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Awesomely '80s time-capsule Dodge Daytona Turbo on Bring a Trailer

From the humble K-car, Chrysler in the 1980s was able to spin out all manner of variants, including some fairly credible (for the time) performance machines. One of the most ambitious was the Dodge Daytona Turbo, and a rarely seen example in near-new condition is selling today on Bring a Trailer. [UPDATE: The car was bid to $9,300 but failed to meet reserve. It is now for sale on the dealer's website with an asking price of $19,900.] The Daytona Turbo featured a 2.2-liter four to which was bolted a Garrett To3 turbocharger, bringing output to 143 horses and 160 pound-feet. Naturally, it's paired with a five-speed stick. And dig that black-and-white checkerboard cloth interior, with four bucket seats. The story is that the car was purchased new in Kansas, and that after driving it for two years, the original owner put his prized Daytona up on jack stands and stored it in a climate-controlled garage. This Dodge now has just over 5,000 miles on the clock. If all of the above sounds enticing, you'll be powerless to resist after watching the launch commercial for the Daytona. BaT commenter "Himselvis" posted a link to the 2-minute cinematic masterpiece, which is equal parts "Blade Runner" and Michael Jackson's "Thriller." Some heavy-duty talent was brought to bear on the project, as he recounts: "The director, Bill Butler, was the cinematographer on 'Jaws,' 'Deliverance,' 'Grease,' and 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.' Production designer Jim Spencer had worked on 'Gremlins,' 'Poltergeist,' and 'Stripes.' Director of photography David Watkin shot 'Out of Africa,' the BeatlesÂ’ 'HELP!' and 'Chariots of Fire.' The voiceover was provided by Billy Dee Williams." And the actor was from "Hot Dog the Movie." But the real star is the car, of course. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Chrysler set to make $266M-investment into 8-speed transmission production

Chrysler will shortly make a significant $266-million investment into its Kokomo, IN transmission factory in a bid to expand production of its eight-speed automatic transmissions. The gearboxes, which are built under license from Germany's ZF Friedrichshafen, have been well received by customers and critics, and according to an SEC filing obtained by Automotive News, the transmissions will eventually find their way to all of Chrysler's rear-drive offerings (Viper and heavy-duty Ram models, aside). According to AN, a Chrysler spokesman says the investment has not been confirmed, but once it is, it'll mark the company's latest in a growing line of investments at the facility. Chrysler has poured $1.5 billion into Kokomo since 2009.

Dodge Durango gets the Blacktop treatment

The Dodge Durango is getting a meaner, more aggressive look as it becomes the latest model from the brand to wear the Blacktop Appearance Package. The upgrades are strictly cosmetic, but they lend the SUV a more assertive demeanor that some buyers like.
Available on the SXT, Limited and R/T (shown above) models, all Blacktop Durangos get black 20-inch wheels, dual exhaust, bod- color fascia and gloss black trim. The grille surround, air dam, mirrors and headlight surrounds all get the inky treatment, as well. The improvements add $1,590 to the cost of the SXT. They come to $1,990 on the Limited but also include HID headlights with LED running lights and a leather interior. Finally, R/T buyers only need to pay $295 for the upgrades. The Blacktop Durango hits showrooms this October.
If you're already in the market for a Durango but want a dash more style with no added performance, the Blacktop might not be a bad way to go. It certainly gives the SUV a bit more edge than it has in stock form. Scroll down to read the full release.