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After the introduction of the R/T flavored Challenger, Journey, Durango and Grand Caravan at the Chicago Auto Show this past February, it was only a matter of time before Dodge applied the same sporty treatment to the revised Avenger sedan.

Although roughly a year away from launch, Chrysler has published the very first official photo of a development mule of the next generation Dodge Viper undergoing testing in the snow. The prototype mule is based on the now obsolete 2010 Viper that was discontinued in the summer of 2010.

Not surprisingly, the Auburn Hills-based automaker released very few details on its upcoming high-performance sports car as the only piece of information we get is that “SRT engineers expanded the development scope for the next generation Dodge Viper to include stability control tuning for the first time.”

The Dodge Viper SRT10 American Club Racer (ACR) broke the production car lap record at Miller Motorsports Park, dipping below the 2-minute mark for the first time ever at the 3.048-mile Outer Course configuration. Dodge driver Kuno Wittmer stopped the clock at 1:59.995, beating the previous record held by Jan Magnussen in a Corvette ZR1 by almost four seconds (2:03.86).

Joining the Mopar ’11 Charger special at the New York International Auto Show next week will be the new Dodge Avenger rally car that heralds the first collaboration in the brand’s newly announced relationship with Fiat Group subsidiary and aftermarket parts specialist, Magneti Marelli. The rally-prepped Avenger was built in cooperation with Chrysler’s in-house tuner Mopar, and while fully functional, there’s no word if the car will actually enter any sort of competition.

“This is a purpose-built vehicle with collaborative parts from Magneti Marelli and Mopar,” said Dino Maggioni, CEO of Magneti Marelli Aftermarket. “We selected Magneti Marelli and Mopar parts, adapted them to the Dodge Avenger and made them unique. The result is a fascinating blend of these two iconic brands.”

If Geo had asked Isuzu to design them a car that would appeal to California’s surfer crowd in the mid-1990s, chances are it’d look a lot like the Thunder Ranch Riot. A fibreglass bodied, Volkswagen Beetle-based turnkey kit car, the Riot looks like a Geo Storm that’s been cut, shut and had Dodge Viper parts tacked on to its exterior. And it can be all yours for the low, low price of US$12,000.

There's an old saying that any advertising is good advertising, but something tells us that the media attention received by the 2011 Dodge Durango Citadel at this past weekend’s National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in Washington D.C. isn't exactly what the Chrysler Group had in mind for publicity.

As you can see after the jump in a small sample of the videos that made their way onto the web, a brand new Dodge Durango that was towing a parade float carrying a band, suddenly started blowing smoke from under the hood.

The driver was forced to come to a halt and open the bonnet to see what was going on. The situation only got worse as flames started spilling out and eventually something blew up. At the same time, the parade came to a stop and the crowd went video-crazy.

We’re used to the Chrysler Group unveiling new or heavily refreshed models lately, and it looks like the company will keep the product momentum going at next week’s New York International Auto Show. According to a brief statement from the Detroit automaker, the company is planning the premiere of an unnamed production model and what is being described as a “race-inspired project vehicle” at the Big Apple. Chrysler is being quite secretive about the debuts as the company did not give out any other details. Read more »

Fiat’s rebadged Dodge Journey, the European market Fiat Freemont, can be ordered in Italy starting today. Available in two trim levels, Freemont and Urban, the crossover will retail from €25,700 ($37,000) for the base equipment package, with the Urban version to cost €27,200 ($39,170). Read more »

If we didn’t know better, we’d say that Ford is trying to wipe out the competition with its F-150 pickup truck, or as some may know it, the Ferd F-Teehthousand. The latest victim of the F-150 after the memorable stomping of a Ferrari F-150 is a brand new 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8, which judging by the bodykit, stripes, alloy wheels and badges, is the 392 limited edition with the 470-horsepower V8 Hemi.

The driver of the Dodge’s muscle car was waiting for the light when a Ford F-150 decided to give the Challenger an unnecessary -and quite painful- rear-end makeover. Follow the break to watch the clip.

Ram's new version of the 1500 pickup truck, formerly known under the code name the “Adventurer”, has finally received an official designation. The Ram 1500 Express targets younger customers and first-time buyers and comes with a starting price of $23,830 (€16,677), including a $975 destination charge.

Fiat SpA is planning to increase its Chrysler LLC Group stake to 30 percent in the next few weeks, according to insider sources quoted by Bloomberg news. The Italian company, which currently holds a 25 percent stake in Chrysler, will get an additional 5 percent from the U.S. government after it will meet two performance criteria.

The first condition is that 90 percent of Fiat's Latin American dealers must offer Chrysler vehicles as well. To satisfy this request, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne plans to sell Chrysler models rebadged as Fiats in Brazil, Latin America's largest market, where the Italian brand holds the number one spot.

The Chrysler Group’s Mopar brand is on to its next project, this time based on the new 2011 Dodge Charger sedan. The factory-customized version of the rear-wheel drive Dodge saloon follows in the footsteps of last year’s Mopar ’10 Challenger and will be a limited edition model.

"After the success of our Mopar '10 Challenger, we moved on to the iconic Dodge Charger and added even more performance," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group's service, parts and customer-care brand. "As a new company, we will continue to leverage the heritage of the Mopar brand at every turn."

As time goes by, Fiat SpA’s integration with the Chrysler Group LLC deepens and the results become more evident with the two carmakers making several plans for the future. Speaking at Fiat's annual shareholders meeting on March 30, Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne revealed plans to launch two new Dodge-based sedans in China and Russia.

The first sedan will be a compact model built on the next generation Dodge Caliber, which is expected in the USA next January. According to an Autonews report, this model will enter production in China in the second half of 2011, while timing for the Russian launch has not yet been disclosed. The other four-door saloon will be a mid-size model based on the replacement for the Dodge Avenger, which is scheduled for launch in the USA in 2013. It will go on sale in China and Russia the same year.

Geiger Car’s love affair with Detroit muscle continues with the German market launch of the limited run 2011 Dodge Challenger ST8 392 Inaugural Edition, of which only 1,492 examples are to be built. There is no word on how many cars Geiger Car’s managed to secure for the German market, but the starting price has been set at €55,000, which comes to around US$77,800 at the current exchange rates. Read more »

Now here’s some news we weren’t expecting. The Chrysler Group announced today the premiere of a new variant of the 2011 Dodge Charger bearing the TBi moniker, which stands for Turbocharged Boosted Induction. The Charger TBi is powered by a four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine sourced from sister company Alfa Romeo. The Italian flavored 1.75-liter powerplant is the same one found on a variety of Alfa models including the Giulietta and 159, as well as the upcoming 4C sports coupe previewed in Geneva last month.

On the 2011MY Charger, the force-fed four-pot delivers a maximum output of 225HP and a peak torque of 250 lb-ft / 340Nm at just 1,900 rpm.

The Detroit automaker said that the gasoline engine “ensures performance that matches or exceeds that of a 3.0-litre V6 whilst still delivering the moderate fuel consumption which is typical of a compact, 4 cylinder unit”. The new powerplant will be matched exclusively to a new automatic "TCT" twin dry clutch transmission with eight gears.

If you’re a car buff, chances are you’ve heard about the next chapter in the Fast and Furious franchise that’s scheduled for release in theaters towards the end of April (see the trailer here). Being that the movie series is popular among car enthusiasts, the Chrysler Group decided to team up with Universal Pictures for a multi-tiered partnership.

Aside from providing 2010 and 2011 model year Dodge Charger vehicles used in numerous chase scenes throughout the Fast Five movie, the Detroit automaker is also sponsoring a Dodge/Fast Five advertisement that will air for the first time on Saturday, April 2 during the Final Four basketball tournaments. However, you can get a sneak peak right after the jump.

A little less than a year ago, famed Italian coachbuilder Zagato celebrated Alfa Romeo’s centenary with the reveal of the TZ3 Corsa at the Villa D'Este Concours. Based on the hardware of the Alfa Romeo 8c Competizione, the TZ3 Corsa paid homage to its TZ predecessors. It was built as a one-off for a wealthy German collector named Martin Kapp.

In December of the same year, Zagato sent out a holiday card featuring the older TZ1 and TZ2 alongside the latest TZ3 and one more unnamed fourth model wrapped in a bow, hinting at a new TZ4. Fast forward to today, and German car magazine Autobild is reporting that the Italian coachbuilder is indeed planning a fourth TZ model, which could carry the TZ4 Stradale nameplate.

Dodge considers the Dakota the first mid-size pickup truck, but by now most manufacturers have caught up and added similar models to their lineups. “When it comes to towing, the 2011 Dodge Dakota is still top dog among midsize pickups,” says Edmunds.com. Most reviewers agree that the Dakota is a good vehicle for consumers who need a truck to be a truck. The 2011 Dodge Dakota is a good workhorse of a small truck, with its large towing capacity, storage options, and optional V8 engine.

The 2011 Dodge Dakota is a midsize pickup truck that's offered as either an extended cab or crew cab. Extended-cab models feature a 6.4-foot cargo bed, while crew cab models are fitted with a 5.3-foot bed. The Big Horn adds 17-inch alloy wheels, body-colored bumpers and front fascia, a rear under-seat storage system (crew cab models only), keyless entry, full power accessories and cruise control (optional on ST). The Big Horn and Laramie extended cabs can also be equipped with a front bench seat in place of the standard buckets. Every 2011 Dodge Dakota is powered by a standard 3.7-liter V6 engine that produces 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque.
Rear-wheel drive is standard on all Dakotas, with four-wheel drive being available as an option. Fuel economy registers an EPA-estimated 15 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined for rear-wheel-drive models, and 14/18/15 mpg for 4WD versions. In performance testing, a 4WD Dakota Laramie crew cab with the V8 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds. When properly equipped, a V8 Dakota can tow up to 7,250 pounds.

This year the 2011 Dodge Dakota gets four-wheel antilock brakes and side curtain airbags. In Edmunds brake testing, a 4WD Dakota Laramie crew cab came to a stop from 60 mph in 126 feet -- a good distance for a pickup.

In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal-offset crash tests, the extended cab got a second-best "Acceptable" rating while the crew cab Dakota earned a top "Good" rating.
The Dakota's interior layout is actually pretty straightforward and perfectly functional.

The standard bucket seats are very comfortable, while the available power seats offer a wealth of adjustability.
Truck lovers will be happy to know that the new 2011 Dodge Dakota is now available for purchase. Powerful with the V8 engine option, it is underpowered when it comes with the standard V6 engine.

For the final year of its current design, the 2011 Dodge Dakota compact pickup truck will remain largely the same. The Dakota is offered in two body styles, extended and crew cab. Holding up to 6 passengers, the crew has a 5.3 foot bed and traditional rear doors.

Though the per gallon mileage was the lowest for the Dakota, this model runs on E85 ethanol blended fuel to keep the costs low. The 2011 Dodge Dakota handles and drives better than the typical truck does. There is a feeling of body lean taking the turns, but the new Dakota is still effectively controlled compared to other pickup trucks. As far as overall ride quality is concerned, the 2011 Dodge Dakota’s ride is average for a truck. The factory issued Dakota engine is the 210-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Dakota offers part-time four wheel drive or rear wheel drive. With the V8 engine, the new Dakota boasts a nice 4.7 liter engine and provides 302 horsepower when run at 5,650 RPM’s. In such a configuration, it offers a peppy 329 feet pounds of torque when run at 3,950 RPM’s. The downside to this mightier engine design is evident in the 14 miles per gallon around town and only 19 miles per gallon on the highway. With this V8 engine, the Dakota provides ample power for in town driving, as well as sufficient pickup for passing on the highway. The V6 engine configuration is another story altogether.

The new Dodge Dakota’s interior is fairly comfortable. The interior noise levels are quieted impressively for a truck. The cabin has plenty of legroom and headroom. The bench-style rear seating of the extended-cab holds two adults comfortably, but three is a little tight. The Crate ‘N Go collapsing storage units and folding rear seats add even more room.

The Dakota is not the most reliable truck. This is especially troubling given its high sticker price when compared to other compact pickup trucks. The Toyota Tacoma is the most popular compact truck, being easier to handle and drive, but the Dakota has far more towing and hauling power. The 2011 Dodge Dakota has its pros and cons both. In the pros category, this is a fairly nice light pickup truck with big truck hauling and towing capabilities for the price, particularly at entry level. Higher end models are pretty pricey for many truck buyers’ budgets. The Dodge Dakota is a solid but relatively expensive choice for a compact pickup truck.

2011 Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango was once a hot-selling SUV and a big part of the Dodge brand. But shifting consumer tastes, rising fuel prices, and the global recession conspired to kill the Durango and its sibling, the Chrysler Aspen. Now, after two years on the sidelines, Dodge has rejoined the game with a redesigned 2011 Durango.

the new Durango sends outdated, hard-edge plastics to the recycling bin. The Durango mates better with the essentially carryover five-speed automatic in the Durango than it does with Chrysler's new six-speed gearboxes. Accompanying the drive are fantastic HEMI drivetrain noises. With a 119.8-inch wheelbase, the Durango is 75.8 inches wide, and has 84.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats. Inside, the Durango is notably comfortable and refined—especially for a vehicle without a luxury badge. The driving position in the Durango is excellent, with a nice, upright vantage point, and the seats are supportive and comfortable. The base Durango Express is priced just below $30,000 and includes a pretty impressive feature set; but Bluetooth is an option and upgrades like power seats, seat heating, push-button start and a power telescoping steering wheel are not offered.

After a one-year hiatus, the Dodge Durango emerges with a new body and a new attitude. As much as 7,400 pounds can be pulled behind a properly equipped 2011 Durango, a top figure for a large crossover SUV with three rows of seats.

Truly, the Durango's sabbatical has done wonders.
The 2011 Dodge Durango large crossover SUV is available in base Express, midlevel Crew and top-of-the-line Citadel trim levels. Standard equipment on the Express includes 18-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, heated sideview mirrors, remote engine start, full power accessories, cruise control, tri-zone automatic climate control (includes separate rear air-conditioning), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a fold-flat front passenger seat, a 60/40-split-folding and reclining second-row seat, a 50/50-split-folding third-row seat and a six-speaker stereo with a CD player, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.

Stepping up to the Citadel adds automatic xenon headlamps, 20-inch wheels, a chrome grille insert, rain-sensing wipers, a sunroof, leather seating, heated front and rear seats, an eight-way power passenger seat, a power-adjustable and heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control and a navigation system (with Sirius Travel Link).

The "2011 Dodge Durango" is offered in several powertrain combinations. You can choose between rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. The full-time AWD system is only available with the V6 engine. Fuel economy is 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined for the V6 with all-wheel drive.

The AWD V8 gets an estimated 13 mpg city/20 mpg highway.
Antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, trailer sway control, front side and side curtain airbags are standard on every 2011 Dodge Durango. In Edmunds brake testing, a Durango Crew came to a stop from 60 mph in 119 feet -- a very good distance for a large crossover.

Modern and functional, the 2011 Dodge Durango's cabin has been designed with family-style versatility in mind. Regardless of trim level, the design is attractive and features soft-touch materials in place of the former Durango's hard, cheap plastics.
With the second- and third-row seats folded down, the Durango can carry up to 84.5 cubic feet of cargo.

Low-end torque is not a strong suit of this V6, but once the 2011 Dodge Durango is moving, the engine pulls respectably. On a long interstate cruise, the Durango provides a quiet and relaxed cabin environment.

As the Chrysler Group continues its product renaissance with new or facelifted models, the Auburn Hills automaker is now looking to boost its marketing presence in the United States by increasing its advertising budget nearly 70 percent this year, from $1.72 billion in 2010 to around $2.9 billion in 2011.

The increase is even greater when compared to 2009, when Chrysler had just come out of bankruptcy and joined forces with the Fiat Group. According to the SEC filing, the Detroit firm spent just $677 million on advertising in the second half of 2009.