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The 2018 Dodge Demon sounds like nothing else on the road

The Dodge Demon seems to have a torque problem, if making too much to easily contain can be considered a problem. In order to keep all that twist under control, the Demon has a new torque reserve launch system that works all sorts of engineering black magic to build boost without overloading the rear tires and brakes. That system, combined with the sticky Nittos and the fancy new suspension, should lead to some pretty spectacular 60-foot and 1/4-mile times. The way the system works is relatively straightforward. A bypass valve on the supercharger closes, "prefilling" the blower. In order to balance revs and torque, the computer can adjust fuel flow and spark on individual cylinders. The torque reserve kicks in when Launch Mode is initiated and the engine is turning at least 1,000 rpm. The goal is to reach peak boost quicker while efficiently putting down power. The side effect is a distinct exhaust note, which Dodge admits may make it seem like the Demon is broken. That seems to be the root of the "If you know, you know" tagline that the automaker has been using since the first teaser. Those interested can even download a ringtone, which might make it seem like you have a blown-out speaker on your phone. You can get a brief taste in the latest teaser video. In addition to the new info on the Launch Mode, Dodge released a couple of new teaser images. We briefly glimpsed one of these last week. It's a shot of the Demon's performance pages. The number 757 has appeared before, and all the talk of torque leads us to conclude that this is the Demon's torque output. The number 815 was seen in a separate teaser (shown below), which we feel may be the horsepower rating. If those numbers are correct, that would mean an increase of 108 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque, totally reasonable numbers given all the Demon's modifications. The license plate photo is another equation or code. This one, 3.9+221=405, is just as cryptic as the others. Look for more news and hints at ifyouknowyouknow.com in the weeks leading to the Demon's reveal. Related Video: Related Gallery Dodge Demon Teasers View 17 Photos Dodge Coupe Performance supercharger dodge demon dodge hellcat

UAW papers reveal release dates for new Dodge, Jeep and Ram models

Documents published by the United Auto Workers union reveal key information about some of the products Dodge, Jeep and Ram will release during the early 2020s. All three brands will try to capitalize on the growing demand for trucks and SUVs in the United States. The agreement between the UAW and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) outlines what the period between 2019 and 2023 will look like from an employee's vantage point. The $4.5 billion factory the automaker is building in Detroit will begin manufacturing a three-row Jeep model in 2020, and it will add the next-generation Grand Cherokee to its roster the following year, according to CarScoops. The new Grand Cherokee will also roll out of the Jefferson North facility that makes the current model scheduled to retire shortly before its successor arrives. The Dodge Durango will continue to be built there, and the UAW papers mention a mild-hybrid variant of the SUV due out before the end of 2020. Two body-on-frame Jeep models tentatively scheduled to revive the heritage-laced Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer nameplates will break cover in 2021. They will be built alongside Ram pickups at the Warren Truck plant, and odds are the three models will share several components under the sheetmetal. Adding the two Jeep models is expected to create 1,400 jobs, FCA predicted. Speaking of Ram, the high-performance TRX model (pictured) aimed at the Ford F-150 Raptor's jugular is penciled in for a 2020 launch. The concept that previewed the model made its debut in 2016, so it's reasonable to assume it will have changed considerably by the time it reaches showrooms. It will be based on the newest variant of the 1500, not on the last-generation model still sold as the Classic. What won't change is the supercharged, 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 between its fenders. The plug-in hybrid Wrangler remains on track for a 2020 launch. The Cherokee will continue to come out of Belvedere Assembly in Illinois, but the UAW's documents mention "fresh models / features" off of its unibody platform. Whether that means new trim levels or additional body styles remains to be seen, but it sounds like something new and Cherokee-related is around the corner. The ancient Dodge Journey shares at least one thing with the beater you drove in high school: a four-speed automatic transmission. The gearbox is finally on its way out, according to the UAW, and the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that powers the entry-level model isn't long for this world, either.

2013 Dodge Dart gets brace of new special edition models

After almost a year on the market it, it is becoming more clear to Dodge how customers like to option out their Darts, so the automaker has combined popular features into three special edition packages and sweetened the prices. Start with a standard 2013 Dart and add either the SXT or Limited "Special Editions" or Rallye Appearance Group, and you'll save yourself a lot of box checking.
The $595 Dart SXT Special Edition takes the trim just above the base model and adds a new grille, dark-tinted headlights and projector fog lights, LED racetrack taillights, cruise control and audio controls on the leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Limited Special Edition starts with the top-end model and adds a power sunroof, heated front seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control and Nappa leather seats among other features, for $1,810.
The Rallye Appearance Group (pictured) is a package for the SXT, and it blacks out the front fascia, throws on 17-inch wheels and some badging for $395. The new special editions are reaching dealers now and could help the Dart's sales to further improve after a slow start. You can find out more about them in the press release below.