2011 Dodge Durango R/T Hemi RWD / AWD Reviews

Through its first two generations, the Dodge Durango was sort of an enthusiast secret, a quietly competent and unusually fun-to-drive SUV.

After shepherding a last-gen truck for 40,000 miles, we concluded, “Does it get better than this? Maybe. But not much.” Sales of the Durango certainly didn’t get any better. After moving 137,148 of the trucks in 2004, Dodge watched Durango sales nose-dive to barely half that two years later and a mere 21,420 in 2008, after which point the Durango disappeared.

Now it’s back. If you studied only the critical dimensions, which are nearly dead on with the old truck’s, you’d be forgiven for thinking Dodge spent the interim working on a face lift. But you’d be wrong. For starters, there’s the small matter of the absentee frame. The formerly body-on-frame Durango now rides on a unibody platform it shares with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the same platform Mercedes-Benz will employ under its next ML and GL.

Durango Tango

Whereas its Jeep cousin perpetuates that brand’s dirt fetish, the Durango pursues sport in a different discipline. The two trucks’ suspension layouts are the same, but the Dodge is longer than the Jeep by a full 10 inches, with an extra five between its axles. Additionally, the Durango’s shock and spring rates are stiffer, and it has larger anti-roll bars. The R/T further stiffens the shocks and springs and lowers the ride height by 0.8 inch. Like the Heat and Citadel trims, the R/T includes 20-inch wheels.

All that stiffening paid off. The Durango is a handler, with minimal body roll—particularly for something so tall. It’s also very well balanced. Note that the RWD’s 50/50- and AWD’s 51/49-percent front-to-rear weight distributions are the sort of figures that get us excited about sports sedans. There’s a touch of understeer at the limit, and a delightful enthusiasm for rotation, which is easy to control and rein in with the all-wheel-drive system or prolong without it. The AWD R/T proved to be slightly better on the skidpad, where we recorded 0.81 g of stick compared with 0.79 g for the rear-driver.

Steering like this is a treat in an SUV. It’s slow off-center—all the better for relaxed highway tracking—and effort builds as the limit nears and the wheel offers a good amount of feedback. The AWD R/T’s hero brakes need just 169 feet to stop the big bruiser from a freeway tempo, with the rear-drive R/T taking an additional eight feet. The downside to the R/T is serious tromp from the 20s. They crash over bumps and potholes, and the stiffer suspension sends hefty tremors through the body shell and steering column. It’s an expected trade-off in a performance vehicle but not one we anticipated in an SUV. The complaints might be quieter, however, were our roads smoother.

Superb Seats, Subpar Seats

With a tilting-and-telescoping steering wheel standard on all Durangos, it’s easy to find the perfect driving position, and the front seats fit the ute’s sporty persona. They are comfy and supportive, with the right amount of bolstering for a sporty family vehicle—enough to let you know they care without encouraging the sort of driving that’ll have the rugrats screaming in their child-safety seats. The Magnum-esque window line and thick C- and D-pillars (necessary to meet rollover standards) do hinder visibility, however.

The rearview camera, part of a $695 package that includes navigation, is a worthwhile investment. Our AWD R/T had it and also came with a rear-seat DVD entertainment package ($1695) that, interestingly, requires the sunroof ($850) (a ceiling-mounted entertainment system and a sunroof often are an either/or proposition). Another $695 netted a towing package—with the Hemi, the Durango is rated to tow up to 7400 pounds—and $750 was wasted on adaptive cruise control. The AWD Durango’s total was $43,400, eye watering but not totally unreasonable for a workhorse family vehicle with a stonking V-8. The RWD example we tested came in at a more reasonable $37,390, including only the $850 sunroof option.

Every Durango except the two-row-only Heat comes with standard seating for seven. The second- and third-row seats fold flat, but to do so, they are very thin, with hard cushions. And although they flop with simple one-handle actuation, the effort required to raise them is substantial. Maybe Dodge is trying to help American moms tone their arms. Also, third-row volume shrinks nine cubic feet compared with the last Durango’s. This used to be one of few SUVs that could comfortably haul three rows of adults, but no more. At least with the second row folded, access for the kids is easy.

This is all the more reason to sit in the left-front seat, where your right foot gets to conduct the Hemi underhood. The Hemi is standard on the R/T, optional on the Citadel and Crew—$1495 for rear-drivers, $1895 with all-wheel drive. (The Heat and the Express only get the V-6.) With an iron block, pushrods, a 5800-rpm redline, and port fuel injection, the Hemi seems out of date compared with today’s high-tech mills, but high tech is hardly a prerequisite for great sound. The audio argument might be the best reason to upgrade to the barrel-chested V-8. Learn More...

Source : http://www.caranddriver.com

2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392

2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Front Angle Top

The 392-cubic inch (6.4-liter) HEMI® V-8 offers 470 horsepower (351 kW) and 470 (637 N.m) lb.-ft. of torque. The torque band is incredibly flat providing for strong standing starts and improved straight-line performance all through the rpm range. A sophisticated active intake manifold together with high-lift cam with phasing gives maximum low-end torque and high-end power while still delivering up to 23 miles per gallon while driving with the standard stick shift. Performance-tuned engine brackets improve idle stability and ride control at any speed.

2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Front Side

Standard Fuel Saver Technology (four cylinder mode) in automatic gearbox outfitted models enables the engine to run cheaply on four cylinders or utilize the power of all eight cylinders if needed. The EPA fuel economic system miles per gallon (mpg) (City/Hwy) ratings for the 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 are 14/22 for automatic transmission models and 14/23 for manual-transmission models.

The 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 comes with a standard Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission and a dual-disc high end clutch - a proven performer that was first presented on the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10®.



The optional five-speed automatic transmission features new, standard steering wheel mounted paddle shifters that join the center console mounted Auto Stick, enabling a range of lively shifting equally on the road and the race track. Each method provides the driver with the possibility to manually select certain gears on the transmission.

2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Front Angle

Sitting a half-inch less than non-SRT models, the 2012 Challenger SRT8 392 rides on either the conventional five-spoke, 20 x 9-inch fully forged aluminum wheels or available seven-spoke, 20 x 9-inch lightweight forged aluminum wheels with satin black colored pockets. Standard Goodyear RSA All-Season tires or available Goodyear F1 Supercar Three-Season accentuate the performance design cues and deliver serious gripping functionality and control.



The standard SRT performance brake package delivers world-class stopping power of 60 to 0 mph in just 117 feet from 14.2 inch (front) and 13.8 inch (rear) vented/slotted rotors with four-piston Brembo fixed calipers painted red. The three-mode electronic stability control system with knockback mitigation comes with a four-wheel ABS, all-speed traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, Brake Assist and Hill-start Assist (HSA).

2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Front

2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Rear

2011 Dodge Charger Specs, Prices, Pics and Reviews

The Dodge Charger is the eccentric uncle among large family sedans. It's a rear-wheel-drive muscle car with an available Hemi V-8 engine, and the updates it gets for 2011 don't change that. In some ways, they accentuate its personality.

The Charger has always been an aggressive-looking car, but the redesigned 2011 model raises the sedan's meanness factor. It starts up front with a restyled grille that has a lot more tension in its design Dodge designer Mark Trostle described it as "Superman's chest" — and contributes to the furrowed look of the headlights. Much of the sheet metal is new as well, with hood and door scallops that are more visually striking.

Perhaps the biggest change is to the rear, which gets full-width illumination when the headlights are on. It helps make the Charger as distinctive from the rear as it is from the front.
Although a 370-horsepower, 5.7-liter V-8 and all-wheel drive remain options, the base engine is Chrysler's new 292-hp, 3.6-liter V-6, and that's the engine I tested in an SE Rallye Plus trim level.

One of the things I've noticed while driving different Chrysler models with this V-6 is the engine feels strongest higher in the rpm range. It takes a little while for the power to build. Once you rev it, though, it pulls pretty well — even in a big car like the Charger. Our test car's curb weight was nearly 4,000 pounds.

The V-6 teams with a five-speed automatic transmission, and it's a smooth-shifting unit. Just as important, it kicks down quickly when you need to extract more power from the V-6 for passing. Another editor who tested the V-8-powered R/T trim noted that car's civility in normal driving — along with its substantial amount of reserve power.

Three suspensions are offered: Touring, Performance and Super Track Pak. Our SE Rallye Plus model had the midlevel Performance setup, and it was fairly sensitive to road imperfections.

Despite the Charger's rear-wheel-drive layout, it has never felt as dynamic and tossable as the dearly departed Pontiac G8. The Charger feels like a big car, and it's more at home cruising than carving corners. The steering tuning reinforces this, as there's plenty of power assistance so it only takes light effort to turn the wheel, which provides some feedback.

 

The Charger has had one of Dodge's better interiors of recent memory, and the changes for 2011 are still welcome. From the tall dashboard to the steering wheel to the newly available 8.4-inch touch-screen, much has been updated. One welcome change is that the leading edge of the roof has been shifted rearward a little, making it easier to see stoplights when you're first in line. While I wouldn't say the Charger's new interior surpasses the Ford Taurus' cabin, which is pretty good, it definitely matches it.

The Charger's front bucket seats, which were finished in leather in our test car, are quite soft. They're a little too spongy for my tastes and didn't do much to keep me in place when cornering quickly; I easily slid over the limp side bolsters.

Like before, the Charger has a relatively large backseat to accommodate adult passengers. The rear seat has the same soft cushioning as the front buckets. Dodge says the new quarter windows improve visibility for rear passengers, but the fast roofline means taller passengers' views out the side windows are still limited.

Even though a rear-wheel-drive-based car like the Charger should offer livelier handling, I commend Dodge for sticking with the drivetrain layout and the available V-8, as well as upping the car's already aggressive styling. Learn More...

Source : http://www.cars.com

2011 Dodge Caliber Specs, Prices and Reviews

The Caliber is a five-seat, four-door hatchback. The Caliber comes in Express, Mainstreet, Uptown, Heat and Rush trim levels.

Starting MSRP $17,380 – $20,585 

New for 2011

The 2011 Dodge Caliber has six new available exterior paint colors, a new navigation/audio system with Sirius Travel Link, retuned steering, available 18-inch wheels on the Uptown model, red and blue stitching on seats in the Rush model, a standard six-way power driver's seat on the Mainstreet model and standard electronic stability control on the Heat, Mainstreet, Rush and Uptown models.

Exterior

The Caliber is clearly a Dodge, thanks to the crosshair grille. The Caliber has large wheels for a car of its size and class. A black rail that runs from the base of the A-pillars and along the roofline to the taillights tricks the eye into seeing a lower, sleeker shape. Despite the look, the Caliber actually sits a bit higher than most compact cars. Exterior features include:

- Standard 15-inch steel wheels with silver-painted wheel covers

- Available 17-inch or 18-inch wheels

- Body-colored front and rear bumpers, optional body-colored door handles

Interior

The 2011 Caliber sees minor changes after the interior was redesigned for 2010. Interior features include: 

• Standard illuminated cupholder rings
• Standard cloth seats
• Optional upgraded cloth or leather-trimmed seats
• Standard manual door locks, mirrors and windows
• Available power mirrors, locks and windows, with speed-sensitive door locks
• Available beverage-cooling bin
• Available fold-flat front passenger seat
• Optional navigation/radio with Sirius Travel Link
• Optional rechargeable flashlight that stows in cargo area

Under the Hood

For 2011, the Caliber packs either a 2.0- or 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The standard 2.0-liter comes with a five-speed manual transmission. 

The Caliber is available with a manual or a choice of two continuously variable automatic transmissions. Front disc and rear drum brakes are standard, but all-disc brakes are optional. Mechanical features include:

• 158-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 141 pounds-feet of torque (standard)
• 172-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 165 pounds-feet of torque (optional)
• Five-speed manual transmission standard
• Optional continuously variable automatic transmission
• Optional CVT with manual-shift provision

Safety

The Caliber comes with a unique-for-its-class driver's knee airbag designed to keep the driver positioned properly for the other primary restraints. An electronic stability system is now standard on Heat, Mainstreet, Rush and Uptown models, and not available on the Express. Safety features include:

• Standard side curtain airbags
• Standard smart key immobilizes the engine in an attempted auto theft
• Available antilock braking system

By Cars.com Staff

Cars.com National

Source : http://www.cars.com

2011 Dodge Journey Specs, Prices and Reviews

I’ve been going through the Chrysler Group’s products looking for improvements, trying to determine whether the company, reformed after its 2008 financial failure and federal bailout, has a chance to make it in an unmercifully competitive enterprise.

Starting MSRP $22,245 – $33,645

I’m not yet humming the theme to “Rocky.” But I’ve found reason for hope so far. Consider the 2011 Journey, a midsize crossover-utility vehicle produced by the Dodge division. It is a substantially revised and improved version of its former self.


The Journey was a mediocre affair when reviewed in this space in 2008 as a 2009 model. It was the equivalent of a term paper with an A-plus theme executed with C-minus effort.

The size was right — big enough to comfortably transport a family of five on a long road trip. Anticipation of user needs was on target. Families driving long distances need convenient storage bins for stuff. The Journey was loaded with those, including under-seat storage compartments. There was connection access for all those electronic things we now deem necessary.

But the first Journey was miserable in too many of its particulars. Interior and exterior styling, the lowlights of which were cheap-feel plastics and other interior materials, were lackluster. The performance of the 2.4-liter in-line four-cylinder engine (173 horsepower, 166 foot-pounds of torque) in the predecessor base Journey SE ranged from underwhelming to mildly competent. A 3.5-liter V-6 engine offered in that period’s upper-level Journeys (SXT and R/T) was slightly better.

Now there’s a new Dodge Journey — in this case, the all-wheel-drive Journey Crew driven for this column — from a new Chrysler.

Fit, assembly quality, exterior paint finish and interior material quality are all measurably better. Close your eyes. Feel the control knobs on the instrument panel. The hard plastic knobs have been replaced by soft vinyl pieces. Leather seating surfaces smell and feel rich. Class has mated vigorously with convenience in revised interior styling. The multiple storage bins remain. But the entire interior of the 2011 Dodge Journey Crew feels less like a school bus and more like a limousine.

The 2.4-liter in-line, four-cylinder engine has been carried over from the old base Journey SE to its 2011 counterpart, now called the Journey Express. An aside: That four-cylinder engine is for motorists interested primarily in economical transportation — in terms of both purchase price and daily operation (think fuel costs). It will disappoint motorists desiring the thrill of acceleration with every touch of the gas pedal. The four-cylinder Journey just doesn’t move that fast.

But the new 3.6-liter, 24-valve V-6 (283 horsepower, 260 foot-pounds of torque) sold as standard equipment in the 2011 Journey Mainstreet, Crew, R/T and Lux is a pleasing machine. It will get you where you are going with something approaching fun-to-drive.

Like its predecessor, the 2011 Journey has an option for third-row seating, thereby creating space for seven people, up from five. But again, this column advises against exercising that option in the midsize Journey crossover and similar vehicles. Reasons: Only small children can sit back there, and the rear seats are frightfully close to the rear hatch — not a good thing in a rear-end collision.

In summary, the 2011 Journey Crew and its four crossover siblings (Express, Mainstreet, R/T and Lux) are all worthy of consideration by shoppers seeking a high-quality, versatile crossover-utility vehicle .?.?. with the following caveat: People who are seeking outstanding fuel economy, road performance (particularly acceleration), maximum utility and low pricing in a midsize crossover-utility vehicle are fantasy shoppers.

Putting a six-cylinder or larger engine in a crossover means sacrificing some element of fuel economy in favor of performance and, perhaps, increased utility. Going with a small-displacement (referring to the amount of air and fuel that can be held in combustion chambers) four-cylinder engine means sacrificing performance and certain elements of utility — hauling and payloads are examples — in favor of more miles per gallon.

No one vehicle in any category is likely to meet all needs and desires, certainly not at the same price, which is why car manufacturers usually offer multiple equipment and trim levels in the same vehicle line.

What is encouraging here is that, reflective of a new can-do, will-do spirit at Chrysler, the new Dodge Journey has top-notch quality and design up and down the line. I am impressed by the Chrysler Group’s recent action in paying off the $6 billion-plus in federal bailout money years before the due date. But I am much more impressed by what I see in the company’s new products — a drive to get things right, an elegant swagger, and a determination win on its own terms without apology or excuse. That change in attitude could prevent Chrysler from ever again coming to the government, hubcap in hand, begging for a bailout. Learn more Automotive News

By Warren Brown

washingtonpost.com

( Source : http://www.cars.com )

Dodge wallpapers

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The LaPlata Miner, June 23, 1883 reported that, "There were forty men with a record of having killed over one, and it is a wonder to all that no killing occurred."

The Dodge City Peace Commission was formed as a direct result of the actions taken by the Powers-To-Be, namely former Mayor Alonzo Webster and his 300 pound whipping boy newly elected Mayor Larry Deger. Webster, owner of the Old House Saloon, wasn't able to attract the business Luke Short was because of Luke's Texas roots. Webster devised a plan whereby Deger would have Luke's girls arrested but Webster's girls were left alone. Luke took exception to this and went looking for those responsible.

Louis Hartman, City Court Clerk and special Policeman saw Luke coming in his direction and knew it meant trouble. Hartman decided to get off the first shot so he took aim and let go a round missing Luke. Now think about this for a minute. Luke was not a criminal. He was not wanted for anything. Yet here is a policeman shooting at him because he knew Luke had been wronged. Just imagine such a scene taking place in a casino in Vegas or on the streets of modern day Dodge City. Well Luke wasn't going to put up with that type of treatment. Luke returned fire as Hartman was in full retreat. As Luke fired Hartman stumbled and fell. Luke, believing he had just killed Hartman headed for the Long Branch.

The next day Luke learned he had not killed Hartman and submitted to arrest. Webster and his cronnies decided to run Luke out of town instead of allowing the legal process to run its course. So much for the Law and Order platform Deger ran on when elected. Luke was put on an eastbound train which stopped at Larned, Kansas. Luke got off and telegraphed Bat Masterson.

This was the beginning of the Dodge City Wars. A war in which a shot was never fired.

The 2013MY Dodge Viper

With sales of the previous generation steadily declining over the years (only 392 were sold in 2010, when production ceased), a totally redesigned Viper could be just what the doctor ordered for Dodge.

As previously reported, the new model won’t be based on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, as some sources suggested, while Gilles also clarified that it’s not going to have Ferrari powerplants either. The Dodge boss was also confident regarding the cost-effectiveness of the Viper, stating that it will be profitable.

The 2013MY Dodge Viper

The next Generations of 2011 Dodge Ram Outdoorsman

Trucks are extremely handy and flexible since they can be used as an everyday vehicle and in order to tow heavy items. Modern innovations allow automakers to manufacture vehicle that are not only powerful but also use much less gasoline. One vehicle that stands out in terms of power and sheer value is the 2011 Ram Heavy Duty by Dodge.

2011 Dodge Ram Outdoorsman Front View

The next step up from projector style headlights are Dodge Ram Halo LED (Angel Eye) headlights. These add a beautiful looking LED ring around your headlights and have the award winning and lasting LED technology which ensures they can be seen even in the day. This is the newest technology you see being utilized first by Audi and now Mercedes and BMW, which are now available for your Dodge Ram. The biggest improvement that these newer Ram headlight technologies also add is the much lower power usage by these new lighting parts.

The next Generations of 2011 Dodge Ram Outdoorsman

2011-2012 The Dodge Grand Caravan

What the Grand Caravan R/T boils down to is one thing: looks. Those "looks" go beyond the shared refreshed grill, fog lamps, curved wheel wells and body paint found in other trim levels of the Dodge Grand Caravan. Larger sport wheels and a body kit treatment to the nose are among the distinguishing exterior features. Inside, its black and grey interior gets some eye candy stitching across the seats and on the steering wheel. All editions of the Dodge get the same retuned suspension. Combined, Dodge hopes that these changes will get men to say "I want one" when most likely they'll be having to buy one for the family anyway.

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan Rear Light

Building a man van goes with the territory whereby Chrysler has separated its Dodge vehicles from its Ram trucks into two distinct brands. "Ram tough" describes the trucks while Dodge is now the performance division for the automaker. That means every model sold must have macho appeal from the compact Caliber on up.
2011-2012 The Dodge Grand Caravan

Dodge viper best sports cars

The Dodge Viper is a V10-powered sports car manufactured by the Dodge division of Chrysler. Production of the two seat sports car began at New Mack Assembly in 1992 and moved to its current home at Conner Avenue Assembly in October 1995. The car, as well as numerous variations of it, has made countless appearances in TV shows, video games, movies, and music videos.

Dodge viper

The Viper was conceived as a historical take on the classic American sports car. The iconic AC Cobra was a source of inspiration, and the final version of the Viper bears this out with its powerful engine, minimalist straightforward design, muscular and aggressive styling, and high performance.

Dodge viper

Some saw claims to kinship with the Cobra as a marketing exercise, ignoring that Carroll Shelby was heavily involved in the initial design of the Viper, and subsequent design of the Viper GTS coupe. Notably, the later (1996 through 2002) Viper GTS coupe took a few design cues from the Pete Brock designed Shelby Cobra Daytona.

Dodge viper sports cars

Though the proportions seem similar at first glance, the designs are quite unique. Carroll Shelby was key in the development of the RT/10 as well as having a hand in the development of the GTS model.

Dodge Ram 1500 Daytona

Dodge Ram 1500 Daytona

The 2005 Dodge Ram Daytona is instantly recognizable with its massive 11-inch rear spoiler and complementary flat-black graphics on the bed sides, reminiscent of the 1969 winged Dodge Charger. Other noticeable features include a performance-style hood scoop, rear side-exiting twin chrome tips from the Borla exhaust, body-colored grille and tail lamp guards, and 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels.

Two compelling colors will be offered with the all-new 2005 Dodge Ram Daytona: Go ManGo! or Silver Metallic. The exterior color also appears on the center bezel on the dash. The 2005 Dodge Ram Daytona will be a limited-edition model, and will feature a numbered plaque on the dash.

The 2005 Ram Daytona is available as a 4x4 or 4x2 and in regular cab or Quad Cab body styles with the six-foot, three-inch bed. The regular cab features molded side sills while the Quad Cab includes a running board.

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- Dodge Rampage Concept Pickup

Dodge Rampage Concept Pickup

Dodge Rampage Concept Pickup

Dodge says that the 2006 Rampage concept vehicle is a pickup truck for non-conventional pickup truck buyers. A lot of new, modern pseudo-pickups claim to do this, such as the Explorer Sport Trac and the award-winning Honda Ridgeline, but then again, even by comparison to the Rampage, they both seem rather ordinary.

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2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 Pictures

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 Front View

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 Exotic Car

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 Side View

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 Interior

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 Sport Car

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 Engine

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 Rear View