It’s finally official: the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8. The Challenger continues the tradition started in 1970 with the launch of the Dodge Challenger, the last entrant in the pony car ranks of Detroit’s Big Three.
The 2008 Challenger SRT8 is powered by a 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine that delivers 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick. It makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in lest than 5 seconds and the 0-100-0 mph in under 17 seconds.
Dodge will offer the limited-edition 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 in three colors: HEMI Orange, Bright Silver Metallic and Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat. Each two-door, rear-wheel-drive coupe will be produced with a numbered dash plaque, carbon fiberlike hood stripes and will be powered by SRT’s 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine.
The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 offers exterior styling cues that are unmistakably Dodge. Exterior proportions evoke a bold, instantly recognizable vehicle that has a wide, stable stance on the road. A full-width grille and fog lamps reminiscent of the original Challenger are married to the modern "Dodge attitude." The result is an aggressive face that is unmistakably a muscle car. The hood with a raised center, carbon fiberlike stripes and functional dual scoops stays true to the Challenger heritage, as does the A-line and beltline.
The Challenger SRT8 front end incorporates numerous functional design features. Included are a fascia that directs air around the front of the vehicle, dual snorkel hood scoops that bring cooling air into the engine compartment and ducts that direct air to cool the brakes.
Sales will begin this spring at a price of $37,995.
More details, including full specifications after the jump.
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GM launched at the Chicago Auto Show the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse, an expressively styled, well-equipped crossover that gives customers people-hauling and cargo-carrying capability typically found in larger SUVs. production will start in the third quarter of 2008.
The 2009 Traverse takes its styling cues from the acclaimed ’08 Chevy Malibu. It will be available in LS, LT and LTZ models, in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.
The new crossover is powered by a 3.6 liters direct-injection engine that delivers 286 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to the Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission, an advanced transmission with clutch-to-clutch shift operation for front- and all-wheel-drive vehicles. The transmission’s six-gear configuration allows for a “steep” 4.48:1 first gear, which helps deliver exceptional launch feel, and a 0.74:1 overdrive sixth gear – the “tall” overdrive gear lowers rpm at high speeds, reducing noise and vibration. Also, the 6T75 offers automatic grade braking, shift stabilization and precise shift control.
Traverse rides on a long 118.9-inch (3,019 mm) wheelbase, with a wide 67.8-inch (1,721 mm) front track and 67.4-inch (1,712 mm) rear track – a combination that lowers the center of gravity and enables smooth, stable ride and handling.
Press release after the jump.
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Volkswagen will unveil at the Chicago Auto Show the Routan, an imposing seven-seater more than five metres in length. The Routan is the result of the collaboration between Chrysler and Volkswagen.
Under the hood there will be a V6 engine that will deliver 253 hp and a peak torque of 355 Nm and a 3.8 liter V6 that will deliver 197 hp and a peak torque of 312 Nm.
Stay tuned! More details will follow.
First unveiled last year at the Tokyo Motor Show, the 1-Series tii Concept will make its North American debut at the Chicago Auto Show. Based on the new BMW 1 Series Coupe, this design study represents the natural evolution of the BMW compact two-door with a clear focus on performance.
The BMW Concept 1 Series tii brings out all these strengths and shows how much the development principles which applied more than four decades ago are still appropriate today when setting out to create a truly unique driving experience. Traditional and modern: lightweight construction as the basic principle, CFP as the solution.
BMW Concept 1 Series tii combines visual features carried over from the past with the most advanced technology available. Its basic principle rests on traditional values, while high-tech materials and applications are used to maximize its performance potential. To save weight and ensure an ideal weight balance, selected components on BMW Concept 1 Series tii are made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFP).
Press release after the jump.
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Mitsubishi will unveil at the Chicago Auto Show the 2009 Galant mid-size sedan. Sales will begin in February with prices starting at $21,099 for the Galant ES and Galant Sport Edition; $23,099 for the Galant Sport-V6 and $27,299 for the Galant Ralliart.
The 2009 Galant line offers four distinct trim levels and three performance levels: ES, Sport Edition, V6 Sport and Galant Ralliart. All Galant models come standard with a Sportronic® automatic transmission - a 4-speed with the 4-cylinder engine and a 5-speed with the two V-6 engines.
The Ralliart model is powered by a 258-hp 3.8-liter MIVEC V-6 engine and equipped with a 5-speed Sportronic automatic transmission, plus special Ralliart-tuned sport suspension, new 18-inch alloy wheels and exclusive exterior styling.
The Galant ES and Sport Edition are powered by a 160-hp 2.4-liter MIVEC 4-cylinder engine, teamed to a four-speed automatic transmission with Sportronic. The new Sport V-6 model exclusively features a smooth, responsive 230-hp 3.8-liter V-6 engine.
Press release after the jump.
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At the Chicago Auto Show, next to the 2009 Eclipse, Mitsubishi will also unveil the Spyder version. As the Coupe version, the 2009 Spyder comes with a restyled front and rear bumper fascia. Also the GT version features a a new dual exhaust system.
The Eclipse Spyder is offered in two trim levels. The GS model is powered by 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 162 hp. It is mated with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, and a 4-speed automatic transmission is available as an option. The Eclipse Spyder GT challenges more expensive sports cars with its 265-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine teamed with a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 5-speed automatic.
The GT’s 260 lb.-ft. of peak torque gives this model immediate and forceful off-the-line response. With the standard 6-speed manual transmission, the Spyder GT can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds. Both Eclipse automatic transmissions feature Sportronic™ console shifters to allow manual gear shift control for a more engaging driving experience. The 4-cylinder and V-6 Eclipse Spyder engines both feature the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) system to help optimize engine efficiency and power across a broad engine speed range.
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Mitsubishi today officially revealed the 2009 Eclipse an "attainable exotic" with striking design, sports car handling and dazzling performance. For 2009, Mitsubishi restyled the front and rear bumper fascias and gave the Eclipse GT model a large rear spoiler.
The 2009 model-year features a new dual exhaust system yields a more powerful sound while also boosting horsepower to 265 (up from 263); standard high intensity discharge (HID) head lamps sharpen front styling and aid nighttime visibility, and standard Active Stability Control (ASC) enhances driving safety and performance.
The Eclipse is offered in two different versions: the GS powered by a four-cylinder engine and the GT powered by a V6 engine. The GS model’s 162-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is teamed with a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic. The GT’s 265 hp 3.8-liter V-6 produces 262 lb.-ft. of peak torque and is teamed with a 6-speed manual transmission or optional 5-speed automatic.
Press release after the jump.
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Mitsubishi will launch at the Chicago Auto Show the 2009 Eclipse, in both coupe and convertible versions. It features revised front and rear styling.
The Eclipse GT will be powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers 265 horsepower and a peak torque of 262 pound-feet. The V6 can be mated to either a standard six-speed manual gearbox or an optional Sportronic five-speed with manual shift capability. In the rear, the GT features a new dual exhaust system.
All Eclipse models feature standard four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution.
Yes, you are.
You – the reader of this blog.
At least, that’s the answer give by iluluminea.com, a website that tracks “social media marketing strategy.”
Were you aware that you’re part of the “social media?”
Yeah, we know. You thought you were just one of those folks that likes cars. Us, too.
But, it turns out we’re more than that. We’re the new frontier.
(more after the jump - and this his hot stuff, so you should read it!!)
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Hyundai will unveil at the Chicago Auto Show the 2009 Sonata that features an all-new interior, enhanced suspensions and revised powertrains boasting both improved fuel economy and horsepower. It will be available in three different trims: GLS, SE and Limited. Sales will begin later this month.
The 2009 Sonata will be powered by Theta II 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine that delivers more horsepower and quicker acceleration, while also improving fuel economy. The Theta II is rated at 175 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft. of torque.
The V6 engine has also been improved: it now pumps out 15 more horsepower and three more pound-feet of torque (249 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 229 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm).
For 2009, Sonata raises the bar for value and standard safety technology in the mid-size segment. Hyundai’s sales leader boasts new features ranging from standard USB/iPod auxiliary inputs to available navigation and sport-tuned suspension. Combined with Sonata’s continued leadership in safety - it remains the only mid-size sedan under $20,000 with standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - the 2009 American-made Sonata is the smartest choice in the competitive mid-size sedan segment.
Press release after jump.
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