“We will look at decoupling some of the features in the future…we will start with…decoupling the DVD and sunroof,” Gilles explained in a web chat. This “decoupling” is code for stripping down features for costs sake. Gilles added that to make a 2013 Durango SRT8, they’ll look to the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 for inspiration.

Source: Motor Authority

Now that the Ram pickup has adapted into a RAM franchise of its own, Dodge had to do a little rebranding. Along with the 2011 Dodge Durango, Charger was relaunched with a new “crosshair” grill. And just like previous incarnations, the new (and very safe while crashing) Charger is as popular as ever.

Enter the Dodge Charger SRT8. This vehicle receives entirely new sheet metal for 2012. Under the bonnet, there’s a new 6.4-liter HEMI V8, producing “more horsepower and torque than the 6.1-liter HEMI V8″ – with details to come soon. So far, we are really liking this new Dodge.

Dodge will introduce the all new 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 (officially) at the Chicago Auto Show – happening now.

Source: Jalopnik

Testing is done on front, side and even roof-top collisions. According to the IIHS press release: Measurements taken from the crash-test dummies used in the Charger and 300 tests show a low risk of significant injury in a 40-mph frontal offset crash. In addition, the standard driver’s knee airbag minimized knee injuries in frontal crashes. In side-impact testing, the front and rear passengers’ head and body protection also indicate a low risk of significant injury.

To pass IIHS’ roof-strength test, a vehicle’s roof must be able to withstand the force of four times the vehicle’s weight. The Charger can withstand 5.37 times its own weight.

This is great news for Dodge, and for those looking for safe automobile that can seat 4 to 5 people comfortable. The IIHS award will undoubtedly help sales, and give Charger a better name in the crash test world – the previous generation of Chargers received a “Marginal” rating for the same incidences.

Source: Kicking Tires

From Motor Authority – We’ve known for months now that Dodge would be dropping in a new 6.4-liter (392 cubic-inch) HEMI V-8 for the SRT8 range, but it just went official: the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 will get 470 horsepower, 470 pound-feet of torque, and a special Inaugural Edition limited to just 1,492 cars.

The bump in power–up 45 from last year’s 6.1-liter Challenger SRT8–will be welcome, but the bump in torque will be more noticeable, with another 90 pound-feet available from 2,900 rpm. All that grunt will make the Challenger SRT8 392 an even better tire-shredding machine, though suspension upgrades for 2011 will help it turn better, too.

SRT-tuned shocks and springs, more negative camber at all four corners, and an upgraded heavy-duty pump for the fully hydraulic steering make for what Dodge is calling a “more nimble and playfully ‘tossable’” Challenger. Lateral acceleration is now up to .93g, bearing out Dodge’s claims of increased grip at the least.

The first of the 2011 Challenger SRT8 392s built will be the 1,492 Inaugural Edition models. These cars will get a choice of two exterior colors (Deep Water Blue or Bright White Clear Coat) with a range of stripe options. Twenty-inch SRT wheels are standard, with polished faces and satin black painted pockets.

Unique 392 HEMI badges on each side lay claim to the big mill under the hood, and an updated front chin spoiler improves aerodynamics and cleans up the look. Inside, the Inaugural Editions are available with Smooth Pearl White leather upholstery with dual blue stripe accents and blue stitching. Serialized plaques will mark the number of the car in the limited run. The 2011 Challenger SRT8 392 will arrive at dealers by the end of the year.

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

Thanks for the info Jalop!

NASCAR will allow the Challenger to compete in four “New Car” races next season. For the other 31 races, both Allgaier and Keselowski will pilot their Dodge Charger stock cars. Challenger’s first race will be held at Daytona in July 2010, with a possible Talladega test run sometime soon.

via automobilemag

The Chrysler Division itself is headed up by Olivier Francois, the current head of Fiat’s Lancia unit. Jeep (yes, Jeep is still around) will stay under the control of Michael Manley. Gilles, best-known designs include the successful Chrysler 300 and the current Dodge Ram interior, will be in charge of expanding the Dodge lineup. Dodge will most likely take a more performance-oriented direction in the future.

Not only will we witness a new Dodge Ram for next year, but a 2011 Jeep Cherokee as well. Looks like everything is coming up Truck!

2009 Dodge Viper ACR Engine

According to World Car Fans: “New rumours have emerged suggesting that the next generation Dodge Viper may receive a Ferrari-designed V10 engine. While details are limited, the report indicates that Fiat’s CEO, Sergio Marchionne, wants to take advantage of the fact that the Viper is Chrysler’s “halo” vehicle. The benefits seem pretty obvious, the engine sharing would reduce development costs (by spreading its use over multiple brands) and the engine pedigree might boost Viper sales.” Whatever the case, this is exciting news for Dodge fans who want to tear up the roads in an all new Viper.

Friends, we gather here today in order to pay respects to a car. Not just any car. A Dodge. In the words of Al Bundy, “A name that speaks power and glory…Dodge.” Guess the new Chrysler Fiat, owner of Dodge, doesn’t see any use for a supercharged 4-cyl. The Caliber SRT4 has been extinguished. Apparently, “Caliber SRT4 failed to live up to its Neon-based predecessor—a car which we once crowned king of the featherweights – much less any of its current competition. Indeed, even brand new, the front-drive hatch found itself last in a four-car comparison test.” This decision also means the death of the SRT4’s 285-hp, 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The engine survived for just two model years in a Chrysler product. PT Cruiser, your grandfather’s version of the Caliber, remains thru 2011.