Fans were confused when Dodge initially released its 4-Door variant Charger remake in the mid 2000′s. These same car lovers were excited to see a nostalgic reboot of Challenger, a vehicle last popular around 1971.

In the end, it all comes down to price and performance. Check out this comparison of the 2012 Dodge Challenger against the supercharged Charger sedan.

2012 Dodge Challenger

2012′s Challenger is battling it out with Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang for top American made sports car.

Challenger is also fighting Charger, in a way. Both are remakes of classic Dodge vehicles. And when it comes to looks, Challenger is #1. Available in three trim levels: base, R/T and SRT8. Challenger is powered by a multitude of engine options: 305 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 or 5.7-liter HEMI V8 (producing 372 horsepower) for the standard car, with 376 horsepower for the R/T. SRT8′s 6.4-liter HEMI V8 blows both away, with 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.

Challenger’s average 0 – 60 time is around 6.8 seconds, and this rear wheel drive vehicle is still able to produce an estimated MPG rating of 18 City, 27 HWY. One downside for buyers is its coupe-like cargo space of 16.2 cu. ft. (which, honestly, still isn’t bad for a 2-Door). Pricing ranges from $24,175 – $42,555 MSRP.

2012 Dodge Charger

Ok, so you need 4-Doors, but don’t want to skimp on performance. Luckily, the 2012 Charger comes in not three but FOUR trims: SE, Rallye, R/T and SRT8.

SE and Rallye have a 3.6-liter V6, with 370 horsepower 5.7-liter V8 on R/T models. SRT8 features a 6.4-liter V8, with both rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive available on Rallye and R/T models. 0 – 60 times and pricing are similar to Challenger: 6.4 seconds and $24,585 – $44,161 MSRP. The vehicle also shares average MPG with its 2-Door sibling: 18 City, 27 HWY.

So, it all comes down to space. You’re going with Charger, right? WRONG – cargo space on board the 2012 Dodge Charger is actually less than Challenger – with 15.4 cu. ft. of cargo room. Surprised? Don’t be – because in the end both Charger and Challenger offer a multitude of great standard and optional features. Give each a test drive at your local Dodge Dealer, and see which vehicle feels right.

Source: AOL autos (1 / 2)

Well, it looks like someone is still interested in Dodge, and fortunately (or unfortunately depending on which side of the political fence you live on) it is the US Air Force. Galpin Auto Tuners along with the United States Air Force have come up with an interesting recruitment tool. No, it’s not a video game – it’s an actual automobile. The Dodge Challenger Vapor is half car, half space ship – and all horse power.

The Challenger Vapor features radar-absorbing stealth-black paint, not unlike what is used to mask stealth bombers. The Vapor is set to run almost silently, thanks to “stealth exhaust” – whatever that means. Reminds us of when KITT used to go “Silent Mode” on Knight Rider. You need biometric verification to enter the cockpit via gull wing doors. The driver can view night/thermal vision projections on the windshield while sitting in a compartment that looks like something out of Crimson Tide.

If the driver doesn’t feel like getting out of their bunker he or she can command Vapor from a remote control system (even through internet) modeled after the Air Force’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. The car reportedly gets somewhere around 500 horse power – but it’s true specs and top speed are being kept a tighter secret then what’s inside Area 51.

2009 Dodge Viper ACR

According to RideLust: What distinguishes the ACR from the regular Viper is not horsepower, both have the same 8.4 liter V-10 engine that produces 600 horsepower and 560 pound feet of torque. The ACR includes mostly handling, braking, suspension and weight upgrades to enhance its cornering abilities. This is not just lip service. Purportedly at 150 mph, the regular Viper coupe generates 100 pounds of downforce; at the same speed, the Viper ACR generates 1000 pounds of downforce. Therefore, the giant carbon-fiber rear wing is clearly not meant for show. There’s also a new carbon-fiber front splitter that extends way back under the car and incorporates seven steps to diffuse the airflow. The new hood louvers unveiled with the 600-horsepower engine upgrade a year ago play a part, too. Suspension changes include race-style KW shocks all around that can be adjusted for stiffness and ride height, springs twice as stiff as those in a normal Viper, and a larger front stabilizer bar. Forged “Sidewinder” alloy wheels save 30 pounds of unsprung weight, and new two-piece StopTech brake rotors save a further 30. The standard ACR is 40 pounds lighter than the regular Viper coupe.

2009 Dodge Viper ACR

All of the upgrades result in the SRT10 Viper ACR getting to 60 mph in around 3.7 seconds, but more importantly stops it in less than 100 feet. Impressive as it is, the Viper will probably go the same way as the RX-7, NSX or anything else that is too expensive and inefficient for the world we live in. With Chrysler on the brink of bankruptcy and the executives having to justify every business decision they make to Congress, we should all enjoy it while it lasts.

2009 Dodge Viper ACR Interior

2009 Dodge Viper ACR Engine

Mopar® Unveils 2009 Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger at SEMA -Reveal illustrates “if you can dream it, you can build it with Mopar®” – Shaun Carlson and Samuel Hübinette on the 2009 Mopar Drift Challenger

Mopar®, Chrysler LLC’s global service and parts division, is bringing the all-new Dodge Challenger to the next generation of motorsports enthusiasts. Mopar will unveil the much-anticipated 2009 Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger today at the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas.

Team Mopar driver and two-time Formula Drift (FD) champion Samuel Hübinette, who will steer the Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger during the 2009 season, participated in the reveal. Hübinette’s team owner Shaun Carlson, owner of NuFormz Racing, was also in attendance. Carlson spearheaded the build of the Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger at his NuFormz Racing shop in Ontario, Calif.

The unveiling of the Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger at SEMA continues Mopar’s long commitment to the rising motorsport of drifting. Mopar and Hübinette teamed up to capture the inaugural FD championship in 2004, with Hübinette also taking the 2006 FD title. Hübinette has claimed nine career FD victories, a series high, spreading the word about Mopar power to the younger demographic of race fans that follow drifting.

“The debut of the Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger solidifies the Mopar theme – if you can dream it, you can build it with Mopar,” said Steve Shugg, Director of Sales and Marketing – Mopar, Chrysler LLC. “Mopar is reaching out to today’s car enthusiast by combining its storied racing heritage with a variety of performance and accessory products that allow customers to make a personal statement with their vehicle.”

Shaun Carlson and Samuel Hübinette on the 2009 Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger

The creation of the Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger was no easy task for Carlson and his NuFormz Racing crew.

“We learned a lot from building the Mopar Drift Dodge Charger, which Sam drove during the 2007 season, and transferred that knowledge to the Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger,” said Carlson. “When we decided to bring out a new competition drift car, what better platform than the new Dodge Challenger. It has cool styling, great aerodynamics and it’s a car that we feel is going to create a lot of buzz among fans of the FD Series.”

“One of the biggest modifications was making the car light,” Carlson remarked. “Much of the body is now carbon-fiber, which cut quite a bit of weight. We’ve been able to put a lot of time, effort and hard work into this car. It’s going to be strong.”

“This is going to be an exciting time, bringing out another car and another platform,” said Hübinette, who in 2009 will mark his sixth year as a member of Team Mopar. “All that we learned from building the Dodge Charger drift car is transformed into this car and really makes it competitive. The Dodge Challenger is definitely the hot vehicle right now – everybody’s talking about it. Having the vehicle built as a competition drift car is just going to add even more excitement. We’re pumped up about launching this car, doing some testing over the winter and getting it ready to rock, and then taking home some victories next year.”

If you are in the market for a new vehicle and have a big load to carry—whether it is cargo or passengers—then you may have found your match. The 2008 Dodge Sprinter Passenger Van can seat up 12 passengers and has a multitude of customizable seating configurations. The 2008 Sprinter also comes as the Cargo Van and Chassis Cab, and it comes in either 2500 or 3500 ratings. The Passenger Van only comes as the 2500 (three-quarter-ton).

What powers this machine is either a 154 horsepower 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine or a 254 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine. The standard five-speed automatic transmission teams with each engine to create optimal comfort and performance levels.

The 2008 Sprinter measures in at 232.5 inches in length and gets a 144.3 wheelbase when the standard roof is equipped; the wheelbase jumps to a whooping 170-inch wheelbase when the driver opts for the high roof option. The tapered front-end, balanced proportions and Dodge’s well-known crosshair grille give this aerodynamic machine a strong road presence. With HID bi-xenon headlights in the front, this road-warrior can really handle its own.

The interior can blur any assumptions you have about a Van. Everything from the instrument cluster to the seats give the inside of the 2008 Sprinter what Dodge calls a “car-like atmosphere.” The two LCD tachometer and speedometer give the instrument cluster a classy feel. The comfort-level is heightened as well with things such automatic climate control and residual engine-heat system that speeds up heating with an electric hot-air auxiliary heater when everything is just too cold. Everything else from the power features, keyless entry, comfortable seating and a choice of two stereo systems simply contribute to the Sprinter “car-like” atmosphere.

Speaking of the seating, there are near limitless combinations of arrangements. The diesel engine models have standard 12-passenger seating and the gas engine vans get standard 10-passenger seating; the gas engine models have seven and nine-passenger seating options as well. The passengers have easier access as well because of the sliding doors that have a best in class low side step-in height and grab handles. Passengers get standard frontal airbags as well as optional side-impact and side curtain airbags. Other safety features on the 2008 Passenger Van include antilock brakes, an electronic stability system and the ParkSense Rear Park Assist System.

No matter what options you choose for you Dodge Sprinter, you wont be disappointed!

The Dodge Ram full-size pick up truck comes in a variety of sizes, shapes and styles. You can select a 1500, 2500 or 3500 versions and a number of cab and cargo box sizes from which to choose. Each configuration has a number of trim levels to choose from as well. The 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 Mega Cab is the year’s main attraction and gives the Ram a superior reputation.

The Mega Cab can be equipped with either a 345 horsepower Hemi V8 engine or a 6.7-liter turbo-diesel engine that dishes out 350 horsepower. With a variety of transmissions and four-wheel drive, this is one powerful machine. When properly equipped, the 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 Mega Cab can tow up to 16,350 pounds—combine that with the large space from the cargo bed and you have yourself more storage space than you’ll know what to do with!

Enough living room for you? 

According to Dodge, the Ram Mega Cab has the greatest interior volume in its class. A 40/20/40-split bench front seat, reclining back seats, a 40/60-split bench and the largest load floor in its class when the rear seat is folded down give the Mega Cab a severe edge. There is a center console in the middle of the three front seats when the middle seat isn’t occupied. However many people are in the vast interior, they are protected by advanced multistage frontal airbags and available side curtain airbags with rollover sensing technology. The crumple zones and side-impact door beams built into the exterior add another layer of protection to the lucky occupants of the Ram Mega Cab. Other safety features include antilock brakes and an electronic stability system that has Trailer Sway Control added to its technology.

Amidst the various controls for climate controls, audio settings and instrument gauges, there is a GPS Navigation System. This program can give vocalized directions, automatic route calculation, real-time traffic readings and more. The Mega Cab also has an available rear-seat DVD entertainment system with a 7-inch color LCD screen. The two screens can display different mediums of entertainment at the same time, such as a video game on one screen and the newest blockbuster on DVD shown the other. Other inner conveniences the Mega Cab model that are offered include the UConnect Hands-Free Communication System, remote start, power adjustable pedals and a power sunroof.

The Mega Cab is very impressive, in all aspects. It can entertain the family, fit more than any other in its class and gives an impressive performance. Even if you opt for another variation, the 2008 Ram is guaranteed to put you in awe!

The Dodge Nitro compact SUV was revealed last year and returns in 2008 with new features and options. This youngster gets new technology such as the ParkSense system, new customizable features and a whole lot of other systems and options from which to choose. The 2008 Nitro can come in the base SXT trim, midlevel SLT trim and the high-performance R/T trim.

The Dodge Nitro base model runs on a 210 horsepower 3.7-liter V6 that can work with a six-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. The higher-level models come with the 260 horsepower 4.0-liter V6 that runs on the five-speed automatic transmission. Both combinations offer rear and four-wheel-drive modes.

The 2008 model measures in at 178.9 inches with a 108.8-inch wheelbase. On top of this sits a strong shaped model that screams Dodge, partly because of the distinctive crosshair grille for which Dodge is famous. The straight lines of the structure, high beltline and bold wheel flares give the Nitro a powerful presence.

The 2008 Nitro has the Load ‘N Go cargo floor that slides out up to 18 inches so you can easily get heavy or difficult objects in without hassle. It can hold up to 400 pounds, so don’t worry about it breaking! Speaking of storage, the Nitro also has various areas inside including the center console, illuminated glove box and rear cargo bin/tray to make storage inside this machine better than ever.

The inside can seat up to five with a 60/35-split rear seat. The front passenger seat and the rear seats fold flat which jacks up the storage capacity for whatever you need to fit in your Nitro. The seats are upholstered in either leather or YES Essentials stain/odor resistant fabric. However many occupants are in the cockpit, they are ensured protection. The interior has multistage frontal airbags and supplemental side-curtain airbags with roll-sensing technology. All of this rests inside the Nitro cage that was designed to absorb as much impact energy as possible, insulating the insides from harm.

The driver has a blue-illuminated instrument cluster at their disposal and an Electronic Vehicle Information Center that gives access to the trip computer, alerts, vehicle settings, a digital compass, readings on tire pressure and more. To the right is the MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System that features a 6.5-inch full-color touch screen display, voice activated Navigation, SIRIUS satellite capabilities, audio controls and an integrated USB Port so you can use the 20 GB of space the computer has to offer. Also as an option, the driver can opt for the Rear DVD Entertainment System that is also controlled from the MyGIG display screen. Everything that is integrated keeps the driver and passenger comfort in mind.

The 2008 Dodge Nitro is a great pick for a number of drivers and is available at you nearest Dodge dealership. It’s recommended to check it out if you’re in the market for a new vehicle!

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.

The Magnum can hold up to five people and can hold a variety of different sized cargo because of the 60/40-split folding rear seat; the additional hidden storage in the floor makes an almost limitless amount of space. The liftgate is also designed to open vertical to allow easy rear access. The interior quality was developed as well. The instrumentation, long center console, various storage compartments and mood-setting lighting keep give the interior a pleasant atmosphere.

The entertainment available for the Magnum is very impressive. Options include the class exclusive SIRIUS Backseat TV, the backseat DVD Video Entertainment System and SIRIUS Satellite Radio. Whatever entertainment medium you choose, you can enjoy the sounds on the Boston Acoustics Speaker System. All of these systems can be controlled from the MYGIG Multimedia Infotainment System. This technology features 20GB to store your media files on; you can also control the available navigation system and other car luxuries from this useful little screen. The available heated seats simply add to the comfort of the passengers.

To compliment the serious comfort that the 2008 Magnum provides, Dodge packed this model with safety features. Standard features include antilock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system. There are also side curtain and side-impact airbags available to compliment the advanced multi-stage front airbags.

No matter what condition you drive in, this wagon is a thrill to drive. You never feel like the vehicle is out of control and sometimes the technology built into the system does all of the work for you! So stop by your nearest Dodge Dealer today to get a taste of this 2008 treat.

Dodge is releasing their Grand Caravan minivan model with refurbish styling, new standard and optional features, new transmissions and a whole lot more innovations for 2008. It’s no wonder the Grand Caravan is America’s best selling minivan.

The 2008 Grand Caravan runs on either a 198-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 or a 240-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. The standard engine is a 3.3-liter V6 that can run on gasoline, E85 ethanol or some combination and it runs off a four-speed automatic transmission. The gear shifter is in a more convenient location and functions very well during driving.

The main spotlight focuses on the redesigned interior. Dodge has given a variety of seating options in the Grand Caravan. The Swivel ‘n Go arrangement offers two second row captains seats the rotate a full 180° to face the 60/40-split third-row bench seats. In between the two rows is a removable table that is stored in the floor. The Stow ‘n Go arrangement provides second and 60/40 split third-row seats that fold flat into in-floor storage wells. An available One-Touch Power Folding 60/40 Third-Row Seat is available as well. Some available features for the seats include heated seats, power-adjustable options and the stain/odor resistant YES Essentials Fabric.

The user-friendly interface gives the driver an ideal setup that keeps their focus on the road and not on figuring out the control scheme. The combination of the available ambient halo lighting on the overhead console, the informative gauge cluster, the Close at Hand controls and hands free phone system provides an appeasing experience. With the MYGIG Multimedia Infotainment System, the driver gets a quality sound system and a 20GB hard drive to store CD music, MP3s and photos. It also houses control for the available Navigation System and SIRIUS Satellite Radio.

The passengers of the Grand Caravan are treated with things such as the SIRIUS Backseat TV that offers satellite received television stations. The ceiling mounted screens also display DVD entertainment. The best thing about this system is that different forms of entertainment can be shown on each individual screen; the kids can watch their cartoons, the older teens can watch the latest blockbuster and the parents can catch up on the news from their satellite radio broadcast.

Safety features in the Grand Caravan include advanced multistage front airbags, side curtain airbags for all rows of seating, rollover protection, antilock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system. The Obstacle Detection System automatically opens the offered power sliding doors when something is sensed when it is closing. Other interesting technologies added are the sonar ParkSense audible system and the ParkView rear view camera

As you can see, the 2008 Grand Caravan has comfort, safety, convenience and a certain degree of luxury. So get the family together, rotate the seats around and let the kids play a board game while you go on an outing somewhere. The only problem that may arise is getting everyone out of the vehicle when the ride is over!

The Dodge Durango midsize SUV offers a slew of new available engines for 2008. Not only the engines, but also new technologies and design details scattered about the interior and exterior. 

The base engine the 2008 model is a 210 horsepower 3.7-liter VG. There is also an optional 303 horsepower 4.7-liter V8 that can run on E85 ethanol, and a new 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that can generate up to 335 horsepower. This new engine shuts down half the cylinders when they’re not necessary to save fuel. The V6 engine teams with a four-speed automatic transmission while the V8 models get a five-speed automatic. Both come with either rear or four-wheel drive, and if the proper combination is chosen, the Durango can tow an impressive 8,950 pounds! This makes use of the useful Trailer Sway Control for when you’re towing heavy items, such as boats.

The inside can hold up to eight occupants with three rows of seats and can go down all the way to 5-passenger occupancy with two rows of seats; the second row has bucket seats available as well. Whatever configuration you choose, all seats are capable of folding flat for an increase in the already impressive cargo volume. A variety of material is available as well from heated cloth seats to the stain and odor resistant YES Essentials fabric. The lucky bodies that occupy whatever seating configuration you choose can enjoy the Alpine Sound System, an optional DVD Entertainment System, available SIRIUS Satellite Radio and more!

Further technology is provided to the driver. Things like an optional Navigation System, the Electronic Vehicle Information Center and Power Adjustable Pedals make driving a lot more comfortable. Other things like the UConnect Hands-Free System, Dual Automatic Temperature Control, Power Liftgate, Three-Blink Turn Signal and other power features only add to the convenience Durango brings.

The safety that the 2008 Durango provides is equally as enthralling. The Electronic Stability Program keeps the vehicle in control when extreme steering maneuvers are needed. Antilock braking, traction control and AWD keep the road stable on the ground in a number of conditions. The pioneering ParkSense Rear Park Assist System uses sound waves to alert the driver when they’re approaching another object. In case of an accident, the 2008 Durango is equipped with multistage frontal airbags and roll-sensing side curtain airbags. Dodge has your back.

No matter what your reasoning is, this midsize SUV is the perfect choice for your next vehicle!