1973 Dodge Challenger Chrome on 2040-cars

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Dodge Viper production to end after 2017

We can't say we're surprised, but we're still saddened to report that the Dodge Viper will not live on past the 2017 model year. It's had a solid 25-year run, though, and that's worth celebrating. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles does just that for the Viper's final model year, with five special editions (some of which seem less special than others, admittedly): The 1:28 Edition ACR, GTS-R Commemorative Edition ACR, VoooDoo II Edition ACR, Snakeskin Edition GTC, and Dodge Dealer Edition ACR. Instead of running through what makes each of these 2017 Vipers special, we'll direct your attention to the press release below and the images above. All but the Dodge Dealer Edition commemorate memorable Viper models of the past 25 years, and the GTS-R is probably the pick of the litter with its classic blue-on-white paint scheme. Unless you prefer to err on the side of gaudy, in which case Dodge has you (and your car) covered with Snakeskin Green. If none of these special-edition Viper models strikes your fancy but you'd still like to park a 2017 Viper in your garage, fret not. Dodge is still offering its "1 of 1" customization program for the Viper's final year of production. Finally, instead of dwelling on the past, even when that past is as exciting as the Viper's, let's choose to look to the future with the only logical question left unanswered: What's next? Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Dodge Charger Widebody is rumored on its way for 2020

Grab all the salt you have, save the amount you need for your recommended daily allowance. Mopar Insider reports its sources as having confirmed Dodge will unveil a Charger Widebody for the 2020 model year, in SRT Hellcat and R/T Scat Pack trims. Such a move would copy the trim and aesthetic formula used — to excellent affect — on the Dodge Challenger. The Charger widebodies would get also get unique suspension tuning, and the same 305/35 ZR 20 Pirellis as on the Challenger widebodies, but wrapped around unique, dual-five-spoke designs that are 11 inches wide. There has been talk of a widebody Charger for at least two years, many of those conversations carried out in the same way sleuths parse grainy photos of monsters. In April 2017, Instagram user gtpprix caught a standard Dodge Charger wearing Challenger widebody wheels, spaced so that the rubber extended beyond the fenders. A month later, a YouTube account in the name of Sinister Life caught the same car on video. The license plate doesn't appear to be from Michigan, which is where almost all Dodge prototypes get licensed. On the other hand, early spy shots of Challenger widebody prototypes from 2016 featured this same setup — a normal version with protruding tires. The SRT CEO at the time, Tim Kuniskis, joked about testing the Challenger widebody openly, knowing everyone would think it was a prototype Demon. According to Mopar Insider, engines and outputs won't change on the Charger widebody versions. That means sticking with the 485-horsepower, 6.4-liter V8 in the R/T Scat Pack, and the 717-hp, 6.2-liter V8 in the Charger Hellcat. Looks would change, however, with new front and rear fascias to differentiate the model and cohere with the new lines. That includes a new dual-snorkel hood grille and repositioned intakes, plus tweaked side sills. If it's really on the way, we should know this summer. Such a model would also support recent comments from Steve Beahm, head of Dodge, Fiat, and Chrysler brands, when Automobile asked about how the company will maintain any momentum in difficult days for sedans. Beahm said, "[Our] our job was to [ask,] 'How do we differentiate within the brands that are going to remain passenger-car brands?' ... What we do is we try to make our vehicles look different." Related Video:

2020 Dodge Durango SRT Drivers' Notes | When excess is a good thing

Performance SUVs and crossovers from non-luxury brands are still in a nascent stage of development. Models like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, BMW X5 M and others are on subsequent generations of their high-performance high-riding machines. Meanwhile, the 2019 Dodge Durango SRT is still refreshingly new. It’s also about as American as it gets. Dodge shoehorned in the 6.4-liter V8 and gave it an exhaust system that screams ‘Murica at anyone who strays too close. It makes a glorious 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, completing the sprint to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels, which means you have traction — something the Challengers and Chargers with this engine could use a bit more of. Despite the Dodge being far cheaper than other big, high performance luxury SUVs out there, it still isnÂ’t cheap. The SRT has a base price of $64,490. Ours stickers for a much higher $78,235. Unsurprisingly, Dodge makes you pay the big bucks for most of the luxury features and customization options. A $2,395 Technology Group adds adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and forward collision avoidance systems. Fancy interior materials like a suede headliner, nicer materials on the instrument panel and carbon fiber inserts can be had in a $2,495 package. The stripes are $1,295, and the 20-inch wheels cost $995. To get the second row console with an armrest and storage, youÂ’ll have to pay an extra $595. A $78,235 Durango might sound like a completely egregious amount of money, but itÂ’s still far below what youÂ’ll pay for a BMW X7 or Mercedes-Benz GLS that goes just as fast. ItÂ’s no muscle SUV for the people, but it is a muscle SUV for more people than could afford one previously. Assistant Editor Zac Palmer: An American SUV with a giant V8 feels like a superior descendant of muscle cars than most other “muscle cars” on sale today. Both the Mustang and Camaro slant toward the sports car side of things, leaving FCA to carry on the muscle car tradition. And man, Dodge carries it on well. FCA could slot its 6.4-liter V8 into nearly anything and IÂ’d love it, so it was no surprise that I enjoyed it thrashing it about in this behemoth of an SUV. Traction off the line was one major benefit in the Durango over the Charger and Challenger. Matt the throttle and it just leaps forward, similar to the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT.