Dodge Hornet Interior

Dodge Hornet Interior

Dodge Hornet Interior

Dodge Hornet Interior

Dodge Hornet Interior

2013 Dodge Dart Review

by Chris Poole

 

The “40-mpg” compact car promised by the Fiat-Chrysler alliance is coming soon to replace the Dodge Caliber. With Italian brio inherited from a sporty Alfa Romeo, the Dart should be causing much buzz. Some thought Dodge's new compact would be dubbed Hornet, but Dodge has decided to go with Dart, a name used on well-respected Dodge compacts in the past.

What We Know About the 2013 Dodge Dart

The highly symbolic first joint-venture vehicle from the Fiat-Chrysler alliance is heading to showrooms as the 2013 replacement for the Dodge Caliber compact car. Essentially a restyled, reengineered version of the sporty front-wheel-drive Alfa Romeo Giulietta 4-door hatchback, the new U.S.-built model will be the 2013 Dodge Dart.
The 2013 Dodge Dart will demonstrate whether Fiat-Chrysler can deliver fuel-efficient small cars that will be popular--and profitable--in a highly competitive market that already offers many worthy choices. But though expected for over two years, the Dart is not one of the industry’s worst-kept secrets, because it wasn’t a secret in the first place.

By way of background, Italy’s Fiat Auto successfully lobbied to lead Chrysler Group LLC out of bankruptcy by taking over management duties and sharing its small-car technology in exchange for a 20-percent share of the American automaker. Chrysler’s creditors, including the U.S. and Canadian governments, also agreed to let Fiat increase its stake--again with no money down--by meeting three “performance milestones.” Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne delivered on the first two with dispatch, setting up U.S. production of the fuel-efficient 1.4-liter engine that powers the 2012 Fiat 500 subcompact car, and expanding Chrysler’s overseas sales base by adding select Chrysler models (or variations) to Fiat’s worldwide dealer network. A U.S.-built “40-mpg compact car” was the third milestone, hence the 2013 Dodge Dart, which may begin go-slow pilot production toward the end of 2011 at Chrysler’s Belvidere, Illinois plant.

Meantime, Fiat paid off its government loans six years ahead of schedule and exercised a separate stock-purchase option to claim 53.5 percent of Chrysler as of June 2011. This will rise to about 58 percent if the Dart earns the stipulated 40-mpg EPA highway fuel-economy rating. The rest of Chrysler still belongs to the United Auto Workers Union health-care trust that was set up in 2007, ironically with an eye to averting a Chrysler bankruptcy.

Updated 01.10.2012 by Don Sikora II

Dodge Hornet

Dodge Hornet

 Dodge Hornet

Dodge Hornet 

Dodge Hornet

 Dodge Hornet

Mercedes B-Class Begets the Dodge Hornet

By Matthew Keegan  

The Mercedes B-Class, a line of compact cars about the size of a Volkswagen Golf, is expected to be imported to the U.S. market within one or two years time. This model is unusual in that it will be the first vehicle marketed by Mercedes in the U.S. that is not a true luxury car. Instead, the German automaker is hoping to capitalize on its venerable name by serving a greater share of the American populace by marketing a more ordinary model. Soon after the B-Class' debut, yet another small vehicle derived from Mercedes will also make its appearance in the U.S.: the Dodge Hornet. Both the B-Class and Hornet are being developed to revolutionize their respective brands, pitting DaimlerChrysler against some of the leading youth brands in the world.
Not everyone thinks that it is a good idea for Mercedes to sell a budget model in the U.S., particularly one sporting the Mercedes marque. Yet, Mercedes has been building smaller models for years and in Europe the brand is known for producing luxury cars as well as vehicles for the masses. Indeed, Mercedes' biggest adversary, BMW, also produces a line of small cars and is planning on bringing these vehicles to the U.S. shortly. Thus, like it or not, Mercedes must respond and the B-Class will be the answer.
For Mercedes, the B-Class likely to make it to the U.S. will be a four door sedan outfitted with a six cylinder gas engine. A hatchback, popular in Europe, will probably not be included in the deal knowing American consumers' disdain for that particular body style. Diesel powered B-Class' are a possibility and will become even more likely should BMW introduce the same.
For Dodge, the Hornet represents an answer to Scion and their line of youth oriented brands. While the Mercedes B-Class will likely appeal to VW and Nissan owners, the Hornet will target Scion owners as well as those inclined to purchase a Honda Element or other small, boxy vehicle. DaimlerChrysler, the owner of both Mercedes and Dodge, knows that the Hornet is necessary as the brand's current entry level vehicle, the Caliber, is too expensive to compete against the lowest priced cars from Japan and Korea. Considering that Chinese cars selling for $8500 or less will also be arriving soon, DaimlerChrysler must respond and respond quickly with the Hornet.
While plans haven't yet been finalized, the Hornet will likely strongly resemble the concept vehicle now on display at car shows around the country. This means that the Hornet will sport a 1.6L I4 mated to a 5 or 6 speed manual transmission, with a horsepower output of 170. With 19 inch tires, stow and go seating, and Saturn ION-like doors, the Hornet will not be confused with any other vehicle on the road which is exactly what Dodge hopes will happen.
To keep production costs down, DaimlerChrysler is looking for a manufacturing plant, probably in Mexico, to build the vehicle. Aiming to keep prices to around $10,000, DaimlerChrysler may tap Volkswagen to produce the vehicle at one of its own plants. This would enable VW to fill excess capacity and give DCX a readily available source to produce the Hornet.
Yes, the B-Class is poised to change the way American consumers think about the Mercedes brand while giving the make a chance to capture a broader chunk of the market. With the Hornet deriving its platform and other key components from the B-Class, Dodge will also benefit and be able to holds its own against Asian imports. Yes, both products present risky moves for parent DaimlerChrysler, one that the automaker must take in an ever changing and highly competitive world.

Copyright 2006 – Matt Keegan is a freelance writer covering cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs. You can keep your Mercedes vehicle running and looking cool by shopping the Mercedes Benz Car Parts superstore for superior automotive parts and accessories.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Keegan

2011 Dodge Charger Reviews

With the 2011 Dodge Charger, Dodge has gone even more overboard. Not all the change in the Dodge Charger is quite so graphic, but the Charger's new flares and filigrees "pop" on camera and strike a deep masculine nerve, like finding out Catholic girls'-school uniforms are suddenly back in style. While the V-8 engines in the R/T and SRT8 remain the most desired models, much of the 2011 Dodge Charger model line is V-6-powered. Upgraded shocks, control arms and bushings don't seem to release any road feel while touching up the Charger's ride quality lightly. Despite the highly emotional styling of the 2011 Dodge Charger, which might just turn off some sensible, comfort-minded shoppers, the Charger doesn't fare too badly as a stock American-issue sedan. Big door cut-outs, a tall roofline, wide and lightly bolstered front seats and fairly spacious back seat put the Dodge Charger near the front of the line for all sorts of pedestrian uses, from police duty to real-estate caravanning. Feature-happy Chrysler is following hotly on Ford's heels, if a step or two behind.



The 2011 Dodge Charger receives a number of significant upgrades, including freshened styling, higher-quality interior materials, an all-new and more powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine, a retuned suspension, electric-assist power steering, more standard features and a new electronic interface.



The 2011 Dodge Charger is a good example. The most noticeable change regards the Charger's new exterior styling. The "2011 Dodge Charger" is a large sedan that's offered in two basic trim levels: SE and R/T. Entry-level SE models are rear-wheel-drive only, while the R/T can be had with a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive.



The R/T model comes with a V8 engine, a performance-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels (19-inch on AWD models), xenon headlights, fog lights and a rear spoiler (RWD models only). Inside, available options include leather upholstery, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled cup holders and power-adjustable pedals. Other options include adaptive cruise control with front collision warning, a blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, a Garmin-sourced navigation system with Sirius Travel Link service, and a nine-speaker Alpine surround-sound audio system.



The 2011 Dodge Charger's power train choices have been greatly simplified. All-wheel drive is offered for the V8-powered R/T.

Standard safety features for the Dodge Charger include electronic stability/traction control, antilock brakes, and side-impact airbags for front seat passengers, a driver-side knee airbag, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.



Power and interior accommodations have improved on the 2011 Dodge Charger, making it an exciting alternative to affordable large cars. Reviewers generally dislike the Charger’s five-speed automatic gearbox, which is the only transmission available. If you need affordable large car practicality, but want muscle car performance, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a car that walks the line better than the Dodge Charger.



The 2011 Dodge Charger poses an interesting option to consumers, straddling the line between muscle cars and affordable large cars. Muscle car shoppers who don’t need the Charger’s extra interior space should check out the Chevrolet Camaro.

2012 dodge charger First Drive reviews

Up front, the blacked-out cross hair grille is all Dodge, and with the SRT plaque fitted to the Dodge Charger, it's evident that is is more than an average sedan. From nose to tail, the SRT8 runs 200.3 inches, and if you pace off that distance, you'll arrive around back to find more classic Charger DNA. With our rear gripping the seats, our hands are free wrap around the large, meaty steering wheel, which features a design unique to the SRT family of vehicles.

It's the cleanest sounding stock audio system we've heard in some time, and it's just one item that SRT8 owners can boast over standard Dodge Charger owners.
Dodge has fitted the updated sedan with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, which produces 470 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 4,300 rpm. That miserly tech pairs perfectly with the all-new active valve exhaust system to help allow the Dodge Charger SRT8 run on four cylinders over a greater range of engine speeds. We know that Chrysler is hard at work on its next generation of transmissions. Will it wind up in the SRT8 king of the hill? In sport mode, the Dodge Charger SRT8 also firms up the suspension damping.

The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 is equally happy to blast down canyon roads as it is to chuck its oversize body into Willow's high-speed bends. Click on the touchscreen and head over to the SRT Performance Pages. Besides displaying a variety of digital gauges and fore, aft and lateral handling figures, the system also displays a time slip for 0-60 runs, along with eight-mile, quarter-mile and 60-0 mph braking distance. The SRT8's invisible musculature and bone work keeps it stable and safe, which also helps keep us flat (and mentally calm) pushing through both slow speed switchbacks and the high-speed bends. Composure at that far end of the speedo is a result of the well thought-out aerodynamic enhancements, SRT-tuned independent front and rear suspension with active damping and rolling stock comprised of 20x9-inch forged aluminum wheels.

Slotted behind the aluminum wheels is a set of Brembo brakes, with four piston calipers squeezing 14.2-inch slotted and vented front rotors in front and joining forces with 13.8-inch, four-piston rears to haul in the any unwanted speed.

The combination of the chassis, suspension, engine, tires and braking systems are a perfect fit for the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8. That mid-$40,000 price point plants the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 in a rather unique section of the market. Powerful super sedans typically command serious coin. In truth, it seems the closest competitor to the Dodge Charger lies right in the same SRT family. The 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 starts at $47,995, has the same power output and infotainment setup, yet wears a slightly softer suit. The 300 SRT8 is the slightly introverted yin to the Charger SRT8 and its extroverted yang. In this particular instance, you can't make a wrong choice, and the Charger SRT8 is proof that Chrysler can create a modern muscle sedan properly.

Starting with the base models, the cars themselves have been improved, which makes the SRT transformation an easier feat. The brand is stable with Gilles at the helm, and the president and CEO "vows to protect SRT."

When Dodge redesigned the Dodge Charger for 2011, we knew that an SRT8 version would follow shortly. Thank a high-gloss black grille and grille surround for that, along with Hemi/SRT fender badges, the Dodge crosshair grille, and a scooped hood with a heat extractor. Interior changes consist of aluminum fiber accents, a flat-bottomed heated steering wheel with paddle shifters, SRT's Performance Pages (basically, an on-board readout that allows drivers to measure 0-60 times, g-force loads, and other data), heated and cooled bolstered seats with Nappa leather and suede, heated rear seats, and unique bolster material that matches the seats to the door trim. An adaptive-damping suspension system keeps the Charger planted at speed, especially in "Sport" mode. The Charger SRT8 rolls on 20-inch wheels, and Dodge has it pegged for a .88G skidpad result.

Braking comes from 14.2-inch vented rotors in front and 13.8-inch vented rotors in back. A Ready Alert Braking System prepares the brakes for a panic stop when the driver quickly releases the gas pedal.

The previous Dodge Charger SRT8 was fast, stable, and with the exception of a boy-racer hood scoop and spoiler, a bit of a sleeper. Muscle cars that can stop and turn?
Ralph Gilles, SRT brand president and CEO, calls the Dodge Charger SRT8 the extrovert of the 2012 SRT8 class--and with good reason. The aggressive SRT exterior treatment includes a gloss black grille, sculpted hood with black air exhauster, rear spoiler and dual four-inch exhaust tips make the car look menacing.

A new 6.4-liter Hemi V8 powers the menacing sedan, replacing the previous 6.1-liter Hemi V8. On the suspension front, 2012 marks the additional of a new adaptive damping suspension offering two modes: auto and sport. Auto monitors speed, steering angle, brake torque, throttle and acceleration and adjusts damping accordingly, while sport locks in a stiffer, track-ready setup.

Touches in the cabin included the leather-wrapped, flat-bottom SRT steering wheel with paddle shifters, aluminum interior trim and heavily bolstered SRT front bucket seats. While the Charger SRT8's suspension tuning isn't as aggressive as the Challenger's, it still helped the Dodge Charger blaze around California's Willow Springs Raceway with little trouble. On the road, the Charger SRT8 is quiet and rolls down the ride comfortably.

2012 dodge charger First Drive reviews

Up front, the blacked-out cross hair grille is all Dodge, and with the SRT plaque fitted to the Dodge Charger, it's evident that is is more than an average sedan. From nose to tail, the SRT8 runs 200.3 inches, and if you pace off that distance, you'll arrive around back to find more classic Charger DNA. With our rear gripping the seats, our hands are free wrap around the large, meaty steering wheel, which features a design unique to the SRT family of vehicles.

It's the cleanest sounding stock audio system we've heard in some time, and it's just one item that SRT8 owners can boast over standard Dodge Charger owners.
Dodge has fitted the updated sedan with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, which produces 470 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 4,300 rpm. That miserly tech pairs perfectly with the all-new active valve exhaust system to help allow the Dodge Charger SRT8 run on four cylinders over a greater range of engine speeds. We know that Chrysler is hard at work on its next generation of transmissions. Will it wind up in the SRT8 king of the hill? In sport mode, the Dodge Charger SRT8 also firms up the suspension damping.

The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 is equally happy to blast down canyon roads as it is to chuck its oversize body into Willow's high-speed bends. Click on the touchscreen and head over to the SRT Performance Pages. Besides displaying a variety of digital gauges and fore, aft and lateral handling figures, the system also displays a time slip for 0-60 runs, along with eight-mile, quarter-mile and 60-0 mph braking distance. The SRT8's invisible musculature and bone work keeps it stable and safe, which also helps keep us flat (and mentally calm) pushing through both slow speed switchbacks and the high-speed bends. Composure at that far end of the speedo is a result of the well thought-out aerodynamic enhancements, SRT-tuned independent front and rear suspension with active damping and rolling stock comprised of 20x9-inch forged aluminum wheels.

Slotted behind the aluminum wheels is a set of Brembo brakes, with four piston calipers squeezing 14.2-inch slotted and vented front rotors in front and joining forces with 13.8-inch, four-piston rears to haul in the any unwanted speed.

The combination of the chassis, suspension, engine, tires and braking systems are a perfect fit for the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8. That mid-$40,000 price point plants the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 in a rather unique section of the market. Powerful super sedans typically command serious coin. In truth, it seems the closest competitor to the Dodge Charger lies right in the same SRT family. The 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 starts at $47,995, has the same power output and infotainment setup, yet wears a slightly softer suit. The 300 SRT8 is the slightly introverted yin to the Charger SRT8 and its extroverted yang. In this particular instance, you can't make a wrong choice, and the Charger SRT8 is proof that Chrysler can create a modern muscle sedan properly.

Starting with the base models, the cars themselves have been improved, which makes the SRT transformation an easier feat. The brand is stable with Gilles at the helm, and the president and CEO "vows to protect SRT."

When Dodge redesigned the Dodge Charger for 2011, we knew that an SRT8 version would follow shortly. Thank a high-gloss black grille and grille surround for that, along with Hemi/SRT fender badges, the Dodge crosshair grille, and a scooped hood with a heat extractor. Interior changes consist of aluminum fiber accents, a flat-bottomed heated steering wheel with paddle shifters, SRT's Performance Pages (basically, an on-board readout that allows drivers to measure 0-60 times, g-force loads, and other data), heated and cooled bolstered seats with Nappa leather and suede, heated rear seats, and unique bolster material that matches the seats to the door trim. An adaptive-damping suspension system keeps the Charger planted at speed, especially in "Sport" mode. The Charger SRT8 rolls on 20-inch wheels, and Dodge has it pegged for a .88G skidpad result.

Braking comes from 14.2-inch vented rotors in front and 13.8-inch vented rotors in back. A Ready Alert Braking System prepares the brakes for a panic stop when the driver quickly releases the gas pedal.

The previous Dodge Charger SRT8 was fast, stable, and with the exception of a boy-racer hood scoop and spoiler, a bit of a sleeper. Muscle cars that can stop and turn?
Ralph Gilles, SRT brand president and CEO, calls the Dodge Charger SRT8 the extrovert of the 2012 SRT8 class--and with good reason. The aggressive SRT exterior treatment includes a gloss black grille, sculpted hood with black air exhauster, rear spoiler and dual four-inch exhaust tips make the car look menacing.

A new 6.4-liter Hemi V8 powers the menacing sedan, replacing the previous 6.1-liter Hemi V8. On the suspension front, 2012 marks the additional of a new adaptive damping suspension offering two modes: auto and sport. Auto monitors speed, steering angle, brake torque, throttle and acceleration and adjusts damping accordingly, while sport locks in a stiffer, track-ready setup.

Touches in the cabin included the leather-wrapped, flat-bottom SRT steering wheel with paddle shifters, aluminum interior trim and heavily bolstered SRT front bucket seats. While the Charger SRT8's suspension tuning isn't as aggressive as the Challenger's, it still helped the Dodge Charger blaze around California's Willow Springs Raceway with little trouble. On the road, the Charger SRT8 is quiet and rolls down the ride comfortably.

Dodge Avenger 2011

Dodge Avenger Rally Car

Dodge Avenger 2011 Videos

Discover What's New in the Latest Dodge Avenger

By Geof Ryan

The latest 2009 launched Dodge Avenger is offered in three variants, namely the sporty R/T, well equipped SXT and the base SE. The SE model is facilitated with cruise control, air conditioning, an auxiliary audio jack, satellite radio, four speaker audio system, a cooled front storage compartment, full power accessories, a tilt and telescoping steering wheels and 16-inch steel wheels.

In the SXT model, some extra features are added, which are steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, eight way power driver seats, six CD changer and six speakers for the audio system, fog lights, 17-inch steel wheels and a rear spoiler.

On the other hand, the Avenger R/T is facilitated with an auto dimming rear-view mirror, single zone automatic climate control, heated side mirrors, automatic head lights, firmer suspension tuning and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The 2009 Dodge Avenger initially came with an engine power of up to 173 hp and a torque up to 166 lb-ft. Later on, this engine power was increased up to 186 hp and torque up to 191 lb-ft, but the engine power of Avenger SXT was boosted up to 235 hp and its torque to 232 lb-ft. The 3.5 liter v6 power R/T takes about 7.7 seconds to accelerate from 0-60 mph.

From safety point of view, full-length head curtain airbags and front seat air bags are added to the car. Standard anti-lock brakes are also available with the R/T and V6 models. The trunk capacity of Avenger is about 13.4 cubic feet.

To take a look at some uber-cool Dodge Avenger Pictures Click-Here

To find more Dodge Car Pictures Click-Here

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Geof_Ryan

Dodge Avenger 2011

Dodge Avenger Rally Car

Dodge Avenger 2011 Videos

Discover What's New in the Latest Dodge Avenger

By Geof Ryan

The latest 2009 launched Dodge Avenger is offered in three variants, namely the sporty R/T, well equipped SXT and the base SE. The SE model is facilitated with cruise control, air conditioning, an auxiliary audio jack, satellite radio, four speaker audio system, a cooled front storage compartment, full power accessories, a tilt and telescoping steering wheels and 16-inch steel wheels.

In the SXT model, some extra features are added, which are steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, eight way power driver seats, six CD changer and six speakers for the audio system, fog lights, 17-inch steel wheels and a rear spoiler.

On the other hand, the Avenger R/T is facilitated with an auto dimming rear-view mirror, single zone automatic climate control, heated side mirrors, automatic head lights, firmer suspension tuning and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The 2009 Dodge Avenger initially came with an engine power of up to 173 hp and a torque up to 166 lb-ft. Later on, this engine power was increased up to 186 hp and torque up to 191 lb-ft, but the engine power of Avenger SXT was boosted up to 235 hp and its torque to 232 lb-ft. The 3.5 liter v6 power R/T takes about 7.7 seconds to accelerate from 0-60 mph.

From safety point of view, full-length head curtain airbags and front seat air bags are added to the car. Standard anti-lock brakes are also available with the R/T and V6 models. The trunk capacity of Avenger is about 13.4 cubic feet.

To take a look at some uber-cool Dodge Avenger Pictures Click-Here

To find more Dodge Car Pictures Click-Here

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Geof_Ryan