2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392

2011 Challenger SRT8 392 Inaugural Edition will be built only 1,492 examples (1,100 for the U.S. and 392 for Canada). The Inaugural Edition debuts at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas the firm’s new 392 c.i. [6.4-liters] V8 HEMI that pumps out 470 ponies and 470 lb.-ft. of torque, or 45HP and 90 lb-ft more than the previous SRT8’s 6.1-liter V8 engine. This car will start within the next few weeks.

With V8 HEMI also features Chrysler’s Fuel Saver technology in automatic transmission [five-speed] equipped models, which allows the engine to operate more economically on four cylinders or use all eight cylinders when needed. Customers can opt for the available Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission.

2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 can complete the 0-60 mph [96km/h] sprint in the high 4-second range and the quarter-mile in the high 12s. Dodge offer will be treated with exclusive exterior and interior content for those that manage to get their hands on one of the Inaugural Editions.

Exterior using 20-inch wheels, “392 HEMI” badges, Mopar quad exhaust tips, a larger front splitter, rear spoiler, integrated front fender spats and a body colored front grille. Buyers will have the choice of two colors, either Deep Water Blue with standard Stone White stripes or Bright White Clear Coat with standard Viper Blue stripes.

Interior upgrades include standard Smooth Pearl White leather-trimmed seats with dual blue stripes accented by unique blue stitching and a silver metal brush finish for the center instrument panel, center stack and console bezels. The door trim panels also feature silver metal brush grab handles inside Pearl White door bolsters with special blue accents.

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Dodge Rampage Concept

Dodge's Rampage concept seems to have everything that the typical Dodge truck buyer is looking for: massive size, a stylish yet aggressive look and a 5.7 liter HEMI engine. But Dodge says that it designed the Rampage to appeal to those "non-traditional" pick-up buyers.

Huh? This looks like a traditional (albeit very stylized) pick-up. What's so different about it? We'll tell ya...

Traditional truck guys are going to be shocked by this, but this Rampage is basically a truck-shaped car. Not only does the Rampage utilize unibody construction and have an independent rear suspension, it is - gasp - front wheel drive!!

Yes, this brawny and rugged Dodge is a front wheel drive car... er... truck. After reading the concept behind this concept, this drivetrain layout makes sense. You see, Dodge wanted to build a vehicle that possessed the utility of a truck but had the cabin comfort and room of a passenger car. Yeah, we know... that idea basically describes a minivan, but minivans aren't cool -- trucks are, and so Dodge went with the truck theme.

Actually... now that we think about it, this Rampage is a close cousin of the minivan. Take a look at how the doors of this thing open!

In case you couldn't tell from the picture above, the rear door slides backwards -- much like the back door of a minivan. Still, the interior of this Rampage is much cooler than that of most kid haulers. The interior of the Rampage is designed to be "rugged and athletic" (Dodge's words), so it uses a special urethane material for the seating surfaces and has a rubberized floor. Styling touches come courtesy of a raised center console/gauge cluster and exposed metal pieces.

Here's another nod to Dodge's minivan heritage: you know how Dodge touts its trademarked Stow 'n Go seating in its minivan commercials? Well, this Stow 'n Go system finds a home in the Rampage. Not only do the rear seats fold down into the floor, the front passenger seat does as well. You can fit a whole lotta crap in this thing!

Versatility is the key feature of the Rampage, as not only do all passenger seats fold flat to the floor, the "wall" that separates the cabin from the truck bed also folds flat, increasing useable cargo area even more. Not only that, but the rear lift gate can extend and fold down to a 117 degree angle, which transforms the rear gate into a ramp. It's as if this truck/minivan was designed to haul motorcycles or something...

As cool as this concept is, it's only a concept for now. Will Dodge ever build something like this? We doubt it. We don't think people would shell out serious cash for a front wheel drive HEMI-powered truck/minivan/crossover. If Dodge does decide to make one of these, however, we're first in line for the first test drive.

Dodge Ram HD

The 2009 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty was left to rumble on its own out back while the electric concepts took to the Chrysler stage at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. But the hulking oil-burner certainly deserves mention. Powerplants come in two flavors on the 2500 models: a 5.7-liter V8 with 355 hp and 395 lb-ft. of twist and twizzle, and the big daddy 6.7-liter Cummins with 350 hp and 650 lb-ft. The 6.7-liter diesel particulate filter reduces NOx emissions by 90%, meaning the car passes 2010 standards right now, and if you step up to the Ram 3500, you get the 6.7-liter standard – because obviously you go by the name Hoss.

Inside, the manual is no longer an option with the 5.7-liter, but Dodge wants to make that up to you with an available Infinity sound system, Internet connectivity with uConnect, and a power-sliding rear window. You'll want to make sure you choose your truck carefully, though – Dodge touts them as the longest lasting trucks out there: the 6.7-liter is expected to get you 350,000 miles before its first major overhaul.