1962 Dodge Dart 440 5.2l Mopar on 2040-cars

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2014 Dodge Dart Blacktop hits the pavement ahead of Detroit

Dodge is getting ready to spread the Blacktop-themed love to the smallest member of its lineup. Last year, the automaker offered up Blacktop versions of the Avenger, Challenger, Charger, Durango, Grand Caravan and Journey. And now the Dart, too, gets its dark on for 2014, with the $295 package offered on Dart SXT models equipped with the Rallye Appearance Group. The Dart Blacktop will make its debut at the Detroit Auto Show next week.
As with the other Blacktop special-edition models, the Dart Blacktop gets glossy black accents for a "sporty, sinister look." The blacked-out treatment spreads across the 18-inch wheels to the crosshair grille, grille surround and headlamp bezels. The interior sees a similar treatment, with black and light tungsten or black and ruby red cloth to go with red accent stitching on the instrument panel, center console and seat bolsters.
For the 2014 model year, all Dart SXT and Limited models receive the 2.4-liter MultiAir2 Tigershark engine with 184 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, and since the Blacktop is based on the SXT, that's the powerplant buyers of this special-edition will get, too. Expect the 2014 Dart Blacktop to hit dealers in the first quarter, and while you're waiting, feel free to read more in the official press release below.

Chop the top of your new Dodge Viper for $35,000

We have good news, and we have bad news. First, the good: It's now possible to get a brand-new Dodge Viper roadster, which is nice, considering we're in the dead of summer and many of us like wind-in-the-hair motoring. Now, the bad: This is not a factory option from the automaker, instead coming courtesy of an aftermarket company called Prefix Performance, and that means it's going to cost you some serious coin.
Called Medusa, this drop-top Viper was created without the knowledge or consent of Dodge, but that's probably fine because Prefix works with the automaker already for the final preparation of the American supercar, including paint. According to the company, the current, fifth-gen Viper was built with a convertible version in mind, so no chassis strengthening is required. From the looks of the somewhat grainy photos available, the conversion appears of very high quality.
Want one? Well, that means you're going to need to procure a Viper - Prefix has 10 units ready for transformation as it stands - and that's going to cost at the very least $102,485. Then, you'll need to write a check for an additional $35,000 for Prefix to surgically remove the car's roof. Thing is, for that kind of cash, a prospective owner could buy, among other very nice options, a Viper hardtop and a loaded Miata, or a Corvette Stingray convertible and several pockets full of change. Or, perhaps a new Viper hardtop and a used, first-gen Viper convertible?

Dodge Viper ACR reportedly green lit [w/video]

The Dodge Viper might be getting a little more venomous in the near future thanks to a return of the performance-honed ACR trim. According to an anonymous source leaking the info to Allpar, the version would go into production in July as a 2016 model year vehicle. FCA US showed a concept for a future ACR (pictured above) at the 2014 SEMA Show that sported carbon fiber parts for the front splitter and dive planes, plus a picnic-table-sized rear wing. The body also received ducts at the rear to shoot cool air to the differential. A set of 15.4-inch carbon-ceramic brake rotors also brought things to a halt in a hurry. The company promised all the aero pieces were sculpted in the wind tunnel to give the coupe even more downforce. To shed weight, engineers chucked the radio, speakers, carpet and sound deadening out of the interior, and they replaced many bits with even more carbon fiber. All of the tweaks are necessary because the ACR moniker carries serious cachet for the Viper at the track, especially at the Nurburgring. One reportedly did a 7:22 lap around the 'Ring in 2008, and another improved that further to 7:12 in 2011. Autoblog reached out to FCA US for comment about the possibility for the hotter Viper, but the company wasn't willing to comment about any possible, future projects. Related Video: