Archive for the ‘Dodge’ Category

Special sports car to debut in the new racing series’ Cup Dodge Viper “

• The assembly plant Conner Avenue (Detroit) begins production of a sports car, fully prepared to participate in track races, which will complement the family Dodge Viper 2010 MG
• Car Viper ACR-X aims to develop the traditions of the legendary racing Dodge Viper.

• Contest of the new racing series’ Cup Dodge Viper “will start in July.
• Dodge engineers and a group of SRT (Street and Racing Technology) managed to unite in one car the best quality car Viper ACR and racing car Viper Competition Coupe.
• The most recent version of the Viper ACR offers improved sliding properties and increased passive safety – all at a reasonable price.
• Over the last year of production model of the current generation will most exclusive and uncompromising version of the Viper ever built.

The first Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X 2010 MG, came down on Monday 29 March, the assembly line Conner Avenue, marked the beginning of a new chapter in the colorful history of racing Dodge Viper.

Designed for true enthusiasts of motor racing Dodge Viper ACR-X combines the better performance of the unique Dodge Viper ACR, similar operation on public roads, the security of many winning championships Viper Competition Coupe.

“The 2010 model year in many ways, promises to be a unique year for the Dodge Viper – both on the racetrack as well as outside it. In light of this launch serial production of our unique model of Viper ACR-X – is a tribute to the high engineering and professionalism of our team SRT, as well as token of our appreciation to the entire community Viper for the passion and dedication to the brand.

It strengthens and develops our traditions “, – said Ralph Gilles (Ralph Gilles), President and CEO of Dodge. – “With its amazing running characteristics Viper ACR-X, no doubt, will be the focus of all motor racing enthusiasts.”

Car Viper ACR-X is equipped with an 8.4-liter 10-cylinder V-twin engine, developed by a team of SRT.

Thanks to a modified form of exhaust manifolds and a small resistance of the exhaust system the engine develops maximum power of 640 hp and a maximum torque of 823 Nm (by 40 hp and 61 Nm more serial engine).

Each engine is assembled at the factory Conner Avenue, first sent to the dynamometer test laboratory, where, after checking the output characteristics of the electronic seal.

Sealed engine back to the assembly plant to get the final “registration” on the car.

Suspension Vehicle Viper ACR-X is also enhanced and customized for racing tracks. Lightweight at 72.5 kg car (compared to a standard serial Viper) allows you to choose the most risky path of motion on the track.

Additional aerodynamic improvements increased down force, making movement of the car more stable and significantly improved adhesion to the road surface at high speed cornering.

Like a racecar, Dodge Viper Competition Coupe in the Viper ACR-X to use an effective means of passive safety features designed and installed at the factory: cellular fuel tank, racing seat and roll cage in case of rollover.

Car design meets the high requirements of durability and reliability to participate in track racing.

Cup Dodge Viper
Sports Debut Dodge Viper ACR-X will be held 9 – 10 July 2010 in the new racing series – Cup Dodge Viper “, consisting of 10 races. The new series will be approved by the current Racing League Viper. Cars for Sale Viper ACR-X will reduce the cost of competitors.

What is Cup Viper 2010 includes five weekends with two races in each – total of 10 races:

• 9-11 July, Tracks Virginia International Raceway, Alton, Va.
• 14-15 August, track Hallett Raceway, Jennings, Oklahoma
• 11-12 September, Tracks Pocono Raceway, Long Pond, Pa.
• 1-3 October, the trail Miller Motorsports Park, Thule, Utah
• 22-24 October, Tracks Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, Florida

The new racing series will be attended by only the new Dodge Viper ACR-X. Backup program for 2010 is sponsored by the Department of Dodge Motorsports and supplier of original spare parts for Mopar.

Conner Avenue Assembly Plant
Model Dodge Viper ACR-X is made on the same assembly line and using the same technology to ensure quality as Dodge Viper, certified for use on public roads.

“We are proud of the fact that only at our factory produced this unique in its driving characteristics” – said Shelly Gordon, head of the assembly plant Conner Avenue, owned by Chrysler Group LLC. – “For 15 years, our qualified professionals to manually collect the cars that gave birth to dreams and captures the imagination of both young and older generations.

The same passion and attention to detail have completely switched to one of the most unique Dodge Viper, which ever made the company “.

Serial production Dodge Viper began in May 1992 at the assembly plant New Mack, and in October 1995, production was transferred to the plant Conner Avenue.

Manufacture of engines Viper V-10 was transferred from Mound Road Engine Plant on Conner Avenue plant in May 2001.

In 2003, the automobile market was hit Roadster Viper SRT10, after which in 2005 appeared Viper SRT10 Coupe current generation.

In March 2008, began production of the new Viper ACR (American Club Racer) – the fastest road car ever produced in the factory Conner Avenue.

Viper racing legacy
Dodge Viper is the successor to the brilliant racing heritage, which was laid in 1996, first racing Viper – Model GTS-R.

This car has won five international championships in the class of GT, and in 1997-1999 was the winner of the Championships FIA GT. On account of GTS-R, shiny absolute victory in the 24-hour race Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona track in 1999, where she first won a car built based on a commercial sample.

Car Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, produced since 2003, opened a new chapter in sports history. Based on the road Dodge Viper SRT10, the car has a composite body coupe (carbon fiber-reinforced high-strength Kevlar fiber) and a chassis that was totally prepared for track racing.

Viper Competition Coupe in his career continued to progress successfully, winning the 2004 title “SCCA Speed World Challenge GT”, won the 2004 and 2006 in the Formula D Drifting series and won the British Championship in the GT class in 2007 and 2008.

A family of new, exclusive models, produced a limited edition
To mark the last year of serial production Dodge Viper SRT10 current generation, the company Dodge is planning to release a limited edition of several completely original models, which are unprecedented since the start of production in 1992, the car became an American automotive icon.

These exclusive models with lots of original features, scheduled to be released in limited numbers during the 2010 model year.

One of them – Dodge Viper ACR 1:33 Edition – a tribute to the record set on Nov. 24, 2009 on the track Laguna Seca, where the production car has shown absolutely the best lap time. The car is painted in red and black color scheme of arrangement which is opposite in comparison with the coloring of the original car’s Viper ACR.

The central console in the interior of a car decorated with black lacquered panels. White dials control devices are located in the center console, equipped with a red rim in the color of the arrows. Seat prostrochena red thread, which further strengthens the emphasis on red.

There will be released in 1933 model instance 1:33 Edition Viper ACR.
Model Voodoo Viper ACR 2010 will be different all-black exterior with a wide graphite strip running along the driver’s seat and edged by narrow red stripes.

There will be 20 such vehicles manufactured from the original graphite strip, which is not only the body but also applied to the steering wheel rim.

The team Street and Racing Technology (SRT) of Chrysler on the circuit of Laguna Seca , set a new lap record for a production car with the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR (American Club Racer) with the amazing time of 1’33 “915, beating the previous record of 1 “1 / 2. You can watch the movie.

The old line of 11 turns and 3610 feet long, the author of the provision was the SRT team engineer Chris Winkler, who said: “It ‘s certainly been a fun ride throughout and devoid of significant events from the back the steering wheel. The Dodge Viper ACR has an extraordinary power and handles like a dream. I felt sure we would be able to set a new record. “

A beautiful presentation for the Viper , which in 2010 it will produce about 500 units. The new Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR will debut world premiere on 2 December at the Los Angeles Auto Show .

It has 600 hp, is approved for the road, but designed for the circuits. New for model year, 2010 is represented by a shorter gear ratio for fifth gear (which rose from 0.74 to 0.80) that improves acceleration at high speeds and at speeds exceeding the straights.

The 8.4-liter V10 capable of accelerating from zero to 100 km / h in less than four “and go from 0 to 160-0 km / h in 11.” The Viper ACR is equipped with C adjustable suspension, alloy wheels, disc brakes with two-piece, racing tire homologated for road use and a series of steps to improve the aerodynamics.

Fifty miles west of Detroit at the vast vehicle test facility of DaimlerChrysler in Chelsea, Mich., automotive engineers have constructed a twin-lane oval course of multiple miles across rolling hills that incorporates virtually every type of pavement a motorist might encounter while steering a car over city streets and various highways around the country.

There are smooth asphalt sluices like those on an interstate freeway, slabs of poured concrete separated by bumpy joints of tar such as found on vintage state roads, plus stretches of pavement littered with cracked asphalt or broken concrete, a collection of potholes simulating neglected urban streets, even short swatches of cobblestones and pavers bricks with mortar.

Engineers use these diverse surfaces to test the durability of a vehicle under development, as well as to measure the amount of noise and mechanical vibration generated by the vehicle when driven extensively over rough and smooth surfaces at different speeds.

We used the course to sample the power, poise and finesse of a new sport-tuned version of the flagship sedan from Dodge, Intrepid R/T.

Revamped with a slick new design in 1998, the mid-size Intrepid still looks as modern as any car on the planet. For the editions of 2001, Intrepid gains appointments and optional hardware for safety and comfort, then segments into three variations, each equipped with a different powerplant.

Intrepid SE packs the base engine, a 2.7-liter V6 out of an aluminum block with multi-valve technology inside and twin cams on top. Horsepower runs up to 200 points.

Intrepid ES also carries the 2.7-liter V6 as standard equipment, but offers as an option a 3.2-liter single-cam V6 that generates 222 hp and operates on regular-grade fuel.

Intrepid R/T increases the power quotient by packing aboard a single-cam 3.5-liter V6 rated at 242 hp, along with the Dodge AutoStick dual-mode automatic shifter.

Big 17-inch aluminum wheels mated to Michelin Pilot HX MX4X all-season performance tires also appear on the R/T equipment list, along with a large chrome-tipped exhaust outlet, front fog lamps and special R/T insignia.

The independent suspension components in front and back, designed to deliver reactive and adaptive handling traits, tune to touring mode for Intrepid SE and ES but for R/T set tightly in a performance stance.

Further, the rack and pinion steering system has firmer performance tuning for R/T.

What’s driving the performance-oriented R/T designation?

Read the R/T initials that tag special Dodge issues as “Road and Track” in recognition of Dodge’s muscle car heritage tracing back to the 1960s. In that era of muscle cars, the most powerful and sporty Dodges bore names like Charger R/T and Challenger R/T.

The R/T treatment with specific R/T badges applies throughout the Dodge lineup for 2001, from the Intrepid flagship sedan to a compact-class Neon sedan, mid-size Stratus coupe and the Dakota pickup truck, with all vehicles in the fleet bearing styling cues on the prow in the image of raucous Viper, Dodge’s exotic sports car.

One glimpse at Intrepid sleek exterior reveals the wow factor effected by the sporty design.

In addition to the Viper-sequel prow, Intrepid exhibits shapely hints of some vintage Ferrari or Aston Martin in the bold front treatment featuring a blunt-but-round-and-low nose and massive expanse of canted windshield glass.

The roof arches over sensuously shaped doors to merge rear roof pillars in a dip to the curt tail, where there’s a rainbow trace of brake lamps.

Interior lines reflect the exterior’s theme in curves through an airy cabin, due to the cab-forward design.

Although Intrepid wheelbase measures to mid-size proportions, the interior space adds up to full-size dimensions because the arrangement constructs more space for riders and less for a front-mounted engine.

Advantage: Intrepid comes with a full-size cabin for passenger comfort but has mid-size outer dimensions with the platform extended in length and width beyond normal conventions and wheels pinned to outer fringes of the rectangular plan.

The wide track and stretched wheelbase combine to produce a highly stable platform and, when coupled to the spacious interior, amount to something special in terms of smooth-riding comfort and aggressive agility for steering through a wily course.

On the Chelsea test track, we found that the Intrepid R/T handled each of the diverse pavement applications with ease. Even on irregular footing rolling over broken concrete or the aggregation of potholes, the four wheels floated independently and absorbed all rough stuff, leaving the passenger compartment in smooth suspension.

Yet stiffer suspension settings for the R/T performance tuning transcended to the steering wheel a harsher reality for the driver to help maintain awareness of the changing road surfaces.

And, despite so much rough pavement, noise and vibrations — filtering through the vehicle’s precise mechanical tolerances and sound-deadening insulation — were stifled to a bare minimum in the cockpit.

Superior control of noise and vibration inside Intrepid is the result of the car’s development in the computerized virtual reality of cyberspace, as all aspects of Intrepid evolution — designing, engineering, manufacturing — were channeled through supercomputers. As a result, the plan for Intrepid was created with far greater precision for component design and assembly, and the car derived from this virtual process was honed to perfection before its first part was ever cast.

The cabin layout sets a pair of high-back bucket seats on either side of a floor console where the transaxle lever mounts. In back, the three-place bench has indentions for two with a seatback that divides in 60/40 percent and folds down for access to the trunk.

Round analog gauges in the instrument cluster include a tachometer for the three trim versions.

Standard equipment for all Intrepid ranges from air conditioning and rear seat heat ducts to power controls for windows and door locks, plus an AM-FM stereo radio with cassette deck. The ES adds eight-way power controls for the driver’s seat, a remote keyless entry, premium cloth fabric for seat upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob.
The R/T goes further with an in-dash CD deck and four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock and front-wheel traction control.

Optional gear includes side-impact air bags, leather seat upholstery, convenience packages and a power sunroof.

2001 DODGE INTREPID SEDAN
Description………………Full-size sports sedan
Model options…………….Intrepid SE, ES, R/T
Wheelbase………………..113.0 inches
Overall length……………203.7 inches
Engine size………………DOHC 2.7-L V6
SOHC 3.2-L V6
SOHC 3.5-L V6

Transmissions/speeds………3.5-L: Auto/4 AutoStick
Rear/front drive………….Front
Steering…………………Power rack and pinion
Braking………………….2.7: Power 4-disc
3.2: Power 4-disc/ABS opt.
3.5: Power 4-disc/ABS/TCS

Air bags…………………2 (front) + opt. 2 (side)
EPA mileage est. city/hwy….3.5: 18/27 mpg
Price range………………$ 21,000 to $ 30,000

Dodge Division recently unveiled its latest truck offering-the 2000 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab. Claiming to be the first to the showroom floor with this newly-popular niche vehicle dubbed a Sport Utility Truck or SUT, this new four-door pickup marries the two fastest-growing segments in the U.S. market; SUVs and personal trucks. It offers the comfort and convenience of a compact sport ute-sized interior along with the capabilities of a pickup truck. Read the rest of this entry »

Let me be perfectly honest with you: I didn’t give this car an extended test. Actually, I drove it only 17 miles. Took it over some brick streets. Once. Immediately hated it. Rough ride. Big coupe door. Huge turning radius. Read the rest of this entry »

So we’re tucked into this pack of traffic running south on the multi-lane 101 out of Santa Barbara while steering a new edition of the most powerful American sports car.

Excessively long at the prow and slinky low for a two-seat cockpit with the ragtop dropped and a raucous ten-cylinder engine exerting overwhelming muscle from a huge herd of horses, the SRT-10 Viper roadster from Dodge in new format for 2003 clearly stands apart from so many sedate sedans and tall sport-utility wagons on the California freeway as we jockey around the lanes in search of an uncluttered patch of pavement. Read the rest of this entry »

Do you remember the old adage, ?We brought everything but the kitchen sink.? As a child, I always thought that statement was bizarre, why would anyone need a kitchen sink while travelling?

Well, hail to the equivalent of that infamous saying in the form of a multi-purpose people mover. The Caravan ES has so much going for it; you?ll be hard pressed to think of what could possibly have been left out. With room for seven and a luxurious interior all wrapped up in a dare I say athletic body, Dodge once again raises the bar on the competition. Read the rest of this entry »

The twisty two-laner in the hills of Texas swings off to the right, then left, then right again in chicanes cut into limestone embankments that lead to a narrow bridge across the Pedernales.

Down this contorted course comes a big-rig treatment of Durango, the sport-utility vehicle from Dodge.

It’s a new edition packing the muscle of a HEMI-powered engine and fast-response rack and pinion steering gears to handle all of the cut-back curves on a road swooping into the river valley. Read the rest of this entry »

Although gone in name, the Dodge Avenger lives on in spirit with the 2001 Dodge Stratus R/T coupe.

The similarities don’t stop there for the Stratus. The car is built in Normal, Ill., and it and its sibling the Chrysler Sebring coupe share their engine, instrument panel, some interior design and much of their basic structure with the Mitsubishi Eclipse. Read the rest of this entry »

Climb on board and hook that racing helmet tightly because we’re strapping in and firing up for hot laps on the infield track at Las Vegas Speedway with the prototype for a racy new special issue car from Dodge. Read the rest of this entry »