Dodge Charger SRT8 review - cars of the future

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

         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.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.

Specification

           * Type of engine: 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8

           * Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 465 hps

           * Acceleration 0-60 mph s: estimated high 4-second range

           * Transmission: Paddle-shift technology w/ 5 Speed Automatic floor shifter

           * Price (est range): $25,395 - $32,545

Dodge Challenger SRT8 review

      

          Interior highlights of Dodge Challenger include race-inspired leather seats with added bolstering and an exclusive red accent stripe, exclusive stitched accents on the seats and steering wheel, four bomb gauges with tachometer and 180 mph speedometer in the center, and an SRT exclusive Electronic Vehicle Information Center with Performance Pages that provide drivers instant feedback on 0-60 mph time, 60-0 mph braking, G-forces in addition to one-eighth mile and quarter-mile times.

       The engine has been enlarged to 6.4 liters, which translates to 392 cubic inches, the same displacement as one of Chrysler's historic HEMI V8s (never mind that the 392 lived and died in the 1950s, long before the original Challenger appeared in 1970). Power is now 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, up from 425 and 420 from last year's 6.1 liter engine.

          Other changes for 2011 include new hydroelastic engine mounts they suppress idle shake and better control the engine’s mass during cornering stiffer suspension bushings complemented by larger front and rear anti-roll bars, a steering ratio quickened from 16.1:1 to 14.4:1, and an increase in the front negative camber from 0.8 degree to 1.4 degrees. We saw a very respectable 0.88 on the skidpad and a clipped 160-foot stopping distance from 70 mph.

Specifications

           * Type of engine: 90-degree V-type, liquid-cooled

           * Power bhp (kW): 425 bhp (317 kW) @ 6,200 rpm (69.8 bhp/L)

           * Body Type: Two-door coupe

           * Price: $44,380 - $51,170

Dodge EV Concept - Sport car review

        The Dodge EV electric sports car concept, based on the Lotus Europa, is exactly the car ailing Chrysler LLC needs. There's nothing particular outstanding about the Dodge EV when compared with other electric sports cars such as the Tesla Roadster, the RUF Concept A or the 2010 MINI E. The chassis comes courtesy of the Lot us Europa, that British automaker's larger sports car.

           Powering that motor is a lithium ion battery pack, mounted just behind the cabin. Chrysler's mum on the technical details here, but says the batteries will provide enough power for a 150 to 200 mile range. Recharging can be done in four hours via a 220 volts outlet, or in eight hours with a standard 110 volts household outlet.

Specifications

            * Type of engine: Full Electric 200 kW Motor

            * Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 268 Equivalent bhp

2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 Roadster

           The new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 boasts more of what performance aficionados crave: kick-in-the-pants, throw-back-in-the-seat power, combined with benchmark braking, world-class ride and handling, a race-inspired interior and bold exterior styling. The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 remains available in two body styles - Roadster and Coupe. Both feature a dramatic new hood with a larger, more efficient hood scoop for air induction and larger, functional hood louvers to facilitate a greater cooling effect for the more powerful 8.4-liter, 600-horsepower V-10 engine underneath.

          The capacity of the engine is 8400 cc and it delivers an output power of 600 bhp at 6000 rpm and 560 lb-ft torque at 5100 rpm. The Dodge Viper SRT-10 features six speed manual transmission with wider gears and the gear shifts can be performed easily at higher speeds and stress.

         The Dodge Viper SRT-10 features five spoke wheels wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires. The front wheels measure 18 inches and the rear wheels measure 19 inches. The car features Anti-lock Braking System and Brembo piston calipers on the wheels that ensure safety handling and grip of the car at higher speeds.