The Dodge Challenger is another item we got right – whether it be the 1970’s muscle car or upcoming 2011 Challenger model. Oh, there’s one more thing…Freedom.

This ad first appeared during the World Cup – in an attempt to remind each resident of our globe that we beat the British, and if need be we could do it again; so long as there are a few Dodge Challengers around.

Thanks to my buddy Dave for pointing this one out!

Dodge’s final Viper to be produced was a one of a kind gold\orange stripes edition, with special Last Production Viper designations and a distinctive interior as well.

Viper’s production began in 1992, and quickly spawned a huge cult following along with its own NBC TV show, also called Viper. The original Dodge Viper “Roadster” contained a 400 horsepower powerplant. Current (and final) Vipers range in the 600-plus horsepower ACR engines.

We don’t know if Dodge will ever produce some kind of Viper replacement or futuristic sportscar anytime soon. For now, we look back fondly on our fallen Viper brethren, and look hopeful at tomorrow that a new generation will grow to appreciate that big grill front and and 600 American horsepower.

via | Dragtimes

“In a small number of cases, parts of the gas pedal assembly have apparently fallen off, causing the pedals to come out of alignment and become stuck. The pedals involved in the cases are made by CTS Corp. the same supplier that made gas pedals involved in a massive Toyota recall for sticking gas pedals..However, the actual cause of sticking in the Toyota and Dodge cases appear to be unrelated” according to CNN Money.

This investigation centers specifically on the 2007 model of Calibers. One safety feature Dodge has that Toyota should look into is a “brake override” – pressing the brake pedal repeatedly automatically cuts engine power, making the vehicle easier to control even if the gas pedal becomes stuck.

Other cars that share engineering and assembly lines with the Caliber, ie Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot, are not involved in the investigation, a Chrysler spokesman said.

But as gas prices, car prices and customer concern all shot-up exponentially, the Magnum, along with a slew of other vehicles, was put on the chopping block.

Here’s what Dodgepedia had to say about the Magnum back in 2008: There is an armada of engines that can are ready to power the 2008 Magnum. The standard 2.7-liter V6 in the base model can generate up to 178 horsepower, and the optional 3.5-liter V6 can get up to 250 horsepower. Move up to the next trim level and the 340-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is standard! The four-speed automatic transmission and the five-speed automatic with manual capabilities are the two available transmissions. The SRT8 is in a league of its own and gets a 425 horsepower 6.1-liter V8 engine. Magnum was a moderate hit, with cult followings and appearances in TV and film, such as 2007’s Southland Tales, pictured above.

On November 1, 2007, Chrysler announced as part of its restructuring plans the Dodge Magnum would be one of four models discontinued after the 2008 model year. In Chrysler’s words: “The Magnum, along with the PT Cruiser convertible, the Crossfire, and the Pacifica were not earning their keep.” Unfortunately, Magnum and Crossfire were the only true losses, as Pacifica and PT are still around today.

But Magnum blazed a design trail, with Journey and Caliber borrowing front and rear end looks from the sports wagon.

But we still love the Magnum, and if you watch your highways every so often, one might just drive by.

The day we all feared has arrived – the last of Dodge’s 2010 Viper SRT10’s – in ACR, Coupe and convertible editions. As recent history will tell you, the Viper was supposed to be killed off several times – going as far back as 2008. But fans and admiration for the sports car by this Chrysler-Fiat owned brand kept it coming back.

According to Dodge: “The company has announced that it will build 50 of the Final Edition Viper SRT10s, oddly broken down as 20 coupes, 18 convertibles, and 12 ACRs. The Final Editions will follow the other special-edition 2010s (1:33, the Voodoo, and the ACR-X) out of the Conner Avenue plant, marking the end of second-gen Viper production.”

The Final Edition cars all wear graphite paint with red-trimmed black center stripes. Standard coupes and convertibles get anthracite six-spoke wheels while the ACR coupes roll on black five-spokes. Inside is black leather trimmed with red stitching. There are bright stainless screws poking out of the center-console bezel, red-ringed gauges, Final Edition floor mats (woo!), and each car gets a numbered plaque. (Recent-history lesson: In 2002—when the original Viper RT/10, GTS coupe, and first-gen ACRs made way for the SRT10s—Dodge built a total of 360 Final Edition coupes and ACRs. Those cars were all red with white stripes.)

The Source: Car & Driver

Dodge will use the funding to develop a 5.7-liter Hemi-powered Ram Hybrid, capable of traveling up to 20 miles using only the power supplied by a 12KwHr lithium-ion battery.

“This initiative represents how government, automotive industry, suppliers and key partners are reaching common goals and demonstrates how rapidly this type of advanced technology can be brought to market,” said Paolo Ferrero, Chrysler’s Senior Vice President-Powertrain, in a statement released to the media. “DOE-support for domestic advanced technology is an important enabler for Chrysler Group and its key suppliers in order to understand and test customer acceptance and the capability of PHEV systems in a variety of real-world conditions.”

Chrysler also says “reviewing the public’s response to other hybrid pickups – namely the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra” was another key factor in their decision to stop regular hybrid production.

Source: LeftLaneNews

Dodge has come up with an interesting incentive package for folks interested in picking up a Dodge Challenger with a Hemi engine option. It will offer buyers of any 2010 Challenger R/T, R/T Classic, or SRT8 Challenger nearly $2000 in “Mopar Bucks” to spend on factory accessories.

“The Challenger is one of our most accessorized vehicles,” said Pietro Gorlier, president and CEO of Chrysler’s Mopar division. “With this program, Mopar and Dodge are putting $2000 in our customers’ pockets and giving them the chance to accessorize their vehicle.”

With goodies such as upgraded coil-over suspension kits and cat-back exhausts available, it’s easy to see how this incentive will draw in Challenger customers. The $2000 in Mopar Bucks are however, only good on select items, including the above parts, along with performance shifter kits, a Challenger T/A-style hood, a rear “Go-Wing” spoiler, and various exterior graphics.

Dodge also offers Mopar package bundles for the Challenger, including an exterior package at $1,995. There’s also an interior package for $945 for the automatic equipped vehicles and $780 for the manual models. Both interior options are available on R/T sprayed in TorRed, Bright Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal and Bright White.

Look for Dodge’s Mopar Bucks Program to run through April 30.

Dodge Charger has taken some heat about its misogynistic ads featuring what it means to be a “Man” – which apparently involves buying an underpowered 4-door sedan. Well, Dodge has replaced the “Man” with a cute woman, who isn’t taking shit from her boyfriend anymore. Frankly, this is my favorite Charger spot yet – even with the obvious lack of Michal C. Hall narration.

Michal C. Hall has taken the horns of Dodge Charger’s “Man” campaigns – which include a hugely popular 60-second drop during 2010’s Super Bowl XLIV