Mopar '10 Challenger. For the first time in its history, Chrysler Group LLC will launch a special-edition Mopar version of one of its vehicles. With pricing starting at $38,000, this instant collector arrives next month. Mopar will build only 500 of these models which will be available only in Brilliant Black with a choice of three accent colors: Mopar Blue, Red or Silver. (Image: Chrysler)

“Our Mopar ’10 Challenger is a collaboration of two iconic brands with tremendous heritage,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC. “Dodge put the heart into this Challenger and Mopar added the soul. The result is a unique, special-edition car that only we can offer.”

The U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for Mopar ’10 is $38,000 for an automatic transmission and $39,000 for a manual transmission. Both prices include $750 for destination. Customers may pre-order now.

“Mopar ’10 has a wicked, sinister appearance that will turn heads.” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO of Dodge, Chrysler Group LLC. “The Mopar brand resonates with hard-core enthusiasts, and this car will too.”

Dodge and Mopar collaborated to create Mopar ’10, a “Mopar modified” 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T. Under-the-hood features include the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI^® V-8 engine, a hood-venting system, a cold-air intake, a front strut-tower brace with shock caps, and a unique engine cover. Under the decklid is a rear strut-tower brace that stiffens the chassis and improves handling characteristics of the car.

Mopar ’10 will be available in Brilliant Black with a choice of three accent colors: Mopar Blue, Red or Silver. Accent colors will appear on side stripes as well as in the stitching on the steering wheel and seats. Exterior features include 20-inch forged heritage gloss-black wheels, black-chromed grille surround, and a functional, vented T/A-style hood with vintage hood pins. Mopar logos and graphics are prominent on the front fascia, hood, hood-pin caps, body-side stripes, windows and on the chromed fuel door. A special Mopar ’10 car cover also comes with the vehicle.

Interior features include Katzkin leather seating, custom leather-wrapped steering wheel with baseball-style stitching, Mopar shift handles (T-handle for automatics, Pistol Grip for manuals), a serialized dash plaque with Mopar ’10 logo and Mopar branding throughout.

Every customer who purchases a Mopar ’10 will receive a special owner kit that includes a certificate with the vehicle identification number (VIN), date of build completion, and build number. The kit also includes a limited-edition sketch of the vehicle signed by Chrysler Group design chief Mark Trostle, a book that highlights the special vehicle build, and Mopar ’10 merchandise.

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Detroit Dodge Brand President and CEO Ralph Gilles (right) and plant manager Shelly Brown Gordon (third from right) welcomed more than 400 hundred loyal Viper owners at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit today to present the ultimate factory customized 2010 Dodge Viper coupe to proud new owner D'Ann Rauh (second from right). (Image: Chrysler)

A member of the Mid-South Viper Club of America, D’Ann Rauh worked exclusively with the Dodge Design team to select the personal touches she wanted on her car. The custom bronzed gold exterior paint was supplied by House of Kolor. The custom interior features various leather appointments, which were crafted by Tony Spampinito from Venzano, who has worked with the Rauhs on previous Viper projects.

Bob Soroka, from Chrysler Group LLC’s Street and Racing Technology team, airbrushed layouts of Viper-significant race tracks into the custom-painted copper stripes applied by Prefix. The five-spoke forged-aluminum wheels are custom painted in dark graphite.

Members from both the Motor City Viper Club and the Viper Club of America participated in the celebration.

Rauh’s Viper is the last of the current-generation Vipers built at the plant. Dodge has created more special-edition Viper models for the 2010 model year than all other model years combined. Production on the Dodge Viper started in 1992.

Dodge Challenger featuring a Mopar T/A Hood with scoop (Image: Chrysler)

Mopar’s new exterior appearance package is now available as a factory production option. The exterior includes a unique body-color hood with scoop, body-color rear “Go-Wing” spoiler and strobe stripe performance graphics. An interior appearance package is also available and includes a Mopar-branded T-handle shifter, bright pedal kit (automatic only), bright door-sill guards, premium carpet floor mats and a full vehicle cover to protect this prized possession.

Dodge Challenger with Mopar Go-Wing spoiler (Image: Chrysler)

Dodge Challenger with Mopar 20-inch Heritage Wheels and Body Decal Kit (Image: Chrysler)

“We worked closely with Mopar to further enhance the appearance of Dodge’s modern-day muscle machine,” said Ralph Gilles, President and Chief Executive Officer – Dodge Car Brand. “Our additional design cues effectively communicate the vehicle’s world-class handling, performance and cutting-edge technology.”

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the exterior package is $1,995. The MSRP for the interior package is $945 for the automatic transmission and $780 for the manual transmission. Both options are available on SE and R/T models in the following colors: TorRed, Bright Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal and Bright White.

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X (Image: Dodge)

Combining the best performance attributes of the record-setting, street-legal Dodge Viper ACR (American Club Racer) and the safety equipment of championship-winning Viper Competition Coupe, the Viper 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).

Working Place in the 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X... (Image: Dodge)

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.

Similar to 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.

Simply brutal: 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X (Image: Dodge)

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 are 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.”

Last month, the SRT team used a testing session at Laguna Seca raceway to shake down the Viper 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 ACR-X is incredible,” said Wittmer. “After a short warm up, I was running lap times as quick as exotic GT race cars. I was blown away by the power and acceleration, and even more surprised at how the ACR-X navigated the challenging Laguna Seca corners and how friendly it was to drive at the limit.

“All aspects of the car work together perfectly to plant all that horsepower and torque without issue,” Wittmer added. “This will be a great package for someone coming out of grassroots racing with a desire to step-up to GT level competition. Dodge nailed it with this one!”

The 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.

The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X will make its on-track debut in July 2010 in a newly developed spec series called the Dodge Viper Cup, which will be sanctioned by the existing Viper Racing League. Each vehicle in the new series must be the new Viper ACR-X.

Two races per weekend for five weekends will make up the 10-race 2010 Dodge Viper Cup schedule which includes July 9-11 at Virginia International Raceway; August 14-15 at Hallett Raceway; September 11-12 at Pocono Raceway; October 1-3 at Miller Motorsports Park and October 22-24 at Daytona International Speedway.

A contingency program sponsored by Dodge Motorsports and Mopar will pay out more than $200,000 during 2010. Payouts for each race are in cash and Mopar vouchers come as credit toward purchase of Mopar parts and accessories.

Viper Racing Heritage:

The Dodge Viper has enjoyed a successful racing heritage that began in 1996 with the original Viper racing entry, the GTS-R, which earned five international GT championships and the 1997-1999 FIA GT championships. It also posted an amazing overall win at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in 1999  the first for a production-based American car.

The Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, introduced in 2003, delivered the next chapter with its coupe-shaped carbon/Kevlar body and a track-ready chassis, based on the Dodge Viper SRT10. The Viper Competition Coupe has continued the on-track prowess by capturing the 2004 SCCA Speed World Challenge GT title, championships in Formula D Drifting series in 2004 and 2006 and the British GT Championship in 2007 and 2008.

viperheadquarters.com:

Dodge has created a new website designed to showcase the Dodge Viper SRT10 both on the street and on the track. Check out the new online home for all things Viper at www.viperheadquarters.com

Viper Racing League:

The Viper Racing League is one race series within the group of three (including Challenge Series and Driving School) sanctioned by Viper Days. The series has 11-weekend events scheduled for the 2010 season at some of the country’s most prestigious race tracks. For more information including the 2010 race schedule, visit www.viperdays.com

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.

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 Roadster in Toxic Orange Pearl Coat with black dual racing stripes. (Image: Dodge)

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 Nürburgring 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 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 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.

Interior color options for 2010 include: standard black, two-tone black and red with red accent stitching, two-tone black and blue with blue accent stitching, two-tone black and medium slate grey with medium slate grey accent stitching and the two-tone black and natural tan with premium tan Nappa leather seats, tan center console, lower instrument panel and door panels introduced for the 2009 model year. On the Roadster model, the black and tan package includes a matching tan cloth convertible top.

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

Numerous special, 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.

Additional special edition models will be announced closer to their individual introductions. Pricing on the 2010 Dodge Viper lineup also will be announced at a later date.

Chris Winkler, an SRT vehicle dynamics engineer piloted a black and red 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR (American Club Racer) to a lap record of 1:33.915 as recorded by Motech in-vehicle data recorder (1:33.944 - as unofficially recorded by trackside clock) around the 2.238-mile, 11-turn course, shattering the previous lap record by more than 1.1 seconds.

A street-legal 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR driven by Chris Winkler, SRT vehicle dynamics engineer, set a new lap record of 1:33.915 at the Laguna Seca raceway in Monterey, Calif., shattering the previous lap record by more than 1.1 seconds. (Image: Chrysler group)

“It was definitely exciting but a somewhat uneventful lap overall from behind the steering wheel,” said Winkler, who is still learning the intricate details of Laguna Seca raceway, having spent only one other session on the course. “The Dodge Viper ACR has amazing power and handles like a dream, so following my first practice here last month, I came away pretty confident that we’d be able to set a new record.”

In 2008, professional road racer Randy Pobst, drove a 2008 Dodge Viper ACR to a one-lap, production car record of 1:35.117 at Laguna Seca raceway while working with Motor Trend. That record stood until August 6, 2009 when the most recent record of 1:35.075 was established by a one-off exotic prototype.

Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Brand and Senior Vice President, Product Design Office, Chrysler Group LLC, was impressed with the Viper’s performance. “I’ve been closely tied to this car my entire career and even after owning one myself for some time, I’m still amazed with what the Dodge Viper can do on and off the race track,” Gilles said. “After our record-setting lap at the Nürburgring circuit, we’re excited to set a second performance benchmark record at another world-famous road course.”

The Dodge Viper is going into the final year of production for the current-generation model. Approximately 500 Vipers will be produced in 2010.

“We’re going to keep Dodge’s performance icon alive and well by not only producing some of the most special Vipers ever built, but we’re also investigating what the next-generation Viper is going to be,” added Gilles. “When we have partners across the ocean who are known as the best sports carmakers in the world, the future opportunities are huge.”

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR

The Dodge Viper ACR remains the ultimate purpose-built, street-legal track car since its introduction in 2008. New for the 2010 model year is a shorter fifth gear ratio (changing from 0.74 to 0.80) for improved high-speed acceleration and higher straightaway speeds. This improvement is a direct result of SRT’s experience at the 12.9-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany where during the lap-record run in 2008, it was found that a revised gear ratio would have resulted in a higher speed capability and potentially a shorter elapsed time.

The Dodge Viper ACR also 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 result in an increase in top speed of 4 mph (to 184 mph).

Powered by the venerable 8.4-liter, V-10 engine with 600 horsepower and 560 lb.-ft. of torque, the Dodge Viper ACR continues to offer extreme performance, including 0-60 mph acceleration in less than 4 seconds, quarter-mile time in the mid 11-second range and 0-100-0 mph in 11 seconds flat.

The Dodge Viper ACR with optional Hard Core Package is more than 80 lbs. lighter than the production SRT10 and offers race-ready hardware and competition tuning for optimal on-track performance.

The 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.

The 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR will make its worldwide auto show debut on Dec. 2, 2009 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 - Plum Crazy (Image: Dodge)

The U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic in Plum Crazy Pearl Coat is $35,140, while the high-performance SRT8 model is $44,155 (both prices include $725 destination). Both Plum Crazy models are available for ordering now at Dodge dealerships nationwide.

2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic Plum Crazy

Based on the powerful 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T, the Dodge Challenger R/T Classic Plum Crazy edition is the first to offer dual throwback A-line body-side R/T stripes in matte black or new bright white. Completing the look are “Challenger” fender badges in classic script, large 20-inch polished-chrome heritage wheels with all-season performance tires, classic egg-crate grille with heritage “R/T” badge, body-color rear spoiler, functional hood scoop and chromed fuel-filler door.

When paired with the Tremec six-speed manual transmission, the 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic Plum Crazy includes the performance-minded Track Pak with precision-shift “pistol-grip” shifter, anti-spin 3.92 differential and a performance-tuned dual exhaust with two low-restriction bottle resonators for maximum “throatiness”. And when it’s time to deliver, the Plum Crazy R/T Classic can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds with its powerful 376 horsepower (280 kW) and 410 lb.-ft. of torque (556 Nm) 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine.

2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Plum Crazy

If the Dodge Challenger R/T Classic in Plum Crazy is not exciting enough, the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 version delivers even more punch and exclusivity with its 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine producing 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, performance-tuned ride and handling, benchmark braking and race-inspired interior with unique SRT-designed appointments.

The limited-production Dodge Challenger SRT8 in Plum Crazy is based on the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 and features exterior-matching SRT performance seats with Plum Crazy accented stripe.

Production of the 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic and SRT8 in Plum Crazy

Production of the all-new 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic and SRT8 in limited-production Plum Crazy Pearl Coat will start in late November 2009 at the Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. It will be built on the same assembly line as the award-winning and quality-proven Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300.

Chrysler LLC unveiled the new 2010 Ram 3500 Laramie Heavy Duty Crew Cab 4x4 Dually at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. Crew Cab currently accounts for 50 percent of the Heavy-Duty market. This is Dodge's first entry into this segment. (Image: Dodge)

Judging by the 40-plus TAWA members occurs over two full days of on- and off-road evaluation. Consideration is given to everything from exterior styling and off-road capability to the entrant’s overall utility, value and fuel efficiency.

2010 Dodge Dakota Laramie Crew Cab (Image: Dodge)

“Trucks are the work horses of Texas,” said Harold Gunn, President of TAWA. “And the Truck Rodeo is the most comprehensive evaluation of new trucks and SUVs in the country. The wins for Ram Heavy Duty and Dodge Dakota are significant because our Truck Rodeo offers journalists a chance to judge vehicles in side-by-side comparisons and these top awards were given based on individual impressions and by secret ballot.”

The Dodge Charger in police-trim features a lot of helping additions (Image: Dodge)

With the new 5.7-liter HEMI, the 2009 Dodge Charger is the most powerful production police vehicle on the road, producing 368 horsepower and 395 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2009 Dodge Charger is the only police vehicle that offers best-in-class performance in four key pursuit categories: available power, acceleration, top speed and vehicle dynamics.

With a fuel economy rating of 16 city/25 highway, the new HEMI engine also gets up to 20 percent better fuel economy with the addition of fuel-saving Multi-Displacement System (MDS) technology, which deactivates four of the eight cylinders when less power is needed while cruising.

“Our fuel-saving MDS technology functions so smoothly that officers won’t notice when four of the eight cylinders are deactivated, but they’ll always have the power of the V8 when they need it” said Roxie Thomas, Senior Manager – Government Sales.

The 2009 Dodge Charger police car comes standard with a five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick mated to a powerful, 3.5-liter High-Output V-6 engine that provides 250 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque, offering an outstanding blend of performance and fuel economy (16 city/25 highway).

The Dodge Charger police vehicle was designed from the ground up in order to meet the needs of law enforcement agencies. Police-specific features include greater stability and improved handling achieved through a wheels-to-the-corner design; performance-tuned steering and suspension; convenient shifter mounted on the instrument panel to make room for police equipment in the center console area; police interior lighting shines white to illuminate the interior and red for use with night vision equipment; heavy-duty seats accommodate fully equipped officers; and a spacious trunk.

The Dodge Charger police vehicle comes equipped with Electronic Stability Program (ESP), a segment exclusive that includes Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), All-speed traction control, Yaw Sensor and Steering Angle Sensor. ESP electronically detects and automatically assists drivers in critical driving situations, including adverse conditions. ESP works by constantly comparing the driver’s intended course with the vehicle’s actual course, detecting differences, applying the brakes to individual wheels and controlling engine power in order to help keep the vehicle on its intended path. Dodge Charger is also equipped with Brake Assist, which helps apply maximum braking power in emergency situations.

Both passive and active safety features are incorporated into the 2009 Dodge Charger police vehicle. These features include unibody steel construction; standard advanced multi-stage driver and front-passenger air bags; available supplemental side-curtain airbags and seat-mounted air bags; best-in-class braking from 60 mph to zero in 135 feet*; and mid-vehicle-mounted saddlebag gas tank.

2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 (Image: Dodge)

New for the Dodge Challenger SRT8 in the 2010 model year is a limited-edition Plum Crazy model. It will feature a unique Plum Crazy Pearl Coat exterior paint color with a plum seat-stripe insert, along with a serialized dash plaque.

Exterior styling cues are unmistakably Dodge, with proportions that evoke a bold, instantly recognizable vehicle that has a wide, stable stance on the road. A full-width grille and fog lamps, reminiscent of the original Challenger, are married to the modern Dodge performance attitude. The result is an aggressive face that is unmistakably a muscle car. The hood – with a raised center, black stripes and functional dual scoops – stays true to the Dodge Challenger heritage, as does the A-line and beltline.

The 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is available with either a standard five-speed automatic with Auto Stick or an available Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission that was first offered on the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10. The result is a Dodge muscle car packed with modern amenities and features any enthusiast will love.

Interior highlights include race-inspired leather seats with added bolstering and an exclusive red accent stripe, exclusive stitched accents on the seats and steering wheel, four-bomb gauges with tachometer and 180-mph speedometer in the center, and an SRT-exclusive Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with Performance Pages that provide drivers instant feedback on 0-60 mph time, 60-0 mph braking, G-forces in addition to one-eighth mile and quarter-mile times. The classic pistol-grip shifter featured on the manual transmission is reminiscent of the original Dodge Challenger.