Car Blog

A blog covering the auto industry with test drives and commentary on articles from other sites

One Millionth Chrysler Pentastar V-6 Engine Produced at Trenton Engine Assembly Plant

Just 18 months following the start of production as the standard engine for the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the one millionth Pentastar V-6 engine was assembled at the Chrysler Group’s Trenton (Mich.) Engine Assembly Plant.

“The Pentastar engine is a cornerstone of Chrysler Group’s effort to reinvent its business model with world class quality products. This award-winning engine is proof that the Company is transforming its products to meet the needs of our customers,” said Brian Harlow, Vice President, Head of Powertrain Manufacturing, Chrysler Group LLC. “To build one million of anything, and in an impressively short amount of time, is a significant achievement. But to do it with such a high degree of quality is a testament to our skilled and dedicated workforce at both Trenton South and Saltillo engine plants.”

The 60-degree, V-6 engine, the most advanced six-cylinder ever produced by Chrysler, is now available in 11 vehicles across the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep lineup and available in front-, rear-, and all-wheel-drive configurations. Depending on the vehicle, engines are tuned for specific applications with horsepower ranging from 283 on front-wheel-drive models and up to 305 horsepower on the sporty Dodge Challenger. The all-aluminum engine is standard or available on the Chrysler, 200, 300 and Town and Country; Dodge Avenger, Challenger, Charger, Durango, Journey and Caravan. Read the rest of this entry »


New Chrysler Pentastar V-6 Engine Earns ‘Ten Best’ Kudos from Ward’s Automotive

Chrysler LLC Powertrain’s newest engine, the Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6, has been recognized by Ward’s Automotive as one of the ‘Ten Best” engines for 2010.

Introduced in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the new engine will soon be available in 10 vehicles across the 2011 Chrysler line-up including Chrysler 200, 300 and Town & Country minivans; Dodge Avenger, Challenger, Charger, Durango and Journey, and Dodge  gTown & Country . By 2014 the new Pentastar V-6 is expected to account for more than one third of the powertrains in the Chrysler line-up and will substantially contribute to achieving an overall corporate fuel efficiency improvement of 25 percent.

“We designed the new Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 to meet a variety of requirements in terms of fuel efficiency and power for passenger cars, minivans and sport utilities,” said Bob Lee, vice president of engine engineering and advanced propulsion systems for Chrysler. “Already we are looking forward to adapting future technologies to the Pentastar V-6 as they become available for even more fuel efficiency and performance.”

“Every year, Ward’s Automotive recognizes the industry leaders in engine technology,” said Drew Winter, editor at Ward’s Automotive. “The new Pentastar delivers on all fronts including fuel economy, lower emissions and power.”

Slated to be Chrysler’s new workhorse V-6, the new 3.6-liter Pentastar will replace seven current V-6 engines ranging in displacements from 2.7 – 4.0-liters by 2013.


NASA and Chrysler establish Partnership to explore advanced technologies

A new agreement between NASA and Chrysler may put rocket science on the road and automotive technologies in space. The collaboration seeks to use technologies originally developed for human spaceflight to enhance future vehicles and adapt advanced automotive technology for use in space.

Through its Innovative Partnerships Program, NASA has entered into a non-reimbursable Space Act Agreement with Chrysler Group LLC to coordinate technology development and pursue partnership opportunities in areas such as mobility systems, advanced materials and wireless technologies. The goal of the agreement is to advance technologies in areas of common technical interest by leveraging each organization’s skills and expertise. Some of the areas to be reviewed include materials engineering, robotics, radar and battery systems.

“The investment in NASA technologies has led to hundreds of applications here on Earth for several decades now, and this collaboration with Chrysler promises to continue that tradition,” said Mike Coats, director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

NASA has worked with the Chrysler Group on previous space ventures. In 1961, Chrysler built Redstone rockets for the Mercury Project that put the first American in space. Also, Chrysler built boosters to power the first two Apollo spacecraft, launching Apollo 7 into Earth orbit and Apollo 8 on its way to the moon.

For more information about NASA’s Innovative Partnerships Program, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/offices/ipp/home


Ram Truck brand’s all-new Chassis Cab priced lowest in industry

Chrysler announced pricing for the all-new 2011 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab models. Prices start at $28,550, $37,265 and $38,975, respectively, and include the commercial-grade Cummins Turbo Diesel engines as standard equipment on 4500 and 5500 models. Ram Chassis Cab trucks have the lowest base prices in the chassis cab segment and the best powertrain warranty in the industry: 5 years/100,000 miles.

“When Chassis Cab buyers are shopping for proven reliability, they should put the Ram — and the dependability and hard-working reputation of its Cummins Turbo Diesel — at the top of their list,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “Ram Chassis Cab models offer a higher level of value and durability for the customer who relies on their truck everyday to make a living. Our class 3, 4, and 5 trucks can handle everything from utility service to tow-truck applications to feed hauling.”

Competitive pricing and outstanding features on the most popular option packages make Ram Chassis Cab models attractive choices over the competition.

  • Ram 3500 Chassis Cab 4×2 Regular Cab ST MSRP $28,550–the lowest-priced chassis cab available on the market
  • Ram 3500 Chassis Cab 4×2 Crew Cab ST MSRP $31,760–the lowest-priced crew cab in the segment
  • Ram 4500 Chassis Cab 4×2 Regular Cab ST MSRP $37,265–6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel standard
  • Ram 5500 Chassis Cab 4×4 Regular Cab ST MSRP $42,685–6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel standard

Ram has added loads of no-cost standard content to the all-new Chassis Cab. Among the outstanding new features are more interior storage, more rear-seat crew cab legroom, full-size rear crew cab doors, standard power door locks and windows and quick access to engine hours, transmission temperature, oil temperature and emission system information.

At the same time, Ram increased the Chassis Cab’s capability by increasing axle ratings and gross vehicle ratings, yet retained the same proven chassis and powertrain. Upfitters will also find plenty to like, with integrated auxiliary switches, single-set power take-off (PTO) speed and torque converter lockup in PTO mode.

The all-new 2011 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab comes standard with the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 gasoline engine, delivering a best-in-class 383 horsepower (286 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 400 lb.-ft. of torque (542 N*m) at 4,000 rpm.

Standard on 4500 and 5500 models and available on the 3500 is the legendary 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine with 305 horsepower (224 kW) at 3,000 rpm and 610 lb.-ft. of torque (827 N*m) at only 1,600 rpm. Recognizing that capability is crucial to the customer, the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel is available with no year-over-year price increase.

The Ram Chassis Cab is the only vehicle in its segment to offer a manual six speed transmission, standard on all diesel models. Ram Chassis Cabs also feature the largest standard fuel tank in the segment — 52 gallons — providing increased uptime.

All Ram Chassis Cab models are available in two cab styles, including regular cab and the all-new, full-size crew cab.

Three trim levels are available (ST, SLT, Laramie) with all-new exterior and interior styling based on the award-winning Ram 1500 and Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups.

By working with truck body suppliers, Ram Truck engineers gave the all-new 2011 Ram Chassis Cab an upfitter-friendly design, providing customers with a less expensive, worry-free experience in their choice of work body adaptation to the vehicle.

The all-new 2011 Ram Chassis Cab lineup arrives in dealerships in the second quarter of 2011.


Chrysler 300 Haiti Edition autographed by hundreds of celebrities to be auctioned February 20

Stars For A Cause, in collaboration with the Chrysler Brand, is proud to auction off a Chrysler 300 “Haiti” edition signed by hundreds of celebrities to benefit the American Red Cross Haitian Relief Fund. This one of a kind vehicle will be auctioned on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 2pm Central Time by Leake Auction Company during their annual collector car auction in Oklahoma City.

“The celebrities including Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Sophia Loren and hundreds more were only too happy to assist the humanitarian crisis in Haiti,” said George Braunstein, co-founder of Stars For A Cause, a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization. “We have chosen Leake Auction Company for their experience in charity auctions, their honorable reputation, and their location in the heart of America as a symbolic gesture.”

“It is our social responsibility to assist in any way we can to help contribute to the relief efforts,” said Olivier Francois, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chrysler brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “Hundreds of celebrity signatures now grace the exterior of the Chrysler 300 Haiti edition thanks to the actors and actresses attending a recent red carpet event and we are hopeful the car will raise a significant amount of money at auction, which will be given to the American Red Cross for their Haiti relief efforts.”

“Our hearts go out to the people in Haiti. The devastation they have suffered is unimaginable,” said Richard Sevenoaks, president of Leake Auction Company. “We are honored to work with Stars For A Cause and Chrysler to auction off the autographed Chrysler 300 Haiti during our Oklahoma City auction. We are looking forward to raising money to help Haiti.”

Stars For A Cause will auction the car with 100% of the proceeds generated going to the American Red Cross Haitian Relief Fund.

Stars For A Cause is a unique charity fundraiser. Launched in 2007, Stars For A Cause has helped raise money for various charities through the help of celebrities and the Hollywood community.

Source: Stars For A Cause


Dodge: The full-of-life brand delivers more style, capability and value than ever before

The Dodge Car brand heads into the new calendar year with added driving excitement and numerous product enhancements that deliver more performance, capability and style.

“For 2010, the Dodge brand’s new lifestyle model lineup delivers rides with more excitement, features and value than ever before,” said Ralph Gilles – President and CEO, Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “From the restyled interior of the new Dodge Caliber, to the 23 percent more standard horsepower in the re-excited Dodge Nitro lineup, to the new content-loaded Dodge Journey and Dodge Avenger models, we have packed in more features throughout the Dodge product lineups to empower our customers to do more, have more fun and live their lives to the fullest.”

New 2010 Dodge Journey models: more capability, value and refinement

Delivering more excitement, functionality and value, the 2010 Dodge Journey offers several all-new models packed with upgraded features, all-wheel-drive capability at a best-in-class price and seven-passenger seating to give customers everything they need packaged at a value they can afford.

Dodge has taken “base model” out of its vocabulary. Compared with its previous lineup, the new entry-level Dodge Journey model gives customers a slew of standard features, including 17-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control, sunscreen glass, body-color mirrors, floor mats and passenger grab handles. A standard fuel-efficient 2.4-liter World Engine powers the Dodge Journey and delivers 25 miles per gallon (mpg) highway fuel economy. The U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2010 Dodge Journey is $20,995 (including $675 destination).

For young families who need more seating, the Express package on the entry-level Dodge Journey model includes 5+2 Flexible Seating, providing a third row that allows owners to comfortably seat seven passengers. MSRP for the Dodge Journey with the Express package is $21,995 (including $675 destination).

For customers who want more power, the all-new Hero package adds a powerful 3.5-liter V-6 engine that delivers 35 percent more power and 40 percent more torque. This quality-proven 235 horsepower (175 kW) 3.5-liter V-6 engine with dual exhausts paired with a six-speed transmission adds more capability, driving performance and 24 mpg highway fuel economy to the Dodge Journey, as well as seven passenger seating. MSRP for the 2010 Dodge Journey with the Hero package is $22,995 (including $675 destination).

With its best-in-class price–and the ultimate value in the 2010 Dodge Journey lineup–the all-new Dodge Journey Hero package also features an available electronically controlled all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. The fun-to-drive 3.5-liter V-6 engine with dual exhausts and six-speed Auto Stick transmission, as well as 19-inch aluminum wheels, are standard. MSRP for the 2010 Dodge Journey with the Hero package and AWD is $23,995 (including $675 destination).

Attracting singles and young families looking for style, performance and capability, the new Dodge Journey Heat model includes Uconnect(TM) Phone, iPod® Control, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, remote start, Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), HomeLink universal transceiver, tonneau cover and six premium speakers with subwoofer. In addition to its 3.5-liter V-6 engine with six-speed Auto Stick transmission, Dodge Journey Heat features five-passenger seating, a tri-folding cargo-load floor with additional storage space beneath, 19-inch aluminum wheels and large chromed-tip dual exhausts. MSRP for the 2010 Dodge Journey Heat is $24,995 (including $675 destination).

A true family vehicle loaded with comfort, premium amenities and refinement–the new 2010 Dodge Journey Crew adds even more standard features to the well-equipped Dodge Journey Heat model, including the 5+2 Flexible Seating Group for seven-passenger seating, automatic climate control, premium gauge cluster, 9-inch rear DVD entertainment system, chromed interior accents, chromed roof rack, chromed door handles, 19-inch painted machined wheels and body-color side sills. MSRP for the 2010 Dodge Journey Crew is $25,995 (including $675 destination).

For luxury-minded customers who want it all, the new Dodge Journey Uptown takes it up a notch with leather-trimmed seven-passenger seating, power sun roof, Media Center 730N navigation system with 30-gigabyte hard drive and real-time traffic monitoring, Parkview(TM) rear back-up camera, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, 19-inch chromed wheels, and chromed body-side molding. MSRP for the 2010 Dodge Journey Uptown is $29,995 (including $675 destination).

All Dodge Journey models offer all-weather AWD capability with an Electronically-controlled Coupling (ECC) for instant torque transfer to the rear wheels when needed. The ECC delivers up to 50:50 front/rear torque bias for maximum all-weather traction.

The 2010 Dodge Journey also is a 2010 Top Safety Pick according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

2010 Dodge Caliber: all-new interior and new model lineup

The Dodge Car brand’s compact car gets an all-new refined interior for 2010. Executed with premium materials and detailed craftsmanship, Caliber has an all-new instrument panel design that features a more integrated look and improved ergonomics.

New for 2010 are an additional cubby storage space, center storage bin, larger climate controls and seamless passenger airbag cover. Bright Satin Silver accents add contrast to Dodge Caliber’s interior design, while chromed accents brighten heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) vents, shift bezel, door handles and cluster rings. New door-trim panels and center console with armrest split-lid feature padded soft-touch materials for improved passenger comfort.

In addition, the new 2010 Dodge Caliber features new lifestyle-oriented models (Express, Mainstreet, Heat, Uptown and Rush) bundled with more features.

For customers looking for efficiency and value, the new 2010 Dodge Caliber Express delivers with standard Uconnect Phone, iPod Control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, power windows, mirrors and locks, 115-volt power outlet, cruise control, remote keyless entry, tonneau cover, air conditioning, four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and 2.0-liter 16-valve World Engine with fuel-efficient five-speed manual transmission capable of 31 mpg on the highway. MSRP for the 2010 Dodge Caliber Express is $17,510 (including $630 destination).

The new Dodge Caliber Mainstreet offers the features of the Dodge Caliber Express with added capability and style featuring standard 17-inch aluminum wheels, chromed crosshair grille, body-color door handles, fog lamps, folding front-passenger seat, 60/40 split-folding and reclining rear seat, touring suspension, tachometer and 2.0-liter 16-valve World Engine with second-generation Continuously-variable Transmission (CVT2). MSRP for the 2010 Dodge Caliber Mainstreet is $18,890 (including $630 destination).

For customers looking for capability combined with added technology and refinement, the new Dodge Caliber Uptown adds automatic climate control, five-passenger leather seating, power driver’s seat and four-wheel Anti-lock disc Brakes (ABS) to the Caliber Mainstreet. The Premium Sound Group kicks-up the tunes with the MusicGate Power(TM) nine-speaker Boston Acoustics system, steering-wheel mounted audio controls and two articulating liftgate speakers. MSRP for the 2010 Dodge Caliber Mainstreet is $20,625 (including $630 destination).

Compact car buyers looking for a sportier ride have two options from which to choose. The all-new Dodge Caliber Heat model takes the Caliber Mainstreet model and adds a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch polished-aluminum wheels, four-wheel Anti-lock disc Brakes (ABS), performance steering, color-keyed instrument panel and seats, B- and C-pillar blackout accents and five-speed manual transmission. MSRP for the 2010 Dodge Caliber Heat is $18,625 (including $630 destination).

And for more power, Dodge Caliber Rush includes a unique five-speed manual transmission mated to a larger 2.4-liter World Engine with 172 horsepower (128 kW) and 165 ft.-lb. (224 N*m) of torque. Equipment differences from the Caliber Heat include 18-inch chrome-clad wheels, SRT-designed spoiler, automatic climate control, Premium Sound Group, Media Center 430 radio with touchscreen and 30-gigabyte hard drive. A CVT2 with Auto Stick is optional. MSRP for the 2010 Dodge Caliber Rush is $20,625 (including $630 destination).

The all-new Dodge Caliber lineup will arrive at Dodge dealerships nationwide in the first-quarter of 2010.

All-new Dodge Nitro model lineup gives more bang for your buck

The Dodge Nitro lineup has been revised and renamed for 2010, offering new exterior and interior styling and new standard features and safety equipment for 2010. These new models (Heat, Detonator and Shock) provide Nitro customers with more standard content, including a standard 4.0-liter V-6 engine, 20-inch aluminum wheels, eight premium speakers with a 368-watt amplifier and 9-inch subwoofer, deep-tinted glass, Uconnect Phone, iPod Control, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, speed control and security alarm.

In addition to the curb appeal gained from its 20-inch painted Mopar® aluminum wheels and body-color grille with bright billets, the 2010 Dodge Nitro Heat packs a punch with 23 percent more horsepower and 12 percent more torque than the previous entry-level model. With its aluminum 4.0-liter overhead cam V-6 engine, the Nitro Heat, and the entire Nitro lineup, delivers 260 horsepower (194 kW) and 265 lb.-ft. (359 N*m) of torque with a five-speed automatic transmission. MSRP for the 2010 Dodge Nitro Heat is $23,995 (including $745 destination).

The Dodge Nitro Detonator offers new exterior design cues, as well as standard interior and safety features that were previously optional on the former SXT model. The new Dodge Detonator model features 20-inch Mopar polished/painted aluminum wheels, hood decal, eight speakers plus subwoofer, remote start, ParkSense® rear-park assist and color-keyed premium cloth interior that matches the exterior paint color. MSRP for the 2010 Dodge Nitro Detonator is $25,995 (including $745 destination).

The Dodge Nitro Shock adds heated leather seats and a sun roof to the Nitro Detonator model. MSRP for the 2010 Dodge Nitro Shock is $26,995 (including $745 destination).

The new 2010 Dodge Nitro lineup is now available in nine exterior colors, including Detonator Yellow Clear Coat (late availability).

New 2010 Dodge Avenger: standard connectivity features = more fun-to-drive

Dodge Avenger combines bold, aggressive Dodge styling with innovative interior features, high levels of safety and reliability, exhilarating performance and excellent fuel efficiency of 30 mpg on the highway. The new Dodge Avenger lineup includes two new models (Express and Heat) that are loaded with standard features.

The all-new Dodge Avenger Express is priced $1,000 less than the previous entry-level model and adds Uconnect Phone, iPod Control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, power driver’s seat, heated premium cloth seats, heated exterior mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, chromed interior accents, Media Center 430 radio with touchscreen and 30-gigabyte hard drive, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, 17-inch aluminum wheels, chromed crosshair grille and 2.4-liter World Engine with automatic transmission. MSRP for the 2010 Dodge Avenger Express is $19,970 (including $740 destination).

In addition, the new Dodge Avenger Heat adds to the Avenger Express’ high level of content with an MSRP $1,500 less than the model it replaces. The Avenger Express includes fog lamps, rear spoiler, 18-inch aluminum wheels, body-color crosshair grille and six Boston Acoustics speakers. An optional Boost package adds more performance with a 235 horsepower (175 kW) 3.5-liter V-6 engine, chromed dual exhausts, sport-tuned suspension, performance steering and six-speed transmission with Auto Stick. MSRP for the 2010 Dodge Avenger Heat is $20,970 (including $740 destination).

The 2010 Dodge Avenger, with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), is a 2010 Top Safety Pick according to the IIHS.

Dodge Challenger’s Gone Plum Crazy

Combining two legendary icons of Dodge pony-car history–HEMI V-8 power and Plum Crazy Pearl Coat paint–the new Plum Crazy limited-edition 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic and SRT8 performance coupe deliver more excitement to the streets. Both Dodge Challenger models deliver the best of modern American muscle-car characteristics–unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful HEMI® V-8 engines and technology–now with an extra dose of nostalgia.

For the hardcore Dodge enthusiast, all-new Katzkin leather seat sets are available in bright white with Plum Crazy piping to highlight these unique Dodge Challengers’ exterior paint and stripes. Additional Katzkin leather seat seats are available directly through Mopar®.

Dodge Challenger R/T Classic Plum Crazy models feature dual-wide A-line body-side R/T stripes in matte black or new bright white. Completing the look are “Challenger” fender badges in classic script, large 20-inch polished-aluminum heritage wheels with all-season performance tires, classic egg-crate grille with heritage “R/T” badge, body-color rear spoiler, functional hood scoop and bright racing style fuel-filler door.

Delivering even more punch, the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Plum Crazy edition delivers even more exclusivity with a 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine producing 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, performance-tuned ride and handling, benchmark braking and race-inspired interior with unique SRT-designed appointments and exterior-matching SRT performance seats with Plum Crazy accented stripe.

The MSRP for the new 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic in Plum Crazy Pearl Coat is $35,140, while the high-performance SRT8 model is $44,155 (both prices include $725 destination). Both Plum Crazy models are available for ordering now at Dodge dealerships nationwide.

The ultimate American performance car icon: Dodge Viper SRT10

For the final year of production for the current generation Dodge Viper SRT10, Dodge plans to deliver a vehicle lineup like no other since the introduction of the iconic American sports car in 1992.

The heart of the 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 remains the venerable 8.4-liter (510 cu. in.) V-10 engine that produces 600 (450 kW) horsepower and 560 lb.-ft. (760 N*m) of torque. Benchmark performance numbers, including 0-60 mph in less than 4 seconds, quarter-mile time in the mid 11-second range and 0-100-0 mph in 11 seconds flat and a top speed of 202 mph, continue to prove how the serious, race-inspired, street-legal two-seater performs without apology.

Body style offerings remain unchanged with the availability of Roadster and Coupe models along with the ACR (American Club Racer) package. Approximately 500 vehicles will be built for the 2010 model year.

With the introduction of two new exterior colors-Toxic Orange Pearl Coat and Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat-Dodge Viper SRT10 is now available in 12 different colors, the most regularly available choices in one model year. And with six stripe options in the new wider configuration, five different interior color combinations, four different wheel choices and three available interior bezels; the 2010 Viper SRT10 will be available in more than 7,600 combinations–the most for any one model year–significantly adding to the exclusivity of each car like never before.

New across the Viper lineup is a shorter fifth gear ratio (changing from 0.74 to 0.80) for improved high-speed acceleration and higher straightaway speeds. Acceleration from 0-200 mph has improved by 14 seconds. This improvement is a direct result of the Chrysler Group LLC Street and Racing Technology team’s experience at the 12.9-mile Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany, where during the lap-record run in 2008, it was found that a revised gear ratio would have resulted in higher top gear acceleration and a quicker lap time.

Viper SRT10 ACR

The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR receives a new short-throw shifter in 2010 for enhanced driver experience and better performance. The rear wing profile and end plates are redesigned to further optimize the vehicle aerodynamics and improve rear yaw downforce. These changes, combined with the new fifth gear ratio, result in an increased top speed of 4 mph (to 184 mph for the ACR model).

The enhanced four-wheel independent suspension features high-performance aluminum control arms and knuckles, and KW suspension with two-way adjustable competition coil-over shock absorbers with remote reservoirs.

The aerodynamic package features a carbon fiber “fanged” splitter in front and adjustable carbon-fiber wing with seven-position stanchions that allow as much as 1,000 lbs. of downforce at 150 mph. Lightweight wheels, two-piece slotted StopTech brake rotors and Michelin PS Cup tires round out the Dodge Viper ACR package.

New Special, Limited-edition Dodge Viper Models

Numerous special, limited-edition models are planned for the 2010 model year, including the Dodge Viper ACR 1:33 Edition, which will pay tribute to the new production car lap record set on Nov. 24, 2009 at Laguna Seca raceway. The unique two-tone Black Clear Coat/Red Clear Coat exterior color scheme on this model is the opposite form of the original Viper ACR. Interior features include piano black console bezels with red gauge highlights complemented with red accent stitching in the seats. Only 33 cars will be produced as 1:33 Edition Viper ACR models.

Additional special edition models will be announced closer to their individual introductions.

Source: Chrysler Group LLC