Tag: challenger

Team Lotus releases radical new T128 challenger

Filed under: Motorsports, Lotus, Renault, Racing

2011 Team Lotus T128

2011 Team Lotus T128 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Team Lotus has had a busy off-season, principally dealing with the naming rights dispute with Group Lotus and its new Renault team. That issue is still far from resolved, with both teams laying claim to the name, but the Malaysian outfit is taking first blood by launching its new car online before their British counterparts unveil theirs at Valencia. In doing so, Team Lotus becomes the second team to launch its 2011 challenger (following the new Ferrari F150), and the team calls it a complete clean-sheet redesign over last year’s car.

Designed by Mike Gascoyne, the new Lotus T128 is a considerably more radical than the T127 it replaces, which was rushed onto the grid with a more conservative design in order to get the team a foothold in its inaugural season. Swapping the previous car’s Cosworth power for Renault, the T128 also uses a Red Bull gearbox and starts the season without the KERS regenerative braking system permitted for use once again under this year’s regulations.

The T128 sticks with the green and yellow livery after initial plans to switch to the JPS black and gold were aborted before Lotus Renault GP released its own plans for the same. It will be piloted once again by Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen, with its reserve/test drive still yet to be announced. The new car isn’t expected to make its on-track debut until the second day of testing at Valencia, but you can read more about it in the press release after the jump and take your first look in the high-resolution image gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Team Lotus T128

[Source: Team Lotus]

Continue reading Team Lotus releases radical new T128 challenger

Team Lotus releases radical new T128 challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Ultimate Factories episodes coming for Challenger, Viper, Bentley and more

Filed under: Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Videos, Bentley, Chrysler, Dodge, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz

Dodge Viper assembly

Ultimate Factories shows how the Dodge Viper gets its heart – Click above to watch video after the jump

Ultimate Factories is coming back to the National Geographic channel, and the newest season is chalk-full of more automotive action. Upcoming shows have camera crews venturing into Dodge, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz and Bentley factories to show how they paint a Dodge Challenger, what it takes to build a Maserati engine and how Dodge builds (or is that built?) the Viper chassis and its 8.4-liter heart.

Ultimate Factories airs Thursday nights at 10pm and the Dodge Challenger episode is set to run on February 3rd. But before then, get a preview in the video after the jump.

[Source: National Geographic]

Continue reading New Ultimate Factories episodes coming for Challenger, Viper, Bentley and more

New Ultimate Factories episodes coming for Challenger, Viper, Bentley and more originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2011 Dodge Charger R/T and Challenger SRT8 392 make more power than expected

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Chrysler, Dodge

2011 Dodge Charger R/T and Challenger SRT8 392

2011 Dodge Charger R/T and Challenger SRT8 392 – Click above to watch the video after the break

As part of its Hemi Highway Tour, a country-wide tour that started in November of 2010 and just recently came to its end, Dodge decided to stop and spend some quality time with the boys and girls from National Speed in Wilmington, NC. Though that company’s main purpose is modifying high-performance machinery to make even more power, Dodge decided to put a couple of its brand new 2011 models on their dyno to see what kind of power could be had right off the showroom floor.

As a preface to the actual dyno results, you should know that Ralph Gilles, Dodge Car Brand President and CEO, claims that a bone-stock 2011 Challenger SRT8 392 ran the quarter-mile at Infineon Dragway in just 12.44 seconds at 110 miles per hour. That, boys and girls, is seriously fast. And those figures are backed up by the data spat out by the computers hooked to National Speed’s dyno.

Without further ado, the numbers: The 2011 Dodge Charger R/T put down 327 horsepower at the rear wheels and 349 pound-feet of torque. For a car rated at 368 horses and 395 lb-ft, that’s quite good. Remember, the dyno measures power after it’s already gone through the transmission and through the wheels to the ground, which saps around 15 percent of total power.

And now on to the big guns. The 2011 Challenger SRT8 392 was measured at 420 rear-wheel horsepower and 419 lb-ft of torque. Also impressive when stacked up against its factory ratings of 470 ponies and pound-feet. Even more interesting, these same machines put down ever more power just a few days later on a different dyno, though still below the 452 horses obtained by the scribes at Inside Line. Enough talking already. Check out the video after the break. Thanks for the tip, Norm!

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392: First Drive

2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 3922011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 3922011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 3922011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 3922011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Red Letter Dodge]

Continue reading Video: 2011 Dodge Charger R/T and Challenger SRT8 392 make more power than expected

Video: 2011 Dodge Charger R/T and Challenger SRT8 392 make more power than expected originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 dyno’d – is the 392 underrated?

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Dodge

2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 on the dyno

Hemi. The mere mention of the word is enough to strike fear into the hearts of lesser powerplants… or at least images of a pair of scrubby-looking bottom-feeders that really love themselves some Ram Trucks. In any case, we’re keenly interested in the latest Hemi engine from the Dodge Boys, in this case displacing a heady 392 (or so) cubic inches and placed gently inside the engine bay of the 2011 Challenger SRT8.

Not only is this new Hemi larger than the already oversized version it replaces, it’s also considerably more potent. The Pentastar says that its new 392 kicks out 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque – substantial improvements over the outgoing SRT8’s 425 hp/420 lb-ft. But those are factory ratings, and we all know those don’t necessarily match what’s actually under the hood of production models.

Thankfully, the crew over at Inside Line managed to score enough time with a 2011 Challenger SRT8 to strap it down to a proper dyno. And the results? How about 452 horses at 6200 RPM and 443 lb-ft at 4400? Yep, that’ll do nicely, and it means that Dodge may actually be underrating its potent performer just a tad. Oh, and for what it’s worth, IL managed to record 370 horses and 343 lb-ft from its 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS on the same exact dyno. Chevy’s answer ought to be coming in the form of a Z28 with over 500 supercharged ponies… Stay tuned, the horsepower wars are clearly still in full swing.

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392: First Drive

2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 3922011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 3922011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 3922011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 3922011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Inside Line]

2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 dyno’d – is the 392 underrated? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #201 – Challenger 392, American Hyundais, Lincoln dealers, Mercedes B-Class, Green Car of the Year

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz

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We’re back for Episode #201 of the Autoblog Podcast. Hosting this week are Chris Shunk, Dan Roth and Zach Bowman. Topics include the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, Hyundai’s claim to soon be building the most American cars on the U.S. market, Lincoln’s spat with its dealers, the new Mercedes B-Cass and the Green Car of the Year nominees. The Autoblog Garage at the beginning and feedback/questions at the end provide the full experience. It’s an hour and twenty minutes this week, thanks for listening and we’ll see you soon!

Autoblog Podcast #201 – Challenger 392, American Hyundais, Lincoln dealers, Mercedes B-Class, Green Car of the Year

In the Autoblog Garage:

Ford Fiesta Hatch
Nissan Sentra

News Topics:
Lincoln fighting with its dealers

    Hyundai wants to be the most American automaker in the U.S.
    Green Car of the Year finalists announced
    Mercedes B-Class coming to the U.S.?


Hosts:
Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman
Runtime: 1:17:46

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Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #201 – Challenger 392, American Hyundais, Lincoln dealers, Mercedes B-Class, Green Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is the crème de la Chrysler

Filed under: SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Dodge

2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392

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

Chrysler made waves earlier today when it announced the company would have an armada of 35 vehicles on display at this year’s SEMA show, but the star of the shindig is likely to be the new 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392.

While no one has ever accused the Challenger SRT8 of being light on grunt, Chrysler engineers have taken things up a notch or two with a new 6.4-liter V8 that produces 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, all while delivering 15-20 percent better fuel economy than the outgoing 6.1-liter V8 in the 2010 Challenger SRT8. The big V8 uses variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation to help keep consumption low.

The Challenger SRT8 392 also employs a reworked suspension with even firmer shocks, a quicker steering ratio and more negative camber than before, all of which are supposed to help the hefty muscle bruiser tackle the corners with a little more finesse.

Up front, there’s a unique chin spoiler that helps channel air to the vehicle’s radiator and provide additional downforce at higher speeds. It also just looks pretty dang sharp.

Chrysler says it will build just 1,492 inaugural editions of the Challenger SRT8 392, and that the cars will be available to buy right after Thanksgiving. Hit the jump for the full model-specific press release.

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is the crème de la Chrysler

2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is the crème de la Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Poll: 2011 Dodge Challenger V6 takes on Mustang, Camaro

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford

Dodge Challenger SE

Dodge has big things headed our way for the 2011 model year, not the least of which is a thoroughly updated Challenger that seems to be much better equipped to go up against the likes of the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. Up to this point, even those who loved the last generation’s styling and optional Hemi engine had to admit that lower level models powered by the old 3.5-liter V6 engine were simply unable to match up against its lifelong mortal enemies from Chevrolet and Ford.

As we’ve come to find out straight from the horse’s pony’s mouth, Dodge intends to bring its base-model muscle car up to modern specifications courtesy of a brand spankin’ new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. As a reminder, here’s how the new V6 engine compares to the competitors’ options:

Base Price Engine Size Horsepower Torque MPG Weight
Dodge Challenger $23,245* 3.6 liters 305 @ 6350 268 @ 4800 N/A*** 3819 lb*
Chevy Camaro $22,680** 3.6 liters 312 @ 6400 278 @ 5200 17 / 28 3741 lb
Ford Mustang $22,145** 3.7 liters 305 @ 6500 280 @ 4250 19 / 31 3453 lb

* 2010 model ** Plus destination *** Not yet rated

As you can see, the Dodge very nearly matches up with its main rivals on paper, with slight deficiencies in torque and overall weight, though we don’t quite know what the 2011 model’s final poundage figure will be. We’re also unsure of the Challenger’s pricing for the new model year, but we can’t imagine it will go up too much from its current spot as it’s already the priciest of the three competitors, albeit barely.

In any case, we have ourselves one obvious burning question to consider: Does the new V6 engine improve the Challenger enough in your eyes to go head-to-head with the best six-pot pony cars from The Blue Oval and the Golden Bowtie? Or, to put it another way for you Mopar fans, is the 2011 Challenger V6 Sublime or is Chrysler just plain Plum Crazy? Make your voice heard in our completely unscientific, informal poll below.

View Poll

Poll: 2011 Dodge Challenger V6 takes on Mustang, Camaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Dodge Challenger gets new Pentastar V6 with 305 HP

Filed under: Coupe, Chrysler, Dodge

2010 Dodge Challenger

2010 Dodge Challenger – Click above for high-res image gallery

It’s no secret that Chrysler is making the most of its new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. We’ve tested this mill in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and know the automaker has plans to offer it in the forthcoming Dodge Avenger, Durango, Charger and Journey, as well as the new Chrysler 200, 300 and Town & Country. Good news all around, but what’s most interesting is that the Challenger pony car will benefit from Pentastar power, meaning that the base V6 model will be better poised to compete with its cross-town rivals, the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro.

The 2011 Challenger V6 will produce 305 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque, gains of 55 hp and 18 lb-ft versus the 2010 model. Compare that to the Mustang with its new 305-hp 3.7-liter V6 and the Camaro with its direct-injected, 312-hp 3.6-liter six, and what we have here is quite the showdown. Now, all the Challenger needs is a slightly better interior, and we’ll be in business.

See how the V6 Challenger stacks up to the Mustang and Camaro side-by-side in the table below, and follow the jump for Chrysler’s official press release.

Base Price Engine Size Horsepower Torque MPG Weight
Dodge Challenger $23,245* 3.6 liters 305 @ 6350 268 @ 4800 N/A*** 3819 lb
Chevy Camaro $22,680** 3.6 liters 312 @ 6400 278 @ 5200 17 / 28 3741 lb
Ford Mustang $22,145** 3.7 liters 305 @ 6500 280 @ 4250 19 / 31 3453 lb

* 2010 model pricing ** Plus destination *** Not yet rated

Gallery: 2010 Dodge Challenger

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading 2011 Dodge Challenger gets new Pentastar V6 with 305 HP

2011 Dodge Challenger gets new Pentastar V6 with 305 HP originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leaked 2011 Challenger brochure: 305-HP V6, 475 HP in the SRT 6.4

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Dodge

Leaked pages from the 2011 Dodge Challenger brochure – Click above for high-res image gallery

Specific outputs have been put to engines in the 2011 Dodge Challenger lineup, and the increases are substantial at the bottom and the top of the range: the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 will turn out 305 horsepower and 268 pound-feet, the 5.7-liter Hemi will crank 379 hp and 410 lb-ft., while the 6.4-liter Hemi tops the charts with 475 hp and 460 lb-ft.

That’s a 50-hp and 18 lb-ft. rise for the 3.6-liter V6 over the current 3.5-liter, which ought to make Dodge’s muscle car much more competitive with base models of the Camaro and Mustang. Moving up, there is a 50-hp bump in ponies alongside a 40-lb-ft. increase in torque for the top-shelf 6.4-liter that should help the SRT8 compete with Ford’s GT500. The man in the middle, the 5.7-liter, makes do with an increase of seven horsepower and ten pound-feet.

Much more intriguing than that is the tale that Ralph Gilles, Dodge’s CEO, said that the SRT8 would do the 0-to-60 run in less than four seconds. The current Challenger has been tested by various outlets to run anywhere from 4.8 to 5.5 seconds. Dodge doesn’t officially list its own time, but the EVIC information page on the Challenger site displays a 4.90-second time.

If Gilles did actually say the 2011 would get it done in “the 3-second zone,” then there’s a year’s haul of Deadly Catch in Denmark because 50 additional horsepower won’t cut an entire second. A Cadillac CTS-V weighs about 60 pounds more than the Challenger SRT8 but has 81 more ponies that help it break the four-second barrier. The truth is in there somewhere – the question is, where is it, and how fast will it be? Thanks for the tip, challenger64hemi!

Gallery: Leaked pages from the 2011 Dodge Challenger Brochure

[Source: Ontario Street Car]

Leaked 2011 Challenger brochure: 305-HP V6, 475 HP in the SRT 6.4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quick Spin: Hurst Hemi Challenger Series 5

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Dodge, Quick Spin

Like a Viper With Rear Seats and a Proper Trunk

Hurst Hemi Challenger

Hurst Hemi Challenger – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’ve seen how Hurst Hemi Challengers are put together, but the last time we tried to drive one we couldn’t get above 25 mph because of the prototype wheels. To correct that hideous oversight, Hurst slapped a couple of production wheels on a black and a white version of their Challenger, and we took both out for their yearly physicals. Just like the song went, it was ebony and ivory living in perfect harmony. Like King Kong and the Abominable Snowman. Follow the jump for the story.

Gallery: Quick Spin: Hurst Hemi Challenger

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading Quick Spin: Hurst Hemi Challenger Series 5

Quick Spin: Hurst Hemi Challenger Series 5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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