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Dodge Challenger ADR prototypes spied with massive rubber

In an effort to give the Dodge Challenger one last hurrah before making the switch to the Giorgio platform in 2018, Automotive News reports that the automaker will come out with the Challenger ADR. The ADR, which stands for American Drag Racer, is expected to be a wide-body, Hellcat-powered variant that is closely based off of the current model. The report seems to have merit, as photographers have captured Challenger prototypes testing with massive tires. The prototypes look extremely similar to the current Challenger SRT Hellcat with the same hood scoop, front fascia design, rear spoiler construction, and rear end. The white and purple vehicles, though, are wearing extremely wide tires. The extra-wide rubber on the prototypes appear to have a similar tread design as the ones found on the Dodge Viper ACR, which features the grippy Kumho Ecsta V720. While the ACR wears 295 mm tires at the front, the car's rear tires are massive at 355 mm. The tires found on the prototype don't appear to be as large as the ones found on the ACR, but are expected to be larger than the current Challenger SRT Hellcat's, which are Pirelli P Zero Neros measuring 275 mm at all four corners. The Challenger ADR, with its wider, stickier tires is expected to cater to drivers that are looking to put all of the supercharged 6.2-liter V8's power to the ground. The rear-wheel-drive ADR is expected to come with a wide-body kit, which is missing from the prototypes. The Hellcat-powered, wide-body Challenger ADR is expected to make an appearance later in 2017, with an all-wheel-drive model (sans Hellcat engine) known as the GT AWD following closely thereafter. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Featured Gallery Dodge Challenger ADR Spy Shots View 16 Photos Spy Photos Dodge Coupe Performance prototype testing dodge challenger srt hellcat

121k Dodge Darts being investigated over braking problem

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating the Dodge Dart due to reports of braking problems. Some 121,000 cars are possibly affected, all from the 2013 model year. According to The Detroit News, NHTSA received 18 complaints about the brake pedal becoming hard to depress on these cars, increasing stopping distance. Drivers reported hearing a "pop noise or an air hissing noise when applying the brake pedal, followed by a hard pedal feel and reduced brake effectiveness," NHTSA told the News. In a particularly terrifying incident, one driver says the Dart's braking system shut down while driving at 50 miles per hour. "I feared for my life. It is one of the scariest things I have ever dealt with," the complaint said, according to The Detroit News. A Fiat-Chrysler spokesperson said the automaker is "fully cooperating" with this investigation.

Dodge Viper returning to Le Mans this year?

If you were among the fans disappointed by Chrysler's recent decision to end the Dodge Viper's racing program, we may have some good news for you, as the racing outfit behind the campaign is reportedly working to bring the American supercars back to Le Mans this year. That racing outfit is Riley Technologies, a constructor perhaps best known for its Daytona Prototypes, but it has also prepared its share of GT racers, too. Chrysler charged Riley with leading its racing program for the new Viper GTS-R, campaigned it in the United SportsCar Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Auburn Hills made the unfortunate decision back in March to pull its Vipers out of Le Mans, and then in October to withdraw from the US series, as well, thereby effectively ending the program altogether. Disappointed though it surely was, Riley remains defiant. The North Carolina-based company is planning on taking the existing Vipers back to Le Mans on its own, with or without factory support. The Viper has, after all, proven a capable machine, having taken both the drivers' and teams' titles in the United SportsCar Championship this past season. "With Le Mans, every driver and every manufacturer needs to have their first trip there, and it isn't always what you want it to be, but we did show reliability and did have some pace," Bill Riley told Racer.com. "Since then, we've worked hard on the cars, they're now strong, front-running cars in the US, and we're working with the ACO on the BoP to make sure the cars are strong at Le Mans. They're super-reliable and fast, and we'd expect to be right in the mix with the other cars." Riley has kept the existing support staff in place, and once it secures its driver lineup and sponsors, chances look good that it could represent America well at Le Mans this year in either the GTE Pro or GTE Am class. Its predecessor did, after all, complete a three-year winning streak that saw it dominate the GTS class right up until its withdrawal in 2000. News Source: Racer.comImage Credit: FCA Motorsports Dodge Coupe Racing Vehicles