Dodge cars

2013 Dodge Charger R/T Blacktop

Back in 2011, Dodge unveiled a new package option for the Charger: the Blacktop Edition. This package included some pretty stout and downright sexy additions to the body, but it was only offered on V-6 model Chargers, leaving those wanting this look with the power to back it up out in the cold. With Dodge already expanding the Blacktop Edition package to the Challenger R/T and Avenger for the 2013 model year, it decided to also expand the package to the more powerful Charger R/T model.

While the Blacktop Edition package may look fully custom, under the hood the Charger R/T remains unchanged. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as the Charger R/T remains one of the fastest American-built sedans on the market and this new package just gives it a more sinister look to go along with its stout performance.

The real test is to see if this package is really worth the premium that Dodge is attaching to it, or is this just another special edition model that has an inflated price tag with no valuable additions?

Click past the jump to read all about the 2013 Charger R/T Blacktop and see if it is up to snuff.

2012 Dodge Challenger R/T Blacktop Edition

If you’re not already a fan of the Dodge Challenger R/T, Dodge is set to try to draw you in with a special edition version of it. Just like the Charger and Avenger, Dodge is now releasing a Blacktop package for its powerful V-8 coupe.

The Blacktop package adds in a ton of exterior upgrades to give the Challenger an even more menacing look, something that is tough to do. However, this package is not all about simply making the Challenger look good. Dodge also added in a usually optional package to the Challenger R/T Blacktop to help it handle and accelerate more effectively. The latter has never been complained about, but the former is one of the sticking points with the Challenger, it’s not really a good handler.

So, is this package really worth the money that Dodge is charging for it, or is it just another Dodge special edition that will fizzle away?

Click past the jump to find out.

2013 Dodge Avenger Blacktop Edition

As we all know very well, Chrysler enjoys releasing special edition models throughout its range of vehicles and they seem to be getting cooler just about each year. Dodge is one brand that receives more than its fair share of special edition models and it is has just unveiled three more special edition models.

The three affected models are the Dodge Avenger, Charger R/T and Challenger R/T. This kit, which Dodge has dubbed the Blacktop package, won’t add much in terms of performance to their base model. However, in terms of flat out styling, they are all three rather chilling looking – as much as a from-the-factory car can be.

The Avenger has certainly received quite a beating from experts, despite the fact that it is the most powerful mid-size sedan on the market today. Will this Blacktop Edition package make things better for it?

Click past the jump to read all about the 2013 dodge Avenger Blacktop Edition to find out.

2012 Dodge Ram L’il Red Express Truck

Back in 1978, Dodge rolled out a special edition package for its D150 pickup trucks, which were not yet named “Ram.” This new package was known internally as Package Code YH6 and featured a high-output 360-cubic-inch V-8 engine with a 4-barrel carb pumping in fuel. The engine boasted high-flow cylinder heads and an aggressive cam shave and it all hooked up to a 3.55-to-1 rear end. This package, which we all know as the L’il Red Express, only lasted two years – 1978 and 1979 – and saw only 2,188 units in 1978 and 5,118 units in 1979. This makes it one of the most sought after Dodge pickups ever built.

Well, Ram is rolling out a remake of this classic short-body pickup truck in the form of its SEMA-stationed L’il Red Express Truck. Though it is more modern than the original rendition, it certainly pays it homage rather well. It features the bright-red paint of the original, a side-stack exhaust system, and a wood-trimmed bed.

In addition, this remake of the cult classic pickup features 22-inch Mopar rims with gold inserts, a 5.7-liter HEMI engine that pumps out 390 horsepower and 407 pound-feet of torque, gold accent stripes, “Hyperblack” painted grille inserts, and a custom Katzkin (no, not “cat skin”) interior. Sure, it lacks the flare-side styling and the wood-outlined bed of the original, but it is bad-ass nonetheless.

There is no mention of this special edition ever coming to the Ram lineup, but don’t be too surprised to see it roll out in 2013 and 2014, as Chrysler loves running special-edition Rams – there have been plenty of them. One thing is for sure, it would definitely carry a higher premium than the $1,131 price for the original L’il Red Express package.

Stay tuned to find our of Chrysler plans to launch this model or not.

2013 Dodge Dart Slingshot

Just like almost every other automaker, Chrysler has headed into Las Vegas with guns a blazin’. Between Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Fiat, and Ram, there are more custom Chrysler products than you can shake a camshaft at. Another one to just come to light is the Dodge Dart Slingshot — not to be confused with the Dodge Slingshot Concept.

The details on it are still a little scarce, but they are starting to make their way out, along with some images. The Slingshot is no question a hat tip to the SCCA-style racers in Dodge’s fan base. It’s exterior is very near stock, boasting only a Mopar carbon-fiber hood and a set of 17-inch black alloy wheels to help reduce its weight a little. The exterior is, of course, covered in full Mopar livery along with a white base coat and a black grille.

Inside the Dart Slingshot is where its SSCA soul comes out. As required by the racing circuit, the Slingshot features a competition-spec roll cage, racing seats, and six-point harnesses to keep the riders strapped in place.

Under the hood, it appears as if Mopar left the engine as-is. Then again, the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine that Dodge borrowed from Fiat is rather impressive itself, as it pumps out 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The only modification to the driveline is an aftermarket exhaust system that is more show and sound than it is performance.

Mopar did install a performance suspension system, but we are still awaiting confirmation on what makes up this performance setup.

Stay tuned for more information.

Video: Dodge Challenger SRT8 dukes it out with a McDonnel Douglass MD500

If you’re not too familiar with a McDonnel Douglass MD500, we certainly wouldn’t blame you. That’s because the MD500 is not a car; it’s a helicopter.

So what exactly is a helicopter doing on these pages? Well, if it engages in a race against a Dodge Challenger SRT8, then we’ll hold a special place for it here. The question of this race being fair at all is a matter of conjecture. But quite frankly, we don’t care if one dismantled the other in a fashion that seemed to be all too predictable.

What we enjoyed about this race was, for one, it’s a muscle car versus a helicopter. That in itself is worth the price of watching the whole three-minute video. The other thing is it has a surprise ending. We’re not going to spoil it for you because it’s really worth the watch. So sit back and enjoy the three-minute video.

2012 Dodge Challenger SRT Project Ultraviolet by Jeff Dunham

The 2012 SEMA Show is about dazzling the world with the capabilities of tuning companies and it takes a strong presence to be able to pull out ahead of the crowd. Chrysler Group’s Mopar and SRT brands are attempting that very feat by teaming up with comedic ventriloquist, Jeff Dunham.

For this build, Dunham is putting aside Walter (the retired, grumpy old man), Achmed (the dead terrorist), Peanut (the hyperactive, purple-skinned "woozle"), and Jose Jalapeño on a Stick (well, that one’s pretty self-explanatory) so that he can team up with Chrysler on "Project Ultraviolet," the tuning package that started off as a Dodge Challenger SRT8. The purpose behind this build is for Chrysler to show off some newly developed technology and a brand new engine. Nothing else is said about the car in this video, but there are two more videos to follow before the 2012 SEMA Auto Show opens its doors.

Are we excited to see what this purple Challenger has to offer? In the words of Jose Jalapeno on a Stick, "Siiiiii, señor!"

Hit the jump to read more on the Dodge Challenger SRT Project Ultraviolet by Jeff Dunham.

2012 Dodge Urban Ram

The new Dodge Ram pick-up will also be presented at the upcoming SEMA Show with a very cool Urban Ram concept car specially customized by Mopar. The concept features a very cool Modern Blue paint scheme combined with a Mopar blue stripe - reminder of the limited edition Mopar ’11 Charger.

The new Urban Ram Concept features a very cool sport performance hood, a new set of 22" wheels painted hyperblack and a fiberglass tonneau cover matching the body color.

The standard 2013 Ram 1500 is powered by a 392 HEMI engine, but Mopar decided is time to make it even more aggressive. For this the tuneer added new Mopar headers, a Mopar cold-air intake and Mopar performance dual exhaust with chrome tips. They did not announced how these updates improved the engine’s output, but the package also includes a Mopar performance handling kit and SRT rotors and brake calipers that help rein in all the extra power.

2012 Dodge Dart Carbon Fire

When Dodgeintroduced their new Dart, they also announced that a total of 150 Mopar parts would be available to further customize it. At the 2012 SEMA Auto Show, the company wants to offer their customers an idea of just how much customization can go into this compact hatchback with a demonstration of these accessories in their Carbon Fiber Concept.

As its name suggests, this Dart Concept has received a very cool carbon fiber hood and a carbon fiber, three-piece rear decklid spoiler. It is painted in a very cool charcoal grey combined with a Mopar satin black front chin spoiler and a Mopar satin black body kit. The concept sits on a new set of 19" wheels combined with silver brake calipers.

Dart’s standard grille has been replaced with a new Mopar grille, while the light smoke headlamps and tail lamps accentuate the sleek feel. The interior features the same dark matte finish of the exterior, with the coolest addition being the new Katzkin leather seats.

2012 Dodge Charger Juiced

Have you ever wondered how much power a Dodge Charger can really deliver? Well, it’s definitely not the 292 HP in the standard V6 engine or the 370 HP provided by the muscle car’s current V8 engine. At the 2012 SEMA Auto Show, Mopar is going to show us just how much juice can be pumped from the Charger with a tuning package of their own.

Technically, Mopar cheated in the sense that they stripped the Charger of its engine and threw in a Viper V-10 Mopar crate engine featuring Mopar cold air intakes and a Mopar cat-back exhaust. This engine delivers an impressive 650 HP, but also tones down the emissions to remain eco-friendly.

The rest of the package consists of some exterior and interior updates, starting with a new front chin spoiler, a new hood with functional forward-facing intake, and a roof carry. The hood and decklid feature matte black graphics, while the cool Metallic "Copperhead" exterior paint is combined with matte black on the grille badge and the exclusive 20" lightweight wheels.

For the interior, Mopar has added black Katzkin leather seats with "Copperhead" stitching, which also transfers to the steering wheel, shifter, and armrest. The "Copperhead" logo is also embroidered on the seatbacks.