New Dodge Durango May Be Named Magnum

The word on the street is the 2012 Durango just might be dubbed Magnum by Chrysler-Fiat decision-makers. The reworked Dodge Durango crossover has been captured in spy shots and artist renderings and no matter what badge it sports, the next-generation CUV is a definite looker. One thing's for sure. If Chrysler can make good on its promise to offer better interior refinement, the new CUV should be a worthy competitor for GM's Lambda quadruplets and the upcoming new Ford Explorer.

There is a good chance that the new Dodge people-hauler will make its production model debut later this year at the Los Angeles Auto Show, or even early next year in Detroit. With sleek, bold lines, high belt line and a modern, slim greenhouse, the once-popular truck has the opportunity to regain its popularity of the late 90s.

We think it's important that Dodge have an entry in the full-size SUV segment whether it boasts the Durango or Magnum name. Either way, The new name will be attached to a unibody crossover that will grow in length and significantly drop in ride height, partially due to the loss of its body on frame construction. Although the front-door length appears to be similar in size to, if not longer than, the current model’s, the rear doors are definitely stretched, as is the rear overhang, pointing to what we hope is a roomy third row. As far as engines are concerned, expect to find the new corporate Pentastar V-6 underhood with some 280 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. A 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 will be available for power-hungry customers or those looking for added utility.

An all-wheel-drive option is a given.

2010 300C SRT8. Chrysler's Ultimate Hot Rod Sedan

The Chrysler 300C SRT8 has all the elements of an American muscle car wrapped in a four-door, luxury package. It's one good-looking, powerful cruiser whether you're prowling big-city boulevards are taking a trip in the country to see grandma.

The 2010 version of the 300 really stands out in a crowd, especially in SRT8 trappings with a racy, lower stance and huge wheels with bulging brake calipers peeking out. The high beltline, narrow greenhouse, minimal front overhang and pronounced wheel arches on the 300C SRT8 go a long way towards hinting at the model's performance potential. The 300's interior, on the other hand, isn't so grand—especially considering the near-$50,000 suggested price tag. But the SRT8 version makes up for it with fantastic front seats that are perfect for long hauls.

The top of the line 300 SRT8 is also very well equipped, boasting heated seats, sunroof, dual-zone climate control and auxiliary input/iPod integration worked into Chrysler's UConnect navigation/infotainment system. Equally important, this is a pragmatic, roomy sedan with lots of room for four in total comfort.

Of course, you'll discover performance to be this car's real reason for being. All of the 300 SRT8's imperfections are forgotten the first time you lay into the throttle and go blasting down a straightaway. The 6.1-liter Hemi roars to life and thrusts you forward with 425 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque; the five-speed automatic holding each gear to its peak when your right foot is pressed to the floor.

The end result is 0-60 mph times in the low five-second range—and that's damn impressive for a car of this size. At the finish line, the big red Brembo brakes bring everything back under control.

Put simply, we're just glad an American vehicle such as the 300 SRT8 exists and will continue to be glad just as long as Chrysler offers it.

Rams starting at $15,900

Jeep Wranglers starting at $18,900

Fiat-Chrysler to Speed Up New Model Launches, Including Revamp of Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring This Year

The chief of Fiat-Chrysler, Sergio Marchionne said this week that the company is far ahead of schedule in revamping models for debut this year and next. That's great news for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep fans because there are a lot of good-looking designs on the way.
In fact, Marchionne is promising 14 all-new or refreshed products the rest of this year, and says 75% of Chrysler's product line will be "touched" in 2010.

Here's the rundown:

-Dodge gets a new crossover SUV based on the Grand Cherokee and a redone Charger off the 300.

-The universally criticized (for its styling and its bargain-basement fittings) Dodge Charger and Chrysler Sebring gets an improved suspension and a fresh interior.

-Other vehicles getting makeovers include the Chrysler and Dodge minivans and three Jeeps: Wrangler, Patriot, and Compass.

-The petite Fiat 500 will be arriving on schedule at the end of the year.

-Marchionne also disclosed some details about a new Fiat-engineered compact car coming in 2011. He said the engineering work has been done and "we are 98% there on styling."

When the cute little 500 gets here, will it come with most of the options Europeans get? Let's hope so. Will Marchionne bring with the 500 an ugly, Americanized four-door version? Let's hope not.

Spy Shots of 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Test-Drive in Germany

Jeep Grand Cherokee fans have reason to cheer. Cameras caught Jeep's important new model working hard at the famous Nurburgring race track in the heart of Germany.

The question is, why would the Chrysler crew go to the trouble of lapping the popular SUV at everyone's favorite test circuit when the familiar facilities in Michigan are so close at hand? Ah, but it appears there is method to the testing madness.

It most likely centers on the Grand Cherokee's new adaptive air suspension. Called Quadra-Lift, the system will let drivers choose from a number of settings that will either raise or lower the 2011 truck's ride height according to the road conditions. While there will be two settings for blazing your own trail, including one that raises the truck by a hefty 2.6 inches, the system also features an aero setting that lowers the vehicle by around half an inch.

That's what is undoubtedly going on in the above photo, as the Grand Cherokee is hunkered down rounding one of the Nurburgring's infamous turns.

What may be of more interest to everyday Jeep lovers is that Chrysler's legendary people-hauler will debut with a nice choice of engines for navigating the byways near your home. When the much-anticipated 2011 Grand Cherokee finally hits the market, buyers should be able to choose from a number of engines depending on where they call home. Word is V6 and V8 options will be available here in the states, while buyers in other parts of the world will be able to opt for a clean burning diesel.

From what we see here, the stylish new SUV's looks will not let down the vehicle's locomotion.

Production Starts on Dodge Viper ACR-X

The most powerful Viper ever comes off the assembly line starting today. Would you like to see the relevant numbers? How about 640 horsepower and a $110,000 price tag. If that sounds like your cup of tea, you won't have to wait long to get one. Chrysler has just announced that production of the ACR-X has already started at its Conner Avenue Assembly Plant and provided a few photos and video of the cars going down the assembly line.

Dodge Motorsports and Mopar have even provided a way to put the cars to good use. The Dodge Viper Cup will run at five racetracks starting this summer, and a contingency program will give owners a chance to earn back some of the purchase price of the car. In total more than $200,000 will be paid out, including $25,000 to the 2010 season champion.

Built for road-racing enthusiasts, the Dodge Viper ACR-X combines the best performance attributes of the record-setting, street-legal Dodge Viper ACR (American Club Racer) and the safety equipment of championship-winnning Viper Competition Coupes. "With its amazing on-track performance, the Viper ACR-X is going to seriously turn the heads of all road-racing enthusiasts, whether it is the grassroots driver all the way up to the professional," said CEO Ralph Gilles.