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Dodge performance could be electrified, new hybrid transmissions coming

Dodge is arguably the last company around specializing in old-school muscle cars. Outside of a few models like the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid and the new e-Torque offerings in the Ram 1500 and Jeep Wrangler, FCA as a whole seems behind the ball when it comes to green or electrified powertrains. That might change over the next few years, as Tim Kuniskis, head of passenger cars at FCA, told Automotive News that he sees the future of performance to be electrified.  At the reveal of the Dodge Charger Hellcat Widebody a few weeks back, Kuniskis said "the absolute future is electrification of these cars." What form this takes or how soon this all might happen is unclear, but changes are likely coming. Kuniskis said the electrified models could be anything from pure battery-electric vehicles to plug-in hybrids to e-axles. FCA’s e-torque system already works with the companyÂ’s Hemi V8 in the Ram 1500, so, if thereÂ’s room in the engine bay, we imagine it would be pretty easy to adapt the mild-hybrid system for other V8-powered vehicles.  One thing to note is that FCA just inked a new deal with ZF. The latter will supply a new 8-speed automatic transmission for longitudinal front-engine cars that will work with both rear and all-wheel drive vehicles. FCA already uses a version of the ZF 8HP automatic, but the big thing to note is that the new transmission has a small electric drive unit built in. If this new transmission is as ubiquitous as the current one, you might find electrified versions of Alfa Romeo and Maserati products as well as those from Dodge, Jeep and Ram. This seems in line with what was announced in last yearÂ’s five-year plan.

2018 Dodge Durango GT Rallye gets Charger and Viper-inspired styling

The third-generation Dodge Durango has been on sale since 2011. Essentially a long-wheelbase Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Durango's styling draws a lot of influence from cars like the Dodge Charger and Challenger. For 2018, the three-row SUV will be available with an optional GT Rallye appearance package. Think of this as a V6 model with the face from the more powerful Durango R/T. The appearance package is a $1,495 option on the mid-range Durango GT and is only available for a limited time. Like the R/T, the GT Rallye's front fascia is heavily inspired by the Dodge Charger Daytona. It ditches the standard crosshair design for a slim mesh grille, and adds a Viper-inspired hood scoop and vent. It also gets LED fog lights. The GT Rallye is available in both rear- and all-wheel drive. Customers can also add the Blacktop package and Brass Monkey wheels. Mechanically, nothing changes. The Durango GT Rallye is still powered by the 295-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. The Durango GT starts at $38,990. Related Video: Design/Style Dodge SUV

Mopar '13 Dart will roll into Chicago next week

We think this officially counts as a tradition. Every year going back to 2010, Mopar has rolled out a limited edition version of a popular product from the Chrysler Group portfolio. First it was the Mopar '10 Challenger, then the Mopar '11 Charger, then last year's Mopar '12 300, and this year it will be the Mopar '13 Dart, which will make its official world debut next week at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show.
Limited in number to just 500 units, the Mopar '13 Dart is no mere appearance package, though the demeanor of the Dart will be murdered out with a gloss black finish, gloss black 18-inch wheels, a set of Mopar blue stripes and a mean-looking Mopar ground effects kit. Likewise, the interior is touched up with leather seats (a blue one for the driver and black hides for the passengers), gloss black and black chrome trim, blue accent stitching, a sport pedal kit and other Mopar interior accessories.
Turning our attention back to the mechanical bits, the Mopar '13 Dart comes with the car's most powerful engine, a turbocharged 1.4-liter MultiAir four (shared with Fiat 500 Abarth) that's paired with a manual transmission. Those big, black wheels get wrapped in low profile 225/40R18 performance tires, and keeping everything in check is an upgraded brake kit with slotted rotors. The steering has also been calibrated for performance, the suspension lowered seven millimeters, and the exhaust tuned for better engine breathing.