Dodge EV: All-Electric 268HP Coupe Study Based on the Lotus Europa

At its World Headquarters in Auburn Hills today, Chrysler LLC revealed three all-electric prototype vehicles, the Dodge EV, Jeep EV and Chrysler EV, promising to have one of them available in the North American markets as soon as 2010 followed shortly after by Europe. Speaking at the presentation, Chrysler LLC’s CEO Bob Nardelli said: “The introduction of the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge electric vehicles provide a glimpse of the very near future, and demonstrates that we are serious and well along in the development of bringing EVs to market.” -Continued

We’ll start off our presentation of Chrysler’s all-electric-drive prototypes with the Tesla-like Dodge EV which is evidently based on the Lotus Europa. First of all we never liked the British coupe’s kit-car appearance and there’s no reason why that should change just because Chrysler threw in a set of Dodge logos and twin black racing stripes.

Styling aside, the two-passenger, rear-wheel-drive Dodge EV gets an electric-drive system that consists of the three main components: an electric motor, the lithium-ion battery stack and an integrated power controller.

The electric motor generates an output of 200 kW or 268 HP along with a massive 650 Nm (480 lb.-ft.) of torque, accelerating the Dodge EV from standstill to 60 mph (96 km/h) in less than five seconds, with quarter-mile times of 13 seconds. According to Chrysler, the Dodge EV has a top speed of over than 120 mph or 196 km/h.

The lithium-ion batteries, which can be charged from any standard 110-volt household outlet in eight hours (4 hours by using a typical 220-volt household appliance power outlet), offer the Dodge EV an adequate driving range of 150 to 200 miles (240 – 320 km).

Mopar-Prepped Dodge Ram R/T Concept Heads to SEMA

Even though truck sales in the U.S. are dropping like flies, there will always be a market for vehicles like the new Dodge Ram. And when there’s a market, there’s an aftermarket. Chrysler LLC’s Mopar division is now readying a customized version of the range-topping Ram R/T for the world’s largest aftermarket trade show, the 2008 SEMA which will take place in Las Vegas this November. The 2009 Ram R/T is powered by a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 pushing out 390 HP and according to Dodge, the run from nought to 60mph (96 km/h) take a mere 5.6 seconds. -Continued

According to the folks at ‘TheCarConnection, the SEMA show Ram R/T will get a full bodykit treatment that includes a dual snorkel aluminum hood with carbon fiber accent strips (just like the Challenger) and a hard tonneau complete with an integrated spoiler. The Ram R/T’s ‘bad boy’ looks are complemented by a set of 22-incg machine forged alloy wheels wrapped in 285/45R22 front and 305/40R22 rear tires and the lowered suspension. Inside the souped-up Ram R/T will feature a sportier trim and special leather sport seats.

Via: Thecarconnection

2009 Dodge Charger Gets More Powerful 368HP 5.7L V8 Hemi

Leaving aside the allegedly restyled tail lamps as despite what Dodge says, we fail to see any visible differences with the ones found on the ’08 model, the most notable change on the 2009 Charger is the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine on the RWD and AWD R/T models with improved fuel efficiency and increased horsepower. According to Dodge, the revised 5.7-liter HEMI V8 produces an estimated 368 HP and 395 lb.-ft. or 536 Nm of torque compared to the ’08 5.7L Hemi V8 that was rated at 340 HP (350HP with the Road/Track Performance option) and 390 lb.-ft. or 525 Nm of torque respectively. Hit the jump to check out all the changes for the 2009 Charger models. -Continued

2009 DODGE CHARGER: WHAT’S NEW FOR 2009

Exterior:

• Color: Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat replaces Steel Blue Pearl Coat
• New taillamp design (all models)
• Antenna moves to rear window (all models)
• Aluminum wheels (now standard on Dodge Charger SE)

Interior:

• Upgraded interior accents including satin silver door trim spears, satin silver center console cup holder rings and satin silver center stack and shifter bezels (Dodge Charger SE)
• Trunk cargo net and scuff plate (Dodge Charger SE)
• Premium 18-ounce floor mats (Dodge Charger SE)

Electrical:

• LED-illuminated door map pockets (included with Leather Package on Dodge Charger SXT and standard on Dodge Charger R/T)
• LED-illuminated front cup holders (all models)
• EVIC informs driver when in two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (AWD models)
• EVIC informs driver when using the fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS) by automatically flashing “ECO” message (Dodge Charger R/T)

Powertrain / Chassis:

• New-generation 5.7-liter HEMI engine with fuel-saving MDS technology and variable-valve timing (VVT) achieves increased horsepower (368 hp) and torque (395 lb.-ft.) (Dodge Charger R/T)
• New axle ratio of 2.65:1 (Dodge Charger R/T)
• All-wheel-drive models are equipped with innovative Active Transfer Case and Front-axle Disconnect to maximize performance and fuel economy
• New axle ratio of 3.06:1 (Dodge Charger AWD models)

Safety and Security:

• Updated Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) warning message now appears as “LO TIRE” (all models)

2009 DODGE CHARGER SRT8: WHAT’S NEW FOR 2009

EXTERIOR
• New color: Deep Water Blue Clear Coat
• New taillamps

INTERIOR
• Dual-zone automatic temperature control standard
• Automatic headlamps standard
• One-touch up/down windows standard
• New front-seat head rests
• Remote start standard
• Air filtration standard
• Heated front seats standard

POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS
• New ABS/ESP calibration with brake knockback mitigation
• Retuned suspension including knuckle and shock valve
• Improved fuel economy results in a lower gas guzzler tax

PACKAGES
• Limited edition Super Bee “buzz model” in Hemi Orange with serialized dash plaque
o Package includes Charger SRT8 Super Bee wheels with black anodized pockets
o Exterior decals for the hood and “Super Bee” on rear quarter
o Silver Brembo brake calipers
o uconnect tunes radio standard
o Orange accent color on seat
• Limited edition Brilliant Black Edition (spring 2009)

Kuwaiti Police Buys 150 Dodge Chargers

Chrysler LLC has stuck a pretty good deal with the Kuwaiti government as the country’s Ministry of Interior has placed an order for 150 Dodge Chargers police vehicles. "Reflecting an image of strength and power is important for our law enforcement officials and the Dodge Charger portrays this image to the Kuwaiti people,” said Deputy Ministry of Interior, Musaed S. Al-Guwainem. Delivery of the ‘bad-boy’ Chargers to Kuwait is expected to be completed in the next two months as the police cars are currently being customized with the necessary equipment. -Continued

Via: Autofiends , Source: Chrysler

Dodge Viper ACR is (Unofficially) the new King of the Ring with 7’22’’, Slays Both GT-R and ZR1

The barely road-legal Dodge Viper ACR has shattered the Corvette ZR1’s Nurburgring time by a whopping 4.3 seconds according to the folks over at Motortrend – Dodge has yet to release an official announcement. On August 18, FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) driver Tom Coronel, who pilots a Leon TFSi for SEAT Team Holland, managed to turn the ‘Ring in his fourth attempt in an amazing 7:22.10. The ‘Ring war began in May when Nissan announced that the 480 HP GT-R lapped the infamous German race track in 7:29.03. About a month later, GM came out and said that its 640 HP supercharged Corvette ZR1 was the new ‘King of the Ring’ with a time of 7:26.40. -Continued

The Dodge Viper ACR is essentially a race-track ready version of the stock Viper. While it retains the same 600 HP 8.4-liter V10 engine as the Viper SRT-10, it has undergone a strict diet and it features a racing suspension and clutch along with an aerodynamic bodykit.

According to the unofficial information provided by Motortrend, with the exception of the Racetech seat with a six-point harness, the ACRs (Dodge brought two vehicles to the ‘Ring) were factory stock and fitted with the no-cost option Hard Core package that sheds another 40 pounds with the elimination of the audio system, trunk carpet, rear cabin sound insulation, tire inflator kit, hood insulator, and steel battery cover.

Via: Motortrend

Hurst to Present 500+ HP Supercharged Dodge Challenger at SEMA

Hurst has teamed up with a number of companies to create a collectible limited edition version of the Dodge Challenger SRT8 that will make its debut at the Las Vegas SEMA show in late November. Available in four trim levels through participating Dodge dealerships from early 2009, the Hurst-prepped Challenger SRT8 will pack more than 500 ponies under its hood while other improvements will include a set of polished five-spoke HURST alloy wheels and a classic pistol-grip Hurst shifter. -Continued

“The new HURST/HEMI Challenger is more than just another muscle car. It epitomizes the performance industries tradition of taking the best Detroit has to offer and adding 21st century performance parts to make your ride faster and cooler than the other guys,” said Nate Shelton, Chairman of HURST.

“HURST has a long history of doing just that with guys like Don Garlits, Warren Johnson, Dick Landy and even celebrity racers Steve McQueen and Jim Garner. The new HURST/HEMI Challenger is the first of many HURST Performance Vehicles to come. We are ready to make some more history,” Shelton added.

Via: eGMcartech, Source: Hurst

Breaking News: Chrysler’s Thinking of Selling the Dodge Viper unit!

The Dodge Viper could soon be history -at least for the Chrysler Group, as according to an official announcement that was made this morning, the third largest American automaker said that it is ‘preparing to explore strategic options for the Dodge Viper business’. Here is what Chrysler LLC’s CEO Bob Nardelli said about the potential sale of the Viper to a third party:

“We have been approached by third parties who are interested in exploring future possibilities for Viper. As the Company evaluates strategic options to maximize core operations and leverage its assets, we have agreed to listen to these parties. We will do so keeping in mind the best interests of those who have shown tremendous support for the vehicle – including employees, suppliers, dealers and a worldwide group of loyal Viper owners and enthusiasts.” -Continued

“Viper is an integral part of this Company’s heritage. While this is a strategic review, our intent would be to offer strong operational and financial support during any potential transaction, in order to ensure a future for the Viper business and perpetuate the legacy of this great vehicle."

Picture Edited by Carscoop

Blacked out Dodge Challenger SRT-8

There’s no doubt that the new Dodge Challenger looks menacingly attractive in black but there are a couple of things we don’t like about this blacked out SRT-8 from Platinum Motorsport. First of all, we we’re not too fond about the fussy alloy rim design and second, the 20-inch front and 22-inch rear AGETRO S250 wheels make the rear end of the Challenger look like its sitting on stilts. Check out more pics of the Challager after the jump. -Continued



Via: CarDomain

Chinese Replicate Dodge Tomahawk Motorcycle

At the 2003 Detroit Motor Show Dodge unveiled a monstrous creation called the Tomahawk; a unique motorcycle with two front wheels and two rear wheels powered by a 500HP 8.3L V10 engine from the Viper. Although the Tomahawk was never intended to for production, Chrysler actually built 10 running (but not road-legal) examples that were sold for $550,000 a piece through Neiman Marcus.

Now, a Chinese maker decided it was time that someone re-introduced the Tomahawk into the market as a cheap knock-off called the KMD K-007 Tron Bike MC-06. How cheap? Well, $1,398 will buy you a poorly executed Tomahawk replica. For that kind of money don’t expect any mechanical wonders as the original concept’s 500 HP V10 engine has been replaced by a… 150cc single cylinder engine that pumps out a staggering 10 HP. However, just like the original Tomahawk, the KMD is not street legal… -More pics after the jump

Via: Autoblog.com , Source: ATV

Rendering Fantasies: BMW M1 Morphed into Dodge Challenger

The thing we love most about image/graphics editing programs is that they allow you to explore the boundaries of your imagination. Anything is possible, even a Dodge Challenger version of the BMW M1 Homage Concept (see photos here) that was created by a Russian artist that goes by the nickname Remio. As weird as it may sound, not only do we find the end result convincing but as a matter of fact, we actually like the Dodge M1 or if you prefer, BMW Challenger.

Via: Cardesign

2010 Plymouth Road Runner Concept by Mopar Enthusiast

More of a result of pipe-dreaming than actual inside info, the 2010 Plymouth Road Runner Concept that’s featured in the August/September issue of Mopar Enthusiast magazine is based on the new Dodge Challenger using styling cues from the ’71-’72 model year Road Runners. The folks at Mopar Enthusiast beleive that if the car were to be produced today, it should be powered by a HEMI 5.7L V8 as standard with 6.1L and 7.0L V8 HEMIs being offered as optional equipment. -Continued

Via: Autoblog.com , Source: Mopar Enthusiast

2006 SEMA Show Dodge Caliber SXT for sale on eBay

If you have a thing for show cars then you might want to take a look at this supped up Dodge Caliber SXT that was displayed at Chrysler’s Mopar booth at the 2006 SEMA Show. According to the seller, this little green monster also made it across to China for the Shanghai Auto Show. The Caliber is fitted with a 200Hp 2.0-liter turbo engine matted to a CVT transsmion and it comes equipped with all sorts of Mopar goodies like a body kit, flat black paint on the hood and rooftop, 20-inch alloys and frontand rear Momo bucket seats. -Continued

• Details:
• Mopar body kit
• Mopar CF hood (painted flat black)
• Mopar Intake
• Mopar Header
• Mopar Dual Exhaust
• Mopar Strut tower brace
• Mopar lowering spring
• 20" Black Face Momo wheels
• 20" BFG tires
• Momo Sport Pedals
• Front AND Rear Momo Race Seats
• Carbon Fiber Leather Doors
• Upgrade to Dodge Navigation head unit
• Boston Acoustic Amps, Subwoofers, speakers
• Drop down DVD player with Nintendo DS
• Custom House of Kolors Limetime paint with Flat Black hood, roof and trim

Link: eBay , Thanks for the tip Joe!