Dodge Archives

The 2013 Dodge Dart is way better than that old Dodge Caliber that it replaced. Even though the 2013 Dart will be available with three different engines, the most powerful engine only packs 184 horsepower. Want even more power from the Dart, well Chrysler's SRT team that is unveiling a new Viper in April, is also reportedly working on a SRT4 performance variant of the Dart.

Details have not been released for the 2014 Dart SRT4, but the guys over at Motor Trend seem to have an idea of what we can expect. The 2013 Dart borrows its platform from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, so you can expect the Dart SRT4 to get a version of the Giulietta's dual-clutch, six-speed transmission. There are two possible options for the engine, a turbocharged version of the Dart's Tigershark 2.0L four-cylinder or Alfa Romeo's new 1.8L four-cylinder turbo. The Dart SRT4 is likely to get the turbocharged version of the Tigershark instead of the Alfa Romeo's engine, due to the added cost of Alfa Romeo's engine. Either way expect the Dart SRT4 to pack more power than the 285-hp Caliber SRT4.

The Dart SRT4 will also get a more aggressive body kit, an upgraded suspension and larger wheels with stickier tires.

Chrysler is celebrating Mopar's 75th anniversary with four custom vehicles, the Mopar '12 300, 2013 Dodge Dart "GTS 210 Tribute", 2012 Fiat 500 "Stinger" and the 2012 Mopar Jeep Compass "True North."

"Customization is king," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand. "These head-turning 'Moparized' vehicles show how we can go to the next level of personalization. With our best-in-class offerings of parts and accessories, we give our customers every opportunity to further enhance the appearance and performance of their vehicles."

The first model from the Chrysler/ Fiat marriage, the 2013 Dodge Dart will be hitting showrooms soon, but that model is only the first of many. It's been previously reported that Chrysler is going to kill off the Dodge Avenger after its current run, so that the automaker can focus its efforts on the better selling Chrysler 200 sedan, but that may not be the case.

USA Today is reporting that Chrysler is working on all-new versions of the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger, which will be based on the same Alfa Romeo platform that is the basis for the Dart. They are also reporting that the next Jeep Liberty and Compass models will also be built off the same platform in 2013.

Chrysler and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne recently stated about the new Jeeps, "It's gonna be a trail-rated, full-blooded Jeep that has its origins in the architecture of a sports car."

Marchionne also stated that Chrysler is thinking about a new small hatchback dubbed the "Chrysler 100." If it gets the green light, it will be sold in Europe under as a Lancia.

Lastly Marchionne claims that plans to bring Alfa Romeo back to the U.S. are still in the works. The models slated to come here will be lightweight and powered by a 1.8L engine with 300 horsepower.

According to Automotive News, Chrysler may kill the Dodge Avenger to focus on the Chrysler 200 midsize sedan.

Reid Bigland, head of the Dodge brand, recently told Reuters, "Chrysler Group will likely consolidate around one midsize car in the future." By focusing on a single model, Chrysler can save development and marketing costs. The move would also prevent the models from cannibalizing sales from each other.

Last year Chrysler moved 87,000 200 sedans, while only 64,000 Avengers moved out of Dodge showrooms. Both models' sales are no where near Toyota's top-selling Camry that sold over 308,000 units last year.

The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart is here and it's the first Chrysler model built on a Fiat platform, since it borrows its platform from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

The 2013 Dart features an all-new design that ditches the hatchback layout of the soon to be forgotten Dodge Caliber. "The Dodge Dart was a dream to design," said Joe Dehner, Head of Dodge Design - Chrysler Group LLC. "The Alfa Romeo-based architecture allowed us to design an exterior with great proportions that say 'fun-to-drive' when you look at it. The overall design is definitely more visually appealing than the Caliber and its Charger-inspired 'racetrack' taillights are a nice touch.

You can now forget all about the unloved Dodge Caliber because the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart sedan is here. It's set to debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, but the first official photos have leaked.

These photos give us our first official look at the 2013 Dart R/T and Limited trims. The Dart shares its platform with the Alfa Romeo Giuletta and will be offered with the choice of three four-cylinder engines. The 2.0L will pack 160 horsepower, while a 2.4L will be offered with 184 horsepower. A turbocharged 1.4L will put out 160 horsepower. Initially the Dart will be available with either a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission or a six-speed manual, but in 2013 a new 9-speed speed transmission will be available.

Come back for all the details from the show.

Chrysler has announced at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that the 2012 Dodge Charger is now available with the Beats™ by Dr. Dre™ audio system. The system was introduced last year and is already available on the Chrysler 300.

The system features an 8.4-inch touchscreen display and a 12-channel amplifier in addition to:

-Three 3.5-inch speakers located in the instrument panel
-Two 3.5-inch speakers located in the rear doors
-Two 6 x 9-inch front-door woofers provide bass
-Two 6 x 9-inch speakers and a center-mounted 8-inch speaker located in the rear-shelf area provide full-range audio

The Beats Audio system will be standard equipment on the 2012 Dodge Charger R/T Max and included with the Blacktop Package or Rallye Appearance Group on Dodge Charger SXT models. The Beats Audio system is also included with the Sound Group and Wheels and Tunes Group on Dodge Charger R/T models.

The system will be available in the first quarter of this year, but Chrysler has not announced the pricing.

Chrysler's Mopar division has unveiled the 2012 Dodge Charger Redline ahead of its debut at the Detroit Auto Show, this month.

The 2012 Dodge Charger Redline features three available Mopar stage kits for factory-tuned performance. Stage One features aerodynamic exterior components and interior accents. Stage Two features bolt-on performance parts for improved power, handling and braking, while Stage Three features a more powerful version of the 426 Hemi V-8 engine that packs 590 horsepower.

"Since the 1960s, the Mopar Brand has built a long history of adding power and performance to the Dodge Charger - and with the Redline, we Moparized the new Charger with modern-day performance and style while giving a nod to our storied past," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand. "With three kits, Mopar offers a tailored choice for every customer."

Chrysler has reportedly ended production of the Dodge Caliber that originally went on sale in 2006 as a replacement for the Neon.

The Caliber never really caught on and was consistently ranked at the bottom of its class. In its 2011 annual car issue, Consumer Reports ranked the Caliber SXT at the bottom of its list of small hatchbacks and wagons.

Analyst Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics LLP stated, "It's the last of the American bottom-feeder compacts. That's what they were. It came from thinking, 'small cars, small profits."

Chrysler's replacement for the Caliber, the 2013 Dodge Dart is going to be unveiled next month in Detroit.

Yesterday Dodge released the second batch of teaser photos of the 2013 Dodge Dart. The second batch gave us a preview of what we can expect the interior to look like, but now we have an even clearer view of the dashboard.

Dodge released a new photo of the Dart's dashboard on its Facebook page today. This new photo provides a first look at the Dart's steering wheel, center console, and cup holders.

The 2013 Dodge Dart will officially debut next month at the Detroit Auto Show.

Following last week's first teaser photos of the 2013 Dodge Dart, Chrysler has released new details about what we can expect on the inside of the new compact sedan.

The 2013 Dodge Dart will be officially unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show on January 9. According to Chrysler the Dodge Dart will have an interior that is made with materials and technology typically found in more expensive vehicle segments. The overall design of the interior is focused on the driver, which means that the all the controls are within easy reach of the driver.

The 2013 Dart will feature an interior that is as spacious as a midsize sedan with 14 interior color and trim combinations. The Dart will get a seven-inch color Thin Film Transistor (TFT) display in the middle of the instrument panel that allows the driver to switch back and forth between different display models. The center stack in the Dart can be equipped with Chrysler's UConnect infotainment system, which in the Dart features an 8.4-inch touchscreen, the largest touchscreen in its class.

The Dart will be available with 12 exterior colors, six wheel options in addition to the three engine options and three transmissions. Safety is also a priority with 10 standard airbags and available Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection.

Yesterday Chrysler gave us our first official look at the 2013 Dodge Dart compact sedan. Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne stated when the photos were released that Chrysler expects the Dart to get at least 40 mpg.

The 2013 Dodge Dart will be powered by three engines, a 2.0L and 2.4L engine as well as a small 1.4L turbocharged engine. Initially the Dart will get a Fiat-sourced 6-speed dual-clutch transmission, but in 2013 a new 9-speed transmission will be available. The 9-speed transmission is expected to increase the Dart's fuel efficiency by 10 to 16 percent over the 6-speed transmission.

The 2013 Dodge Dart will be officially unveiled next month in Detroit.

Chrysler has released the first official teaser photos of the upcoming 2013 Dodge Dart compact sedan, which is set to make its debut next month at the Detroit Auto Show.

According to Chrysler the 2013 Dodge Dart fuses "Alfa Romeo DNA and Dodge's passion for performance." The Dart is based on the Fiat platform that is the basis for the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Although the Dart borrows its platform from the Giulietta, its been widened and lengthened.

Buyers will have the choice between three four-cylinder engines when the Dart is released: a Tigershark 16-valve 2.0-liter engine, a 16-valve 1.4-liter MultiAir Intercooled Turbo engine, and a new Tigershark 16-valve 2.4-liter MultiAir four cylinder engine. There will also be three transmission choices.

Stay tuned.

Dodge is bringing two special edition models to the LA Auto Show next week, the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee and the 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Yellow Jacket.

The Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is powered by the new 470-hp 6.4L Hemi V8 and is available in either Stinger Yellow or Pitch Black with Super Bee graphics. "The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is a salute to the fun-loving past of Dodge muscle cars powered by the legendary 392 HEMI® V-8 in a back-to-basics performance machine," Ralph Gilles, President and CEO - SRT and Motorsports said.

The interior features an SRT steering wheel, Z-stripe cloth performance seats with yellow and silver striping and embroidered Super Bee logos on the front seat headrests. The exterior gets satin black hood graphics and a standard rear decklid spoiler. The Charger SRT8 Super Bee also rides on 20-inch wheels with black painted pockets.

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango have been awarded the "SUV of Texas" and "Full-size SUV of Texas" awards by the Texas Auto Writers Association.

"We are delighted that the influential journalists representing the Texas Auto Writers Association have once again recognized Jeep vehicles with several awards, and particularly the Jeep Grand Cherokee as the 'SUV of Texas,'" said Mike Manley, President and CEO - Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "Winning this award last year started a string of Grand Cherokee accolades that made it the most-awarded SUV of all-time."

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler was also named the "Mid-size SUV of Texas."

"The 2012 Dodge Durango made quite an impression at this year's TAWA Truck Rodeo," said Mike Herzing, President of TAWA. "With its spacious and refined interior, impressive driving dynamics, and class-leading towing capability, it's only fitting that the Dodge Durango is named the 2012 Full-Size SUV of Texas."

According to a recent interview with Automotive News, Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has confirmed that the current Dodge Grand Caravan and Avenger models will be replaced by a single crossover in 2013.

The plan is an effort by Chrysler to ends its duplicate models like the current Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans. Chrysler is going to only offer one minivan, the Town & Country, which is due in 2014. The Dodge Grand Caravan will be replaced by a new crossover that will be based on a Fiat platform.

The Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger twins will also end as Chrysler is only planning on continuing with the 200, which will get redesigned in 2013.

Chrysler recently introduced the SRT8 version of the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee and now comes word that the automaker is considering a high-performance version of the Dodge Durango, that shares the same platform as the Jeep. Chrysler hasn't confirmed a Dodge Durango SRT8, but according to sources it is seriously being considered.

If Chrysler does build a Durango SRT8 it will be powered by the same 6.2L Hemi V8 as the other SRT8 models. The only major hurdle is the fact that the current performance version of the Durango, the Durango R/T isn't selling as well as Chrysler hoped. The Dodge Durango R/T is powered by a 370 horsepower 5.7L Hemi V8. Out of all the Durango's sold this year, only seven percent have been the R/T model.

Maybe a 470 horsepower Durango SRT8 would be more exciting. What do you think? Another issue would be the price, would a Durango SRT8 that costs over $50,000 find any buyers?

Chrysler has already announced plans to kill the Dakota pickup and the Dodge Caliber, but there's another model getting the ax after the 2011 model year. The Dodge Nitro SUV will be done by the end of the year.

Chrysler has decided to produce the Nitro until December since demand is up 24% this year. The last Nitro models to be produced will be the Heat model with its 210-hp 3.7L V6 and the more powerful R/T Nitro, which packs a 260 horsepower 4.0L V6.

The Jeep Liberty, which is built on the same platform as the Nitro will continue to be produced until an all-new Liberty is ready, which is expected in 2013.

The Dodge Caliber has hit the end of the road. It's being reported that the last Dodge Caliber will roll off the line in November.

Are we surprised? The Dodge Caliber replaced the Dodge Neon in 2006, but even though the Neon was a hit when it launched in 1994, its replacement failed to succeed. The Neon was plagued by quality issues when it first launched, but at least there was a waiting list for the small Dodge/ Plymouth. The Dodge Caliber also launched with quality issues, but even if it had a more "popular" SUV-like shape, its interior and horrible CVT transmission kept it from flying off dealer lots.

Well five years later, Chrysler has decided to finally kill the Caliber. According to Allpar the last Caliber will be produced in November. It's replacement is going to come from Fiat, but it's not known if it will be released by the time the Caliber disappears. It's rumored that we will get our first preview of the small Chrysler at the 2011 LA Auto Show in November.

Jeep's lineup is expected to get some new models in the next three years, which will come thanks to Fiat.

A Jeep subcompact is still reportedly in the works that will be based off a Fiat platform. Back in 2009 it was confirmed that Chrysler was working on a new small Jeep. Jeep CEO Michael Manley confirmed again in April that the small subcompact Jeep will debut in late 2013 or early 2014. The smallest Jeep will be built at the same Toluca, Mexico plant that currently produces the Fiat 500 and Dodge Journey models.

On the other end of the Jeep lineup, Jeep is reportedly set to revive the Grand Wagoneer as a large seven-seater. The Grand Wagoneer will share its platform with the Dodge Durango when it arrives as a 2014 model.

The all-new 2011 Dodge Durango is now the latest model from Chrysler to be named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The IIHS recently named the 2011 Durango a Top Safety Pick for receiving a good rating in its front, side, rollover and rear crash tests. A "good" rating is the highest rating possible.

"The Durango is the eighth vehicle from Chrysler to earn the Institute's highest safety honor," said IIHS president Adrian Lund. "The performance of the Durango means buyers are getting the best protection in the most common kinds of crashes, and electronic stability control for avoiding many crashes altogether."

"With the latest addition of Dodge Durango, coupled with the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, Chrysler Group has eight Top Safety Picks for 2011. This recognition by the IIHS underscores our commitment to engineering safety and security technology across all vehicle segments," said Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President - Engineering, Chrysler Group LLC. "As we continue with our product transformation, we'll continue to engineer new technology and more capabilities into all our vehicles."

Check out the video of the side impact test after the jump.

Chrysler's CEO Sergio Marchionne has revealed more details about the 2012 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans. The V6 versions of both sedans will be getting a new eight-speed automatic transmission that will initially be built by ZF in Germany. Chrysler is going to license the technology from ZF and eventually start building the transmissions at its plant in Kokomo, Indiana. The new eight-speed transmissions will give the Pentastar V6 equipped sedans 31 mpg on the highway. The eight-speed transmission is designed specifically for rear-wheel-drive vehicles.

Chrysler is also set to begin building a new nine-speed transmission that will be used in its front-wheel-drive models.

Chrysler is serious about its new SRT8 versions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Charger and Challenger and Chrysler 300. All four models are being offered for the 2012 model year with a 470 horsepower 6.4L V8. But what if you were hoping for even more power? Well the latest rumors claim that Chrysler is planning even more powerful SRT8 versions of the 300, Charger and Challenger.

Rumors are circulating that Chrysler is going to unveil more powerful versions of the Chrysler 300 SRT8 and Dodge Charger SRT8, which will get more power from an Eaton supercharger. While the standard 2012 SRT8 models put out 470 horsepower, the supercharged versions are reported to pack between 540-570 horsepower.

If the rumors are true, the supercharger will be offered on 2013 models and an eight-speed transmission will also be added to the equation.

Unfortunately these rumors do not include any mention about upgrades to the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.

Chrysler's SRT boss Ralph Giles recently hinted at possible new SRT models, like the rebirth of the Dodge Magnum. He has also stated that Chrysler needs to release an SRT version of its upcoming compact car.

Giles recently stated to Ward's, "I was so proud when we came up with the (Dodge Neon) SRT4 turbo, because up until then Honda was the only game in town, and those weren't factory produced performance cars."

"The Neon put the whole street-tuning scene on its ear with the factory turbo. We have to figure out how to get an entry-level SRT product to capture the next generation."

Chrysler is currently working on a new compact model that will share its platform with the Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

It's been almost four years since Chrysler decided to kill off the Dodge Magnum wagon and several other models as a result of Chrysler's bankruptcy. The Dodge Magnum was introduced in 2004 as a new low slung rear-wheel-drive wagon for the Dodge brand. According to SRT's boss Ralph Gilles the decision to kill the Magnum was decided by one executive that has since retired from Chrysler.

Gilles recently spoke with Jerry Garret at the New York Times Wheelsblog, in which he expressed his desire to bring the Magnum back. He also stated that there are a lot of people at Chrysler that want to see it return.

"With the Magnum, we owned the station wagon segment," Mr. Gilles said. "It was always a pleasure to go to car shows and trade fairs and see the number of Magnums that owners had personalized with such obvious loving care."

Although Gilles failed to confirm the return of the Magnum, he did state that, "Great things are coming."

Chrysler announced the 2012 SRT8 models today, maybe in the not so distant future, the Magnum will part of that lineup as well as an SRT8 version of the Viper.

Chrysler has announced the pricing for its high-performance brand, the SRT8 models. This includes the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8, 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 and the 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8.

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8: $46,660

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8: $55,295

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8: $47,995

2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8: $44,077

The SRT8 models are powered by Chrysler's 470-hp 6.4L HEMI V8.

Fiat is asking Chrysler to increase production of the Fiat Freemont, which is a rebadged Dodge Journey that is sold in Europe.

Fiat originally planned to sell 13,000 Fremonts this year, but Fiat recently told Automotive News Europe that it has already received 15,700 orders for the model. Fiat plans to sell 33,000 Fremonts in 2012, its first full year of sales in Europe. Chrysler originally planned to produce 3,000 units a month, but due to the higher than expected demand, increased that number to 4,067 units in June.

Chrysler is hoping to produce 4,000 units a month without having to have its workforce work overtime.

80 percent of the Freemonts orders are coming from Italy and 80 percent of those buying the Freemont are new Fiat customers.

Chrysler is in desperate need of a competitive small car that will compete with competitors like the Ford Focus, Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra. The Dodge Caliber just simply doesn't cut it. Help is on the way thanks to Fiat.

Chrysler is currently working on a new compact car for the Dodge brand that is going to be released in the first quarter of 2012. The new Dodge compact car is expected to be based on Fiat's new C-Evo platform, which is also the basis for the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and the next Fiat Bravo. The Dodge compact car will be powered by a 1.4L engine that could put out up to 165 horsepower and will be mated to a six-speed dual clutch transmission. The car should get 40 mpg on the highway.

Tooling for the small car is expected to kick off at Chrysler's Belvidere, Illinois plant in August and will most likely get our first look at the new Dodge compact at the LA Auto Show in November. A new name has been picked for the Dodge, but it hasn't been revealed.

Is Chrysler finally doing something right? Well according to Consumer Reports it is. Consumer Reports recently tested eight Chrysler vehicles and at the end came to the conclusion that the automaker's cars are getting better.

According to CR the Dodge Durango and Charger have improved the most. The Durango received "Very Good" road test scores, which makes it comparable to the 2011 Ford Explorer, but it still scores below the Toyota Highlander and Chevy Traverse. The Charger Rallye also received a "Very Good" score, which ranks it closer to the Ford Taurus and Buick LaCrosse.

The Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans also earned a "Very Good" score.

"It's clear that Chrysler is on the right path, but they still have a long way to go," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center in East Haddam, CT. "We see major improvements for models that have had a significant redesign. When Chrysler invests the time and money in a true redesign, the result has been a much more competitive model."

Not all of Chrysler's models have improved. CR's testers were unimpressed by the 200, Avenger, Compass, Journey, and Patriot. Their improvements did not improve their overall score.

Chrysler unveiled the all-new 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this year. It's powered by a new 6.4L HEMI V8 that has an estimated 465 horsepower and 465 lb-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Allpar has apparently come across reports that detail all of the features that we can expect on the 2012 Charger SRT8.

On the outside the 2012 Charger SRT8 is going to get acoustic solar control glass, HID headlights a funcional hood scoop and a capless fuel filler. On the inside there will be luxury features like dual zone humidity-sensing automatic climate control, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, heated/cooled front cup holders, LED interior lighting, ventilated front seats and a 19-speaker 900 watt audio system.

The Charger SRT8 will also have tech features like knock back mitigation, which prepares the brakes for faster use based on lateral g-forces. The suspension will have a two-mode active dampening system that automatically adjusts the suspension to specific conditions. The driver can also manually choose between "Sport" and "Auto" settings. Adaptive cruise control and forward collision mitigation is also expected to be offered.

The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 will be released later this year.

Chrysler CEO Sergion Marchionne recently confirmed that the next-generation Chrysler Town & Country will see the return of all-wheel-drive. The Detroit News is reporting that the next-generation Chrysler minivan will continue to be a traditional minivan, but the platform will also be used for a new crossover type of vehicle.

The Town & Country was offered with all-wheel-drive until the 2004 model year, when it was killed due to the packaging needs of then new Stow 'n Go seating system. The new Chrysler minivan was due in 2014, but that plan has been pushed up.

Marchionne: "We need to be more competitive, so we made it a priority to replace it faster than we originally thought."

It's expected that the new models will be released by 2013.

Zagato has taken the wraps off the new TZ3 Stradale, a month after it was confirmed that the car was being developed. The TZ3 Stradale is part of a celebration by Zagato to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Alfa Romeo.

Since the TZ3 Stradale is meant to pay tribute to Alfa Romeo, you would think that it woudl largely be based on an Alfa model, but instead the TZ3 Stradale is actually based on the Dodge Viper ACR with a carbon fiber body. "Bellezza necessaria" is the inspiration of this car which matches for the first time an American power train with an Alfa Romeo.

The first TZ3 Stradale was delivered to the US Alfa Romeo and Zagato collector Eric King. The next two will are headed to Japan and Europe. After that there will only be six examples left, since only nine are being built.

In November 2009 Chrysler/ Fiat unveiled a plan that outlined its product plans for the next five years, which included a Chrysler-badged subcompact and compact for the U.S. market.

Now it looks like Chrysler has decided to change the plans it outlined a year and a half ago. Chrysler/ Lancia brand president Oliver Francois recently spoke to Car and Driver and revealed some bad news. The B-segment Chrysler model is dead. The B-segment model would have competed with the Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta and been a rebadged version of the new Lancia Ypsilon. The Ypsilon is based on an extended version of the Fiat 500's platform, but Chrysler and Fiat felt the two models are too similar to both be sold here.

Francois also brought some bad news about the upcoming Chrysler compact sedan that would have gone head to head with the Ford Focus and Honda Civic. It looks like plans for that model have been put "under review" indefinitely, which basically means it's probably not going to happen. Although Chrysler isn't going to get a compact sedan, it looks like Dodge is still expected to get a compact car to replace the Caliber.

Dodge has announced the return of the Dodge Avenger R/T for the 2012 model year. The 2012 Dodge Avenger R/T is going to have its official debut at the New York Auto Show this week.

The 2012 Dodge Avenger R/T is powered by Chrysler's 3.6L Pentastar V6 with 283 horsepower that is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The big changes to the R/T model are what the engineers have done to the suspension. Chrysler's 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 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."

Dodge engineers are hard at work on the next-gen 2013 Dodge Viper. The new Viper is currently being tested, using a 2010 chassis as the test subject. What are they testing here? Well for the first time ever the Dodge Viper is going to get stability control.

Dodge didn't give any other details about the new Viper that will debut at the end of next year. It's expected to put out somewhere between 600-700 horsepower, but it's not yet known what engine will be under the hood.

Chrysler is planning to start selling natural-gas powered vehicles by 2017.

Bob Lee, Chrysler's vice president for engine and electrified propulsion systems stated, "The technology is very actively being worked on."

Fiat, which currently owns 30 percent of Chrysler, currently has natural-gas powered vehicles in Europe. Chrysler is looking at the possibility of bringing that technology to the U.S. Fiat and Chrysler CEO, Sergio Marchionne likes natual-gas engines because they cut emissions and are cheaper than other competing technologies.

It's not known which Chrysler models will get the new natural-gas engines, but the Ram trucks are a possibility.

"I'm eager and very interested to see what we can do with CNG in our truck applications," Diaz said.

Chrysler already released a sketch of the 2011 Mopar Charger, but now we have the official details.

The 2011 Mopar Charger will be powered by a 5.7L Hemi V8 with 370 horsepower and 395 lb-ft. of torque. A specially calibrated engine controller matches maximum engine power and transmission shifting to the differential. The V8 is mated to a five-speed automatic with the latest generation "Pistol Grip" shifter combined with Auto Stick. It's capable of reaching 0-60 mph in in the low five-second range.

To enhance the Mopar Charger's handling, larger front 30mm solid stabilizer bar and rear 20mm solid stabilizer bars have been added. Cross-car braces have also been added and are located at both the front and rear shock towers.

20-inch five-spoke wheels with Goodyear F1 Supercar 245/45ZR20 tires put all that power to the ground. The Mopar Charger is only available in a "Pitch Black" finish. It also gets a pair of specific Mopar Blue racing stripes running from the front air dam across the hood and over the roof ending at the bottom of the rear fascia. The interior features unique Katzkin leather seats that are stitched in Mopar Blue thread.

Only 1,000 units will be built, with 900 coming to the U.S at a starting price of $39,750.

Wards Auto has announced Ward's 10 Best Interiors list for 2011. Editors drove 51 vehicles that were all-new or featured significantly upgraded interiors in determining the 2011 winners. This year's top ten list consists of a sport sedan, three economy cars, three luxury brands, an SUV and a family sedan.

"We've never evaluated so many vehicles for any awards competition in the past, which tells us every auto maker wants the freshest, highest-quality interior possible for all the vehicles they sell," Ward's AutoWorld Editor-in-Chief Drew Winter says. "Auto makers are so focused on the smallest details that it's hard to find a bad interior these days. Still, some are better than others, and we're recognizing the best of the best."

Chrysler has released a single sketch of the Mopar 11' Charger that is going to be officially unveiled 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."

Chrysler hasn't announced what will be under the hood of the Mopar 11' Charger, so expect more details soon.

Chrysler has already acknowledged plans to add a new eight-speed automatic transmission to some of its models. Now according to the latest sources, the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 equipped with the Penastar V6, will be the first recipients of the new transmission.

The 2012 model year Charger and 300 V6 models will be the first Chrysler models to get the transmission, while the Charger R/T, 300C, Challenger R/T, and SRT8 versions of all three models will continue to have the five-speed automatic. It isn't completely known why Chrysler is choosing to launch the transmission with the lesser powered models first, but it is being speculated that it may be so that any technical issues can be sorted out before it is offered with the more powerful Hemi V8. Another possibility is that the new eight-speed automatic may make a larger fuel economy improvement in the V6 compared to the V8, which would make more of a statement.