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The AutoGuide News Blog is your source for breaking stories from the auto industry. Delivering news immediately, the AutoGuide Blog is constantly updated with the latest information, photos and video from manufacturers, auto shows, the aftermarket and professional racing.

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The folks at AllPar seem to have gotten hold of a list of production dates for all Chrysler products this year, including everything from a revised Chrysler 300 to the Fiat 500. The AllPar team is also claiming to have some pretty big news on future Chrysler engines, including the elimination of the HEMI 6.1-liter V8 (in favor of a 6.4) and new versions of the Pentastar V6. Plus, the 200C (pictured above) has also reportedly been approved for production – but with a gasoline engine.

The first model set to hit production is the Viper, followed by the Ram Chassis Cab models and then the 2011 Grand Cherokee in May. In November, production for a significantly revised Avenger and renamed Sebring will begin, as well as new Dodge/Chrysler minivans and full-sized models (Charger, Challenger, 300) followed in December by the North American production of the Fiat 500.

As for future engines, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that will debut in the Grand Cherokee is reportedly also designed for Fiat’s MultiAir variable valve timing, direct-injection and turbocharging, although none of those technologies will be on the engine when it launches. Both 3.0-liter and 3.3-liter turbo and twin-turbo versions are likely, but probably only for pricey European vehicles.

Chrysler’s 4-cylinder World Engine will get MultiAir technology, as well as direct injection and turbocharging for some versions. The 4.7-liter V8 will be dropped, as will the 6.1-liter HEMI V8 in favor of a more efficient 6.4-liter HEMI V8 with cylinder deactivation and MultiAir.

As for hybrids, a Ram 1500 Hybrid will make it to market soon, followed by an electric commercial vehicle based on a Fiat van.

As for the Fiat 500, it will be offered with one of two engines, a 1.4-liter I-4 FIRE with Multiair, which makes 100-hp at 6,500 rpm and 95 ft-lbs of torque at 4,250 rpm, as well as a 1.4-liter I-4 FIRE Turbo with Multiair that delivers 170-hp at 6,750 rpm and 170 ft-lbs of torque at 3000 rpm.

All these changes are part of a larger Fiat/Chrysler plan to not only make its models more efficient (by 25 percent by 2014) but to also make them more attractive to consumers. We’re eager to see what sort of additional updates Chrysler’s lineup gets and if a few tweaks and name changes can help the struggling brand.

[Source: AllPar]

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With the success of last year’s model, Dodge has released 100 more Track Pak Challengers for the 2010 model year. Built to compete in the NHRA Stock, Super Stock and Comp Eliminator classes this track-only model is powered by Mopar’s 6.1-liter HEMI V8 and comes with either a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. Offered exclusively in Stone White and in Stock Eliminator trim, the best part of the Track Pak is that it weighs just 3,200 lbs.

In order to get down to that weight, the Track Pak model includes Viper-style seats, polycarbonate door windows, a lift-off composite hood, manual steering, special light-weight front brakes and a special cable-operated throttle linkage and pedal assembly.

Pricing for the Drag Pak is set at $39,999, but with just 100 units available you had to submit an application, available at www.mopar.com or call the Mopar Direct Connection Tech Line at 888-528-HEMI (4363).

Official release after the jump:

Report: New Alfa Romeo Platform to Underpin 2012 Dodge Caliber, PT Cruiser

Could turbocharged 1750cc Fiat motor be the new SRT?

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The upcoming Alfa Romeo Giulietta, set to debut at the Geneva Auto Show next month, will likely underpin the next generation Dodge Caliber and Chrysler PT Cruiser. According to a report by Automotive News, Fiat (Alfa’s parent company) is looking to sell one million vehicles based of the Giulietta platform, 700,000 of which it intends to move in the U.S. as Chrysler company products.

The Giulietta will have to be made larger for the North American market and Alfa is reportedly working on a widened version called “Compact Wide,” which will not only underpin the Caliber and PT Cruiser, but five other Chrysler brand products. Both front drive and AWD versions of the platform can be had and yes, that does mean a Jeep version is included in Chrysler’s Fiat’s plans.

Above we have an early design sketch of what an Alfa Romeo Giulietta-based Dodge Caliber would look like, provided by Dodge Brand CEO Ralph Gilles. A gallery of Giulietta images can be found below, including one image of a 1750cc turbocharged Fiat engine, with 200-hp and 236 ft-lbs of torque, which could likely be tweaked further for an SRT4 version. The 2012 Dodge Caliber, at least in base trim, is likely to get the company’s revised 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 190-hp and 175 ft-lbs of torque.

GALLERY: Alfa Romeo Giulietta

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[Source: Automotive News and Autoblog]

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During a speech to the Chicago Economic Club during the Chicago Auto Show earlier this week, Dodge CEO Ralph Gilles confirmed that the Fiat 500 will be on sale in the U.S. before the end of the year. While Fiat is planning to sell many of its models rebadged as Chrysler and Dodge products, the tiny 500 model will be responsible for leading the Fiat brand’s charge back into the U.S. market.

Chrysler will produce the car in Mexico, where it expects to build from 100,000 to 130,000 units for sale in North and South America. Fiat believes that while the car’s tiny size (essentially making it only suitable for two) is diminutive, considering the success MINI has had, the 500 still has a shot in the U.S. market.

When it arrives in the U.S., the 500 will be powered by Fiat’s 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine making 100-hp and 95 ft-lbs of torque. That certainly isn’t much, but then the 500 doesn’t weigh much either. We’re just awaiting word on the 170-hp Abarth version, a model that would compete with MINI’s Cooper S.

[Source: Twitter and InsideLine]

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Dodge is once again releasing a new special edition versions of its Challenger with another signature paint color. This time it’s Furious Fuchsia and as girly as it might be, the Challenger still manages to look like a man’s machine. The car was officially shown for the first time today at the Chicago Auto Show and we’re pleased to report that in person its definitely not pink.

While it may be feminine, what’s under the hood most certainly isn’t with no V6 being offered. Instead, Dodge will offer the Furious Fuchsia Challenger as an R/T Classic and as an SRT8 model. R/T models get matte-black or bright white side stripe package, “Challenger fender badges”, 20-inch wheels, a body colored rear spoiler, function hood scoop and racing style fuel door. Inside, there’s the option of Pearl White seats with Dark Slate Gray and Furious Fuchsia stitching. Those who opt for a six-speed manual transmission will also get the Track Pak with a 3.92 differential, dual-exhaust system, and a pistol-grip shifter to help get all 376-hp to the ground.

Better yet, ensure exclusivity with just one of 400 SRT8 models with 425-hp. It gets much of the same items but includes the Pearl White seats as standard with a Furious Fuchsia stripe, 20-inch forged aluminum SRT wheels with Stain Black accents, chrome quad-exhaust tips and a limited edition dash plaque.

Pricing for the R/T is set at $35,140, while SRT8 models will run you $45,150.

The Furious Fuchsia is the latest “high-impact heritage” paint color that Dodge has released, with a Plum Purple model being shown at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year.

GALLERY: Furious Fuchsia Dodge Challenger R/T

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Dodge is once again releasing a new special edition versions of its Challenger with another signature paint color. This time it’s Furious Fuchsia and as girly as it might be, the Challenger still manages to look like a man’s machine.

While it may be feminine, what’s under the hood most certainly isn’t with no V6 being offered. Instead, Dodge will offer the Furious Fuchsia Challenger as an R/T Classic and as an SRT8 model. R/T models get matte-black or bright white side stripe package, “Challenger fender badges”, 20-inch wheels, a body colored rear spoiler, function hood scoop and racing style fuel door. Inside, there’s the option of Pearl White seats with Dark Slate Gray and Furious Fuchsia stitching. Those who opt for a six-speed manual transmission will also get the Track Pak with a 3.92 differential, dual-exhaust system, and a pistol-grip shifter to help get all 376-hp to the ground.

Better yet, ensure exclusivity with just one of 400 SRT8 models with 425-hp. It gets much of the same items but includes the Pearl White seats as standard with a Furious Fuchsia stripe, 20-inch forged aluminum SRT wheels with Stain Black accents, chrome quad-exhaust tips and a limited edition dash plaque.

Pricing for the R/T is set at $35,140, while SRT8 models will run you $45,150.

The Furious Fuchsia is the latest “high-impact heritage” paint color that Dodge has released, with a Plum Purple model being shown at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year. Dodge will show the Furious Fuchsia Challenger R/T and SRT8 at the Chicago Auto Show later this week. We’ll be sure to bring you a few photos.

For complete 2010 Chicago Auto Show coverage click here

GALLERY: Furious Fuchsia Dodge Challenger R/T and SRT8

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Official release after the jump:

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Spy photographers have caught the folks at Chrysler Corp. out testing the 2011 Dodge Charger. While the entire vehicle is covered in the typical camo, it’s still possible to see a new rear roof-line, which gives the rear of the muscle-sedan a more sleek European look. A full mid-cycle refresh is expected for the 2011 model year, after a very mild set of adjustments that Chrysler debuted on the 2010 model at the Detroit Auto Show this year.

More importantly, the 2011 Charger looks to get big changes inside with a big LCD screen and revised center stack.

Under the hood, the 2011 Charger will get Chrysler’s new Pentastar V6, which will debut in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee this year making 280-hp and 260 ft-lbs of torque.

Follow the link below for a full gallery of exterior and interior photos:

[Source: Autoblog]

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The very first street car to come from legendary racer Richard Petty’s own shop sold for a solid $130,000 at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdate, AZ over the weekend. Built by Petty’s Garage, the Challenger SRT8 is a prototype for a future production model is features the 0001 serial number. Along with the custom body and a long list of suspension modifications, this Challenger features a HEMI V8 built by Arrington Engines to produce 585-hp and 560 ft-lbs of torque. It has also been painted a special (and trademarked) Petty Blue paint made specially by BASF.

All proceeds of the sale will go to the Petty Family Foundation, including charities like the Victory Junction and Paralyzed Veterans of America.

GALLERY: Petty’s Garage Dodge Challenger SRT8

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See after the jump for more details on the Petty’s Garage Dodge Challenger SRT8:

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Apart from a new heavy-duty Ram, Dodge doesn’t have much new for 2010, but the Chrysler performance brand is trying to spice things up any way it can. One way is with some changes to the aggressive-looking but much-maligned Nitro model.

For 2010 Dodge has decided to shake up the Nitro lineup with three new model designations: Heat, Detonator and Shock. All models will come with a 4.0-liter V6 engine, 20-inch wheels, and a 368-watt eight speaker audio system, plus 9-inch subwoofer. That 4.0-liter V6 has also been tweaked significantly for 2010 with 23 percent more ponies on call and 12 percent more torque for a total of 260-hp and 265 ft-lbs. The V6 comes mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Heat models are priced from $23,995, while Detonator models start at $25,995 and add remote start, color-matched cloth interior and rear-park assist. The top trim level Shock model gets heated leather seats and a sunroof and retails fr $26,995.

All 2010 Nitro models will be available in a new Detonator Yellow paint color (shown above).

GALLERY: 2010 Dodge Nitro Detonator

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Report: Dodge Nitro Heat, Detonator and Shock Models New for 2010

New Nitro models expected at 2010 Detroit Auto Show

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***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

For 2010 Dodge has decided to shake up the Nitro lineup with three new model designations: Heat, Detonator and Shock. All models will come with a 4.0-liter V6 engine, 20-inch wheels, and a 368-watt eight speaker audio system, plus 9-inch subwoofer. That 4.0-liter V6 has also been tweaked significantly for 2010 with 23 percent more ponies on call and 12 percent more torque for a total of 260-hp and 265 ft-lbs. The V6 comes mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Heat models are priced from $23,995, while Detonator models start at $25,995 and add remote start, color-matched cloth interior and rear-park assist. The top trim level Shock model gets heated leather seats and a sunroof and retails fr $26,995.

All 2010 Nitro models will be available in a new Detonator Yellow paint color (shown above).

GALLERY: 2010 Dodge Nitro Detonator

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Official release after the jump: