Chrysler just announced a new promotion that spans its list of sub brands, except for SRT, to delay payments on the purchase of any new vehicle for 90 days.

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10. Chevrolet Camaro ZL1: $54,095

Today’s cars all seem to be focused on delivering fun driving experience that’s still friendly on gas. Those two elements are often an important factor in a car purchase, but sometimes you just want to feral thrill of a big, loud engine.

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10. Subaru WRX STI: 305-hp $34,095

One of the most wonderful sensations come when you command a whole handful of power just with the flexing of your right foot. Horsepower is an intoxicating element when it comes to driving, but that doesn’t mean that it’s saved for the most expensive vehicles out there.

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The Durango has been a hit for Dodge, bringing back SUV buyers to a brand that has shed numerous products over the past few years.

While equipped with a standard (and efficient) 3.6-liter V6 engine, as a truck (and a sizable one at that), rising gas prices could send potential buyers away from the Durango and into something smaller. In order to keep pace with such changes Dodge is moving up the introduction of the 2014 model, which will see a several mile per gallon improvement thanks to a transmission with two extra gears.

According to one source the 2014 Durango will launch in May of 2013, sporting the same 8-speed automatic transmission that is already being used in the Chrysler 300 and which is expected to make its way under the hood of the Jeep Grand Cherokee soon.

In addition to that update, also look for the addition of the Chrysler brand’s larger 8.4-inch LCD screen as a part of the Uconnect system.

[Source: JeepGarage.org]

Oh the irony! After being selected as Top Safety Picks by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and earning a five-star safety rating from NHTSA, the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans are being recalled for a possible malfunction of its anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC).

In total 119,700 vehicles are being recalled due to a problem with the power distribution center that could overheat causing both those valuable systems to fail on the vehicle. Without a doubt, the failure and loss of those two safety systems increases the risk of a potential car crash. Currently no accidents or injuries related to the recall have been reported.

“A plastic insert surrounding a fuse may be subject to distortion caused by thermal expansion and contraction,” Chrysler announced in a statement. “Such distortion could interrupt power to the ABS/ESC control system and temporarily suspend its function.”

Those affected by the recall can take their vehicles to a Chrysler Group dealership to have the ABS/ESC system fuse relocated for free.

When the Dodge Dart hits dealers later this year it will be the first Fiat-based Chrysler product to go on sale in America and will also offer competitive fuel economy.

While not quite segment leading, the new numbers are near the top of the pack, with the entry-level 160 hp 2.0-liter Tigershark 4-cylinder rated at 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway with the six-speed manual, and 29 mpg combined.

Available after launch will be a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbocharged 4-cylinder (shared with the Fiat 500 Abarth) also making 160 hp mated to a dual-clutch transmission making 27 mpg city and 39 mpg highway, though it will still get a 29 mpg combined rating. Dodge also plans to launch a fuel economy package “aero” version of the Dart with “at least” 41 mpg highway, which will arrive in the the Fall.

In addition, Dodge will offer a 184 hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder model, though no fuel economy numbers have been announced for that package yet.

The 2013 Dodge Dart will go on sale in June starting from $15,995.

GALLERY: 2013 Dodge Dart

Discuss this story at DartForums.com

Fuel economy numbers are more important now than ever before, as gas prices continue to rise in North America.

Recently Dodge came under criticism for announcing its upcoming Dart compact will get 40 mpg combined.

An impressively high number, even a class-leading car like the Hyundai Elantra, which gets 40 mpg highway, only achieves an average of 33 mpg. While the exact fuel economy figures have yet to be released and a 40 mpg highway rating is still in sight, when the Dart (above) goes on sale later this year it most certainly will not get 40 mpg average; not in real world driving and not even on the window sticker.

Dodge wasn’t wrong. They’re not even entirely to blame. If fact, they were just using a different testing method to get their fuel economy numbers. Or to put it more accurately, they weren’t even doing the testing. So why would a different testing method be used? It’s a long and complex story, but the gist of it is that according to a government mandate, in order for Fiat to take control of Chrysler it needed achieve three goals, the final one being building a 40 mpg car on American soil. Being government related, that number is a CAFE number, not an EPA number. What’s the difference? Read on.

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10. 2012 Mazda CX-5

Ward’s Auto has released its top 10 picks for best interior in 2012 today, though in no particular order. Here they are with brief notes on each car’s engine specs and starting price.

The 2012 Mazda CX-5 crossover is powered by 2.0-liter Skyactiv inline four cylinder that makes 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque with a starting MSRP of $20,695 with front-wheel drive.

289 Dodge Caravans and Chrysler Town and Countries manufactured from November 15th, 2011 to November 21st, 2011 are being recalled for a possible wheel separation issue.

The cause of the problem is from a right rear hub and bearing assembly that might not be fully machined. Those affected by the recall will be notified by Chrysler so that dealers can replace the right rear hub and bearing assembly free of charge. The safety recall began this month, so concerned owners can also contact Chrysler at (800) 853-1403 and reference recall number M13.

Try to look past the fact that it’s a Dodge Challenger without a Hemi. Heck it still boasts 305 horsepower, which is about what a Mustang GT did in 2010.

If you can manage that, have a look at the 2012 Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline edition: it’s a V6 version of the coke bottle muscle car with generous upgrades for a bargain price. We already reported the details, but the car made its debut yesterday at the New York Auto Show where we got to take a look.

Opting for the Rallye Redline package costs $28,745, which is only $3,750 more than the base Challenger’s MSRP. Looking over the options, it’s hard to think of the package as anything but a great value.

For that money, you get new front and rear sway bars to stiffen the chassis and make the car more corner-capable but that’s only the beginning. It also gets 42 percent firmer monotube shocks in the front and 22 percent in the rear a cold air intake, a more aggressively-geared rear axle and upgraded brakes on all four wheels.

Cosmetic upgrades also add to the car’s style with a thick red racing stripe and two matching pinstripes running  the car’s length through the center. Black 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a matching red stripe further compliment the car’s special look.

Best of all, Dodge isn’t skimping on the other features you might want in a new car. This package is based off the SXT trim level, which is the high-end V6. That means it also comes with  standard equipment like leather seating (heated in the front), bluetooth connectivity, electronic stability control and more.

At $28,745 (plus a $925 destination fee) you’re looking at a handsomely upgraded car that would probably cost more if you took care of the upgrades yourself.

It’s true that the entry-level Hemi-having R/T is about the same price, albeit before the destination fee. The Redline Rallye is much better equipped than its similarly-priced V8 counterpart. Ultimately the decision boils down to a trade-off between horsepower and driving comfort.

GALLERY: 2012 Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline

Just about a week ago, we told our readers about the new Dodge Dart Rally Car that will compete in the Global RallyCross Series, with X Games ace Travis Pastrana at the helm.

Now Dodge has revealed a video of their 600-hp, all-wheel drive Dart, being put to the test by Pastrana. The video is full of Ken Block Gymkhana style slow-motion scenes, which we think is getting a little old to be honest.

The Dart RallyCross racer is shown tackling both dirt and tarmac sections and ends up losing its rear bumper in all the mayhem.

You can check out the video below.

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As we draw closer to the New York International Auto Show, Ram continues its slow release of teaser images ahead of its official unveiling later this week.

The latest teaser image features two more macro shots, this time of what looks to be the interior trim of the Ram truck – the first of an interior light, the second of a piece of trim from the dashboard. While teaser images are considered by many automakers to be a fun and effective marketing trick to raise awareness and excitement, these obscure images fail to convey exactly what we should expect from the next generation Ram. Its official reveal will be during the New York International Show and we will share more substantial information regarding the new truck later in the week.

So far, we know that development of the new 2013 Ram 1500 truck heavily focused on the mechanicals, featuring a fuel efficient package that combines Chrysler’s Pentastar V6 along with an eight-speed transmission. What’s more, the new Ram will also feature the air bag suspension system from the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The SRT Viper got its last teaser before its official debut at the upcoming New York Auto Show, but that didn’t stop talented artist Jon Sibal from releasing his own speculative renderings.

This is probably as close as we will get to the real deal before it gets unveiled. Sibal took the liberty to do a Roadster variant since we all know it’s coming. But the other render reveals what he believes the rear of the new SRT Viper will look like – something we haven’t been teased yet, or even remotely seen, except in Hot Wheels form.

Had enough SRT Viper previews and just can’t wait to see the real thing? The reveal comes on April 4th, when we’ll be reporting live from New York.

GALLERY: Jon Sibal SRT Viper Renders

[Source: Jon Sibal]

The all-new SRT Viper has had a very strange approach to its inevitable unveiling. First we had teaser photo after teaser photo, then Hot Wheels may have accidentally leaked what it looked like in pixelated picture form as a 1:64 scale model.

The SRT brand is now taking to Facebook to garner up more “likes” on its page, teasing its fans with another glimpse of the 2013 SRT Viper. If the page accumulates 2,013 new likes in 2,013 minutes, we get teased — again.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the page is well on its way. SRT is looking to hit 22,246 fans and at the time of this posting they were about 1,400 short. We’ll keep our eyes out if they hit their goal and we’ll be sure to post the teaser when we see it.

Something tells us we’ll be underwhelmed, as is the case with the teaser photos so far.

[Source: SRT Facebook]

A pioneer in modern cinema, director Peter Yates received critical acclaim for the camera work and editing done for the car chase in the 1968 movie Bullitt. 

Starring Steve McQueen, the Ford Mustang, the Dodge Charger, as well as the hilly streets of San Francisco as the backdrop for the chase, Columbia University professor Emanuel Levy praised, “Bullitt contains one of the most exciting car chases in film history, a sequence that revolutionized Hollywood’s standards.”

Since then, many filmmakers have used Bullitt as a benchmark, applying its techniques to produce car chase sequences of their own. However, no director has attempted to re-create the complete Bullitt sequence again – until now.

For the season finale of Alcatraz, Detective Madsen stops and requisitions a Deep Impact Blue 2013 Mustang GT coupe and chases down a black Dodge Charger that is driven by her convict grandfather. Symmetry to the original Bullitt play throughout the chase, including scenes of the Mustang’s appearance in the Charger’s rearview mirror, the driver in the black Charger clipping the seatbelt, the iconic reverse burnout, the hill hops, as well as the old Volkswagen Beetle that makes multiple and non-linear appearances.

Check out the entire chase sequence from the season finale of Alcatraz below.  Continue Reading…

Sunday night’s profile on the Chrysler turnaround and on Chrysler/Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne may have seemed a bit light on actual content, but perhaps you weren’t looking closely enough. Don’t worry, the folks at Allpar.com were.

A part of the piece involved an interview with Ralph Gilles, the man in charge of Chrysler design and the head of the newly minted SRT (Street and Racing Technology) brand. It’s not what Gilles said, however, but what he was standing in front of that’s so interesting.

Tucked behind his head in the shot is the majority of what appears to be a sleek coupe – one that isn’t currently in production. It’s bright red, with a sloping A-pillar and a short trunk.

Earlier this year, Chrysler filed for a trademark on the ‘Cuda name, hinting at a possible resurrection of the Barracuda – an iconic muscle car that ran under the now defunct Plymouth badge. PAst reports have indicated that Chrysler is planning to resurrect the car, with some saying it would be a higher-performance model based on the current Dodge Challenger platform, while other reports say it would used a downsized

With Chrysler planning a to reveal the all new 2013 SRT Viper at the New York Auto Show next week, perhaps we’ll learn more then.

[Source: AutoNews]

Dodge revealed full details this past weekend on it’s new 2012 Challenger Rallye Redline, including the $28,745 price tag.

The new package is a tuned Challenger SXT Plus, which comes with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, making 305 horsepower. Normally an SXT would start at $24,995 but the extra $3,750 offers a list of go-fast parts that aim to offer a more engaging driving experience.

Performance upgrades run through the chassis and drivetrain starting with a cold air intake that improves airflow to the engine. New front and rear sway bars stiffen the chassis and make the car more corner-capable. Further augmenting the cornering, the Rallye Redline edition gets 42 percent firmer monotube shocks in the front and 22 percent in the rear.

Dodge also replaced the 2.65:1 rear axle ratio with a more lively 3.06:1 unit which means acceleration will feel stronger despite having the same engine as the SXT.

Stopping power also improves with larger two-piston calipers at the front and larger vented disc brakes all around.

Playing off the package name, the car gets a centre racing stripe with two smaller lines all running parallell over the car’s length. 20-inch aluminum alloys wrapped in Firestone Firehawk all-season performance tires, which replace the standard 18-inch wheels, also have a thick red line accenting the outer edge.

As a modified version of the SXT Plus, the Rallye Redline comes with the same list of standard features as the unit it’s based on. Those include leather seating — heated in the front, bluetooth cellphone connectivity, electronic stability control and more.

GALLERY: 2012 Challenger Rallye Redline

Looking to make a connection with the Gen Y crowd, Dodge has announced that the new 2013 Dart compact car will compete in this year’s Global RallyCross series. Looking for success, Dodge has hired on four-time Rally America Champion Travis Pastrana, who also just so happens to have 17 gold medals at the X Games.

Stacking the deck further in their favor, Dodge has built a custom Dart, using all-wheel drive rather than the street car’s front-drive setup and has also upped the horsepower considerably. Using a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, Dodge says the Dart race car is capable of 600 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque.

“At Dodge, racing is an integral part of our heritage and embodies our competitive spirit, so we’re very excited to announce the next chapter in racing for Dodge with our all-new Dodge Dart,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO of Dodge. “The new Dart Global RallyCross Championship car with 600 horsepower and driver Travis Pastrana takes our passion for performance to all new heights.”

Said Pastrana; “The new Dodge Dart offers the perfect platform for rally cross, and I look forward to putting it on the podium all season long!”

An off-shoot of the X Games, Global RallyCross combines rally racing with motocross, with cars capable of hitting 60 mph in just 1.9 seconds and jumps of 70 feet (over other race traffic below).

The series starts May 26 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a total of seven races for the season including two at the X Games. The entire series will air on ESPN.

Discuss this story at DartForums.com

The American version of BBC’s Top Gear has released a video taken from the debut episode of the first season. This footage features a dramatic chase between a Dodge Viper SRT and a Cobra attack helicopter.

The challenge was for hosts Tanner Foust and Rutledge Wood to take the Viper on a 10 mile round trip through Griffin, Georgia, all while being hunted by the Cobra. Just like a video game, the Viper had three lives to make it to the finish line. If the Cobra got close enough for the kill three times, game over. The Viper tries to outrun, outwit and out maneuver the Cobra – it even tries to hide out in a car wash and a cemetery in an effort to shake the Cobra off its tail.

We won’t give away anymore spoilers, you can watch it for yourself below.

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Ford‘s Panther chassis, platform for the iconic P71 Police Interceptor, is anything but a slouch, but after more than 30 years of service both Ford and police recognize the need for a change.

Ford started building police variants of the LTD Crown Victoria in 1979, by 1992 the company’s cars evolved from modified civilian sedans to law enforcement machines.

Agencies are looking for something more fuel efficient options than the aging Crown Victoria’s and the 14 mpg city and 21 mpg highway rating from its thirsty V8 as municipal budgets shrink with the rocky U.S. economy.

Ford says the the next generation Interceptors address that concern and offer significantly improved fuel efficiency. The Taurus-based Interceptor sedan gets 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, a 4.5 mpg average improvement over the previous Interceptor. During 10-hour shifts of Police duty, police cars idle for approximately 6.7 hours of the duration so Ford has made improvements on idle consumption as well. The latest Taurus Interceptor will also use 35 percent less fuel at idle thanks to its smaller displacement 3.5 liter V6 engine.

What’s more, the Explorer-based Interceptor SUV achieves an estimated 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, a best-in-class figure for police spec utility vehicles.

Ford managed to keep performance intact, despite the improved efficiency. A 3.5-liter V6 is used for both vehicles, producing 288 hp. That translates to a 38-hp gain over the outgoing V8.

During 0-60 runs, results show that the V6 Ford Explorer Interceptor Utility can reach 60 mph one full second faster than the competing V8 Chevrolet Tahoe PPV.

An Eco-Boost turbocharged 3.5 liter V6 producing 365-hp is available as an option as well. Combined with all-wheel-drive, the powerful Ford police vehicle out-accelerates competitors from Dodge and Chevrolet.

The Chicago police department ordered and will soon take delivery of approximately 500 Ford Police Interceptors this year, making the city the first to field test Ford’s ne enforcement vehicles.

GALLERY: Ford Taurus, Ford Explorer Interceptor

KFC’s latest marketing campaign for its classic Chunky Chicken Pot Pie has been a hit as audiences complimented its cool retro style. While that pot pie does look down-right scrumptious, the red 1970 Dodge Charger was the most eye-catching of all.

Fans of the commercial shared their thoughts on KFC’s Facebook page, “The Pot Pies are delicious, but my nod goes to the Dodge Charger!” Another shared the same sentiment, “Man, that’s one sexy 1970 Charger!”

After the outpour of appreciation, KFC announced a special photo contest where the very Charger will be the grand prize awarded to the winner. Chief Marketing Officer Jason Marker explained, “There are lots of ‘classics’ in our current commercial, from the Chunky Chicken Pot Pie and the Dodge Charger to the dudes’ sunglasses and sideburns. Now, one lucky fan is going to own the very car that has been creating all this online buzz. And no matter what the decade, anyone would look cool pulling up to the KFC drive-thru in that classic ride.”

Here is how the contest works: visit KFC’s Facebook page and upload a fun and classic “old school” themed photo. The submitted picture could either be a real photo taken in the 70′s or it could be one that was inspired by the decade. Once uploaded, the picture will automatically post on the user’s Facebook page and will be forwarded to KFC as well. Pictures will be graded on creativity, originality, and consistency with the KFC brand image.

The contest, aptly named “Bring Back a Classic,” will run through April 1, 2012. The winner of the photo contest will be announced after April 15, 2012.

Check out KFC’s Bring Back a Classic Advertisement Below:

Dodge is introducing the 2012 Avenger SE V6 today as a class leader in power output, providing both performance and affordability for driving enthusiasts.

The heart of the 2012 Dodge Avenger SE V6 is the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 mated to an automatic six-speed transmission. The Ward’s “10 Best Engines” honoree delivers 283-hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque while also achieving a 4-cylinder-like 29 mpg highway fuel economy rating. Likewise, the Avenger SE V6 starts at a 4-cylinder-like price tag– only $21,495.

According to Dodge President and CEO Reid Bigland, “The Dodge Avenger is one of the fastest growing mid-size cars in America, with sales up 112 percent this year. We’re building off this momentum with the introduction of the new SE V6 package, delivering a true no compromise solution of the mid-size car buyer — 283 best-in-class horsepower, 29 mpg highway, 18-inch wheels and a rear spoiler- all for just $21,495 MSRP. You get the power, the efficiency, the look, and tremendous value that is unmatched in the segment.”

Other standard equipment offered in the Avenger SE V6 include electronic stability control with traction control and electronic roll mitigation, multi-stage driver and front passenger air-bags, side-curtain and front seat-mounted side airbags, tilt/telescoping steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise controls, outside temperature display, LED taillamps, and premium interior with soft-touch surfaces. All this comes with a five-year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.

GALLERY: 2012 Dodge Avenger

After catching sneak photos of the new 2013 NASCAR Dodge Charger a few weeks ago, the American automaker headed to Las Vegas Motor Speedway and unveiled the real deal.

SRT Motorsports unveiled the Charger set to compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series next season and we’re pleased to see that Dodge fans won’t have a difficult time identifying the car on the track. After NASCAR changed the rules on where automakers could put the glass and solid body pieces on their race cars, Dodge’s designers and engineers were able to make their NASCAR race car closely resemble the street version.

“We know NASCAR fans are passionate about cars,” said NASCAR President Mike Helton. “We’re excited about the results of the collective efforts of NASCAR, Dodge and the other manufacturers to create the 2013 Sprint Cup cars. The 2013 Dodge Charger race car design is a great example of what we look forward to seeing on the race track next season. We thank Dodge and all the manufacturers for their efforts, as we see the results here today with the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Dodge Charger.”

SRT Brand and Motorsports President Ralph Gilles was also at the unveiling, expressing his excitement for the new Charger race car, hoping to build off their 2009 Dodge Challenger racing campaign. More importantly Gilles reminded the public that “the Dodge Charger street car is the only rear-wheel-drive model in Sprint Cup competition that is available with a V8 engine.”

Unfortunately we are going to have to wait an entire season before the 2013 Charger hits the track, but we expect it to be a formidable competitor when it does.

Making its debut at the Sam’s Town 300 NASCAR race in Las Vegas this Saturday, a one-of-a-kind Dodge Viper convertible limousine will be taking the first lap around the track.

The Viper limo comes courtesy of Unique Movie Cars, a company that also rents out the Dumb and Dumber Mutt Cutts van and KITT from Knight Rider. It will be chauffeuring Oscar Goodman, the host committee chairman for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, former mayor and grand marshal of the race around the Las Vegas Motor Speedway today just before 2 p.m.

Even if you’re not the grand marshal, you can still get a closer look at the custom Viper convertible limousine. Feel free to take a gander of this 25 door “beauty” following the Nationwide series race.