Nothing major is changing with the tiny Smart Car, which will retain it's rear engine-rear wheel drive setup.  Also, being a Smart Car means that it's cabin space is slightly larger than a coffin.  Hell, I'd be scared to drive this thing to fast on a golf course, let alone down the freeway.

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

Daimler and Nissan Smart Car Deal

It's basically one step away from being an Avon Hemi or an Avon R/T.  But Dodge is convinced that it's the next step in gaining market share, so they've released these pink neon muscle cars as a special edition.  Consider that about 85% of the people that buy Challengers are Male...would even women want this color on their ride?

At any rate, whether you like it or love it, the special edition Furious Fuchsia Challenger SRT 8 will be limited to 400.  Complete with white interior, don't expect to swap the tires and then climb in without leaving a mess all over everything.  And just after I spent all day tidying up.

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

Dodge Color Coordination

There are a lot of recalls that float around through out the year, but generally consist of non-lethal issues.  However, when it comes to brakes, it's worth making an announcement about here on the blog.  Chrysler has announced a recall on over 24k vehicles, because of a defective part in the braking mechanism.  If not fixed the part could cause an immediate failure in the braking ability of the vehicle, obviously resulting in a crash.

The majority of Chrysler vehicles effected by the brake recall are Dodge Ram pickups, made from 2009-2010.  Also included in the recall are some Nitros, Avengers, Chrysler Sebring, Jeep Liberty, Commander, and Grand Cherokee.  If you ignore most recalls because of how insignificant they seem, don't wait around on this one.  Get to your local dealer ASAP, for the sake of yourself and those that you share the road with.

For recall information please contact Chrysler via phone or email.

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

Important Chrysler Brake Recall

Below is a list of the muscle styled goodies that will come with the MOPAR package.

• New Hood with color matched scoop.
• Aggressive rear spoiler.
• Stripe Kit

Interior MOPAR Performance Appearance Package items.

• MOPAR branded T Shifter.
• Bright pedal kit.
• Door-sill guards.
• Premium floor mats
• Car cover

Even for a list as impressive as this it comes with a pretty high price tag.  Expect to pay around $2,000 for the exterior Performance Appearance Package and in the neighborhood of $1,000 for the interior package.  With the aftermarket automotive industry being as experienced as it is I can't imagine Dodge selling a lot of these.  But, for those that want to stick with the MOPAR brand, accept no substitutes.  Just don't expect any more horsepower for your $3k investment.

MOPAR Challenger Performance Appearance Package Pics

Source: Official Chrysler Press Release

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

Add Aggressive MOPAR Looks To Your Challenger

1. FLO TV - This is a subscription service kind of like Satellite Radio that provides video entertainment inside your new Dodge Vehicle.  The equipment will cost around $629 plus installation fees, but the price includes a 1-year subscription.

2. Remote Start - A remote starter is one of the best gifts you can give to anyone, let alone a Dodge owner.  It's the gift that gives year round and is really appreciated on those frost covered mornings.  Nothing beats stepping out the front door and into a toasty vehicle in February.  Most remote starters for Dodge vehicles will set you back around $235.

3. Uconnect Web - Another great gift idea of the gear head that's also a tech head.  This little device turns your vehicle into a roaming Hot Spot providing high speed internet to anyone within range and a password.  Expect to spend around $400 for the equipment, along with a monthly subscription.  However, until the end of the year you can get a $300 rebate on the purchase of the equipment, so go buy it, NOW.

4. Jeep Wrangler Lift Kits - Mopar offers high quality lift kits to give the Jeep in your driveway the look desired or for function.  Everyone wants to customize their Wranglers and generally a lift is #1 on the list of to-do's, well that and some big ass tires.  I would recommend consulting the gift receiver before buying a lift kit, because they may have a specific height in mind.

5. Cat Back Exhaust System - After a Dodge owner gets the appearance they want, generally the sound is the next on the list.  A Cat Back exhaust system can add the sound desired and in most cases the look, if chrome tips of rear exhaust is added to the mix.  An added bonus is that most cat back exhaust systems will also increase engine performance and power.

6. Mopar Suspension Kit - Kind of the opposite of the lift kit a Stage 2 Mopar Coil over Suspension kit will help give the stance desired in their more sporty lineup of vehicles.  These kits come with the ability to adjust your suspension to fit your driving style.  Look to spend in the neighborhood of $1700 for this package, plus or minus whatever it will cost to have a professional install it.

7. Crate Engine - Please, please, please consult the person you are buying this for before purchasing.  Gear heads are sticklers for the details and will have in mind exactly what they want, especially in an engine.  So make some suggestions, have them write down what they want, and then go buy them a $13,000 crate motor that will turn the docile project car into a pavement eating beast.  Don't forget to add a lift gate to the delivery charge.

8. 572 Cubic Inch HEMI Crate Motor - Another crate motor has made their top 10 gift list and with good reason.  This isn't your run of the mill generic motor, this is a howling beast of an engine.  It's important to make sure you have the frontage required to store such a monster, again, consult whomever you are buying this for before dropping $18,000.

9. Slush Mats - These are awesome for the winter when tracking in snow becomes a nuisance.  These are also very useful to save the carpet for those looking to get dirty while mudding around in their 4x4's.  These rubber mats will stay in place and catch all the crap off your boots, prices range from $50-$100.

10. Model HEMI Display Engine - This is the perfect gift for Dodge fanatics that need to display their love in the garage, office, or over the fire place.  If you can't afford the real thing, give them a reminder to start saving now, because this little model will only set you back about $41.

Have a Merry Christmas and start buying your gear head gifts early, because almost everything will need to be shipped to you.  Generally these aren't the type of gifts you find in stock at your local Wal-Mart.

For inexpensive gifts for your automotive enthusiast, please visit The-Grayline online shopping centers which include a vast selection of Automotive Apparel ideas and Key Rings for every model and manufacturer.

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

Christmas Gifts For Dodge Fans

Do you believe the hype?

4WheelOffRoad.com got their hands on one early to do some testing for an upcoming issue.  According to their blog post on the 2010 Power Wagon, it's a worthy contender with lots of promise.  It's bigger, more powerful with 383 horsepower and 400 ft lb of torque, and equipped with a 12,000 lb winch.  Find out if it will walk away with the 4x4 Of The Year Title in the February issue of 4 Wheel Off Road Magazine.

2010 Dodge Ram

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

2010 Dodge Ram

For all intents and purposes the boring line of Dodge Calibers has remained unchanged.  However, the 285hp turbo charged 4 cylinder will not be available as an option.

Yes, I can hear all 4 of you sighing and upset at your chances to own a Dodge Caliber SRT4, so here are some images of SRT4's that will never be.  Seems like it was just yesterday we were reporting on the upcoming 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT 4.

Buy A Caliber SRT4 off of eBay:

Dodge Caliber SRT 4 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT 4 Nav Bluetooth Sunroof SRT4    US $15,995.00

Dodge Caliber SRT 4 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT 4    US $10,100.00

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

Caliber SRT4 Discontinued

Lightning

The 2004 Ford Lightning is packing some serious heat, not as much in displacement, but with forced injection.  The later model Lightnings were equipped with a 5.4L Super Charged engine.  This testosterone fueled motor produced about 380 horsepower and over 450 ft lb of torque.  Plenty to push the modestly sized lightning down the road.  There were just under 3,800 produced and 2004 was the last year they were produced by team SVT.

SRT-10

Dodge wins the displacement and cubic inch game with an 8.3L V10 engine.  Honestly, my hands are sweating  typing about such a hairy motor, which produced over 500 horsepower and 525 ft lb of torque.  Whenever you hit the gas you had better be holding onto something.  The Dodge RAM SRT-10 was last produced in 2006, but there have been rumors of a resurface in recent months.  Looking at production numbers, in the 3 year production of the SRT-10 there were only a total of 9,000 made.  It's a rare muscle truck, but one worthy of the name, and a serious contender for the Lightning.

See the two race in the video below.  While the SRT-10 wasn't quite ready for the first launch, the second attempt was much more valiant, but the Lightning pulled away at the end.

In this video you can see the Lightning clearly stomps a mud hole in the ass of the SRT-10.

Although these are just a few examples, I'm gonna have to give the F150 the checkered flag. The RAM is just too bulky of a beast, even with it's massive engine to compete with the nimble Ford Lightning. Keep in mind this is just an opinion piece and I'm sure there are those out there that can drive better than the videos above. But keep in mind the suspension and weights of the two muscle trucks when considering a showdown. Dodge RAM SRT-10 owners beware.

Lightning VS SRT-10

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

SRT-10 VS Lightning

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

2010 Dodge Durango

The 09 Dodge Journey is 4 doors with a back hatch, long wheel base, and comes with either a 4 or 6 cylinder power plant.  I guess I understand the concept, get the fuel economy of a car and the versatility of an SUV, but it just doesn't work for me.  And I'm not just speaking of looks, I'm also thinking function, where an SUV comes in handy going you know, off road.  Buyers sacrifice a lot in the name of a few miles per gallon, like ride height, stronger suspension, and a little thing called torque.

Below are pictures of the 09 Dodge Journey, so you can judge for yourself.

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

09 Dodge Journey