2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Preview

 

Dodge has always been synonym of great value for your money when it comes to cars. The Dodge Grand Caravan has served families well for many years. The new models for 2012 will continue to offer great reliability and space, all topped with great looks and a stylized presence. The ride in the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan will be a smooth one, something families enjoy. The models for 2012 are the Grand Caravan SE, Grand Caravan EX, Grand Caravan EL, Grand Caravan ES, and the Grand Caravan Sport.

Performance Characteristics

These models come with a great performance engine, some with a 3.3L V6 engine 180hp 210 ppf of torque. Dodge is also offering a 3.8L V6 215hp 245 ppf of torque, for those consumers who need a bit more performance and load power. The models will seat seven and come with air conditioning as a standard feature. The models will feature a front wheel drive four speed and automatic drive train as well as independent and front stabilizer suspension.

Interior

For convenience and comfort the models feature a 12v power outlets on the front and back, cup holders that swing out, audio headsets that are wireless, remote audio controls, DVD with pop-down screen, temperature control (automatic 3 zone) reading lights on the front, vanity mirrors and a light in the cargo area.

Safety Features

Safety features include four wheel anti-lock brakes with solid disc in the rear, and front disc ventilated, energy absorbing body frame material during a collision, front seat belts with pre-tension feature, and much more. In the past, the Dodge Caravan has won the government five star rating for safety. The 2012 models surpass those levels of safety.
Great features for families are the liftgate and doors - power sliding which have a system for detecting obstacles. It features multiple configurations for seating and for cargo options. Other great features are universal garage opener, controls on the steering wheel for radio/CD, park assist, Infinity speakers, UConnect hands free, and much more.

Design

The new Grand Caravan will have a redesigned front fascia, more sporty look, and crosshair grill. Headlights are also different with a more attractive design. Gas mileage is expected to be at 18/25 mpg. MSRP is expected to be over $32,900. Over the years, rivals for the most popular minivan have been the Toyota Sienna and the Honda Odyssey.

New Viper Designed to Lure Vette and Porsche Buyers

According to Ralph Gilles, Chrysler Group design chief, the next generation Dodge Viper will be drop dead gorgeous – the car’s look being inspired by “a naked woman on a beach,” he declared at a recent Detroit press conference.

However, the new car, to be launched next year as a 2013 model, will have a different mission than its predecessors. Rather than being a brutish, all-out muscle type sports car, relying on cubic inches and brawn to get the job done, it will be conceived to go head to head with the likes of the Corvette and Porsche 911, with features designed to woo drivers away from those iconic machines.

That will probably also mean targeting younger buyers. According to Rebecca Lindland, an auto industry analyst with IHS, “Dodge needs to do more to make the Viper an aspiration to consumers and the redesign gives them a chance to “make it a renaissance of that vehicle. There are not a lot of younger people, and by younger I mean under 45, who [currently]  aspire to own a Corvette or a Viper.”

Perhaps, but given the Fiat influence, now might be the perfect opportunity for Chrysler [and Dodge division] to really knock one out of the park and deliver a car with broader appeal, yet one that doesn’t sacrifice its core raison d’etre.

Although Gilles didn’t give any specifics regarding the 2013 Viper, he recently instructed his design staff to take a ‘breather’ after styling 16 vehicles since 2009. The reason? A chance for them to get creative again, on cars like the upcoming Viper.

“We’ve been working so quickly and so fast that we’re not innovating like we used to,” he said.

He also mentioned that the new Viper won’t use Fiat engines and although it will be profitable; “sales volume isn’t important.” Chrysler expects to sell most new Vipers in North America, with just trickle likely headed for overseas markets, including Europe.

2011 Dodge Challenger Review

It’s amazing how the muscle car wars – all but dead a decade ago – have reached pretty amazing heights. Both the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang get better each model year, with power boosts, chassis changes and visual tweaks bringing a steady flow of news and anticipation from the collective fan-base.

FAST FACTS

1. Replacing the old 250-hp 3.5L V6 for 2011 is a new 305-hp 3.6L unit.2. Base models have increased slightly to $24,670; up from $23,245 in 2010. 3. The HEMI R/T model makes 371-hp with a 5-speed automatic and 376-hp with a 6-speed manual. 4. While fuel economy is improved for 2011, an 8-speed automatic transmission is set to join the lineup soon and help deliver significantly better numbers.

The third player in the trio, the Dodge Challenger, has been relegated to second-tier status. Not because it’s lacking any visual drama – no, the retro-coupe still hits hard in that regard. But simply because its extra weight, softer manners and less potent engines made it more a boulevardier than an outright performer.
For 2011, fixing the Challenger is one of a dozen projects that Chrysler is tackling. Good thing that the basics are solid, requiring a decent, but not unreasonable amount of work to improve.

VASTLY IMPROVED BASE V6 WITH LOTS MORE POWER

Seeing as a muscle car is defined by its engines, we’ll look under the Challenger’s long vented hood first. Thankfully, the old 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 in the base models is replaced by the new Pentastar V6, using variable valve timing and other tricks to deliver a full 305-hp out of 3.6-liters. That’s identical to the 2011 Mustang’s 3.7-liter, but down 7 down on the updated ’11 Camaro.
The difference in performance on the 3,800-lb base model is amazing, and should improve even more when an eight-speed automatic transmission replaces the aging five-speed automatic, which is the sole choice with the SE V6.
As an added bonus, the base engine improves the Challenger’s fuel efficiency too, although official test numbers have not been released.
While the standard ‘six’ can no longer be considered a “secretary’s car”, optioning up to the 5.7-liter HEMI is where the blood starts pumping. Running in higher tune than before, the V8-powered R/T produces 372-hp and an even 400 lb-ft with the standard five-speed automatic transmission or 376-hp and 410 lb-ft of torque when mated to the optional six-speed manual. With either transmission, the Challenger is well into the high-fives for the 0-60 mph dash. The revised MDS system, which shuts off a bank of cylinders at cruising speeds to save fuel, should help improve the results here too.

SIGNIFICANT SUSPENSION CHANGES YOU CAN REALLY FEEL

The rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 has been heavily retuned for better performance, and not just in the V8 versions. There are new mono-tube shocks, springs and bushings, while the rear multi-link gets new geometry to better control camber and toe. Finally, the front- and rear-stabilizer bars are larger to keep the body flatter when cornering.
The base Touring suspension is tighter and more responsive, and gets wider 18-inch wheels and tires. Stepping up to the Performance tune, optional on the V6 and standard on R/T, there are more aggressive brakes and optional 20-inch wheels with all-season performance tires.
For those looking for even more ability, the Super Track Pak, exclusive to the R/T, gets 20-inch wheels with sticky performance tires, heavy-duty shocks and springs, high-performance brake pads and switchable ESC.
The changes successfully tie down the big Challenger to the road, and the new electric power steering provides decent feel for such a large, heavy ride. Obviously, the Dodge wouldn’t be your first choice for an autocross, but it’s very happy with big sweeping corners and elevation changes. Places where you can get that big HEMI working hard, listening to the exhaust roar as the gas pedal flattens.

DODGE DESIGNERS DIDN’T MESS WITH A GOOD THING

Thankfully, Dodge did not make too many changes to the still-iconic exterior. The lower air intake is larger and looks almost like it was turned upside down, and the black front splitter is bigger too. The chromed fuel-filler door and dual exhaust are standard on every model.
Equally minimalist changes have been made inside with a thicker steering wheel, more comfortable and supportive front seats, a leather-wrapped shift knob and a revised instrument panel. A full-on refresh like the ’11 Journey, Avenger and Grand Caravan is still a couple years away, but the cabin is comfortable for long cruises, and the back seat is actually usable by real-sized humans.
Base SE Challengers start at $24,670 and come standard with a six-speaker sound system, cruise control, keyless entry and ignition, climate control, power windows and locks, power-folding mirrors, and 60/40 split-folding rear seat, along with six air bags, ABS and ESC.
The SE Rallye package ($26,670) adds Bluetooth hands-free and streaming audio, a USB and aux input jack, Sirius satellite radio, leather seats, an upgraded stereo and fog lamps to the V6 model. The V8-powered R/T gets the tech from the Rallye pack standard and starts at $29,670.
As with the other modern muscle cars, there are tons of options, appearance packages and accessories to completely personalize the Challenger, both in V6 and V8 versions, including throw-back R/T Classic ($32,970) or individual items like the Mopar T/A-style hood, a Go-Wing spoiler and big retro graphics.

THE VERDICT

So has Dodge’s attention made the Challenger more of a challenger? Sure has. It always had the personality, but now it has the performance – both in a straight line and in the twisties – to run with the Chevy and Ford. And with only a minor price increase too.

2011 Dodge Avenger

Dodge’s midsize Avenger doesn’t get the same amount of recognition as its larger Charger brother, and in some respects has become a forgotten car in the Dodge stable. But the Mopar boys are hoping to change that with an updated 2011 Dodge Avenger.

Following in the footsteps of the its recently revealed Chrysler 200 sibling, the 2011 Avenger is a stopgap to freshen things up until an all-new, Fiat-based model arrives in a few years’ time.

You’ll notice the drab black, gray, and silver Avenger interior of old has left the building. As you step into the cockpit you’re greeted by the colorful gauge cluster and updated steering wheel. Dodge ordered new cloth and leather material for the seats, which are now appointed with more cushioning and retuned base springs. Soft-touch armrests envelop the innards, and 45 new or upgraded sound-dampening treatments have been installed to help quiet the ride.

Continuing the parade of interior changes, the three-spoke steering wheel is fitted with more buttons to control the sound system, cruise control, and more. The vents have been redesigned for aesthetic and functional purposes, and two-tone color schemes may be ordered if desired. Further features include ambient lighting, voice command, a USB port, navigation, Bluetooth, and a hard drive with Gracenote music identification.

2008 Dodge Viper SRT10

The new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 boasts more of what performance aficionados crave: kick-in-the-pants, throw-back-in-the-seat power, combined with benchmark braking, world-class ride and handling, a race-inspired interior and bold exterior styling. While every SRT vehicle offers balanced, overall performance, the heart and soul of the new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 is its standout powertrain. For 2008, SRT ups the ante with a new, 8.4-liter aluminum V-10 engine that produces an astounding 600 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque.