Gas, tires and insurance probably don’t matter much if you’re in the market for a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro or Ford Mustang, but safety does.

The  Camaro and Mustang GT come with more-or-less comparable horsepower and grunt off the line.  What the test drive won’t show you is that the Camaro is the first car to earn a perfect rating from the  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

NHTSA uses front, side and rollover tests to determine a vehicle’s safety during a crash and have strengthened their standards since 2011. The Camaro earned a perfect score in all categories, where the Mustang only earned four of five stars in the front and side crash tests.

The front-end tests are conducted at 35 mph and the side crash at 38.5 mph, as well as a slower 20 mph side-impact test against a narrow pole. Finally the NHTSA uses a mathematical calculation to determine how likely a rollover is.

To be fair,  most muscle car fanatics would call this story incomplete. The Dodge Challenger among many other cars have yet to be tested for 2012.

The next best-rated were the Honda Accord and Kia Optima, earning a five-star rating in each category except the side-impact tests where they only got four.

[Source:  NHTSA]

Mopar Underground has unleashed their Dodge Challenger SRT8 ACR on the Las Vegas Convention Center show floor and it’s every bit as awesome as we expected. The Challenger SRT8 392 has been influenced by the Viper SRT10 ACR’s styling while the 392 under the hood packs even more punch with Mopar’s custom headers and cat-back exhaust.

On the outside, the white body has been contrasted with subtle red accents, a charcoal roof and plenty of carbon fiber on the hood, deck lid, rear spoiler and tail light surround. 20-inch black wheels were fitted to each corner that sits nicely on the rear fenders thanks to a set of coilovers.

The interior is clearly race-inspired, sporting carbon fiber door panels, red roll bars and carbon fiber racing seats that have been covered in Katzkin leather. We still hope that Dodge or Mopar will announce some sort of availability on this model but we’re sure avid enthusiasts will be able to build it on their own through Mopar’s extensive parts catalog.

GALLERY: Dodge Challenger SRT8 ACR

Chrysler is cranking up the heat when it comes to SRT raw power. Chrysler is said to be looking at offering a supercharger package for its LX-based SRT products that could produce as much as 570-hp. Chrysler has been developing an Eaton-sourced supercharger package that will boost power for the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 from 470-hp to between 540-570-hp.

This would propel the Dodge Challenger, Charger and Chrysler 300C into Chevy Camaro ZL1 and Ford Mustang GT500 territory.

The twin-screw supercharger kit will most likely be offered as a factory part, but dealers may also offer the kit as a retrofit to cars currently sold. Pricing details are unknown and the kit probably won’t be offered on the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. The kit will most likely be available next year, on 2013 model year cars.

[Source: Left Lane News]

The Ford Mustang has beaten the Chevrolet Camaro in sales for the month of June 2011. A great comeback considering the Mustang suffered one of its worst months in May with 35% decrease in sales over the same month of the previous year and just 6,607 sales. This June, 8,835 Mustangs were sold compared to 8,486 Camaros.

The Mustang won this month but the Camaro has had strong sales numbers throughout the first half of the year with 48,761 sales compared to the Mustang with 39,041 units sold.  The Dodge Challenger was left in the dust with 3,384 sales in June and 20,161 in the first half year.

[Source: Muscular Mustangs]

Chrysler’s Dodge Challenger muscle car is in trouble. Slumping sales have shown that consumers are not satisfied with the Challenger and would rather choose a Mustang or Camaro.

Chrysler has recently poured a significant amount of money into the 2011 model. The front and rear suspensions have been revamped and re-engineered to improve handling and ride quality. Furthermore, the new standard 3.6-liter V6 was implemented providing a 55-hp boost over the much criticized 3.5-liter V6.

You would think these changes would boost sales. Think again. Sales are only up by 15% over the bleak year-ago period. That may sound pretty good, but May sales actually dropped 11 percent.

Sadly, the Challenger is averaging just 3,355 cars sales per month, shocking figures for a car that just went through a redesign. So far this year, Dodge sold 16,777 Challengers. Compare that to Chevy moving 40,275 Camaros and Ford selling 30,206 Mustangs.

GALLERY: 2011 Dodge Challenger

[Source: Automotive News]

Click here to read AutoGude’s 2011 Dodge Challenger Review

Those who are scratching their heads on what a Kowalski Edition Dodge Challenger is were probably born way after 1971, or just never heard of the movie Vanishing Point. Released in 1971, the flick was all about Kowaski, a vehicle delivery driver, that had to go from Denver, Colorado to San Francisco, California in less than 15 hours. So with a bet on the line, Kowalski hops into a white 1970 Dodge Challenger and flies through the empty highways of the West Coast.

To pay homage to the great film, a dealership out in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania has created 10 Kowalski Edition Dodge Challengers. Starting with an Inaugural Edition SRT8 (in white of course), the dealership removes the stripe, adds some custom decals and 20-inch Alcoa SRT wheels. On the inside, the seats feature a dark shade and a wood grain Hurst pistol grip shifter, attempting to look as similar as possible to the movie’s 1970 version. And of course, a numbered plaque designates which Kowalski Edition Challenger it is.

No pricing was announced, but apparently all 10 vehicles are already spoken for.

GALLERY: Kowalski Edition Dodge Challenger

A Dodge Challenger was struck down far before its time at the Brampton, Ontario factory—bursting into flames right in the final stages on the assembly line.

The fire was caused by a heat lamp that had ignited some paperwork that was attached to the car. Nobody was injured and no other cars were counted as casualties, as the sprinkler system quickly put it out. “Things happen from time to time,” said Ardis Snow, CAW unit chairperson at the plant. “They need to determine if it was human error or product related.”

The photos leaked onto the Moparts forum where some believe that this was a rare 392 SRT model, noting the wheels and the hood scoop. ”Fires happen all the time in the automotive industry,” said Snow. Clearly, the folks at Chrysler are adjusting well to the foibles of Italian ownership.

[Source: Wheels.ca]

The 2011 Formula Drift season is just around the corner, and competing vehicles are out in full testing mode. Samuel Hubinette hasn’t been at the top of the podium for a couple of years now, but it looks like this year his two-car team will be something to look out for. He’ll be behind the wheel of his Dodge Challenger, while Dean Kearney of Ireland will be piloting the infamous Dodge Viper SRT-10.

Both cars are sporting new looks for the 2011 season, welcoming sponsorship from Dodge, V-LEDs, BFGoodrich and Federal Tires. Dodge will be the primary sponsor of Hubinette’s Challenger, while V-LEDs is the primary sponsor of Kearney’s Viper. Interestingly enough, it looks like Hubinette will be driving on his traditional BFGoodrich rubber while Kearney will be burning off Federal Tires.

Kearney captured the 2009 European Pro Drift Championship, and with the experienced Hubinette by his side, it’ll be an interesting year to see how these two battle it out with the rest of the field. We’ll be looking forward to the season opener on April 8-9th at Long Beach, California.

Check out the video of Hubinette testing his Challenger after the break, along with the official press release.

* Specially prepared Dodge Challenger and Dodge Viper SRT10 are set for new season of drift competition

* Samuel Hubinette Racing welcomes European ProDrift champ Dean Kearney as second driver

* 2011 Formula DRIFT season kicks off at the Streets of Long Beach (Calif.) April 8-9

Two-time champion Samuel Hubinette is set to unleash a one-two Dodge punch on the Formula DRIFT (FD) Series in 2011.

The “Crazy Swede,” who returns for a second year of dual owner and driver roles, will drive his own Samuel Hubinette Racing (SHR) Dodge Motorsports Dodge Challenger, while new teammate, European ProDrift champ Dean Kearney will pilot the SHR Dodge Viper SRT10, sponsored by V-LEDS-Federal.

Dodge Motorsports will again serve as primary sponsor for Hubinette’s Challenger. V-LEDS will take the primary sponsorship role on Kearney’s Dodge Viper SRT10, while veteran Brad Manka will return as crew chief for both SHR machines.

“We’re very excited about the upcoming season and can’t wait to get to Long Beach,” said Hubinette, who earned two FD championships in his first three seasons, including the series’ inaugural year in 2004. “The SHR Dodge Challenger should be even more formidable with a year of competition under our belt, and Dean Kearney is a talented, young driver who will surely be competitive right out of the gate in the SHR Dodge Viper SRT10.

“I’m also very grateful to continue important relationships in 2011 with sponsors such as Dodge, BFGoodrich, and welcome in new sponsors, including Discount Tire and V-LEDS. We intend to repay their support by putting on the best drift show we can and by bringing home some victories and competing for a championship,” Hubinette added.

Kearney is more than ready to join Hubinette in the SHR spotlight. The 22-year-old native of Waterford, Ireland, nicknamed “Karnage” is an accomplished driver, having captured the 2009 European Pro Drift Championship.

“This is a perfect fit for me, and I feel right at home with Samuel and the whole SHR family,” Kearney said. “With driver nicknames ‘Crazy Swede’ and ‘Karnage,’ fans are going to quickly see SHR as one of the most exciting teams in all of drifting this season.”

Dodge is looking forward to another successful season of drift competition. “Samuel brings a ton of passion and experience to everything he does for Dodge, so we’re excited to be back with Samuel Hubinette Racing in 2011 and look forward to the arrival of a second champion, Dean Kearney in the SHR Dodge Viper,” said Bryan Viger, Head of Dodge Motorsports. “We can’t ask for a better team to represent Dodge and Dodge Motorsports in the Formula DRIFT Series.”

Jake York, president and CEO of new team sponsor V-LEDS, one of the largest automotive LED replacement bulb retailers in the world, shares the enthusiasm as the 2011 season opener approaches. “We can’t wait to see our logo on the SHR Dodge Viper SRT10,” York said. “Dean is sure to quickly let loose on the Streets of Long Beach and we look forward to the start of the season and developing a long-term relationship with SHR.”

Hubinette, Kearney and SHR kick off their season in the 2011 FD Round One event on the Streets of Long Beach, Calif. on April 8-9. The season continues at Road Atlanta, Braselton, Ga., May 6-7; Palm Beach International Raceway, Palm Beach, Fla., June 3-4; Wall Speedway, Wall, N.J., June 17-18; Evergreen Speedway, Monroe, Wash., July 22-23; Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Aug. 26-27; and Irwindale, Calif., Oct. 7-8.

About Samuel Hubinette

A native of Jokkmokk, Sweden, Samuel Hubinette is a two-time drifting champion and also a Rally Cross X Games bronze medalist. He has competed in various offroad races including the Baja 1000 and also has a history in road racing. When he isn’t competing professionally, Hubinette rides motorcycles and works as a stunt driver in car commercials and in Hollywood productions.

Hubinette developed a taste for speed in his native Sweden, where he earned a reputation for pushing snowmobiles, motorcycles and cars to their limits. He competed in Touring Car with Volvo from 1997 through 2000 and worked for Volvo Cars for nine years as a test driver in product development. He has also worked as a performance driving instructor including a three-year stint at the Skip Barber Racing School, where he was a member of the elite Special Product Group.

Hubinette and his wife Stina recently welcomed baby daughter Stella into their household in Newport Beach, Calif.

Follow Hubinette, Kearney and SHR on: www.samuelhubinette.com, www.facebook.com/samuelhubinette, www.twitter.com/samuelhubinette, www.dodgemotorsports.com, www.hubinetteracing.com, www.deankearney.com, www.twitter.com/deankarnage, www.facebook.com/deankarnage and www.formulad.com

Lingenfelter Performance Engineering has finally released a supercharger package for the 08-10 Dodge Challenger, taking performance to 500-rwhp and 450 ft-lbs of torque on the 6.1L HEMI. That’s good enough for a 12.03 second quarter mile blast at 120-mph.

The supercharger upgrade is available for both the 5.7L and 6.1L HEMI engines and comes with a Magnuson TVS2300 supercharger, powdercoated black. An upgraded thermostat, fuel injectors and intake system are also included in the performance package.

Lingenfelter will also install the supercharger upgrade package for those interested, and it comes with Lingenfelter’s 3 year / 36,000 mile warranty.

GALLERY: Lingenfelter Dodge Challenger Supercharger Upgrade

Here’s some more American-tuned muscle that will be making its way to the SEMA show floor next month. Built by CULT Energy Drink, this Dodge Challenger SRT8 sports a menacing flat black profile, one-off custom fabricated widebody kit and a supercharged 6.1-liter V8 HEMI.

Clearly the goal of CULT was to get plenty of attention with their Challenger project, and getting these awesome photos done by Webb Bland is a good start. We’re loving the smooth widebody conversion, menacing red lights, massive brakes and the big blower popping out of the hood.

We don’t have many other details on the car, but we’ll be sure to check it out in person at SEMA 2010. One thing’s for sure, we’re pretty impressed by the work on the vehicle from bumper to bumper, and how not a single piece of the car seems gaudy or tacky. It’s all very tastefully done and clearly the fabrication work is high quality. Hell, even the minimal sticker placement by CULT is acceptable.

Check out our SEMA Preview here, which will be updated with live 2010 SEMA Show coverage starting November 2nd.

[Source: TeamSpeed]

Check out the amazing photos after the jump:

GALLERY: CULT Energy Drink 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8

At the end of August, we caught wind that DropTop Customs is working on a convertible Cadillac CTS coupe. Now DropTop Customs has teamed up with Petty Garage to bring on a Dodge Challenger RT convertible for all the die-hard Mopar fans out there wanting to breathe the open air.

Even though they’re in early development with no release date, a look at the teaser photo reveals quite a bit of work is being done to their demo car. A new front bumper, side skirts and hood (featuring an air scoop) outfit the aesthetics while a set of wheels and suspension upgrades are obvious. We’re not sure what they have planned underneath the hood and whether or not DropTop Customs will be offering just the retractable top to the public (we’re assuming so) but we’ll keep our eyes out for the finish project. It’s looking pretty good so far!

[Source: Jalopnik]

SpeedFactory is all about performance out of Chrysler-brand automobiles. They take the stock and mundane, albeit powerful foundations, and convert them to customized and thrilling driving adventures. A brief drive-by on their website reveals a fine collection of Dodge Challengers, Dodge Chargers, Dodge Magnums, Chrysler 300s, Ram trucks and Jeep Grand Cherokees available for sale, fully modified with several stages to choose from.

With the Dodge Challenger being the affordable, hot performance vehicle from Dodge’s line it’s no surprise that SpeedFactory offers a plethora of upgrade choices to the vehicle. From naturally aspirated to supercharged packages, horsepower can range anywhere from 475-hp to 700+ depending on your budget and desires.

Their most recent creation is the 6-speed, SF600R Dodge Challenger that’s priced for at $73,900. For a car with an MSRP that starts at $23,460, that’s quite the increase. So what do you get with a hefty chunk of change from SpeedFactory? Well for starters, you’ll be behind the wheel of a stroked 7.0L Hemi block that pushes out a guaranteed, dyno-proven 595- to 605-hp. The motor is completely reworked from bottom up along with bolt-ons in the form of an air intake and Corsa stainless steel exhaust.

Other modifications include a Centerforce clutch and a Getrag IRS to get the power to the ground safely and reliably. Performance springs and sway bars help balance the handling while front and rear strut tower braces tightening up the chassis. Last but not least, the Challenger receives some stylish points with a set of 20-inch BBS Black Edition CH-R wheels wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires.

While the horsepower figures are incredibly impressive, offering plenty of power in a properly-built motor, we have to think that you can get the same set of modifications, engine build and more for the difference in the price. But hey, those with hefty wallets that don’t have to think twice – SpeedFactory is your choice.

The official press release is available after the break.

GALLERY: SpeedFactory Dodge Challenger SF600R

PRESS RELEASE

SpeedFactory introduces the 2010 “SF600R” Challenger

Atlanta, April 20, 2010 — SpeedFactory, the leader in modern Mopar supercars, today announced the industry’s first 6spd manual, 600 HP “SF600R” Challenger, as part of their complete line of 2010 Mopar supercars.

The “R” designation in the SF600R Challenger denotes a SpeedFactory hi-performance, normally-aspirated, bored, stroked and balanced 6.1L Hemi block, increasing the displacement to 426 cu. in. (7 liters).

This modern 426 powerplant has an all-forged rotating assembly and features CNC ported aluminum heads with new valves, guides, seals, Bee Hive springs and titanium retainers. A custom Comp hydraulic cam along with an 85mm throttle body works with a CNC machined stock manifold that is port matched with a blended plenum to produce a dyno-proven 595-605 HP on premium-grade 91 octane pump fuel.

Additional SpeedFactory performance modifications include a CARB- certified high volume air intake and Corsa stainless steel cat back exhaust system for better breathing. The increased power is managed with a Centerforce clutch and a Getrag IRS with 1000 HP half-shafts. Handling is improved with performance springs and sway bars as well as additional front and rear strut tower braces. The SF600R Challenger rides on premium Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires mounted on staggered 20″ BBS Black Edition CH-R flow-formed wheels.

The SpeedFactory Signature package is also included on the SF600R and features a serial numbered plaque along with SpeedFactory exterior badging and graphics. Inside the SF600R features premium leather seats and door panels embossed with SpeedFactory branding as well as custom floor mats.

On the addition of the SF600R Challenger to the SpeedFactory line-up, Mike Brillanti, President, SpeedFactory Cars stated “This car offers supercharged power in a normally-aspirated, 6spd manual package. It’s a true enthusiast’s car and it enables us to widen the appeal of SpeedFactory products to now include a 600HP vehicle for those enthusiasts who prefer a ‘normally-aspirated’ powerplant. We offer the SF600R with either a 5spd automatic or the 6spd manual transmission.”

The 2010 SF600R Challenger is priced at $73,900 and is available for immediate delivery.

About SpeedFactory

Based near Atlanta, GA, SpeedFactory is a specialty vehicle company focused on unleashing the performance potential of modern Dodge/Chrysler vehicles and builds enhanced, high-performance modern muscle cars such as Dodge Challengers, Chargers, and Chrysler 300′s. SpeedFactory offers supercharged, big block, and naturally aspirated performance packages with limited power train warranties on certain vehicles and configurations. SpeedFactory sells complete turnkey vehicles and parts, and enhances existing customer cars thru select Dodge/Chrysler dealerships. SpeedFactory is a division of Landmark Automotive Group, LLC.