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2016 Dodge Viper ACR is ready to take a bite out of the Corvette Z06 [w/video]

The Dodge Viper ACR is back, and as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles tells it, it's the most venomous breed ever born. Before you get too excited, the 8.4-liter V10 produces 645 horsepower; five more than the standard Viper and five less than the supercharged Chevrolet Corvette Z06. It's unclear why Dodge didn't extract more from the huge engine, although we somehow imagine that certain people in Maranello, Italy had a say in the matter. Instead of blessing the ACR variant with bunches of extra output, Dodge instead turned to an aggressive aerodynamics package that it claims delivers nearly a ton of downforce at the Viper's maximum speed of 177 miles per hour. The total aero package includes an adjustable, twin-element, carbon-fiber rear wing, carbon-fiber diffuser, an extendable front splitter, and dive planes. Those big louvers on the hood? Yeah, they're removable, too. The "race-tuned" suspension uses coil-over Bilstein shocks that offer ten different settings and up to three inches of height adjustment. Kumho Ecsta V720 tires were built specifically for the Viper ACR, and come in 355/30 in back and 295/25 in front, with 19-inch wheels at all four corners. Along with the aero improvements, Dodge is claiming the Viper can pull a race-car-like 1.5Gs in higher-speed turns. Carbon-ceramic brakes with six-piston calipers add the stopping power that's greater or equal to the ACR's cornering performance. Dodge was also keen to reduce weight, taking some rather dramatic measures in the effort. The stereo has just three speakers, while the electric function was removed from the seats. Even the carpet has been replaced with a "lightweight" alternative. Finally, Dodge is offering up the innovative 1 of 1 customization it pioneered with the Viper GT earlier this year. That means that not only can you get the fastest Viper ever built, but it'll be entirely your own when you take delivery.

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.

Chrysler's next-gen minivans will get more expensive

Chrysler introduced the value-oriented Great American Package on the base model Chrysler 300 in 2005. That morphed into the American Value Package available as an option on the Dodge Grand Caravan in 2012, which made it the lowest-priced minivan in the country, now with an MSRP of $21,395. Automotive News reports that Chrysler is going to kill the value package when the new Town & Country arrives for 2017, because the new platform and technology of the coming minivan make it "a difficult price point to get to." AN says the next-generation haulers will come in around $26,000 and can go beyond $45,000 with options; clicking every "Add" button we could find on the Town & Country build page, we couldn't get past $43,000 for today's model. That entry pricing in 2017 would eliminate the first three trims on the Dodge option, the American Value Package, the SE that starts at $24,195, and the SE Plus that starts at $24,995. This makes us think the next-generation haulers will take a sizable step upscale in terms of feel, content, and trim, a la the Chrysler 200. In this writer's opinion, if they do as good a job as they've been doing recently, the extra money will be worth it. There have been spy shots and a lot of rumors about it, like the Caravan minivan going away and becoming a crossover, but we'll see it revealed at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show. News Source: Automotive News - sub. req. Chrysler Dodge Car Buying Minivan/Van chrysler town and country price dodge grand caravan