CAR News

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.

Dodge Charger Mopar

Today, Chrysler Group LLC issued a sketch of its new Mopar® ’11 Charger. The company will release details of the vehicle later this month.

“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.”

2011 Dodge Ram 1500 Tradesman

Ram Truck today announced a new trim package aimed at one of the pickup truck category’s largest traditional customer bases: the Ram Tradesman.

The Tradesman is a value-priced option package designed to meet the hard-working needs of small businessmen, construction jobsites and commercial fleets.

“The Ram Tradesman is named for – and aimed at – the heart of our business,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “This is a hard-working truck for hard-working people. Durability, reliability and value for the money are the top three considerations for our customers. Their truck is the most important tool they own and one they’ll use every day. The Ram Tradesman is a truck they can depend on.”

Ram Tradesman offers better performance for the price than other work trucks. For example, Ram Tradesman starts with the popular Ram 1500 ST trim package and adds useful features such as a standard HEMI® engine with five-speed automatic transmission, which balances power with fuel efficiency. HEMI-equipped Ram 1500s are rated at 390 horsepower (291kW) and 407 ft.-lb.(552 N•m) torque and 20 mpg highway (4×2).

Also included in the Tradesman package is a standard Class IV trailer hitch with lighted, above-bumper four- and seven-pin trailer wire connectors. Tradesman also features heavy-duty engine cooling and a heavy-duty transmission oil cooler. Properly equipped Tradesman models provide best-in-class standard work truck capability, towing 10,450 lbs.

Ram 1500 Tradesman is equipped with durable, good-looking 17-inch full-face painted steel wheels exclusive to the Tradesman.

All Ram 1500 models, including the Tradesman, feature segment-exclusive multi-link rear coil suspension that provides best-in-class ride and handling qualities. A coil-spring setup centralizes and absorbs bumps and impacts, while reducing the amount of friction in the spring system. This setup also weighs 40 pounds less than a leaf-spring configuration.

Ram Tradesman is available in either regular cab short-bed (6 foot, 4 inch) and long-bed (8 foot) models, with a choice of 4×2 or 4×4 powertrains.

Buyers can choose vinyl or cloth 40/20/40 split bench seats in dark slate and medium graystone, and either carpeted or vinyl flooring.

Other standard equipment includes 160-amp alternator, 17-inch steel spare wheel and full-size spare tire, 26-gallon (6-foot, 4-inch bed) or 32-gallon (8-foot bed) fuel tank, 3.55 rear axle ratio, 700-amp maintenance-free battery, bright chrome grille, cargo bed lamp, front and rear heavy-duty shock absorbers, front and rear stabilizer bars, halogen headlamps, locking tailgate, rear wheel well liners, rack and pinion steering, rear dome lamp and sentry key theft-deterrent system.

Standard interior features include air conditioning, a 12-volt auxiliary power outlet, media center with CD and MP3 player, six speakers, audio jack for mobile devices, automatic headlamps, behind the seat storage, driver and passenger assist handles, instrument panel with tachometer, tilt steering wheel, tinted glass, variable intermittent windshield wipers.

Standard safety features include advanced multistage front air bags, supplemental side airbags and front curtain, electronic stability control, anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes, front height-adjust shoulder belts and tire-pressure monitoring.

Ram Tradesman is available in Bright Silver Metallic, Bright White, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl, Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl, Deep Water Blue Pearl, Flame Red, Hunter Green Pearl, Mineral Gray Metallic, Rugged Brown Pearl or White Gold Metallic Paint.

A long list of options is available for the Tradesman including 3.21 and 3.92 rear axle ratios, anti-spin differential, chrome exhaust tip, bright chrome front and rear bumpers, heated mirrors, power door locks, power windows, remote keyless entry, engine block heater, folding trailer-tow mirrors with courtesy lamps and supplemental signals, rubber floor mats, Mopar chrome side steps and bed rails, a rear sliding window, spray-in bed liner, Sirius satellite radio, Uconnect® voice command with Bluetooth®, remote USB port, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, tow hooks, cruise control, tire-pressure monitor, vehicle information center and trailer brake controller.

Ram Tradesman is also available with rugged Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires to resist punctures and improve off-road traction.

Ram Trucks come with an unsurpassed 5-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Truck customers – from half-ton to commercial – have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to provide high levels of capability. With their proven powertrains, proven chassis, low-cost of ownership, Ram Trucks are engineered for maximum productivity and “uptime.” Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 pickups and chassis cabs are designed to deliver a total package for commercial customers.

Ram Tradesman pricing starts at $22,780, including $975 destination charge. Tradesman will go on sale in the second quarter 2011.

Dodge announced pricing today for the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, offering more content and a lower price than current models. The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram features three cab configurations, five trim levels, all-new exterior and interior styling and many segment-first features and best-in-class capabilities.

The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram is available for $22,170 for regular cab models, $26,225 for Quad Cab® models and $32,530 for Ram Crew 1500 models. Prices include $900 for destination. Customers may choose to purchase the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram, or lease through independent sources. The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram arrives in dealerships this fall.

“It’s a challenging time to introduce an all-new light-duty pickup, but Dodge never backs down from a challenge,” said Mike Accavitti, Director – Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing and Communications. ”With more standard features and a lower MSRP than 2008 models, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram gives consumers thousands of dollars more in value. Our all-new 2009 Dodge Ram has it all: head-turning design, class-leading interior amenities, capability for every need, customer convenience features inside and out, built-in craftsmanship and safety for every occupant – all at a great value. And with our new crew-size cab model, we’re now competing in the fastest-growing and highest-volume part of the light-duty pickup segment.”

For 2009, the all-new Dodge Ram will be offered in regular cab, Quad Cab and crew-size cab configurations, with three box lengths: 8-foot (regular cab), 6-foot-4-inches (regular cab and Quad Cab) and a new-for-2009 box length of 5-foot-7-inches ( Ram Crew 1500). All fit in a standard-sized garage. Five trim levels are offered: ST, SLT, TRX, Sport and Laramie.

The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram offers a number of segment-first and best-in-class innovations.

The all-new Dodge Ram Crew 1500 features an available first-in-segment RamBox cargo management system that provides weatherproof, lockable, illuminated and drainable storage compartments integrated into both fender sides for effortless access and convenience. Each box holds up to five cases (120 cans) of 12-ounce beverages. Total capacity is 7.4 cubic feet – slightly more than the capacity of a 55-gallon drum.

Another new segment-first innovation for the 2009 Dodge Ram Crew 1500 is a pair of “store-in-the-floor” storage bins with removable liners that offer even more versatile storage – large enough for ten 12-ounce beverages and ice.

Powertrain choices include the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI that produces best-in-class 390 hp (291 kW) and 407 lb.-ft. (552 N?m) of torque. Also available is a 4.7-liter V-8 providing 310 horsepower (231 kW) and 330 lb.-ft. (447 N?m) of torque, and a 3.7-liter V-6 generating 215 horsepower (160 kW) and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N?m) of torque; four- and five-speed automatic transmissions; part-time and on-demand four-wheel-drive transfer cases; and 3.21, 3.55, 3.92 and 4.10 axle ratios.

Equipped with the new HEMI, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram R/T regular-cab 4×2 model with a short bed and 4:10 gears blasts from 0-60 mph in less than 6 seconds – best-in-class performance.

An improved frame design incorporating high-strength steel supports an all-new, first-in-segment, solid axle, multi-link coil spring rear suspension that provides outstanding ride and handling characteristics without sacrificing payload (up to 1,850 pounds) and towing capability (up to 9,100 pounds).

Premium amenities include first-in-segment heated and ventilated front seats, available heated rear seats, first-for-Dodge heated steering wheel, one-touch up/down driver and passenger windows, automatic-on headlamps and dual-zone automatic temperature control – a first for Dodge Ram.

The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram offers more electronic choices than the average family room. Electronic and infotainment choices include MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System with 30-gigabyte hard drive and navigation system, along with a rear-seat DVD entertainment system that is available in the Quad Cab and crew-size cab. Also available is first-in-segment live SIRIUS Backseat TVTM and segment-first surround-sound audio.

The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram also offers 35 active and passive safety features, including standard front and rear side-curtain air bags with Enhanced Accident Response System, knee bolsters, adjustable rear head restraints, remote keyless entry, seat-belt pre-tensioners, Anti-lock Brake System, BeltAlert® System, Center High-mounted Stop Lamp, power door locks, energy-absorbing steering column, Sentry Key® engine immobilizer, tire pressure monitoring system, HomeLink Universal Home Security System Transceiver and Electronic Stability Program with Hill Start Assist, Brake Assist, Rollover Mitigation and Trailer Sway Control; and available adjustable pedals, ParkSense® Rear Park Assist and ParkView® Rear Back-up Camera.

Engineers have conducted approximately 40,000 hours of full-scale vehicle and system testing for durability and reliability of the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram. Testing and validation in various climates included road trips to a variety of locations including Death Valley, Nev., Bemidji, Minn., Tampa and Denver. In addition, the 2009 Dodge Ram has gone through more than 200 hours of wind noise and aerodynamic evaluations in Chrysler LLC’s state-of-the-art aerodynamic and acoustic test facility in Auburn Hills, Mich.

By the time the 2009 Dodge Ram goes on sale this fall, nearly 9 million customer-equivalent miles will be logged by Dodge Truck engineers.

All-new 2009 Dodge Ram ST regular cab and Quad Cab

Powered by a 3.7-liter V-6 engine producing 215 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque backed by a four-speed automatic transmission (4×2 models) or a 4.7-liter V-8 producing 310 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque with a five-speed automatic transmission, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram ST’s standard features include17-inch styled steel wheels, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system (ABS), electric-shift transfer case (4×4 models), power rack-and-pinion steering, heavy-duty vinyl floor covering, tilt-steering column, AM/FM stereo with CD player and six speakers, variable intermittent windshield wipers, manual windows (two door only), fixed rear window, Sentry Key engine immobilizer and air conditioning.

Optional features include 17-inch chrome-clad steel wheels, two-tone exterior paint, speed control, anti-spin rear differential, engine block heater, trailer-tow mirrors, bedliner, black lower bodyside moldings, front hood protection shield, 3.92 axle ratio, sliding rear window, power-sliding rear window (Quad Cab only, standard on Crew), uconnect studios SIRIUS Satellite Radio and Mopar WiFi.

Following are prices for the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram ST. All prices include $900 for destination.

Dodge Ram ST regular cab 4×2 6-foot-4-inch box $22,170
Dodge Ram ST regular cab 4×2 8-foot box $22,470
Dodge Ram ST regular cab 4×4 6-foot-4-inch box $26,625
Dodge Ram ST regular cab 4×4 8-foot box $26,925
Dodge Ram ST Quad Cab 4×2 $26,225
Dodge Ram ST Quad Cab 4×4 $30,635

All-new 2009 Dodge Ram SLT regular cab, Quad Cab and Ram Crew 1500

In addition to standard features offered on the ST, the all-new Dodge Ram SLT adds carpet floor covering with floor mats, 40/20/40 split-bench seat, overhead console, speed control, remote keyless entry, power windows and door locks, heated mirrors and 17-inch painted aluminum wheels.

In addition to the optional features on the ST, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram SLT offers the 5.7-liter HEMI engine, RamBox Storage System, on-demand transfer case (4×4 models), power sun roof, power-adjustable pedals, amplified 10-speaker Alpine Surround Sound, uconnect gps with navigation system and hands-free communication system with Bluetooth technology, uconnect studios SIRIUS Backseat TVTM, uconnect phone, uconnect studios SIRIUS Satellite Radio, low-back bucket seats with cloth upholstery, six-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear defroster and 20-inch aluminum wheels.

Following are prices for the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram SLT. All prices include $900 for destination.

Dodge Ram SLT regular cab 4×2 6-foot-4-inch box $26,365
Dodge Ram SLT regular cab 4×2 8-foot box $26,665
Dodge Ram SLT regular cab 4×4 6-foot-4-inch box $29,935
Dodge Ram SLT regular cab 4×4 8-foot box $30,235
Dodge Ram SLT Quad Cab 4×2 $30,375
Dodge Ram SLT Quad Cab 4×4 $33,595
Dodge Ram SLT Ram Crew 1500 4×2 $32,530
Dodge Ram SLT Ram Crew 1500 4×4 $35,750

All-new 2009 Dodge Ram TRX Quad Cab and Ram Crew 1500

In addition to the standard features offered on the ST, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram TRX, electric-shift transfer case (4×4 models), unique shocks and ride height, 17-inch aluminum wheels and a full-size spare tire, heavy-duty vinyl floor covering, cloth 40/20/40 split-bench front seat, folding rear bench seat (Quad Cab models), active turn signals, tilt steering column, remote keyless entry and standard two-tone paint

In addition to the optional features on the ST, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram TRX offers an engine block heater, power-sliding rear window (Quad Cab only, standard on Crew), heated power folding mirrors, bedliner, 3.92 axle ratio, anti-spin rear differential, Tip Start, uconnect studios SIRIUS Satellite Radio and speed control.

Following are prices for the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram TRX. All prices include $900 for destination.

Dodge Ram TRX Quad Cab 4×2 $30,920
Dodge Ram TRX Quad Cab 4×4 $34,740
Dodge Ram TRX Ram Crew 1500 4×2 $33,075
Dodge Ram TRX Ram Crew 1500 4×4 $36,895

All-new 2009 Dodge Ram Sport regular cab, Quad Cab and Ram Crew 1500

In addition to the standard features offered on the SLT, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram Sport adds the new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, five-speed automatic transmission, unique bucket seats, body-color fascia, fog lamps and 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels.

Optional equipment is the same offered on the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram SLT model.

Following are prices for the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram Sport. All prices include $900 for destination.

Dodge Ram R/T (Sport) regular cab 4×2 6-foot-4-inch box $30,265
Dodge Ram Sport Quad Cab 4×2 $33,900
Dodge Ram Sport Quad Cab 4×4 $37,515
Dodge Ram Sport Ram Crew 1500 4×2 $35,955
Dodge Ram Sport Ram Crew 1500 4×4 $39,570

All-new 2009 Dodge Ram Laramie Quad Cab and Ram Crew 1500

In addition to the standard features offered on the SLT, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram Laramie adds chromed door handles and mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, and security alarm.

In addition to the optional features on the SLT, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram Laramie optional feature includes 20-inch aluminum wheels.

Following are prices for the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram Laramie. All prices include $900 for destination.

Dodge Ram Laramie Quad Cab 4×2 $38,770
Dodge Ram Laramie Quad Cab 4×4 $41,990
Dodge Ram Laramie Ram Crew 1500 4×2 $40,920
Dodge Ram Laramie Ram Crew 1500 4×4 $44,140

The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram is built at the Warren (Mich.) Truck Assembly Plant and the St. Louis North Assembly Plant in Fenton, Mo.

Dodge Brand

With a U.S. market share of 6.2 percent, Dodge is Chrysler LLC’s best-selling brand and the sixth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2007, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market.

The Dodge brand’s first crossover vehicle – the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey – arrived in dealer showrooms in the first quarter of 2008, and is now available outside North America in petrol and diesel powertrains in both left- and right-hand drive. The limited-edition 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with a 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine that boasts 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque started hitting the streets this past spring. Later in 2008, Dodge will add three more vehicles to its product lineup – the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram with game-changing exterior and interior design, innovations, best-in-class features and craftsmanship; the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger, a modern interpretation of the American muscle car; and the 2009 Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid, a hybrid electric vehicle that combines fuel-efficient advance hybrid technology with full-size SUV performance and capability.

Last fall, America’s best-selling minivan, the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, was introduced with 35 new or improved features including the newest innovation, the Swivel ‘n GoTM seating system. In 2007, Dodge sold 33,500 commercial vehicles, a 285 percent increase over 2003 when the company returned to the commercial vehicle market and is now the sixth largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles sold in the U.S. Also in 2007, the Dodge Avenger and Nitro entered key volume segments outside North America, joining the Dodge Caliber, the highest sales volume vehicle for the company outside of North America.