1981 Dodge D150 Royal Half-ton Pickup Truck on 2040-cars

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Dodge Charger and Challenger go Plum Crazy for Woodward Dream Cruise

Dodge will be rolling through a purple haze at the 2015 Woodward Dream Cruise on August 15 with the reintroduction of Plum Crazy to the color options on most trims of the 2016 Challenger and Charger. To premiere the latest use of the wild shade, the brand's display at the annual Detroit-area automotive event will be showing off violet versions of the 2016 Dodge Challenger 392 Hemi Scat Pack Shaker and Charger R/T Scat Pack. The brash tone originally debuted in 1970, but Dodge has kept the lavender hue special in recent years by limiting the option to specific trims. It was last offered during the 2014 model year on R/T and SRT trims of the two vehicles. Practically any buyer will be able to go Plum Crazy if they want. On the Challenger, the color will be available on the SXT Plus, R/T models, Hemi Scat Pack Shaker, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat trims. The choices for the Charger will be similarly broad, including the SXT when ordered with 20-inch wheels, R/T versions, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat. Customers desperately wanting a vehicle in the insanely violet shade will be able to place the first orders in September, and dealers will get the chance from October through the end of the year. Production of the lavender muscle cars will then commence in November. Dodge Debuts Plum Crazy Heritage Hue for 2016 Challenger and Charger at Woodward Dream Cruise, Provides Collector-demanded Production Numbers for High-impact Paint Colors New 2016 Dodge Challenger 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker and Charger R/T Scat Pack Models in Plum Crazy Will Be Shown at the Dodge Display at 13 Mile and Woodward Ave in Royal Oak, Mich.

Ward's announces 10 Best Engines 2015

Ward's Auto has named its 10 Best Engines for 2015, covering a range of powerplants from fuel-sippers to fire-breathers. As with past years, forced-induction reigns supreme, with seven of the ten engines featuring a turbo or supercharger. This year is slightly different, though, as two of the seven blown engines are turbocharged three-cylinder mills, from the Ford Fiesta and Mini Cooper. They're joined by the 2.0-liter turbo four from the Volvo S60, the 1.8-liter turbo four from the Volkswagen Jetta and the 2.0-liter boxer from the Subaru WRX. BMW and Chrysler were the only marques to be named to this year's list twice, with the electric motor from the i3 joining the Mini's three-pot, and the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 in the Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee repping the diesel crowd, alongside a certain supercharged monster. Hyundai also took a prize with a zero-emissions powertrain, with the Tucson FCV's 100-kilowatt fuel cell making the list (apparently Ward's is quite generous with what it deems an "engine"). Rounding out the list are two Autoblog favorites, each displacing 6.2 liters, but producing their power very differently. On the one hand, Chevrolet's overhead-valve, 455-horsepower V8, found in the Corvette, makes its power the old fashioned way. And in the other corner, we have one of the most exciting engines of the year – the 707-hp, 6.2-liter, supercharged Hellcat V8, featured so prominently in the Dodge Challenger and Charger SRT Hellcat. "We spend a lot of time reading the powertrain tea leaves throughout the auto industry, and we're proud that this year's list is a microcosm of all the latest innovation coming from automakers," said Ward's Editor-in-Chief Drew Winter in a statement. "It's not just a list for enthusiasts or for environmentalists," he says. "There's something for every vehicle shopper and every budget. All the powertrains on this list deliver a first-rate driving experience," Winter added. Scroll down for the full list from Ward's, and let us know which engines you think belong and which should have been included in this year's rankings. Ward's 10 Best Engines of 2015 Announced by Penton's WardsAuto Honorees span most diverse and technically advanced engines in 21 years of recognized powertrain excellence SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Dec. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Penton's Wards 10 Best Engines of 2015 have been announced.

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.