What you’re looking at here is a modern interpretation of the Plymouth Road Runner based on the 2009 Dodge Challenger with a 6.1L HEMI turbocharged V8 engine. The concept is being put together by an independent designer Michael Leonhard, who is selling the car once he’s done building it.

The 6.1 HEMI turbocharged V8 allows for a total of 620-hp with a maximum torque of 650 lb-ft. 0-60 mph should come in 3.8 seconds.

Even before it’s built, Leonhard has put the one-off model up for grabs on eBay with a Buy it Now price tag of $950,000. Of course, you want to be careful before you go spending close to a million on this car since Leonhard says “in order to improve the finished product, changes to the design may occur during the building process.”

The finished model will make its debut at the 2010 LA Auto Show. If you have questions about the auction send an e-mail to michaelleonhard77@yahoo.de. Click here to see the eBay listing.

Click through for the spec sheet and additional images.

Plymouth Road Runner Concept:

Stages of exterior building process:

• Body sketch to data development

• Body engineering

• Engineering of swing panels, dropping glass, glass production

• Engineering of Wheels

• Tooling Development & Production

• Body Manufacture

• Fabrication – Body to chassis

• Fabrication – Door, hood and trunk swing

• Fabrication – Glass drop development

• Fabrication – Dry Fit of vehicle

• Fabrication – Materials

• Wheel manufacture

• Glass development

• Exterior accessories (Headlights, Taillights, Fog Lamps, Side Markers, Grilles, Mirrors, Door Handles)

• Final vehicle Surface and Paint

• Final assembly and testing

Performance upgrade (Turbocharger) to the 6.1L HEMI V8 engine:

Focused power:

• 620 hp @ 5,200 rpm

• 650 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Appraised performance:

• 0-60 mph: 3,8 sec

• ¼ mile: 11.9 sec @ 121 mph

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Michael Leonhard (via Straightline)

After five months of marketing darkness, Chrysler Group LLC is preparing to pump up their advertising this quarter and gradually increase the amount spent over the next few years says Automotive News. Starting next quarter, Chrysler Group will spend $100 for each vehicle sold at retail in the US, and eventually cap out their media spending at $170 per vehicle next year, and $210 in 2011. Chrysler Groups sales fell 30% last month from the same time the previous year, and CEO Sergio Marchionne told Automotive News “I can give you one reason: The fact that we’ve been incredibly quiet for the last five months, so the marketing positions of all our brands have been incredibly weak.”.

Marchionne cautioned against pessimism in his plan however and told attendees that “We would not reinvest $23 billion if your expectation is not to re-establish these brands.”

As part of their marketing plan, Chrysler plans to reinvent the Dodge image. They hope to shift from a rugged image to a more refined and youthful one. Ralph Gilles, CEO of the brand also mentioned a shift in marketing approach. Instead of going after consumers based on traditional demographics such as age, or price groups, Dodge intends to market to lifestyles as he noted that “people are aging gracefully”.

Jeep also has a slight image modification in the pipeline. CEO Mike Manley hopes to shift focus from sheer capability towards fuel economy and on-road driving performance. Research showed that only 30% of Jeep customers are truly interested in off-roading. Daimler AG had tried this when they owned jeep with the introduction of the Compass and the Patriot, which both flopped.

- By: Stephen Calogera

At its 5-year business plan yesterday, Chrysler repeatedly said that Jeep will be the only brand exported on global scale and it wasn’t lying. While the Chrysler badge will disappear from cars sold in Europe by 2011, most Chrysler and Dodge branded vehicles will be re-badged and sold as Lancia or Fiat mold to streamline capital expenditure and distribution costs.

“In North America, Lancia models will complement the Chrysler brand and in Europe the opposite will happen,” said Olivier Francois, CEO of the Chrysler and Lancia brands.

Some of the plans include selling the Chrysler Voyager as a Lancia to replace the Phedra minivan, reports Automotive News. Other plans include to rebadge the next-generation Chrysler 300C as a successor to the Lancia Thesis sedan and selling the Chrysler Sebring sedan and a new mid-size crossover as a Lancia.

Fiat may get a version of the Dodge Journey to replace its Ulysee minivan and the Fiat Croma hatchback will be replaced by a Dodge-based mid-sized sedan. The Dodge Nitro will replace Fiat’s Sedici.

- By: Omar Rana

What you’re looking at here are the teasers of the upcoming 2010 Dodge Charger sedan that were shown today at Chrysler 5-year business plan conference. The 2010 Charger will make its debut by the end of this year. According to Dodge brand CEO Ralph Gilles, we can expect a little bit of Viper in all future Dodge vehicles.

2010 Dodge Charger Teasers:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Fox News (via TCC)

According to Ram CEO Fred Diaz, the new Ram truck brand, which will now operate separately from Dodge, may expand into the heavy-truck 18-wheel segment. The brand will also add a Fiat based van to its lineup by 2012.

“Ram and Dodge clearly have a different mission to convey to our customers.” Diaz said. “Ram must focus on truck customers and commercial vehicles.”

Automotive News reports that the Ram brand expects to sell 415,000 units by 2014, up from 280,000 in 2010.

The Dodge Dakota will end production in 2011 and will be replaced by an unnamed unibody pickup. A redesigned and re-engineered light duty, heavy duty and chassis cab are due in 2012.

Ram will also debut a new marketing campaign tonight called “My name is Ram.”

- By: Omar Rana

Ralph Gilles, CEO of the Dodge brand, said today that “eleven Dodge vehicles will be redesigned or significantly refreshed by 2014.” In the fourth-quarter of 2010, Dodge will introduce a brand new 7-passenger crossover / SUV.

Also in the works is an update for the Dodge Avenger sedan for next year and an update for the Journey and Caravan minivan. A new Dodge Charger muscle sedan will debut by the end of this year. A new C-segment vehicle is also in the cards for 2012 and will compete with the Ford Focus. A smaller hatchback based on the Dodge Hornet will fit below the C-segment vehicle, reports Automotive News.

The Dodge Caliber will get a new interior later this year. The 2010 Caliber will be the first vehicle to show the market strategy for Dodge.

- By: Omar Rana

Speaking at Chrysler’s 5-year business plan conference today, president and CEO Ralph Gilles confirmed that Chrysler will produce only 500 more units of the Dodge Viper. A new sports car will replace the Viper in the summer of 2012 and it won’t be anything like the old-school model.

Gilles said that the new sports car will be built in collaboration with Fiat. Of course, that’s not a bad thing seeing as Fiat has some very nice friends in Maranello – Ferrari.

Also, the new Dodge logo will lose the horns and will just say “DODGE” on a black background and a touch of red.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Straightline

More than 400 journalists, analysts, dealers and public officials are in Auburn Hills, Michigan today as Chrysler ’s CEO Sergio Marchionne outlines the company’s 5-year business plan. We’re gathering updates from Twitter and other sites around the web. Keep checking back for updates.

• Paolo E. Ferrero, Senior Vice President Chrysler Powertrain says the new highly fuel efficienct “Pentastar” V6 engine coming Q2 2010. – Twitter @Chrysler
• Ferrero: A Fiat 1.4-liter Multiair engine for the Fiat 500 in q4 2010 for North American markets. 1.4 Multiair turbo for Q4 2011 – Twitter @Chrysler
• The mid-size Dodge Dakota pickup will die for the 2011 model year. It will be replaced by a new unibody based midsize pickup of U.S. origin. – Straightline
• The Dodge Ram heavy-duty and light-duty Dodge Ram pickups will go on as planned. Modifications will come in 2012. – Straightline
• Marchionne: Chrysler has $5.7 billion in cash, up from $4 billion in June after bankruptcy, and broke even in September. - Twitter @nickbunkley
• Chrysler plans three new Fiat vehicles — subcompact, compact and midsize (Avenger replacement) — for Dodge brand by 2013. – Twitter @nickbunkley
• Chrysler planning diesel Jeep Wrangler for fourth-quarter in 2010. Will feature start/stop technology that will improve fuel-economy and cut 5 percent off annual CO2 emissions. – Straightline
• Dodge Nitro will continue to be sold under the Dodge car brand. Marchionne apparently owns one. – Straightline
• Dodge Caravan will get all new interior and exterior facelift, a new engine, a retuned suspension, ride and handling improvements and other enhancements. – AutoObserver
• Dodge will get all-new 7-passenger crossover based on Fiat technology. No detail or name was provided. – AutoObserver
• Gilles: First new black Dodge Charger just built – it’ll be all new by the end of this year. – Twitter @ raywert
• Gilles: “New Dodge interior design” coming soon. Twitter @ raywert
• Dodge Avenger sedan will get new design, new interior, new engines, better performance and fuel-economy. More packages will be offered. – AutoObserver
• Only 500 more Dodge Vipers will be made until the end of this year. All-new model coming in summer 2012. – Twitter @raywert

Click through for more updates.

• Dodge Caliber is dead by 2012, replaced by a compact Fiat-based sedan and a small B-segment car produced by Fiat and imported to the US. – Twitter @ insideline_com
• The new Pentastar V6 engine will be first used in new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee in 2011. – Twitter @raywert
• Chrysler plans on maybe rolling out a battery electric vehicle for 2012. – Twitter @raywert
• A new B-segment hatchback based on the Dodge Hornet concept. Chrysler sells no small B-segment vehicle at the moment. – AutoObserver
• Chrysler will kill Jeep Patriot and Compass in 2012. New Fiat-based Jeep small SUV, Patriot/Compass replacement and Liberty in ‘13. – Twitter @nickbunkley
• Chrysler synergies with Fiat on purchasing and supply chain management will result in est. savings of $2.98 billion by 2014. - Twitter @Chrysler
• Boosting customer service: In Jan. 2010 Chrysler will roll out dedicated US toll-free customer care numbers for each brand. – Twitter @Chrysler
• PT Cruiser DIES at the end of 2010. - Twitter @raywert
• Chrysler says IPO probably not gonna happen before 2011. – Twitter @raywert
• Marchionne: “You’d be shocked out of your pants” at cost of new 300 platform. (Does that mean it’s a lot or not much?) – Twitter @nickbunkley
• Marchionne: By 2014 Chrysler improves its fleet fuel efficiency by 25%. – Twitter @Chrysler

- By: Omar Rana

Dodge Motorsports today took the covers off of its new Dodge Challenger NASCAR Nationwide Series race-car and said that it will provide support for Penske Racing’s two-car operation in the NASCAR Nationwide Series in addition to three teams in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

The Dodge Challenger race-car will be used at the four “New Car” races NASCAR has designated starting at Daytona in July. The No. 12 Dodge Challenger will also take part in Monday’s NASCAR Nationwide test session at Talladega Superspeedway for the “new cars” with Justin Allgaier behind the steering.

Dodge will continue its support of Penske Racing’s three-car operation in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2010 with drivers Kurt Busch, Sam Hornish Jr. and Keselowski.

Click through for the press release.

2010 Dodge Challenger NASCAR Nationwide Series Race-Car:

Press Release:

Dodge Motorsports Notes & Quotes – Dodge Introduces Challenger For NASCAR Nationwide Series

TALLADEGA, Ala. (Friday, Oct. 30, 2009) – Dodge Motorsports today revealed the Dodge Challenger as the “New Car” for the NASCAR Nationwide Series and announced an expansion of its partnership with Penske Racing beginning in 2010. Dodge will provide support for Penske Racing’s two-car operation in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, in addition to Penske’s three teams in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

“As the performance brand of our new company, we are excited to expand our relationship with Penske Racing and introduce the iconic Dodge Challenger as our entry into the NASCAR Nationwide Series,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Car Brand. “Motorsports are a significant part of the Dodge brand’s legacy. Penske Racing has such a rich tradition in motorsports, and our partnership in the Nationwide Series will provide an excellent opportunity to showcase the Challenger and offer our loyal Dodge enthusiasts plenty of excitement in this very competitive series next year.”

Penske Racing will field two teams, both running the full-season schedule. The Dodge Challenger will be used at the four “New Car” races NASCAR has designated, starting at Daytona in July. At the other 31 events that complete the 35-race season, Penske Racing will field Dodge Chargers as it did this season with the No. 12 Verizon Wireless Dodge Charger driven by Justin Allgaier. NASCAR is expecting full integration of the “New Car” in 2011.

Joining Allgaier will be Brad Keselowski in the No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge. He also will compete in the Dodge Challenger for the four designated races and in a Charger for the remainder of the schedule.

“Today’s announcement further reinforces our relationship and commitment to Dodge Motorsports, and we are excited about our future with this great brand,” said Tim Cindric, President of Penske Racing. “We believe Dodge’s relationship with Penske Racing will continue to elevate and highlight both our brands and deliver value to Dodge enthusiasts.”

Allgaier, in his rookie season in the Nationwide Series, is currently fifth in the season point standings and the leader among Rookie of the Year candidates.

“Penske Racing has a very successful relationship with the Dodge brand,” commented Allgaier. “I am honored to be one of Dodge Motorsport’s drivers and to be able to drive the new Challenger in the NASCAR Nationwide Series is going to be awesome. The car looks great and will give the Nationwide Series its own identity.”

2010 Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger merges the best American muscle-car characteristics—unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines and technology—to delight driving enthusiasts across several generations. The two-door coupe accommodates up to five passengers and is produced from the company’s proven rear-wheel-drive platform. With three models of head-turning styling, two legendary HEMI® V-8 engine choices, up to 25 highway miles per gallon, more than 25 safety and security features and modern amenities, it’s no surprise Dodge Challenger was awarded J.D. Power and Associates “Most Appealing Midsize Sporty Car” in its 2009 APEAL Study.

“The Dodge Challenger has proven to be one of the most sought after high-performance vehicles on the street today,” said Dave Bailey, Senior Manager of Motorsports Engineering and SRT Body, Interior and Electrical. “Sharing our consumer’s passion for performance through the race version of our Dodge Challenger will continue to showcase the unique engineering brought to our race and production vehicles.”

Dodge will continue its support of Penske Racing’s three-car operation in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2010 with drivers Kurt Busch, Sam Hornish Jr. and Keselowski.

The No. 12 Dodge Challenger will take part in Monday’s NASCAR Nationwide test session at Talladega Superspeedway for the “new cars” with Allgaier driving.

About Dodge
Dodge is a full line of cars, SUVs and MPVs that are agile, daring, sensible and inventive. The product line includes the Dodge Caliber, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey, Dodge Nitro and Dodge Viper SRT10.

Dodge introduced two new vehicles last year: the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey, the brand’s first crossover vehicle and the 2009 Dodge Challenger, a modern-day American muscle car. Dodge also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the minivan during the 2009 model year. With more than 65 minivan-firsts introduced since 1983 and more than 12 million Dodge and Chrysler minivans sold, Chrysler Group LLC has solidified its leadership in the segment. J.D. Power and Associates further acknowledged this leadership by naming the Dodge Grand Caravan the Most Dependable Van for 2009. The 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan continues to set the mark in the minivan segment with unsurpassed fuel economy of 17 city / 25 highway mpg and minivan-first innovations including the segment’s only Stow ‘n Go® and Swivel ‘n Go™ seating and storage systems. The 2010 Dodge Avenger, with ESC, also earned the 2009 Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

- By: Kap Shah

Chrysler Group LLC announced today that it is the first automaker in the United States to offer live mobile TV to consumers in collaboration with FLO TV Auto Entertainment. The dealer-installed Mobile TV option will be offered from Mopar and will offer as many as 20 channels including college and professional sports, breaking news, children’s shows, primetime sitcoms, reality TV and daytime dramas.

The option will be available in late December with a $629 price-tag. A one-year pre-paid FLO TV service subscription is included with installation. After that, you’ll have to pay an annual subscription of $9 a month or less.

Check out the press release to see which vehicles qualify for the option. We’ve also added a video of the Mobile TV option in action.

Press Release:

Chrysler Group LLC is First Automaker in the United States to Offer Live, Mobile TV with up to 20 Channels

* Watch live sports, breaking news, kids’ programs and primetime network shows in the back seat
* Live mobile TV available on Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge Car and Ram Truck vehicles as a Mopar® option
* Live TV viewing of CBS Mobile, CNBC, Comedy Central, FOX News, MSNBC, MTV, NBC 2Go, Nickelodeon and more
* FLO TV™ Auto Entertainment will be available in late December for $629 plus installation, includes one-year subscription
* Mobile TV option includes 3-year/36,000-mile warranty for new vehicles and 12-month/12,000-mile warranty on used vehicles

Auburn Hills, Mich., Oct 29, 2009 - Mopar® is channeling live, mobile TV into Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge Car and Ram Truck vehicles.

Starting in late December, Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge Car and Ram Truck customers may watch many of their favorite TV programs with a dealer-installed mobile TV option from Mopar®.

Chrysler Group LLC is the first automaker in the United States to offer live mobile TV to consumers with the capacity for as many as 20 channels through FLO TV™ Auto Entertainment. The system offers something for everyone: college and professional sports, breaking news, children’s shows, primetime sitcoms, reality TV and daytime dramas.

Mopar will showcase FLO TV™ Auto Entertainment at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas next week.

“We want to offer our customers the ultimate in entertainment,” said Pietro Gorlier, President & Chief Executive Officer, Mopar Service, Parts & Customer Care. “With FLO TV Auto Entertainment, we are the first automaker to offer mobile TV with the capacity for as many as 20 channels.”

Until now, the challenge for mobile TV has been to deliver high-quality, uninterrupted coverage in urban environments and at highway speeds. Existing mobile TV systems in the United States either offer limited channels or require large satellite dishes on vehicle roofs – and a large price tag to match.

Mopar’s suggested retail price is $629, plus installation. A one-year pre-paid FLO TV service subscription is included with installation.

The entertainment package will be available as a dealer-installed option on the following 2008-2010 model year vehicles with factory DVD entertainment systems: Chrysler Town & Country, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey, Dodge Nitro, Ram 1500 and Ram 2500/3500.

The service also can be added to select 2008-2010 model-year vehicles when new Mopar headrest or seat-top DVD entertainment systems are purchased.

How it Works

Television signals are delivered through a dedicated multicast network built by San Diego-based FLO TV Inc., a live mobile TV service provider, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Inc. FLO TV offers live and time-shifted programming from top entertainment brands, including CBS Mobile, CNBC, Comedy Central, FOX News, MSNBC, MTV, NBC 2Go and Nickelodeon.

Up to 20 channels will be available in late December when the feature is available for dealer installation. By the end of 2009, the FLO TV service should be available in more than 100 major markets and many interstate driving corridors. The FLO TV service is not available in some rural areas.

Audiovox Corp., of Hauppauge, NY, supplies FLO TV™ Auto Entertainment hardware that integrates with Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Car and Ram Truck vehicles’ existing entertainment systems and new Mopar 7-inch DVD screen systems. A small antenna, similar in size to a laptop mouse, is mounted on a vehicle’s roof to deliver the digital TV signal. Inside the vehicle, the receiver and wiring are installed under the interior trim of the vehicle and are not visible to occupants.

User-friendly wired and wireless remote controls allow viewers to easily surf channels, similar to TV systems at home.

Mopar’s FLO TV™ Auto Entertainment option includes a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on new vehicles or a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty on used vehicles for hardware and installation.

Las Vegas and most of the tuner industry is getting ready for the 2009 SEMA Show next week. The folks at SpeedFactory will come to the show with their new supercharged, all-aluminum 440 HEMI-powered Dodge Challenger.

SpeedFactory took the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with a 6.1L HEMI Mopar aluminum block and increased the displacement to 440 cu. in. (to 7.2L). With a Vortech V3 centrifugal supercharger and other modifications, output was increased to a whopping 700-hp.

Complimenting the increase in performance is a Mopar Performance NAG 1 transmission, Mopar Performance fuel rails, Moroso coolant tank and oil pan, Getrag IRS with 1000 HP half-shafts, Corsa stainless steel cat back exhaust system, performance springs, sway bars, and additional strut tower braces, 15-inch Brembo 6 piston front disc brakes and Bridgestone R Compound tires mounted on 20-inch BS Black Edition CH-R wheels.

Hit the jump for the press release.

SpeedFactory 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with 440 HEMI:

Press Release:

SpeedFactory to Debut the First All-Aluminum, Supercharged, 440 Hemi- Powered Challenger at the 2009 SEMA Show

Atlanta, GA – SpeedFactory, a top-tier modern muscle car builder, will introduce the first modern supercharged, all-aluminum, 440 Hemi-powered Challenger at the upcoming SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, Nov 3-6, 2009.

The SpeedFactory prepared 2009 SRT8 Challenger is powered by a bored and stroked 6.1L Hemi Mopar aluminum block, increasing the displacement to 440 cu. in. (7.2 liters). It includes CNC ported Mopar aluminum heads and a completely forged rotating assembly. A Vortech V3 centrifugal supercharger boosts the output of this reliable, modern Mopar power plant to 700HP on premium-grade 91 octane pump fuel.

SpeedFactory performance modifications include Mopar Performance NAG 1 transmission, Mopar Performance fuel rails, Moroso coolant tank and oil pan, Getrag IRS with 1000 HP half-shafts, Corsa stainless steel cat back exhaust system, performance springs, sway bars, and additional strut tower braces, 15″ Brembo 6 piston front disc brakes and Bridgestone R Compound tires mounted on 20″ BBS Black Edition CH-R flow-formed wheels.

SpeedFactory’s Signature interior package includes logo-embossed seat backs, matching door panel stripe with logo, custom floor mats, Mopar door sills and T-handle shifter. Visually, the exterior of the car has also been enhanced with a race-inspired, matte-finish, full carbon fiber hood and rear deck spoiler, as well as SpeedFactory Signature badging and graphics.

This car is part of SpeedFactory’s research and development platform for its line of tuned, advanced engine, and supercharged modern muscle cars.

The SpeedFactory Challenger will be on display at the MOPAR Booth, #43127 , from Tuesday, Nov 3rd thru Friday, Nov 6th at the SEMA Show.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: SpeedFactory (via WCF)

Chrysler Group LLC’s new CEO, Sergio Marchionne, is scheduled to reveal his 5-year business and product plan to the media and analysts on November 4. However, The Wall Street Journal today released most of what Marchionne has will talk about next week.

According to the report, the plan relies heavily on vehicles from Fiat SpA, especially Alfa Romeo models, while dropping most of Chrysler’s original models. The report also said that Fiat and Chrysler are working on several new vehicles with Fiat technology for the U.S., including.

The folks at KickingTires have put together a nice list which you can check out after the jump. We’ll have full details from Chrysler next week.

Chrysler

• PT Cruiser – Dead
• Sebring – Dead
• Town and Country
• 300: Redesign in 2011
• Fiat 500: 2011

Dodge

• Caliber – Dead
• Nitro – Dead
• Avenger – Dead
• Grand Caravan – Dead
• Charger: Redesign in 2011
• Challenger
• Journey
• Ram trucks

Jeep

• Commander – Dead
• Compass – Dead
• Patriot – Dead
• Wrangler
• Grand Cherokee: Redesign in 2010

Alfa Romeo

• MiTo
• Milano (replacing 147)
• Unknown Mid-Size Sedan

- By: Omar Rana

Source: WSJ (via KickingTires)

Chrysler Group’s Dodge Ram brand still has plans to roll out a hybrid version of its light-duty Dodge Ram pickup in 2010; however, a diesel variant is still in question. Plans for both a hybrid and a diesel light-duty Ram for 2010 were revealed last year.

Currently, the heavy-duty Dodge Ram is offered with a 6.7L 6-cylinder diesel, which 85 percent of customers choose over the 5.7L V8 gasoline option.

The hybrid Ram will use the two-mode hybrid technology that was developed by General Motors Co., BMW and Daimler.

According to Chrysler’s senior vice president of engineering Scott Kunselman there have been now changes in the time schedule for the hybrid Ram. However, he said that the diesel light-duty Ram is still in the works but refused to comment on when it would be made available.

On Nov. 4, Chrysler’s CEO Sergio Marchionne will unveil a 5-year business plan.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News

Dodge announced today that it will offer an exclusive production run of the 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T and the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 in the classic Plum Crazy Pearl Coat exterior color.

Prices of the 376-hp 2010 Challenger R/T Classic in Plum Crazy Pearl Coat will start at $35,140 while the 425-hp SRT8 model will start at $44,155 (both prices include $725 destination).

If you’re really crazy and want to go plum crazy with a Dodge Challenger, you can head down to your local Dodge dealership and order one today.

2010 Dodge Challenger R/T – SRT8 Plum Crazy Pearl Coat:

Press Release:

Dodge Challenger’s Gone Plum Crazy

* Plum Crazy returns from the Dodge car paint code archive for an exclusive production run
* Adding even more throwback style, Dodge Challenger R/T Classic in Plum Crazy Pearl Coat is available with matte black or new bright white dual-wide R/T body-side stripes
* Limited-edition Dodge Challenger SRT8® Plum Crazy features performance seats with Plum Crazy accented seat stripe
* Directly available through Mopar®, Katzkin leather seat sets are available in multiple color and piping combinations to highlight Dodge Challenger’s Plum Crazy exterior paint and stripes

Auburn Hills, Mich., Oct 22, 2009 - Dodge today announced an exclusive production run of the 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic and SRT8 featuring the classic Plum Crazy Pearl Coat exterior color. Both Dodge Challenger models deliver the best of modern American muscle-car characteristics — unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful HEMI® V-8 engines and technology — now with an extra dose of nostalgia.

“The new Plum Crazy R/T Classic and SRT8 feature more than just memorable blast-from-the-past design cues and HEMI engines; both models exude the very core of Dodge Challenger’s roots,” said Ralph Gilles, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dodge Car Brand and Senior Vice President – Product Design, Chrysler Group LLC. “Our new Plum Crazy limited-edition models pay homage to Challenger’s heritage while delivering the passion and excitement Dodge fans and customers demand.”

The U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic in Plum Crazy Pearl Coat is $35,140, while the high-performance SRT8 model is $44,155 (both prices include $725 destination). Both Plum Crazy models are available for ordering now at Dodge dealerships nationwide.

2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic Plum Crazy
Based on the powerful 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T, the Dodge Challenger R/T Classic Plum Crazy edition is the first to offer dual throwback A-line body-side R/T stripes in matte black or new bright white. Completing the look are “Challenger” fender badges in classic script, large 20-inch polished-chrome heritage wheels with all-season performance tires, classic egg-crate grille with heritage “R/T” badge, body-color rear spoiler, functional hood scoop and chromed fuel-filler door.

When paired with the Tremec six-speed manual transmission, the 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic Plum Crazy includes the performance-minded Track Pak with precision-shift “pistol-grip” shifter, anti-spin 3.92 differential and a performance-tuned dual exhaust with two low-restriction bottle resonators for maximum “throatiness.” And when it’s time to deliver, the Plum Crazy R/T Classic can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds with its powerful 376 horsepower (280 kW) and 410 lb.-ft. of torque (556 N•m) 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine.

2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Plum Crazy
If the Dodge Challenger R/T Classic in Plum Crazy is not exciting enough, the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 version delivers even more punch and exclusivity with its 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine producing 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, performance-tuned ride and handling, benchmark braking and race-inspired interior with unique SRT-designed appointments.

The limited-production Dodge Challenger SRT8 in Plum Crazy is based on the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 and features exterior-matching SRT performance seats with Plum Crazy accented stripe.

Production of the 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic and SRT8 in Plum Crazy
Production of the all-new 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic and SRT8 in limited-production Plum Crazy Pearl Coat will start in late November 2009 at the Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. It will be built on the same assembly line as the award-winning and quality-proven Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300.

About the 2010 Dodge Challenger
The 2010 Dodge Challenger merges the best American muscle-car characteristics — unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines and technology — to delight driving enthusiasts across several generations. The Dodge Challenger accommodates five passengers in a two-door coupe produced from the company’s proven rear-wheel-drive platform. With three models of head-turning styling, two legendary HEMI V-8 engine choices, up to 25 highway mpg, more than 25 safety and security features and modern amenities including UconnectTM Navigation with voice-activated navigation system and real-time traffic available it’s no surprise Dodge Challenger was awarded J.D. Power and Associates “Most Appealing Midsize Sporty Car” in their 2009 APEAL Study.

- By: Omar Rana

Here are your first batch of pickups from the new Ram brand and the first new vehicles from Chrysler Group LLC since it emerged from Bankruptcy in June.

“This is the continuation of the reinvention of our Dodge Ram lineup,” said Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer–Dodge Ram Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “During the past 5 years, Dodge has gained market share in the heavy-duty pickup segment, and to stay on that track, Dodge Ram keeps innovating. Our new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups will continue to build on our momentum.”

The new 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickup is available for the first time in a crew-size cab model.

Buyers have a choice of diesel or gasoline engines including Chrysler’s popular 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel making 350-hp and a peak torque of 650 lb-ft. A standard 5.7L HEMI V8 produces 383-hp and a peak torque of 400 lb-ft.

The 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty will hit U.S. dealerships nationwide in the first quarter of 2010 and will be available in regular, Crew Cab and Mega Cab versions in five trim levels: ST, SLT, TRX, Laramie and Power Wagon.

Update: Pricing information added after the jump.

Make the jump for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500:

2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty Pricing
Following are prices for the all-new 2010 Ram 2500 regular cab. All prices include $950 for destination.

Following are prices for the all-new 2010 Ram 2500 crew cab. All prices include $950 for destination.

Following are prices for the all-new 2010 Ram 2500 Mega Cab. All prices include $950 for destination.

Following are prices for the all-new 2010 Ram 3500 regular cab. All prices include $950 for destination.

Following are prices for the all-new 2010 Ram 3500 crew cab. All prices include $950 for destination.

Following are prices for the all-new 2010 Ram 3500 Mega cab. All prices include $950 for destination.

Press Release:

Dodge Ram Introduces “New Crew” of Ram Heavy-Duty Pickups; New 2010 Dodge 2500 and 3500: Ultimate Heavy-Duty Pickup Trucks

* The New Crew: the 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty is available for the first time in a crew-size cab model – providing Dodge Ram with a formidable entry in the highest volume part of the heavy-duty pickup segment (approximately 50 percent)
* Choice of legendary diesel- and gasoline-fueled powerplants
o Available 6.7-liter Cummins® Turbo Diesel produces 350 horsepower (261 kW) at 3,000 rpm and 650 lb-ft. of torque (881 N•m) at only 1,500 rpm. The 6.7-liter meets the most stringent of 50-state emission requirements and includes a segment-exclusive standard exhaust brake
o Standard 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 delivers 383 horsepower (286 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 400 lb.-ft. of torque (542 N•m) at 4,000 rpm and features variable-valve timing for greater efficiency and performance
* Ride greatly improved over previous generation with re-tuned suspension components
* New C-pillar with fluid-filled hydro mounts improves driving dynamics
* Handling of fully loaded vehicle greatly improved over previous generation with new suspension tuning
* Ram Heavy Duty 3500 with dual rear wheels, diesel engine, automatic transmission and 4.10 rear axle has an increased Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 24,500 pounds from 24,000 pounds
* Max Tow Package GCWR increases to 25,400 pounds (late availability)
* Ram Heavy Duty 3500 offers superior towing capability at 17,600 pounds and a maximum payload of 5,150 pounds
* Ram Heavy Duty 2500 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) increases to 9,600 pounds from 9,000 pounds, a 600 lb. increase on crew cab and Mega Cab 4×4 models equipped with the Cummins Turbo Diesel engine
* Increased front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of 5,500 pounds on 4×4 models equipped with the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine allows for more front-weight carrying capability, including greater snowplow weights
* Class IV receiver standard on all Ram Heavy Duty models
* Premium front seats with heat and ventilation; heated rear seats; heated steering wheel; automatic temperature control; two-tone upholstery; memory seats, radio and mirrors; navigation; adjustable pedals and numerous infotainment options, including SIRIUS Backseat TV™ with three channels of programming, Uconnect Multimedia with a 30-gigabyte hard drive and an available first-in-segment 10-speaker surround-sound system
* Numerous storage options, including in-floor storage
* Offered in three cab styles (regular cab, crew-size cab and Mega Cab) and two cargo-box sizes (6 feet 4 inches and 8 feet), single-and dual-rear-wheel configurations
* All-new integrated trailer brake controller, offered with trailer tow package, improves trailer braking and stability
* Available in five distinct trim levels – ST, SLT, TRX, Laramie and Power Wagon
* Exterior styling differentiates light-duty and heavy-duty models with unique grille, hood and bumpers
* Dual-rear-wheel fenders (3500 dually only) are new for 2010 and are integrated into the box stamping providing a sleek aerodynamic appearance
* More than 20 safety and security features available
* B20 package available to fleet customers only

Auburn Hills, Mich., Oct 23, 2009 – The Dodge Ram brand continues to refine the boldest, most powerful and capable pickup truck on the planet with the introduction of the new 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty lineup, offering first-time innovations and features, along with new standards of strength, utility and driveability.

First and foremost, the new 2010 Dodge Ram is about capability. In fact, its many features—including powertrain, towing and payload capacities, driving dynamics, premium amenities and styling—truly make it the ultimate heavy-duty pickup truck.

“Our new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups continue to build on Dodge Ram’s leadership in the heavy-duty pickup segment,” said Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President—Engineering, Chrysler Group LLC. “Our Ram Heavy Duty pickups reinforce Dodge Ram’s bold and powerful reputation and provide improved capability in critical areas of the segment.”

The new 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty 2500 and 3500 pickups incorporate some of the design cues from the Dodge Ram 1500. The Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickup’s larger grille incorporates a taller hood that includes louvers on each side. Access to the front winch (on Power Wagon models) and tow hooks led to a unique front-bumper design. The new dual-rear-wheel fenders (3500 dually only) are now integrated into the box stamping and offer a smooth aerodynamic appearance.

The Dodge Ram Heavy Duty will be available in U.S. dealerships in regular, Crew Cab and Mega Cab versions in five trim levels—ST, SLT, TRX, Laramie and Power Wagon—in the first quarter of 2010.

Ultimate Lineup
The new 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickups are the result of exhaustive customer research and study.

“We went all over the country to learn how people really use their heavy-duty trucks at work and play,” said Diaz. “We did our research with a cross-functional team, and what we learned, we brought to the process of creating the all-new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups.”

The big news for the new 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickups is the addition of a crew-size cab. Crew-size cabs are the fastest-growing part of the truck segment, growing from approximately 20 percent of the market in 2002 to nearly 50 percent in 2008.

“Research confirmed that heavy-duty customers want a cab with four full-size doors,” said Diaz. Also available are regular cab and Mega Cab models.

Customers also want choice in packaging and equipment. As a result, Dodge Ram Heavy-Duty offers five distinct trim levels – ST, SLT, TRX, Laramie and Power Wagon. Each has a unique appearance and offers various equipment options.

“The heavy-duty segment comprises about a third of the full-size truck market, and its customers are the most brand loyal in the industry,” said Diaz. “With five models, we want to provide customers with the ultimate lineup of heavy-duty pickups.”

Total Dodge Ram (light- and heavy-duty) sales in 2008 were 15.3 percent of full-size pickup segment. Overall Dodge Ram Heavy Duty truck market share in 2008 was 23.0 percent of the heavy-duty truck segment.

The truck segment is still one of the largest segments in the industry, with just more than 1.6 million units sold in 2008.

On average, Dodge Ram Heavy Duty’s buyer is predominately male (90 percent) and approximately 55 years old. Eighty-five percent are married and earn an average annual income of $87,000. Thirty-four percent have graduated from college.

Fifty percent of heavy-duty truck buyers use their trucks for work, and 100 percent use their trucks for fun and leisure.

Dodge Ram’s Heavy-duty Résumé
Dodge Ram continues its strong heritage in the heavy-duty truck market by building on its past. Since 2003, Dodge Ram has launched new models or made improvements to its heavy-duty pickup truck lineup:

* 2003 – Launched all-new version of Ram Heavy Duty
* 2004 – Introduced diesel engine improvements
* 2005 – Introduced Dodge Ram Power Wagon
* 2006 – Introduced Dodge Ram Mega Cab
* 2008 – Introduced (2007.5 M.Y.) new 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine
* 2009 – Introduced new 5.7-liter HEMI® engine and new brake system for added brake life and improved fuel economy and new 3.42 axle ratio on diesel automatic transmission

And all-new for 2010, the Crew Cab, with either 6-foot-4-inch or 8-foot boxes, replaces the Quad Cab to meet Heavy-Duty truck customer needs and focus on overall vehicle refinement and ride comfort.

Ultimate Hauling and Towing Capability
The backbone of 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickups is a hydro-formed, fully boxed frame with advanced torsional rigidity and stiffness. A coil-spring suspension setup is used in the front of the vehicle, while the multi-leaf spring design is maintained in the rear for heavy-duty capability. Front and rear shocks and springs are tuned for optimum ride quality and capability.

Customers in the heavy-duty segment have a range of needs, and most of them involve high levels of capability. The new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 are designed to deliver a total package:

* Increased Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on 2500 4×4 crew cab diesel models to 9,600 pounds from 9,000 pounds
* Increased Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) on 3500 dually models with diesel, auto transmission and 4.10 rear axle to 24,500 pounds from 24,000 pounds
* Increased GCWR on 3500 4×2 models to 24,000 pounds from 23,000 pounds
* Increased front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on several models:
o To 5,500 pounds from 5,200 pounds on diesel 4×4 pickups
o To 5,000 pounds from 4,700 pounds on diesel 4×2 pickups

Suspension upgrades and larger front-axle U-joints, combined with increased front GAWR, result in increased front-weight carrying capability—a must for larger snowplows.

Towing capability is a strong suit of the new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups, with the only standard exhaust brake in the segment (diesel-equipped models). This feature reduces brake fade, prolongs brake life and provides confidence and safety when hauling heavy loads on downhill grades. Large front (360 mm) and rear (358 mm) brakes with integrated Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) increase brake life and
braking stability.

An available integrated trailer brake control provides better driver control in towing situations. Trailer brake control information is conveniently displayed in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), which is standard on diesel models and available on gas SLT, TRX and Laramie models.

In addition, new 2010 Dodge Ram transmissions feature Electronic Range Select, which enables the driver to manually limit the highest available transmission gear, allowing manual upshifts and downshifts based on road speed and engine speed. A tow/haul mode switch enhances tow capability while towing. Tow/haul mode is available with both five-speed and six-speed automatic transmissions.

Other tow-friendly features include improved trailer-tow mirrors with integrated turn signals, memory function and puddle lamps. The larger 7-inch x 11-inch trailer-tow mirrors offer improved visibility with larger convex glass surfaces. Mirrors flip up and out in a vertical configuration for improved visibility around wide trailers. Trailer-tow mirrors are now standard on Dodge Ram 3500 models. As an added convenience, a Class IV receiver is now standard on all Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups.

Ultimate Powertrains
In terms of power, the new 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty tops the charts with the available, legendary 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine, which produces 350 horsepower (261 kW) at 3,000 rpm and 650 lb.-ft. of torque (881 N•m) at only 1,500 rpm.

The most durable and reliable engine in its class, the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel features standard oil-change intervals of 7,500 miles. It also has life-to-major overhaul intervals of 350,000 miles, providing more than a 100,000-mile advantage over
the competition.

And it’s as clean as it is durable. The Cummins 6.7-liter Turbo Diesel engine uses a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to virtually eliminate particulate matter emissions and an adsorber catalyst to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by as much as 90 percent in order to meet stringent 2010.5 diesel emissions requirements.

Backing up the available 6.7-liter diesel engine is a choice of either a standard G56 six-speed manual transmission or an available 68RFE six-speed automatic transmission. The six-speed manual has an ultra-low first-gear ratio, which makes it ideal for heavy hauling requirements, while the six-speed automatic offers ease of driveability and towing.

The other choice for 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy-Duty customers is the standard 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 gasoline engine, which delivers 383 horsepower (286 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 400 lb.-ft. of torque (542 N•m) at 4,000 rpm. The 5.7-liter HEMI was redesigned for 2009, with several new and improved technologies, including:

* Variable-valve Timing (VVT)
* Increased compression ratio
* Active intake manifold with long runners for low-end torque and short runners for high-rpm power
* Improved cylinder-head port-flow efficiency
* Reduced-restriction exhaust and induction systems

The 5.7-liter HEMI comes standard with the heavy-duty 545RFE five-speed automatic. It offers Electronic Range Select and tow-haul capability, which provide a unique shift schedule that minimizes gear hunting while towing heavy loads. It also provides automatic downshift capability while decelerating.

Two 4×4 transfer cases are available: the NV 271, a manual unit standard on ST and Power Wagon models; and the NV273, an electric shift-on-the-fly transfer case, standard on SLT, TRX and Laramie models.

A choice of four axle ratios are available on new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups, depending on equipment level: 3.42, 3.73, 4.10 or 4.56.

Ultimate Off-Road Capability
The Dodge Ram Power Wagon returns for the 2010 model year. It is equipped with electric-locking front and rear differentials, electronic disconnecting sway bar, Bilstein shocks, 32-inch BF Goodrich off-road tires, underbody skid plate protection, a 4.56 axle ratio for hill climbing and a custom-built Warn® 12,000-lb. winch that is accessible through the front bumper. The 2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon features new exterior graphics and a lower body two-tone paint scheme.

Improved Ride Comfort
Improved suspension tuning and new fluid-filled hydromounts were added to the C-pillar mounts on the 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty to improve damping through the frame-bending mode frequency in order to better manage shake and after-shake response. The result is reduced shake and improved ride compared with the previous generation Ram Heavy Duty.

Twenty-five safety and security features
Dodge Ram employs a two-fold approach to safety: passive safety features, including pre-tensioning and load-limiting seat-belt retractors and active safety features, including responsive steering, handling and braking.

Following are 25 safety and security features available on new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups:

* Anti-lock Brake System (ABS): Senses and prevents wheel lockup, offering improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions
* Advanced multi-stage air bags: Use either an Occupant Classification System or a Low-risk Deployment Air Bag for the front passenger
* BeltAlert: Periodically activates a chime and illuminates an icon in the instrument cluster to remind the driver and front passenger to buckle up if a vehicle is driven without the driver being properly belted
* Brake/Park interlock: Prevents an automatic transmission or transaxle from being shifted out of Park unless the brake pedal is applied
* Child-protection rear door locks: Disable the rear doors’ inside-release handle via a small lever on the door-shut face
* Constant-Force Retractors (CFR): Distribute force or load exerted on a seat belt and then gradually release the seat-belt webbing in a controlled manner
* Crumple zones: Designed to compress during an accident in order to absorb energy from an impact, decreasing transfer of that energy to occupants
* Electronic brake-force distribution: Adjusts braking pressure front to rear,
based on weight distribution of passengers and cargo to minimize brake dive during hard braking
* Energy-absorbing steering column: The manual-adjust steering column utilizes two hydo-formed coaxial tubes that move relative to each other in order to allow the column to move forward for enhanced energy absorption during a crash. The power-adjust steering column employs a calibrated bending element that collapses during column stroke for optimal energy management
* Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS): Makes it easier for emergency personnel to see and reach occupants in the event of an accident by turning on the interior lighting and unlocking doors after air bag deployment. Also shuts off the flow of fuel to the engine
* Height-adjustable seat belts: Allow occupants to raise and lower the shoulder belt. Encourage seat-belt use by offering a more comfortable fit
* HomeLink universal home security system transceiver: Stores three separate transmitter radio-frequency codes to operate garage-door openers, security gates, security lighting or other radio-controlled devices
* Interior head-impact protection: Interior pillars above the beltline and instrument panel, including areas around windshield and rear-window headers, roof and side-rail structures and shoulder-belt turning loops specifically designed to limit head-impact force
* Knee bolsters: The lower instrument panel and the glove box door are designed to properly position the occupant, enabling air bags to work effectively
* Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) Child Seat Anchor System: Designed to ease installation of compatible aftermarket child seats
* Low-risk deployment air bag: Front-passenger air bag that uses unique shape, venting, folding patterns, advanced inflators or a combination of these four technologies to position and inflate the restraint properly for a belted passenger, while also meeting federal safety requirements for out-of-position, small occupants and rear-facing infant seats. Occupants are advised to always sit properly in their seats with the seat belt fastened. Children 12 years old and younger should always be seated in the back seat correctly using an infant or child restraint system or have the seat belt positioned correctly for their age and weight
* Parksense® Rear Park Assist System: Assists at low speeds in reverse to detect stationary objects. Consists of visible (interior lights seen with rearview mirror) and audible warnings for the driver
* Power-adjustable pedals: Allows brake, accelerator and clutch (if equipped) pedals to move toward or away from the driver in order to achieve a safe and comfortable seating position for improved vehicle control
* Remote Keyless Entry: Locks and unlocks doors, and turns on interior lamps. If the vehicle is equipped with a vehicle-theft security alarm, the remote also arms and disarms that system
* Seat-belt pretensioners: During a collision, the impact sensors initiate front seat-belt pretensioners to immediately remove slack, thereby reducing the forward movement of the occupants’ heads and torsos
* Sentry Key® engine immobilizer: Utilizes an engine key that has an embedded transponder with a pre-programmed security code to discourage vehicle theft. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the controller sends a random number to the transponder and the engine is allowed to start. If an incorrect key is used, the engine will shut off after a few seconds
* Standard side-curtain air bags: Extend protection to all outboard front- and rear-seat passengers. Each side air bag has its own impact sensor in order to autonomously trigger the air bag on the side where an impact occurs
* Three-point seat belts: Provide front outboard seating positions and all rear seating positions in the Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy-Duty pickups with lap and shoulder belts
* Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM): Informs driver when tire pressure is too low. SLT and Laramie systems display actual tire pressure at each wheel. Pressure-sensor modules within the valve stems of all four road wheels send continuous radio-frequency signals to a receiver and the system (2500 only)
* Uconnect Phone: Uses Bluetooth technology to provide voice-controlled wireless communication between the occupants’ compatible mobile phone and the vehicle’s onboard receiver. The hands-free option promotes safety, freedom, value and flexibility

Bold Exterior Design
The new 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickups carve out a unique design with styling differentiated from the Dodge Ram light-duty lineup.

“We brought some of the best design cues from our Dodge Ram 1500 to the new 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty, yet we set the 2500 and 3500 pickups apart from our light-duty trucks,” said Ralph Gilles, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dodge Car Brand and Senior Vice-President–Product Design, Chrysler Group LLC. “The ‘big-rig’ styling is even more pronounced with the classic Dodge look that conveys bold, powerful and capable.”

Styling the new 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty encompassed practical as well as aesthetic considerations.

To accommodate cooling requirements of the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine (perennially the most popular powerplant in the Ram Heavy Duty lineup with a take-rate of 90 percent), the new 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy-Duty grille opening is larger than the light-duty grille. The larger grille incorporates a taller hood that includes louvers on each side. Access to the front winch (on Power Wagon models) and tow hooks led to a unique front-bumper design.

The new 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty grille includes a chromed surround with either black center billets (ST, SLT and Power Wagon models) or chromed center billets (Laramie model and Big Horn and Lone Star editions). Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 TRX models feature a body-color surround with black center billets. The grille is body-mounted, while the bumper is frame-mounted.

Front fenders and headlamps of the new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 are shared with light-duty pickup models. External mirrors are sculpted to produce a more useable area for better visibility, with aerodynamic benefit and less noise. Mirrors are equipped with turn-signal indicators, memory function, puddle lamps and adjustable convex mirrors. Mirrors are finished in black on ST, SLT, TRX and Power Wagon, or black and chrome on Laramie models. The larger 7-inch x 11-inch mirror for trailer towing is standard on 3500 models and available on 2500 model pickups. These mirrors flip up and out into a vertical configuration for trailer-tow use.

Front and rear doors follow the style pioneered by the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500–a design that places the door cut to the side of the truck, rather than into the roof, in order to reduce wind noise and weight.

The new dual-rear-wheel fenders (3500 dually only) are now integrated into the box stamping and offer a smooth aerodynamic appearance.

The tailgate is sculpted for better air flow, incorporating a spoiler in the upper part of the sheet metal. This tailgate also accommodates an available back-up camera for convenient trailer hook-ups and includes a lift-assist feature that makes raising and lowering a one-hand operation. Standard bedrail protection is included with both the 6-foot-4-inch and 8-foot cargo boxes. The boxes now feature bedrail caps that protect sheet metal from dents and scratching.

Upgraded Interiors: Ultimate Comfort, Convenience and Appearance
Inside, the new 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty offers abundant amenities, comfort and convenience. Many of the comfort and convenience features were first pioneered with the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500.

Interior appointments include soft-feel door bolsters and armrests and one-piece molded door panels for premium comfort. Seats are redesigned with improved power lumbar and lateral support, which creates a comfortable cabin on even the longest work days. Six-ring instrumentation keeps track of vehicle functions, while many controls are arrayed in the center stack for easy access to buttons and knobs.

Other available features include two-tone upholstery with full-width contrasting stitching on the instrument panel; premium seating with heat and ventilation; heated rear seats; heated steering wheel; automatic temperature control; two-tone upholstery; memory seats, radio and mirrors; navigation; adjustable pedals and numerous infotainment options, including SIRIUS Backseat TV™ with three channels of programming, Uconnect Multimedia with a 30-gigabyte hard drive and an available first-in-segment 10-speaker surround-sound system.

Storage is top-of-mind with many work- and leisure-oriented customers, and Dodge Ram provides many more storage locations in its new 2010 Ram Heavy Duty pickups.

A new-for-2010 available center console features an upper bin that is large enough to hold a laptop computer (with an accessible power outlet) and a lower bin that accommodates hanging files. In addition, the console offers several other storage compartments—room enough to store business tools and personal items.

Additional storage locations are built into the instrument panel, front and rear door panels, seat backs and even the floor. In the crew-size cab, two in-floor bins located in the rear footwells offer storage enough for 10 12-ounce cans. Bins have removable liners for easy cleanout. Upper and lower glove boxes provide a total of more than 800 cubic inches of storage.

The Ultimate Cab – Mega Cab
The new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 Mega Cab models retain their title of best-in-class interior room in the segment, including:

* Largest, longest cab (143.2 cubic feet, 111.1 inches long)
* Largest interior cargo volume (72.2 cubic feet)
* Largest cargo volume behind rear seat (7.7 cubic feet)
* Largest flat-floor load area (16.8 square feet)
* Largest second-row leg room (44.2 inches)
* Largest rear-door opening (34.5 inches wide, 35.5 inches high)
* Largest rear-door open angle (85 degrees)
* First-ever reclining rear seats (22- to 37-degree seat-back angle)

Saltillo Assembly Plant
The new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups will be built at Chrysler Group LLC’s Saltillo Assembly Plant in Coahuila, Mexico. One of the company’s most flexible plants, the Saltillo plant produces the Dodge Ram 1500 regular cab, the Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty and the Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs.

The manufacturing processes in use at the Saltillo facility provide the ability to balance production with demand and enable the plant to efficiently build low-volume vehicles that take advantage of market niches. As needed, the plant can quickly shift production volumes between different models within a single plant or among multiple plants. This not only allows the company to produce a high-quality product, but also to do so faster and at lower cost.

Production of the new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups also will be enabled by the Saltillo plant’s recent expansion, which allows the facility to manage the added complexity of the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickups’ chassis and suspensions, including two chassis lengths, regular, crew-size cab and Mega Cab versions, 4×2 and 4×4 variants, and single- and dual-rear-wheel models.

The Saltillo Assembly Plant has more than 1,700 employees on two shifts and is one of five Chrysler Group LLC manufacturing facilities in Mexico.

Ram Brand
With a work-hard, play-hard attitude, Ram offers the boldest, most powerful and capable pickup truck lineup on the planet.

Introduced in 2008, the Ram 1500 is a game-changer in terms of its ability to “outsmart” and “out-tough” the competition with its bold exterior design, crafted and refined interior, engineering excellence, superb innovation and best-in-class features and amenities.

The Ram 1500 also ranks at the top of Strategic Vision Inc.’s (SVI) 2009 Total Quality Index™ (TQI) in the full-size truck segment. According to the survey, the Ram 1500 leads the way with the highest Total Quality score of any truck in the 15-year history of the study. Customers specifically noted that the Ram has the best added storage capability along with the best truck interior ever rated by customers.

Ram will add to its award-winning truck lineup with the introduction of its all-new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty Trucks. The new Heavy-Duty trucks provide customers with first-time innovations and features along with new standards of strength, utility and driveability, building on the Ram’s leadership in the Heavy-Duty pickup segment.

Ram will further enhance its commercial vehicle presence with the introduction of a “new crew” of commercial-grade work trucks: the new 2011 Dodge Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs. Led by an all-new crew cab, the new 2011 Dodge Ram Chassis Cabs are built on a proven frame and chassis and engineered for maximum uptime, optimum performance and enhanced commercial capability.

- By: Stephen Calogera

The 2010 Ram lineup of heavy-duty pickups will be the first batch of new vehicles to debut since Chrysler came out of bankruptcy in June. They will also be the first pickups to be launched under the new Ram brand since new CEO Sergio Marchionne split the Dodge brand into two. The brands will now operate as separate businesses, with their own profit and loss accountability.

Mark Herber, director of Dodge Ram marketing said that the 2010 Ram heavy pickup will hit dealerships within a few weeks with a new look, same powerful engines and a well-financed marketing campaign.

“There is pent-up demand in all of the markets, especially the truck market,” said Heber. “All we need is a little bit of an uptick in the economy and things could take off.”

According to Automotive News, Herber declined to give figures or say how soon the campaign will begin.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Detroit News

Earlier this month, Chrysler Group LLC announced that it is splitting its Dodge brand into two different brands – the Dodge Ram Brand and the Dodge Car Brand. In an interview with PickupTrucks.com, new President and CEO of the Dodge Ram brand, Fred Diaz Jr said that the “DNA of the Ram brand will always have Dodge DNA in it.”

Diaz, who was appointed President and CEO of the Dodge Ram Brand less than two weeks ago, will also be the lead executive for the Sales organization in the United States.

“It’s my responsibility to make sure that I nurture the brand so it’s distinct and all about trucks,” he told PickupTrucks.com. “At the end of the day, the Ram [pickup] will still have some Dodge DNA to it. Anything that’s a real, true truck is part of Ram and the Ram brand going forward.”

The main point Diaz made in his 5-minute interview was that Ram trucks won’t immediately shift away from their Dodge foundation. However, he said that he has to figure out what the Ram-branded pickups will mean to the Ram nameplate.

“That’s another area I need to delve into and figure out,” Diaz said. “I certainly can’t see us marketing a Ram Ram.”

- By: Kap Shah

Source: PickupTrucks.com

Chrysler Group LLC, 20 percent of which is now owned by Fiat SpA, will present its 2010-2014 business plan on November 4 at its headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

“Financial and strategic objectives will be presented to the financial community and the media,” spokesman Gualberto Ranieri said.

It was reported last month that Chrysler’s new CEO, Sergio Marchionne, plans on making the Chrysler badge a more luxurious brand that will compete with the likes of Cadillac. The Dodge brand will become known for being sportier while the Jeep brand will remain as it is with some Fiat technology.

Last week, Chrysler confirmed that it will spilt the Dodge brand into two different brands – the Dodge Ram Brand and the Dodge Car Brand.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Reuters