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It's the week ending November 6, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather the highlights from each.
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Friday, Dodge Motorsports revealed its Dodge Challenger entry for next year’s NASCAR Nationwide Series. The new car will make its track debut with the July 2nd Daytona race and appear next at Michigan on August 14th. In total, the Challenger will be campaigned at four races in 2010, then compete with the full schedule in 2011. This Challenger is also part of an announcement that Dodge is expanding its partnership with Penske Racing. Next year, Penske will support two cars in the Nationwide Series and three teams in the Sprint Cup. The Challenger isn’t the only muscle coupe to move to the big track. Ford is making a similar move with the Mustang. (Read “ Unveiled: 2010 Ford NASCAR Mustang .”) General Motors will not make this a three-way competition by moving the Camaro to NASCAR. Read our Dodge Challenger review for our take on the street version. Expand your NASCAR knowledge with: NASCAR - Common Terms and Phrases Defined NASCAR Basics - Understanding NASCAR
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Too much time spent watching television may rot your brain, but video entertainment on the road can make long trips pass by more quickly for all aboard. A clever new digital pacifier will be available on select Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep models starting late December providing live television on the go. And, with 20 channels to select from, there will be much more than cartoons to entertain travelers. Where previous mobile television systems have focused on the kids, Chrysler is touting a broad selection of cable-type channels that includes CBS Mobile, CNBC, Comedy Central, FOX News, MSNBC, MTV, NBC 2Go, and Nickelodeon. The Flo TV system will cost $629 plus installation, and it includes one-year service subscription. Offered as a Mopar accessory, the entertainment package will be available as a dealer-installed option on the following 2008-2010 model year vehicles with factory DVD entertainment systems: Chrysler Town & Country , Jeep Grand Cherokee , Jeep Commander , Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey , Dodge Nitro , Ram 1500 and Ram 2500/3500. The service also can be added to select 2008-2010 model-year vehicles when new Mopar headrest or seat-top DVD entertainment systems are...
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Breaking with auto industry tradition, the 2010 Dodge Ram heavy-duty pickup trucks are not just better than the outgoing 2009 models, but they are cheaper. The 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 regular cab ST 4x2 with an 8-foot bed starts at $28,165 (including $950 destination) or $1,970 lower than 2009 model it replaces. The crew cab model is priced at $31,415, and the Mega Cab begins at $36,865. Five trims are offered for 2010: ST, SLT, TRX, Power Wagon, and Laramie. Beneath the sleeker sheetmetal for the new model year, the freshened Ram boasts a number of mechanical enhancements and more feature content, making it a stronger workhorse. Special attention was given to the towing capability, with the diesel versions benefiting from standard exhaust braking. An available integrated trailer brake control provides better driver control when towing. Trailer brake control information is conveniently displayed in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) that is standard on diesel models and available on gas SLT, TRX, and Laramie models. Larger 7x11-inch trailer-tow mirrors have integrated turn signals, memory function, and puddle lamps. The base engine a 5.7-liter, 383-horsepower Hemi V-8. For...
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A rolling nostalgia machine, the 2010 Dodge Challenger will be available in a classic Plum Crazy paint scheme. Plum Crazy was one of several vibrant colors available on the Challenger in the early 1970s that helped define the era, along with Banana, Go-Mango, and Sublime. The head-turning purple will be available on the Challenger R/T ($35,140) and SRT8 ($44,155) variants. On the Challenger R/T, the Plum Crazy Pearl Coat will be offered with a choice of matte black or new bright white dual-wide R/T body-side stripes. The purple package also includes “Challenger” script badges, polished-chrome heritage wheels, classic egg-crate grille with heritage “R/T” badge, body-color rear spoiler, functional hood scoop, and chromed fuel-filler door. The R/T features the Track Pak with a “pistol-grip” shifter, 3.92:1 differential, and throaty dual exhaust system. Underhood is a 5.7-liter, 376-horsepower Hemi V-8. The Plum Crazy SRT8 benefits from the comprehensive performance transformation that trim entails, including a 6.1-liter, 425-horsepower Hemi V-8 engine. The interior is highlighted with purple seat piping. Production of the Plum Crazy Challenger begins in November. Read our Dodge Challenger...
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It's the week ending September 25, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. Everyone's multi-billion dollar tax drain, aka the Cash Allowance Rebate System, aka CARS, aka Cash for Clunkers, is back in the headlines again! ...
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Not much in the way of new product. Remember, the company is rapidly reinventing itself, now that it has purged billions in so-called bad assets and almost 800 dealerships , leaving a leaner Chrysler Group to develop a revised product portfolio with its new corporate partner Fiat. (Read: " Like a Phoenix, New Chrysler Group LLC Rises .") For the imminent future, there simply isn’t much happening. The products are largely in a holding pattern for another model year. However, if you look closely, there are numerous refinements that should make the vehicles more satisfying to own than before, though not the kind of breakthrough changes that are likely to spark showroom traffic. Below are the highlights of the Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep product updates for the 2010 model year. We have already blogged on the notable update to Dodge Caliber’s interior . Most other vehicles that receive any update for the new model year are given a light touch. The one exception is the 2010 Dodge Ram heavy-duty pickups to be offered for the first time in a true crew-cab configuration, complimenting the regular and mega cab. All heavy-duty trucks are distinguished from their light-duty brethren by...
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Chrysler has been hearing from customers and medium that its small wagon and SUV interiors are too plasticky, looking like the result of overt corporate cost-cutting measures. One by one, these are being addressed. The 2009 Jeep Patriot saw some interior updates, and next up is the Dodge Caliber with a more dramatic makeover. Many dash elements are similarly placed, but the repackaging promises to make this clever wagon feel more upscale. The first showing with be at the 2009 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt this month. (It may seem like an odd choice for its premiere, but the Caliber is the best-selling Chrysler Group model outside the United States. Go figure.) There, show attendees will be able to see the cockpit in person. They will no doubt notice the better control integration, larger climate controls, and bright silver accents throughout. Additional storage space improves general functionality, and new padded door-trim panels and center console touting soft-touch materials for increased comfort. The Caliber will continue to offer its clever features, such as a cooled-beverage storage bin, Uconnect navigation system, iPod controls, rechargeable LED flashlight, and an...
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By all the reports we've seen from the Department of Transportation and other automotive blogs, the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program was " wildly successful " at driving consumers towards dealerships. With nearly 700,000 vehicle transactions utilizing "Cash for Clunkers" trade-ins, not to mention standard purchases that didn't include the government-subsidized rebates, it's clear that manufacturers benefited from a giant sales infusion during the month of August. When comparing sales figures for August 2009 against August 2008, Ford was the most successful American manufacturer with an increase of 16.99 percent (182,149 units sold) for all of Ford Motor Company and a 21.25-percent jump for just the Ford brand itself. Toyota Motor Company and American Honda were up 6.41 (225,088) and 9.93 (161,439) percent respectively. Unfortunately, even with the incentives, some manufacturers still sold fewer cars than they did a year ago, notably Nissan North America was down 2.93 percent (105,312 units sold), Chrysler was down 15.43 percent (93,222), and General Motors was down 20.19 percent (246,479) from a year ago. (Many thanks to John Neff at AutoBlog...
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It's the week ending August 28, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. Once again, the biggest news involves the end of the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program AKA "Cash for Clunker" rebates, culminating in 690,114 transactions valued at $2.88 billion, with stories galore on its " wildly successful " outcome. LeftLaneNews reports on some of the downfalls of the program, saying the clunkers' Web site crashed several times, resulting in a bottleneck of applications. Moreover, only about a third of dealers have received their first clunkers check, leaving many dealerships with cash flow problems. Consumer Reports shares the environmental impact, saying the average new car bought with the rebates got 9.2 mpg more than the average clunker traded in, for an annual average fuel savings per driver of 277 gallons of fuel or about $720. Pizza magnate Papa John Schnatter has finally been reunited with his Camaro. In celebration, he gave away nearly 36,000 free pizzas . Click here to read the detailed story of how Jalopnik helped make it happen -- and if you want, you...
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The July automotive sales numbers were released yesterday, showing a tremendous surge over the past week driven by the cash for clunkers program. (Read: “ Cars for Clunkers Works, Time for a Sequel? ”) As a result, sales on fuel-efficient small and midsized vehicles have soared the last few days. Hybrids and fuel sippers are flying off the lots, leaving trucks and SUVs behind. As enthusiasts, we’re left wondering about a certain segment that received too little attention lately, the muscle cars. Car nuts have been bench racing the latest Chevrolet Camaro , Dodge Challenger , and Ford Mustang , as the experts have weighed in with their professional reviews . Horsepower has been boasted, quarter-mile slips compared, and value debated. In the end, the popularity contest that matters most to manufacturers is the sales race. So, for the month of July, the figures break down to: 7,113 - Chevrolet Camaro 886 - Dodge Challenger 6,686 - Ford Mustang More significant is seeing how these reborn legends fair over time, but the midyear introduction of the Camaro and 2010 Mustang mean it is too soon to draw conclusions there. Since we know you’re curious, year to date: 22,510 - Chevrolet Camaro 15...
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With consumers itching to take advantage of the new Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program that is rolling out nationwide, Chrysler is looking to sweeten the pot by offering similar additional incentives on many cars and trucks. The “Double Cash For Your Old Car” incentive has the automaker offering $3,500 to $4,500 off the purchase of new 2009 Chrysler , Dodge , and Jeep vehicles, potentially doubling the discount some customers can get this summer. Customers will be able to choose the Double Cash program, or zero percent financing for 72 months. (Run your own numbers before deciding, as in many cases the rebate will save more money in the long run.) The program is in place through August 31, 2009. Eligible 2009 vehicles and rebate about listed below, notably excluding the iconic Jeep Wrangler and SRT models. Additional local and owner loyalty incentives may be available. Double Cash For Your Old Car Chrysler 300 - $3,500 Chrysler Aspen - $4,500 Chrysler PT Cruiser - $4,500 Chrysler Sebring - $4,500 Chrysler Sebring Convertible $3,500 Chrysler Town & Country $3,500 Dodge Avenger $4,500 Dodge Caliber $3,500 Dodge Grand Caravan $3,500 Dodge Charger $3,500 Dodge Dakota $3,500...
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As Chrysler was looking to divest itself of assets, the Dodge Viper was on the chopping block. It was shopped around, and reportedly there was interest from specialty car builders, though no can’t-refuse offer came. With a need to focus on fuel-efficient vehicles, it seemed the Viper chapter would be closed forever by December 2009. However, Friday Chrysler announced the legendary sports car will live on, with production continuing at the Chrysler Group Conner Avenue Assembly Plant — the exclusive home of Dodge Viper production since 1995. To date, more than 25,000 Dodge Vipers have been built. For 2009, the Dodge Viper SRT10 offers outrageous power, with an 8.4-liter, 600-horsepower V-10 engine contributing to blistering acceleration. Chrysler claims 0-60 mph in less than four seconds and 0-100-0 mph in the low 12-second range. It won’t be long before that powerplant and resulting performance seems truly exotic. For those enthusiasts who have always considered the Dodge Viper to be out of reach, our used car marketplace shows more than 750 for sale right now, and many priced like a new Mustang. See Dodge Vipers for sale . Read our 2003 , 2004 , 2006 , and 2008 Dodge Viper reviews ...
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It's the week ending July 3, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. Gas prices and gas deals are a big incentive for car sales this week, as well as news on the status of the automotive industry....
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Just hours after the U.S. Supreme Court approved the split of Chrysler into an old company and new company, Chrysler Group LLC proudly emerged under new ownership. Under the terms approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York, the key assets from old Chrysler LLC, without certain debts and liabilities, were sold to the new company. The Chrysler , Dodge , Jeep , and Mopar brands, along with new partner Fiat , hit the ground running, rapidly remolding the company and preparing to face the formidable challenges that lay ahead. As part of the alliance, Fiat will share its technology, platforms, and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing the new company to offer a full product portfolio—a critical weakness with old Chrysler that contributed to its downfall. Chrysler will also benefit from Fiat's management expertise in business turnaround and access to Fiat's international distribution network with particular focus on Latin America and Russia. "This is a very significant day, not only for Chrysler and its dedicated employees, who have persevered through a great deal of uncertainty during the past year, but for the global automotive industry as a whole,"...
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