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Quick Spin: 2011 Dodge Avenger

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Dodge, Quick Spin

An Old Dog Learns A Few New Tricks

2011 Dodge Avenger

2011 Dodge Avenger – Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler has chosen vastly different fates for its Sebring and the Dodge Avenger, despite the two essentially being identical vehicles. While the Sebring underwent a complete personality makeover for 2011 and emerged with new sheetmetal and a new nameplate to match, the Avenger was left to soldier on with more conservative tweaks. The Dodge version of Chrysler’s midsize sedan still wears the same basic body lines as before, masking over the significant adjustments to the vehicle’s interior, drivetrain and suspension. While the Chrysler 200 may be stealing (okay, borrowing) the show, the 2011 Avenger is no less improved, at least when equipped with the company’s new 3.6-liter V6 engine.

With 283 horsepower and respectable fuel economy, the new six-cylinder turns the Avenger into a vehicle that no longer takes its driving cues from capital punishment, though lower-rung trim levels don’t fare as well. Buyers who opt for the old 2.4-liter four-cylinder will be met with visions from the vehicle’s less-than-award-winning past, including plenty of engine vibration and fuel economy that’s not on par with new hardware coming out from the competition. All this begs the question: Is there room for both the Dodge Avenger and the Chrysler 200 under the new company tent?

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Avenger: Quick Spin

2011 Dodge Avenger

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Quick Spin: 2011 Dodge Avenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #207: Fun CR-Z, Lincoln’s new designer, the return of the Dodge Viper

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Buick, Dodge, Lincoln, Nissan

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #207 of the Autoblog Podcast is staffed by Chris Shunk, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Chris Paukert. We hit the Autoblog Garage first and then salivate at the possibility of a non-hybrid Honda CR-Z. The defection of Max Wolff to Lincoln from Cadillac is next, and we ponder what that might mean before turning our attention to the return of the Dodge Viper as a 2013 model. We finish with your questions at the end for an hour and thirty-two minutes total. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #207: Fun CR-Z, Lincoln’s new designer, the return of the Dodge Viper

In the Autoblog Garage:

2011 Buick Regal
2012 Dodge Durango Citadel
2011 Nissan Versa

News Topics:

Non-Hybrid Honda CR-Z
Max Wolff tapped to reinvigorate Lincoln styling
Viper is coming back

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman, Chris Paukert
Runtime: 1:32:44

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

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 #207: Fun CR-Z, Lincoln’s new designer, the return of the Dodge Viper originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 17:15:00 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 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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Rendered Speculation: 2012 Dodge Viper

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Dodge

2012 Dodge Viper rendering We already know Dodge has a new Viper in store for 2012, and those who have managed to lay eyes on prototypes of the venomous supercar have come away impressed with the early results. Whether it will or will be riding on a modified Alfa Romeo or Ferrari platform is unknown, as is the intended powerplant – V8, V10, V12? More American or more Italian? Will it look anything like this illustration from AutoWeek? No matter, color us excited for Dodge’s next snake in whatever form it may take on. [Source: AutoWeek]

Rendered Speculation: 2012 Dodge Viper originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quick Spin: 2011 Dodge Journey

Filed under: Crossover, Dodge, Quick Spin

An Also-Ran Matures Into A Real Competitor

2011 Dodge Journey

2011 Dodge Journey – Click above for high-res image gallery

With all of the Chrysler models receiving updates both significant and otherwise, it’s understandable if you’ve gotten a little lost in the fray. Here’s what you need to know: One of the most surprising bright lights to come out of the company’s refresh bender is the 2011 Dodge Journey. While the 2011 Dodge Charger and Durango may have stolen the spotlight with their new sheetmetal, the Journey has transmogrified into a small family hauler that offers plenty of horsepower, acceptable fuel economy and a massively updated interior. There’s even one of the quickest and largest touchscreens of any vehicle we’ve come across nestled in the dash.

Given Chrysler’s recently discovered love of installing much-improved interiors in its vehicles, the newfound goodies indoors should come as no surprise. But the company’s engineers seem to have spent just as much time tweaking the crossover’s driving character, resulting in a complete package that has turned it from being a washed-up never-was into a competitor almost overnight.

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Journey: Quick Spin

2011 Dodge Journey

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Quick Spin: 2011 Dodge Journey originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 11:58:00 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.

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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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Dodge Journey gets Pentastar engine, new interior for 2011

Filed under: Crossover, Chrysler, Dodge

2011 Dodge Journey

2011 Dodge Journey – Click above for high-res image gallery

As Chrysler continues its effort to drastically refresh the majority of its product portfolio in short order, we’re seeing a raft of updated interior refinements and powertrain enhancements making their way across the full range of Pentastar vehicles. The big news for most of these vehicles is better interior quality, and no place is that more apparent than on the 2011 Dodge Journey. Have a look at the old Journey’s cockpit and compare that with the new one. On face value alone, this looks to be a massive improvement.

Updated interior aside, the 2011 Journey receives revised suspension geometry, better tires and an overhauled steering system in an effort to make things more engaging from behind the wheel. In the biggest development of all, Chrysler’s new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 is under the hood, delivering 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. V6 models also receive a more aggressive lower front fascia, 19-inch wheels and LED taillamps.

Pricing has not been released as of this writing, but we’ll have those details closer to the 2011 Journey’s on-sale date near the end of this year. For now, read Chrysler’s own words about the updated Journey in the press release after the break and check out the high-res gallery below. Thanks to all for the tips!

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Journey

2011 Dodge Journey

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Dodge Journey gets Pentastar engine, new interior for 2011

Dodge Journey gets Pentastar engine, new interior for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Dodge teases Viper V10-powered 300C

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Videos, Chrysler, Dodge, Specialty

Chrysler 300C gets Frankensteined with a Viper V10 – Click above to watch video after the jump

Red Letter Dodge, the official Dodge blog, has an oh-so-short clip of a Viper-engined 300C doing a circle in a parking lot. Not a donut, mind you, just an out-and-back. The video itself is rather underwhelming, so don’t say you weren’t warned, but since it comes from an official outlet, we have to imagine that there’ll be something far more compelling soon enough. For now, to get a taste of what a 300C hiding a Viper V10 looks and sounds like, check the vid after the jump.

[Source: Red Letter Dodge]

Continue reading Video: Dodge teases Viper V10-powered 300C

Video: Dodge teases Viper V10-powered 300C originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Oct 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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