Car News

The new product onslaught continues for the Dodge brand with the announcement at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show that the Dodge Charger SRT8 will return for the 2012 model year.



"We're continuing the fast-paced rebuilding of Dodge as our performance brand, and the expansion of our SRT product lineup in 2012 is an important part of our rejuvenation," said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Brand — Chrysler Group LLCs. "The new 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 builds on the iconic four-door fastback coupe design of the all-new Charger and adds a much larger power band across the rpm range, along with intelligent performance attributes and safety and creature comforts for customers who are passionate about performance driving."



The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 will be built at the Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada and will be in dealer showrooms in late 2011.



"AWE-INSPIRING" POWERTRAIN



Under the hood, the new 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 delivers more horsepower and torque than the 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 it replaces. It also will offer improved fuel economy.



Estimated power ratings for the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 are 465 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque, including an estimated additional 80 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,900 rpm. Specific horsepower, torque and fuel economy numbers will be announced closer to the vehicle introduction.



Building upon the standard Fuel Saver technology (four-cylinder mode) found in the new 6.4 HEMI V-8, a new for 2012 adaptive valve exhaust system allows the technology to engage over a wider rpm range, which delivers improved fuel efficiency or the use of all eight cylinders when the power is needed.



An active intake manifold and high-lift camshaft with cam phasing provides maximum low-end torque for impressive standing starts while optimizing high-end power.



For the first time in any Chrysler Group LLC SRT product, standard paddle-shift technology joins the standard AutoStick on the floor shifter. Both are mated to the proven W5A580 five-speed automatic transmission, allowing a choice of spirited shifting on the road and the racetrack.



Both shifting methods give the driver the ability to shift while the transmission controller calibration prevents situations that might over rev the engine. Fully adaptive electronic control of all shifting makes the powertrain more responsive while minimizing harshness.



OUTSTANDING RIDE AND HANDLING



New for 2012, the Dodge Charger SRT8 features an adaptive damping suspension that uses a wide range of on-road and driver inputs, such as vehicle speed, steering angle, steering speed, brake torque, throttle position and lateral acceleration, to automatically tune the suspension for specific conditions. Drivers also can manually choose between "Auto" and "Sport" settings that quickly change the shock damping and harshness characteristics from the ease of everyday commuting to harsher, more challenging driving situations.



The performance SRT-tuned, fully hydraulic steering system also is improved with a new, heavy-duty pump and revised gearing to give drivers more direct feel and on-center response.



New, split five-spoke, 20-inch lightweight forged and polished aluminum wheels with black painted pockets provide great looks, and the available three- or four-season tires make the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 easy to handle and fun to drive.



OUTSTANDING BRAKING



World-class stopping power for the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 comes through four-piston Brembo calipers and vented/slotted rotors measuring 14.2 inches up front and 13.8 inches in the rear.



The Dodge Charger SRT8's Ready Alert Braking system anticipates situations when the driver may initiate an emergency brake stop and engages the electronic stability control pump to set brake pads against rotors in order to decrease the time required for full brake application.



AGGRESSIVE AND FUNCTIONAL EXTERIOR



Exclusive new front and rear fascias, along with a new rear spoiler, distinguish the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 with a high performance look.



The front grille, grille surround and Dodge crosshair feature high-gloss black finishes and the SRT badge. A newly sculpted hood features a 6.4 L (liter) badge and black air exhauster for added engine cooling.



In the rear, the Charger's new signature "racetrack" taillamp design with 164 illuminating LEDs receives new 4-inch round dual exhaust tips and an SRT8 decklid badge to boldly show the Street and Racing Technology DNA.



Unique fside-sill cladding is painted to match the body color.



A newly designed underbody belly pan features integrated brake ducting to improve cooling and brake fade performance at all four corners.



RACE-INSPIRED AND FUNCTIONAL INTERIOR



Building upon the all-new design from 2011, the interior environment of the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 combines more world-class accommodations with race-inspired technology and appointments.



An all-new, leather-wrapped, SRT-exclusive steering wheel features a unique rim section with a flattened bottom surface that showcases the SRT logo. The standard paddle shifters flank both sides of the new steering wheel behind the new contoured palm rests.



For the high-performance look, carbon-weave, fiber aluminum interior trim pieces are integrated into the new instrument panel and shifter bezel.



The front seats have unique, aggressive bolstering and perforated suede insert fabric to help "grip" the driver and passengers, keeping them in place during spirited driving. Heated and ventilated front seats are standard. Reactive headrests also are standard. The SRT logo is embroidered in the seat backs. Rear seats also are heated for passenger comfort.



Modified door trim panels feature unique bolster material and accent stitching on arm rests to match the seats.



New for 2012, the Dodge Charger SRT8 features a 900-watt, 19-speaker premium SRT performance audio surround-sound system from Harmon Kardon. The intuitive user interface for the system is controlled through the state-of-the-art Uconnect® Touch on the largest standard touchscreen display (8.4-inch) in the segment. Benchmarked against the best E-segment sedans from Europe, Asia and North America, the easy-to-use system also features Uconnect Voice to deliver world-class functionality to keep all passengers easily connected, comfortable and secure.



Exclusive Performance Pages are new for 2012 and included within the touchscreen display. The instrument panel display can be customized to view driver preferences and expanded to include instant feedback on steering input measurements, horsepower, torque, expanded engine information, along with 0-60 mph time, 60-0 braking, g-forces and one-eighth mile and quarter-mile times. The color graphic Electronic Vehicle Information Center also includes the Performance Pages timers and added engine information.



SAFETY AND SECURITY



For everyday commuting, the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 incorporates features like Keyless Enter-N-Go, adaptive-cruise control with Forward Collision Warning and Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection, to keep drivers and passengers secure.



Standard front-row reactive head restraints, standard full-length side-curtain air bags, driver's knee bag and standard front seat-mounted side-thorax air bags offer enhanced occupant protection to passengers in the event of a collision.



Standard three-mode electronic stability control with segment-exclusive Ready Alert Braking and Rain Brake Support safety features, offer improved overall vehicle handling and performance both on the road and the track.



2012 DODGE CHARGER SRT8



* Engine: 6.4-liter (392 cubic inch) HEMI V-8

* Power: 465 bhp (est.)

* Torque: 465 lb.-ft. (est.)

* Handling: .88g on skidpad (est.)

* Top Speed: 175 mph (est.)

* 0-60 mph: High 4-second range (est.)

* ¼ mile: High 12-second range (est.)

Press Release



An All-new Dynamic for the 2011 Dodge Avenger: A Mid-size Sedan Designed, Engineered for Spirited Performance



October 28, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -



Dodge today introduced the new Dodge Avenger, totally overhauled for 2011 with an all-new interior, a redesigned exterior and performance attributes that put the "fun" in functional. A new powertrain lineup and completely redesigned and retuned suspension mean drivers will experience Dodge's fun-to-drive dynamics in a front-wheel-drive mid-size sedan.



The Avenger's "fun to drive" quotient rises exponentially for 2011 with a significantly upgraded suspension to give drivers agile, confident, handling performance in all driving situations, whether it's a spirited adventure on twisty roads or an emergency maneuver.



Dodge engineers retuned or redesigned virtually every part of the suspension for 2011, including 26 of 30 suspension bushings. The suspension and the geometry were completely rethought. The track is an inch wider, tire width increased from 215 to 225 millimeters and the vehicle is 12 millimeters lower in the front and 6 millimeters in the rear for a more aggressive stance. Customers will feel more confident when driving the new Avenger because of less body roll, less vehicle shake, improved isolation, better steering precision, response and feel and the increased grip of new premium tires.



A new and improved powertrain lineup also contributes to the 2011 Avenger's driving experience. The vehicles has a standard 2.4-liter World Gas Engine, which has been recalibrated and is now available mated to a new smooth-shifting six-speed transmission for an exceptionally fun and fuel-efficient driving experience. Avenger customers also can opt for the new Pentastar V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that gives customers the best of both worlds – best-in-class 283 horsepower (an increase of 20 percent compared with the engine it replaces) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (an increase of 12 percent) combined with competitive fuel economy.



New exterior styling features clean, smooth aggressive lines. The new fascia sports the new signature Dodge Brand "split crosshair" grille, while an aggressive lower fascia completes the Dodge look from top to bottom.



The Chrysler Group LLC's Interior Design Studio also worked its magic on the new 2011 Avenger. The all-new instrument panel, bezels, gauge faces and new Dodge steering wheel transform the driver seat into a cockpit-like experience. Upgraded seats incorporate more cushion material and revised spring geometry. Dodge Avenger also features several new two-tone interior color schemes, new leather and cloth seating materials and accent stitching. Owners can select from these schemes to design a vehicle that matches their lifestyle needs.



Designers developed the 2011 Dodge Avenger with new "soft touch" armrests and instrument panels, new, premium interior finishes for touch points that are not only pleasing to the touch but also to the eye. They also redesigned the heating and cooling outlets in the instrument panel to make them more appealing and better functioning. The 2011 Dodge Avenger also offers one of the quietest cabins in the segment with 45 new or upgraded sound-deadening treatments integrated throughout the vehicle.



Clever features include new ambient interior lighting and a new multi-function three-spoke Dodge steering wheel with integrated controls that allows drivers to operate the radio, cruise control, hands-free phone and other vehicle functions while keeping their hands on the wheel. Available cool technology includes voice command functions for hands-free phones, integrated USB port for streaming music, navigation and memo record, an iPod/MP3 jack, Bluetooth streaming music; Gracenote music identification; a hard drive that stores approximately 6,700 songs and remote start.



The standard mid-size sedan segment is the largest vehicle segment in the United States, with more than 1.6 million vehicles sold in 2009. The 2011 Dodge Avenger is uniquely positioned as an alternative for consumers looking for a sedan with more style, personality and performance than the segment is traditionally known for.



The 2011 Dodge Avenger will be built at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Sterling Heights, Mich., and will arrive in dealerships in the fourth quarter this year.

Dodge has introduced the all-new 2011 Dodge Charger, which is planned to arrive in showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2010. With its new second-generation E-segment rear-wheel drive (RWD), Dodge Charger features world-class suspension-tunings with re-designed geometry.



Engineered to perform against the best E-segment sport sedans, the all-new 2011 Dodge Charger SE and Charger Rallye feature the new 3.6-liter Pentastar engine for world-class levels of power, refinement, technology and fuel efficiency.



For maximum thrills, efficiency and best-in-class power, the new Dodge Charger R/T lineup features the legendary 5.7-liter HEMITM V-8 engine with four-cylinder mode FuelSaver Technology.



Safety and security features are available for the first time on the Dodge Charger include adaptive-cruise control (ACC) with forward-collision warning (FCW), and blind-spot monitoring (BSM) with rear cross path (RCP) detection and ParkViewTM rear back-up camera with grid lines.

The Viper has hissed its last. But before the ageing supercar is consigned to the history books later this year, it will shed its skin one last time with a limited run of 50 Final Edition models.



Only available in the US, buyers will have the choice of conventional Coupe or Roadster models. But for the ultimate Viper experience, the Coupe-based ACR (American Club Racer) version with its huge rear wing and lighter kerbweight will be the enthusiasts’ choice.



Each Final Edition Viper features a graphite-coloured clear-coated paint finish with a black centre stripe highlighted in red. The Coupe and Roadster models feature Anthracite-coloured six-spoke alloys while the ACR version has black, five-spoke items. All Final Edition models have unique side sill badges.



The interior has been treated to black leather with red stitching, red painted dial surrounds on the instrument cluster and bright stainless steel screws on the centre console. A numbered dash plaque and unique Viper Final Edition floor mats complete the changes.



All models are powered by the enormous 603bhp 8.4-litre V10 engine, ensuring sensational performance. The 0-60mph sprint takes less than 4.0 seconds, while top speed is 202mph. The braking power is equally staggering, with 0-100-0 mph taking just 11 seconds.



Production of the Final Edition models will begin in early summer, with 20 Coupes, 18 Roadsters and 12 ACRs due to be made. That figure is considerably less than the 360 red and white Final Edition coupes that heralded the departure of the previous generation Dodge Viper in 2002

The return of the iconic Dodge Challenger brings what pony car fanatics crave: ground shaking performance, unmistakable design cues reminiscent of the original Challenger, world-class ride and handling characteristics and benchmark braking. Dodge will offer the limited-edition 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 in three colors: HEMI® Orange, Bright Silver Metallic and Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat. Each two-door, rear-wheel-drive coupe will be produced with a numbered dash plaque, carbon fiberlike hood stripes and will be powered by SRT's 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine that boasts 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque.The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 vehicles will be manufactured at Chrysler's Brampton, Ontario, Canada assembly plant.

Performance targets for the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 include a 0-60 mph time in the low 5-second range, 0-100-0 mph in less than 17 seconds, a ¼-mile elapsed time of less than 14 seconds, 60-0 mph braking distance of approximately 100 feet, and a skid pad performance of 0.88 g.

The new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 Roadster is its standout powertrain. For 2008, Dodge Viper SRT 10 Roadster ups the ante with a new, 8.4-liter aluminum V-10 engine that produces an astounding 600 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque.The new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 Roadster, we've created some very powerful artillery for sports-car enthusiasts," said Kipp Owen, Director - Street and Racing Technology (SRT) Engineering, Chrysler Group. "With 600 horsepower - 90 more than before - and 0-to-60 performance in less than four seconds.

The SRT team used a testing session at Laguna Seca raceway to shake down the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X for the first time. Behind the wheel was professional driver Kuno Wittmer from the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship series, who was able to run consistent 1:31.00 lap times around the 2.238-mile, 11-turn course. Wittmer's lap times were more than 3 seconds faster than the street-legal Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR that holds the production car track record at Laguna Seca raceway.The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X is incredible," said Wittmer. "After a short warm up, I was running lap times as quick as exotic GT race cars.

The coupe body hides this Challenger’s large size.The Challenger uses the same full-size platform as the Chrysler 300 and Dodge charger.It is red in colour with some cool looking racing stripes on the hood.It is mostly an assembly of parts from the Chrysler parts bin. The climate controls, touch screen navigation system, gauges, and all the other minor elements are known bits from other cars.There is no three-spoke steering wheel. The Dodge got absolutely right was the pistol-grip shifter.The back seat is a great addition. Because of its big car nature, the Challenger has reasonable seating for three behind the front seats.