2005 Dodge Durango Awd "a Must See" on 2040-cars

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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.

High-performance 2018 Dodge Durango SRT spied

Dodge is working diligently on revamping its lineup with new and refreshed models, including the high-performance Durango SRT due in 2017. Spy shooters captured a Durango with an aggressive front end that appears to fit the SRT bill, though it could just be a refreshed Durango. This Citadel-badged prototype is nearly identical to the current three-row SUV. The front fascia, which is being held in place by tape and has numerous rough edges, features a massive vent at the bottom and a distinct, three-holed air intake system just below the grille. The grille is also lacking the Durango's cross-like design. The front end appears to have gaping holes on both sides, with the right side being covered up by tin foil. The extra vents could be there for aerodynamic purposes, for cooling purposes, or just a pair of fog lights that Dodge doesn't want people to see. The high-performance SUV is expected to get a full makeover on the outside, which includes sportier wheels, a more aggressive hood, athletic body panels, and some aerodynamic components. The meat of the SUV, the engine, is still a mystery. While the Hellcat brothers feature a 707-horsepower, 6.2-liter supercharged V8, a previous report by Automotive News claims the upcoming Durango SRT will be powered by a 6.4-liter V8 engine. The 475-horsepower motor is currently in the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT. Regardless of what type of engine the Durango will have, it looks like Dodge really is working on a high-performance SUV to enter the continually-growing segment. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Featured Gallery 2018 Dodge Durango SRT Spy Shots News Source: Automotive NewsImage Credit: Chris Doane Automotive Spy Photos Dodge SUV Future Vehicles Performance

Weekly Recap: Ferrari plans to gradually increase production by 2019

Ferrari has long been known for the exclusivity of its performance machines. It's on a different level than Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes. But as it transitions to a new era of independence from Fiat Chrysler, Ferrari is going to get a little less exclusive. It's by design, and it means a subtle, slow ramp-up of production – a move Ferrari believes will ensure its future by meeting growing demand in new markets. The strategy was detailed in SEC documents filed this month as part of the company's pending stock offering. The files reveal Ferrari will gradually increase shipments to about 9,000 units per year by 2019. This is a reversal of Ferrari's 2013 plans to cap production at 7,000 cars annually, which it hit on the nose that year. Ferrari shipments inched up to 7,255 in 2014, though that's down from 2012's record tally of 7,405. Ferrari is a vastly different operation than it was in 2013. Longtime chairman Luca di Montezemolo stepped down last fall, and FCA chief executive Sergio Marchionne has been overseeing the company since then. Its IPO has attracted high levels of attention from enthusiasts and investors. As expected, demand has reportedly outstripped the availability of the stock, which has an estimated offering price of $48 to $52 a share. Speaking of more Ferraris, the company revealed a limited-edition model this week called the F12tdf (shown above). Based on the F12 Berlinetta, the car is a salute to the Tour de France endurance auto race that Ferrari dominated in the 1950s and '60s. The V12 engine's output increases to 769 horsepower, while weight is cut by 243 pounds – allowing for a sprint to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds. Dramatic carbon-fiber elements and a radical redesign of the body panels give the F12 a more dramatic look. It will be limited to 799 units over the life of the car. If this is how Ferrari is increasing production, we're more than okay with the company's new strategy. OTHER NEWS & NOTES Tesla software unlocks Autopilot features Tesla released the latest version of its software for the Model S this week, which allows the all-electric sedan to drive in a semi-autonomous state called Autopilot. Tesla Version 7.0 enables the Model S to maintain lane position, change lanes by touching the turn signal, and manage the car's speed using an advanced, traffic-sensing cruise control. It also has a parallel parking feature, which searches for open spots and then parks your Tesla.