Dodge

Dodge Adds Charger AWD Sport to the Family

December 27, 2012 by Tom Williams 3 Comments

When you think of the Dodge Charger. what comes to mind? A big, modern muscle car perfect for families? Visions of smokey burnouts once the kids are dropped off at school? How about a perfect all-weather car? No? Well, Dodge wants that perception to change. While the general perception of the Charger is all about aggressive styling and available HEMI V-8 power, the Charger has been available with all-wheel drive, but this feature seems to have flown under the radar. What better way to highlight the Charger’s all-weather capabilities than to come out with a special model all about all-wheel drive?

Orders are being taken now, but expect January 2013 availability for the Dodge Charger AWD Sport. Consider the AWD Sport as a limited edition option package, as Dodge only intends to build Charger AWD Sports for about three months. The AWD Sport is based on the V-6 Charger SXT and HEMI V-8 Charger R/T trims. As for cost, Dodge is charging $1,395USD for the AWD Sport package, and $1,195 on R/T models.

So, what do you get for the money? The Charger AWD Sport distinguishes itself with a gloss black grille, gloss black painted 19″ alloys, and a rear spoiler. Inside, buyers are also treated to sport seats and Chrysler’s premium Beats Audio. The V-6 Charger AWD Sport gets a slight boost in power. The well-received 3.6L V-6 now boasts 300hp, thanks to a sport tuned dual exhaust and cold air induction system. The 370hp 5.7L V-8 is unchanged. The Garage sampled a 2012 Dodge Charger R/T which we thoroughly enjoyed. For 2013, both V-6 and V-8 Chargers feature an 8-speed automatic, as opposed to the 5-speed in our test car. Unique to the AWD Sport are paddle shifters and a Sport mode that will bang out quicker shifts and will hold revs higher in each gear. Kudos to Dodge for the shift paddles made from diecast metal instead of plastic. No word from Dodge, but I expect this to be available in other Chargers once the AWD Sport run is over.

But again, the emphasis here is on the Charger’s all-wheel drive capability, and to break the perception this is strictly a rear wheel drive brute. Dodge is quick to point out their active transfer case and front axle disconnect technology, where the front wheels have no power unless needed to improve fuel economy. Will it work? Hard to say, but I can’t blame Dodge for wanting to raise awareness that the Charger is available with all-wheel drive. Whether we see more Chargers rolling up to ski resorts in Stowe, Vermont, or Aspen, Colorado remains to be seen.

Review: 2012 Dodge Charger R/T

June 24, 2012 by Tom Williams Leave a Comment

Ask your average car buff to define what a traditional American four door sedan is. After pondering the question for a moment, what may come to mind is a big, rear wheel drive sedan with plenty of room, a big trunk, and definitely available V-8 power. It is a formula that worked and was extremely successful in America for decades. In 2012, however, the Charger is in a class by itself. The Ford Taurus is a fine car, while Chevy’s Impala has been in need of replacement for years, but neither of those company’s largest offerings have the formula of the classic, American full-size four door sedan. The question is, does that old formula still work in 2012? Or is the Charger just a rolling anachronism of a time gone by? Read on to find out.

The Charger returned to the Dodge line as a 2006 model after a long absence, and was a radical departure from the front-wheel drive Intrepid it replaced. Instead of the smooth, jellybean Intrepid, the Charger was in your face with aggressive styling. Well received at first, the Charger suffered from the malaise and lack of product development that was rampant at Dodge for the latter half of the 2000’s. As we know now, Dodge has undertaken an enormous initiative to update its cars, and the Charger finally received its first major revision in 2011.

The Charger remains the most aggressively styled mainstream full-size sedan available today. While the Charger may have Mercedes-Benz sourced bits mechanically, from the outside the Charger is full on, wave the flag American and proud of it. The sculpted hood and sides recall the muscle car the original Charger was, but xenon and LED lighting keep the Charger from being a rehashed retromobile. Our test car, finished in Redline Pearl was easy to spot, and you won’t mistake the Charger for any other car. With the Charger, Dodge has managed to style a full-size sedan with serious muscle car undertones yet manages the fine line from going over the top. Yes, it’s aggressive, but you won’t feel like a fool at the country club or rolling up to the valet at your favorite restaurant.

If the Charger had one glaring flaw, it was its interior. Plagued with cheap materials, blocky, uninspired styling, the cabin of the Charger was pretty depressing. Dodge has thankfully righted the ship, and I am happy to say the new Charger’s cabin was a revelation. When Dodge delivered the Charger, I swung upon the door, and upon seeing the gorgeous black and tan interior, I was dumbfounded at the light years of progress the interior designers at Dodge had made. Our Charger was brimming with the latest in technology but managed to be very user friendly. And the basic ingredients that made the Charger a success at first were there-a roomy cabin, spacious rear seat and large trunk.

Buyers have some compelling choices for engines with the revised Charger. In the past, a V-6 Charger had ‘rental car’ written all over it. Thankfully, that is no longer the case. The base Charger receives Chrysler’s new Pentastar 3.6L V-6, good for 292hp. The Garage first sampled the new engine in the Charger’s little brother, the Avenger, and we came away impressed. While a five-speed automatic is standard on the base car, a new eight-speed automatic is available that offers substantially better fuel economy. Our test car was an R/T, which means we had the 5.7L Hemi V-8, belting out a healthy 370hp, paired to a five-speed automatic. V-6 and V-8 Chargers are available with either rear or all-wheel drive. In spite of a powerful honking Hemi residing under the hood, our Charger R/T was very low key on start up and puttering around town. You really had to stomp on it to hear the wrath of that glorious V-8, which pushed the big, heavy Charger with ease. The Charger never lets you forget it is a big car, but that said handling is pretty sharp, yet far more refined than I had expected. I don’t say this often, but the Charger R/T is a car that would be perfect to drive cross country.

The base Charger starts at $25,595USD, which I consider a more than fair starting point. Our test car was the R/T with all-wheel drive, which starts at $32,145, and comes well equipped. Our tester included the Max package, which added ventilated front seats, SiriusXM Traffic, Adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, back up camera, Garmin navigation, nine speaker premium audio, power adjustable pedals, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, and heated/cooled cupholders. Other options included the paint, power sunroof and rear spoiler. Including delivery, our Charger R/T rang in at $40,645. Cheap? No, but for the size, power, comfort and up to the minute technology and all-wheel drive to boot, the Charger R/T represents quite a bargain for what you are paying for.

There are those out there who might consider the Charger to be an automotive dinosaur, but I would have to disagree. Options for people wanting a full-size sedan are plentiful, but how you can you get excited about an Impala or Toyota Avalon? The Charger represents the size, swagger, presence and power that were once the hallmark of the American family car that Chevy and Ford have shied away from. While it pays homage to its past, the Charger is bristling with the latest in technology. For features and bang for your buck, the Charger is tough to beat.

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Forgotten Sporty Cars, Mother’s Day Edition

May 14, 2012 by Tom Williams 1 Comment

All of us here at The Garage hope you treated your mom’s right on Mother’s Day, and we offer a belated happy Mother’s Day to the mom’s that read our blog. En route to lovely Knapp’s Landing restaurant in Stratford, Connecticut, my wife spotted a cool car on our way to lunch. Not wanting to be late, I vowed to check it out later. A tribute to my lovely wife for her keen eye.

After lunch, I drove to where she spotted the car, and what I found was cooler than I ever could have imagined. Not only was it a cool car, but it was resting on the flatbed of an equally, if not more cool flatbed truck, a vintage Dodge, rusted and faded, but what especially struck me was the barely legible painting on the doors for the shop it did duty for decades ago.

The little sports car, slowly atrophying to the elements is a Datsun 2000, also known as the Fairlady in its native Japan. The 2000 was the car that preceded the groundbreaking 240Z. Built from 1967 to 1970, the 2000 sported a 2.0L four, good for 133hp with a whopping 7,000 rpm redline. With a weight of just 2,000lbs, the 2000 could comfortably cruise all day at 120mph in fifth gear, an overdrive gear, but in fourth the 2000 could hit 140mph. Competing against MG, a five speed manual was exotic stuff for this class of car. Datsun wanted the car to appeal to SCCA racers, and offered an optional Competition Package with Solex carbs and special camshaft, bumping power to 150hp.

By all measures, the Datsun 2000 was years ahead of the MGB and Triumph TR-4 in terms of technology and performance, but at the time, the American sports car buyer just wasn’t ready to embrace a Japanese roadster. The 2000 was a limited production car, and lacked the British charm MG’s and Triumph’s offered. With World War II in the not so distant past, I have no doubt that for as good as the Datsun 2000 was, it was simply crossed off buyer’s lists for it country of origin.

But for anyone who respects and covets the Z-car, look back and see the Datsun 2000 as the final evolution of their sports car before launching the sports car revolution the Z created. For now, reflect on the beauty and/or sadness of the car that came before.

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Dodge Expands Challenger Line with Rallye Redline

March 26, 2012 by Tom Williams 1 Comment

I’m a bit of a dark horse when it comes to the modern muscle car, as my review of the Dodge Challenger R/T will attest. While the Mustang and Camaro easily outsell the Challenger by a huge margin, having driven a Challenger SRT8 on a race track and living with a Challenger R/T for a week, I still hold that the Challenger offers the the strongest link to muscle cars of the past in modern packaging. While I’m in love with that Hemi V-8, Dodge is now offering a special package unique to V-6 Challengers in the new Rallye Redline.

Hitting the showroom floor this April, the Challenger Rallye Redline features a 3.6L V-6 rated at 305hp paired to a five-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Rallye Redline models are distinguished by a red triple stripe that runs from the hood to the trunk. Unique, red-lined 20″ alloys complete the exterior and separates it from lesser Challengers.

More than just pin stripes and rims, the Rallye Redline includes the Super Sport Group. Buyers get firmer shocks, thicker sway bars and a quicker steering ratio. Brakes also receive an upgrade, with dual piston calipers up front and vented rotors in the rear. The Challenger Rallye Redline starts at $28,745USD. While I am forever in love with the Hemi Challenger, the Rallye Redline offers better fuel economy with classic, menacing looks with a host of handling upgrades that should add up for a rewarding driving experience.

Introducing, the 2013 Dodge Dart

January 19, 2012 by Tom Williams Leave a Comment

When it comes to building compact cars, the past several years have not been kind to Dodge. The cute Neon won hearts in the mid-1990’s, but a lack of refinement and development caused the car the lag behind the competition. The Caliber that replaced it in 2006 was trashed by the press from the start, and buyers seemed indifferent to a compact car shaped like a small crossover, let down by a cheap interior and unimpressive drivetrain. To compete in the car business in North America, it is mandatory that you offer not just an OK, but great compact car. Chevy has the Cruze, Ford has the Focus-it’s now time to see what Dodge has to answer with.

The Garage was present and accounted for at the global premier of the 2013 Dodge Dart at the North American Auto Show in Detroit, and it was clear Dodge understood they have not been offering class-leading products, and that this is a make or break chance to be a player. And that’s only half the pressure on Dodge with the Dart. This is the first car we are seeing as a product of Fiat’s ownership of Chrysler. To say there is a heck of a lot riding on the Dart is the understatement of the year.

While the Dart will be built in the US, Dodge is proud of the car’s Italian DNA. Based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, the Dart was made longer and wider to better suit North American needs. And no one will mistake the Dart as anything but a Dodge, with its signature crosshair grille and Charger inspired taillamp treatment. It’s our first look at a contemporary compact Dodge. In person, the Dart is well-proportioned, attractive and sporty in appearance. The Dart should be well received in Middle Americal, but there is a distinct Euro flair never before seen in a Dodge.

The Dart will be available in five trim levels, and Dodge was quick to point out the Dart will be easy to personalize with multiple color combinations, and a plethora of Mopar accessories. Three engines will be available, starting with a 2.0L four rated at 160hp, a 1.4L turbocharged four also at 160hp, and a 2.4L four with 184hp. The normally aspirated cars will offer a choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, while the turbo is available with a six-speed manual or dual dry clutch manual automatic. The Dart will start at $15,995USD, and production is expected to start in the second quarter of 2012.

With the Dart, we finally have a Dodge compact we can get excited about, and a clear signal that Dodge gets the message that their past performance has been unacceptable. In looking at the Dart, I was impressed to the point where if it drives as well as it looks, I would consider owning one myself once the lease is up on our 2010 VW Jetta. The Dart was the media darling of the North American Auto Show this year, and during my day walking Cobo Hall in Detroit the most foot traffic I saw all day, non-stop was where the Dodge Dart was on display. The Garage will keep readers up to date as more details are released, so stay tuned!

Review: 2011 Dodge Caliber

August 17, 2011 by Tom Williams Leave a Comment

Ah, the Caliber. Few people have sympathy for Dodge and the cars they have built over the past decade, which has lagged behind the competition. With the Caliber, many said it was proof Dodge was incapable of building a decent compact car. To those detractors, I’d like to remind them that the Dodge Neon was a very successful small car. But when the Caliber debuted in 2006, it was a radical departure from the petite, curvy Neon. When my wife proposed a surprise trip to Pennsylvania, I bemoaned the fact we would be driving a Caliber that weekend, but thought it would be an excellent chance to see how good, or bad, the car really was.

The Caliber is available in one body style, a four door hatchback. The styling is characterized by blocky, blunt looks all around, with a crossover type stance and ride height. Suffice it to say, the Caliber’s competition offers nothing that looks like the Caliber. The Caliber has also been around since 2006 with very few changes, and the car is starting to show its age. I did find the Tungsten exterior color tasteful, and dare I say added an elegant touch. I could do without the optional 18″ chrome bling bling wheels, however. Interestingly, once I was in the Keystone State, our Caliber was getting compliments for its looks. One woman, who was admiring the car, asked me what it was. When I replied it was a Dodge, she responded “Oh, they still make Dodge’s?” Eek.

The Caliber has been heavily criticized for its cheap interior, and in 2010 received an upgrade. Yes, there is still a sea of hard plastic, the center armrest screams bargain basement, but there are soft touches here and there. That said, the interior is simple and straightforward. Gauges are easy to read. In other words, this is a car you can simply hop in and go. Over a span of three days we put on about 600 miles on the Caliber, and I must say we did so in relative comfort. Features like a nine speaker Boston Acoustics stereo with subwoofer, Sirius satellite radio and GPS navigation were treasured items on our journey with the Caliber. Another neat feature was a cool box under the glove compartment that we put four water bottles and a couple juice boxes in. And it actually works. After five hours driving, beverages I put in the cool box were still nice and cold when we arrived. A very nice feature for road tripping.

The Caliber is available with two engines, a 2.0L with 158hp, and a 2.4L with 172hp. Our car was thankfully equipped with the 2.4L engine. Although some Calibers are available with a manual transmission, our car had a joyless, power-sucking CVT. Acceleration was leisurely at best, but once at highway speeds, the Caliber could cruise all day at 80mph without complaint. However, in twisty, undulating roads with four adults and a child on board, the Caliber wheezed, groaned, roared, and complained loudly just to maintain a reasonable speed. The Caliber’s EPA fuel economy rating of 22/27 MPG city/highway is also nothing to be proud of, especially since cars it competes against can get 40mpg on the highway. That said, the Caliber offers a decent ride, assuring braking ability, and acceptable steering feel and response. It doesn’t come close to the chassis dynamics of the VW Golf, but the Caliber is a surprisingly competent ride.

The Caliber is offered in five trim levels, which seems like overkill to me. Our test car was at the top end, fittingly called ‘Uptown’. Standard on the Uptown is auto climate control, Sirius satellite radio, Boston Acoustics audio, power driver’s seat, heated leather seats, UConnect phone, USB port, auto dimming mirror, foglights and 17″ alloys. Our test car added a Security Group, which includes additional airbags, alarm, and remote starter. plus the 18″ chrome alloys, and Navigation for a grand total of $23,570 including delivery. Plenty of features, but stacked against what I feel is the current segment leader, the Hyundai Elantra, the Caliber is more expensive and not as good a car.

Yet after seven days, covering about 700 miles, the Caliber did everything I asked of it, and unless fully loaded with passengers, without complaint. An acquaintance of mine who doesn’t know much about cars asked me “Does anyone make truly awful cars anymore?” and the simple answer is no. So, Dodge does in fact, know how to build a compact car, and for now, the Caliber will have to do. However, the excitement lies ahead in Fiat’s input in future small cars from Dodge, and the goal is to elevate the brand from merely competitive to the head of the pack.

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Dodge to offer 2008 Challenger Super Stock Drag Car package

February 2, 2008 by Gary Grant 7 Comments

All too often, a manufacturer offers a special “track ready” version of their sporty car that really isn’t track ready. When Nissan offered the 350Z in a track model, enthusiasts had something to cheer about. The only problem was that this was no stripper, in addition to Brembo brakes, you got leather, 6 disc cd changer and navi if you wanted it. So much for a track car. Where were all the option deletes?

Dodge on the other hand, has a history of doing things right. The Viper SRT10 ACR is a real track ready monster. Even the old Neon ACR was pretty close to race ready, with owners only needing to install the appropriate safety equipment. With the 2008 Challenger, the Dodge boys (and girls) are heading back to their roots in drag racing. It looks like they are planning to do it right.
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2008 Dodge Dakota

February 10, 2007 by Gary Grant 1 Comment

Remember the first Dakota? It was one of the first mid size pickups, maybe even the first. Much larger than the little offerings from Japan, but much smaller than the full size trucks of it’s domestic cousins. It was a great truck for the small contractor who wasn’t carrying a huge load or towing much more than a utility trailer. The new 2008 Dakota has been revealed and it certainly exceeds anything those old trucks could do. It even beats most of the basic half tons from the eighties too. This thing has a tow rating of a whopping 7,050 pounds, all the while carrying the whole family in four door comfort. It looks great too.

Get all the details from Dodge and tons of photos after the break.
[Read more…]

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