2011 Dodge Challenger

The release of the 2011 Dodge Challenger is nearly up on us, so we thought it fitting to take a look at the new incarnation of this classic and see whats new!

Obviously the retro style stays, and who would complain about that? Looks like the 2011 Dodge Challenger will be get a 6.4L boasting around 500bhp and be more fuel efficient than the 6.1L unit currently found in the 2010 Dodge Challenger. Other changes for the 2011 Dodge Challenger include the usual raft of minor cosmetic changes and some reworking of the mechanicals.

Check out a PR from the Dodge Challenger guys below for some more specifics.

2011 Dodge Challenger Convertible

Styling:

The 2011 Dodge Challenger’s styling won’t stray from the basic concept introduced with the model-year 2008 revival of this MoPar muscle car. The long-hood, short-deck shape, wide grille, graceful roofline, and full-width tail lamps will continue to honor the 1970 Challenger two-door coupe. Dodge, however, probably has additional trim packages in mind for the 2011 Challenger. Indeed, it’s kept a steady drumbeat of optional dress-ups, including recent SE Rallye-package and R/T Classic editions with body stripes and chrome gas caps right out of Challenger’s pop-art past. Model-year 2010 brought another retro-appearance option that added a hood scoop, rear spoiler, “strobe” body striping, and T-handle gear shift. Even “Plum Crazy” purple paint is back. Expect the 2011 Dodge Challenger lineup to repeat with SE, R/T, and SRT8 models. Dodge shoots down rumors that it’s considering a convertible body style; Mustang already offers one and a Camaro ragtop is in the works. Challenger is essentially a two-door coupe adaptation of the 2006-2010 Dodge Charger full-size four-door sedan. Compared to the Charger, Challenger rides a four-inch shorter wheelbase — the distance between the front and rear axles and a determinate of passenger space — so it has less rear-seat leg room. But Challenger’s body length is just 2.4 inches briefer than the 2010 Charger’s, and it’s actually wider and heavier. Dodge boasts that both cars have the same voluminous 16.2-cubic-foot trunk. All this makes for a somewhat paunchy pony, and Challenger is significantly larger than the Mustang and Camaro. The payoff is the softest ride, widest cockpit, and roomiest rear seat in the class. In fact, Challenger is the only one of the three that has seating positions for five passengers instead of four.

Mechanical:

The 2011 Dodge Challenger will retain its rear-wheel-drive layout but could well revamp its engine roster. The 2011 Challenger SE will continue with a V-6, but Dodge surely is tempted to dump its old 3.5-liter V-6. This single-overhead cam design is rated at 250 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. It comes only with a five-speed automatic transmission and never really generates the excitement promised by Challenger’s looks. Kicking in the stall is the company’s hot new 3.6-liter dubbed the “Pentastar” V-6. Debuting in the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, it’s an advanced dual-overhead cam design with variable valve timing and is initially rated at 280 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. With the 2011 Mustang winning attention for a new V-6 with 305 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, and the V-6 Camaro clocking in at 304/273, Challenger needs the Pentastar to remain competitive. Making the SE available with a manual transmission would also keep it abreast of the V-6 Mustang and Camaro models. The 2011 Dodge Challenger R/T is likely to retain its 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, though a bump from 2010’s 376 horsepower/410 pound-feet of torque is possible. The Hemi is named for combustion-chamber ceilings that are hemispherical rather than flat or angled. This one links to a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic. Challenger R/Ts are fast cars, but only with the manual transmission does this two-ton coupe feel like a bona fide muscle machine. No such qualifiers for the Challenger SRT8 model, which has used a 6.1-liter version of the Hemi V-8. With 425 horsepower and 420 pounds-feet of torque, the SRT8 is a monster with either the six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. However, the SRT8 is Challenger’s premium-priced model, starting around $44,000. That’s some $10,000 more than the 400-plus-horsepower Camaro SS and the 412-horsepowr 2011 Mustang GT. Some Dodge watchers speculate the 2011 Challenger SRT8 could get a new 6.4-liter version of the Hemi V-8 said to generate 475-525 horsepower. Meanwhile, Dodge hasn’t relegated all of Challenger’s recent updates to cosmetic features. Model-year 2010, for example, saw R/T models made available with the Super Track Pack, which added special 20-inch tires as well as performance-tuned shock absorbers, axle ratio, and brake linings, plus an antiskid system recalibrated to promote controlled tail slides through turns.

Features:

Some reports suggest a modest expansion of 2011 Challenger features will include a sportier new steering wheel and a remote entry system that allows the driver to unlock the car without removing the keyfob from briefcase, backpack, purse, or pocket. Otherwise, all 2011 Challengers will again have four-wheel disc brakes with antilock management for better control in emergency stops, traction control to limit tire slip during takeoffs, and antiskid traction control to mitigate sideways slides. Head-protecting curtain side airbags for both seating rows will also be standard. Same for a manual tilt/telescope steering wheel, power driver’s seat, and a split rear seat back that folds to create a cargo-passage from the trunk. The 2011 Challenger’s five-speed automatic transmission will again feature a separate gate for manual-type gear changes, while the six-speed manual’s lever will again be topped with a 1970s-style pistol-grip handle. Other returning options will include a power sunroof, remote engine start for automatic-transmission models, and xenon headlamps and a functional hood scoop for R/T models. SRT8 models come with xenons, function hood scoops, leather upholstery, special sport bucket front seats, and dashboard readouts that track 0-60-mph acceleration times, lateral G-forces, and other lead-foot data. Leather upholstery will return as an option on SE and R/T models, accompanied by heated front seats and mirrors. Also available again will be a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic information; Chrysler’s Uconnect multimedia system that includes USB iPod interface and steering-wheel audio controls; and sound systems that range to a 368-watt setup with seven Boston Acoustic speakers.

Source: www.greenwaydodge.com

2011 Dodge Challenger

2012 Camero z28

After the Camaro Z28 was all but confirmed as fact rather then rumor (despite most folks already knowing it was on the way) by GM’s Karl Stracke, it looks like the this modern rendition of the Z28 is going to be a real stormer.

Word has it that it will use a 6.2L supercharged V8 packing an explosive 550+bhp, giving it enough horses to run with the likes of the Ford Mustang GT500, and at the same time possibly making buyers for the Ford take an extra moment to consider their purchase decision.

The Camaro Z28 is taking shape rapidly as the months pass, with an apparent scheduled release date of early 2011, we believe the car must be in its final stages of tweaking before oiling up the production line to starting putting the pieces together of one of the most exciting muscle cars we have seen for a little while.

Were expecting some more details on the specification anytime, along with some shots of the completed car, but we’re salivating already at the prospect of the Camaro Z28, with all the green focus currently taking over the motor industry its great to see monstrous muscle cars still being developed and put into production.

Later versions improved both in performance and handling, and the sight of a Viper still makes everyone around stare in amazement as one crusies past, but now the party’s over (at least for the current model).

Dodge Brand President and CEO Ralph Gilles (right) and plant manager Shelly Brown Gordon (third from right) welcomed more than 400 hundred loyal Viper owners at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit today to present the ultimate factory customized 2010 Dodge Viper coupe to proud new owner D’Ann Rauh (second from right). Rauh and her husband Wayne from Arp, Texas, own more than 40 Dodge Vipers – the largest personal collection of Vipers in the world.

A member of the Mid-South Viper Club of America, D’Ann Rauh worked exclusively with the Dodge Design team to select the personal touches she wanted on her car. The custom bronzed gold exterior paint was supplied by House of Kolor. The custom interior features various leather appointments, which were crafted by Tony Spampinito from Venzano, who has worked with the Rauhs on previous Viper projects.

Bob Soroka, from Chrysler Group LLC’s Street and Racing Technology team, airbrushed layouts of Viper-significant race tracks into the custom-painted copper stripes applied by Prefix. The five-spoke forged-aluminum wheels are custom painted in dark graphite.

Members from both the Motor City Viper Club and the Viper Club of America participated in the celebration.

Rauh’s Viper is the last of the current-generation Vipers built at the plant. Dodge has created more special-edition Viper models for the 2010 model year than all other model years combined. Production on the Dodge Viper started in 1992.

This latest version of Ford’s legendary muscle car will be a Race Red glass roof coupe with an all-new 5.0-liter V-8 engine capable of producing 412 horsepower, while delivering a class-leading 25 mpg on the highway.

The one-of-a-kind model will feature a special Daytona 500 paint scheme, Ford Racing suspension, strut tower brace and mufflers, unique painted wheels, and special interior treatment, including specially branded lit sill plates.

The 2011 Mustang GT Daytona 500 Pace Car model is one of only 50 special editions that will be built and sold to the public.

About the 2011 Mustang GT

The new Mustang GT continues Ford’s powertrain offensive with an all-new 5.0-liter V-8, which uses advanced technology to deliver 412 horsepower and projected unsurpassed highway mileage of 25 mpg.

The 2011, Mustang GT adds specially tuned Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), 11.5-inch front and 11.8-inch rear vented disc brakes, and an enhanced suspension featuring an improved rear lower control arm and stiffened rear stabilizer bushings.

For enthusiasts, a Brembo brake package, with larger rotors and calipers from the Ford Shelby GT500® Mustang, unique 19-inch wheels and summer performance tires, is offered; new fender badges herald return of the 5.0-liter engine.

Bugatti Veyron Super Sport hits 268mph… or rather 267.856mph to be exact!

Bugatti couldn’t have had a better way to bring the Super Sport into the open then by reclaiming the record for the worlds fastest production car!

With Pierre-Henri Raphanel at the wheel, the Super Sport took back the record with a run of 265.905mph, and 269.806mph, averaging 267.856mph and easily taking back the record from Americas SSC Ultimate Aero TT at 256.14mph.

The car uses a still-in-development 8 liter quad turbo V16, producing a massive 1183hp and 1106lb ft of torque, just about enough to get you up even the most challenging of inclines!

Apparently SSC is working on something to regain the record again, but for now at least Bugatti can sit back and relax safe in the knowledge the record will probably be theirs for sometime to come.

My favorite part of the Plymouth Road Runner concept is the front, the glowing halogen head lights just look so cool and add a unique look to its bulky front end. The wheels are decent looking, need a little work. And the back end just screams “bite my dust!” If you check out the car from the side picture, it really brings the muscle car together. All in all, I think Michael Leonhard did a fine job creating this futuristic Plymouth Road Runner. It would be great to see it in real life and one day get passed by it out on the road.