2009 Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak Available For Order, Long-Haired Freaky People Need Not Apply

Yesterday, Jalopnik posted about Mopar’s unveiling of the 2009 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak, which one commenter pointed out appeared to have been designed for “the man with a switchblade in his sock and only one testicle” [which I personally found to be uproariously funny and dead-on-balls accurate]. The Mopar Challenger Dragster is serious business though, and Mopar actually requires all potential buyers to fill out an application before getting behind the wheel, presumably to screen out those who aren’t man enough [a tobacco spitting contest is included in phase 2 of the review process].

Mopar also suggests that all potential buyers have hold a competition driver’s license, but, as another Jalopnik commenter pointed out, a New Jersey or Michigan driver’s license will pass as a sufficient substitute. Although I jest in my usual smartass vein, Mopar’s somewhat unusual precautions isn’t merely pomp and circumstance, the ‘09 Mopar Challenger Drak Pak has some serious power. About 800lbs lighter then the stock Dodge Challenger SRT8, the Mopar Challenger is offered with 3 engine options: a 5.7L HEMI, 6.1L HEMI, or a 5.9L Magnum Wedge - all available with either manual or automatic transmission. Officially introduced back in July at the 29th Annual Mopar Mile-High Nationals, the 2009 Mopar Dodge Challenger Drak Pak became available for order on September 8, 2008. Only 100 models of the Mopar edition Challengers will be produced, but surprisingly, the Manufacture Suggested Retail Price is in the reasonable $30,000-$35,000 range. Unfortunately, buyers will have to supply their own Bic lighters and Kid Rock albums.

[Photo Cred: Mopar Muscle Magazine]

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Chrysler Kills the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen Hybrids

It's only been a few months since Chrysler introduced the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen Hybrids, but Chrysler has announced that it is going to stop producing the hybrid SUVs.

Last week Chrysler reported that it is closing its Newark, Delaware factory that produces the Durango and Aspen. Originally Chrysler planned on closing the factory at the end of 2009, but plans have been pushed up to the end of 2008.

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Ralph Gilles Is Bringing Sexy Back To Chrysler LLC, From The Inside Out

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept

Ralph Gilles, Chrysler LLC’s new design chief, announced that he plans to lead Chrysler in a more “organic” direction. Steering [sorry] away from the blunt edges and raw masculinity of vehicles like the Dodge “Man Wagon” Magnum and the Dodge Nitro, Gilles says consumers can look towards the Dodge Zeo and Chrysler ecoVoyager for future design cues.

Dodge Zeo Electric Concept Car

Prior to assuming the role of design chief, Gilles sat at the helm of Chrysler’s interior design team. Admittedly, one of his first priorities is distancing Chrysler from their reputation for bland, plastic interiors. With the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, Gilles believes he has successfully taken the first step in the right direction.

2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Photo Gallery after jump

In addition to the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, both the 2009 Jeep Compass and 2009 Jeep Patriot can also serve as a sneak peak of the cosmetic overhaul that is to come. Besides upgrading interior quality, another top priority of Gilles will be to bring a sleeker, subtler styling to the Chrysler line as a whole. According to Gilles, their main goal will be “getting our cars to be sexy again.”

[Source: Automotive News]

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2009 Dodge Journey Starts at $19,985

Dodge's newest entry in the crossover segment, the 2009 Journey is going to start just under $20K.

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Used Car Spotlight: Try the 2003 SRT-4 for a sporty car that is fun to drive

If you are looking for a used car that is sporty and fun and you are on a tight budget a 2003 or 2004 Dodge Neon just might be right for you. Unlike the new Caliber SRT-4 the Neon version actually was sold for under $20k new. And where a new Caliber SRT-4 comes as a 280-hp box on wheels the Neon version actually comes with some softer, aerodynamic (there goes that word again) lines but with an aggressive front clip. The joy of the Neon SRT-4 is in the driving, and for a modest amount you might be able to find an unmolested model for anywhere between $11-13,500.

That is exactly what a friend of mine accomplished by making his SRT-4 purchase on eBay. His final auction price for the 2003 Neon SRT-4 pictured above was $13,900 and turned out to be quite the purchase. The car arrived with just over 19,000 miles on it and was in great shape. Despite my friends good fortune I would typically recommend taking a test drive before buying and also inspecting for poorly installed aftermarket parts.

Driving the Neon SRT-4 is quite a fun experience. The 2.4 liter Turbocharged engine that comes stock with 215-hp and 245-ft.lbs of torque is lively and drives you spiritedly into the turns and straightaways. The shifting action is swift and easy with a short gate between throws. The seats hold you snug in place while the suspension gives you a good feel for the road. While it may not have nearly the 300-hp as many new cars seems to be targeting the Neon SRT-4’s light-weight body, agile maneuverability and high torque can easily give it the jump on many more powerful cars with unsuspecting drivers. And with the number of aftermarket parts available your purchase of a Dodge Neon SRT-4, while it may be sufficient on its own, can be just the beginning. Check below for a breakdown of the aftermarket parts that have gone into the Neon pictured below in the Gallery.

While the initial introduction of the Neon design did not necessarily ring-out “buy me” to a lot of car enthusiasts, as it is an acquired taste, the SRT-4 package does give it some added appeal. What also improves the perception of the Neon SRT-4 for some… okay, for me… is the failed design of the very square Caliber and Caliber SRT-4. There is no hoodscoop or ground effect that is going to make the Caliber attractive in my eyes. The choice is ofcourse yours and yours alone, but for a fun car at an attractive price and with limitless possibilities a 2003/2004 Neon is an option worth entertaining.

Special Thanks to Brad for his time, input and for the test drive of his SRT-4.

Aftermarket Add-on’s:
Mopar Blow-off Plate
BWoody H Brace and Traction Bars
Short Throw Shifter
Needswings 3″ Downpipe with Cutout
Modified Hood scoop (for more air flow)
And Mopar 3D Tail Lights for Visual Effect.

Comes Stock with:
2.4L Turbo 16 Valve Twin Cam Engine (03’s were rated at 215hp and 245ft-lbs tq)
17″ Alloy Wheels
160mph Speedo
0-60 in as little as 5.6 Seconds (5.8 is what Dodge said, traction is a huge factor)
Actual gas mileage 22 city, 30 highway (Dodge rated it at 29city/36highway)
Boost Between 11-14psi depending on area.
For more details on a Neon SRT-4 click here.

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Dodge Caliber SRT-4 Falls Short of the 300hp Promised

The Dodge Caliber SRT-4 is set to hit showrooms with Dodge’s own special blend of marketing and hype. It seems like it was just yesterday that they praised the upcoming Caliber SRT-4 as a 300hp dream that would leave its predecessor car lengths behind.

“With 300 horsepower under the hood, the Dodge Caliber SRT4 will dominate the sport-compact market,” said George Murphy, Senior Vice President — Global Marketing, Chrysler Group.

However, as the pudding hits the spoon we find the new SRT-4 has slipped back 20hp leaving one of its more marketed ingredients a little short on Ka-Pow.

While the 280hp and 260 torque may not be sweet music to the ears they are still fairly respectable numbers in the class of cars the Caliber is associated to. And while harping on the horsepower rating of the new SRT-4 it is still a favorable leap from its 230hp predecessor. Inspite of its inclusion in the SRT family and the high hopes at Dodge it does not seem likely that the Caliber will survive on the market as long as the Neon version, but there are always those who will think otherwise.

To view more “spy photo” captures of the new Dodge marketing for the Caliber SRT-4 head to the Caliber Forums. To compare the results of the production SRT-4 with what was promised back in February head to the AutoChannel.

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Dodge 2010 Ram Heavy Duty: Big Rig Styling

Coming this Fall is the all-new Dodge Ram Heavy Duty powered by a 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel engine with six-speed automatic or manual transmission. It offers a seating for six with refined interior and detailed craftsmanship. This king of towing vehicle pulls serious weight and it is the ultimate trucking solution with a classy design and style.

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