Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli confirmed this week that Chrysler will be remodeling the full-size sedans in the form of a new Charger and Chrysler 300 and a new Jeep. It is obvious that none of these models will be fuel efficient. With that being said we are wondering how many units of each will be produced.
It looks as if Chrysler will be dropping either the Dodge Nitro or the Jeep Liberty within the next four years. However, instead of letting them go completely they will be merging the two vehicles into one. These two cars will be produced on the same platform and will use almost the same type of engines and will even be created in the same Toledo plant.
Chrysler stated this week that they are going over their options for the Dodge Viper. They have been approached by several third parties who have expressed their interest in the sports car.
For now Chrysler will be focusing on its core Dodge portfolio and will be launching four new Dodge cars in 2009. The new cars will be the Challenger, Ram, Journey, and Durango Hybrid.
A Dodge Viper was spotted this week hanging around the Nurburgring track - which leads us to believe that it could be the new Viper ACR. The viper was red and black and was caught on one of the many cameras surrounding the ‘Ring.
Dodge released a statement this week telling consumers that they will be shutting down the Saltillo plant in Mexico for two weeks. This plant produced close to 170,000 Ram trucks last year along – but because of the poor economy they have seen a dramatic decline in sales this week. Last month the sales dropped 25%.
Pamela Anderson is auctioning off her 2000 Dodge Viper and giving the proceeds of the sale to PETA. Pam said, “I’ve been working with PETA for 15 years. They’re kind of my ethical advisers. With them, I see actual results.”
A Viper is one of the sportier cars that Dodge offers and we can only imagine that this one is in good condition despite being almost 8 years old. The fact that we never see her riding it makes us wonder if it has really every been used at all.
Dodge customers will be happy to know that the 2009 Dodge Challenger has been priced around $20,000. There are actually three different models available and each model will be priced according to the features that they offer.
The entry level SE comes equipped with 250-hp 3.5-liter V-6 and a four-speed automatic and is priced at $21,995. But if you hanker for a Hemi, your V-8 lust will cost you a bit more. The mid-grade Challenger R/T, priced at $29,995, includes the 370-hp 5.7-liter V-8 underhood. A five-speed automatic comes standard, but for an extra $995, the “Track Pak” package includes a Tremec six-speed manual, limited-slip differential, hill-start assist, and performance tuned steering.
LEGO bricks can create almost anything these days. We were excited to see this ‘working’ V8 engine built from LEGO bricks and parts. Following the build, it’s easy to see how many transformations that this engine has gone through before the current pushrod version, which operates pretty well at an indicated 1,780 revolutions per minute. This is a fitting engine design, considering that it’s slated to get dropped into a Dodge Challenger replica.
Chrysler will be offering a drag pack for the new Dodge Challenger. It will be equipped with a hi-po version (which is also on the Hemi V8 and the 5.9 liter Magnum). Before it can be sold it first has to pass inspection by the National Hot Rod Association.
If approved they will certify it for racing and will be entered into the Stock Eliminator class. Patricia Georgevich a spokeswoman from Chrysler stated that Chrysler is plannind on introducing the new car in July.