What you don't want to see in your rear view mirror. Image: Chrysler Group LLC

For the record, it’s always a bad idea to run from the police. Even if you’re tempted to mat the accelerator when you see that aging Crown Vic getting larger in your rear view mirror, just remember this: you can’t outrun a radio. Your odds of outrunning a police cruiser just got a bit smaller, too, since the 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit V8 has set a new police car lap record at Grattan Raceway in Michigan State Police testing.

While I don’t have lap times for the Ford Interceptor or the Chevy Caprice Interceptor, the Dodge Charger Pursuit V8 lapped Grattan in 1:33.70. That’s just a few tenths of a second slower than a Shelby GT500 or a Nissan 370Z, and it’s faster than a Lotus Elise or a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X MR. It’s even faster than a Chevy Camaro SS, which weighs less and packs more horsepower.

The Dodge Charger Pursuit V8 comes with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, good for 370 horsepower and a 0 to 60 time of 5.8 seconds. It’s got a top speed of 151 miles per hour, and comes with heavy duty everything to ensure that high speed chases have as little drama as possible. It even returns up to 25 mpg on the highway, thanks to Chrysler’s cylinder deactivation system.

Dodge also offers the Charger Pursuit in a V-6 version, which still packs 292 horsepower and returns up to 27 mpg highway. That may be good enough for local municipalities, but we’re guessing the state police nationwide will be ordering a lot of Charger Pursuit V-8 models in the coming months. Be afraid when you see one in your rear view mirror.

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta, basis for the Dodge Hornet. Image: Wikipedia user S 400 Hybrid

If you’re a fan of the now-discontinued Dodge Caliber, be prepared to be offended. Perhaps the best example of what happens when accountants design cars, the Dodge Caliber gets my vote for the worst domestic car of the past decade. It was, in fact, the only rental car I ever returned before driving off the lot, and even the SRT guys apologized for the Caliber SRT4, saying essentially, “we did the best we could with what we had to work with.”

Those days at Dodge are gone, and there’s good news on the horizon for Mopar fans with a passion for compacts: the upcoming Dodge Hornet may be good enough to make us forget all about the Caliber. Based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta (which won’t be coming stateside until 2014), the 2012 Dodge Hornet will come in sedan and 5 door body styles, with engines ranging from frugal to fun. Want 40 mpg from your commuter car? Opt for the Hornet with the 1.4-liter four cylinder, good for 168 horsepower. Want a bit more grunt? Opt for the SRT4 version, which should come packing Alfa Romeo’s 1.8-liter four, good for 232 horsepower.

Left Lane News says to expect both manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions, and an interior the borrows heavily from the Alfa Romeo and Fiat parts bin. The Hornet’s handling should be “European inspired,” and we’re guessing that the Hornet SRT4 will be able to throw down against any other FWD offering with confidence.

Expect to see the 2012 Dodge Hornet introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

The 2011 Dodge Caliber R/T. Image: Chrysler Group LLC

If you’re partial to all things Dodge, here’s another reason to attend the 2012 Detroit Auto Show (or at least keep a close eye on the news feeds): Dodge is said to be unveiling a replacement for the less-than-well-received Caliber. The Caliber ended production in 2010, and it’s quite possible that no one even noticed. When a noted auto journalist complained about the handling and braking of the Caliber in SRT trim, a Chrysler engineer said something along the lines of, “It’s a Caliber, and we did the best we could.”

Those days at Chrysler, thankfully, are gone, and with Ralph Gilles at the helm of the SRT division, good things are coming. In fact when I spoke with Gilles in Miami last February, he hinted at an upcoming small performance car from Dodge. Whatever the replacement for the Caliber turns out to be, that makes me think there’s an SRT version on the drawing board as well. Thanks to their partnership with Fiat, Chrysler has quite a few more platforms available to them, so don’t be surprised if the new compact entry from Dodge is based on a Fiat design.

Source: Autoblog

The 2012 Dodge Avenger R/T. Image: Chrysler Group, LLC

The current Dodge Avenger has been around since the 2008 model year, and until 2011 buyers could opt for an Avenger in sporty R/T trim levels. In 2008 and 2009, buyers could even get an AWD version of the Avenger R/T, powered by the same 3.5-liter, 235-horsepower V-6 that powered the front wheel drive version. These early R/T versions were more show than go, and Avenger models were routinely panned for their fit and finish, reliability and sub-par braking ability. For 2011, Dodge made some significant improvements to the Avenger model range, including a new interior, revised suspension tuning and a more powerful, 3.6-liter, 283 horsepower Pentastar V-6 option for select Avenger models. The Avenger R/T model gets the year off, but returns to Dodge’s lineup for 2012.

Image: Chrysler Group, LLC

Dodge will officially unveil the 2012 Avenger R/T at this week’s New York Auto Show, but that hasn’t kept them from releasing images and specifications in advance. No longer just a trim package, next year’s Avenger R/T benefits from stiffer shocks and springs as well as a larger rear sway bar, which Dodge insists will yield a “spirited, performance sedan driving experience”. The 3.6-liter Pentastar engine, good for the aforementioned 283 horsepower, should ensure that the Avenger R/T accelerates briskly from a standing start, but drivers will have to settle for a six speed automatic transmission since no manual option is offered.

Image: Chrysler Group, LLC

Outside, the Avenger R/T gets a body-colored grille, black headlight surrounds, “war paint” decals on the front quarter panels, a rear spoiler and unique eighteen inch wheels. Inside, buyers get bolstered sport seats with the R/T logo, a unique gauge cluster and “SRT-inspired” pedals. Look for Avenger R/T models to hit Dodge dealerships sometime in the third quarter of 2011.

Source: Dodge

This week seemed dry, and I was nervous about the continuation of this very new segment.  Like the proverbial knight in shining armor, TYC Photography released these shots of a stunning, white, Dodge Viper GTS.  My jaw hit the floor and my mind played the melody of that 10 cylinder engine.  I often overlook the Viper when recollecting sports cars and these shots further the proof that I should not.  Thank you TYC and keep up the good work.

Many automotive enthusiasts may have forgotten about the infamous Dodge Viper. It has always been around and with a new introduction of a “road racing” prepped Viper SRT10 ACR-X, it shows that the bad-ass American muscle car named after a mean snake is still in the game, stronger than ever and here to stay.

Racing enthusiasts will be happy to see Dodge pull the covers off of the new 2010 Viper SRT10 ACR-X that boasts 640 horsepower from a 8.4-liter V10. That’s about 40 more horses to add to the stable from previous versions of the ACR but this one will cost you about $110,000. Is it worth it? Well, here is a video, several images and full press release below to help you decide. Enjoy!

PRESS RELEASE

Dodge Targets Road Racing Enthusiasts With 2010 Viper SRT10 ACR-X

• Turn-key, spec-series racer aimed at continuing Dodge Viper’s storied racing history
• Dodge and Street and Racing Technology (SRT) team combine best performance attributes of Viper ACR with Viper Competition Coupe
• Latest special-edition Viper ACR offers improved on-track performance and safety
• Dodge Viper Cup spec series will debut in July 2010

Orlando, Fla., Dec 10, 2009 – Dodge today pulled the cover off the newest special-edition model of the 2010 Viper SRT10 lineup. The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X is a turn-key, non-street legal race car that is slated to make its on-track debut in the summer of 2010.

“The Dodge Viper ACR-X takes the performance attributes of Viper to an even higher level for a wide range of drivers starting with the grassroots racer all the way up to the professional,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Brand. “This project is a result of many years of performance engineering expertise from our SRT team, combined with the passion and dedication of Viper Nation, to keep the Viper racing tradition going strong on tracks around the country and the world.”

Combining the best performance attributes of the record-setting, street-legal Dodge Viper ACR (American Club Racer) and the safety equipment of championship-winning Viper Competition Coupe, the Viper ACR-X is powered by the SRT-developed 8.4-liter V10, equipped with factory headers and a low-restriction exhaust system, that produces 640 horsepower (40 more than production model).

The suspension also is tuned and upgraded specifically for on-track usage, while the weight is lightened by a full 160 pounds (versus the standard production Viper) to take on even the most challenging road course. Additional aerodynamic upgrades improve downforce, while enhancing stability and significantly improving grip in high-speed cornering.

Similar to the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, the Viper ACR-X contains factory-installed safety equipment such as a factory-designed roll cage, fuel cell and race seat. Additional racing components are added to meet the significant durability and reliability requirements for on-track competition.

In what will be the final year of production for the current generation Viper, the ACR-X is the third limited, special-edition model to be introduced by Dodge. “”We’re going to make 2010 the most exciting year for Viper yet with specially developed cars for the street and the track,” added Gilles. “The ACR-X is targeted at road-racing enthusiasts who want to successfully compete in our ultimate American sports car.”

Last month, the SRT team used a testing session at Laguna Seca raceway to shake down the Viper ACR-X for the first time. Behind the wheel was professional driver Kuno Wittmer from the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship series, who was able to run consistent 1:31.00 lap times around the 2.238-mile, 11-turn course. Wittmer’s lap times were more than 3 seconds faster than the street-legal Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR that holds the production car track record at Laguna Seca raceway.

“The Dodge Viper ACR-X is incredible,” said Wittmer. “After a short warm up, I was running lap times as quick as exotic GT race cars. I was blown away by the power and acceleration, and even more surprised at how the ACR-X navigated the challenging Laguna Seca corners and how friendly it was to drive at the limit.

“All aspects of the car work together perfectly to plant all that horsepower and torque without issue,” Wittmer added. “This will be a great package for someone coming out of grassroots racing with a desire to step-up to GT level competition. Dodge nailed it with this one!”

The Viper SRT10 ACR-X is designed to compete in the Viper Racing League, Sports Car Club of America and National Auto Sport Association events.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X will be approximately $110,000. Production is slated to begin in Spring 2010.

For more information on the Dodge Viper ACR-X, call Viper Race Headquarters at (888) 960-3333 or visit www.viperheadquarters.com

Dodge Viper Cup:

The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X will make its on-track debut in July 2010 in a newly developed spec series called the Dodge Viper Cup, which will be sanctioned by the existing Viper Racing League. Each vehicle in the new series must be the new Viper ACR-X.

Two races per weekend for five weekends will make up the 10-race 2010 Dodge Viper Cup schedule which includes July 9-11 at Virginia International Raceway; August 14-15 at Hallett Raceway; September 11-12 at Pocono Raceway; October 1-3 at Miller Motorsports Park and October 22-24 at Daytona International Speedway.

A contingency program sponsored by Dodge Motorsports and Mopar will pay out more than $200,000 during 2010. Payouts for each race are in cash and Mopar vouchers come as credit toward purchase of Mopar parts and accessories.

Per Race Cash Mopar Voucher Total
1st $6,500 $1,000 $7,500
2nd $4,500 $500 $5,000
3rd $2,500 $250 $2,750
4th $1,250 $150 $1,400
5th $500 $100 $600

Additional cash awards will be made to the top-3 finishers in the Dodge Viper Cup. The 2010 champion will win $25,000, second-place will receive $10,000 and third-place will pay $5,000.

Viper Racing Heritage:

The Dodge Viper has enjoyed a successful racing heritage that began in 1996 with the original Viper racing entry, the GTS-R, which earned five international GT championships and the 1997-1999 FIA GT championships. It also posted an amazing overall win at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in 1999 – the first for a production-based American car.

The Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, introduced in 2003, delivered the next chapter with its coupe-shaped carbon/Kevlar body and a track-ready chassis, based on the Dodge Viper SRT10. The Viper Competition Coupe has continued the on-track prowess by capturing the 2004 SCCA Speed World Challenge GT title, championships in Formula D Drifting series in 2004 and 2006 and the British GT Championship in 2007 and 2008.

viperheadquarters.com:

Dodge has created a new website designed to showcase the Dodge Viper SRT10 both on the street and on the track. Check out the new online home for all things Viper at www.viperheadquarters.com

Viper Racing League:

The Viper Racing League is one race series within the group of three (including Challenge Series and Driving School) sanctioned by Viper Days. The series has 11-weekend events scheduled for the 2010 season at some of the country’s most prestigious race tracks. For more information including the 2010 race schedule, visit www.viperdays.com

The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic is a real ‘blast from the past’ with vintage flair, modern styling and engineering.  It combines the original Dodge Challenger R/T styling with a new 375hp 5.7 liter HEMI V8 engine, Tremec 6-speed manual transmission, ZF-Sach’s twin disc performance clutch, rack & pinion steering with a performance gear, sport-tuned, fully independent suspension, dual exhaust, while riding on 20X8in. high-performance tires and alloy wheels.  Inside is a modern, comfortable cabin with vintage accents.  Dodge has taken the all-new Challenger to new heights of styling and performance.

Sponsored links:

Dodge Challenger

“A Blast From The Past”

One look and you’ll recognize the old muscle car styling with the long raised performance hood with dual working scoops topped with the original HEMI badge at each side.  The recessed egg-crate grille sports round dual headlamps, Challenger and R/T badges, a lower air-intake, a wide splitter to help keep the front end solidly planted on the pavement and functional design elements to direct air around the front end to further improve aerodynamics.  From the side a bold A-line or character line runs from stem to stern and jumps over the rear wheels as on the original Challenger giving it an instant recognizable muscle car profile.  Door mounted side mirrors from the original, Challenger fender badges, bold, full-length, double black side R/T graphics, and a cast metal fuel door with ‘Fuel’ is also taken from the original R/T.

The rear is also reminiscent of the original with a recessed full-perimeter ‘blacked-out’ brake, backup and tail lamp clusters with a clear Dodge in the center, a full-perimeter spoiler on top of the end of the trunk lid, a straight, flat bumper and rectangular, polished stainless steel dual exhaust tips nicely spread down below.

The look is as original as it can get as some people I spoke to had to make a ‘double-take’ as they thought they were looking at an original Challenger from 1971.

Under the skin of the car is where modern automotive technology takes over and gives the Challenger R/T world-class power and handling capability.  Under the hood lies a reworked 5.7 liter HEMI V8 utilizing Dual Variable Cam Timing, dual spark plugs, a higher compression ratio and performance-tuned dual exhaust system to increase horsepower from last year’s 340 to today’s 376hp at 5,150rpm and a massive 410lb.ft. of torque at 4,300rpm.  The sound of the dual exhaust is thrilling, throaty, and music to the ears of any muscle car enthusiast.

The high-output HEMI V8 engine is hooked up to a smooth-shifting, modern Tremec TR6060 6-speed manual transmission that utilizes a twin-disc, high-performance clutch from ZF-Sach’s.

A 2.92 rear axle and limited slip differential really puts the power down on the pavement with the giant Goodyear 245/45ZR20in. high-performance tires.  These massive tires are wrapped with ‘mag’ styled 20X8in. polished cast aluminum wheels. A five-speed automatic transmission is optional, but the fun and thrills are with the 6-speed manual as you can really rev the engine close to its 7,000rpm redline and easily smoke the tires.

Crisp, controlled handling and a smooth ride are assured with a modern, fully-independent suspension that is sport-tuned.  Up front is a SLA (short/long arm) set with high upper ‘A’ arms, coil springs over gas-filled shocks, thick solid stabilizer bar, lateral and diagonal lower links and a recessed, strut-tower brace to tie everything together.  The rear features a 5-link independent setup with coil springs, link-type stabilizer bar, gas-charged twin-tube shocks in an isolated suspension cradle to lessen noise, vibration and harshness.  You steer the all-new Challenger R/T where you want to go with quick response to your inputs due to the unique speed-sensitive rack & pinion steering system that features a performance gear and variable displacement power steering pump.  Change of direction is instant like a racecar with a solid feel for the road and great on-center feel.

Large, four-wheel, power-assisted brakes bring the all-new Challenger R/T to a quick and controlled stop.  Up front are 13.6in. vented clamped with dual-piston sliding aluminum calipers with performance pads, while the rear are fitted with 12.6in. vented discs clamped with single sliding caliper in an aluminum housing using performance pads.

Standard ABS and brake assist help with your control and braking power while braking on slick road surfaces.  Also helping you remain on your chosen path is all-speed traction control, and electronic stability control.  When the time and place are correct, you can turn the systems off and let the rear end slide out during hard cornering.  Standard Hill Start Assist makes driving up hills with traffic signals and stop signs safer and easier when you have the 6-speed manual transmission.  Powerful and modern, the all-new Challenger R/T can blast out to 60mph from a standstill in under well-under 6sec.

Inside is a mixture of modern technology and vintage accents inspired from the original Challenger R/T.  Just look at the trapezoidal them of the door-panel cove and gauge cluster, dark headliner and slanted shifter console brings back memories of the original Challenger.  Inspiration continues with the ‘four-bomb’ gauge cluster with deep, easy to read 160mpm speedometer and 7,000rpm tachometer with white faces.  The 8-way power-adjustable, leather-trimmed, vintage styled ribbed bucket seats are deeply bolstered and heated then finished with French-seamed stitching.

The aluminum foot pedals and classic pistol-grip stick shifter are also a throwback to the original Challenger interior.  The center stack and door handles features ‘carbon-fiber’ styled trim for a modern touch, and all dials, buttons and switches are within easy reach.  The leather-trimmed steering wheel feature a tilt/telescoping column for the perfect reach and angle to help control your direction while cornering and at high-speeds on the freeway or back roads.

The center console features dual cup holders, two storage slots, a 12-volt power plug and deep storage bin with padded armrest.  The rear seats feature the highest headroom in its class along with a pull-down armrest with dual cup holders.  The bench seat also features 60/40-split fold down seats along with an easy-sliding seatback to make entry and exit from the rear simple and easy.  The passenger-side grab further handle enhances entry and exit.

Options inside include an advanced U-connect GPS with voice recognition, navigation system with real-time traffic cues and Universal Custom Interface.  My ride featured an AM-FM/Satellite/CD/DVD/MP3 player with a 368-watt amplifier, power sunroof,

7-Boston Acoustic speaker with a subwoofer mounted in the giant trunk, illuminated interior door handles, push button start/stop, auto-dimming rearview mirror, security alarm, steering wheel mounted audio controls/trip computer, tire pressure monitoring display, iPod interface, universal garage door opener, cruise-control, thick-cut pile carpeting with front/rear floor mats, power/heated fold-away side mirrors, dual-lighted vanity mirrors, power remote trunk release, remote keyless entry, power express front windows/door locks, illuminated entry, variable, intermittent wipers/washers, rear window defroster and a powerful air-conditioner/heater.

Keeping you and your passenger safe in the event of a collision include standard front airbags, supplemental side curtain front and rear airbags, 3-point safety belts for all five seating with front pretentioners and load limiters, front/rear crumple zones and steel beams in each door.

Dodge brings back the memories of the original Challenger R/T with inspired, bold good looks combined with modern automotive technology like no other vehicle from the Big Three American auto makers.  If you are looking to drive a stylish throw-back from the past with modern automotive mechanicals then look to the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Heritage.  Prices start at just $29,320.00 and my nicely loaded model came in at just $37,320.00 including destination charges.  I was impressed with the total package and had a ball during my seven-day test drive turning heads and spinning the wheels.

COPYRIGHT:2009:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

SPECIFICATIONS

Price: MSRP $30,220 As-Tested $37,320.00
Type: Large Coupe
Where Built: Canada
EPA Class: Midsize Cars

Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 197.7 in.
Width: 75.7 in.
Height: 57 in.
Wheel Base: 116 in.
Ground Clearance: 5.5 in.
Curb Weight: 4041 lbs.
Gross Weight: 5300 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 39.3 in.
Front Hip Room: 54.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 58.2 in.
Rear Head Room: 37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 53.9 in.
Rear Hip Room: 51.4 in.
Front Leg Room: 42 in.
Rear Leg Room: 32.6 in.
Luggage Capacity: 16.2 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance Data

Base Number of Cylinders: 8
Base Engine Size: 5.7 liters
Base Engine Type: V8
Horsepower: 372 hp
Max Horsepower: 5200 rpm
Torque: 401 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4400 rpm
Maximum Towing Capacity: 1000 lbs.
Drive Type: RWD
Turning Circle: 38.9 ft.
0-60mph: 5.1 seconds

Fuel Data

Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway/Combined)
Automatic: 16 mpg / 25 mpg / 19 mpg
Range in Miles:
Automatic: 304 mi. / 475 mi. / 361 mi.

So this past Saturday, August 8th, 2009 was another Automotive Addicts (AA for short ) car meet.

At the first show (9am) there were about 180 cars! It was a record turn out for us. There were a lot of really nice cars and lots of cool people.

Pictures are posted below to see more go to Here

We would like to thank the First Coast Modified Mustangs club of Jacksonville for bringing out such a large herd along with everyone else who came out to this past car meet.
I know I had fun I hope all of you did too. We will see you all there next month, lets see if can get even MORE people there this time.