CAR News

Dodge today announced the new 2012 Avenger SE V6 package, developed to be America’s most affordable and powerful mid-size car, delivering unprecedented performance and value for driving enthusiasts. The new Avenger SE V6 model has a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just $21,495 (excluding destination) and is powered by a standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, one of Ward’s “10 Best Engines,” mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The 3.6-liter Pentastar engine produces a best-in-class 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque while achieving an EPA estimated 29 miles per gallon (mpg) highway, best-in-class for a V-6-powered mid-size sedan.

“The Dodge Avenger is one of the fastest growing mid-size cars in America, with sales up 112 percent this year,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand. “We’re building off this momentum with the introduction of the new SE V6 package, delivering a true no compromise solution for the mid-size car buyer – 283 best-in-class horsepower, 29 mpg highway, 18-inch wheels and a rear spoiler – all for just $21,495 MSRP. You get the power, the efficiency, the look and tremendous value that is unmatched in the segment.”

The new 2012 Dodge Avenger SE V6 provides customers the most desirable features at an outstanding price. Standard equipment includes a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that produces a best-in-class 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque while delivering a best-in-class EPA highway V-6 fuel economy rating of 29 mpg, 18-inch aluminum wheels, rear decklid spoiler, and dual exhaust with bright tips. SE V-6 models also include the rest of the comprehensive equipment list standard on all Avenger SE models, including: LED taillamps, premium interior with soft-touch surfaces, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, electronic stability control with traction control and electronic roll mitigation, advanced multi-stage driver and front passenger air bags, side-curtain and front seat-mounted side airbags, laminated front windshield and front-row side glass, power locks, power mirrors, air conditioning, remote keyless entry, premium cloth seats, speed control, tilt/telescoping steering wheel with integrated audio and speed controls, outside temperature display in gauge cluster, CD with four speakers, 60/40 rear seat with trunk pass through, fold flat front passenger seat and a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2012 Dodge Avenger is uniquely positioned as an alternative for consumers looking for a sedan with more style, personality and performance as well as with value for their dollar. The Avenger is available in five trim levels: SE – starting at $18,995 MSRP, the new SE V-6 starting at $21,495 MSRP, SXT, SXT Plus R/T, and eight exterior colors: Blackberry Pearl Coat, Bright Silver Metallic, Black Clear Coat, Redline 2 Pearl Coat, Bright White Clear Coat, Tungsten Metallic Clear Coat, Copperhead Pearl Coat or Blue Streak Pearl Coat.

Today Dodge and Mopar announced six all-new quality-tested and factory-installed police-equipment packages for the high-performance 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit. Vehicles are ready-for-duty right from the manufacturer.

“Mopar is adding even more value to our all-new 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “We are adding proven, quality-tested tactical equipment to this pursuit vehicle and creating a one-stop shop for police customers. With six quick-order packages, police departments have the ability to customize their vehicles to exact specifications.”

To enhance Dodge Charger Pursuit’s world-class levels of technology, safety, handling and efficient power, Mopar teamed up with industry-equipment leader Crown North America to develop six police packages that are designed to provide law-enforcement officers with the best combination of tactical equipment and performance. These police-equipment packages feature emergency lighting, audible warning, communications and safety equipment. Industry-leading suppliers involved in the development include Whelen Engineering, Setina Manufacturing and Havis, Inc.

“With rear-wheel-drive, best-in-class V-8 power, seven air bags and up to 27 miles per gallon during highway cruising, the Dodge Charger Pursuit is an excellent police car on its own merits,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand. “Our partnership with Mopar to produce these six police packages takes the car to the next level by allowing our customers to customize their cruisers to meet their specific needs.”

Mopar conducted extensive testing to ensure that its police upfit equipment met and exceeded the heavy-duty durability-cycle tests requirements of the new 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit.

“Our new packages simplify the police-vehicle order and upfit process,” said Peter Grady, Chrysler Group LLC’s Vice President of Network Development and Fleet. “With Mopar police equipment, we can deliver quality turn-key police vehicles in a predictable order-to-delivery time.”

The base police prep package for the 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit includes the following:

Emergency Equipment Electrical System Wire Harness: Capable of providing the appropriate power, ground, and fusing for a variety LED, lighting, siren, computer, modem, radar or camera systems. The wire harness integrates with both the Vehicle Systems Interference Module (VSIM) 24-way connector and the 12-pin connector that Chrysler Group provides at the console.

Power Distribution Center (PDC): Contains the fusing and relays for circuits contained in the wire harness. The PDC is supplied from the battery with two 100-amp main fuses. These fuses are separated in order to accommodate departments that wish to control some circuits with a timing device. For installers who want to use timer systems in order to prevent power drains on the battery, the PDC will accept the device’s output and channel it to the usual elements controlled by timers, including camera, computer, modem and printer systems.

Slide-out Trunk Tray: Provides a stable, easily accessible platform from which the installer can position and install electrical equipment. The trunk tray provides a 37.5-inch by 19-inch mounting surface for electrical and communications gear. Locking slides provide the movement, allowing a technician easier access to equipment mounted to the tray. An industry-first integral ground buss bar helps eliminate poor grounding, the most common equipment issue. The tray is adjustable and allows for a variety of equipment heights and needs.

Trunk Air-circulation Fan: Stabilizes trunk temperature in a relatively short period of time, helping all trunk-mounted electronic equipment to function properly by circulating heated or cooled air from the driver’s compartment into the trunk area.

Siren Speaker: Provides a 100-watt siren driver that is certified to meet SAE Class A and California Title XIII requirements when matched with an appropriate siren amplifier. Given that the system is mounted behind the grille, the look of the vehicle remains clean, while the siren location does not impact engine cooling.

The 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit’s available police-equipment packages include six quick-order package options:
Base Prep Police Package (AYE): includes front and rear wire harness, power distribution center, siren speaker with bracket, trunk tray and trunk cooling fan
Patrol Package 1 (AYF): includes police floor console, front-corner LED lamps, rear-corner LED lamps, front and rear wire harness, power-distribution center, siren speaker with bracket, trunk tray and trunk cooling fan
Patrol Package 2 (AYH): includes police floor console, push bumper, front and rear wire harness, power-distribution center, siren speaker and bracket, trunk tray and trunk cooling fan
Patrol Package 3 (AYM): includes push bumper, police floor console, front corner LED lamps, rear corner LED lamps, front and rear wire harness, power distribution center, siren speaker with bracket, trunk tray and trunk accessory cooling fan
Slick Top Police Package 1 (AYN): includes police floor console, front and rear wire harness, power-distribution center, siren speaker with bracket, trunk tray and trunk cooling fan
Slick Top Police Package 2 (AYP): includes front-corner LED lamps, rear-corner LED lamps, front and rear wire harness, power distribution center, siren speaker with bracket, trunk tray and trunk cooling fan
The new 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit equipped with Mopar’s police equipment packages is now available for ordering through Chrysler Group LLC’s fleet operations. The 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit is manufactured at Chrysler Group’s Brampton Assembly Plant in Brampton, Ontario. Police equipment installation is completed at the Crown North American upfit center in St. Thomas, Ontario. For more information, visit www.fleet.chrysler.com.

In addition to the six packages, 24 Mopar parts may be ordered separately:
Push Bumper
Siren Speaker and Bracket
Grille Lights
Front Corner LED Lights
Rear Corner LED Lights
Side Lights
Visor Lights
Overhead Light Bar- Full Feature
Overhead Light Bar – Limited Feature
Rear Deck Lights, Full Width
Rear Deck Lights
Police Floor Console
Can-Com Siren System
All-weather Floor Mats
Trunk Tray
Trunk Cooling Fan
Spare-Tire Relocation Bracket
Front Wire Harness
Rear Wire Harness
Power Distribution Center
Front Splash Guards
Rear Splash Guards
Hitch Receiver
7-Way Trailer-Tow Harness with 4-pin Adapter
About the 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit
America’s high-performance police vehicle — the 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit —provides law-enforcement with the best combination of tactical technology, safety, power, efficiency and an iconic design.

The Dodge Charger features two uncompromised, high-performance engines that deliver world-class levels of power, refinement, technology and fuel efficiency.

Engineered to perform, the aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine delivers 292 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, offers E-85 flex-fuel capability and up to 27 highway mpg. For best-in-class power, the Charger Pursuit’s legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with Fuel Saver Technology delivers 370 horsepower, 390 lb.-ft. of torque and up to 25 highway mpg.

With superior ride and handling, the Dodge Charger Pursuit features Chrysler Group’s second-generation large car rear-wheel-drive architecture with performance-tuned suspension, load-leveling Nivomat shocks, heavy-duty anti-lock vented-disc brakes (ABS), front- and rear-stabilizer bars, 18-inch performance tires on steel wheels and two-mode police-specific Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Developed with the guidance of the brand’s Police Advisory Board, the Dodge Charger Pursuit features a mobile-command interior with unique features, including a Vehicle Systems Interface Module for easy equipment integration, heavy-duty police-duty front seats and column-mounted shifter with Auto Stick.

In addition to its Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) “Top Safety Pick,” the Dodge Charger Pursuit surrounds the heroic men and women who protect with uncompromising safety and security equipment, including standard advanced multi-stage driver and front-passenger air bags, seat-mounted side-thorax air bags, supplemental side-curtain air bags for front and rear outboard passengers and driver’s knee bag.

2012 Mopar Dodge Caliber

Chrysler South Africa launches a special edition of the popular Dodge Caliber – the Mopar Edition.

“Chrysler has identified with a specific market niche – a group of drivers that have a passion for performance hatchbacks. To address this need, we have delivered the racy Dodge Caliber Mopar Edition which we believe will go a long way to satisfy the ‘boy racer’ in all of us.

The Mopar trademark is derived from the words Motor and Parts – is one of the most familiar in the automotive industry and is an unquestionable force in the world of performance parts. The essence of the “Mopoar” enthusiasm began with the production of the world famous Hemi engine, although it has a history stretching way, way back.

Mopar is associated with a dominant presence in both track and strip and its involvement in various racing formulas linked with Dodge in the US over the years, has proven it to be the purveyor of high-performance and qaulity engineered parts. Today, the Dodge Caliber Mopar Edition has the same Mopar DNA as found in the Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger muscle cars” – Guy Franken, Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Chrysler South Africa.

The Dodge Caliber 2.0 litre manual has performance parts from our Mopar range including:

Cold-air induction kit
Performance manifold and exhaust system
18″ black powder-coated alloy wheels
2″ lowering kit
Sporty bonnet and beltline decals
Mopar decals
The Dodge Caliber Mopar Edition is priced at R259 990.00 and will soon be available at participating Chrysler Jeep Dodge dealerships throughout South Africa.

2012 Dodge Ram Long-Hauler Concept Truck

They don’t get much bigger, have more range or more pulling power than the Ram “Long-Hauler” Concept truck.

On display at selected events across the country, the Ram Long-Hauler is based on a Class 5 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab, and is designed to suit the needs of anyone that tows multiple or heavy trailers, drives long distances or small business owners looking for a “work horse” at the job site.

Designers started with a Class 5 Ram 5500 Crew Cab and converted to a Mega Cab passenger compartment, added an 8-foot box and upped the range between refueling stops with a mid-ship fuel tank. Combined with a second frame-mounted tank and a third, optional, bed-mounted auxiliary tank, total fuel capacity is 170 gallons.

With a 197.4 – inch wheelbase and 37,500 Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), the concept Long-Hauler from Ram is just the truck for those wanting to step up from a traditional Class 3 (one-ton) or Class 4 truck. Overall length of the Ram Long-Hauler is 24 feet, height is 79.1 inches and estimated curb weight is 9,300 lbs.

The powertrain for the concept truck includes an inline six-cylinder 6.7-liter High Output Cummins Turbo Diesel engine rated at 800 lb.-ft. of torque. The Ram’s legendary diesel engine is mated to a six-speed, Aisin AS68RC automatic transmission with four-wheel-drive transfer case coupled to a 4.88 Dana 110 axle with dual rear wheels.

Riding on a full Kelderman Air Suspension front and rear and 19.5-inch Alcoa aluminum wheels, on-road driving dynamics are civilized and even the toughest road surfaces are easily absorbed providing the driver and passengers with a smooth, comfortable ride. In fact Ram Long-Hauler’s ride qualities are more inline with those of a 3/4-ton truck. The suspension package also is self-leveling with kneel feature.

On the exterior, brilliant black paint is accented by white gold metallic lower two-tone including body side moldings and wide wheel flares at the front and rear. Up front, a bull bar extends the entire width of the vehicle. For full use of the bed, the spare tire is located under the box. To help make trailer line-up easier on the fifth wheel, a separate back-up camera provides a full view of the bed.

A custom hitch-access tailgate allows easy hook-ups without the need to open or remove the entire tailgate.

Inside, interior noise levels have been heavily dampened with an upgraded NVH package that ensures a quiet cabin environment. The Long-Hauler includes 2+2 leather seating with a specific, high comfort driver seat. Rear passenger comfort is assured with power-adjustable footrests and a rear center console that includes a refrigerator, cup holders and tray tables.

In-cabin power includes 115V and 12V outlets front and rear. With the interior Wi-Fi enabled, passengers can easily work on laptop computers connected to the Internet during long drives.

Additional cabin features also include a laptop storage area and a safe for valuables. Interior items designed to keep the driver monitoring of vehicle performance will include a tire pressure monitoring system, rear axle temperature gauge and exhaust gas temperature and boost gauges. Convenience features also include an inductive charger and DVD player with overhead screen for rear seat passengers to enjoy their favorite programs and entertainment.

The rear seats and console also fold flat for additional storage or as a berth for resting.

Ram Truck has identified a potential market for a Class 5 pickup, including race car teams, car haulers, RV owners, ranchers and rodeo competitors, boaters and commercial expediting operations.

The Ram Long-Hauler, while only a concept, will be seen across the country in the next eight months to help gauge public opinion on the appeal of a vehicle that provides an upgrade from a 1-ton truck without moving up to a full Class 6 truck.

Tentative show schedule for the Ram Long-Hauler is:

Kentucky Derby
Louisville, Ky.
5/05 – 5/07

Turbo Diesel Register Rally
Columbus, Ind.
6/10 – 6/11

Rodeo Circuit
July/August

Farm Progress Show
Decatur, Ill.
8/31 – 9/02

Husker Harvest
Grand Island, Neb.
9/13 – 9/15

NTEA New Product Conference
Dearborn, Mich.
9/19 – 9/19

Sunbelt Expo
Moultrie, Ga.
10/18 – 10/20

National R.V. Show
Louisville, Ky.
11/29 — 12/1