2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

When the all-new Dodge Charger was announced last October, there was one thing absent from the range: a high performance SRT version.



That omission has now been remedied with unveiling of the Charger SRT8 at the Chicago Auto Show, which opens to the public on 11 February.

As expected, power comes from a Hemi V8, although capacity has been enlarged to 6.4 litres (392 cubic inches) allowing it to now produce 465 bhp (346 kW / 471 PS). Torque has risen too, with 630 Nm (465 lb/ft) available.



Consequently, Dodge estimates that the Charger SRT8 should be good for a sub-five second 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time and a 175 mph (281 km/h) top speed.



The engine is hooked up to a W5A580 five-speed automatic gearbox which, for the first time on an SRT vehicle, comes with paddle shifters. For those not keen on such innovations, the good news is that a floor-mounted gear stick remains.

Although no fuel consumption figures have been released, Dodge is keen to emphasise the mileage-enhancing features of the Charger SRT8. The most significant is a four-cylinder running mode for the engine, which will now be able to operate over a wider rev range thanks to an active valve exhaust system.



To help deal with the increased power an adaptive damping system is fitted, but this can be manually overridden by switching between ‘Auto’ and ‘Sport’ modes. The steering has also been beefed up and recalibrated to give a more direct feel.

Styling-wise, the Charger SRT8 is said to be ‘aggressive’ - a description that few would argue with given that reworked front grille and bonnet. Other unique features include new front and rear bumper valances, a larger rear spoiler, side skirts and 20” polished aluminium alloy wheels.



On the inside, the front seats - which are both heated and ventilated - have perforated suede inserts and more substantial side bolstering to keep their occupants in place. An 8.4” touch screen dominates the dashboard and, for the SRT8, it can display ‘Performance Pages’. These bring up data items such as g-force, quarter-mile time, 0-60 mph time, braking performance and various engine parameters.



The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 is due to go on sale in North America during autumn 2011.



Related post:

2011 Dodge Charger

Fiat Freemont unveiled

Following December’s announcement that the revised 2011 Dodge Journey would be rebadged as a Fiat for European markets, the first details of the new Freemont MPV have now been released.



Visually, the result is just a Journey with some Fiat badges stuck on, with no attempt at a redesign apart from revised bumper valances. There’s even what looks like the remnants of Dodge’s trademark crosshairs grille up front.

Not that that matters, of course, because the two vehicles will never be sold alongside each other. It helps that the Journey isn’t a bad looking thing to start with and, importantly for Fiat, the conversion method used is simple, quick and cheap.



The Freemont will only be offered in two trim levels, with both featuring keyless entry, triple-zone automatic climate control, tyre pressure monitoring, cruise control, trip computer, fog lights and a touch-screen radio with colour screen and steering wheel controls.



Seven seats will be standard too, although the third row can be folded down below floor level when not in use.



Customers going for the higher spec model will also get Bluetooth telephone connectivity, 17” alloy wheels, electric fold-in door mirrors, roof bars, darkened rear windows, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors and a better radio with a larger screen, SD card reader and DVD compatibility.



As expected, the engine line-up will be mainly diesel powered. When sales begin during the second half of 2011, buyers will be able to choose from either a 138 bhp (102 kW / 140 PS) or 167 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS) MultiJet turbo diesel motor. Both are 2.0 litre units which will be combined with a manual gearbox to drive the front wheels.



It’s planned that all-wheel drive versions with standard automatic transmission will become available later. These will have either the 167 bhp MultiJet engine or Chrysler’s 272 bhp (202 kW / 276 PS) 3.6 litre Pentastar petrol V6.



Unfortunately, no performance, economy or emissions figures for the Freemont have been published. Likewise, Fiat has yet to confirm prices.



Related posts:

Journey becomes a Fiat

No UK return for Lancia

Volt is Car of the Year

The Chevrolet Volt has been declared the 2011 North American Car of the Year. 49 jurors from across the United States and Canada gave it 233 points, making it the fourth time that GM has won the title.

Images © GM Corp.

In second place was the Hyundai Sonata, which received 163 points. Third went to the electric car that took the 2011 European Car of the Year award, the Nissan Leaf. It picked up 94 points.



Meanwhile, the 2011 North American Truck of the Year is the Ford Explorer, which earned 253 points. It comfortably beat the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which scored 138 points from the jury. The Dodge Durango, with 99 points, was third.

Journey becomes a Fiat

Dodge will stop offering its Journey in Europe, choosing instead to market the vehicle as the Fiat Freemont on this side of the Atlantic.

Such a move comes as no surprise. Indeed, when Fiat Group Automobile unveiled its 2010-2014 Business Plan earlier this year, it was made clear that for Dodge ‘outside of the US, only models consistent with the strong American image of the brand, such as the Challenger, Charger and Viper, will be distributed. In addition, some products will be gradually integrated with the Fiat brand in Europe…’



The good news for potential Freemont customers is that Dodge gave the Journey an extensive overhaul for the 2011 model year. Changes included retuning the suspension for improved ride and handling, recalibrating the steering for more feel and increasing the soundproofing for more refinement.

Interior quality - arguably a factor that has prevented recent Chrysler Group products from performing better in Europe - received attention too, and Dodge is now claiming ‘world-class levels of craftsmanship and comfort’ for the Journey. If true, that should help the Freemont succeed in an extremely competitive market sector.



North American buyers can currently specify either a 173 bhp (129 kW / 175 PS) 2.4 litre I4 or 283 bhp (211 kW / 286 PS) 3.6 litre V6 Pentastar engine for their Journey, both of which are petrol-powered. It’s unclear whether these will also make it into the Freemont, but a 168 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS) 2.0 litre diesel engine from Fiat is a certainty. To help extend the Freemont’s appeal, expect all-wheel drive to be offered as an option, as it is for the Journey.



The Freemont, which will be built alongside the Dodge Journey in Toluca, Mexico, replaces the ancient and slow-selling Ulysse MPV. Originally introduced back in 2002, the Ulysse shares its underpinnings with the Lancia Phedra, Citroën C8 and Peugeot 807.



Sales of the Fiat Freemont are due to begin in June 2011, following a debut at next March’s Geneva International Motorshow.



Related posts:

Fiat Freemont unveiled

No UK return for Lancia

2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392

There was good story about this 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392.  Dodge Challenger hit the scene in 2008, it was apparent that Chrysler had taken a different tack with its retro muscle car than Ford or Chevrolet. Larger, heavier and more comfortable than either the resurrected Camaro or rebodied Mustang, the Challenger was more grand tourer than a red light terror. But with the Pentastar's resurrection comes two new powerplants, both of which make an already solid package even more appealing for those seeking style seasoned with a healthy dose of all-American get-up-and-go.

Along with a suspension that's been spit-polished to provide more feedback and better dynamics, Mopar engineers have plopped a new 3.6-liter V6 and 6.4-liter V8 under the long, squared-off hood of the 2011 Challenger to create the new base SE and top-shelf SRT8 392 models. With the rev-happy six cylinder begging to be flogged and the new V8's voracious appetite for asphalt, both engines drastically alter the big daddy muscle bruiser's personality while offering better fuel economy than their 2010 predecessors. If you've been able to resist plopping yourself behind the wheel of a Challenger so far, your self-control may have finally met its match.

width: 558px; height: 380px;"

Challenger’s new engines

Going against the grain of downsizing, Dodge has revealed that the Challenger SRT8 will be getting a bigger Hemi V8 for 2011.



And, just so everyone knows, it’ll be known as the SRT8 392 - a reference to the engine’s capacity in cubic inches, which equates to 6.4 litres.

The new engine boasts 470 bhp (350 kW / 476 PS) and 637 Nm (470 lb/ft) of torque which, compared to the 6.1 litre Hemi that it replaces, is a useful increase of 45 bhp (33 kW / 45 PS) and 67 Nm (50 lb/ft). The newer model will be identifiable by its modified front spoiler and larger splitter, while underneath the suspension has been tweaked to cope with the extra grunt.



To celebrate the new arrival, the first 1,492 SRT8 392s off the line will be Inaugural Edition models which have 20” SRT wheels and ‘392 Hemi’ badges. Colour choice is Bright White Clear Coat with Viper Blue stripes or Deep Water Blue with Stone White stripes, both of which come with a Pearl White leather interior that features blue stitching.



The 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is scheduled to arrive in dealers during the fourth quarter of 2010.



It’s not just the Hemi that’s been revised, though. The V6 models are set to get the new Pentastar engine that was first introduced in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It’ll also be seen in the Dodge Charger, Avenger, Durango and Journey, as well as the Chrysler Town and Country, 200 and 300.



Using one engine across so many models is all about manufacturing efficiency and cost saving. Incredibly, the Pentastar will eventually replace seven legacy V6 engines, and it’s expected that it’ll be found in a third of all Chrysler Group vehicles built.



Power and torque will be tuned for specific applications, and in the 2011 Challenger it’ll break the 300 bhp barrier. 305 bhp (227 kW / 309 PS) to be exact, which is a big increase versus the 250 bhp (186 kW / 253 PS) that today’s car has. Torque is also up, from 338 Nm (250 lb/ft) to 363 Nm (268 lb/ft).

2011 Dodge Charger

Dodge has announced the arrival of an all-new 2011 Charger.

The ‘Coke bottle’ styling remains, although it’s less pronounced than before, and there are now large scallops along the body sides. Continuing the theme, the aluminium bonnet also features dual scallops which replace the single air intake of the previous version.



Like the recently revealed 2011 Durango, the Charger also gets the new-style Dodge crosshair grille. But it’s around the back that the most striking change has taken place, an array of LED tail lights which is designed to accentuate the wide stance of the car.



Interior quality was an area where the old generation Charger didn’t score too highly. Bravely, though, Dodge is saying that ‘premium’ and ‘world class’ materials have been used inside the 2011 model. Less bravely, though, it hasn’t released any interior images yet - a strange tactic that was also deployed when the updated Durango was first unveiled.



In a further effort to enhance refinement, Dodge engineers spent a lot of time improving the sound quality within the Charger’s cabin. This was achieved by isolating wind, engine and road noise, together with other measures that included injecting the body cavities with silencing foam and fitting dual-pane acoustic glass to the windscreen and front doors. As a result, the bold claim is that the Charger will now stand comparison against the best in its class.



In SE and Rallye spec the 2011 Charger is powered by a new 3.6 litre Pentastar engine, while the R/T gets the familiar 5.7 litre Hemi V8. All-wheel drive is also available for the R/T, and the system features front axle disconnect. That basically means the car remains rear-wheel drive until extra traction is needed, at which point the AWD system kicks in automatically.



There is a faint glimmer of hope that the Charger could make it across to Europe, as Fiat’s 2010-2014 business plan said of Dodge that ‘Outside of the US, only models consistent with the strong American image of the brand, such as the Challenger, Charger and Viper, will be distributed.’



If the car is as good as Dodge says it is, it would be a shame if it wasn’t exported. Ominously though, the launch of the 2011 Charger coincides with the company ceasing to offer cars in the UK. The Journey, which was the only model still being sold here, has just been withdrawn.



In North America, the 2011 Dodge Charger will go on sale during the fourth quarter of 2010. Pricing has yet to be confirmed.

Ford Presented the Police Version of New Explorer

Ford company presented the police car constructed on the basis of off-road car Explorer of following generation. The novelty joins in a ruler of Ford's special cars and appears on the enterprise conveyor in Chicago next year. Tests of both cars were used by policemen of district Los Angeles and the State of Michigan.

Ford Explorer for US Policemen

Police Ford Explorer will be presented in all-wheel drive versions with the atmospheric 6-cylinder engine in volume of 3,5 litres and power of 280HP. Such motor is aggregated with a 5-step automatic transmission and is capable to work, both on usual gasoline, and on bioethanol E85. According to representatives of Ford, Explorer for 20 percent is more economic than the police sedans Crown Victoria.

Ford Explorer Police Vehicle

The novelty received the strengthened body, more hardy suspender and the modernised brake gears, the new generator and a radiator, and also 18-inch wheel disks which for drop of expenses are unified with disks for police Ford Taurus. In off-road car interior there was a computer system with the nine-inch screen for access to a database, fastenings for the weapon, video registration systems, and also special closed compartments in a luggage compartment.

Besides Ford, the cars for police of the USA offer some more companies — Dodge (which prepared version Charger), Chevrolet (prepared for special services Caprice) and firm Carbon Motors which has developed own car.

Related Posts: Ford

• Ford Ka For Beggars
• Ford Presented Sports Focus
• Ford has shown a new off-road car

2011 Dodge Durango

Dodge has revealed its all-new 2011 Durango SUV. The good news for those who like breeding, or have lots of friends and enjoy being the designated driver, is that it still comes with three rows of seats.

However, unlike the previous generation Durango, this one uses unitary construction instead of having a separate chassis and body. In fact, it shares its basic architecture with the recently launched Jeep Grand Cherokee, as well as the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class / M-Class / R-Class family.



Given that, perhaps it’s no great surprise that the latest Durango has ended up looking very similar to the Grand Cherokee. But that’s not a criticism, and the styling is much better than on earlier versions, especially around the front. Dodge is claiming luxurious materials for the cabin, as well as twenty-two different seating configurations. Inexplicably, though, it has not bothered releasing any interior images at this stage.

Engine choice will be either a 3.6 litre Pentastar V-6, or the 5.7 litre HEMI V8 which can be run in ‘Multi-Displacement System’ mode - i.e. using only four cylinders - to save fuel. Both will be available with all-wheel drive.



As expected, there’s no sign of a diesel, probably because not many would be sold in North America. Nevertheless, Dodge is saying the Durango has excellent fuel efficiency, and it’ll be able to travel 500 miles on a tank of fuel. Unfortunately that’s the only figure provided, and it’s actually really meaningless unless the size of the tank is known.

Sales are due to begin towards the end of this year. The prospects of the Durango making it across to Europe are slim as, under Fiat control, only niche Dodge products such as the Viper, Charger and Challenger are likely to be sold here. Even re-badging the Durango as a Fiat isn’t in the company’s plans.

Mopar ’10 Challenger

While Fiat is busy launching the ultra-economical TwinAir engine, events at its recently acquired Dodge subsidiary are taking a very different direction.



Perhaps in an effort to help get over the recent demise of the Viper, it has just unveiled the Mopar ’10, a special edition based on the Dodge Challenger R/T. Limited to just 500 examples, this is the first time Dodge and Mopar have combined to produce a complete car that can be bought from a dealer.

Power comes from a 5.7 litre Hemi V8, and it’s reckoned the standard car’s 372 bhp (277 kW / 377 PS) has been increased by around 15 bhp (11 kW / 15 PS). That’s thanks to a functional bonnet scoop which feeds a revised cold air intake system. Chassis enhancements meanwhile are restricted to Mopar front and rear strut braces, although the Mopar ’10 has 20” forged black finish wheels in place of the standard 18” items.



The only colour option is Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl, and the grille gets a black chrome surround to match. Apart from the copious Mopar logos dotted about the car, there are also prominent side stripes which can be specified in either blue, red or silver. The chosen colour is then carried through to the stitching on the leather steering wheel and black Katzkin leather seats. Other interior features include a dash plaque and a special gear shifter - either a pistol grip for manual cars or a T-handle for automatics.



In the US, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for the Mopar ’10 with automatic transmission is $38,000, including destination charges. Buyers who opt for a manual gear change will, surprisingly to European eyes, have to pay $1,000 more. Those prices put the Mopar ’10 right between the $34,940 R/T Classic and $43,680 SRT8 in the Challenger line-up.



The Mopar ’10 Challenger is available from August, and orders are being accepted now.

Viper production ends

Is this the end of an era, or just a short pause? After eighteen years, Dodge has ceased production of the Viper. The news was expected, having first been announced back in November 2009. The subsequent release of the Viper SRT10 Final Edition in April was confirmation of Dodge’s intentions.



The final car off the Detroit assembly line was a heavily customised example, built for an enthusiast from Texas who already owns forty Vipers. The paintwork - bronzed gold with copper stripes - is certainly, er, unique. It probably looks much nicer in the flesh…

There’s still no firm word from Dodge about the next-generation Viper. The rumours are that it won’t be with us until 2012, assuming it arrives at all. The company is still saying it is ‘investigating’ the situation but, judging by the encouraging comments Dodge Brand President and CEO Ralph Gilles makes in this YouTube video, there seems to be genuine appreciation of how important the iconic Viper is to Dodge.

SF600R Challenger

American tuner SpeedFactory already builds a 600 hp Dodge Challenger, the extra power coming courtesy of a Vortech V3 supercharger.



But now it is also offering an alternative route to achieving that kind of output: the SF600R.

The big difference is that its Hemi engine remains normally aspirated, but is bored and stroked to increase capacity from the stock 6.1 litres up to 7 litres. The cylinder heads are also reworked, and feature new valves and springs. Together with other modifications, including a high-volume air intake and Corsa stainless steel exhaust, SpeedFactory claims the engine produces a dyno-proven 595-605 hp. Transmission choices are a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual.



To help control that increased power the suspension and anti-roll bars have been upgraded, and the SF600R runs on 20” BBS Black Edition CH-R wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tyres.



Also part of the specification is the SpeedFactory Signature package, which features a serial numbered plaque and exterior badging and graphics. On the inside, the leather seats and door panels are embossed with SpeedFactory branding, and custom floor mats are fitted.



Available now, the SF600R Challenger is priced at $73,900 in the U.S. (roughly £49,800 / €58,100). That’s almost 70% more than a standard $43,655 Challenger SRT8 with its 425 hp.

2010 Dodge Sport Cars Viper SRT10 Final Edition

Auburn Hills, Mich., Apr 6, 2010  -  To celebrate the final year of production for the current-generation Dodge Viper, Dodge Sport Car is building a limited production run of just 50 2010 Viper SRT10 "Final Edition" models.

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 "Final Edition"

The current Dodge Viper that we've all come to know and love is heading to that faraway automotive graveyard in the sky. Fret not – we have it on good authority that all supercars go to heaven. To commemorate the occasion, Chrysler has announced that it will build a limited edition 2010 Viper SRT10 "Final Edition" models with a production run of 50 Viper SRT10 Final Edition models.

The Final Edition Viper Sport Car models will be available in Coupe, Roadster and ACR (American Club Racer) model configurations and each will feature a Graphite Clear Coat body with a painted black center stripe traced in red. Viper Coupe and ACR Final Edition models include a black windshield surround. All Final Edition models carry unique side sill badges.

Inside, each car will get side sill badges along with red accent stitching on the black surfaces, plus red painted halo surrounds on the gauge cluster and bright stainless steel screws in center stack bezel. A numbered plaque will be featured on the shifter bezel and the updates will be finished off with Viper Final Edition floor mats.

Available in Coupe, Roadster and ACR (American Club Racer) model configurations, each Final Edition Viper exterior features a Graphite Clear Coat body with a painted black center stripe traced in red. Viper Coupe and ACR Final Edition models include a black windshield surround. All Final Edition models carry unique side sill badges.

The black interior features custom red accent stitching, red painted halo surrounds on the gauge cluster and bright stainless steel screws in center stack bezel. A numbered dash plaque (1-50) is located on the shifter bezel just above the unique Viper Final Edition floor mats.

All Viper Final Edition Coupe and Roadster models will wear six-spoke wheels painted in Anthracite, while ACR models will come with five-spoke Sidewinder wheels in black.

Mechanically, there are no changes to the Final Edition Viper. The beasty sports car retains its standard 8.4-liter V-10 engine, producing 600 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. That means all Final Edition models will rocket from 0 to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds, while being able to hit a top speed of 202 mph. Production of the Viper Final Edition will begin this summer, with just 20 coupes, 18 roadsters, and 12 ACRs being produced. Despite not having pricing information available yet, if you want one, you better get your order in quick.

Dodge will build 20 Final Edition Coupes, 18 Roadsters and just 12 ACRs, each dipped in a bath of Graphite Clear Coat with a black center stripe that's outlined in red. Coupes and ACRs will also get a black windshield surround that the Roadster does without. Capping off the exterior are anthracite six-spoke wheels for the Coupe and Roadster and black Sidewinder wheels for the ACR.

Production of the 2010 Dodge Viper Final Edition models is scheduled to begin in early summer.

Viper Final Edition

The recent history of the Dodge Viper SRT10 has been plagued by doubt. First of all, it seemed that Dodge was set to sell off the manufacturing assets for the car, only to eventually decide in summer 2009 that it would prefer to keep them.



Next came confirmation in December 2009 that 2010 would be the final production year for the current generation Viper. There wasn’t any firm news about a replacement, though.



Dodge did however promise various limited editions to celebrate the Viper’s run-out. First of these was the Viper ACR 1:33 Edition, named for the production class lap record that was set at the Laguna Seca circuit on 24 November 2009. Only 33 examples would be produced.

Now Dodge has announced the Viper SRT10 Final Edition models, with production due to start this summer. Limited to a run of just 20 Coupes, 18 Roadsters and 12 ACRs, like the 1:33 any changes versus the standard car are purely cosmetic.

On the outside, these include graphite paint and a black centre stripe, together with unique sill badges. The Coupe and ACR models also get a black windscreen surround. Final Edition Coupe and Roadster models come equipped with anthracite six-spoke wheels, while the ACR has five-spoke Sidewinder wheels in black.



The black suede and leather interior of the Final Edition features red accent stitching and red painted surrounds for the gauges. Buyers will also get a numbered dash plaque and unique floor mats.



Even though there are no technical changes, the standard Viper isn’t exactly lacking in performance. 600 horsepower and 760 Nm of torque from the 8.4 litre V10 engine mean the Final Edition will accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than four seconds and exceed 200 mph. Those kind of figures are probably enough for most people.



It may be a sign of the times, or it may be that Dodge now wants to keep things very exclusive, but when it last did a Final Edition in 2002 to mark the end of the second generation Viper, 360 were built.

Dodge has made final versions Viper SRT 10

In the end of 2010 concern Chrysler will stop manufactures sport car Dodge Viper, which first time is made in 1992 (concept it is developed in 1989). For 2010 special versions Viper SRT10 which 500 pieces will be made only are planned some. The limited versions will be accessible in bodies coupe and a roadster.

Specially for Dodge Limited Edition

Specially for Limited Edition two new colours will be presented: Toxic Orange Pearl Coat and Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat. Under a cowl invariable 8,4-l V10 power of 600HP and the twisting moment of 760Nm. Dispersal to 100 km/h less than 4 seconds, and the maximum speed makes 325 km/h.

Cult sport car Dodge Viper

The most limited version Dodge Viper will be made in number of only 10 copies and will receive name Vooodoo-edition Viper ACR.

Related Posts: Dodge

• The first sight on Dodge Charger new generation
• Hatchback Dodge Caliber has received a new interior
• There were first photos supercar Devon GTX
• Violent Dodge Challenger has received well-known motor Hemi 426
• Dodge Challenger with lambo-doors from KW