Leaked Documents Reveal Dodge Modernizes 2011 Challenger Lineup With 305HP Pentastar V6, 475HP SRT 392 V8

Thankfully, the 2011 Dodge Challenger has earned itself a boost in technology and performance. The outputs of the new and expected power trains have been revealed, as well as the cars' specific targets through some leaked documents. And we're happy to say the power outputs are a pleasant surprise.

Scroll down for the full details, but here's the gist of it. The base Challenger model gets the new Pentastar V6 that puts out 305 horsepower to truly compete with the other two V6 Pony cars (let's hope Dodge did something about that heft, though).

Power is routed through a 5-speed automatic, one gear down compared to Ford and Chevy's 6-speed auto's. The base model gets a sporty suspension, dual exhaust, rides on 18's, and the car in its sights at the dealership across the street is the Chevy Camaro 1LT.

Also targeting the Camaro 1LT is a Rallye version of the V6-powered Callenger. The Rallye option snags fog lights, standard leather/heated seating, U-Connect/Satellite radio, and a 276-Watt amp pumping power to 6 Boston Acoustics speakers.

Going up against the more powerful yet comparably plain 426-horsepower Camaro SS will be the 379-horsepower / 410 lb-ft Challenger R/T. Power comes from a Hemi 5.7 liter V8, while the rest of the car gets performance-calibrated steering, suspension, and brakes. There's a color-coded spoiler, while inside is a 160-MPH speedo and some carbon trim.

Finally, the big dog: the one and only SRT 392. Packing a 6.4 liter V8, the newest Challenger daddy drops a 475-horse bomb likely through a 6-speed manual transmission. Torque figures sit at 460 lb-ft. The new SRT gets the necessary 392 badging, some carryovers from other models (although in this case there's a 180-MPH speedometer), and Brembo stoppers behind 20-inch rims. Inside is premium leather and a performance display in the dash.

The SRT's target is the new Shelby GT500, meaning that there will have to be something special about the Challenger to make up for its lack in brute force. Hopefully we'll get a more impressive interior to better battle the Mustang's primo seating area and continue to put the Camaro's to shame (before GM's 2012 update).

As soon as Dodge deems it time to officially release the 2011 Challenger, we'll let you know.

By Phil Alex

Source: Ontario Street Car , Via: Autoblog

Dodge Unveils Sporty R/T Versions of Charger, Challenger, Journey, Durango and Grand Caravan

The Chicago Auto Show is the stage for the world premiere of an entire lineup of new R/T performance models from Dodge. The brand's performance moniker, which stands for Road & Track and has been in use since the 1960s, has now been applied on the latest iterations of the Charger saloon, Challenger Coupe, Journey crossover, Durango SUV and the Dodge Caravan minivan. Every R/T model receives exclusive exterior and interior design cues plus performance enhancements including special exhaust tuning and a sport suspension.

“Our Dodge R/T models give buyers the chance to stoke their love of driving while still taking care of their families and responsibilities. Driving these R/T models will absolutely leave a smile on their face,” said Dodge CEO Ralph Gilles.

Beginning with the 2011 Charger R/T, the sports sedan comes with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine with four-cylinder mode Fuel Saver Technology returning 370 horsepower and a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) performance in less than 6 seconds. It is available in both rear- and all-wheel drive configurations. The MSRP for the 2011 Charger R/T is $30,170 (excluding an $825 destination charge).

The new Durango SUV in R/T trim is powered by a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 producing 360 horses and 390 lb.-ft. of torque allowing for a 7,400 lb. towing capability. Exterior appointments include a color-matched body kit, wheel lips, light bar and rear fascia with integrated dual chrome exhaust outlets. The 7-passenger interior is spruced up with sport seats featuring red stitching accents. It will go on sale this Spring with a starting U.S. MSRP of $35,465 (excluding $850 destination).

Next up on our list is the Grand Caravan R/T with a 3.6-liter V6 delivering 283-ponnies and 260 lb.-ft of peak torque, matched to six-speed auto. Unique features include a “dipped” body-color grille, body-color side moldings and exclusive 17-inch wheels plus a performance-tuned suspension. Inside, the all-black interior features exclusive perforated black leather seats with red stitching, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and a premium sound system with nine-speakers, a subwoofer and 506-watt amplifier. Prices start from $30,595 (excluding $835 destination).

The recently facelifted Journey, which will be available in Europe as the Fiat Freemont, is also getting the Dodge R/T badge for 2011. Like the Grand Caravan R/T, the Journey R/T is powered by the new 283-horse 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

It is available with front- or all-wheel drive and can seat five or seven passengers. The FWD model starts at $28,995 (including $750 destination) while the AWD iteration of the Journey R/T at $30,695 (including $750 destination).

The fifth and final R/T model is the 2011 Challenger. It gets a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 which delivers 372HP and 410 lb-ft of torque when paired to the refined Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission for a 0-60 mph sprint in less than 6 seconds, and 372 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque when mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.

Chassis upgrades include a more aggressive front- and rear-camber geometry plus new larger diameter front- and rear-stabilizer bars. A restyled and larger front air dam, a “duck bill” front spoiler and an all-new leather-wrapped thick-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel are also part of the package. On sale now, the MSRP for the 2011 Challenger R/T is $29,670 (excluding an $825 destination charge).

VIDEO: ECO + Dodge Challenger R/T Hybrid with Separate Electric Drive

You'd think that the Dodge Challenger R/T with its 376HP 5.7-liter V8 Hemi would be one of the least obvious candidates for an electric drivetrain. We mean, it's a damn muscle car - if you want economy, go fiddle around with a Prius or a 20 year old Honda Civic. Nonetheless, there is some logic behind this project that is featured on a type of advertising microsite for Popular Mechanics. See, the ECO + Challenger R/T uses a separate electric drivetrain for everyday driving and a modified V8 Hemi that's equipped with a nitrous system when the driver calls for performance.

"With inexpensive aerodynamic aids, a state-of-the-art electric drive system and some other helpful bits, we'll turn our potent Challenger into a parallel hybrid plug-in/solar/electric that burns no fuel at all in everyday driving," say the creators of the ECO + Challenger R/T. "We think this is a spectacular way to please both environmentalists and enthusiasts. Eco+Muscle. What's not to like?"

Before the addition of the electric drivetrain, the modified Challenger R/T ran the 0 to 60mph (96km/h) sprint in 3.95 seconds and the quarter-mile in 12.4 seconds at 114 mph. That's compared to the stock Challenger R/T's 5.5 seconds and 13.9 seconds at 103 mph respectively. Other upgrades include a sport suspension, Brembo brakes and 20-inch alloys wrapped in Michelin rubber.

The electric drivetrain consists of an 125HP and 176 lb-ft of torque electric motor, 28 batteries that replace the rear seat bench, a fuel cell system and a separate, aircraft-like hand throttle to control the electric motor. The Hemi V8 is controlled by the stock foot pedal.

The creators haven't disclosed acceleration numbers for the electric drivetrain, but they say it can provide a top speed of up to 100mph (160km/h) and a range of around 40miles (60km). In theory, the driver could use both drivetrains to accelerate but that of course would mean he'd have to handle both throttles.

The dual-powered Eco + Challenger R/T will be on display at the NASCAR Pocono 500 race in June, at the San Bernardino Route 66 Rendezvous in September and at the Las Vegas SEMA Show in November. According to the site, it will be auctioned off in Scottsdale next January.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

May the (U.S. Air) Force Be With You: Dodge Challenger Vapor and Ford Mustang X-1 Concepts

The U.S. Air Force has spent taxpayer money collaborated with Galpin Auto Sports, which is widely known through its involvement in MTV's Pimp My Ride show, to create customized versions of the Ford Mustang and the Dodge Challenger pony cars. Why, do we hear you ask? Well, the Air Force needed something a bit more spectacular than your typical TV ads to draw the attention of new recruits. The result is the air-force-inspired white Ford Mustang 'X-1' and black Dodge Challenger 'VAPOR' that will travel across the country this year.

The 'X-1' Mustang features a 'jet cockpit that includes a single-driver ejection seat placed centrally, short shifter, flight stick, and a high-tech instrumentation panel. On the outside, the heavily modded 'Stang gets a wide bodykit, dark alloy wheels and a pair of Lambo-style scissor doors. Power is provided by a custom 4.6 liter V8 engine with 500HP, courtesy of Ford Racing.

The more radical looking Dodge Challenger 'Vapor' continues the air-force theme with a 'Stealth' bodykit, carbon fiber exterior trim, a custom stealth exhaust mode that gives the driver the option to run the vehicle in complete silence, one-off carbon-fiber wheels, radar-absorbing paint, proximity sensors, and a 360-degree camera with a quarter-mile range.

Like its Ford counterpart, the Vapor's interior comes with aircraft style controls plus a passenger side steering wheel, GPS tracking, night and thermal vision via a film on the front windshield, and what Galpin calls, as the "most technologically-advanced computer system with remote control UAV-type access from anywhere in the world utilizing the internet."

Dodge Challenger Vapor

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Ford Mustang X-1