Archive for the ‘Dodge’ Category

Ever since the idea emerged in the late 1980s to engineer specialty high performance cars, Chrysler has continuously rolled out over 25 “racing” style vehicles that possess the power, and prowess, to put auto enthusiasts everywhere into fits of joy throughout the last 20 years.

Many car manufacturers come up with elaborate concept car ideas, but most are just for looking – these SRT vehicles (which stand for Street Racing Technology) please the masses, as they are available for buying, and more importantly, driving.

Once known as the Specialty Vehicle Engineering team (SVE), the newly dubbed Performance Vehicle Operations group (PVO) has produced an entire fleet of decked out cars over the years, ranging from Vipers, to Ram trucks, to Prowlers, to a Crossfire, and even a Dodge Neon.

In this blog series we’ll explore the three of the five SRT 2012 powerhouse cars: the Dodge Charger SRT8,  the Chrysler 300 SRT8 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, all equipped with high-tech engine hardware and performance gear, along with a slightly more “street appropriate” design.

Let’s begin this 3-part blog series with the timeless Dodge Charger.

Though the Charger seems to gain a new layer of muscle with every year’s new design, the SRT team added a little something extra by incorporating fuel efficiency. Combine a 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine that produces 465 hp and 465 lb-ft. (which allows a 0-80 mph time of 4.8 seconds) with an adaptive valve exhaust system and fuel saver technology, and you’ve got a deadly street combo. Another way to keep your fuel usage under control is via the “Auto” and “Street” modes the driver is able to select, which also optimize the brakes and handling accordingly.

Working your way out from under the hood, and into the driver’s seat, you’ll find your revved up ride extra comfortable with moisture-sensitive dual zone climate control, and a heating system that provides warmth to the front seats, back seats  and  steering wheel  The accessories continue with a heating  & cooling cup, LED interior lighting seat, and an astounding 19 speaker audio system. It’s always a party on the inside of this ride.

To learn more about specifications and availability of this Dodge Charger SRT8 and others in the fleet, visit drivesrt.com. Baxter Chrysler Jeep Dodge is the #2 volume SRT dealer in the country year to date.  The Challenger SRT 392’s are already in stock and the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT models will be hitting the ground in September/October 2011 (all incoming units are already sold) and the new 2013 Viper will be available around July 2012.

Think minivans are just for soccer moms? Think again. Our new Chrysler, Dodge, Honda and Toyota minivans prove you don’t have to give up great styling for space. These classy new vehicles are packed with comfort and fun features the whole family can enjoy and be proud of.

The Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna were named as some of the top family-friendly minivans in a recent article by MSN Money. Kid-friendly extras, chic styling, power-driven performance and excellent safety features makes these vehicles excellent choices for any family.

Chrysler Town & Country

Offering 17 city and 25 highway miles per gallon, the Chrysler Town & Country has a starting price of $30,260. It’s loaded with kid-friendly features including child seat anchors, child safety locks, an optional rear-seat dual-screen entertainment system with DVD and Sirius Backseat TV and optional window shades. Other features include:

• 3.6-liter V6 engine
• 283 horsepower
• 260 pound-feet torque
• Post-collision safety system
• Head restraint whiplash protection system
• Front, rear and third row head air bags
• Three zone climate control
• Leather trim
• Optional leather seats

Dodge Grand Caravan

Starting at $21,800, the Dodge Grand Caravan is equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 flex-fuel engine and offers 17 city and 25 highway miles per gallon. Stow n’ go second row seats easily fold into the floor to give drivers plenty of cargo room with little effort, while 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet torque offers excellent power and performance. Other family-friendly features include:

• Upgraded interior materials for 2011 to offer more comfort and better styling
• Dual zone air conditioning • Audio and cruise controls on the steering wheel
• Child seat anchors • Post-collision safety system
• Head restraint whiplash protection system
• Interior air filtration • Optional heated second row seats
• Optional iPod integration and rear-seat entertainment system

Honda Odyssey

With a starting price of $27,800, the Honda Odyssey offers the same sporty feel and smooth ride of driving a car. A multi-function second row center seat and easy-to-fold third row seat offer a variety of seating and cargo storage options. Other features include:

• 18 city/27 highway miles per gallon
• 3.5-liter V6 engine
• Front and rear air conditioning and heating
• Child seat anchors and rear door child safety locks
• Engine immobilizer
• Adjustable headrests
• Cruise controls on the steering wheel
• Optional rear-seat entertainment system
• Household-style power outlet

Toyota Sienna

Loaded with family-friendly features and comfortable to drive, the Toyota Sienna starts at $25,060. With tons of entertainment options including an optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system, USB jack and iPod connectivity, the Sienna keeps the family entertained and happy on both short and long journeys. Other features include:

• 2.7-liter 4 cylinder engine or 3.5-liter V6 engine
• 19 city/24 highway miles per gallon
• 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet torque
• 12 V front and cargo area power outlets
• Cargo tie-downs
• Front, rear and third row head airbags
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Dual zone air conditioning
• Interior air filtration

If you’re ready to check out one of these family-friendly vehicles, head to your local Performance Auto dealer today!

Do you have a playful spirit? If so, Dodge’s new edgy revamp is for you! Each vehicle in the Dodge lineup has received sporty updates that are sure to please your playful side.

Dodge’s new and improved sporty lineup includes refreshed versions of the Dodge Charger, Challenger, Durango, Grand Caravan and Journey, all of which are being shown at the Chicago Auto Show this week. All of these vehicles have received updates that include:

• Better quality interior materials
• Revised suspension
• Exhaust tuning
• Upgraded engines
• Performance tires

Dodge Grand Caravan

Perhaps the most made-over vehicle in the new lineup is the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan, which Dodge has nicknamed “the man van.” Starting at $30,595, the Caravan features a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine with 283 horsepower. An all-black leather interior, wider tires and stiffer suspension give this van a more masculine feel.

“We chose a black leather interior to scare off unintended buyers,” said Ralph Gilles, Dodge president. “We didn’t want moms mistakenly buying it thinking it’s an ordinary minivan.”

Dodge Charger

This year marks the return of the Dodge Charger SRT8, which starts at $30,170. New features include:

• New high-performance powertrain
• 6.4-liter HEMI V8
• 465 horsepower
• 465 pound-feet torque
• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear backup camera

Dodge Challenger

Starting around $29,670, the Dodge Challenger’s most notable change is a new paint offering. The Green with Envy paint scheme is bright, bold and sure to catch everyone’s eye. Other updates include:

• HEMI V8 engine
• 372 horsepower
• Six-speed manual transmission
• New power steering
• Improved seat cushioning with power lumbar support
• Five-spoke cast aluminum wheels

Dodge Durango

The Dodge Durango, which starts at $34,345 has unique suspension tuning, load-leveling rear shocks and tuned exhaust to give it a more powerful, more performance-driven feel. Other features include:

• All-season performance tires with 20-inch wheels
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
• Push-button start
• Leather seats
• 10-speaker audio system

Dodge Journey

The 283-horsepower Dodge Journey has an upgraded Pentastar V6 engine, giving it a boost of power. Starting at $28,995, this youthful vehicle gets a technology upgrade with a high-tech connectivity touch-screen system.

If you’re ready to check out this impressive new Dodge lineup, visit your local Baxter or Performance Dodge dealer today!

If you demand an outstanding driving experience and enjoy standing out from the crowd, the 2011 Dodge Avenger could be the perfect car for you. With a newly-designed interior and improved handling, the 2011 Dodge Avenger is ready to take you on your next adventure in style and comfort.

At the heart of the new and improved 2011 Dodge Avenger is an all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar Flex-Fuel V6 Engine. The new performance engine features:

• Dual overhead cams
• Variable valve timing
• 283 horsepower
• 260 lb-ft of torque
• 29 miles-per-gallon

Dodge focused heavily on remodeling the 2011 Avenger’s interior to improve comfort and style with the following features:

• Upgraded premium materials and surfaces
• All-new instrument panel
• Upgraded cloth and leather seats
• Soft-touch surfaces on center console, door, armrests and instrument panel
• Re-engineered seats for improved comfort

The 2011 Dodge Avenger also got an exterior makeover to set it apart from its competition. New exterior features include:

• New aggressive signature crosshair grille
• Standard larger 17” wheels and available 18” chrome-clad wheels
• New LED tail lamps
• Dual chrome exhaust tips on V6 models

More noise reduction materials, revised steering and new safety features round out the 2011 Avenger’s improved features. Starting at $19,995, the Avenger is designed and priced to set you apart from the rest.

Chrysler has been working hard on the production of a new engine – the Pentastar V6. The new engine is already in place in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2011 Dodge Durango, and is expected to replace seven other engines in 12 other Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge models over the next three years. The engine will give these vehicles increased performance while simplifying the production process and improving engine quality. Vehicles scheduled to receive the Pentastar V6 include the Chrysler Town & Country, 300 and 200 (previously the Sebring), as well as the Dodge Journey, Avenger, Charger and Caravan.

Vehicles with the Pentastar V6 will see an increase in fuel economy and a reduction in emissions. These cars will be up to 11 percent more fuel efficient and able to run on either regular gasoline or E85 fuel. They will also see a boost in performance with increased horsepower and torque.

Overhead costs for vehicles with the Pentastar V6 will be reduced, thanks to the simplified engine. The Pentastar reduces major components from 189 parts in some cases, down to 32. This also makes the Pentastar V6 lighter than all the engines it is replacing.

Increased performance, better fuel efficiency, simplified production and lower costs… sounds like a win all around!