Police Trooper Pulls Over Mayor for Speeding, Mayor then Pulls Over the Trooper for Interfering�

We don't know if we should laugh or cry with this strange story that took place in South Carolina on January 18 and was captured on film by a police trooper's dashboard camera.
It all started when an unnamed South Carolina police trooper stopped the Mayor of Norway, Jim Preacher, for driving 70mph in a 50mph zone in an unmarked Dodge Charger police car. Let us note that the Charger previously belonged to the town's police chief before the division was disbanded in August 2011 due to lack of funds.
The trooped handed a four-point, $185 fine to Preacher, who wasn't pleased at all and decided to return the favor� The Mayor immediately made a U-turn and turned on his lights and sirens to stop the trooper!
"Can I see your driver's license," Preacher asked the trooper. The police officer gave him his license and asked the Mayor why he stopped him. "Are you familiar with interfering with a police officer?" asked Preacher.

Non-U.S. Automakers Displeased After President Obama Snubs Them at Washington Auto Show

On Tuesday, January 31, U.S. President Barack Obama�s schedule included a visit to the 2012 Washington Auto Show. The White House informed automakers on a two days� notice to bring their most fuel-efficient models to the show.
Naturally, they obliged. For example, Honda flew in the FCX Clarity from California, Kia brought the Optima hybrid and Mercedes-Benz a fuel-cell car. Carmakers also brought along their top brass to discuss green technologies with the President.
As Bloomberg reports, the problem is that Obama, who had half an hour in his disposal, ignored foreign manufacturers.
Instead, he spent most of his time with domestic brands, posing for the press with the Dodge Dart, the Chevrolet Malibu, the Ford C-MAX Energi, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and the Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 (not pretty fuel efficient those two, by the way�).

Plymouth Superbird

The brief Plymouth Road Runner Superbird was a awful adapted adaptation of the Plymouth Road Runner with able-bodied accepted animation and horn. It was the factory's chase up banal car antagonism architecture for the 1970 division to the Dodge Charger Daytona of 1969, and congenital abounding engineering changes and modifications (both accessory and major) garnered from the Daytona's division in antagonism on the track. The car's primary battling was the Ford Torino Talladega, which in itself was a absolute acknowledgment to the Mopar aero car. It has additionally been speculated one above affective factors in the assembly of the car was to allurement Richard Petty aback to Plymouth. Both of the Mopar aero cars abundantly featured a protruding, aerodynamic nosecone, a high-mounted rear addition and, in the case of the Superbird, the aforementioned horn which mimicked the Road Runner animation character.

2012 Silver Dodge Avenger R/T Official Photos and Info

This is a big year for the Dodge Avenger. Like many vehicles beneath the Chrysler umbrella, it starts 2011 with a wholly redesigned interior, as well as a new V-6. The 3.6-liter Pentastar, as the six-shooter is called, is a vast improvement over its predecessor. Its output of 283 hp is an increase of 20 percent, while the improvements in general power delivery and smoothness are nearly unquantifiable.
For 2012, that engine will power the Avenger R/T that is making its debut at the New York auto show. The R/T sees no uptick in output, nor does the calibration of the six-speed automatic transmission change. But the suspension is stiffened slightly all around. Roll stiffness increases 18 percent, while spring rates increase 17 percent up front and �more than 12 percent� (12.3 percent? 8000 percent?) in the rear. Damping rates increase 15 percent up front and �almost 20� out back. Additionally, the 21-mm rear anti-roll bar is 2 millimeters thicker than the regular car�s.
War and Paint
Aesthetic changes are minimal. The R/T gets a body-color grille, black headlight surrounds, unique 18-inch wheels, and Dodge�s �war paint� hash marks on the front fenders. The trunklid gets a spoiler and an R/T badge. The car gets a bit more of a makeover inside, where the bolstered leather seats have Z-stripe inserts and red stitching, as well as �R/T� embroidered in the front headrests. The driver grips a leather steering wheel with red accent stitching and faces a unique gauge cluster with a tach front and center�very important when driving an automatic.
Dodge isn�t quoting a price yet for the R/T, but figure on it being at the top of the Avenger lineup. Remote start and Dodge�s touch-screen-controlled Boston Acoustics stereo system will be among the standard equipment cribbed from the Lux model that previously sat atop the range. Pricing for that car starts around $24,000, so we expect the R/T to come in somewhere around $26,000 or so. While that�s into base Charger territory, the Avenger R/T will have a lot more personality than a stripped Charger. With 260 lb-ft routed to the front wheels, it also will have a lot more torque steer.
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2012 Silver Dodge Charger SRT8 Official Photos and Info

The Dodge Charger SRT8 is back.
Scheduled to go on sale later this year, the 2012 Charger SRT8 adopts the 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 that first debuted in the Challenger SRT8 392, here making an estimated 465 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers are 5 down from the Challenger in each category, but, uh, who cares? The previous Charger SRT8 had �just� 425 hp and 420 lb-ft from its 6.1-liter V-8.
The new Hemi�s intake features active air flaps that vary the ram length based on engine speed, and new variable cam timing increases the duration of the intake-valve opening with the goal of stuffing more air in the cylinder. Fuel economy, for what it�s worth, will be improved over that of the outgoing engine, although no figures have been revealed yet.
We clocked the old SRT8 from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, and that�s about where Chrysler pegs this new car�s abilities (in addition to a stated top speed of 175 mph). But we think it will be a little quicker than that: We estimate the car will cover a 0-to-60-mph sprint in 4.6 seconds, reach 100 mph in 11.0 seconds, and blast through the quarter-mile in 13 flat. Not bad for a four-door sedan that should weigh somewhere around 4350 pounds.
The rest of the SRT8 story may not be as mouth-watering as the engine, but it�s still pretty juicy. The five-speed automatic carries over from the last car, but this time it�s equipped with steering-wheel-mounted paddles to augment the side-to-side manumatic function of the gear selector.
The chassis has received plenty of attention, too, with a new pump for the hydraulic steering that Dodge says increases feel, as well as a standard two-mode adaptive suspension. The suspension interprets data such as steering angle and speed, vehicle speed, throttle position, and lateral acceleration to automatically vary shock stiffness. Besides the automatic setting, the driver can also select a Sport mode. Deceleration is handled by four-piston Brembo calipers, squeezing 14.2-inch front and 13.8-inch rear rotors. The brakes also incorporate a collision-anticipation function that tucks the pads snug against the rotors in anticipation of hot car-on-car (or car-on-object) action. A new underbody shield integrates brake ducting to mitigate brake fade.
Looking Pretty Good, Inside and Out
The aggressive new front end incorporates a blacked-out grille and center section, while the Hemi�s hat�the hood�is reshaped with a power bulge, air-exhaust vent, and 6.4-liter badging. There are new side sills, and the rear gets restyled, too, with the new fascia sandwiched by a spoiler up top and robust four-inch exhaust tips below. The fancy-pants, split-spoke 20-inch wheels are forged of aluminum. We think the car looks pretty damn good, and all the angry add-ons work well with the deep body-side scallop, which looks a bit overwrought on lesser Chargers.
The cabin gets its own touches, of course, most notably the flat-bottomed steering wheel�an SRT exclusive piece�and special trim for the IP and shifter surround. The seats, as before, have suede inserts and are aggressively bolstered, but this time around they�re heated and cooled as standard. Rear passengers, while they may not be able to see much out the gun-slit glass, will at least have toasty butts: they get seat heaters, too.

 by carmax

2013 Blue Dodge Viper

What it is: A two-seat super�sports car left for dead in the wake of Chrysler�s stay in Chapter 11 purgatory, exhumed by Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne. Styling is expected to echo elements of the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione and Zagato�s Alfa Romeo TZ3 concept car. Dealers got to see a design study in September, but it remains shrouded in secrecy. Ralph Gilles, VP of design at Chrysler and CEO of the Dodge division, recently told an industry conference that the styling of the next Viper was inspired by a �naked woman on the beach.� This could be very, very good or�depending on which naked woman served as inspiration�less so.
Why it matters: C�mon�it�s a new Dodge Viper. Although actual Ferrari hardware is unlikely, the new Viper will have the benefit of Ferrari engineering and development.
Platform: Front-engine, rear-drive, extensive use of lightweight materials. Beyond that, who knows?
Powertrain: Speculation raises several possibilities, but the most frequent�and most likely�is a revised version of the 8.4-liter V-10 equipped with Fiat�s Multiair variable intake-valve timing system. Output could be as high as 700 horsepower if Chrysler/Fiat decides to challenge the ZR1 Corvette. If that�s the case, a more modestly priced version may be offered with Chrysler�s 6.4 Hemi V-8. The Viper likely will keep its six-speed manual gearbox.
Competition: Aston Martin V-8 Vantage, Audi R8, Chevrolet Corvette Z06/ZR1, Porsche 911 Turbo.
What might go wrong: Although a styling prototype exists, Marchionne and his Fiat cohorts may ?yet decide that the Viper business case is untenable.

Dodge Charger

The Dodge Charger is an American sports car made by the Dodge analysis of Chrysler. There accept been several altered Dodge vehicles, on three altered platforms, address the Charger nameplate. The name is about associated with a achievement archetypal in the Dodge range; however, it has additionally adorned a hatchback, a sedan, and a claimed affluence coupe.The three capital iterations of the Dodge Charger produced were a mid-sized (B-body) car from 1966 to 1978, a auto (L-body) car from 1983 to 1987 and the (LX and LY) full-sized auto congenital back 2006.The name was additionally agitated by a 1999 abstraction car that differed essentially from the Charger eventually placed into assembly for the 2006 archetypal year. A agnate name, the Ramcharger, was acclimated for the truck-based vehicle.The name Charger was additionally acclimated in Brazil as action car based on the Dart, amid 1970 and 1980.

Dodge Announces Special Edition "Mopar '10" Challenger

Set to arrive in dealerships in August, the Mopar '10 Challenger is a special edition version of the muscle-coupe that will be built in a limited number of 500 examples. Based off a Challenger R/T with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, the Mopar '10 edition gets numerous performance and styling parts straight out of Mopar's shelves.

The special edition Challenger will be available exclusively in Brilliant Black and a choice of three accent colors (Mopar Blue, Red or Silver) that appear on side stripes as well as in the stitching on the steering wheel and seats.

Ford and Chrysler Group Recalling Certain Models

The Chrysler LLC Group and Ford Motor Co. have announced two separate (and not related) recalls on some of their vehicles.

Starting with Ford, the Detroit automaker is recalling a total of 33,728 of its 2010MY Transit Connect vans manufactured from December 5, 2008 through May 31, 2010 over a potential safety issue concerning the retention pushpin located on the headliner above the B-pillar trim on both sides of the vehicles.

Dodge Challenger

The Dodge Challenger is the name of three altered ancestors of automobiles marketed by the Dodge analysis of Chrysler.

The aboriginal car that agitated the Challenger name was the bound copy 1959 Dodge Argent Challenger. This was a six-cylinder or V-8 archetypal accessible alone in argent acrylic and alone on a two-door body. It came with abounding added appearance at no cost, such as carpeting abysmal accumulation carpeting, exceptional white bank tires and caster covers, affluence fabrics and upgraded autogenous and electric windshield wipers.

The aboriginal bearing Dodge Challenger was a pony car congenital from 1970 to 1974, application the Chrysler E belvedere and administration above apparatus with the Plymouth Barracuda. The additional generation, from 1978 to 1983, was a brand engineered Mitsubishi Galant Lambda. The third, and accepted generation, was alien in 2008 as a battling to the acquired fifth bearing Ford Mustang and the reintroduced fifth bearing Chevrolet Camaro.

Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X, 2010

 

 

 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X, 2010

Dodge pulled the cover off the newest special-edition model of the 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 lineup. The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X is a turn-key, non-street legal race car that is slated to make its on-track debut in the summer of 2010.

Combining the best performance attributes of the record-setting, street-legal Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR (American Club Racer) and the safety equipment of championship-winning Viper Competition Coupe, the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X is powered by the SRT-developed 8.4-liter V10, equipped with factory headers and a low-restriction exhaust system, that produces 640 horsepower (40 more than production model).

The suspension also is tuned and upgraded specifically for on-track usage, while the weight is lightened by a full 160 pounds (versus the standard production Viper) to take on even the most challenging road course. Additional aerodynamic upgrades improve downforce, while enhancing stability and significantly improving grip in high-speed cornering.

The Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, the Viper ACR-X contains factory-installed safety equipment such as a factory-designed roll cage, fuel cell and race seat. Additional racing components are added to meet the significant durability and reliability requirements for on-track competition.

In what will be the final year of production for the current generation Viper, the ACR-X is the third limited, special-edition model to be introduced by Dodge. "We're going to make 2010 the most exciting year for Viper yet with specially developed cars for the street and the track," added Gilles. "The ACR-X is targeted at road-racing enthusiasts who want to successfully compete in our ultimate American sports car."

The SRT team used a testing session at Laguna Seca raceway to shake down the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X for the first time. Behind the wheel was professional driver Kuno Wittmer from the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship series, who was able to run consistent 1:31.00 lap times around the 2.238-mile, 11-turn course. Wittmer's lap times were more than 3 seconds faster than the street-legal Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR that holds the production car track record at Laguna Seca raceway.

The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X is designed to compete in the Viper Racing League, Sports Car Club of America and National Auto Sport Association events.
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X will be approximately $110,000. Production is slated to begin in Spring 2010.

Dodge Viper SRT10, 2010

 

 Dodge Viper SRT10, 2010

The final production year of the current generation Dodge Viper SRT10, Dodge plans to deliver a vehicle lineup like no other since the introduction of the iconic American sports car in 1992.

At the heart of the 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 remains the venerable 8.4-liter (510 cu. in.) V-10 engine that produces 600 (450 kW) horsepower and 560 lb.-ft. (760 N�m) of torque. Benchmark performance numbers, including 0-60 mph in less than 4 seconds, quarter-mile time in the mid 11-second range and 0-100-0 mph in 11 seconds flat, and a top speed of 202 mph, continue to prove how the serious, race-inspired, street-legal two-seater performs without apology.

Body style offerings remain unchanged with the availability of Roadster and Coupe models along with the ACR (American Club Racer) package. Approximately 500 vehicles will be built for the 2010 model year.

With the introduction of two new exterior colors-Toxic Orange Pearl Coat and Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat-Dodge Viper SRT10 is now available in 12 different colors - the most regularly available choices in one model year. And with six stripe options in the new wider configuration, five different interior color combinations, four different wheel choices and three available interior bezels; the 2010 Viper SRT10 will be available in more than 7,600 combinations-the most for any one model year-significantly adding to the exclusivity of each car like never before.

New across the Viper lineup is a shorter fifth gear ratio (changing from 0.74 to 0.80) for improved high-speed acceleration and higher straightaway speeds. Acceleration from 0-200 mph has improved by 14 seconds. This improvement is a direct result of the Chrysler Group LLC Street and Racing Technology team's experience at the 12.9-mile N�rburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany where during the lap-record run in 2008, it was found that a revised gear ratio would have resulted in higher top gear acceleration and a quicker lap time.

The Dodge Viper SRT10 channels its power through a ZF Sachs twin-disc clutch that reduces rotating inertia by 18 percent, reduces clutch-pedal effort and improves engagement feel. Transferring power to the rear wheels is a heavy-duty six-speed manual transmission.

Stopping power is another carefully developed part of the Dodge Viper SRT10 equation, with 14-inch brake rotors gripped by Brembo 44/40 dual-opposing piston calipers in the front and Brembo 42/38 dual-opposing calipers in the rear. This system results in world-class braking performance of 60-0 mph in less than 100 feet.

Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR
The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR receives a new short-throw shifter in 2010 for enhanced driver experience and better performance. The rear wing profile and end plates are redesigned to further optimize the vehicle aerodynamics and improve rear yaw downforce. These changes combined with the new fifth gear ratio result in an increased top speed of 4 mph (to 184 mph for the ACR model).

The enhanced four-wheel independent suspension features high-performance aluminum control arms and knuckles, KW suspension with two-way adjustable competition coil-over shock absorbers with remote reservoirs.

The aerodynamic package features a carbon fiber "fanged" splitter in front and adjustable carbon-fiber wing with seven-position stanchions that allow up to an amazing 1,000 lbs. of downforce at 150 mph. Lightweight wheels, two-piece slotted StopTech brake rotors and Michelin PS Cup tires round out the Dodge Viper ACR package.

New Special, Limited-edition Models
Limited-edition models are planned for the 2010 model year, including the Dodge Viper ACR 1:33 Edition, which will pay tribute to the new production car lap record set on Nov. 24 at Laguna Seca raceway. The unique two-tone Black Clear Coat/Red Clear Coat exterior color scheme on this model is the opposite form of the original Viper ACR. Interior highlights include piano black console bezels with red gauge highlights complemented with red accent stitching in the seats. Only 33 cars will be produced as 1:33 Edition Viper ACR models.

The 2010 Vooodoo-edition Viper ACR will feature an all Black Clear Coat exterior with a Graphite Driver's Stripe outlined in red. Only 10 cars will be produced with the unique striping on both the exterior, as well as on the steering wheel.

Dodge Caliber, 2010

 

 

 

Dodge Caliber, 2010

Dodge Caliber is a five-door C-segment hatchback that combines a sporty coupe-like profile with the strength, stance and functionality of an SUV. It features an all-new refined interior and Common-rail Diesel (CRD) engine to satisfy the needs of discerning international customers.

The all-new Euro V capable engine is paired to a six-speed manual transmission and produces 120 kW (163 hp DIN) and 320 Nm (236 lb.-ft.), delivering 16 percent more power, 3 percent more torque and 25 percent more towing capability (1500 kg) compared with the previous diesel engine. Forged steel connecting rods, aluminum head and pistons, and fourth-generation direct-injection system provide durability, weight reduction and performance. Passenger refinement also improves as dual balance shafts and sound-deadening materials reduce the diesel engine's vibration and harshness by 25 percent compared with the previous Dodge Caliber CRD.

Two World Engine offerings (2.0- and 2.4-liter) deliver power and refinement thanks to dual Variable-valve Timing (VVT) and an intake manifold design with flow control valves. Combined, these features produce more power, better fuel economy and a smoother, quieter operation than engines without them. The 2.0-liter World Engine replaces the 1.8-liter engine, delivering 4 percent more power (115 kW /156 hp DIN) and 13 percent more torque (190 Nm / 140 lb.-ft.). For even greater performance, the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 125 kW (170 hp DIN) and 220 Nm (162 lb.-ft.) of torque.

The new Dodge Caliber debuts at the 2009 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, featuring an all-new refined interior with a more harmonious design aesthetic executed with premium materials and craftsmanship. An all-new designed instrument panel features a more integrated look and includes additional cubby space, center storage bin and larger climate controls. Bright satin silver accents add contrast to Dodge Caliber's interior design, while chromed accents brighten heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) vents, shift bezel, door handles and cluster rings. New door-trim panels and center console with armrest split-lid feature padded soft-touch materials for improved passenger comfort.

The Dodge Caliber offers an array of unique interior features in its segment, including Chill Zone cooled-beverage storage bin, Uconnect Navigation with voice commands, iPod Control, rechargeable LED flashlight and an available MusicGate Power Sound Group, which includes two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate that swing down for tailgating and other activities.