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Yesterday, 68% of voters felt that $129,900 was too much to pay for a 4-year-old lemon-law-buyback Maybach 57, which is doing pretty well according to the harsh standards set by Nice Price Or Crack Pipe. Today we'll be considering a super-low-mileage, near-showroom-condition Dodge Daytona… but we're not talking about the kind of Daytona with the big wing and U-joint-bustin' V8. No, we mean the K-car-based Daytona Turbo Z, which is pretty much the concentrated essence of 1980s style. It's got lots of plastic body parts. It's got the word "Turbo" printed in multiple locations. It's got 142 factory horsepower, and this one's got just 2,021 miles on the clock! That's averages out at fewer than 85 miles per year! The seller has blatantly disregarded eBay car-seller tradition by using correct spelling, grammar, and capitalization, but he or she makes up for it by pointing out the "Star Power" of the car. Worth 25 grand? What do you think? galleryPost...
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The Dodge EV concept was revealed in a flourish of showmanship directly ahead of the time the not-so-Big Three went before Congress begging for a loan to retool for greener cars , but the LA Auto Show is the first time we're getting a close look at it. The Dodge EV, an all-electric version of the Lotus Europa fitted with a Dodge badge, lithium-ion battery pack and an electric motor, is apparently able to hit a 0-to-60 MPH in under five seconds with a range of 150-200 miles. But what does it look like in person? Thanks to a turntable and a steady hand we've got a 360 degree look at the Proton, Lotus, Dodge EV below the jump. galleryPost('Dodgeev360', 6, 'Dodge EV 360, Like Anderson Cooper'); Check out more on the Chrysler ENVI from CarandDriver.com
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It's not often an automaker has the opportunity to create an entirely new segment. Chrysler did it 25 years ago when they launched the Dodge Caravan. The engineers at Chrysler created a FWD-platformed vehicle offering wagon-like space, van-like utility and car-like fuel economy in a package fitting in the standard garage. Though the original designs go back as far as the 1970s, the leadership of design chief Hal Sperlich and the courage of CEO Lee Iacocca provided the energy to bring the final product to market. Though there are earlier models with similar characteristics, the minivan is, like Jazz, a uniquely American creation eventually co-opted by Europeans (and the Japanese, but our analogy fails us here). In order to celebrate 25th anniversary of the minivan, today shall be known as Maximum Minivan Day . Sound the alarm, take the kids out of school and hold on to your swiveling captain's chairs! Let the maximuming begin... [For more history of the minivan check out the Allpar...
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Welcome to Down On The Street , where we admire old vehicles found parked on the streets of the Island That Rust Forgot: Alameda, California. Since it's Maximum Minivan Day , I knew I had to prowl the streets of Alameda and find a first-generation Chrysler minivan for this series. Easy, right? It turned out to be the hardest DOTS search I've ever done, because I've tuned out minivans from my personal Cool Vehicle Detectors the way treasure hunters adjust their metal detectors to tune out bottlecaps; I just don't see them. Not that I'm anti-minivan, mind you- if every SUV owner whose lifestyle would be better served by a minivan… well, no need to go there, eh? Anyway, I figured I needed to find a Mopar minivan with some character , and that means we're looking at an example of the very last year of the first-gen Dodge Caravan today. You think an 18-year-old minivan doesn't qualify for this series? Sure, I could have shot any number of mid-80s examples, but come...
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Chrysler's Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid are apparently destined to become a tiny footnote in the annals of automotive history, as Chrysler has announced the closure of the Newark Assembly Plant that builds the SUVs effective December 31. The plant was already operating on one shift, but the closure will still result in about 1,000 jobs lost and the temporary exit of Chrysler from the full-size SUV market, not to mention the premature death of Auburn Hills' version of the two-mode hybrid. So is this Chrysler sloughing off more detritus in preparation for a sale? After all, those hybrids would have conflicted with the Yukon and Tahoe hybrids in any merger with GM. [ Detroit News ]
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Further bolstering snarky bloggers' ruthless ribbing of Chrysler as a company on the ropes and desperate for any money it can get, the Cerberus -owned brand is extending employee pricing to the Dodge Viper SRT10 . Employees, spouses, friends and acquaintances (basically the entire city of Detroit) can get any Viper as long as it isn't the fire-breathing ACR model for the same pricing deal as a Jeep Patriot. Chrysler is even going out and offering that pricing to the 1.2 million employees of Chinese importer retail giant Wal Mart and to Chrysler's bosses at Cerberus. Despite calls to Dodge dealers we've not been able to determine what pricing will be for the V10-powered anti-grocery-getter with the employee deal but it's usually around 3% off the sticker price. With the dearth of Vipers about the crowd America's freeways, we're expecting the number of Nick Bollea -related incidents to skyrocket. Well, as long as any of those people can get a loan. galleryPost...
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A spokesman for Tesla today confirms that they knew "something" about Chrysler's surprise reveal of a Lotus-based electric vehicle and essentially calls it vaporware. Darryl Siry, Tesla's VP of Global Sales, Marketing And Service responded to a question today about the Dodge EV , revealed last month, by saying "I think what it is its something for showcasing. More of a public relations thing to support their application for their share of a 25 billion loan guarantee." Siry is of course referring to the possibly delayed automaker loan package . Why this is so hilariously ironic below the jump. We can't help but point out that this statement came the same day that Tesla announced it was going to scale back Tesla Model S production plans until a government loan guarantee becomes effective. Though we fully believe that the Model S from Tesla is undergoing development and have our doubts about the electric Chryslers , this does seem a bit like the electric pot...
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Dodge is pulling out all its MOPAR stops for this year’s SEMA, bringing not only the Challenger SRT10 , but six other concepts highlighting upgrades available straight from Mopar madmen. In keeping with SEMA’s fake boobs and loud stereos aesthetic, all six are painted atrociously, but we can’t help but be intrigued by the possibility of inserting crate HEMI engines into just about anything. Hit the jump for details on all six. galleryPost('08dodgesema', 12, 'Dodge at SEMA'); 2008 SEMA Mopar Underground Sneak Peek Dodge Challenger Blacktop A menacing creation from the minds of the Mopar Underground design team. The Dodge Challenger Blacktop began life as a 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T equipped with a 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 and six-speed manual transmission. Mopar Underground added custom-made spoilers and front brow. To finish off the look, a black-on-black racing stripe paint scheme was added. The “in the weeds” stance and superb handling characteristics are accomplished by the...
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Dodge is hoping to capture the imagination of would-be tire smokers at this year's SEMA show with the Dodge Challenger SRT10. The concept is, as you might guess, a version of the Challenger SRT8 with two more cylinders. Where did these extra cylinders come from? Why a Viper SRT10 (Dodge doesn't have that many V10 designs lying around). And how much power does the Viper V10 engine unload on the Challenger? galleryPost('challengersrt10sema', 6, 'Challenger SRT-10 Concept'); In concept form the Challenger should get 600 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque out of the 8.4-liter V10. To keep the SRT10 on the road the concept was upgraded with new brakes and Bilstein shocks. To keep the SRT10 SEMA-worthy they added a carbon fiber hood to replace the stickers and some sportier seats. [Dodge via AutoWeek ]
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We anticipate the Dodge Challenger will have a substantial showing at this years SEMA show, and if these two entries from Mr. Norm are any indication, its going to be a big horsepower show. The "Super Challenger" and "Super Cuda" are a pair of heavily modified Challengers sporting 900 HP from Kenne Bell supercharged V8s in addition to their snappy styling and big wheels. Considering the heft of the Challenger is one of its biggest problems, 900 HP seems a good starting point for upgrades. The production program for both won't start with 900 horses. Instead, they'll start at a base model, complemented by several stages with upscale performance and accessories. In addition, each of the parts and add-ons featured on the Mr. Norm's Super Challenger will be available to enthusiasts separately. So feel free to mix and match at your pleasure. Two of the most humorously cheesy press releases since Velveeta went into business await below to explain the details. galleryPost...
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Today on CNBC, Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli revealed the company's ENVI electric car program with four vehicles operating either partially or entirely on an electric powertrain. The first of those vehicles is a Tesla-like all-electric performance sports car called the Dodge ev. The ev, which not only operates entirely on plug-in power like the Tesla and has similar performance numbers also has some striking visual similarities with the Tesla. We'll have more shortly as soon as Chrysler actually, you know, gets their press situation figured out, but for the moment what we know is below the jump. Recharge on standard home 110/220 current — full charge in four hours on 220 or eight hours on 110. Powered by lithium-ion battery pack. 0-to-60 time in under five seconds. Range of 150-200 miles.
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Bob Nardelli, Chrysler’s Chairman and CEO, stated this morning that the company has "been approached by third parties who are interested in exploring future possibilities for Viper," according to Automotive News. Apparently, rather than just dropping Viper, Chrysler is now “exploring strategic options” for the Viper brand, meaning they’re trying to figure out how much money they can get for it. It's still unclear what any potential buyer would get: as we exclusively revealed in February, the company has halted Viper development . "As the Company evaluates strategic options to maximize core operations and leverage its assets, we have agreed to listen to these parties. We will do so keeping in mind the best interests of those who have shown tremendous support for the vehicle- including employees, suppliers, dealers and a worldwide group of loyal Viper owners and enthusiasts,” Nardelli continued, “Viper is an integral part of this Company's heritage. While this is a...
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The 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI Hybrid and the 2009 Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid , the first hybrids from the penta-star brand, are finally rolling off the lines in Newark, Delaware. With its two-mode hybrid system and cylinder deactivation capability reigning in the big 5.7-liter HEMI engine, the hybrid twins are expected to return a 25% increase in fuel economy, up to 19 MPG city, 20 highway. Yes, even though they've been hybridized, they can still tow 6,000 pounds, along with all your rugrats and their junk. We suspect the market for these vehicles will be pretty strong, and sales may swell into the hundreds. [ MotorAuthority ]
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Chrysler's design chief, Trevor "Apollo" Creed, has announced his retirement, staggering out of the ring and sending in Chrysler 300C and 2009 Dodge Ram designer Ralph Gilles as his Rocky-like replacement. A 23-year Chrysler veteran, Creed was responsible (in a managerial role) for production knockouts like the Dodge Challenger and the Chrysler and Dodge minivans. On the concept side, he was ring-side to hit the bell for the Dodge Demon and the Hemi-powered Tomahawk. But, it wasn't all positive boxing metaphors. Creed's taken more than a few blows to the face as of late with the new Chrysler Sebring, Jeep Compass and Dodge Avenger. While they don't make or break his resume, they certainly tarnish his proud time spent with Chrysler in all three of its forms — independent company, German conquest and now as a Las Vegas poker chip. In any case, the 63-year-old Creed fought hard for the design team, and we're sure Chrysler Chairman Bob "Ivan Drago"...
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Last month's review of the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 may have seemed to some a blinding orgy of Detroit love. Having just moved from Detroit to New York City, I was homesick and was seemingly in need of a shot of Motor City muscle. Still, I offer no apology, because despite the rose-colored glasses, I managed to outline the three glaring issues with the low-volume '08 model year Challenger SRT8 — the outdated interior, the weight and most importantly, the automatic transmission. After spending a day this past week driving the new 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T, SRT8 and SE on the roads of New York City and on the Raceway Park track at Englishtown, NJ, Dodge has fixed at least one-third of the Challenger's problems. That's a good thing for Dodge, because I left the rose-colored glasses back in Detroit. galleryPost('2009ChallengerSRT8Burn', 6, '2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Turns Tires To Smoke For Your Pleasure'); galleryPost('2009ChallengerRTRed',...
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