1999 Dodge Ram 3500 on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Roadkill builds crazy-cheap 1968 Dodge Charger rat rod using an old motorhome

Certain requests for description simply cannot be fulfilled, like if someone asked you to describe Picasso's Guernica or Gilliam's Brazil. There is only one appropriate answer to such entreaties, and that is: "You just gotta see it." That's where we are with the latest episode of Roadkill, wherein Messr's Freiburger and Finnegan dig out a 1968 Dodge Charger that Freiburger acquired in exchange for a set of cylinder heads, and intend to stuff it with the big-block motor from a long-bed, three-quarter ton Dodge pickup.
Only the pickup is too nice to tear apart, and the Charger needs a whole lot more lovin' - and parts - than initially expected. Enter, stage right, the Class A Dodge Pace Arrow motorhome with a 440 big-block purchased for $1,000, and a retired Plymouth Fury from a previous episode.
What ensues over the course of the 40-minute installment is more cuttin', yankin', leakin', stallin', hammerin' and smokin' action than you've seen in a long time, and some techniques that would have made even Cooter wonder, "I'm not sure if we should do that." By the end, though, the payoff is good enough to make you think about perusing AutoTrader for a '68 Charger just to see if maybe...

2016 Dodge Challenger and Charger Hellcats see doubled production

The launch of the Hellcat supercharged V8 in the Dodge Challenger and Charger for the 2015 model year was a massive success. The one-two punch of muscle cars probably grabbed the brand more headlines than it had seen in ages by offering a world-beating 707 horsepower from the growling engine under the hood. The only real wrench in the works was keeping up with all of the orders. For 2016, Dodge might have fixed that little problem with plans to make more than twice as many of these mean machines Despite production seeing a massive boost, a few customers with orders for 2015 examples will need to wait just a little longer to experience those 707 ponies. The automaker will cancel any unscheduled, sold orders for the current model, but those buyers will receive a discount on the 2016. Similar to last year, dealers will earn their allocation of the muscle cars based on Dodge sales and how long the Hellcats stay on their lots. There are some very tiny changes for any buyers who are holding out for the 2016 Hellcats, too. Mechanically, they are identical to the 2015s with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 and eight-speed automatic. The interiors see some improvements, though. Both the Challenger and Charger now receive standard Laguna Leather upholstery and an improved 8.4-inch Uconnect system with navigation, an HD radio, and five years of SiriusXM Travel Link and Traffic. Orders for both open in the second week of August, and production actually begins in September in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

Dodge Durango poised for SRT's devilish power-up

Does the world need a 707-horsepower Dodge Durango Hellcat? It looks like it's a possibility, according to recent spy shots of a suspicious test mule. But it could also be a Durango powered up with the FCA US 6.4-liter V8 that makes 475 hp. Spy shooters report that the mule captured here sounds like the Hellcat-powered Dodge Chargers and Challengers. Hidden design cues like the fascia suggest this Durango has truly devilish power. There's also a bulging hood with an air intake under the camouflage. So it could be a Durango Hellcat. It's also possible Dodge is dropping the 6.4-liter V8 used in the Grand Cherokee SRT under the hood of the Durango. Engine sharing makes sense, since both FCA SUVs are based on the same platform and built at the same factory in Michigan, though the Durango is longer to accommodate a third row. It is also more logical Dodge would add the 475-hp mill to the Durango's lineup first before going all the way to the 6.2-liter 707-hp Hellcat engine. The most powerful current Durango has a 360-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8. We expect the Durango will get a refresh for 2018. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Dodge Durango SRT Spy Photos View 16 Photos Spy Photos Dodge SUV Performance