2009 Dodge Charger SXT 3.5.(1).

It's been almost a year since a Dodge Charger passed through the Autoblog Garage, and this go-around was very different from the last. Comparedto our last Charger, this one is positively subtle. Last time around, we sampled one of Dodge's police car demonstrators decked out in full law enforcement regalia including a roof-top light bar and traditional black-and-white paint job. Driving the cop Charger was a mix of euphoria and paranoia. This time, Chrysler sent over a civilian SXT model powered by the company's 3.5-liter V6.

While the name hearkens back to coupes of the '60s and '70s (we'll ignore the forgettable badge job Omni edition of the '80s, thank you very much!) this is a full-sized sedan in the great American tradition. Given the current economic environment, future fuel economy regulations and the likely trajectory of gas prices, this is also a tradition that may be on its last legs. Read on after the jump to find out if this is a tradition worth preserving.

While the Charger's looks are all-American, some of the underpinnings actually descend from the previous generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The Charger and its LX platform stablemates – the late Magnum, the Chrysler 300 and, of course, the Challenger – were developed under the management of former owner Daimler. This is one of two platforms with which the Germans begrudgingly agreed to share their hardware, the other being the ill-fated Crossfire. Fortunately for Chrysler, the LX was and is far more successful. The LX architecture actually underpins one of Chrysler's truly distinct products in the U.S. market, and in spite of using older German bits underneath, the Charger remains a relatively modern piece of kit.

When you walk outside and take a look at your Dodge Charger, what do you see? A dynamic, exquisitely designed vehicle that has a tradition of exceeding all limits. That means you have a heavy responsibility. You have to take care of it the right way. CARiD™ understands the challenge, which is why we make it easy for you. We are home to the most extensive inventory of Dodge Charger accessories and parts found anywhere, and we know it. For imperative style and terrific value, your Dodge Charger needs are met right here. (Availability 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 models) View our selection or call: 1-800-505-3274.

When you own a vehicle, you always want it to be at its best. And that takes more than just oil changes and the occasional car wash. You need more. CARiD.com specializes in providing drivers with car accessories and truck accessories that add a distinctive touch. Whether you're searching for style, protection, or comfort, we host a wide array of premium-made options for you to choose from. Every major aftermarket manufacturer is on display at CARiD.com. Custom grilles, spoilers, wheels, floor mats, body kits, tail lights, chrome trim - basically all things automotive that unveil beauty and style.

Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300 confirmed for 2010.

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Ending speculation about what new products Chrysler will be rolling out in 2010 is none other than Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli. Now confirmed are redesigned full-size sedans in the form of a new Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 as well as a new Jeep. While none of these vehicles is likely to be particularly fuel efficient, the man behind the scenes at Chrysler also stressed that new fuel-saving models are on their way by means of the automaker's recent partnership with Nissan. We believe that the new vehicle will be a version of the Dodge Hornet concept that we've seen everywhere these last few years.

The redesigned 300 from Chrysler and the Charger from Dodge will be extremely important launches. We expect the square-jawed styling to be radically different since Ralph Gilles, who has promised more "organic" styling, is now head of design. Lastly, we're still a bit skeptical that Chrysler will be able to launch an electric car by 2010, we'd love to be proven wrong. A hybrid drivetrain for the Charger and 300, though, seems like a real possibility.

Dodge has remained a consistent force in the scene for decades, and that's due to its ever evolving product line as much as for the loyalty this company enjoys. The thunderous authority of their trucks and steadily performing SUVs and turbocharged cars effectively highlight the Dodge family. And when each model tells its own story you simply cannot help but listen intently. For those who drive the trucks or SUVs, many times it's the handling and rugged yet chic look. If it's the cars, it always seems to be the overwhelming road performance that blows people away. So what is it that you enjoy about your model? Whatever it is, chances are that CARiD enjoys it too, which is why we take extra special care in providing the right Dodge Accessories that give your model the fit and personality you have been searching for.

CARiD.com is devoted to providing a complete assortment of Dodge accessories and parts. From the Charger to the Ram, everything you'll find in our inventory is guaranteed to be of the highest quality. Car grilles, spoilers, floor mats, dash kits, chrome trim, and so much more - every area of your vehicle is taken care of. Our lineup of Dodge accessories and parts covers more model years than ever before, giving you the choices you need to bring your car, truck, or SUV the kind of attention it deserves.

2011 Dodge Charger Prototype Spotted.

Much has been said about the upcoming
2011 Dodge Charger, and the latest spy pictures of a prototype being spotted on the streets has just added to the mystery. We knew that the new model was going to feature some radical styling, and it looks as though Dodge have done just that on this prototype model.

Engadget came across some spy pictures while visiting caranddriver.com, and noticed right away that the front is more rounded and that crosshair grille is more prominent. You will also notice that the windscreen has a much more shaper angle and flows more.
The body looks as though it has put on some weight around the hip and shoulder, this is where most of the camouflage has been located, indicating that this is the most prominent feature to hide.
The rear of the car looks different as well; the rear fascia has a more smother design, much the same as up front. You will notice that the LED tail light cluster has a newer design. We all hope that Dodge will go back to a more vintage style than the modern styling of the current model.

We do not know for certain what power unit will be under the hood, but caranddriver.com speculates that this will be a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, this will be boosted to 390 hp from the current 368 horsepower. When you walk outside and take a look at your Dodge Charger, what do you see? A dynamic, exquisitely designed vehicle that has a tradition of exceeding all limits.

Image by jbspec7 via Flickr

That means you have a heavy responsibility. You have to take care of it the right way. CARiD™ understands the challenge, which is why we make it easy for you. We are home to the most extensive inventory of Dodge Charger accessories and parts found anywhere, and we know it. For imperative style and terrific value, your Dodge Charger needs are met right here. (Availability 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 models) View our selection or call: 1-800-505-3274

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When you own a vehicle, you always want it to be at its best. And that takes more than just oil changes and the occasional car wash. You need more. CARiD.com specializes in providing drivers with

car accessories and truck accessories that add a distinctive touch. Whether you're searching for style, protection, or comfort, we host a wide array of premium-made options for you to choose from. Every major aftermarket manufacturer is on display at CARiD.com. Custom grilles, rear spoilers, wheels, floor mats, body kits, tail lights, chrome trim - basically all things automotive that unveil beauty and style.

2011 Dodge Charger - Spied.

Speculation regarding the 2011 Dodge Charger has run rampant ever since a particularly intriguing picture was shown during Chrysler's major day-long, five-year business plan slideshow that was broadcast online.

It was obvious that the car pictured was not a current Charger or a previous concept, so the natural conclusion is that it was an intentional teaser of an exciting new product.

Judging by this series of spy shots from Car and Driver, it would appear that some of the more radical styling elements previewed in Chrysler's presentation will make it to production on the 2011 Dodge Charger. Starting up front we, see a more rounded and prominent crosshair grille. We also note that the greenhouse appears more flowing with a sharply raked windshield.

Along the bodysides, it's apparent that the 2011 Charger will have very pronounced hips and shoulders with what appears to be a camouflaged accent directly behind the front wheel wells. At the very rear, the next Charger echoes the changes we saw up front with a smoother rear fascia and new tail light design. So, do you like what you see?
When you own a vehicle, you always want it to be at its best. And that takes more than just oil changes and the occasional car wash. You need more. CARiD.com specializes in providing drivers with auto accessories and truck accessories that add a distinctive touch. Whether you're searching for style, protection, or comfort, we host a wide array of premium-made options for you to choose from. Every major aftermarket manufacturer is on display at CARiD.com. Custom grilles, spoilers, wood dash kits , wheels, floor mats, body kits, tail lights, chrome trim - basically all things automotive that unveil beauty and style.

New Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300 Scheduled for 2010 Debut

If you're of the opinion that the rear-drive Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger are both growing long in the tooth, you're in luck: replacements may arrive as soon as 2010.

The word comes from the top of Chrysler's management team. Appearing on Michael Eisner's CNBC talk show, Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli confirmed that new versions of both vehicles are currently under development. 
"In the pipeline for 2010: a brand new 300, a brand new Charger," Nardelli said. "I think the product cadence at Chrysler is coming back strong." 
Good thing, too - sales for the 300 thus far in 2008 are down 43 percent, while Charger sales slid a noticable ten percent. 
We'd expect the next-generation Charger and 300 to still carry Hemis and bold styling, but use designs that carry more sophistication than the current examples. In taking over the reigns at Chrysler's design studio, Ralph Gilles expressed interest in focusing on "organic design" and improved interiors - we hope to see both in the next 300 and Charger. 

Nardelli claimed that Chrysler, which drew criticism early this year for a lack of forthcoming product, has been working on several programs - including the new rear-drive cars - in secret. Though we know a replacement for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, a Nissan-sourced small car, and (possibly) some electric vehicles, Chrysler's reportedly planning to launch seven to nine new vehicles by 2010.   car accessories blog

When you own a vehicle, you always want it to be at its best. And that takes more than just oil changes and the occasional car wash. You need more. CARiD.com specializes in providing drivers with auto accessories and truck accessories that add a distinctive touch. Whether you're searching for style, protection, or comfort, we host a wide array of premium-made options for you to choose from. Every major aftermarket manufacturer is on display at CARiD.com. Custom grilles, spoilers, wheels, floor mats, body kits, tail lights, chrome trim - basically all things automotive that unveil beauty and style.

American Muscle.

Remember when America could first choose from all these burners: the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, Ford Mustang and Dodge Charger?

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If you guessed 1970, you’re right – it was the Challenger’s roll-out year. Of course, anyone intimately familiar with events 39 years ago probably has a few gray hairs, thinks music hasn’t been the same since Elvis died and is still searching for his or her favorite pair of bell bottoms.
However, if you picked 2009, you’re also correct. In this case, you likely haven’t been married that long, have young kids, are moving up in your career and want a flame-throwing vehicle to complement the tame sport utility or minivan in the suburban garage. This year won’t exactly go down as the rebirth of the muscle car, but the new Camaro’s sizzling introduction in spring 2009 has reunited it with the Charger, which has been out in mildly retro form for a few years, the Challenger, reborn last year, and the Mustang, which never went away.

Image by basegreen via Flickr

Through September, 114,319 of the vehicles were sold. The cars, generally priced from the $20,000s to the $40,000s, are available at dealerships in the Charleston area. What’s unusual is the high-performance sports cars, with ear-splitting V-8s churning out 400 or more horsepower, are proving alluring at a time when fuel economy is all the rage and buyers are steered to hybrids and other green machines. “We’ve had the Charger for a few years,” said Keith Roberts, general manager of Hoover Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Summerville. “The Challenger came out last year. It was a big hit.” Through September sales of the retro Challenger, powered by a 6.8-liter V-8 engine and available with colorful, striking siding such as orange with black stripes, has more than doubled from 2008, according to figures from Automotive News Data Center. In some cases, the models offer more muted versions along with the high-performance line. The Charger is often sold as a family sedan but can be purchased with the muscular SRT-8 package on it, which makes it “run like a scalded dog,” Roberts said.

Image by Joits via Flickr

The Camaro has proven to be the trendsetter, selling a blistering 39,151 in the past six months. Anticipated for the past two or three years, the new model has two engines, one topping 500 horsepower. "We sell every one we get," said Rick Pulcino, general manager of Hendrick Chevrolet in Charleston. "The American legend returned to the street today." According to published accounts, its success has pushed Ford to beef up the Mustang. A version of the proposed Mustang muscle car is scheduled to be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show this month. “There are several packages out there, Roush and Shelby, that are high-performance,” said David Walters, president of Jones Ford in North Charleston. “They have a loyal following. It’s somewhat surprising in the era of fuel economy,” Walters said.

Image by JLaw45 via Flickr

He suspects that buyers own a gas-sipping vehicle as their family car and are buying the high-performance models for other reasons. “I’m not sure it’s their everyday car,” he said. Roberts said he expects a core group to continue to buy the domestic power cars. “People are always going to be enamored with the muscle.”

When you own a vehicle, you always want it to be at its best. And that takes more than just oil changes and the occasional car wash. You need more. CARiD.com specializes in providing drivers with car accessories and truck accessories that add a distinctive touch. Whether you're searching for style, protection, or comfort, we host a wide array of premium-made options for you to choose from. Every major aftermarket manufacturer is on display at CARiD.com. Custom grilles, spoilers, wheels, floor mats, body kits, tail lights, chrome trim - basically all things automotive that unveil beauty and style.

Image by bjosefowicz via Flickr

When you walk outside and take a look at your Dodge Charger, what do you see? A dynamic, exquisitely designed vehicle that has a tradition of exceeding all limits. That means you have a heavy responsibility. You have to take care of it the right way. CARiD™ understands the challenge, which is why we make it easy for you. We are home to the most extensive inventory of

Dodge Charger accessories and parts found anywhere, and we know it. For imperative style and terrific value, your Dodge Charger needs are met right here. (Availability 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 models) View our selection or call: 1-800-505-3274