2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 and SE V6

From the instant the Dodge Challenger hit the scene in 2008, it was apparent that Chrysler had taken a different tack with its retro muscle car than Ford orChevrolet. Larger, heavier and more comfortable than either the resurrected Camaro or rebodied Mustang, the Challenger was more grand tourer than a red light terror. But with the Pentastar’s resurrection comes two new powerplants, both of which make an already solid package even more appealing for those seeking style seasoned with a healthy dose of all-American get-up-and-go.

Along with a suspension that’s been spit-polished to provide more feedback and better dynamics, Moparengineers have plopped a new 3.6-liter V6 and 6.4-liter V8 under the long, squared-off hood of the 2011 Challenger to create the new base SE and top-shelf SRT8 392 models. With the rev-happy six cylinder begging to be flogged and the new V8′s voracious appetite for asphalt, both engines drastically alter the big daddy muscle bruiser’s personality while offering better fuel economy than their 2010 predecessors. If you’ve been able to resist plopping yourself behind the wheel of a Challenger so far, your self-control may have finally met its match.

2011 Dodge Charger

Bo and Luke have matured a bit since The Dukes of Hazzard went off the air in 1985. The pair drove, crashed and flew plenty of Rebel-flagged Chargers in their day. Having matured past these antics, both men would likely appreciate the 2011 Dodge Charger. Certainly, the sedan’s styling more closely matches the second-generation Mopar they’re known for hotfooting, and the significantly improved interior would also likely satisfy their more refined backsides.

We knew what to expect when we saw the new Charger earlier this month. We were part of a small group of journalists granted a sneak peak at an early styling study of the rear-wheel drive sedan way back in December of 2008. But at the time – given Chrysler’s dire condition and the tanking economy – we had our doubts if the lights would remain on in Auburn Hills long enough for the new Charger make it to market.

The good news is that Chrysler is alive and at least somewhat well, and that the new Charger eclipses the outgoing model in major ways. Could the 2011 Charger be enough to stoke the fire for a Dukes of Hazzardreunion? Find out after the… jump.

2011 Dodge Journey

With all of the Chrysler models receiving updates both significant and otherwise, it’s understandable if you’ve gotten a little lost in the fray. Here’s what you need to know: One of the most surprising bright lights to come out of the company’s refresh bender is the 2011 Dodge Journey. While the 2011 Dodge Charger and Durangomay have stolen the spotlight with their new sheetmetal, the Journey has transmogrified into a small family hauler that offers plenty of horsepower, acceptable fuel economy and a massively updated interior. There’s even one of the quickest and largest touchscreens of any vehicle we’ve come across nestled in the dash.

Given Chrysler’s recently discovered love of installing much-improved interiors in its vehicles, the newfound goodies indoors should come as no surprise. But the company’s engineers seem to have spent just as much time tweaking the crossover’s driving character, resulting in a complete package that has turned it from being a washed-up never-was into a competitor almost overnight.

2011 Dodge Durango

Geologically speaking, dinosaurs ruled the earth for a brief period. In automotive terms, the same holds true for the traditional sport utility vehicle. But while dinosaurs will never return, SUVs are attempting a comeback.

Autoblog readers all know the history of the American SUV; it started with the Suburban in 1936 whenChevrolet dropped a station wagon body over a truck chassis. Natural selection favored utilitarian characteristics, so the Suburban grew. Other forces were active in the land of Jeep. Their Wagoneer (1963) survived for decades thanks to genes that combined plushness with off-road capabilities. Another variation on the SUV was the unibody Jeep Cherokee XJ (1984), a new phylum that somehow mutated from body-on-frame parents.

Environmental influencers such as cheap gas and low lease rates caused an SUV Cambrian Explosion throughout the 1980s and 90s. Spontaneous parallel genesis occurred at other manufacturers yielding dozens of Darwinian finch-like variations. Then disaster struck. The entire range of SUVs nearly went extinct with the meteopreric impact of 2008′s financial collapse and a spike in fuel prices. Does the 2011 Dodge Durango resent the rear-wheel drive SUV’s last gasp or its reemergence?

Officially Official: This is your 2011 Dodge Avenger

It certainly seems that not a week goes by without Chrysler unveiling a substantially refreshed 2011 model, but if any automaker needs to do a full-line makeover, it’s the Pentastar. Take this 2011 Dodge Avenger, for example – its new interior, better powertrain choices and more aggressive suspension are greatly needed, especially since it is perhaps the most frequently overlooked vehicle in the entry-level mid-size sedan segment.

Very minor adjustments have been made to the Avenger’s exterior, notably a revised lower front fascia and the addition of LED taillamps out back. It’s a much more conservative refresh than the exterior changes on itsChrysler Sebring 200 twin, but we’re willing to bet that many of you think it needed less work than the Pentastar-badged model to begin with.

Like the rest of Chrysler’s refreshed products, the Avenger gets a nearly all-new interior, and if you simply reference the old cabin versus the new one, you’ll see what an improvement it is. The automaker also promises a much quieter cabin, with extensive effort paid to sound deadening.

2011 Dodge Challenger gets new Pentastar V6 with 305 HP

It’s no secret that Chrysler is making the most of its new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. We’ve tested this mill in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and know the automaker has plans to offer it in the forthcoming Dodge Avenger, Durango, Charger and Journey, as well as the new Chrysler 200, 300 and Town & Country. Good news all around, but what’s most interesting is that the Challenger pony car will benefit from Pentastar power, meaning that the base V6 model will be better poised to compete with its cross-town rivals, the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro.

The 2011 Challenger V6 will produce 305 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque, gains of 55 hp and 18 lb-ft versus the 2010 model. Compare that to the Mustang with its new 305-hp 3.7-liter V6 and the Camaro with its direct-injected, 312-hp 3.6-liter six, and what we have here is quite the showdown. Now, all the Challenger needs is a slightly better interior, and we’ll be in business.

See how the V6 Challenger stacks up to the Mustang and Camaro side-by-side in the table below, and follow the jump for Chrysler’s official press release.

Dodge Journey gets Pentastar engine, new interior for 2011

As Chrysler continues its effort to drastically refresh the majority of its product portfolio in short order, we’re seeing a raft of updated interior refinements and powertrain enhancements making their way across the full range of Pentastar vehicles. The big news for most of these vehicles is better interior quality, and no place is that more apparent than on the 2011 Dodge Journey. Have a look at the old Journey’s cockpit and compare that with the new one. On face value alone, this looks to be a massive improvement.

Updated interior aside, the 2011 Journey receives revised suspension geometry, better tires and an overhauled steering system in an effort to make things more engaging from behind the wheel. In the biggest development of all, Chrysler’s new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 is under the hood, delivering 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. V6 models also receive a more aggressive lower front fascia, 19-inch wheels and LED taillamps.

2011 Dodge Charger: First official images, details released

The hotly anticipated 2011 Dodge Charger has beat a path onto the Internet in a million little ways, but this is the first complete, undisguised look that we have of the redesigned muscle sedan after a seemingly endless stream of spy shots and leaks.

Said to be more closely inspired by the second-generation Charger of 1968-1970, the rear/all-wheel-driver picks up the classic model’s full-width rear taillamps but goes without the original’s hidden front lighting. That massive ‘race track’ brake lamp assembly, incidentally, is illuminated via 164 LEDs. The nose appears to be more closely derivative of the outgoing model, albeit with a prominent grille assembly that sits a bit more proudly ahead of the front fascia.

Under that big hood, Chrysler confirms that the 2011 Charger will receive both the 5.7-liter V8 Hemi and the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 as expected. All-wheel drive will be available in R/T trim, and the system includes a front-axle disconnect function to aid in fuel economy, meaning that when it isn’t needed, the AWD Charger ought to behave like its rear-drive counterpart (albeit with some extra weight from the additional componentry).

2011 Dodge Ram Laramie Longhorn edition debuts in Texas

As part of the kick-off ceremonies for the State Fair of Texas, Chrysler debuted its latest version of the Ram – the Laramie Longhorn edition. (Think King Ranch, only Chrysler). Available on 1500, 2500 and 3500 trims, the Longhorn can be had in a variety of two-tone color schemes, including the model-specific sagebrush green and white gold seen in the stock photos.

The real story with the Longhorn is its interior, which is done up in full leather with real woodgrain trim throughout. (For reference, even the highest-grade Ford F-150 isn’t available with real woodgrain.) Added touches like flap-closure pockets on the front seatbacks with a metal buckle and magnetic clasp and unique seat piping look like a high-zoot cowboy’s dream, and with the plethora of Longhorn badging both inside and out, this is sure to be the sort of pickup that no one wants to get dirty. Consider it your fancy-pants out-on-the-town truck.

Saddle up and make the jump to read the full list of Longhorn upgrades in Chrysler’s press release, and take a gander at some high-res shots in the gallery below.

2011 Dodge Durango unveiled

Chrysler has just pulled back the curtain on the 2011 Dodge Durango, and the newest iteration of the Auburn Hills brawler looks to have all of the bones it needs to be competitive in one of the industry’s most crowded segments. For next year, the vehicle will ride on a new unibody platform wrapped in freshly-minted sheetmetal. More importantly for those looking to ferry their brood about town, it will also boast a full three rows of seating. Under the hood, buyers can look forward to picking between the company’s new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 or a 5.7-liter V8 with 6,200- and 7,800-pounds of towing capacity, respectively. All-wheel drive is available with both power plants.

Chrysler hasn’t provided any fuel-economy estimates just yet.

The interior was worked over by the same gurus responsible for the superb, hide-lined cabins in the Dodge Ram and Jeep Grand Cherokee, and judging by the one teaser photo the company released this morning, it looks like a fine place to whittle away the miles. There look to be a host of smaller, but equally important changes onboard the Durango as well, including an all-new Dodge emblem on the steering wheel. If you were waiting to see what the face of the new Chrysler would look like, search no more. It’s here. Look for the Durango to hit dealer lots by late this year.