CANADIAN VEHICLES PREMIERES – CHRYSLER The 2013 Dodge Dart redefines performance with Alfa Romeo DNA, fuel-efficient powertrains and Dodge’s passion for performance. Loaded with innovative technology, class-leading safety features and clever functionality, the 2013 Dodge Dart sets a new standard in the compact car segment by offering unmatched personalization, roominess, style, functionality and fun-to-drive dynamics.
“Oooh – That is beau-ti-ful…Has that got a HEMI?” “Yep” “Is it YOURS?!” “Unfortunately…. no it isn’t” …And so began my first encounter with people just 10 minutes after picking up the Dodge Challenger R/T from Chrysler. I’m surprised I didn’t cause accidents as people stared, open-mouthed and gob-smacked where ever I went. One older gentleman behind the wheel of a big SUV dropped his jaw, took off his sunglasses and just stared at the car as his grey-haired wife smiled one of those lusting smiles at me – or was it the car?
Chrysler Canada: Dodge Brand Product Onslaught Continues: Introducing The All-new 2011 Dodge Charger, World-class Performance And Precision With An Iconic Soul October 6, 2010 With its iconic character, contemporary fastback four-door coupe proportions, world-class performance, craftsmanship, refinement, and state-of-the-art connectivity features, the all-new 2011 Charger is the Dodge brand’s flagship that proudly delivers premium, world-class sedan precision at an incredible value. The efficient and aerodynamic exterior of the 2011 Dodge Charger is heavily inspired by the iconic second-generation Charger from the late 1960s, featuring a design that is sure to strike an emotional chord with Dodge performance enthusiasts of all generations.
The last time I drove the full-size Dodge Ram, I had a hard time climbing into the cab because it was so far off the ground. Since the Dodge Ram 1500 was completely re-designed for the 2009 model year I thought I’d give the newer model a shot. Would getting in and out be any easier this time around? I’ve always liked the look of Dodge pickup trucks. I think the only time I wasn’t terribly crazy about them was sometime in the early 1980’s. The all-new 2009/2010 model is without a doubt the best looking Dodge truck yet… and I might even have to say the best-looking pickup truck – period. Having recently driven the 2010 Ford F150 and F150 Raptor, they were outstanding and still fresh in my mind, so inevitably some comparisons between them will come up.
A couple of years ago I had the opportunity to drive the Daytona Charger. It was bright Orange and turned out to be a head-turner for people of all ages – men and women, kids and dogs. When Chrysler handed me the keys to the SRT8 I was a little disappointed because it was just plain black. However it wasn’t just plain black – it was pearlescent black – very classy, until it rained. Then it was just dirty. Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do with black cars to keep them clean, except clean them constantly. On the positive side, the SRT8 didn’t bring any undue attention upon itself – only car guys knew what it was (and there were plenty of them). For the most part however, we managed to drive around un-noticed until I touched the gas pedal. Like music to my ears, the sound of that V-8 is addictive! The deep growl and burble brought back memories of a couple of summers ago – along with some goose bumps too.
The last time I had a couple of minivans we did a head-to-head test between the Dodge Grand Caravan and the Hyundai Entourage. That was way back in the fall of 2006. Since that time, Chrysler has completely re-designed the Town & Country and the Dodge Grand Caravan. Also within that time-frame, Ford have killed off the Windstar and got out of the minivan business altogether, meanwhile General Motors just changed the label from “minivan” to “SUV” while claiming to be abandoning the minivan as well.
The fourth-generation Dodge Dakota continues along the same vein as previous models: bigger than a compact truck (Ford Ranger/Mazda B Series), but not quite as large as a full-size truck (Dodge Ram/Ford F-150 etc.). With each succeeding generation, Dodge have made the Dakota better and better with more content, while at the same time resisting the urge to make it bigger and more luxurious. That’s not to say the Dakota is a stark, bare-bones pickup truck – far from it! Considering the best selling vehicles (up until the middle of 2008) in North America were the Chevy/GMC 1500 and the Ford F-150, one has to ask themselves: Do so many people work in construction or haul trailers that we really need so many large trucks on the road today?
Dodge has been making a lot of noise about the new Avenger. It’s the first mid-sized passenger car in eight years from this marque, and they’ve added plenty of unique Chrysler touches to make it stand apart from the competition. If you’re comparing the Avenger to the Neon or the Sundance, DON’T. It’s hard to imagine this car comes from the same manufacturer that gave us the dog they called Omni – remember them? The 2008 Avenger incorporates quality plastics and panels that fit with close tolerances. The seats are comfortable and the fabric covering them is top-notch. The driving position is just like any other new vehicle, as opposed the way you always felt like a stage-coach driver behind the wheel of the Omni.
This review is almost a part 2, and more of an update – as opposed to a full-blown Road Test. Last week I covered the mid-range Nitro SLT and I loved it. This review is based on the top-level R/T which has a bigger engine (4.0 instead of a 3.7 litre) and tires among other unique features. I’ll just point out the differences in the two models, as opposed to going over the details of the entire vehicle all over again… For a complete review of the Nitro SLT read my article here First Impressions Walking up to the Sunburst Orange Nitro, I start to grin – I remember how much I enjoyed the time I spent with the other version of the Nitro, I start to imagine how much fun I’ll have with the R/T. The R/T wasn’t available the last time I requested it, so I’ve been anticipating this version for quite a while. Although it is similar in appearance to the other Nitro, the R/T gets bigger 20” (51cm) chrome wheels with …
When I saw the Dodge Nitro at the Toronto International Auto Show a couple of years ago, and I thought it was a great-looking truck in a manly sort of way. I knew right away it would be the kind of vehicle people would either love or hate immediately. Unlike the swoopy offerings from Mazda (CX-7) and Acura (RDX), the Nitro is as square as a brick. The front end is completely upright and square, making the Hummer H2 look aerodynamic. The sides and front windshield are equally upright, adding to the drag co-efficiency (cd) of .39 and a wind resistance-be-damned attitude to the truck. With its big bulging wheel wells and beefy tires, this truck has a real presence – it’s not going to disappear amongst all the other SUV’s in the parking lot that’s for sure!
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