An Accelerating Perspective

I had a second opportunity to view the 2010 Dodge Challenger Drag Race Package from yesterday’s post. This time, the car was on the ground at Westbury Chrysler Jeep Dodge's The HEMI SHOP.

As you can see, the hood is matte black, made of a lightweight material and is fastened with pins. It’s a complete lift-off design. I am told the T/A hood is functional. Strangely for a race car, it has a stock front fascia with fog lights installed.

I was also able to grab a few photos of the inside as well.

As you can see, the dash appears to be intact with stock gauges and steering wheel. The center console is somewhat different than stock yet populated with some dials and switches. The seats are Viper seats and there’s no center console. The only other pieces here are the door panels (which has stock window switches and pull handle) and some carpeting. The rear seat area is completely blank. You can see straight through to the trunk (see below).

I often visit my friends at “The HEMI Shop” in Westbury NY. This is a HEMI tuning and performance department of Westbury Chrysler Jeep Dodge dealership. As a HEMI owner, visiting The HEMI Shop is like going to the candy store (only it’s MUCH more expensive).

On my visit today, I found a nice surprise in the shop, a 2010 Challenger Drag Race Package edition. I was told that this was car #75 (of 150 scheduled to be built). The greatest thing about this car is (as the PDF says) there’s ‘some assembly required’. And they are NOT kidding.

This is what I saw when I walked into the shop. A white Challenger with a functional T/A hood in matte black on a lift. First thing that struck me was the wheels and tires. They are by no means standard/stock or anything close! I learned that the wheels and tires were just put on so that the vehicle could be shipped easily.

From my vantage point, I could see a standard SRT8 front fascia (including functional fog lights). Then I noticed there are no side view mirrors too.

From the marketing material I’ve read, the driver and passenger windows are polycarbonate with lightweight lifting mechanisms.

I wasn’t able to get a photo of the interior yet from the marketing material, there are no rear seats, no HVAC systems, 2 Viper-style seats, a standard dash and a small center console / shifter housing.

From underneath the car, I noticed that there were more parts ‘missing’. There’s no rear end, no drive axle and no gas tank. There’s a standard SRT8 rear suspension setup and that’s it (see photo –>).

Here’s a shot of the front end. You can see the standard cross member has been swapped out for a modified version to allow for a deeper oil pan (<-- see photo)

While I was there, I peeked back and notices that there’s no flywheel or clutch setup for the transmission (see photo –> ).

In addition to these things, I also noticed there were some changes in the drive axle ‘tunnel’ leading from the engine to the rear setup. There were at least 2 areas that were modified (I’m told this is done by Roush). These changes allow for the engine to sit 2” further back in the chassis (see below).

All in all, an interesting vehicle that can easily be built up into a very competitive drag car. There’s many parts needed such as clutch/flywheel, axle, rear differential, rear axles, fuel cell, roll cage, fire suppression systems, wiring and I’m certain I’ve missed a few things too.

The name Shelby is revered in the auto industry. It’s classic and yet it’s modern too. Built mainly on the success of the classic Shelby Cobra and Ford Mustang-based GTs of the 1960’s, this little company makes big splashes whenever it can. Case in point, the new 2011 GT350. 45 years after the initial Shelby GT350 was introduced, Shelby is bringing back an iconic nameplate with the ability to back it up.

For $33,995, Shelby will take any 2011 Ford Mustang GT and transform it into a GT350. We’re talking 500HP via a Ford Racing supercharger, Ford Racing suspension parts, Baer brakes and a Borla exhaust system, this GT350 should be able to perform up to it’s namesake. In addition to the go fast parts, Shelby enhances the appearance factor too. New front & rear fascias, hood scoop, center-exit exhaust and Cragar rims means this GT350 will look as good as it performs.

Just check the package price again and remember it does NOT include the price of the 2011 Ford Mustang GT.

Shelby unveils 2011 GT350 Mustang at Barrett-Jackson — Autoblog

Jalopnik has found that Chrysler hid some photos of the new 300C in a video playing at the Detroit Auto Show. I have to say, after reviewing the photos and the new ‘model namplates’ (S6 & S8), it appears that FIAT has hired an ex-Audi designer. Take a peek and let me know what you think?

Next-Gen Chrysler 300C Hiding Behind Chrysler Guido

For Spring 2010, Chrysler is unveiling several ‘new models’ or what I would think of is several special editions of existing models. It’s not a bad idea for a car company to tweak their model packages and standardize them rather than toss the packages haphazardly into the price options list where they may languish. It’s a smart move in my opinion but again, only time will tell.

First is the Chrysler 300 S6 and S8. We can see the pictures of Audis popping up in your heads – shake them out of the way. The 300 S6 is powered by the 3.5 L V-6 and the 300 S8 has the venerable 5.7 L HEMI V-8. Both models get some nice visual treatments (blacked out grilles, body-color fascia accents, darkened headlight bezels). The side mirrors are body-color as well and large 20” rims keep the look aggressive without over-doing it.

On the inside, we see new trim as well – better seats with an embroidered logo (300 S), new steering wheel, brushed aluminum accents and new door pulls fill out the visual treatment.

There’s also a new Town & Country if you’re interested in a new minivan as well as a PT Cruiser model. Check out the press release on Autoblog.

Chrysler reveals slew of special edition models for 2010 — Autoblog

A very nice photo gallery of the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta. From the photos here, it sure looks like a winner. I’d love to see this car make it to the US under FIAT’s Global Expansion plans. This would be a nice competitor in the Mini, VW, Scion crowd. Not to mention it would plug a very needed niche for Chrysler/FIAT here in the US – the hot hatch market.

I wonder if FIAT would let this slip into the hands of SRT Group :)

More pics of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta appear — Autoblog

It’s that time of year – 10 Best Lists, 10 Worst Lists, Best Engine, Best Interior – you get the idea. Alot of subjective dribble from magazines who depend on advertising dollars from auto makers. Yeah, I know – they’re professionals through and through with no doubt as to their selection criteria and voting (can you tell I’m a little skeptical?).

Automobile Magazine has a new list out today – 10 Favorite New Cars. It’s a nice list with a good showing of various cars from different manufacturers. There’s the typical BMW on the list as well as an Audi, Jaguar and a few Fords. Of course the Chevy Camaro is there too. One nice entry – the Ram 1500. A pickup? What? OK, I know, it sounds crazy but read their own words for yourself,

In all these changes, the Ram often had to go not just against its competitors, but also its own history. It surely was not easy. The Dodge Ram has gone from meathead to egghead, adding brains to its brawn. As a result, it surges to the front of the pack as the most livable yet still highly capable big pickup in the land.

If you read their review of the Ram you’ll see that they were paying attention to the press releases and the change in thinking over at Ram Trucks. It’s not all about sheer numbers and which pickup is more testosterone-prone. It’s also about driving capabilities, MPGs, aerodynamics and more. Kudos to Ram for shaking up the pickup truck market and kudos to Automobile Magazine for highlighting it.

2010 Automobile All Stars - Our 10 Favorite New Cars - Automobile Magazine

Part of FIAT’s deal in purchasing Chrysler included building a fuel efficient engine in the US. To that end, FIAT announced it will spend $179 million into the Dundee MI plant to build the 1.4 liter, 92hp engine that propels the FIAT 500. Production of the vehicle is slated for a plant in Mexico so expect to see the engines shipped from MI to Mexico on a regular basis. The output of the Mexico plant will be split between the US and Brazilian markets.

REPORT: Fiat makes 500 engine plant in Michigan official — Autoblog

David Booth of the National Post has a short-coming of comprehension in his recent commentary on automobile surveys. He has a particular problem with Consumer Reports’ January edit survey on ‘most satisfied new car owners’. The winner of that survey is the 2009 Dodge Challenger. Mr.. Booth goes on to point out how the Challenger doesn’t compare to a competitor, the Camaro SS and that it’s interior looks amazingly like the Chrysler 300C. Further he lambasts Challenger owners of buying the dream and not the car.

Wait a second here dude. The survey asks people if they are satisfied with their new car purchase. For Challenger owners, I have to say its more than just the car they are buying. It’s the brand too. Challenger is a storied brand with a great MUSCLE CAR history. The fact that it has satisfied the owner base means that Dodge is doing an awesome job at marketing the Challenger. People are getting what they expected!

I don’t see how Mr. Booth can miss that point. People are buying the Challenger not because it has the ‘best interior’ or ‘most HP’ or ‘best handling’ or any combination of these. They are buying an iconic brand with true muscle car heritage that’s very true to it’s roots. Let’s not forget that the venerable HEMI engine (GenIII) is potent and easily takes to modifications for added power and Dodge has a winner.

So don’t let Mr. Booth confuse you here. The survey isn’t meant as a selling tool – it’s a 3rd party questionnaire that shows how happy car buyers are with their purchase decision. Those who decide to buy Challengers are not the same people who would buy a Camaro or Maxima. I think Mr. Booth needs to re-think his position here but hey, that’s just MY opinion!

Don't trust those who fill out surveys

When it comes to Car and Drivers comparison testing, this one is HUGE. Let’s face it, none of the vehicles weighs in less than 4700lbs, that’s huge! The fact that the least amount of HP is 420 should surprise just about everyone.

The very idea of a performance SUV flies in the face of common sense. How can you expect a large, truck-like vehicle to perform like a sports car? Well, leave it to BMW, Porsche, Land Rover and Jeep to take a stab at that challenge. I think all four have hit the target – some closer to the bulls-eye than others for certain but each one of these ‘super-utes’ would make every soccer mom smile and every soccer dad drool.

Check out the comparison for yourself and think, the next time you ferry the kids to soccer practice or the mall, you could do it in style and speed too!

[NOTE: I own a Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and I’m disappointed by the reviewers comments. They failed to point out that the Jeep SRT8 is going on it’s 5th model year while the competition was recently refreshed if not all-new. Expect the newly designed Jeep SRT8 in 2012 that will take each of his negative points and improve on them.]

BMW X5 M vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged, Porsche Cayenne Turbo S - Comparison Tests