Dodge Motorsports today revealed the Dodge Challenger as the "New Car" for the NASCAR Nationwide Series and announced an expansion of its partnership with Penske Racing beginning in 2010. Dodge will provide support for Penske Racing’s two-car operation in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, in addition to Penske’s three teams in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

"As the performance brand of our new company, we are excited to expand our relationship with Penske Racing and introduce the iconic Dodge Challenger as our entry into the NASCAR Nationwide Series," said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Car Brand. "Motorsports are a significant part of the Dodge brand’s legacy. Penske Racing has such a rich tradition in motorsports, and our partnership in the Nationwide Series will provide an excellent opportunity to showcase the Challenger and offer our loyal Dodge enthusiasts plenty of excitement in this very competitive series next year."

Penske Racing will field two teams, both running the full-season schedule. The Dodge Challenger will be used at the four "New Car" races NASCAR has designated, starting at Daytona in July. At the other 31 events that complete the 35-race season, Penske Racing will field Dodge Chargers as it did this season with the No. 12 Verizon Wireless Dodge Charger driven by Justin Allgaier. NASCAR is expecting full integration of the "New Car" in 2011.

Joining Allgaier will be Brad Keselowski in the No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge. He also will compete in the Dodge Challenger for the four designated races and in a Charger for the remainder of the schedule.

"Today’s announcement further reinforces our relationship and commitment to Dodge Motorsports, and we are excited about our future with this great brand," said Tim Cindric, President of Penske Racing. "We believe Dodge’s relationship with Penske Racing will continue to elevate and highlight both our brands and deliver value to Dodge enthusiasts."

Allgaier, in his rookie season in the Nationwide Series, is currently fifth in the season point standings and the leader among Rookie of the Year candidates.

"Penske Racing has a very successful relationship with the Dodge brand," commented Allgaier. "I am honored to be one of Dodge Motorsport’s drivers and to be able to drive the new Challenger in the NASCAR Nationwide Series is going to be awesome. The car looks great and will give the Nationwide Series its own identity."

Source: Paddocktalk

Las Vegas and most of the tuner industry is getting ready for the 2009 SEMA Show next week. The folks at SpeedFactory will come to the show with their new supercharged, all-aluminum 440 HEMI-powered Dodge Challenger.

SpeedFactory took the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with a 6.1L HEMI Mopar aluminum block and increased the displacement to 440 cu. in. (to 7.2L). With a Vortech V3 centrifugal supercharger and other modifications, output was increased to a whopping 700-hp.

Complimenting the increase in performance is a Mopar Performance NAG 1 transmission, Mopar Performance fuel rails, Moroso coolant tank and oil pan, Getrag IRS with 1000 HP half-shafts, Corsa stainless steel cat back exhaust system, performance springs, sway bars, and additional strut tower braces, 15-inch Brembo 6 piston front disc brakes and Bridgestone R Compound tires mounted on 20-inch BS Black Edition CH-R wheels.

Source: eGMCarTech

Street racers of a certain age have fond memories of the original Hemi-powered Dodge Challenger and its many escapades on drag strips across the country. For the upcoming SEMA show, Mopar has re-created a latter-day street car, the Dodge Challenger 1320, inspired by the standard quarter-mile drag strip, which measures 1,320 feet.

The street-legal Challenger 1320 "image vehicle" sprang from a Mopar Drag Pak Dodge Challenger, a stripped-down race-only version of the production car, designed for the drag strip and available only by special order.

Chrysler has shoehorned a massive 7.0-liter Hemi V8 — that would be 426 cubic inches, for you muscle-car buffs — into the engine bay. With Mopar valve covers, long-tube headers and exhaust system, the oversize V8 packs 556 horsepower and 540 pound-feet of torque. All that energy is transferred to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, a custom Dynatrac rear housing with Dana 60 internals and a selectable ARB locking rear diff.

The Challenger 1320 rides on Mickey Thompson drag radials mounted on Mopar police wheels, with adjustable coil-over shocks at all four corners.

Accentuating the retro look are a bulged hood with Hemi scoop, a front spoiler and a grille panel/headline surround, all rendered in carbon fiber and designed by Seibon.

Inside, the Challenger features Dodge Viper seats, Hurst shifter and sport steering wheel. The radio, center console and rear seat have been removed to cut weight.

Source: InsideLine

Of the three classic muscle car nameplates currently on sale in the United States, the Dodge Challenger may very well sport the most retro look and feel. Whether or not that's a good thing depends on your personal point of view, but Chrysler seems happy to accept the role and is further promoting the link to Challenger's '70s heritage with a new Plum Crazy Pearl Coat color option for 2010.

In case you're not aware, Plum Crazy was the surprisingly popular deep purple hue found on the Challenger and its stablemate, the Plymouth Barracuda, during the heyday of the American muscle car wars. These days, any car originally painted up in Plum Crazy has an intrinsic value to many collectors, and it seems Dodge is hoping for a similar situation the second time around.

The purple color is only available on R/T (for $225) and SRT models (for $500) for 2010 and the package also includes Plum interior stitching and a Plum seat stripe on the SRT8. Outside, buyers can choose from either Black Dual Wide Stripes or a newly-optional set of stripes in white. Previous High Impact colors Detonator Yellow and B-5 Blue are no longer available for order.

Also new for the Challenger in 2010 is a Super Track Pack option for a reasonable $400 that allows the driver to fully disengage stability control (finally) and adds 245/45ZR20 tires from Goodyear along with an uprated suspension with Load Leveling and Height Control, Performance Steering and heavy-duty disc brakes.

Source: AutoBlog

The freshened Ford Mustang outpointed two other reincarnated muscle cars — the Chevrolet Camaro and the Dodge Challenger — as well as the new Hyundai Genesis Coupe in Consumer Reports’ tests of six sporty cars and coupes in the October issue.

The Mustang received a Very Good overall road test score of 78, outpointing the Camaro which received a Very Good 71, and the Challenger, which received a Good 53 points. CR’s engineers found the Mustang’s 2010 freshening makes it an even more balanced and satisfying driver’s car than ever before. A lot in the jump!

The new Camaro shares basic underpinnings with the Pontiac G8 sedan. The Challenger is based on the large Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger rear-wheel-drive sedans. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe received a Very Good test score and is distinct from the rest of the group. It is loosely based on the Genesis luxury sedan and is powered by either a turbocharged four-cylinder or V6 engine, in contrast to the muscle cars’ V8s.

CR also tested the redesigned Nissan 370Z two-seat coupe, an agile sports car which received a Very Good test score, and the updated and improved 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX, which also received a Very Good test score.

Prices ranged from $38,565 for the 370Z to $26,088 for the WRX. The Mustang has average reliability and is Recommended, as is the WRX. The other models are too new to have reliability data for CR to Recommend them. CR only Recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR’s Annual Car Reliability Survey of its more than seven million print and web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.

Full tests and ratings of the sporty cars test group appear in the October issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale September 1. The reports are also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org . Updated daily, ConsumerReports.org is the go-to site for the latest auto reviews, product news, blogs on breaking news and car buying information.

In everyday driving, the Mustang corners with agility and the highway ride is civilized. The Ford Mustang GT premium, ($34,725 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price as tested) is powered by a 315-hp, 4.6-liter V8 engine that delivers strong acceleration and gets 20 mpg overall in CR’s own fuel economy tests. The engine has a deep burble that is pleasing to listen to. The five-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly and accurately. Braking is Very Good. The 2010 freshening brought upgraded interior materials and better fit and finish.

The Camaro provides blistering performance and handles capably, but its girth undermines its agility. The Chevrolet Camaro 2SS ($35,425, MSRP as tested), is powered by a 426-hp, 6.2-liter, V8 engine that delivers very strong performance and 18 mpg overall. The engine sounds great when the throttle is punched. The six-speed manual transmission has a good feel. Braking is excellent. The interior is nicely finished despite gaps around the instrument panel and some cheap plastics.

With exhilarating straight-line acceleration, a brawny V8, and stock-car styling, the Challenger recaptures the character of the American muscle car. The Dodge Challenger R/T ($36,600, MSRP as tested), is powered by a 370-hp, 5.7-liter “Hemi” V8 engine that delivers strong performance and 18 mpg overall. The optional six-speed manual transmission shifts well with a pistol-like grip that fits snugly in hand. Whatever wind and road noise there is, and it’s not much, is overwhelmed by the invigorating engine growl. Braking is mediocre and it has a big car feel rather than a sports car. The well-assembled interior has a nicely padded dash and nostalgic horizontal seat stitching.

The Genesis Coupe has agile handling that makes make it fun to drive, which is unusual for a Hyundai. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Grand Touring ($28,375, MSRP as tested), is powered by a 306-hp, 3.8-liter V6 engine and gets an impressive 23 mpg overall. The V6 engine smoothly hums under acceleration. However, the interaction of the six-speed manual transmission’s shifter and heavy clutch make it a challenge to get smooth shifts. Braking is very good. The interior is nicely finished, although it’s not luxurious like the Genesis sedan’s.

The WRX’s ride is taut, yet controlled and the car is steady yet compliant on the highway. The Subaru WRX ($26,088, MSRP as tested), is powered by a 265-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers very strong acceleration and gets 24 mpg overall. It’s well matched to a five-speed manual transmission. In everyday driving, the WRX engine has the manners of a typical four-cylinder with mileage to match. Braking is excellent. Interior plastics are all hard, but the interior is well-assembled.

Redesigned for 2009, the two-seat 370Z is shorter and better finished than its predecessor, the 350Z. Great handling and braking are high points of the 370Z, as is abundant power. The cabin is cramped and noisy, it’s hard to see out, and the stiff ride is wearing over time. The Nissan 370Z Touring ($38,565, MSRP as tested), is a real sports car with quick handling and lots of grip. It is powered by a 332-hp, 3.7-liter V6 engine that gets 23 mpg overall, but on premium fuel. The six-speed manual transmission’s short-throw shifter has a good feel. Braking is excellent. The interior has exceptional fit and finish.

The Competition/Plus project was started in an effort to provide a more affordable package, as well as appeal to customers who might not necessarily want the classic gold paint schemes. Named after the legendary shifter that helped make Hurst famous, the package includes only the essentials: an Eibach suspension system, Magnaflow exhaust system, Hurst 20-inch alloy wheels, color-matched leather inserts and stitching for the interior, matte black exterior accents, and, of course, a Competition/Plus short throw shifter with the classic white ball. We're told the package is available on any color of Challenger, whether it's the B5 Blue pictured here, Hemi Orange, TorRed or any other.

Pricing has yet to be announced, but full details on the car should be released soon. More images at the source!

Source: AutoBlog

Car and Driver Magazine has posted up their grudge-match article weighing in on what modern musclecar is worth your coin? To spoil your reading, they think the new Mustang takes first place, Camaro second, and lastly is the Challenger.

Reasons? Find out in the jump!

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T - Comparison Test
Highs: Classic bod, smooth controls, big inside, snick-snick six-speed.
Lows: Corners on custard, too heavy, drab cabin, tires off the church bus.
The Verdict: The most authentic ’60s re-spin of them all.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS - Comparison Test
Highs: Fastest through the trap, grip and zip in the gymkhana, fresh and inventive interior.
Lows: Looks angry, tiny trunk, hard seats, nose-deep-in-a-hole feeling.
The Verdict: A neo-Corvette underneath the Deathmobile from Animal House.

2010 Ford Mustang GT - Comparison Test
Highs: Lighter and tighter in every way, good visibility, fab 1-2-3 turn signals, the king of V-8 roars.
Lows: Only a five-speed, capless fuel filler frequently spills, smallest fuel tank.
The Verdict: Yeah, we’re shocked, too, but this Mustang rocks.

Your thoughts?

Source: Car and Driver

An eye witness tells his story:If you can't Dodge it, Ram it?

Source: LS1Tech

Steve Saleen and his brand new company, SMS Limited, showed off their very first production vehicle here at the 2009 New York Auto Show - the SMS 570 Challenger. Based on the Dodge Challenger R/T, the SMS 570 Challenger features an SMS Red Butterfly Induction hood and other SMS ultra-high performance elements like an upgraded drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics, tires, wheels and interior.

SMS will offer the car in two trim-levels including the SMS 570 Challenger and SMS 570X Challenger. Power outputs come in at 500-hp for the SMS 570 Challenger and 700-hp for the SMS 570X Challenger.

Pricing starts at $64,870 for the SMS 570 Challenger and $84,970 for the SMS 570X Challenger. Both models will carry a bumper-to-bumper factory warranty.

Source: eGMCarTech

When it comes to modifying cars and TV Shows, the sky's the limit for what can be done as money isn't usually much of an issue. This one-of-a-kind wide body '09 Dodge Challenger R/T Convertible is the work of the pimp-slapping guys over at West Coast Customs (WCC) and it was built for Joshua 'Chop' Tobin aka, "King of Cars", owner of Las Vegas based car dealership, Towbin Dodge. The Challenger's transformation was featured in the latest episode of WCC's "Street Customs" TV show that aired on TLC on March 26, 2009.

Dodge Challenger R/T Widebody Convertible However, the owner of the one-off Dodge Challenger R/T Convertible wasn't that keen to keep the car in his possession as he put it up for sale on eBay the same day that the show aired on TV... The auction lasted three days with the highest bid being $50,200 and as you may have guessed, the reserve price, which is the minimum price a seller is willing to accept for the item, was not met.

Jumbo-sized rear fenders and working power convertible top aside, WCC left their mark on the Challenger R/T with black striping, one-off 24-inch front and 26-inch rear (...) flat black and white Asanti alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli rubber, a new exhaust system, a rear spoiler and blacked out tail lamps.

Dodge Challenger R/T Widebody Convertible Furthermore, the R/T's interior that retains the five-seat layout of the coupe was upgraded with a two-tone leather trim and a high-end Polk Audio system.

Source: CarScoop

The sizes of their engines only vary by a tenth of a liter, but the Camaro's 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 out muscles the Dodge's 3.5-liter V6 by 54 horses. Add in the Challenger's extra 100 pounds of weight and four-speed automatic and it never really had a chance.

V6 Camaro Test Results:
0 - 30 (sec): 2.4
0 - 45 (sec): 4.0
0 - 60 (sec): 6.0
0 - 75 (sec): 8.8
1/4 Mile (sec @ mph): 14.2 @ 98.9
0-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec): 5.7
30 - 0 (ft): 27
60 - 0 (ft): 107
Braking Rating: Very good
Slalom (mph): 68.2
Skid Pad Lateral acceleration (g): .89
Handling Rating: Very good

V6 Challenger Test Results:
0 - 30 (sec): 3.0
0 - 45 (sec): 5.1
0 - 60 (sec): 8.1
0 - 75 (sec): 12.1
1/4 Mile (sec @ mph): 16.1 @ 88.3
0-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec): 7.8
30 - 0 (ft): 29
60 - 0 (ft): 129
Braking Rating: Average
Slalom (mph): 59.5
Skid Pad Lateral acceleration (g): N/A
Handling Rating: Average

That's gotta hurt, Dodge.

Source: Inside Line

With all three set to be on the roads this summer, these three cars are going to be the topic between every group of gearheads. The Mustang had its looks refreshed for the new model year. The Camaro has made a rather late, but prominent return. The Challenger nameplate is finally back and on the roads.

Pretend you were given $50,000 tomorrow to buy either a new Mustang, Camaro, or Challenger, and what ever is left over after the purchase you can sink into the car. What would you pick and why?

Even though Chrysler is going through a very hard financial time, Hurst Performance Vehicles said yesterday that it has opened the doors of its new California Performance Center in Irvine. The new 50,000 sq-ft complex will provide space for 60 employees that will hand build the many tuning stages of the 2009 Hurst/Hemi Dodge Challenger.

Hurst said that production and deliveries of the 2009 Hurst/Hemi Dodge Challenger and the 50th Anniversary Hurst/Viper is set to begin immediately.

The Hurst Hemi Dodge Challenger is available in five performance stage for the Dodge Challenger R/T and SRT8 with prices starting at $18,350 for the R/T upgrade packages and $17,450 for the SRT8 packages.

Source: eGMCarTech

As if the new 2009 Challenger isn't already the embodiment of retro design, Dodge has launched a new version of the coupe called "Classic" that adds more nostalgic flavor to the reborn muscle car. Based on the Challenger R/T with Chrysler's 5.7-liter V8 Hemi that delivers 376HP when paired to a six-speed manual and 372HP with an automatic transmission, the Classic is available for order now with a starting price of $34,005 which includes a $725 destination fee.

So what's so special about the Challenger R/T Classic? Well, on the outside it sports heritage-inspired dual-wide body-side R/T stripes, 'Challenger' fender badging in classic script, 20-inch polished-chrome heritage alloy wheels with all-season performance tires, classic egg-crate grille with a heritage 'R/T' badge, body-color rear spoiler and a chromed fuel-filler door.

Buyers will be able to choose from a palette of six colors: Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl, Bright Silver Metallic, Stone White and three Dodge heritage colors-HEMI(R) Orange, TorRed and B5 Blue.

Source: CarScoop

Steve Saleen and his company SMS are well on the way to production with the first vehicle in the line of Signature Series ultra-high performance vehicles. The SMS 570 Challenger will be the first vehicle with a host of aesthetic and functional innovations including the patented SMS Red Butterfly Induction™ hood and a full compliment of SMS ultra-high performance components including: drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics, tires, wheels and interior.

"When you combine Steve Saleen and Dodge Challenger you get the pairing of two powerhouse automotive icons." - Edmunds/Inside Line

Steve Saleen presents the SMS 570 Challenger

The fully certified and street legal SMS 570 Challenger and SMS 570X Challenger will be based off the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T platform and will feature a SMS designed and engineered SMS 296 Supercharger atop the 5.7L Hemi, with power ratings from 500 to over 700 horsepower respectively.

Steve Saleen presents the SMS 296 Supercharger

"Who wants a Steve Saleen Supercharged Challenger? We Do!" - Dodgepedia.org

The MSRP's for the 2009 SMS 570 Challenger and SMS 570X Challenger are targeted to start at $60,000 to $70,000 respectively with production commencing in 2008. Both models will carry a bumper-to-bumper factory warranty.

This is an exciting opportunity for the Mopar community to finally take part in the ultra-high performance niche production vehicle market! So act now to reserve yours.

"We're big fans of Steve Saleen. He's created some pretty incredible Mustangs over the last 25 years, and any guy that successfully builds his own supercar gets major props in our book." – Autoblog

Steve Saleen presents the SMS 570 Challenger

Each of these limited edition vehicles will be personally signed by Steve Saleen as part of the Signature Series product line, complete with unique badges and graphics. Production numbers will be limited per year depending on the model, so the opportunity to be one of the few owners is limited to a first come first served basis. So act now, by placing your pre-production orders though any Dodge dealer in the US. Or call us directly for more details.

SMS

We are a niche manufacturer of lifestyle ultra-high performance vehicles, technical performance parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel. We design, engineer, test, certify, manufacture and assemble all our own products and vehicles.

"I am drawing upon 25 years of rich experience in the automotive industry to address the rapidly expanding global market of automotive lifestyle vehicles, technical performance parts, accessories and apparel" explains Steve Saleen, Chairman and CEO of SMS.