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John Schneider's General Lee Dodge Charger up for auction

Over 150 years after it was first adopted, the Confederate flag is disappearing from license plates, state-legislature flagpoles, and even toy cars across the American South. While some are ready to bury those Stars and Bars forever as a symbol of racism and slavery, others will miss them as an emblem of freedom. Regardless of where you stand, the emergence of this particular vehicle on the auction block couldn't have come at a more poignant time. It's a 1969 Dodge Charger, and as you can see it's been done up just like the General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard. While it may not be one of the cars used in the original television series, it's not without its provenance. The vehicle is the last of four that were customized by John Schneider, the actor who – long after the rebel flag ceases to fly – will forever be remembered for his portrayal of Bo Duke on that timeless television show. It's painted orange, emblazoned with the number 01 on the doors, the words "Bo's General Lee" above each window, and that controversial flag on the roof. It also features signatures and messages inscribed by Schneider, as well as by Sonny Shroyer (who played Deputy Enos Strate on the show), and by sportscaster and former pro basketball player Jalen Rose who once owned the car. It appeared alongside Schneider in commercials and films, and in the pages of the Mopar Collector's Guide. Now it's set to be sold off to the highest bidder this weekend by Invaluable Auctions and Julien's Auctions, where it's expected to fetch between $200,000 and $300,000 – assuming the latest controversies don't hinder its chances.

Dodge recalls 2011-2016 Charger to give owners wheel chocks

A bizarre new recall gives wheel chocks to Dodge Charger owners so that people remain safe while changing the sedan's wheels. The campaign covers 441,578 examples of the 2011-2016 Charger in the US; plus 19,229 in Canada; 4,969 in Mexico, and 38,947 outside the NAFTA region. According to Dodge's announcement, owners should use the chocks to stabilize the Charger when using a jack to change the wheels, like in the case of a flat tire. Without them it's possible for the sedan to fall off the jack. The company is aware of three minor hand injuries from this problem. Dodge will notify owners by mail when they can pick up the free wheel chocks. FCA US spokesperson Eric Mayne offered Autoblog a more detailed explanation about this recall. "The body structure of this vehicle is unique. If owner's manual instructions are not followed, slippage may occur. Chocks are being provided to help ensure the instructions are followed," he said. "We are continually analyzing warranty data to identify ways to improve the ownership experience. When tire-jack data was reviewed, we identified a need to further assist our customers." Statement: Wheel Chocks February 3, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is conducting a voluntary safety recall to supply wheel chocks for an estimated 441,578 full-size sedans in the U.S. The chocks are for use, as instructed in the vehicle's owner's manual, when employing a tire jack to change wheels. When positioned diagonally opposite to the wheel being changed, the chocks will help stabilize the vehicle. Failure to follow the manual's instructions with an affected vehicle may cause the vehicle to come off the tire jack. FCA US is aware of three related injuries – all minor. The recall is limited to 2011-2016 Dodge Chargers. Also affected by the campaign are an estimated 19,229 cars in Canada; 4,969 in Mexico and 38,947 outside the NAFTA region. Recall notices will advise affected customers when they may obtain their wheel chocks, which will be supplied free of charge. Customers with questions or concerns may call the FCA US Customer Care Center at 1-800-853-1403.

Dodge Challenger Shakedown: '71 body, new guts

While Jeep has created a number of vintage-bodied custom vehicles with modern components, this year's SEMA show plays host to Dodge's take on the idea. The Shakedown concept began life as a 1971 Challenger and ditched almost everything in it, including the engine and chassis. What's left is a modern car with a retro look. The chassis was a particularly complicated part of the job, since the Challenger was originally a unibody car. However, Dodge chose to separate the Challenger's iconic body from its structural parts, and moved it onto a custom, one-off chassis from which the body can be removed as needed. The chassis also carries lowered suspension, Challenger Hellcat brakes, and a 6.4-liter 392 Hemi V8 connected to a six-speed manual transmission from the Viper. Dodge also installed the engine using the new Hemi engine swap kit from Mopar. With the shaker cold-air intake and custom exhaust, the Shakedown's powerplant makes 485 horsepower. View 13 Photos The body itself received plenty of tweaking as well. Dodge shaved off the drip rails, door handles, and turn signals for a cleaner look, and also fitted the grille, headlights, and taillights from a 2017 Challenger. The whole thing is finished in matte black paint with a "vibrating" stripe offset on the left side. The Shakedown also gets 20-inch Slingshot rear wheels and a pair of custom 19-inch versions for the front. On each fender is a bright red "392" decal that uses the same font as the labels on classic Mopars 360 cubic-inch V8s. Inside, the Shakedown gets the same radical upgrade as the chassis. Two Viper seats accompany a Viper steering wheel, and the rear seats are gone altogether. The Viper gearbox is shifted with a Challenger Hellcat gear knob, and carbon-fiber accents and leather adorn the wheel, door panels, instrument panel and center console. Related Video: Image Credit: FCA, Joel Stocksdale SEMA Show Dodge Coupe Concept Cars Performance