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General Discussion about the Dodge SRT-4. No Performance questions.
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Have Modifications? Want to ask about a mod? Having problems with a certain mod? Ask and post here! Turbo Timers, Intakes, Boost controllers, Exhausts, BOV, Mopar Staged kits, Shifter kits, FMIC's, etc...
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Got that killer stereo setup? Playing PS2 while driving down the highway? Well, we might condone one, but not the other!
A company doesn't usually send out a press release to announce production of a new engine, but these days Chrysler can use all the good press it can get. And good press this most certainly is, as the new Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 marks the first real step in the rebirth of Chrysler.
The new V6 engine will significantly reduce overall costs as Chrysler will replace seven different V6 engines currently used across the company's lineup with this one motor. Chrysler also claims it will reduce fuel consumption by at least 25 percent. Power output will also increase considerably, with 280-hp and 260 ft-lbs of torque available from the V6 when it debuts later this year in the new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Later this year should also arrive in the new Chrysler 300C and Dodge Charger models, mated to a six-speed Dual Dry Clutch Transmission (DDCT).
But the best news of all is confirmation that Chrysler has built the engine to be compatible with more advanced technologies, meaning that in the future it will get Fiat's Multiair variable valve timing, direct-injection and turbocharging.
Previously it was thought this technology might only be used in pricey European models (Alfa Romeo perhaps?), but the fact that Chrysler thought to mention it speaks volumes. Perhaps, the company is looking to follow after Ford's EcoBoost plan and bring a Turbo Pentastar V6 to market as a V8 alternative?
2009 was an up-and-down year for Samuel Hübinette who has been a two-time Formula DRIFT champion and Hollywood stunt driver. Notorious for ripping it up in a Mopar-backed Viper SRT10 for many years and nicknamed The Crazy Swede by fellow competitors, Hübinette had a difficult start with his Mopar-backed Charger in 2009; and then mid-season Mopar was forced to back out of their sponsorship altogether due to difficult economic times.
As if the 2009 season couldn't get any more tumultuous, Hübinette's NuFormz team owner, Shaun Carlson, tragically passed away in October. Question marks were raised everywhere as one of the most talented drivers in the Formula DRIFT series seemed to be without a full ride. But talent always prevails, and Hübinette has finally announced his big plans for 2010.
Now factory-backed by Dodge, Hübinette will be campaigning his all new Dodge Challenger while teammate Andrew “ACP” Comrie-Picard (new to Formula DRIFT) will be swinging sideways in the familiar and championship-winning Viper SRT-10. Samuel Hübinette Racing also welcomes back the partnership of BFGoodrich tires. Hübinette looks forward to a strong and successful 2010 drifting season and we wouldn't be surprised if he'll be back in championship form with all his expertise and experience over the years.
We'll be sure to keep an eye on both drivers, when the season kicks off in Long Beach, CA on April 9-10.
You've likely heard a lot about Toyota's woes over the past several months and there's one automaker who couldn't be happier to be out of the hot-seat – Chrysler. While sales are only down three percent so far this year, over half of Chrysler's sales have been to fleets, which is never a positive sign and simply kills a car's resale value.
A member of the Big Three, Chrysler isn't so big any more, slipping to 7th place in the U.S., when you examine just sales to customers. Edmunds.com says consumer sales have dropped 44 percent. Comparatively, Toyota's consumer sales have dipped just 14 percent, even with a still struggling economy and massive recalls that have smeared the Japanese automaker's once-good name.
Chrysler representatives are very much aware of their company's problems but even with new Fiat ownership and leadership, new and updated models will take time to come to market. "We have to rebuild consumers' confidence in the company," said a comany spokeswoman to CNN Money. "The fact that large companies are willing to buy our vehicles helps rebuild that confidence, so fleet is part our businesses strategy."
Fleet sales will help sustain Chrysler in the short term, but improved consumer sales are the only viable long-term solution.
The problem appears to be with the brand image, as according to Erich Merkle, president of Autoconomy.com, even highly-acclaimed vehicles like the new Dodge Ram are suffering, despite winning this year's Motor Trend Truck of the Year award.
For Chrysler to change its perception, it will take many long years and quality products, the first of which is expected this year in the new Jeep Grand Cherokee. After that, Chrysler will roll out several updated versions of its most popular models, while a longer-term strategy will have new, possibly Fiat-based, compact and mid-size models hit the market.
We've already seen a few spy photos of the updated Dodge Charger, but a selection of new images now reveals some impressive updates to the big sedan's interior. Likely a high-end trim level, the photos show an impressive two-tone interior with leather door inserts, stitched into patterns. The instrumentation looks nicer overall and the new gauges have a retro feel with plenty of aluminum color trim. There's also a sporty three-spoke steering wheel and a push button ignition.
These updates, along with a revised exterior with a more sloping rear roofline, should arrive for the 2011 or 2012 model year. The updated car is also expected to get a new standard 3.6-liter V6 with more power (280-hp most likely) and much improved fuel economy, while the HEMI 6.1-liter V8 will be replaced by a 6.4-liter V8 with cylinder deactivation and Fiat's MultiAir variable valve timing.
We're interested to get a closer look when these much-needed updates make it to market.
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