Chrysler 6.4L 392 HEMI

2011 Dodge Challenger brochure

2011 Dodge Challenger brochure

Freshly leaked documents from the recent Chrysler dealer event that showed off the new 2011 products seems to put the heated 6.4L Hemi horsepower numbers to rest.

Sortive.

Apparently during the presentation for the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8’s and limited 392 editions, Dodge brand CEO Ralph Gilles was quoted as saying the cars would hit 0-60 MPH in the 3-second zone, indicating an actual horsepower number much higher than 475 (considering the car will indeed soldier on with the same gearing as the 2010).

For comparison sake, the mighty 556HP Cadillac CTS-V runs 0-60 in 3.9 seconds.  Further, the Cadillac was being tested by Chrysler workers along with the 6.4L 2012 Charger SRT8 and the 555HP BMW X5M with the 2012 Grand Cherokee SRT8.

This wouldn’t be the first time a car company has down rated HP so the buyers end up with cheaper insurance premiums.  Also let loose was the numbers for the 3.6L V6 Challenger SE, which is 305 HP and 268 TQ which should have the V6 Challenger running a touch quicker than the V6 Camaro, which is heavier.

Does the actual HP number for the 6.4L lay behind the math on what kind of power it takes to hurl a 4100 lb car to 60 MPH in the high 3-second range?  Let us know what you think.

2011 Dodge Challenger brochure

2011 Chrysler 200

A post on allpar.com just confirmed that the updated and heavily refreshed Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger (which are built in Sterling Heights Michigan) were just shown at an impromptu town hall meeting.

The post stated that the Avenger was still highly recognizable as an Avenger but the Sebring was heavily 200C inspired and that a convertible version would be offered.  Production is expected to begin later this year.

The heavy refreshing will also include re-tuned suspensions, brand new Pentastar V6 engines and MultiAir equipped 2.4L 4 cylinders offering more power with increased fuel economy.

The new interiors are said to be on par with Lexus.

These will be followed up by brand new versions of the Sebring and Avenger (new monikers are expected…especially for the Sebring) by 2012 when the cars will be based on Fiat C-EVO platforms but will be all Chrysler otherwise.  The new engines will be backed by 6-speed twin clutch transmissions and other serious upgrades that are expected to put the cars in the forefront of the competition.

More details as we gather them

2011 Chrysler 300

2011 Chrysler 300

2011 Chrysler 300

2011 LX 300 series:

The all-new 2011 300 series models are set to start production a few months after the Challenger and Charger, in February of 2011. The 2011 base models will feature the all-new 3.6L Pentastar engine. The existing 5.7 Hemi will return, and as mentioned above, the SRT will get the new 6.4 VVT Hemi with ~500 HP.

Interiors will be upgraded significantly with premium materials throughout. New standard and optional features include Active Head Restraints for the front seats; front and rear aimable LED Lamps; a Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system; four-way power lumbar controls; heated steering wheel; Garmin navigation; MediaFLO Streaming Video; Keyless Go push-button start; Remote Proximity Keyless Entry; ventilated front seats; HID bi-xenon headlamps; illuminated cupholders and Chrysler’s Rear Cross Path and Blind Spot Monitoring system.

The new 300 will also offer Sirius Travel Link (SIRIUS Traffic, national weather information, fuel prices, sports scores, movie listings); Uconnect Phone next generation with Voice Command; Automatic Crash Notification, Emergency Call, Remote Door Unlock and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance. The MyGIG radios will return, with updated features. The audio system will also be upgraded, most likely with an 11-channel 506-watt 7.1 surround sound amplifier with a full compliment of speakers and a 2-channel dual voice coil subwoofer.

The all new 2011 Chrysler 300C will begin production in February 2011 after the all new 2011 Dodge Charger and updated 2011 Dodge Challenger start in November 2010.  The 300C has a 3 month delay from the others due to Fiat-ordered style changes.

A new limited edition Mustang is now available from Ford for the new year in two iterations, the RTR and the RTR-C.

The RTR comes with front and side splitters, a rear diffuser and an aluminum rear spoiler among the multitude of custom paint scheme’s available.  Performance is upped by 9 horsepower thanks to improved intake and exhaust systems and suspension see’s improvement via Ford racing suspension, a 1.5″ drop and a stronger rear sway bar.

A nice edition to the Mustang line up for sure, but it’s the RTR-C that grabbed our attention.

Its completely carbon fiber and rumors are abound that only 10 examples will be produced.

It packs a 550 HP 4.6L, has an Exedy clutch equipped 5-speed and a 3.73 cog filled rear diff with a Torsen LSD unit.

Ford Racing supply the front and rear anti-roll bars, Autosport Dynamics take care of the rear control arms and panhard link, and TEIN come through with the adjustable coilovers. Wilwood RTR-C W6A are mounted up front, and RTR-C W4A halt the rear.
20 x 11 HRE CF40 carbon fiber wheels sit stoutly on the rear, 19 x 9.5 sit up front, and all four are wrapped with Falken tires.

2010 Mustang RTR-C

2010 Laguna Seca Dodge Viper ACR

On November 24th, Dodge took the revised 2010 Dodge Viper ACR to Laguna Seca to try and set the lap record for production cars.

On just the sixth lap of the 2.238-mile, 11-turn course, the Viper ACR’s Motec telemetry recorded a 1:33.915 lap time (the Laguna trackside clock recorded an unofficial 1:33.944) which made the 2010 Viper ACR the quickest production car in the world around Laguna Seca.

However, it seems there was more behind the story, because  not long after the record was broken, Dodge announced that a special Laguna Seca version would be offered.

Back on November 4th when Chrysler outlined its 5 year business plan, Dodge brand CEO Ralph Gilles spoke of running a “final 500″ special edition of the Viper before the completely new car rolls out in 2012.

Will all 500 be Laguna Seca editions?  Most likely, and the official Laguna Seca Edition will be shown at the LA Auto Show next month.

Record Breaking Lap