The first vehicle to roll off the assembly line was a red Dodge Dart Rallye with a black and red interior, powered by a 1.4-liter gasoline engine matched to a manual transmission.
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We will begin with the Bavarian automaker that issued a recall of approximately 7,600 3-Series models built from October 19, 2011, through March 18, 2012, over an issue with the front seat head restraints.
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Earlier today we gave you the first official pictures and details on the new V6-powered Challenger SE and the V8-powered Challenger R/T models that where unveiled at the NY Show today. During the presentation that followed, Chrysler LLC Vice Chairman and President, Jim Press revealed that the prices for Dodge’s retro-penned muscle car will start in the low $20,000’s.“If you’re looking for a car priced in the low-20s that is both cool and affordable, our new Dodge Challenger SE is it,” Press said. “The new Dodge Challenger SE has many cool features such as the MyGIG infotainment system with available navigation, a built-in iPod interface, an available 276 watt Boston Acoustics sound system and UConnect with Bluetooth capability and voice recognition in English, French or Spanish,” Press continued.
“And the SE has a 250 horsepower, 3.5L V-6 , leaving the competitor’s base 210 horsepower in the dust. But the best news is outstanding mileage. Our highway target of 25 MPG makes the Challenger SE an economy car as well. So I gotta ask, why would anyone in the market for a car in the low-20s settle for anything else, when they could have all this,” he said. –More live pics from the NY Show after the jump
For those of you who loved the Challenger SRT8 but would like to spend less than $40k to obtain one, Dodge has unveiled the R/T and SE versions of its new muscle car. The R/T model promises to offer equivalent doses of fun with the 425 6.0L V8 SRT8 as it’s powered by Chrysler’s 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that delivers a hefty 375 Hp and 404 lb.-ft. of torque (548 Nm) when it runs on premium fuel. 
Aside from the 5-speed automatic transmission, Dodge also offers a six-speed manual transmission for the R/T - the first for a new-generation HEMI-powered car. According to the American carmaker, the R/T can go from zero to 60 mph in less than six seconds.
As for the entry-level Challenger SE, it is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine matted to a four-speed automatic transmission -yes, 4-speed autos still exist in the States... The V6 unit produces 250 Hp and 250 lb.-ft. of torque (339 Nm). Both versions of the Challenger are set to arrive in Dodge dealerships this fall. –Continued after the jump
Press Release: Introducing the All-New 2009 Dodge Challenger
35 Years Later, Dodge Redefines Modern American Muscle
The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger merges the best American muscle-car characteristics - unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines, and technology - designed to delight driving enthusiasts across several generations.
"Our all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger is a modern-day muscle machine representing the best from the past and present," said Mike Accavitti, Director, Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. "Thirty-five years following the debut of the original, we are bringing Dodge Challenger back and loading it with essential hardware, styling and technology desired by today's buyer."
The Dodge Challenger is the first five-passenger, two-door coupe produced from Chrysler's proven rear-wheel-drive platform that delivers the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. Developed with Dodge's credo of "bold, powerful and capable," the Challenger delivers a modern two-door muscle car.
Three models will be offered in
Essential Hardware
The Dodge Challenger R/T features the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with a five-speed automatic transmission that produces an estimated 370 horsepower (276 kW) and 398 lb.-ft. of torque (540 N•m). For 2009, the HEMI engine is upgraded to get an estimated five percent improvement in fuel economy as well as an increase of 30 horsepower (9 percent) and 8 lb.-ft. improved torque (2 percent) over a greater range of engine speeds. The Dodge Challenger R/T also offers a precision-shift six-speed manual transmission - the first for a new-generation HEMI-powered car - that produces 375 horsepower (280 kW) and 404 lb.-ft. of torque (548 N•m) when running on premium fuel. The Dodge Challenger R/T can go from zero to 60 mph in less than six seconds.
The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 features an SRT-exclusive 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine mated with a new-for-2009 six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick that generates a blistering 425 horsepower (317 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. of torque (569 N•m). The vehicle can go from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds.
The Dodge Challenger SE powered by the 3.5-liter High Output V-6 with a four-speed automatic transmission produces 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 250 lb.-ft. of torque (339 N•m).
Patterned off the Dodge Charger architecture, the front suspension and five-link independent rear suspension system on all Dodge Challenger models provide excellent ride and handling characteristics.
Essential Styling
The Dodge Challenger design team stayed true to the concept revealed at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, while drawing upon elements from the original Challenger. The result: a bold, aggressive muscle machine that blends nostalgia with modern Dodge style.
"Our designers wanted to capture the mind's-eye view of what people today remember about the Dodge Challenger from 35 years ago," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design, Chrysler LLC. "Their challenge was to excite today's customer by capturing the emotion of the original Challenger, while offering today's comfort and performance."
On the exterior, the long, raised performance hood with scoops and recessed grille with round dual headlamps are reminiscent of the original Dodge Challenger. The bold A-line, or character line, that runs from stem to stern gives the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger an instantly recognizable muscle car profile. Retro dual rectangular exhaust outlets complete the look from the rear.
On the interior, the trapezoidal theme of the door-panel cove and gauge cluster, dark headliner and slanted shifter console are inspired by the original Dodge Challenger. The modern interpretation of the Dodge Challenger offers exceptional rear seating for a two-door coupe, achieving best-in-class rear head (37.4 inches) and leg (32.6 inches) room compared to the competition. Coupled with best-in-class cargo space (16.2 cu. ft.) - equal to the Dodge Charger - the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger offers added comfort and functionality.
Essential Technology
The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger offers customers a full range of innovative technologies including:
Dodge Challenger offers more than 25 safety and security features including:
2009 Dodge Challenger Production
The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger will be built at the Brampton Assembly plant in
We remind you that the Chrysler Group signed an agreement with Chery Automobile Co. last July to jointly develop, produce, and distribute small cars under the Jeep, Chrysler, and Dodge brands for North America,
Here’s the good news; Chrysler LLC’s Chairman and Chief Executive Bob Nardelli showed a quick montage of beauty shots featuring the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 production version during a speech to the Automotive News World Congress on Tuesday night (Jan. 22, 2008). The bad news is that this is the only shot we have. If any of you guys or gals happened to be there and you managed to take a pic or a video from the presentation, don’t hesitate to send an e-mail here. 
Following the sale of the No. 1 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 for $400,000 at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction on Jan. 19, Chrysler LLC announced today that it will proceed to the auction of the 43rd 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 on eBay beginning Feb. 12, 2008. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the “Victory Junction Gang Camp”, a year-round camp that serves children, ages 7 to 15, with a variety of health issues. In order to draw more attention on the auction, the No. 43 Challenger will be the only 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 to be painted B5 Blue, while the lucky buyer will also receive two VIP passes to the Dodge Challenger 500, May 2008, complete with airfare and lodging, a meet-and-greet session with Kyle Petty and an inclusion of a Dodge Motorsports prize pack with vehicle delivery.
The ZEO -which stands for “Zero Emissions Operation”, represents Dodge’s view of the not so far future. The four passenger sport-wagon concept is equipped with a 64 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack that feeds a 200 kilowatt (268 horsepower) single-electric motor capable of running for at least 250 miles (402 km). According to Dodge, the rear-wheel-drive ZEO can go from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in less than six seconds, which is more than enough to make us happy. -Continued
Press Release
Dodge ZEO Concept
Detroit, Jan 14, 2008 - The 2008 Dodge ZEO—Zero Emissions Operation—concept vehicle is a four-passenger, all-electric, “2+2” sport wagon that embraces the bold, emotional characteristic of the Dodge brand. With its 23-inch wheels-to-the corners, heroic proportions and muscular forms, the ZEO exhibits a new youthful breed of muscle-machine interface.
Dodge owners and those who will desire the ZEO concept are unquestionably driving enthusiasts. They are less family-oriented, with a desire for things that are high-tech, and place less emphasis on pure practicality. While they boast environmental and overall responsibility, they also exhibit a “need for speed.”
“The Dodge ZEO concept is designed to break the paradigm of what an electric car should look like,” said Bill Zheng, Dodge ZEO principal exterior designer. “An electric car can be as expressive as any gasoline-powered vehicle. The Dodge ZEO concept proves that point, and then some.”
To this end, the ZEO’s body has been given an active, three-dimensional form, with the fenders boldly offset to the body.
Dodge ZEO Concept Technology
The advanced propulsion system powering the Dodge ZEO concept is electric-only with a 64 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack capable of at least 250 miles.
Resting in a rear-wheel drive layout, Dodge ZEO’s 200 kilowatt (268 horsepower) single-electric motor contributes to a 0-60 mph time in less than six seconds, which rivals Chrysler’s famed HEMI powerplant.
Unlike other such vehicles, ZEO is a four-door, four-passenger vehicle that delivers function as well as environmental responsibility.
Dodge ZEO Concept Exterior
Nestled between the robust circular wheel arches, ZEO’s taut, elongated beltline ends with the signature Dodge kick-up at the rear, where the reverse-angle C-pillar is planted directly over the rear wheel arch.
Inspired in part by the architecture of a Möbius strip, Dodge ZEO’s rakish A-pillars curve into extended roof rails that twist and converge as they race rearward. The windshield glass continues in an unbroken, curving plane nearly to the rear of the car, giving both front and rear passengers an unimpeded, all-around view while showcasing ZEO’s inventive interior.
Other expressive details include “scissor” doors, front and rear lamps treated as separate sculptural forms, and the “ZEO Orange” and dark silver exterior.
“The lit crossbar grille,” says Zheng, “is designed to communicate the use of electricity as the ZEO’s power source.”
Dodge ZEO Concept Interior
Inspired by organic forms and wireless technology, Dodge ZEO’s interior is loaded with attitude and intelligence expected by youthful buyers.
“The Dodge ZEO concept is an example of designing for people who are used to a dynamic lifestyle and who are surrounded with information and virtual friends at all times,” says Lou Gasevski, principal interior designer of the Dodge ZEO concept.
The entire cabin is treated as if it were a single piece of sculpture.
A broad sloping fabric-wrapped surface in front of the driver curves dramatically into the door and quarter panel. It then sweeps around the back panel to the opposite side quarter and door, ending in a sloping surface in front of the passenger.
This design approach blends the usually separate-looking parts of the interior into a unified whole. A narrow strip of blue LED accent lighting on the doors and quarters lead to the back panel, adding to the sweeping effect. Most of the interior surfaces of the ZEO concept are colored in Super White, adding to the sculptural impression.
A slim center console slopes down from the windshield of the Dodge ZEO, creating a dual-cockpit effect. It then levels off to divide the cabin by continuing clear to the back panel. To avoid visual clutter, customary controls and a viewing screen are set flush with the surface.
Instead of a conventional instrument panel, the steering wheel, column and instruments are treated as a single freestanding design element. The Dodge ZEO concept’s steering wheel has two vertical spokes, set closely together, leaving 80 percent of the rim “open” for maximum visibility. The laid-back center hub, containing the driver air bag and auxiliary switches, is stationary, with the wheel rim revolving around it. Left and right horizontal paddle-levers just behind the wheel rim activate the remote radio functions.
The sloping plane of the center hub, which cantilevers forward above the steering column, houses the instruments which are displayed on a thin blue acrylic viewing screen set directly in front of the driver. The entire elegant multi-piece ensemble adjusts with the wheel rim to the driver’s needs.
Doors and quarters are bisected by a flaring, wide-to-narrow dark gray panel separating the upper and lower surfaces—with the lower portion of the door and quarter curving inboard to provide an armrest surface. Milled aluminum door pull handles, placed diagonally, act as accents.
Contrasting colored Copperhead stitching follows the forms of the ZEO’s Super White leather seats. For maximum comfort, the four bucket seats sport highly-contoured bolsters on the seat cushions and backs. When in the down position, the slim sculpted headrests nestle neatly into the tops of the upper seatbacks. The seat shells are constructed from milled aluminum, with video screens integrated into the front seatbacks.
With its bold exterior and curving, sculptural interior, the ZEO concept appeals to Dodge brand customers who want value, expressive design and useful technology.