challenger Archives

Official: Dacia unleashes 850-hp GT-R-powered Duster “No Limit” Pikes Peak challenger

Filed under: Motorsports, Crossover, Renault, Off-Road, Racing

Dacia Duster

Dacia Duster “No Limit” – Click above for high-res image gallery

Dacia sends its racing team out in winters to drift across ice and snow for the Andros Trophy. But when the summer rolls around, even the snow on the French Alps begins to thaw. What’s an ice racing team to do? Why, head to Pikes Peak, of course.

The international hill climb event is coming around again next month, and when it does, the likes of Monster Tajima and Rhys Millen will have an interesting new challenger on its hands. And after months of reports and teasers, you’re looking at the finish product.

A joint effort between Dacia, Renaultsport, a number of independent firms and driver Jean-Phillipe Dayraut who brought them all together, the Dacia Duster “No Limit” was built for the Unlimited class at Pikes Peak, where (contrary to just about any other form of motorsport) there are essentially no restrictions placed on a car’s specifications. As a result, the purpose-built racer packs the twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 from a Nissan GT-R (tuned to 850 horsepower), which is mounted amidships behind the cabin and mated to a six-speed sequential racing gearbox. All of that mechanical chutzpah is kept down by the most aggressive aerodynamics package this side of an F-35 Lightning.

It’s a beast of a car, and we can’t wait to see Dayraut – the reigning three-time Andros Trophy champion – take its wheel at the Peak on June 26. In the meantime, check out the extensive high-res image gallery for a closer look and follow the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Dacia unleashes 850-hp GT-R-powered Duster “No Limit” Pikes Peak challenger

Dacia unleashes 850-hp GT-R-powered Duster “No Limit” Pikes Peak challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 May 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pennsylvania dealer loves Vanishing Point, creates Kowalski Edition Dodge Challenger

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Chrysler, Dodge

kowalski edition dodge challenger

As if you needed any reminder, in the 1971 film Vanishing Point, a character by the name of Kowalski is tasked with making it from Colorado to San Francisco in a 1970 Dodge Challenger. Kowalski bets a friend that he can make the run in just 15 hours, but – Spoiler Alert – he doesn’t make it… and neither does the muscle-bound coupe. The flick has been a cult favorite for years, and one of its fans, Bob Frederick of New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, got some help from Chrysler to create 10 2011 Kowalski Edition Dodge Challengers.

Starting life as a traditional 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, these white coupes have had their stripes removed and a handful of options added on. Inside, a pistol-grip shifter sits at attention and a numbered dash plaque is mounted nearby. On the outside, the Kowalski Edition Challengers sport Mopar quad exhaust tips, Scat Pack Bee decals in the rear quarter windows and a tasteful Kowalski Edition decal on the rear spoiler.

All 10 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Kowalski Edition cars have been spoken for, so if any owners are reading this and want their car delivered quickly, we can help set that up. We promise to avoid bulldozers and the fuzz.

[Source: Hemmings]

Pennsylvania dealer loves Vanishing Point, creates Kowalski Edition Dodge Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Dodge Challenger torched on assembly line due to unattended heat lamp?

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Dodge

Dodge Challenger assembly line fire

In March, Chrysler served up a smoking-hot 31 percent sales increase in compared to the same month in 2010. Unfortunately for the automaker, the “heat and serve” theme continued this week, as there were two stories about flaming Chrysler products Monday alone. First we told you about a Dodge Durango turned car-b-que in front of hundreds of onlookers at a Washington D.C. parade. Then came news that China has suspended importation of the Jeep Wrangler due to complaints of vehicle fires.

Now we have a photo of a Dodge Challenger (above) posted by Moparts forum poster Mccannix that allegedly went up in flames at the Brampton, Ontario assembly plant. There is no official cause for the fire, though as you can tell from the picture above the Challenger must have been really cooking.

One unsubstantiated report claims that a heat lamp got too close to some paperwork, which started the blaze. Even sadder is the fact that the high-end wheels tell us that we’re likely looking at a burnt SRT8. A moment of silence, please.

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392: First Drive

2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392

[Source: Moparts via Jalopnik]

2011 Dodge Challenger torched on assembly line due to unattended heat lamp? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak sets NHRA AA/SA records

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Dodge, Specialty, Racing

2011 Mopar Dodge Challenger V10 Drag Pak

2011 Mopar Dodge Challenger V10 Drag Pak – Click above for larger image

The Mopar Dodge Challenger V10 Drag Pak debuted just shy of a month ago and has already stormed its way into the NHRA record books. Driver Dave Thomas laid down a 9.43-second pass at 143.90 mph at a test session April 7, simultaneously setting the elapsed time and mile-per-hour records for the AA/SA class.

Thomas’ record is all the more impressive when you consider that he made his first-ever passes in the car the Sunday before the record run. With capabilities in the nine-second range almost as soon as it comes out of the box, we expect there are quicker times to be pulled out of the only V10-powered factory dragster.

As a refresher, the V10 Drag Pak carries a slightly modified version of the 500 cubic-inch mill from the Viper mated to a two-speed race-only transmission and a Mopar solid-axle rear end. The car comes ready to race, with an NHRA-approved roll cage, fuel system and racing wheels and tires. Full press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Mopar Dodge Challenger V10 Drag Pak

2011 Mopar Dodge Challenger V10 Drag Pak

[Source: Mopar]

Continue reading Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak sets NHRA AA/SA records

Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak sets NHRA AA/SA records originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Apr 2011 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet to take on Mustang Cobra Jet and Challenger Drag Pak with race-only Camaro?

Filed under: Motorsports, Chevrolet, Racing

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS

Chevrolet Camaro SS – Click above for high-res image gallery

In recent years, Ford and Dodge have produced limited-edition, drag-race-only models built to compete in various NHRA classes. Both automakers have amped up their programs for 2011, with Ford releasing the revised Mustang Cobra Jet and Dodge unveiling its V10-powered Challenger Drag Pak at SEMA last November.

Will Chevrolet join the party? While General Motors hasn’t hinted that it will, its competition at Ford Racing appears to know otherwise. In an interview regarding the Cobra Jet, Ford Racing’s drag racing competition manager, Jesse Kershaw, hinted at a new Camaro built for drag racing:

“Some people revel in competition and some people don’t like the competition, but what is really interesting is that we’re seeing a resurgence of the muscle car wars from the late ’60s. So we see where the competition like Dodge has produced a Challenger to compete with us, and now they’ve had to step up their ante with a V10 version. We know that General Motors is on track to release a Camaro version. I think that the NHRA fans as well as the racers themselves are very excited to get out there and have this new era of horsepower war.”

Both Ford and Dodge unveiled their purpose-built drag racers at SEMA, so we’ll have our eyes and ears open for any potential news from GM come November.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS

[Source: Ford Racing TV]

Chevrolet to take on Mustang Cobra Jet and Challenger Drag Pak with race-only Camaro? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Apr 2011 10:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche planning Ferrari 458 challenger?

Filed under: Coupe, Porsche, Rumormill

Porsche 911

Porsche would like to double its current sales volume, and to do that, the automaker will need to expand its lineup. The Cajun crossover and 918 are still a year or three away, and we’re always hearing talk of a sub-Boxster roadster or even a baby Panamera being in the cards. But what about a new coupe to take on Maranello’s finest?

Autocar claims that such a supercar could be on the way, and it would go toe-to-toe with the Ferrari 458 Italia. The British mag reports that Porsche boss Mathias Muller would like the company to produce another mid-engine offering, adding “we’re thinking above the 911 but below the 918 Spyder.” Muller also says that Porsche already has some designs that still need further development, and that a business case still needs to be made.

If such a Porsche were to find its way to production, it would need plenty of lightweight materials. And since Audi now shares a family tree with Porsche, the new supercar could share the R8’s aluminum space frame chassis. If that doesn’t work, a heavily-modified (and larger) 911 platform would probably do the trick, too.

At any rate, such a super-Porsche appears to be a long way from a production green light, much less a showroom floor. Still, it’s nice to dream, and we don’t mind waking up to a world with one more Porsche from which to choose.

[Source: Autocar | Image: Michael Harley/AOL]

Porsche planning Ferrari 458 challenger? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lingenfelter unleashes supercharger package for the Dodge Challenger

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Dodge

Lingenfelter Dodge Challenger Supercharger Package

Lingenfelter Dodge Challenger Supercharger Package – Click above for high-res image

Do you own a 2008-2010 Dodge Challenger and now regret not waiting for the revamped 2011 models? There’s no need to worry, as Lingenfelter has just the prescription to make you feel better. The performance company normally known for making go-fast Chevys has turned its attention to Mopars, offering a supercharger package for the first-generation V8 Challengers.

The forced induction comes in the form of a Magnuson TVS2300 supercharger complete with a 160 degree thermostat, upgraded fuel injectors and a high-flow intake system. The package can be installed on both the 5.7- and 6.1-liter V8 engines. Lingenfelter says that its 6.1-liter test car put out 500 rear-wheel-horsepower and knocked out the quarter-mile in a hair over 12 seconds at 120 miles per hour – just fast enough to make the owner of a new Challenger SRT8 392 feel disheartened with his new purchase.

You can read more details about Lingenfelter’s supercharger package for the Dodge Challenger in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Lingenfelter]

Continue reading Lingenfelter unleashes supercharger package for the Dodge Challenger

Lingenfelter unleashes supercharger package for the Dodge Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: Dodge Challenger goes Green With Envy

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Chrysler, Dodge

2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Green With Envy

2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Green With Envy – Click above for high-res image gallery

Dodge is spicing up the Challenger line with a new eye-searing paint color. The hue is called Green With Envy, and it’s supposed to pay homage to some of the wilder colors from the company’s past, including Sublime and Green Go. Buyers will be able to grab their new green Challenger in one of two configurations, including a new R/T Classic that serves up the company’s 372-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine with two A-line body stripes. The accents are available in either matte black or white.

For those who need a little more bite with their bark, Chrysler is also serving up the Challenger SRT8 in the new paint. In that trim, owners can enjoy the same 470-horsepower 6.4-liter V8 engine found in the Challenger SRT8 392, and the muscle bruisers will be differentiated by full-body black stripes. Likewise, the interior will enjoy Green With Envy accented seats.

Look to pony up around $35,785 for the Challenger R/T Classic Green With Envy and $44,875 for the SRT8 iteration. Both prices include destination. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Green with Envy

2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Green with Envy

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chicago 2011: Dodge Challenger goes Green With Envy

Chicago 2011: Dodge Challenger goes Green With Envy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 01:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marussia Virgin Racing comes back for more with new MVR-02 F1 challenger

Filed under: Motorsports, Racing

2011 Marussia Virgin Racing MVR-02

2011 Marussia Virgin Racing MVR-02 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Last year, Virgin Racing popped its cherry with the VR-01 that led the team through a lackluster first season, finishing the 2010 Formula One World Championship dead last. The team failed to start one of its cars at two grands prix, retired fifteen times and scored a grand total of zero points in the standings.

Now with backing from Russian automaker Marussia Motors, the team has unveiled its Cosworth-powered 2011 challenger in the form of the MVR-02 in the hopes of a more competitive followup season. The car was unveiled at the BBC Television Centre in London, and followed the debuts from Ferrari, Lotus, Renault, Sauber, Mercedes, Red Bull, Toro Rosso, Williams and McLaren, leaving only Force India and HRT to follow suit.

With a similar design to its competitors (but a slightly lower nose cone) reflecting the latest tweaks to the formula, the MVR-02 will be driven again by Germany’s former GP2 champion and Toyota F1 driver Timo Glock. Partnering Glock this season is the Belgian former International Formula Master champion and GP2 Asia Series runner-up Jérôme d’Ambrosio, who replaces axed Brazilian driver Lucas di Grassi.

Follow the jump for the full press release from Virgin and check out the high-resolution images in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Marussia Virgin Racing MVR02

[Source: Marussia Virgin Racing]

Continue reading Marussia Virgin Racing comes back for more with new MVR-02 F1 challenger

Marussia Virgin Racing comes back for more with new MVR-02 F1 challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sauber unveils new C30 Ferrari-powered F1 challenger

Filed under: Motorsports, Racing

Sauber C30

2011 Sauber-Ferrari C30 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Divorce can be particularly difficult on the children. Sauber found that out the hard way when BMW picked up and left at the end of 2009, leaving the team to fend for itself. With the Bavarian automaker’s support, the Sauber team had turned from a solid midfielder to a front-running challenger, finishing the 2007 championship in second place. Last year, Sauber struggled with reliability issues and sponsor troubles to finish eighth in the constructors’ standings.

If last season was a transition year for Sauber, this year will bring its opportunity to climb back up, and this is the car with which they hope to do so. Called the C30, the new car bears many of the same hallmarks adopted by its rival teams, with a high front nose, more sculpted side-pods and a slender rear section with an integrated diffuser design. It’s engine is provided by Ferrari – just as it was last year and in the pre-BMW years – as is the regenerative braking system.

Perhaps most crucial, however, are the sponsors Sauber has brought on board for this season. By signing Sergio Perez, a promising young Mexican driver who won five GP2 races last season to finish second behind Williams’ Pastor Maldonado, Sauber has recruited a number of Mexican sponsors, including Carlos Slim’s Telmex and Cuervo tequila. So far, however, Sauber has been unable to attract Japanese sponsors to the team despite retaining Perez’ returning wingman Kamui Kobayashi, who stands as the only Japanese driver on the grid, and the only contemporary Japanese driver to make it in F1 without the support of a Japanese automaker.

Will Sauber be able to pull itself back from the brink where it stood this time last year and mount a challenge for a couple of podium positions? Time will tell, but for now you can read more about the new car in the press release after the jump and ogle it in the high-resolution image gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Sauber-Ferrari C30

[Source: Sauber]

Continue reading Sauber unveils new C30 Ferrari-powered F1 challenger

Sauber unveils new C30 Ferrari-powered F1 challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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