RumorMill : Next-generation Dodge Viper could get Ferrari derived V10

Now since the Dodge Viper is under the Chrysler Group LLC, Ferrari belonging to Fiat S.p.A, and Chrysler and Fiat have merged together, that makes the Viper a cousin to Ferrari supercars. Officially, the Dodge Viper brand-name rights now belongs to Fiat, and it has the choice to do whatever with the name. Thankfully, Fiat announced earlier that it intends to keep it.

Rumors in Torino, Italy, say that Fiat is considering fitting the next-generation Dodge Viper with a V10 version of Ferrari's latest V8, which now appears in the all-new 458 Italia. This Ferrari V8 is actually one of Ferrari's latest wonders; it was designed to be extremely powerful, but yet relatively very fuel-efficient. As CARandDRIVER points out, an interesting point here is that Chrysler saved troubled Lamborghini in 1987. The move gave birth to the V10 powerplant for the Dodge Viper and the Lamborghini Gallardo. Fiat seems very-likely to keep the V10 power as a Viper trademark.

Expect the next-generation Dodge Viper to get its sights sometime in 2011 - 2012.

Refresher: - 2009 Dodge Viper SRT10: Powered by a 8.4L V10, it packs 600 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. That power is mated through a 6-speed manual via rear-wheel-drive. Launch to 60 mph comes in 3.6 seconds, and top speed is 196 mph. Dodge also offers the Viper SRT10 with a track-ready ACR package. With a Nurburgring lap-time of 7:22.1, the Viper SRT10 ACR is the fastest production road-car ever!

Source : [Car and Driver]

Chrysler : Dodge Viper is not for sale anymore, and will live on 2010 and beyond

After that Chrysler merged with Fiat, exited bankruptcy, and re-opened its factory plants, Chrysler still has to decide whether to sell the Dodge Viper brand-name or not. Well, earlier reports that Chrysler re-opend the limited-production Dodge Viper factory in Detroit, only for 2009 model year.

Though, Chrysler Group LLC just announced that the production of the Dodge Viper SRT10 and ACR package will continue through 2009. The company said today that its Viper brand-name business is no longer for sale and that it will continue making new models through 2010 and beyond.

“The Dodge Viper has successfully captured the hearts and imagination of performance enthusiasts around the globe,” said Mike Accavitti, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dodge Brand. “We’re extremely proud that the ultimate American-built sports car with its world-class performance will live on as the iconic image leader for the Dodge brand.”

So the Dodge Viper will live on with the Chrysler-Fiat era. So that does mean that the Viper and Ferrari are now cousins! It also means that the up-coming 2010 Devon GTX Concept needs to get a new platform, and a new name.

Source : [Chrysler]

Report : Next Alfa-Remeo models to be based on Dodge Charger and Jeep Grand Cherokee

Now that the Fiat Group and Chrysler Group have emerged together, it's really time to see some sharing between the two groups. A paper from the Analysts IHS Global Insight claims that the platform sharing is close to come.At first, the IHS forecast that the upcoming Alfa Romeo 169 will be built on the LX platform, which underpins the Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, and Chrysler 300. The LX platform is originally based on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. So the new Alfa 169 is going to have some German origins. Nevertheless, Global Insight says that production of the Alfa Romeo 169 will take place at the Bramalea Production facility in Brampton, Ontario.There's also reports about a new Alfa Romeo SUV model called the GTX. Insiders say the GTX should take a lot of inspiration out the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and get the Grand Cherokee's WL platform as well. The WL platform is the same platform that comes over the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class. The Alfa GTX should get into production at Chrysler's Jefferson North Assembly Plant beginning in July 2011.

Both the Alfa Romeo 169 and GTX are scheduled to go into production in 2011, costing more than the American partners. Where the Charger cost around $30,000, the next 169 is rumored to cost around $62,000. Same goes to the GTX. So where in recent years, Alfa Romeos built "all show, and no go" sort of cars, Alfa Romeo should go back into its roots of driving pleasure, thanks to the two big groups that are merging.

Source : [AutoCar]

New Reveal : 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye package

For 2009, Dodge added the R/T and SE models along the monster SRT-8 Challenger. However, they've now added packages for the R/T and SE. For the R/T, Dodge presented a "Classic" package, which channels more old-school muscle for the already retro. Well, the SE V6 model now gets a "Rallye" package.

When Dodge first showed the SE V6 Challenger to the public, it was criticized as being a good-looking slush-mobile. Yes, it looked great, but with a body weighing nearly two tons, the 250 hp 3.5L V6 couldn't go anywhere. Specially that, the engine was only mated to a old 4-speed automatic. So it was best left at the parking lot. So the "Rallye" package should change this image.The first upgrade in the new Rallye edition, is a new transmission. The Challenger SE Rallye gets a new 5-speed Autostick automatic, much like its R/T and SRT-8 siblings. The new gearbox, is designed for more aggressive and outstanding launches when acceleration, and ratioed for top-end speeds which relaxes the engine. It's also a fair bit lighter too than the previous model, and still manages 25 mpg of fuel economy. So overall, the SE Rallye is faster at all speeds than the previous SE with the terrible 4-speed.

Visual improvements is also another aspect in the Rallye edition. The Challenger SE Rallye features design cues including black with red lining dual body stripes on the hood and the trunk , chromed ‘FUEL’ door, deck lid spoiler, some killer-looking 18-inch aluminum wheels, and Micro Carbon in the interior accents.Basically, the Challenger SE Rallye is for those that don’t want to move up to the HEMI V8 R/T but still want all the visual appeal, and a fair bit for power with the new 5-speed Autostick. So now, it could be a proper rival to the V6s over at the Mustang and the Camaro.

Source : [Dodge]

Video : Garage419 races Dodge Challenger SRT-8 against planes and trains

Garage419, an Internet-based car show that is entering the media world, very fast. Hosted by Matt Farah, the guys over at Garage419 do a fair bit of studio debates, interviews, karting competition, and great car reviews. What makes them so distinctive from any American car show, is that they speak their mind, even if a car is basically terrible. Much like an American version of BBC's world famous Top Gear. The Garage419 staff are trying their best improving the show from each episode start.

Well, last Thursday's episode was epic. The challenge was to make an "epic race" just like Top Gear, Garage419 style. So instead of using an Aston Martin DB9, Matt Farah was driving the Dodge Challenger SRT-8 (on a single tank of gas), and racing his colleagues from New York City to Washington D.C. J.F Musial took the plane, and Tom Albrecht took Amtrak rail. So the race was set. Each member used Google’s Latitude service to track each other’s progress.

Which is the quickest way from New York to Washington? Well, I'm not going to spoil the end. So, please watch and ENJOY!

Source : [Garage419.com via YouTube]

Report: Dodge Challenger outsells Ford Mustang last month

Picture from MotorTrend.com, by Wesley Allison

The dream has come true to Dodge. According to Febuary's sales report, the Dodge Challenger outsold the Ford's iconic Mustang, which is the fastest selling car in history yet, by 293 units. So with a good advertising campaign, the Dodge coupe racked up 3,283 sales during a very challenging month. So it's now officially recognized, the Dodge Challenger beat the Ford Mustang for this month.

Sadly however, Dodge won't be having a happy ending dream. Because, the Chevrolet Camaro is going into regular production on this March the 16th, and already has over 10,000 pre-orders on the books. The Mustang won't be left over too. Sales for the 'Stang have been low since everyone is waiting for the all-new 2010 Mustang.

Since the whole motoring and media press are falling in-love with the heavily-advertised Camaro, and the Americans favoring the legendary Mustang as the flag-ship muscle car, it seems the Challenger doesn't have a chance in out selling both its rivals in the future. But, it's always to the Challenger as the more special muscle car.



Source : [Chrysler, Ford]

Bargains: 2009 400+ horsepower being offered for $35,000: Pontiac G8 GXP, Dodge Charger SRT8

With the global economic down-turn, and global-warming, prices of gas-guzzling high-performance cars are going down. What more, with GM's and Chrysler's financial situation, cars like the Pontiac G8 GXP and Dodge Charger SRT-8 are now being offered with huge discounts. The 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP, which has a starting price of $37,610, is being offered with 0% financing and $3,000 cash-back. And with a gas-guzzler tax of $1,700, the price dropped, at a total of $36,310. Which is quite surprisingly cheap for an Australian-import with GM's 6.2L LS3 V8 with 415 hp.The $41,120 2009 Dodge Charger SRT-8 is being offered at $38,970 after the Employee Pricing discount. After that, there's an additional 2,000 cash-back, plus another $1,000 cash-back if "Chrysler Financial to finance your car" is used. That brings your price down to only $34,516 for a whopping 425 hp 6.1L HEMI.

So in fact, the only cars we can buy these days, are American super sedans, because they'll never be as cheap. It what people call "bargain of the century" !

Source : [KickingTires]

Please participate with the poll below, to know what people prefer best.

New Reveal : 2009 SMS 570 Challenger

We love the Dodge Challenger, so does Saleen. Steve Saleen's new company, SMS Supecars, has just tuned their first car yet. And it's the Dodge Challenger R/T with a 5.7L HEMI V8. It's a direct competitor to the Hennessey-tuned Chevrolet Camaro.
A man like Saleen , will first tune the engine, so he did. The standard SMS Challenger gets 500hp in the 570 model, but add a turbo or a super charger, and it jumps up to 700hp in the 570X model. And this amazing power connected to a 6-speed TREMEC manual gearbox, so it could hit 60 mph in under 4 seconds. And if there's enough space, it'll be going all the way to 200 mph!
Moving on to the exterior part, including: re-designed grill, 20-inch rims, re-designed brake-lights, new front & rear bumpers and finally aero-dynamic front & rear splitters. As a result, this tuned Challenger looks brutal. That's fantastic for a muscle car.
As for the price, it starts from $50,000, with the added power, it rockets to $70,000. That's a lot for a Challenger, and they're a lot of competitors out their. But none, with this price, has 700hp.

Source: [SMS Supercars]

New Reveal : 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic package

Dodge has unveiled the new Dodge Challenger R/T Classic which pay homage to the old Challengers with some memorable blast-from-the-past design cues. Based on the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T, the Challenger R/T Classic package features dual-throwback A-line body-side R/T stripes, ‘Challenger’ fender badgings in classic script font, 20-inch American muscle polished-chrome wheels, classic egg-crate grille with R/T badging, body-color rear-spoiler and a chrome fuel-filler door.
Power comes from the same 5.7L HEMI V8 as the standard 2009 Challenger R/T. It sits under a raised performance hood with functional hood scoops that increase engine cooling. It produces a total of 375hp with a maximum torque of 410lb-ft. Mated to a Tremec 6-speed manual transmission the Challenger R/T Classic can go from 0 to 60mph in less than 6 seconds. A 5-speed automatic is also available with multi-displacement system that allows the Challenger R/T Classic to operate on 4-cylinders.
The 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic is available in Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl, Bright Silver Metallic, Stone White and three Dodge heritage colors HEMI Orange, TorRed and B5 Blue. Pricing starts at $34,005 with orders being taken now. So if you want the most retro version of the most retro modern muscle car, and with a V8 fire-power, then hurry up.

Source: [Dodge]

Complete Reveal List Of The 2009 Detroit Auto Show

Because there were many reveals at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, our readers want a list out of every single reveal of the show, in one post. So here we go:

Audi:
1) 2009 Audi A7 Sportback Concept
2) 2010 Audi R8 V10

BMW:
1) 2010 BMW Z4

Buick:
1) 2010 Buick LaCrosse

Cadillac:
1) 2009 Cadillac Converj Concept
2) 2010 Cadillac SRX

Chevrolet:
1) 2009 Chevrolet Spark Concept
2) 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

Chrysler:
1) 2009 Chrysler 200C Concept

Dodge:
1) 2010 Dodge Circuit EV

Fisker:
1) 2009 Fisker Karma S Concept
2) 2010 Fisker Karma Hybrid Sedan

Ford:
1) 2010 Ford-Shelby GT500
2) 2010 Ford EcoBoost Flex
3) 2010 Ford Taurus

Honda:
1) 2010 Honda Insight

Jaguar:
1) 2009 Jaguar XFR prototype (Bonneville run)
2) 2010 Jaguar XK
3) 2010 Jaguar XFR

Kia:
1) 2009 Kia Soul’ster Concept

Lexus:
1) 2010 Lexus HS 250h

Lincoln:
1) 2009 Lincoln C Concept
2) 2010 Lincoln MKT

Mercedes-Benz:
1) 2009 Mercedes-Benz Concept Blue-ZERO
2) 2010 Mercedes-McLaren SLR Stirling Moss
2) 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mini:
1) 2010 Mini Cooper Cabrio

Subaru:
1) 2009 Subaru Legacy Concept

Tesla:
1) 2010 Tesla Roadster S

Toyota:
1) 2009 Toyota FT-EV Concept
2) 2010 Toyota Camry
3) 2010 Toyta Prius

Volkswagen:
1) 2009 Volkswagen Bluesport Concept

Volvo:
1) 2009 Volvo S60 Concept

And here's the awards given at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show:
2009 North American Car of the Year
2009 North American Truck of the Year

New Reveal At Detroit: 2010 Dodge Circuit EV

Chrysler introduced Lotus Europa based Dodge EV back in September. Last time Chrysler called it Dodge EV Concept. Now this all-electric sports car has a new name: Circuit EV. In addition to the new name, it also has a new look.It's pretty much the same as the concept, but there are a few noticeable changes. Dodge added there traditional crosshair grille, and deep scallop on sides. New wheels and the orange paint job make this electric car one of the best looking electric sports car we have seen in a while.The new Circuit EV keeps the powertrain. It's a lithium-ion battery electric motor, that develops 268hp. However, because this car is small and light, it can hit 60mph in under 5 seconds, and reach-out at 120mph. On the drag strip, it finishes the quarter mile mark in 13 seconds. These performance figures, are quite similar to most SRT-8 Dodge and Chrysler cars.However, with the SRT-8's 6.1L HEMI, it slips fuel size of deserts each yard. Whereas the Circuit EV, can run between 150-200 miles without even a sip of fuel, Dodge claims.

This is the production form of this car. And it's expected that Dodge will produce it, but at very limited production lines. However, we think if Dodge priced it right, this could hit on its other rivals easy. Simply because it's appealing.

Source: [Dodge]

Ward’s Auto reveals '10 Best Engines' list for 2009

With the end of the 2008 year, awards for everything amazing in this years are being revealed. And Ward's Auto has just released its annual list of 10 Best Engines for the new year. Ward's Auto have been testing engines all year, and they came up now with the 10 best.

The winning engines are:

- Audi: 2.0L TFSI turbocharged DOHC I4 (A4 Avant)
- BMW: 3.0L turbocharged DOHC I6 (135i Coupe)
- BMW: 3.0L DOHC I6 Turbodiesel (335d)
- Chrysler: 5.7L Hemi OHV V8 (Dodge Ram/Challenger R/T)
- Ford: 2.5L DOHC I4 HEV (Escape Hybrid)
- General Motors: 3.6L DOHC V6 (Cadillac CTS)
- Honda: 3.5L SOHC V6 (Accord Coupe)
- Hyundai: 4.6L DOHC V8 (Genesis)
- Toyota: 3.5L DOHC V6 (Lexus IS 350)
- Volkswagen: 2.0L SOHC I4 Turbodiesel (Jetta TDI)

Our impression of the list is that, Ward's Auto seem to have forgotten a lot of amazing engines that have come this year. Such as the VQ engine in the Infiniti G37, and the fantastic 3.8L twinturbo V6 in the Nissan GT-R, or the high-revving 4.0L BMW V8 in the M3. And let's not forget the best engine of all (in our opinion), the 6.2L supercharged V8 in the Corvette ZR-1 and the Cadillac CTS-V. So the list isn't that great, but there's a lot more awards to come.

Source : [Ward's Auto ]

2010 Ford Mustang priced cheaper than Challenger, Camaro

When Ford debut the new Mustang at the LA Auto Show, they haven't announced the pricing of this pony car. But now, they've did. Base price for a standard V6-powered 2010 Mustang is reportedly $21,845, including delivery charge. For comparison, its biggest competitor will surely be the Camaro, which starts at $22,995. The other revived pony car is the Dodge Challenger, which in base V6 SE form begins with a $22,545 sticker price. Each of these entry-level models comes equipped with a standard V6 engine, though the Challenger comes only with a four-speed automatic while its competitors offer a stick. Anyone wanting an open-air experience has no choice but to opt for the Ford, as the Blue Oval's offering is the only modern musclecar with an optional drop-top.

Moving on to the higher-up V8 GT model, Ford reported that it would start at $27,995. Like the base V6 model, the GT is the cheapest among the big pony cars. The V8-powered Camaro starts at $30,995. And the Challenger HEMI V8 R/T model is a little cheaper than the Camaro, at $30,545. But let us not forget that the Mustang GT is down on power compared to its deadliest rivals.

However, there's a clue with Ford cheap pricing for the Mustang. Whereas the Shelby GT500 is expect to be priced around $42,000, there's a huge price gap between the GT and the GT500. So the question comes, will Ford come up with a Mustang to fill in that gap? Well rumors reported that Ford may come up with a 5.0L V8 Mustang with 400hp at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show in January. So we have to wait until then.

Source : [Ford]

Best Car Offer : Buy one Dodge Ram, get another one FREE

With desspred times for Chrysler/Dodge, and U.S Congress delaying the $25 billion loan, Dodge needs to sell their cars in any way. To show you how desspred Dodge is, they are now offering what should be the best offer in history.

Which is, "Buy one new Dodge Ram, get a second Dodge Ram at no additional cost,". And yes, that does mean, buy one get one free! So if anybody is in the market for a pick-up truck, now you can get 2. Even if you're not interested in a pick-up, you can take this offer, and then sell the two cars as an investment. So, will you take the offer?

Source: [Rob Lambdin's University Dodge]

Video : Drag race between Dodge EV vs Dodge Challenger SRT-8

When Dodge revealed the EV prototype, they set to aim this car against the Tesla Roadster. For those who don't know the Dodge EV, it's a 2-door electric coupe originally based on the Lotus Europa S.

However, with its 0-60MPH time of less than 5 seconds, and covering quarter-mile in 13 seconds, this electric coupe is right up with its bigger brother, the Challenger SRT-8. So Dodge had to pitch them together in a drag race to find out which is the fastest.

The Challenger SRT-8 is full muscle. It uses a 6.1L HEMI V8 to give out 425hp and 420lb-ft of torque. Because it has a heavy V8, the Challenger weighs 1.859 ton. On the other hand, the EV stands to the famous Lotus philosophy, "simplify, and add lightness". The small EV uses a small electric motor which gives out 200hp, but because it's a battery engine, the EV has 480lb-ft of torque. And let us not forget, the EV weighs just 995 kilos, so it's 864 kilos lighter than the Challenger.

So who's the winner? Is it the retro muscle car, or the modern electric sports car? Watch the video and find out.

New Reveal At SEMA : Best collection of Challengers

At the 2008 SEMA show, the Dodge Challenger has made the show all about it. Simply because all tuning companies have done their own customized Challenger. So I'll post them all in one post so you can mark out the differences between them. We first start out with:

1. Dodge Challenger SRT-10 Concept: Tuned by Dodge. It's the only Challenger here without a HEMI. However, it features the monsterious 8.4L V10 from the Dodge Viper. Developing 600hp and 560lb-ft of torque, this is a fascinating combination of absolute power and rock 'n roll '60s muscle car styling. To support all that power, the SRT-10 features upgraded Brembo brakes and BILSTEIN shocks at all four corners to improve handling balance. And to give the SRT-10 a distinctive look, it comes with a fresh coat of Tornado Red paint with a carbon-fiber deck lid and hood. The “shaker hood” is a nostalgic representation of the 1970 HEMI Cuda. If it hits production, expect this to cost around 80,000$. So that puts it as a nemesis to the Mustang GT500 KR. You can also enjoy hearing the V10 in this video!

2. Dodge Challenger Drag Pack: Tuned by Dodge. It's designed by Mopar and specialized for drag races. Its biggest rival is the Mustang FR500 Cobra Jet. However, where the Mustang has to work with a 500hp 5.4L supercharged V8, the Challenger drag car here has three engine choices. A 5.7L or 6.1L HEMI or a 5.9L Magnum Wedge - all V8s, ofcourse. Modifications include a stripped down interior, wide drag wheels and a gigantic hood scoop. Expect prices to start around 55,000$.

3. Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger: Tuned by Mopar. This is a drift car designed for Sam Hubinette, who is a drift-racing driver for Dodge. Ofcourse, it is equipped by the usual drift cars, such as a functional large spoiler, stripped out interior with a roll cage and slick tyres. And to get Sam into the drifting champion, he has 850hp HEMI V8!

4. Mopar Challenger Targa: Tuned by Dodge's best partner, Mopar. The C Challenger Targa was built to campaign in the Targa Newfoundland endurance race. It features a 540hp 5.7L HEMI V8 with 490 lb-ft of torque, a Tremec six-speed manual and a modified rear diff. It wears the same acid green paint you can order on the Viper and also features a KW race-ready suspension with massive Stop-Tech six-piston calipers. And with its mad green paint, black rims and Mopar stickers, this has to be one of the best looking Challengers here.

5. Mopar Challenger Blacktop: Tuned by Mopar. This is a black-on-black Challenger. You'll notice the red accents on the grill's lip as if it has eaten someone. It simply looks like a murdering monster! Sadly, it retains the stock car's 375hp 5.7L HEMI V8 and uses the same six-speed manual gearbox. However, with a Mopar cat-back exhaust and cold air intake, there isn't any car that the looks work with the engine noise in such perfect harmony. So my perfect Challenger would be the Blacktop with Targa power.

6. Classic Design Concepts widebody Dodge Challenger: Tuned by Classic Design. It features appearance modifications including widened fenders, stainless steel mesh grille, and functional aluminum shaker hood. Under the hood, it gets a Vortech supercharger to give power with over 500hp. Other performance upgrades include a Pypes cat-back exhaust system, KW adjustable coilover suspension, and 15-inch Baer brakes. The best thing about this Challenger is the widened fenders, with it it looks more aggressive than the standard Challenger.

7. Group Five Limited twin-turbo G5/R Challenger: Tuned by Group Five. This is one of the rare Challengers that uses twin turbos for boosting the engine rather than a supercharger. With them, you're looking at a Challenger with over 600hp. Visual enhancements include, a mesh grill, black rims, two-toned silver-over-black paint, custom body kit, blacked-out tail-lights. Mechanical enhancements are Eibach lowering springs, cold air induction kits and Kooks headers with Corsa cat-back tuned exhaust systems.

8. Hurst Hemi Challenger: Tuned by Hurst. The Hurst tuning is set to turn the Challenger from a hot rod muscle car into a gentleman's luxury. So it includes a white paint with gold strips and gold rims. Inside, its in total luxury specially with the Hurst Pistol shifter. However, this doesn't mean that the Hurst can't perform. It's available with 2 engine sizes, a 5.7L HEMI and 6.1L HEMI, and you can get your Hurst up to 530hp.

9. Mr. Norm's AAR 'Cuda: Tuned by Mr.Norm. It started out as a standard Dodge Challenger. However, Mr.Norm wants to change the Challenger into a replicate of an AAR 1970 'Cuda. So it includes custom front grill and custom tail-lights to represent the 1970 Plymouth Barracuda. However, he didn't leave the engine. Mr.Norm's Challenger had added a supercharger to the 6.1L HEMI, and now produces 900hp! That's right, 900hp! Simply, this is the hottest Challenger/'Cuda you can get.

10. Newport Convertible Engineering Challenger Convertible: Tuned by NCE. This is car that Dodge will never make. Simply because Dodge announced that they won't offer a Challenger convertible. So this car is rather special. All what NCE did to this Challenger SRT-8, is hatch-off the hard metal roof, and gave it a reactable cloth roof. And just for SEMA, they gave this Challenger 21-inch Nitto rims.

So there you have it. These may not be all the Challengers in SEMA, but trust me, these are the worth seeing.

Video : Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept

About 3 weeks ago, we covered a story about the customized Dodge Challenger SRT-10, and you may remember it. If you don't, here it comes again at SEMA. This is a Dodge Challenger powered by 8.4L V10 from the Viper. Developing 600hp and 560lb-ft of torque, this is a fascinating combination of absolute power and rock 'n roll '60s muscle car styling. And now, Dodge released a video at SEMA showing this appealing concept car, and you can hear the fabulous rumbly V10 noise.

Enjoy the video everyone!

New Revel : Coach Builders Convertible Package for Dodge Challenger

Coach Builders is famous for building the Chrysler 300C convertible and Cadillac CTS convertible . Because Dodge announced that they won't make a Challenger cabrio , Coach Builders decided to make one . This car will debut at the SEMA Auto Show next November . Ofcourse this being a convertible , Coach Builders will be providing new strut bars and body reinforcements for the cabrio muscle car . They also add a Vortech supercharger for the SRT8 , to jump the power to 560hp and 510 lb-ft of torque . Outside , there's a new hood scoop and some ugly gigantic 22 inch rims .

The cost of this package alone , is a dizzying 16,000$ . You can buy a brand new car with that ! This package can be equipped with any model of Challenger . So if you ought to get a Challenger SE V6 for 22,000 but with Coach Builders package , it'll rise up to a whopping 38,000$ . Not only is this 13,000$ more expensive than a Mustang V6 convertible , but you could get a Challenger SRT8 for that money . However , This green one is a SRT8 with the package , and it'll set you back $58,000 ! Everyone can think of a lot of mods for the Challenger with this money before actually cutting the roof .

So this package ruins the price of the Challenger . But in my mind , it ruins the amazing image of the hardtop Challenger as well . If you look at a hardtop Challenger , you'll be thinking of words like "old-school" , "dangerous" , "bad ass" , "hard-core" and ofcourse "pure muscle car" . But when you look at this , all what we're going to say is , "a big soft roady" . I'm one of the biggest fans of the hardtop Challenger , but this doesn't float my boat . Now we know why Dodge refused to the idea of a convertible Challenger . Please anyone who thinks else of this Challenger , share it with us.

Drawing Of The Week : Dodge Viper

As you may noticed , Drawing - Chief : Mohammad Al-Khatib loves American cars . And he's very sad about about Dodge selling the Viper name . So to relax himself from his sadness , he had to draw it . And he did . However , it took him alot of time to make it . About 10 hours to be exact . And everyone who see it , has to appreciate the hard work on details . Describe the drawing in one word is hard , but I would say it's "fantastic" !

Let me what you see in the comments . And next week we'll be featuring another drawing . So keep tuned .

New Revel : 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT10 !

As you may know , Dodge is selling the Viper name to either Roush or Saleen . But they somehow want to keep the monster V10 . So before they lose the right of using this engine , they fitted it to their maddest car yet . The Challenger . And while the Challenger SRT8 is pretty scary enough , if it had teeth it would go around eating lions , this Challenger SRT10 is the one who'll eat the SRT8 , if it hits production . Because until now , it's a concept . But it will be unveiled at the SEMA auto show in 3 weeks time , where they might call it a production model .

So what is it then ? It's a normal Challenger , with normal comfortable SRT seats & a big trunk . But because it's powered by a Viper 8.4-liter V10 engine that delivers 600 hp and 560 lb. ft. of torque , there isn't anything normal about it . That's 180 hp more than the SRT8 ! And unlike Ford who added 200 hp in GT500 than the GT , and then didn't do anything to the suspension or the brakes ; this smokey monster has upgraded Brembo brakes and BILSTEIN shocks at all four corners to improve handling balance . Outside , it's a proper "old-school" muscle car . Including a fresh coat of Tornado Red paint with a carbon-fiber deck lid and hood. The “shaker hood” is a nostalgic representation of the 1970 HEMI Cuda .

The question here is , can Dodge actually build a production version of Challenger SRT10 now that it has Viper's V10 fitted between its front wheels ? If they did , prices should start around 80,000 $ . Same price as a 540hp Mustang GT500 KR . But the SRT10 will surely smash the pony !

PRESS RELEASE from Dodge :

Dodge Challenger SRT10 ConceptAuburn Hills, Mich., Oct 14, 2008 - The opportunity for SRT engineering to "one-up" itself comes to fruition with the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept. Power for the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept comes from the Dodge Viper 8.4-liter, all-aluminum V-10 engine with 600 horsepower and 560 lb. ft. of torque. It's a vehicle that delivers the well-known SRT credo of benchmark performance. The Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept includes a fresh coat of Tornado Red paint with a carbon-fiber deck lid and hood. The "shaker hood" is a nostalgic representation of the 1970 HEMI Cuda, giving the 600-hp Viper V-10 engine room to breathe. Brakes have been upgraded and BILSTEIN® shocks at all four corners improve handling balance. The interior boasts sport seats and carbon-fiber accents throughout and, of course, true to the Viper-powered vehicle lineage, a red engine start push-button in the dash.

PICTURES :