Dodge Refreshes and Renames Nitro Lineup for 2010, 4.0-Liter V6 Standard Across the Range

The Chrysler Group has revised and renamed its Dodge Nitro range for 2010. The SUV's lineup now comprises of the Heat, Detonator and Shock trim grades, all of which are now powered by a 4.0-liter V6 with 260HP and 265 lb.-ft. (359 Nm) of torque (the previous entry level 210hp 3.7L V6 is discontinued).

All 2010 models come with more standard content including 20-inch alloys, eight premium speakers with a 368-watt amplifier and 9-inch subwoofer, deep-tinted glass, Uconnect Phone, iPod Control, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, speed control and security alarm.

The MSRP for the base 2010 Dodge Nitro Heat is set at $23,995 and includes a $745 destination fee.

Building on the former SXT model, the new Nitro Detonator model features 20-inch Mopar polished/painted alloys, hood decal, eight speakers plus subwoofer, remote start, ParkSense rear-park assist and color-keyed premium cloth interior that matches the exterior paint color. The 2010 Nitro Detonator is priced at $25,995 (including $745 destination).

Finally, the Nitro Shock adds heated leather seats and a sun roof to the Detonator model and is priced at $26,995 (including $745 destination).

Dodge offers the 2010 Nitro in nine exterior colors, including a new Detonator Yellow Clear Coat.

Dodge Challenger gets New Mopar Appearance Packages for 2010

The New Year brought new exterior and interior appearance packages from Mopar for Dodge's reborn Challenger muscle car. Available as a factory production option, the exterior kit includes a unique body-color hood with scoop, body-color rear "Go-Wing" spoiler and strobe stripe performance graphics. The exterior package can be yours for $1,995.

For the interior, Mopar's set includes a Mopar-branded T-handle shifter, bright pedal kit (only for automatic models), bright door-sill guards, premium carpet floor mats and a full vehicle cover. Dodge prices the interior package $945 for Challenger's equipped with an automatic transmission and $780 for cars fitted with a manual gearbox.

Both styling packages are available on Challenger SE (3.5-liter V6) and R/T (5.7-liter HEMI V8) models but only with these exterior colors: TorRed, Bright Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal and Bright White.

The Muschallaro: Part Challenger, Part Camaro, Part Mustang

A talented modeler named Robert D. came up with the wacky idea of creating a scale-model that combines elements from the latest editions of Detroit's pony cars: the body of a Chevy Camaro, the front end of a Dodge Challenger and the rear-end of the Ford Mustang. And this here is the result.

"I like the main body of the Camaro better than the Challenger. I like the Challenger front end better than the Camaro. Once the idea was in my head to add Mustang to the equation, it all came together, because I found out pretty quickly that the three could combine into one," Robert stated in a forum for model cars.

We don't have to tell those of that you have ever attempted to make a custom model that it's easier said than done. Nevertheless, after four painstaking months of work, Robert pulled it off.

And even if you disagree with the aesthetics or the parts of the three muscle cars that were chosen for the model, you can't but admire the result from a technical point of view.

Now, any ideas what the tri-pony car should be named?

Source: Fotki , Via: Model Cars and Car Domain - Thanks for the tip Marcus!

VIDEO: 2010 Dodge Viper ACR-X Racer Driving and Development Footage

Dodge is determined to let the Viper go out with a bang as the company is planning to introduced several limited edition versions of the sports car before production comes to an end in 2010. The third special Viper SRT10 is the ACR-X, a track ready racer boasting a modified V10 with 640 ponies, suspension and aerodynamic improvements as well as all a bevy of safety equipment. Hit the break to watch the video and don't forget to turn up the volume of your speakers to get a taste of the wonderful sounds of Dodge's new limited run 2010 Viper ACR-X.

Dodge Targets Enthusiasts with Race-Ready 2010 Viper SRT10 ACR-X Special

Today, Dodge unveiled the third limited, special-edition version of the soon-to-be-discontinued Viper SRT10 sports car, dubbed ACR-X. Based largely upon the Viper SRT10 ACR, the new model is a turn-key, non-street legal, racer that's powered by a tweaked version of the standard Viper's 8.4-liter V10 that gains new headers and a low-restriction exhaust system, increasing output by 40HP to 640 horsepower.

The Viper SRT10 ACR-X's suspension has been upgraded and tuned specifically for track usage, while the sport car's weight is lightened by 160 pounds (73 kg) over the standard production model.

Dodge said that the car also features additional aerodynamic upgrades to improve downforce as well as to enhance stability and grip in high-speed cornering.

As a track racer, the Viper ACR-X comes with all the usual factory-installed safety equipment such as a factory-designed roll cage, fuel cell and race seat.

Dodge said that during a testing session of the ACR-X at Laguna Seca raceway last month, professional driver Kuno Wittmer from the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship series, was able to run consistent 1:31.00 lap times around the 2.238-mile, 11-turn course.

This means that Wittmer's lap times were more than 3 seconds faster than the street-legal Viper SRT10 ACR which holds the production car track record at Laguna Seca raceway.

"The Dodge Viper ACR-X is incredible," said Wittmer. "After a short warm up, I was running lap times as quick as exotic GT race cars. I was blown away by the power and acceleration, and even more surprised at how the ACR-X navigated the challenging Laguna Seca corners and how friendly it was to drive at the limit."

The limited production 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X will go on sale in the States in Spring 2010 with prices starting from around $110,000.

LA Show: Dodge Celebrates Viper SRT10's Final Year with Special Editions and Minor Tweaks

Towards the end of 2010, Dodge will cease production of its Viper sports car that was first introduced in 1992. To celebrate the final production of the current generation Viper SRT10, Dodge is adding new colors, improving performance and introducing a series of special edition models. All in all, the Detroit automaker plans to build around 500 Vipers for the last model year.

Changes for the 'base' 2010 Viper SRT10 Roadster and Coupe models are limited to the introduction of two new exterior colors –Toxic Orange Pearl Coat and Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, and a shorter fifth gear ratio (changing from 0.74 to 0.80) for improved high-speed acceleration and higher straightaway speeds.

Power continues to come from a 8.4-liter V10 engine with 600HP and 560 lb.-ft. (760 Nm) of torque, with Dodge claiming a 0-60 mph (96 km/h)in under 4 seconds, quarter-mile time in the mid 11-second range and 0-100-0 mph in 11 seconds flat, and a top speed of 202 mph or 325 km/h.

Body style offerings remain unchanged with the availability of Roadster and Coupe models along with the ACR (American Club Racer) package

The hardcore Viper SRT10 ACR which recently set a new lap record at the Laguna Seca raceway, gets a new short-throw shifter and a redesigned rear wing profile and end plates in 2010. Dodge said that these changes combined with the new fifth gear ratio result in an increased top speed of 4 mph, to 184 mph (296km/h) for the ACR model.

At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Dodge introduced the first two of a series of special edition models of the Viper that are to come in 2010.

First up is the Viper ACR 1:33 Edition, which pays tribute to the new production car lap record set on Nov. 24 at Laguna Seca raceway. It features a unique two-tone Black Clear Coat / Red Clear Coat exterior color scheme which is the exact opposite of the original ACR model. Interior highlights include piano black console bezels with red gauge highlights complemented with red accent stitching in the seats. Production will be limited to 33 cars.

The second special model is the Vooodoo-edition Viper ACR that gets an all Black Clear Coat exterior with a Graphite Driver's Stripe outlined in red. Only 10 examples of this model will be built.

More details and pricing on all 2010 Dodge Vipers will be announced at a later date.

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10

_____________________________________________________________________

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR