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Dodge not being dropped by Chrysler, CEO reaffirms

Dodge isn't going anywhere. Despite some rumor and speculation over the future of the crosshair grille and the cars that wear it, Dodge brand boss, Tim Kuniskis, sat down with TheDetroitBureau.com, explaining that the marque isn't going anywhere. His sentiments echo those of SRT boss Ralph Gilles, who told a group of enthusiasts in July that "Dodge is here to stay!"
Dodge's death won't be "a part of a master plan to consolidate brands," Kuniskis told TheDetroitBureau.com. Instead, the brand, which is ultimately under the command of Fiat/Chrysler CEO, Sergio Marchionne, will likely ditch some of its badge-engineered models, like the Dodge Grand Caravan. A more focused Dodge, which was something Gilles has already hinted at, will likely see it exploring areas of the market that haven't been exploited by other Chrysler brands.
Kuniskis, not surprisingly, wasn't willing to delve into any detailed product plans, telling TDB that the size of the brand's lineup "remains to be seen." Regardless of how big the brand actually ends up being (it is presently Chrysler's volume brand - and not by a little), hopefully the statements from Kuniskiss can put the rumors of a Dodge closure to bed.

Dodge Hellcats getting price hike

Dodge plans twice as many Hellcats on the road for the 2016 model year, they are going to be a bit more expensive when buyers sign on the dotted line. According to CarsDirect and confirmed to Autoblog by Dodge, 2016 Challenger SRT Hellcat costs $65,190, an increase of $4,200 over 2015. That figure includes $995 for destination and $1,700 for the Gas Guzzler charge. The latest Charger SRT Hellcat retails for $68,640, a $3,650 increase. Other SRT trims of the muscle cars also see a price hike. The 2016 Challenger SRT 392 is $51,190, after destination and a $1,000 guzzler charger – a $3,500 increase. The Charger SRT 392 also jumps $3,000, to $51,990. Even at 2015's prices, Dodge was having problems keeping up with demand for the Hellcat, and the higher price isn't likely to change that. And before you think the company is going plum crazy, the 2016 models of all four muscle cars come standard with Laguna leather seats and navigation. According to company spokesperson Dan Reid to Autoblog, both items had a "very high customer take rate," and the previously optional features are valued at $2,490. Dodge previously announced a discount for those who had a sold 2015 Hellcat order canceled in the switch to 2016. Those amount to $5,000 on the Challenger and $4,000 Charger, which seems like a sweet deal for those customers. Related Video:

Speedkore roaring into SEMA with twin-turbo AWD Charger Hellcat Widebody

Speedkore Performance is nowhere near finished with the Dodge Charger. At last year's SEMA show, the Wisconsin-based tuner showed a 1970 Charger Evolution with carbon and aluminum body panels, and a 996-horsepower Hellcat engine yoked to a six-speed transmission. This year the company teased a profile rendering of a 2020 Charger Hellcat Widebody on Facebook with the line, "All we're going to say is this all-wheel drive, twin-turbo, widebody Charger is going to be unveiled at the Magnaflow booth." Mopar Insiders extracted a tad more information, the first being that we're in for another tuned version of the 6.2-liter Demon Hemi V8 that's swapped its supercharger for twin turbos, and produces more than 1,000 horsepower. Last year, alongside that 1970 Charger, Speedkore unveiled a twin-turbo Hellcat-powered Demon making almost 1,400 horsepower. We don't know yet if this year's Charger will match that output — or exceed it — but we have a benchmark. An all-wheel-drive powertrain divides those horses so the tires have a chance of conquering them. Speedkore's mum on the mechanicals; the firm could have swiped a Grand Cherokee Trackhawk AWD unit and beefed it up, or created its own system.  Some of the steel body panels get carbon fiber replacements, and see those two holes in he front wheel arch? Those are exhaust outlets. MagnaFlow created a custom exhaust with a driver-selectable switch to port gases out the front, say at the track when decibels don't matter, or to send waste through MagnaFlow mufflers and out the rear pipes when silence is required.  The reveal happens at the Magnaflow booth in SEMA's Central Hall on November 5. Those that can't make the show can watch the reveal on MagnaFlowÂ’s Facebook page.