Leaked Documents Reveal Dodge Modernizes 2011 Challenger Lineup With 305HP Pentastar V6, 475HP SRT 392 V8

Thankfully, the 2011 Dodge Challenger has earned itself a boost in technology and performance. The outputs of the new and expected power trains have been revealed, as well as the cars' specific targets through some leaked documents. And we're happy to say the power outputs are a pleasant surprise.

Scroll down for the full details, but here's the gist of it. The base Challenger model gets the new Pentastar V6 that puts out 305 horsepower to truly compete with the other two V6 Pony cars (let's hope Dodge did something about that heft, though).

Power is routed through a 5-speed automatic, one gear down compared to Ford and Chevy's 6-speed auto's. The base model gets a sporty suspension, dual exhaust, rides on 18's, and the car in its sights at the dealership across the street is the Chevy Camaro 1LT.

Also targeting the Camaro 1LT is a Rallye version of the V6-powered Callenger. The Rallye option snags fog lights, standard leather/heated seating, U-Connect/Satellite radio, and a 276-Watt amp pumping power to 6 Boston Acoustics speakers.

Going up against the more powerful yet comparably plain 426-horsepower Camaro SS will be the 379-horsepower / 410 lb-ft Challenger R/T. Power comes from a Hemi 5.7 liter V8, while the rest of the car gets performance-calibrated steering, suspension, and brakes. There's a color-coded spoiler, while inside is a 160-MPH speedo and some carbon trim.

Finally, the big dog: the one and only SRT 392. Packing a 6.4 liter V8, the newest Challenger daddy drops a 475-horse bomb likely through a 6-speed manual transmission. Torque figures sit at 460 lb-ft. The new SRT gets the necessary 392 badging, some carryovers from other models (although in this case there's a 180-MPH speedometer), and Brembo stoppers behind 20-inch rims. Inside is premium leather and a performance display in the dash.

The SRT's target is the new Shelby GT500, meaning that there will have to be something special about the Challenger to make up for its lack in brute force. Hopefully we'll get a more impressive interior to better battle the Mustang's primo seating area and continue to put the Camaro's to shame (before GM's 2012 update).

As soon as Dodge deems it time to officially release the 2011 Challenger, we'll let you know.

By Phil Alex

Source: Ontario Street Car , Via: Autoblog

Dodge Fan Renders 2012 Durango SUV from Official Sketches

couple of months ago we broke the story on the official patent drawings of the next Dodge Durango SUV (see here), or whatever else Chrysler LLC bosses decide to name it. Andrew Currie from the 'Cheersandgears' forums took a couple of these sketches and rendered them to offer us a more realistic view of Dodge's full-size SUV.

The Durango's successor is believed to ride on the same or lengthened version of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee platform, which was developed alongside the next generation Mercedes-Benz ML SUV.

Powertrain options will most likely include Chrysler LLC's new 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar with 290-horsepower and a 5.7-liter V8 HEMI with 360 ponies, while an all-wheel-drive option is certain.

Via: Cheersandgears

2012 Dodge Durango SUV Pictured in U.S. Patent Drawings

A Carscoop reader dropped these patent drawings of an unnamed Dodge SUV model in our mailbox last night. We performed a search of our own and can confirm that the images are indeed authentic.

And while there's always a possibility that we are wrong here, but from what we can tell by comparing the drawings to the latest scoops from around the web, it appears that the SUV - Crossover - CUV (take your pick) featured here is the 2012 Dodge Durango, or whatever else the Chrysler Group decides to call this model.

If you follow the jump and click the respective links, you'll see that the so-called 2012 (or 2011) Durango seen in the spy shots shares many styling cues with the vehicle pictured in these patent drawings.

These include the pronounced arches on the front and rear fenders, the shape of the window frames and the exhaust pipes. Even though under cover, the shape and styling of the headlamps and tail lights also imply that this is the same vehicle.

It is believed that the new Dodge CUV will make use of a lengthened version of the new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee's platform, which itself is derived from the latest Mercedes-Benz ML.

That said, the Dodge model will most likely be offered with the same 3.6-liter Pentastar and 5.7-liter V8 churning out 280HP and 360HP respectively, found on the 2011 Grand Cherokee.

Thanks for the images 'AC' - Spy Photo Links: Insideline & Caranddriver