CAR News

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

2012 Dodge Avenger RT

Chrysler Group LLC today announced the new 2012 Dodge Avenger R/T will make its worldwide auto show debut at the 2011 New York International Auto Show, starting with media days on April 20. Consumers who visit the auto show can check out the new Avenger R/T model April 22 through May 1, 2011.

With exceptional V-6 fuel economy, the new Dodge Avenger is the perfect sedan for the customer who wants an enthusiastic driving performance at a great value. With a stiffened suspension, best-in-class 283 horsepower engine, center-mounted tachometer and performance-inspired interior and exterior design, the 2012 Dodge Avenger R/T ups the driving fun factor.

“The Avenger R/T makes driving a mid-size car a really fun, engaging experience,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Brand – Chrysler Group LLC. “The Avenger R/T offers performance design cues both inside and out, as well as unique handling characteristics and a sport-tuned suspension. It’s a vehicle that is ready to earn its stripes as part of the Dodge performance family of vehicles.”

In 2011, Dodge introduced the new Dodge Avenger mid-sized sedan. With more standard features than other vehicles in the segment – an all-new interior, a new powertrain, including one of Ward’s “10 Best Engines,” the best-in-class 283 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transaxle, a significantly updated suspension that results in exceptional driving dynamics and an updated design – the Dodge Avenger is a vehicle packed with value and a style all its own.

The new for 2012 Dodge Avenger R/T model builds on all the improvements made to the 2011 model giving mid-size sedan customers an unmatched driving experience along with Dodge attitude. Dodge engineers amplified the driving experience by giving the Dodge Avenger R/T a superlative powertrain and performance-tuned suspension. The 2012 Dodge Avenger R/T is powered by the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transaxle, which has an EPA fuel economy rating of 19 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

To make it stay true to the Dodge R/T DNA, engineers tuned the Avenger’s suspension specifically to the R/T model. They increased roll stiffness by 18 percent, and spring rates by 17 percent in the front and more than 12 percent in the rear. Front strut damping rates are increased 15 percent, rear strut damping rates are increased almost 20 percent and the rear stabilizer bar diameter is 2 mm larger, increased from 19 mm to 21 mm. The suspension changes result in a spirited, performance sedan driving experience. With best-in-class 283 horsepower, and still delivering 29 miles per gallon on the highway, the Avenger R/T is unmatched in its class.

The Dodge Avenger R/T model exterior has unique exterior design elements, including a unique body-color grille with the Dodge badge, menacing black headlamp background, the “war paint” R/T decal on the front quarter panel and unique 18-in. painted aluminum wheels. The performance elements carry through to the rear of the vehicle with a spoiler and the “R/T” badge.

The interior of the 2012 Dodge Avenger R/T sports distinctive Aunde fabric with Z stripe fabric inserts, red stitching and aggressive leather-trimmed bolsters that hold drivers and passengers firmly in their seats when they put the Avenger to the test. The front seats are heated and sport an “R/T” graphic stitched in red on the front headrests. Drivers will notice a cockpit unlike other Avenger models. It features a unique gauge cluster with a center-mounted tachometer with the “R/T” graphic and SRT-inspired brake and accelerator pedal pads. The steering wheel is wrapped in perforated leather with red accent stitching. A Boston Acoustic sound system compliments the standard 276-watt touchscreen entertainment center with a 30-gigabyte hard drive. The excellent sound system and remote start are some of the many standard features on the Avenger R/T model.

The Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan is a 2011 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick, and provides customers an abundance of standard safety and high-tech features designed to keep drivers connected with their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Standard safety features include advanced multi-stage front passenger air bags, front seat side air bags, electronic stability control with electronic traction control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, supplemental side curtain air bags and LATCH child seat anchor system.

For 2011, the Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan is available in four different configurations, and features a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Avenger Express, Avenger Mainstreet, Avenger Heat and Avenger Lux are available in Dodge dealerships now. The 2012 Dodge Avenger R/T model will start arriving in dealerships in the third quarter of 2011.

The Dodge Avenger is built at the Sterling Heights (Mich.) Assembly Plant.