Road Reality » Challenger

Dodge Announces Pricing for 2011 Models

John Suit — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 14:00:50 +0000

All at once, we have prices for the redesigned Dodge lineup for the 2011 model year. Chrysler put out a press release earlier this week, and I’ve got a breakdown for you, after the jump. Every Dodge has seen a makeover this year, from the Avenger to the Durango.

In alphabetical order, here are the price listings for the 2011 Dodge models:

Avenger:

Dodge Avenger Express: $19,245
Dodge Avenger Mainstreet: $21,245
Dodge Avenger Heat: $23,745
Dodge Avenger Lux: $23,545
(All prices exclude $750 destination charge.)

Challenger:

Dodge Challenger SE: $24,670
Dodge Challenger SE (with “Rallye” package): $26,670
Dodge Challenger R/T: $29,670
Dodge Challenger R/T (with “Plus” package): $31,170
Dodge Challenger R/T (with “Classic” package): $32,970
(All prices exclude $825 destination charge.)

Challenger SRT8 392:

Dodge Challenger SRT8 392: $42,555
(Price excludes $825 destination charge and any applicable gas guzzler taxes.)

Charger:

Prices are listed Rear-Wheel Drive / All-Wheel Drive

Charger SE: $25,170
Charger SE (with Rallye Package): $27,420
Charger SE (with Rallye Plus package): $29,170
Charger R/T: $30,170 / $32,320
Charger R/T (with R/T Plus Package): $32,170 / $34,320
Charger R/T (with Road and Track Package): $33,170 / $35,320
Charger R/T (with Max Package): $35,170 / $37,320
(All prices exclude an $825 destination charge.)

Durango:

Prices are listed Rear-Wheel Drive / All-Wheel Drive

Durango Express: $29,195 / $31,195
Durango Crew: $33,195 / $35,195
Durango Crew with CrewLux package: $38,195 / $40,195
Durango Citadel: $41,795 / $43,795
(All prices exclude an $850 destination charge.)

Journey:

Dodge Journey Express: $22,245
Dodge Journey Mainstreet: $24,245
Dodge Journey Crew: $29,240
Dodge Journey R/T: $28,245
Dodge Journey Lux: $32,740
(All prices exclude $750 destination charge.)

Grand Caravan:

Dodge Grand Caravan Express: $24,995
Dodge Grand Caravan Mainstreet: $25,995
Dodge Grand Caravan Crew: $28,695
Dodge Grand Caravan R/T: $30,595
(All prices exclude $835 destination charge.)

Show Press Release

Dodge Brand Announces Pricing for New 2011 Model Line-up: Designed to Pleasantly Surprise Customers

Six all-new or significantly updated Dodge vehicles to fill dealer showrooms for 2011 model year

New Dodge vehicles priced competitively with loads of features that deliver a surprising value

All-new 2011 Dodge Durango has a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $29,195: all-new 2011 Dodge Charger starts at $25,170

November 1, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -Dodge today announced pricing for its new 2011 model year lineup, and with competitive pricing, new powertrains, new driving dynamics and all-new interiors, customers looking for fun-to-drive, fuel-efficient vehicles designed for performance with a nice dose of attitude will also be pleasantly surprised at the tremendous value they’re getting.

“When you walk into a Dodge dealership, you won’t believe your eyes,” said Ralph Gilles, Dodge brand President and CEO, Chrysler Group LLC. “Our Dodge line-up, including the all-new 2011 Dodge Durango and Charger, as well as the Journey, Grand Caravan, Avenger and Challenger, is either totally new or significantly updated. All are loaded with premium standard features. And the icing on the cake: customers will have plenty of room left in the budget to customize with some goodies from Mopar.”

New 2011 Dodge vehicles will start arriving in dealerships in December, just in time for the holidays.

2011 Dodge Durango – A three-row performance SUV
Dodge is putting the ‘sport’ back into the sport utility (SUV) segment with the 2011 Dodge Durango, a three-row design spacious enough to carry the entire crew and performance-tuned to thrill anyone who truly loves to drive. From its sleek exterior design and modern, spacious interior to the 50/50 weight distribution and a unibody structure that is more than 25 percent stiffer than its predecessor; the all-new Durango delivers crossover versatility, SUV capability and unexpected performance a league above its competitive class. Durango is the perfect balance of functional versatility and luxury at an outstanding value.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the all-new 2011 Dodge Durango (Rear-wheel-drive/All-wheel-drive):

All-new 2011 Dodge Charger – World-class Performance and Precision with an Iconic Soul
With its iconic character, contemporary fastback four-door coupe proportions, world-class performance, craftsmanship and refinement, and state-of-the-art connectivity features, the all-new 2011 Charger is the Dodge brand’s flagship that proudly delivers premium, world-class E-segment sedan precision at an incredible value.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the all-new 2011 Dodge Charger (Rear-wheel-drive/All-wheel-drive):

2011 Dodge Journey Crosses Over: A Gorgeous New Spirit and a Driver’s Soul
For 2011, Dodge takes what was good with the Dodge Journey and makes it better. The Journey receives a major overhaul with a completely redesigned and retuned suspension, a new V-6 engine and a gorgeous new interior. And that’s not all. Journey also features the latest and greatest in vehicle connectivity and customization with the Chrysler Group’s new PowerNet electrical architecture. Owners will feel like they have the world at their fingertips with the Journey’s available touch-screen command center. In addition, at 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2011 Dodge Journey equipped with the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine delivers a 20 percent boost in power compared with the V-6 engine it replaces. It’s mated to the smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new 2011 Dodge Journey:

Dodge Journey Express: $22,245
Dodge Journey Mainstreet: $24,245
Dodge Journey Crew: $29,240
Dodge Journey R/T: $28,245
Dodge Journey Lux: $32,740
(All prices exclude $750 destination charge.)

The Originator is Back with an All-new Attitude–The New 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan: New Heart, New Moves, New Soul
The new 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan is a minivan with the driving dynamics of a performance sedan – and a little bit of attitude. Dodge believes that just because a driver needs the versatility of a minivan doesn’t mean that the experience has to be boring. So engineers redesigned and retuned virtually every system in the new Grand Caravan’s suspension. That major suspension overhaul, combined with a new V-6 engine that delivers best-in-class horsepower, gives Grand Caravan drivers a dynamic driving experience that other minivans in the segment just don’t deliver. Get behind the wheel, and enjoy a driving experience once never thought possible in such a functional vehicle.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan:

Dodge Grand Caravan Express: $24,995
Dodge Grand Caravan Mainstreet: $25,995
Dodge Grand Caravan Crew: $28,695
Dodge Grand Caravan R/T: $30,595
(All prices exclude $835 destination charge.)

An All-new Dynamic for the 2011 Dodge Avenger: A Mid-size Sedan Designed, Engineered for Spirited Performance
In addition to an all-new interior, the Dodge 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. A new and improved powertrain lineup contributes to the 2011 Avenger’s driving experience. In addition to the standard re-calibrated 2.4-liter World Engine with an available 6 speed automatic transmission, 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 29 miles per gallon Highway fuel economy.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new 2011 Dodge Avenger:

Dodge Avenger Express: $19,245
Dodge Avenger Mainstreet: $21,245
Dodge Avenger Heat: $23,745
Dodge Avenger Lux: $23,545
(All prices exclude $750 destination charge.)

New 2011 Dodge Challenger: Upgraded Performance, Handling, Style and Value
The new 2011 Dodge Challenger delivers more of what muscle-car enthusiasts want — a more powerful and efficient engine lineup, maximum grip with an all-new performance suspension design and even more athletic styling — all executed with quality and precision. The new 2011 Dodge Challenger combines world-class ride, refinement and braking performance with more power and new track-tuned suspensions to deliver a thrilling driving experience. With its all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine producing 305 horsepower — 55 more horsepower than the engine it replaces — the new 2011 Dodge Challenger SE is the most powerful, refined and technologically advanced entry-level Challenger ever.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new 2011 Dodge Challenger:

Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Delivers New Levels of Performance With Loads More Torque, Horsepower and Maximum Handling
With the introduction of the legendary 392-cubic inch HEMI® V-8 for the street, the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 builds on its original mantra of a rear-wheel-drive coupe that promises a balanced approach between form and function. The new 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 pumps out 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. However, impressive straight-line acceleration is just part of the performance story, as world-class ride and handling, high-performance braking and the latest technology that delivers improved fuel efficiency, results in the newest version of the quickest coupe in the Dodge product lineup.

Dodge Challenger SRT8 392: $42,555
(Price excludes $825 destination charge and any applicable gas guzzler taxes.)

by John Suit

Source: Chrysler

Chrysler Recalls 27,000 Vehicles Over Fire Concern

John Suit — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 14:00:26 +0000

Ever since Toyota’s massive recalls earlier this year, automakers are skittish when it comes to customer concerns. It no longer takes a long time nor a large amount of complaints before a recall is announced, which is why you see a lot of recall notices here on Road Reality. Chrysler and the NHTSA have released a new recall affecting almost 27,000 2010-2011 model year vehicles due to a faulty power steering hose. Click past the jump for more details and the press release.

Cars with electronic power-assist steering (EPAS) are starting to outnumber those with hydraulic power steering. While EPAS doesn’t usually give as nice a feedback as hydraulic, it saves at the gas pump, which is why more and more automakers are using it in their vehicles. It also re-routes some of the components underneath a car’s hood, which seems to be leading to a learning curve, as we’ve seen half a dozen recalls this year because of EPAS.

Chrysler is not immune to this learning curve, as they’ve just recalled a slew of their new products. A faulty end on a power steering hose can come apart, leading to power steering fluid spraying on a hot engine, which can lead to an engine fire.

Definitely not good, but no word on how many complaints were made or if any actual engine fires were reported.

Here’s the list of affected vehicles:

Make / Model	Model Year
Chrysler 300	2010
Chrysler Sebring	2010
Dodge Avenger	2010
Dodge Challenger	2010
Dodge Journey	2010
Dodge Ram	2011

Show Press Release

by John Suit

Source: NHTSA

Unveiled: 2011 Dodge Charger

John Suit — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 14:00:19 +0000

Chrysler officially pulled the cover off its upcoming 2011 Dodge Charger sedan this week, showing the evolutionary changes to the bodywork, as well as the revolutionary changes elsewhere in the updated car. With more curves, more power and better fit & finish, Dodge’s flagship looks like a real competitor. Read on for details, pictures and the press release.

Re-introduced for the 2006 model year after a several-year hiatus, the Dodge Charger revived a nameplate which had sunken into ignominy in the 1980s, with the only highlight being the “Shelby Edition” of 1987, and sharing its platform with the Dodge Charger Daytona, which had a couple of performance models as well.

The new model has sold reasonably well, and has been picked up by a plethora of police departments to use as cruisers, an alternative to Ford and Chevrolet’s offerings.

Despite a modicum of success, we’ve now been looking at the same Charger for 5 years, so it’s high time for a real update, and Chrysler has given it to us. The sheetmetal hasn’t changed a whole lot, but has gained a lot of curves, including a rear end that evokes thoughts of its 2-doored brother, the Dodge Challenger.

Classic 5-spoke chrome wheels and a fastback-styled rear end make the new Charger look more like a coupe, so it’ll be interesting to put it next to a Challenger. Purists will still buy the Challenger, of course, but anyone who has a regular use for those rear doors will skip it and go to the new Charger.

No word on the inside, but given the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, I’m going to bet that the materials and how they fit together are all improved, with softer-touch materials and a more upscale appearance overall.

While they haven’t released pictures of the interior, Chrysler has gone into great detail on how they are differentiating the new interior from its predecessor. Triple-sealed doors, acoustically-treated windshield and front side glass, as well as extra sound deadening material ought to give us a very quiet interior.

On the power front, the Charger will come standard with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, Chrysler’s new corporate V6. Optional will be a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, with a 4-cylinder mode when only a small amount of power is called for.

Expect all the standard safety features, including traction control, stability control, predictive braking (where the braking system prepares to be used based on environment variables).

On the infotainment front, Chrysler vehicles can be optioned with uConnect, which combines Bluetooth, satellite radio, navigation and other high-tech goodies.

The 2011 Dodge Charger will enter production late this year, so I’d expect to see them on dealership lots by Christmas, but no later than mid-January if all goes well.

Show Press Release

Dodge Brand Product Onslaught Continues: Introducing The All-new 2011 Dodge Charger, World-class Performance And Precision With An Iconic Soul

October 5, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - With its iconic character, contemporary fastback four-door coupe proportions, world-class performance, craftsmanship and refinement, and state-of-the-art connectivity features, the all-new 2011 Charger is the Dodge brand’s flagship that proudly delivers premium, world-class E-segment sedan precision at an incredible value.

The efficient and aerodynamic exterior of the 2011 Dodge Charger is spiritually inspired by the iconic second-generation Charger from the late 1960s, featuring a design that is sure to strike an emotional chord with Dodge performance enthusiasts of all generations.

With its sinister “ready to attack the road” face, the all-new Dodge Charger puts the world’s best E-segment sedan competitors between its new “split crosshair” signature grille. Its sculpted all-new body is a conscious nod to its deep heritage and muscle-car roots. The Charger’s profile is also a modern affair, a result of countless hours in the wind tunnel, from its lower hood line, faster windshield and radically raked back headlights to its tighter wheel openings, lower sill and race-car-like flat underbody, the Charger effortlessly cuts thought the air with its attitude intact. The aluminum hood features dual “scallops” that bring a sculptured, performance look to the front end, while large body-side scallops deliver a striking undulating A-line across the doors. Running front to rear is the iconic horizontal “coke bottle” or “double-diamond” body-side styling that creates a tapering silhouette accented with muscular front and rear fenders and gives the Dodge Charger one of the most distinct profiles on the road. Defining the fastback’s wide stance is an all-new signature taillamp design that incorporates 164 illuminating LEDs to form its signature “racetrack” graphic and gives the new Charger its unmistakable character from blocks away.

The 2011 Dodge Charger’s interior cockpit is meant to be an enthusiast office. The all new design feature premium materials throughout. Transmitting the performance chassis’ world-class feel of the road, the all-new Charger features a new thick-rimmed three-spoke Dodge steering wheel for enhanced performance feel and grip. Crafted in world-class materials, Charger’s passengers are surrounded with comfort, craftsmanship and style, thanks to premium soft-touch materials and four available distinct interior color combinations. The all-new 2011 Dodge Charger’s state-of-the-art Uconnect^® Touch integrates world-class infotainment and convenience technologies to keep passengers connected, comfortable and secure. From segment-leading Garmin^® navigation, to dual-zone climate controls and the ability to check fuel prices with the integration of available SIRIUS Travel Link, Uconnect Touch delivers an excellent experience for Charger’s driver and passengers.

Maximizing its unibody’s world-class structural stiffness, Dodge Charger engineers were able to tune the cabin for sound quality (rather than sound level) by isolating powertrain, road and wind noise. In addition, Charger’s unibody packages material and structural design improvements, including dual-pane acoustic windshield and front-door side glass, body-cavity silencing foam, under-flush roll-framed doors with triple seals and acoustic wheel-well liners to absorb road noise and quiet the cabin. Combined, these design improvements place the all-new Dodge Charger’s interior sound quality among the best in the E-segment.

As the Dodge brand’s flagship, the chassis of the all-new 2011 Charger is designed, engineered and fine-tuned to deliver a level of quality, capability and refinement that rivals the very best European, Asian and North American E-segment sedans. With its new second-generation E-segment rear-wheel drive (RWD) architecture, Dodge Charger features world-class suspension-tunings with re-designed geometry making for a nimble, balanced chassis that will build the Charger’s legend as one of the best driving sedans in the world.

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 HEMI™ V-8 engine with four-cylinder mode FuelSaver Technology. No word on which transmission(s) will be offered, but I’d expect a 6-speed automatic to be the only one available.

The all-new 2011 Dodge Charger R/T with all-wheel-drive (AWD) features a re-thought stance and 19-inch wheels to make it much more appealing than ever before. The AWD preserves the Charger’s character and deepens its performance envelope in the most treacherous conditions. The Charger AWD features a segment-exclusive active transfer case and front-axle disconnect system to improve fuel economy by up to 5 percent. No other major automotive manufacturer offers the combination of these two independent technologies. Dodge Charger’s innovative AWD system seamlessly transitions between RWD and AWD with no driver intervention. When all-wheel drive is not required, the system automatically disconnects the front axle to maximize fuel economy while still providing the outstanding performance and handling inherent in rear-wheel drive vehicles.

The all-new 2011 Dodge Charger features more than 65 safety and security features, including standard Keyless Enter-N-Go and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with segment-exclusive Ready-alert Braking and Rainy Day Brake Support safety features to improve overall vehicle handling and performance both on and off the track. Safety and security features available for the first time on the Dodge Charger include adaptive-cruise control (ACC) with forward-collision warning (FCW), blind-spot monitoring (BSM) with rear cross path (RCP) detection and ParkView™ rear back-up camera with grid lines, all designed to provide the driver with added confidence while behind the wheel.

Built at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Brampton, Ont. (Canada), the 2011 Dodge Charger arrives in showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2010.

by John Suit

Source: Chrysler

2011 Mustang wins Motor Trend’s Pony Car Wars

John Suit — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 14:00:52 +0000

Last year, Motor Trend took a 2010 Ford Mustang GT, 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS, and a 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T and compared them. They got all sorts of feedback, ranging from readers who were upset because the top-dog Challenger SRT-8 wasn’t in the test, to those who felt the Chevy shouldn’t have won, no matter how much (or little) it was better than the Ford. Read on for my synopsis and a link to the article.

The differences for this year’s Round 2 are easy to spot; Motor Trend relaxed the price rule, since a Dodge Challenger which is comparably-equipped to its Camaro SS and Mustang GT rivals costs $12-13,000 more, and the 2011 Mustang GT includes a horsepower-appropriate engine, for the first time in 30 years. The rule change obviously gave fans of the Challenger what they wanted, and Ford’s changes to the Mustang gave fans of its pony car what they’ve been asking for for 30 years. Click here to view the comparison and see why the guys in Dearborn should be pretty happy with the changes they’ve made between last year’s run and this year’s. Finishing order? Ford Mustang GT, Dodge Challenger SRT-8, Chevrolet Camaro SS.

These results aren’t too surprising, given all the reviews and comparisons I read last year, which had the Chevrolet beating the Ford, and the Challenger bringing up the rear. The reason for this order is because the Chevy was new, and had decent handling, but simply out-ran its competitors. The Mustang, while lacking in raw power, had handling finesse the others could only hope for, since it was lighter. The Challenger, meanwhile, was heaviest and worst-handling, but was the best styled. In the end, horsepower and a modicum of handling won, followed by handling with a modicum of power, followed by design with not much else. The same reasons the Camaro won last year are the reasons it lost this year, since the higher-horsepower SRT-8 was involved, and the Mustang lead-frogged its competitors in speed, if not in raw power (the Mustang puts out a few ponies less than its competitors, but still weighs a LOT less).

by John Suit

Source: Motor Trend; Image Source: Motor Trend

2011 Mustang V6: Motor Trend is taken for a ride

John Suit — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:13:55 +0000

If you’ve been following Road Reality for a while, you saw the posts when the 2011 Mustang V6 and GT engines were announced, but up until now, nobody outside of Ford has driven or ridden in one. Apparently Arthur St. Antione got to at least do the latter. He went out to Ford’s Arizona proving ground, where he was driven around in a 2011 Mustang V6. Click through the jump for more details and my take on it.

When the new engines were announced for Ford’s pony car, I knew it would mean big things in the Pony Car Wars between the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger. Whereas the Challenger is the most true to its predecessor, the Camaro mixes a truly modern drivetrain with classic muscle car styling. The Mustang, on the other hand, blends both old and new for its styling and running gear. Both Chevrolet and Dodge have independent rear suspensions, while the Mustang soldiers on with a live axle out back, and until now it had older engine designs as well.

With the 3.7-liter V6 that Ford is putting in the 2011 Mustang V6, the old 4.0-liter V6 is gone. The old V6 was a rough, inefficient and underpowered lump of an engine, and very few will mourn its passing. According to Motor Trend, the new engine is smooth, seems responsive (can’t quite tell without driving), and has plenty of power. These things combined with a weight gain of only 40 pounds should lead to a much faster car than the outgoing 2010 model. New suspension settings and components lead to a better handling car as well, as St. Antoine says it corners flat and readily soaks up bumps.

Beyond more power, a smoother drivetrain and better handling, the Mustang will also have more body seals and better wheel well liners, to quiet road noise better than the outgoing model, which was definitely one of the weaknesses I saw when reviewing the 2010 Mustang GT.

For 2011, the Mustang Club of America got their input in, and Ford will offer a special MCA Edition of the Mustang V6, with dark 18″ alloy wheels, chrome billet grille with offset running pony andspecial stripes. All for $995. For an extra $200, you can get lighted side sills with whatever saying you want engraved in them. Prices should start at $22,995 (including destination) for the base V6, $26,695 for the Premium model, and $27,995 for convertibles. These prices are right in line with what the Chevrolet Camaro costs, which was obviously Ford’s target when revamping the Mustang’s engine offerings.

Motor Trend Video of the 2011 Mustang V6 in action:

by John Suit

Image/Preview Source: Motor Trend

Factory Hot Rod Look: Dodge Challenger Performance Appearance Package

roadreality — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:09:26 +0000

The new Dodge Challenger, introduced in 2008 as a 2009 model, is the new-retro car whose looks most resemble its 1970′s original. Apparently, enough people think its appearance still isn’t as musclebound as they’d like. To this end, Chrysler has announced the availability of a factory-installed Performance Appearance Package. While it includes no extra performance parts, it does include both interior and exterior packages, including bright aluminum pedals on automatic-transmission cars, side sills, hood scoops, spoilers, stripes, a front air dam, amidst other bits and baubles. The pictures tell the rest of the story.

MSRP for the exterior package is $1,995. The interior package carries an MSRP of $945 for automatics, $780 for manual transmission-equipped vehicles. Both interior and exterior packages are available on SE and R/T trim levels, in the following colors: TorRed, Bright Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal and Bright White.

Any buyers who still don’t see enough muscle in the Challenger’s Performance Appearance Package will have to look towards the aftermarket, but as far as I’m concerned, the PAP adds just the right muscle to match the R/T’s engine.

Pictures of the Dodge Challenger Performance Appearance Package:

by John Suit

Source: Chrysler