New Dodge Challenger SRT8 392.Marc Urbano
Chrysler Canada has finally revealed information about the 2011 Dodge lineup, but while there are a lot of changes, there's little in the way of all-new product that hasn't been announced before.
The biggest surprise was a new, more powerful version of the Challenger SRT8 coupe, dubbed the SRT8 392, after the car's displacement in cubic inches.
Coming out of Chrysler Canada's Brampton plant, the first batch will be dubbed Inaugural Edition models: 392 cars will be offered in Canada, while 1,100 IE 392s will be available in the United States. These editions will include special exterior paint and black-accented wheels, as well as IE-specific blue stitching and a numbered "Inaugural Edition 392 Hemi" plaque inside.
Power for the Challenger 392 has been increased to 470 in both horsepower and torque, a notable 90 lb-ft increase over the already punchy SRT8. But perhaps more significant is that this most powerful SRT8 model reintroduces the cylinder deactivation feature that the regular 5.7-litre Hemi V8 models offer, so that it can run on only four cylinders while cruising on the highway. This fuel-saving feature will come with 392 models equipped with the five-speed automatic, though not the manual six-speed.
There's also a new Dodge Durango coming, built off a stretched version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee platform to accommodate the third row of seats. Like the base Challenger, Avenger mid-size sedan, Grand Caravan and Journey crossover, the Durango will offer Chrysler's new Pentastar 3.6-litre V-6, making anywhere from 283 to 305 hp depending on the vehicle, providing a marked improvement in power and fuel economy over the previous underwhelming sixes in all these products.
Chrysler also addressed perhaps its area of most pressing need: the quality of its interiors. The Grand Caravan minivan and Journey in particular receive remarkably upgraded cabins. All of these models will be available in December.
Canadian comic talks about his teen driving years, his flashy eight-car collection and reveals why he won't drive a Lambo or Ferrari.
Mercedes-Benz confirms Shooting Brake on the way
The Mercedes-Benz CLS four-door "coupe" is about to stretch the boundaries of vehicle classifications again - the company says it will produce the CLS Shooting Brake, a wagon/hatchback version of the swoopy new CLS it first showed in concept form at April's Beijing motor show.
Traditionally, English "shooting brakes" were two-door luxury vehicles with custom-built, squared-off, wagon-like rear lift-gates, supposedly for hunters and polo players who needed to load large cargo. The production CLS Shooting Brake will be neither two-door nor squared off at the rear, but will feature a downward sloping window treatment, as well as an aggressively slanted rear window that furthers a sense of motion not found in many wagons.
The Benz CLS Shooting Brake will go on sale in 2012, and will be built at Mercedes' sprawling facility in Sindelfingen, which already produces the C, E, CLS, S-Classes and SLS exotic car. Note that Mercedes has revised the spelling of its name from the "Shooting Break" concept it unveiled earlier this year, even though it insisted then that "Break" was not a typo, arguing that "Shooting Breaks" were popular in Great Britain in the 1960s and 1970s.
Jeep Grand Cherokee could spawn Fiat, Alfa and even Maserati versions
Ferrari-powered Jeep Grand Cherokee anyone? According to Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, Fiat execs had previously underestimated the potential of this platform, saying it could provide the basis for SUVs from Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and yes, even Ferrari neighbour and engineering partner Maserati.
In a conference call announcing third quarter financial results this week, Marchionne said he was delighted with the quality of the vehicles coming out of the Grand Cherokee's Jefferson North assembly plant, which is just ramping up production of the Dodge Durango seven-seater, as well as diesel versions of the Grand Cherokee for European markets.
Maserati's two current products, the Quattroporte sedan and luscious Gran Turismo coupe and convertible, both use engines derived from Ferrari V-8 powerplants, engines known as much for their characteristically F1-like wail as much as their high-end punch. An Alfa Romeo version of the Jeep has already been publicly discussed, but Marchionne's delight with the GC's strong sales and quality have apparently caused the company to take a closer look at where else the company can use the platform, reported The Detroit News, even within Chrysler.
Lamborghini ends of Murcielago production
The last Murcielago V-12 super sports car has rolled out of Lamborghini's Sant'Agata Bolognese factory.
The end of the run of Lambo's most successful V-12 exotic car was officially marked last week, even though the actual last car - number 4099 - came off the line back in May after nine years of production.
The ceremony included a photo op with the last car at the end of the line with the CEO Stephan Winkelmann and many of the factory workers that put it together, along with a symbolic "last ride" out of the factory surrounded by other examples of Lambo's V12 history, such as the 350GT, the Miura, Countach and Diablo.
The Murcielago's replacement will launch next year, Winkelmann confirmed, although he revealed no details, of the new car.