer to the compact Verano is in order. Look for Jeep to see changes too as the Compass and Patriot are dropped or replaced and the Wrangler updated.
Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in North Carolina. Matt is a contributing writer for Andy’s Auto Sport an aftermarket supplier of quality parts including carbon fiber trunks and vertical doors. Read the rest of this entry »