The $12,000+ you spend over the base Viper coupe will get you a carbon fiber front splitter and adjustable rear wing, adjustable coilover suspension, a stiffer front anti-sway bar, lightweight 2-piece Stoptech brakes, and forged wheels wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires.

The net result of all this is a 40 lb weight reduction. You can also opt for the hardcore package that takes out the audio system, underhood sound deadening material, trunk carpet, and tire inflator. Doing so drops the weight another 40 lbs. No word as to whether you’ll be paying extra or less for that option. The powertrain remains untouched, but the 600 bhp and 560 lb-ft of torque coming from the V10 is more than enough.

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Built on a global platform also used for the Jeep Compass SUV and midsize Dodge Avenger sedan, the tall-bodied Dodge Caliber comes only as a compact hatchback/wagon. The rear seats fold in a 60/40 split, increasing cargo space to a maximum of 48 cubic feet. The front passenger seat can fold forward to make room for longer items, such as ladders, skis or surfboards. The Caliber has decent headroom and legroom in the front and back, but it is still a small car, so don’t expect more than two adults to fit comfortably in the backseat.

The Caliber comes in three trims, base SE, SXT and R/T, with a high-performance Caliber SRT4 variant coming soon. The SE is a base model in every sense of the word. It doesn’t come with much; air-conditioning and power features are optional. Most shoppers will want to skip over the base SE and look at either the SXT or R/T, both of which come with more standard features and sportier wheels and tires. The Caliber R/T even gets 18-inch wheels and performance tires. In addition, upscale options like leather seats and a navigation system are only available on the Caliber SXT and R/T.

Interior design and build quality are serviceable at best. Dodge doesn’t even pretend that this is an upscale vehicle, and hard plastic is rampant throughout the interior. Compared to the accommodations in vehicles like the Chevrolet HHR, Kia Spectra5, Mazda 3 and Toyota Matrix, the Caliber’s furnishings are several steps below the norm.

There are three four-cylinder engine choices for the Dodge Caliber. Each features modern design elements, such as variable valve timing and aluminum construction. At the bottom of the ladder is a 148-horsepower 1.8-liter inline-4, which comes standard on the base Caliber and the SXT. If you’re looking for more power, it’s possible to upgrade to a 158-hp 2.0-liter four, which is equipped exclusively with a CVT. The 148-hp 1.8-liter comes with a five-speed manual gearbox only.

Buyers looking for a bit more pep will want to take a look at the Caliber R/T, which gets a 172-hp 2.4-liter engine. It is also available with AWD. In terms of transmissions, the front-wheel-drive R/T comes with a standard five-speed manual, while the R/T AWD comes with the CVT only.

The Dodge Caliber is a solid daily driver, though hardly much more than that. It is comfortable without feeling too soft. And the R/T handled well in demanding situations. But our impressions of the Caliber were dampened by the lack of driving excitement. The R/T was especially a disappointment. Not only did it not feel any faster than the SXT with the optional 2.0-liter, the AWD version we tested took 10 seconds to reach 60 mph, hardly the kind of giddy-up we’d expect from a car with an R/T badge.

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The Dodge Charger debuted in the mid 1960s as a response to America’s growing interest in average cars with above-average performance. This two-door coupe boasted aggressive fastback styling and big V8 power (including Chrysler’s famed 426 Hemi). As with similar vehicles of this time period, however, the Charger’s glory quickly faded after 1970 due to rising insurance and gas prices, higher emissions standards and changing consumer tastes.

The current model may not be the two-door muscle car you remember from the ’60s, but it does a great job of being a modern interpretation. As a bonus, the latest Charger has a usable interior and plenty of standard equipment. Think of it as a muscle car the whole family can enjoy.

The current Dodge Charger debuted for the 2006 model year and is based on the same Mercedes-derived platform used for the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum. As such, the Charger has four doors and is a bit larger than the average midsize sedan. Its front-end styling is much more aggressive than that of its siblings, and the rear roof line slopes downward in a coupe-like fashion.

There are three trim levels: base SE, the performance-themed R/T and the powerhouse SRT-8. Even the SE is reasonably well equipped in terms of features and has a 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 under the hood. The R/T comes with a 5.7-liter “Hemi” V8 good for 340 hp, and there’s an available Daytona R/T package that adds additional performance hardware and a few cosmetic extras. A five-speed automatic transmission sending power to the rear wheels is standard on the SE and R/T.

The Charger SRT-8 is a product of Chrysler’s special SRT (Street and Racing Technology) performance division. It’s the fastest of the Charger models and comes with a 6.1-liter Hemi V8 capable of 425 hp. Backing up the powerful V8 are other SRT features like a stiffer suspension, bigger brakes and a modified front fascia. This model comes with a specially calibrated five-speed automatic transmission.

Because of its bulk, the Charger isn’t as nimble as some other similarly priced performance coupes or sports cars. But it has earned favorable commentary in reviews for its secure handling, powerful V8 engines, and roomy and comfortable interior. For a consumer interested in a reborn muscle car, the Dodge Charger is an excellent choice.

The Dodge Charger’s heritage runs deep. First introduced as a 1966 model, this Coronet-based coupe had a unique look, with a sweeping fastback and concealed headlights. But it’s the second generation of the Charger that was most popular. This was the one that served as the basis for the winged and race-wining Charger Daytona of 1969 and, later, the bright orange “General Lee” from the 1980s television show, The Dukes of Hazzard.

Less popular were three successive generations of Chargers. Third- and fourth-generation models from the 1970s were emasculated by new emissions regulations. A fifth generation, made available from 1982-’87, was a variation of the front-drive Dodge Omni 024 economy hatchback. Near the end of its production, there were sporty, turbocharged versions modified by Carroll Shelby that culminated in the Shelby Charger GLH.

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German carmakers, who are sometimes criticized for their gas-guzzling vehicles, were able to explain the development of their own hybrid engines and showed off emission-control technology. DaimlerChrysler AG’s Mercedes-Benz unit put its BlueTec science on view and demonstrated how a 170-horsepower engine can be powered with about 1½ gallons of diesel fuel per 62 miles. BMW AG and DaimlerChrysler are cooperating on new engine technology by developing hybrid engine components. Thomas Weber, an executive board member with DaimlerChrysler, said the Mercedes-Benz unit is set to launch its first hybrid car in 2009.

“We’ll launch a hybrid model for our Dodge brand in 2008, and the first Mercedes-Benz brand hybrid will come in 2009,” he told reporters, but he did not specify models. BMW also pointed to its involvement with General Motors Corp. and DaimlerChrysler on new, advanced hybrid engines and its own work on hydrogen power, though buyers won’t see that technology any time soon. “BMW has been leading the way regarding efficient diesel engines for many years,” BMW Chief Executive Norbert Reithofer said.

Diesel engines produce less CO2 emissions, but contribute more nitrates, which are harmful to the environment. Hybrid engines, which derive their power from an electric motor and gas-power transmission, produce less CO2 and less nitrates. As it moves to combat global warming, the European Union has set a goal of 130 grams of CO2 per kilometer per vehicle by 2012, down from around 163 grams per kilometer on average now. Porsche AG CEO Wendelin Wiedeking said that while he realized the automotive industry had a responsibility to reduce CO2 emissions, he said Porsches will not be powered by diesel engines.

The company has teamed up with Volkswagen AG to develop hybrid engines and plans to launch a hybrid-version of the Porsche Cayenne model by the end of this decade, with the aim of reducing fuel consumption by some 30 percent to around 2.4 gallons per 62 miles. General Motors Corp., meanwhile, unveiled a new 2.9-liter V-6 turbo-diesel engine that boasts new injection and combustion technology aimed at reducing emissions without hampering performance. The 250-horsepower engine will be mainly sold in Europe and is scheduled to be in the new Cadillac CTS starting in 2009.

“We expect the V-6 diesel to be highly competitive in the European luxury segment,” said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “With its excellent low-end torque and its high power output, it is a great fit with Cadillac’s performance-oriented brand character.” The compact dual overhead cam, four-valve V-6 engine belongs to a new GM family of diesel engines, featuring a closed-loop combustion control system designed to meet future emissions standards.

GM CEO Rick Wagoner said the push for better, cleaner fuels and power is accelerating. “We’re going to move to ethanol. We’re going to see more hybrids,” he said. “Eventually, we’re going to see fuel cells.” Fuel-cell vehicles run on the power produced when oxygen in the air combines with hydrogen that’s stored in the fuel tank, producing only harmless water vapor.

BMW is keen on fuel cells, too, citing hydrogen as the best sustainable solution for such power, as are DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Co. and truckmaker MAN AG, which last year along with energy companies Shell Hydrogen BV and Total France, announced a joint project to advance the use of hydrogen as a fuel for trucks in Europe. But Japan’s Toyota Motor Corp., viewed as a pioneer because of its Prius hybrid, is still the leader in the field. It showed off its Hybrid X, a four-door, four-seat concept car powered by the Hybrid Synergy Drive that is low to the ground and evocative of something in a Japanese manga comic book.

Masatami Takimoto, the executive in charge of research and development for the world’s second-biggest car maker by sales, said the company is looking at a range of more efficient gas and diesel engines, hybrid technologies, fuel cells and electric power. Even its luxury unit, Lexus, expects to sell 45,000 Lexus 450h hybrids this year.

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“A legendary big-game hunter once said, “Bring enough gun!” and with the new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10, we”ve created some very powerful artillery for sports-car enthusiasts,” said Kipp Owen, Director Street and Racing Technology (SRT) Engineering, Chrysler Group.

“With 600 horsepower 90 more than before and 0-to-60 performance in less than four seconds, the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 sets a new benchmark for the ultimate American sports car.” The new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 will arrive in Dodge showrooms in North America this summer with a new level of customization options, including five new exterior colors, four new interior color combinations and a new wheel design.

When SRT powertrain engineers set out to get more venom from the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10’s powerplant, their objectives included not only increasing performance, but also complying with stringent regulatory requirements, such as federal Tier 2, Bin 5 and California’s Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) 2 mandates.

The new Dodge Viper SRT10’s deep-skirted V-10 aluminum engine block was revised for a 1-millimeter larger bore, raising the displacement to 8.4 liters from 8.3 liters. With strengthened bulkheads and improved water jackets for better cooling, the block includes pressed-in iron cylinder liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps for strength and durability.

Eight exterior colors will be introduced throughout the model year, five of which are all-new including Venom Red, Snakeskin Green, Viper Violet, Viper Orange and Bright Blue. Racing stripes continue to be an option with six dual painted stripe colors available: white, black, silver, graphite, blue and red.

The Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe’s hard top with its “double bubble” styling makes it even more torsionally stiff than the Roadster. The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe offers increased downforce and high-speed stability with its sloping roofline and deck-lid spoiler.

Plus, the Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe has an additional 6.25 cubic feet of trunk space than the Viper SRT10 Roadster, for a total of 14.65 cubic feet. The roof and headliner structure offer more room to accommodate a safety cage, while maintaining as much headroom as possible.

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The Avenger’s styling borrows heavily from its counterpart, the Charger, but the proportions don’t work quite as well on the smaller Avenger. Underneath the skin, the Avenger is identical to its Sebring sibling.

When Avengers arrive in U.S. dealer showrooms early next year, we expect the same three engines available in the Sebring: Base models get a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 172 horsepower, mid-level models get the defunct Stratus’ 2.7-liter V-6 with 190 horsepower, and R/T models will get a 235-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 mated to a six-speed automatic. A four-speed automatic is the only transmission available with the 2.7-liter V-6 and the base four-cylinder.

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At the start of the media drive of the Nitro, on a dock overlooking part of the U.S. Naval Fleet including the USS Ronald Reagan, Dodge officials blasted away at “the sea of sameness” among rivals such as the Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox and Nissan Xterra. “They look somewhat feminine and not in a good way,” explained Dennis Myles, Chrysler Group’s senior manager of product design. “They look like they belong in an insurance ad.”

But not the five-passenger Nitro, which teeters perilously close to being cartoonish with its bulging wheel flares and crosshair grille, as if it were drawn by some first-grader stoked up on Mountain Dew and M&Ms. Still, it all seems to work in a kind of overblown, American way. I like the Nitro because it is unmistakable on the road, turns heads and has a safe, practical side, as well.

After spending the better part of the day driving around in a top-of-the-line Nitro R/T with 20-inch chrome-clad wheels and a bottom line of $29,115, my one piece of advice to buyers is this: Might as well go whole hog and order it in “inferno red crystal pearl coat,” which is Dodge’s signature color and seems to suit the Nitro’s character particularly well.

The new Nitro, which is based on the Jeep Liberty, is on sale now, starting at $19,885, including a $660 destination charge, for the base SXT model. The range-topping Nitro R/T won’t reach Dodge dealers until later in the model year.

The Nitro R/T is a gutsy performer, especially on the highway in passing and merging situations, but the additional power lowers overall fuel economy. The EPA rates it at 17 miles per gallon in city driving and 21 miles per gallon on the highway.

The base engine in the Nitro is a 3.7-liter single-overhead-cam that produces a respectable 210 horsepower and 235 pounds-feet of torque. In the 4×2 model, this engine gets 18 miles per gallon in city driving and 24 miles per gallon on the highway.

However, Dodge will show off a Nitro concept with a modified 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 at the upcoming Specialty Equipment Market Association show. This one-off Nitro will get a black/purple metallic paint job, 22-inch wheels and tires and ground effects. But Dodge has no plans to put a production Nitro with a Hemi on the market.

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The R/Ts have Chrysler’s 340-hp Hemi V8, and high-performance SRT8s have a 425-hp Hemi V8. The 340-hp V8 uses Chrysler’s Multi-Displacement System that deactivates four cylinders while cruising to save fuel. All Magnums have automatic transmission: a 4-speed on SEs, a 5-speed on others. Rear-wheel drive is standard. All-wheel drive is available on SXT and R/T versions.

ABS and traction/antiskid control are optional on SE, standard on others. Curtain side airbags are available on all. R/T, SRT8, and AWD SXT models have firmer suspension tuning. SRT8s add Brembo-brand brakes and specific trim. Split folding rear seatbacks are standard. Available are power-adjustable pedals and wireless cell phone link. The Road/Track Performance Group gives R/T versions 350 hp and adds 20-inch wheels and special suspension tuning.

Charger is getting a kid brother in the 2007 replacement for Dodge’s midsize Stratus sedan. Called Avenger, it shares a platform, powertrain and many features with Chrysler’s just-launched Sebring sedan, but looks like a scaled-down Charger. Dodge hasn’t released particulars yet, but Avengers should have fewer standard features and lower list prices than Sebring sedans. More news soon, so keep checking back.

Meantime, Dodge says the Charger SRT8 will offer a special cosmetic option reviving the “Super Bee” name from the muscle-car 1960s. The exterior wears “Detonator Yellow” paint set off by black patches on hood and rear deck and large Super Bee logos in the original style. Yellow stitching adorns seats, steering wheel and shift knob.

Further out, sources say the big Dodges and Chrysler’s 300 will be “restyled and reengineered” for 2009, which likely means a full makeover. Also expected for Chrysler’s LX-platform trio is more parts-sharing with the C- and E-Class lines at corporate cousin Mercedes-Benz. This is said to involve a new vehicle-electronics system and, from model-year 2010, replacement V6 engines designed for higher mpg.

Last but not least is the promised 2008 return of Dodge’s early-1970s Challenger “ponycar.” Already previewed in concept form, this sporty coupe wears modernized styling on a Charger platform with a 4-inch shorter wheelbase. Dodge will shun an entry-level V6 for 5.7- and 6.1-liter Hemi V8 models. Sources expect prices upstream of equivalent Ford Mustangs. Convertibles are not assured, but might be offered later on.[ConsumerGuide]

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“The all-new 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab charges into the Class 3 chassis cab segment, expanding the Dodge Ram portfolio and building on Dodge’s leadership position in the truck market,” said George Murphy, Senior Vice President of Global Brand Marketing, Chrysler Group. “The most upfit-friendly chassis cab in the segment, the Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab sets a new commercial standard by offering a powerful lineup of renowned engines, a commercial-grade chassis engineered to perform in the most demanding conditions, and bold Dodge Ram styling.

“With expanded capability, versatility and performance, the all-new Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab is the ultimate truck for the commercial customer looking for a dynamic, yet capable work truck,” Murphy added.  The 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab boasts the Class 3 segment’s highest single-rear-wheel Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,200 lbs., class-leading frame strength, largest standard fuel tank of 52 gallons, best-in-class standard V-8 power and a HEMI with 330 horsepower, longest oil change intervals and best-in-class interior cab room of 121.7 cubic feet for Quad Cab models.

Upfit-friendliness is a prevailing theme of the all-new 2007 Dodge Ram Chassis Cab, the first Ram chassis with a one-piece C-channel frame, industry-standard 34-inch frame rail spacing and segment-exclusive flat, “clean” frame rails. Also unique in the segment, all chassis components are below the frame surface, assuring easy adaptability and versatility for virtually any upfit application. Offered in single-rear-wheel and dual-rear-wheel models, two cab-axle lengths are available.

Offering leading commercial performance, the all-new 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab offers two powerful, legendary engine choices: the new 6.7-liter Cummins High Output Turbo Diesel with 305 horsepower and 610 lb.-ft. of torque, or the HEMI V-8 gasoline engine with best-in-class (for V-8 gasoline engines) 330 horsepower and 375 lb.-ft. of torque.

The all-new 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab delivers Dodge Ram heritage, performance, capability and versatility to the growing commercial truck market. Conquering new territory for the Dodge brand, the 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab combines commercial capability, durability and leading versatility in a vehicle targeted at small business tradesmen, fleet customers and traditional chassis cab users looking for more cab space, enhanced functionality and bold styling.

The all-new 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab offers one of the market’s most potent powertrain combinations, ensuring superior capability and performance for commercial customer needs. The 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab comes standard with the legendary HEMI V-8, while a new Cummins engine – the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel – is also available.  The all-new 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab offers a six-speed automatic transmission (diesel only) with Power Take Off capability or a six-speed manual transmission with PTO capability. PTO is used to transmit engine power to auxiliary equipment such as hydraulics for a dump body, generator or other types of specialty commercial equipment.

Ram’s bold, powerful design, instant recognition and commercial power is immediately conveyed in the all-new 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab.  “With its massive crosshair grille and large headlamps as the focal point, the all-new 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab retains the most recognizable design signature of any pickup truck,” said Rick Aneiros, Vice President Truck Design. “The result is unmistakable bold Ram design in a commercial-grade pickup.”

With robust, “big-rig” styling, the bold front appearance of the all-new 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab is reinforced by an equally bold hood and fender combination. Large 7 x 10-inch trailer tow mirrors are standard, and underneath the fenders are industry-standard 17-inch wheels.  Blending full-size interior comfort with commercial convenience, the 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab features best-in-class interior room for regular cab models, and an easy-to-navigate instrument panel cluster. The wide center stack contains heating, ventilation, air conditioning and audio system controls. Large, comfortable seats, including available bucket seats with leather trim, provide generous support while adding a rich appearance and upscale atmosphere to a commercial truck.

With seating for six, 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab Quad Cab models have four standard doors and 60/40 folding rear seats, delivering interior functionality and capability. Seat cushions fold up to create a tall storage area from floor to ceiling, and an optional floor section under the back seat folds open to form a flat-load floor, with ample additional storage in each of the foot wells.

Special attention was paid to making significant improvements on diesel engine vibration with the development of new engine mounts, allowing engineers to make a 50 percent improvement in traditional steering-wheel and seat-track vibration. This tactile refinement, coupled with the new diesel engine, contributes to enhanced driver comfort.

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This Avenger concept, finished in a striking Inferno Red, was designed to appeal to car buyers around the world who need the practicality, functionality and fuel efficiency of a mid-size sedan, but want more, including a vehicle with style that stands out and makes a statement.

The Avenger concept’s bold Dodge styling, innovative features and strong performance makes big hints with the next-generation global D-segment production vehicle from Dodge.

From the front, there’s no mistaking the bold presence of Dodge’s heritage cues in Avenger’s crisp and edgy exterior design. Large, modern quad headlamps surrounded by black housings create the distinctive glare that forms Avenger’s face and surround the signature Dodge crosshair grille, which features body-color accents.

Avenger’s side profile stands out from the rest by a long hood, short deck lid proportions with muscular rear shoulders and sleek rear spoiler. This concept’s long greenhouse is created by the use of a high-gloss black B-pillar and aerodynamic inspired rear door appliques, which make this mid-size sedan look like it’s pouncing forward like a lion, even when it’s at a standstill. A strong character line stamped in the sheet metal accentuates Avenger’s chiseled profile.

With its wide stance, lowered ride height and deep side sills, the Avenger concept is strongly planted on the road. Nineteen-inch five-spoke painted Satin Silver wheels and all-season performance tires add to the Avenger concept’s sporty look. Deep red brake calipers gleam from the wheels. Body-color door handles and fold-away mirrors add to Avenger’s sport appearance, keeping the side profile clean and sharp.

From the rear, the large taillamps placed at the corners frame the deck lid. A body-color spoiler is sleekly integrated in the deck lid. An integrated lower rear diffuser reduces drag and improves fuel efficiency. Chrome-tipped dual exhaust outlets communicate the performance capability of the Avenger concept’s 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine, which could be sold in markets outside North America.

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