Dodge - 2010 and beyond

We like to try and give you a snapshot of what is new and changing within the Dodge model line up. This is what has been confirmed for 2010:

AVENGER: No changes.

CALIBER: Dodge's compact hatch gets an updated interior with a new instrument panel, door panels with softer armrests, and a center console that provides more storage space. The 1.8 liter engine has been dropped, leaving just the 2.0 and the 2.4; the 2.0 is now available with a 5-speed manual transmission. All models get active front head restraints, and the SXT model now offers a Sport Appearance Package with 18" wheels and performance-tuned suspension and steering.

CALIBER SRT4: Discontinued.

CHALLENGER: SE models now come with electronic stability control as standard, while R/Ts get automatic headlights, LED-lit cupholders, and door handle lights, as well as an optional Super Track Pack (20" wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 Super Car tires, self-leveling shocks, larger rear anti-sway bar, 3.06 rear axle ratio, and a sport program for the electronic stability control system). The UConnect system now includes steering-wheel mounted controls. The Challenger SRT8 is available in a limited-edition Plum Crazy model, named for a purple paint color offered on Chrysler muscle cars of the early 70s. Along with purple paint, the Plum Crazy Challenger gets a purple seat-insert stripe and a serialized dash plaque.

CHARGER: Side curtain airbags are now standard. All Chargers get a body-color sill plate, and SEs models get a chrome grille with black inserts.

DAKOTA: The Dakota gets Arin springs and Tokico shock absorbers to improve ride and handling, as well as a few new paint colors.

GRAND CARAVAN: Dodge's venerable minivan gains a new optional Blind Spot Monitoring System, which sounds a chime and lights up an icon in the side mirror if the driver tries to change lanes when there's a car in the blind spot. Related is the Rear Cross Path system, similar to Ford's Cross Traffic Alert, which warns of approaching cars when the driver is backing out of a parking space. Other changes include active front head restraints for all models; standard three-zone climate control for the SE; and a slightly higher final-drive ratio for the 4.0 liter engine.

JOURNEY: All models get active front head restraints, improved antilock brakes, an "ECO" light on the dash which indicates fuel-efficient driving, and an available "dark slate" monochrome interior. SE models now include remote keyless entry, the screen for the optional DVD player is larger, and the optional 3.5 liter V6's EPA highway mileage is up by 1 MPG.

NITRO: The SLT model is replaced by the SXT. Entry-level (SE) models now include active head restraints, an "ECO" dash light to indicate efficient driving, six speakers, a standard air filtration system, heated mirrors, and stain-repellent seat fabric. The SXT adds body-color exterior trim, an auto-up passenger window, and an alarm; leather is optional. Other changes include new interior colors and a new paint color, Sandstone Metallic, which replaces metallic gray.

RAM 1500: Although the RAM 1500 was all-new for 2009, it sees several changes for the 2010 model year. The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR - maximum permissible weight of the truck, fuel, occupants, cargo and trailer) for long-wheelbase 5.7 liter models is up 3/4ths of a ton to 15,500 lbs. V6 models get a fuel-saver "ECO" light, while a deceleration fuel shut-off system is said to improve real-world fuel economy (EPA estimates are unchanged). New features include an iPod connector, active head restraints, and an improved tire pressure monitoring system; options include a trailer brake controller, 22" wheels on R/T models, and auto-dimming mirrors.

RAM 2500/3500: The heavy-duty RAM gets a thorough going-over, including the addition -- finally! -- of a proper crew cab. The styling has been updated in the vein of the RAM 1500, but with a bigger, beefier look, while the interior gets better materials and more amenities. A re-tuned suspension provides a more comfortable ride. Engines are carryovers: The 5.7 liter HEMI V8 (all new last year) and the 6.7 liter Cummins turbodiesel. Fleet customers will be able to purchase a biodiesel-capable version of the Cummins engine that runs on B20 (20% bio diesel/80% petroleum diesel). Maximum GCWR is up to 25,400 lbs while maximum towing capacity is 18,500 lbs.

RAM 3500/4500/5500 CHASSIS CAB: No changes for 2010, but an extensive update is planned for 2011; see BEYOND 2010 section below.

SPRINTER: No changes. Mercedes-Benz, which designed and builds the Sprinter, reportedly plans to end its contract with Dodge and sell the van exclusively through Mercedes-Benz dealerships, with Mercedes rather than Dodge badging.

VIPER: Aside from four new paint colors, the Viper is unchanged. 2010 will be the last year for the Viper.

Want to see what is expected in 2011? Click here

Video: SpeedFactory builds the quickest quarter-mile Dodge Charger in the world

Now, you may not be able to find this Charger as equipped at Waldorf Dodge, but we thought it impressive enough to share.



The Chrysler-mad tuners at SpeedFactory have taken a 2006 Dodge Charger, ripped out its interior and inserted a GEN III Hemi stroker motor boosted by a Vortech supercharger under the hood. The 3,700-pound, 900-horsepower sedan has kept its factory transmission and independent rear suspension, but swapped over to 1,000-horsepower half-shafts and a different suspension and shock setup.

The result: a quarter-mile run in 9.453 seconds at 145.38 miles per hour. The mad-about-Chrysler moderators at LXForums.com say it's the fastest run done on any LX/LC platform. Follow the jump for video evidence of the blitz and for SpeedFactory's press release on the feat.

Full Story at Autoblog.com

Dodge celebrates 40 years of performance with Furious Fuchsia Challengers

For the record, the Dodge Challengers you see above are not pink. Despite a Pepto-ish hue, they're actually Furious Fuchsia. It would seem that Chrysler is choosing not to remember that it offered a similar shade back in 1970 and 1971 known as Panther Pink. This despite the fact that Dodge president and CEO Ralph Gilles tells us in the press release after the break that the R/T Classic and SRT8 Furious Fuchsia editions "[commemorate] four decades of Challenger performance" and "modernize one of the most memorable hues from 1970."

It seems to us that if it's acceptable to reintroduce Plum Crazy in its original purple flavor that it's equally okay to call these cars Panther Pink, but whatever. In any case, there's also an optional set of Pearl White performance seats with Furious Fuchsia stitching that we think would look just dandy with the Bright White A-line body-side R/T stripes and functional hood scoop on the R/T Classic (above left).

If the R/T's 376 horsepower just aren't enough for your tire-screeching needs, you can always upgrade to the SRT8 (above right) and its 6.2-liter Hemi V8, which offers up a willing 425-horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque... but act fast as there's only 400 slated for production. Base price for the 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic in Furious Fuchsia Pearl Coat comes in at $35,140 with the SRT8 model at $45,150 (both prices include $725 destination) and cars will hit dealerships in March. We'll do our best to bring you live shots of the pair from the Chicago Auto Show later this week.

Think you want one, stop by Waldorf Dodge and we will get you setup.

Source:AutoBlog

Fun in the snow with your Dodge

All of us at Waldorf Dodge are getting ready for the big storm - how about you?  Here is someone having fun in the snow with their Ram 1500!

Spy Shots...2011 Dodge Charger

2011 Dodge Charger – Click above for high-res image gallery

Looking around the web this morning we, at your Favorite Maryland Dodge Dealer Waldorf Dodge, came across some spyshots of the new 2011 Dodge Charger that we hope will be arriving soon. We liked them so much we thought we should share our excitment with you. So click above to check them out! Make sure to let us know what you think.

During Chrysler's epically long five-year business plan presentation, there were a few Powerpoint slides that caught our attention. Among them was this shot of a new sedan with a sloping C-pillar. It didn't take much deduction to conclude that the roofline in question would form the next Dodge Charger, and now we've got more photographic proof that development is underway.

Caught outside Chrysler's headquarters, this camo'd 2011 Dodge Charger is sporting the same canted and extended roof, along with a set of squared-off headlamps, larger grille and a more sculpted fascia. However, the extent of the exterior modifications pales in comparison to what's going on inside, with a new LCD screen dominating the dash and a smoother center stack. The new Charger won't be covered in camouflage much longer, so expect to see Dodge's refreshed sedan bow later this year with an all-new V6.


SOURCE [AutoBlog]