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Chrysler set to make $266M-investment into 8-speed transmission production

Chrysler will shortly make a significant $266-million investment into its Kokomo, IN transmission factory in a bid to expand production of its eight-speed automatic transmissions. The gearboxes, which are built under license from Germany's ZF Friedrichshafen, have been well received by customers and critics, and according to an SEC filing obtained by Automotive News, the transmissions will eventually find their way to all of Chrysler's rear-drive offerings (Viper and heavy-duty Ram models, aside). According to AN, a Chrysler spokesman says the investment has not been confirmed, but once it is, it'll mark the company's latest in a growing line of investments at the facility. Chrysler has poured $1.5 billion into Kokomo since 2009.

2021 Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye starts at $80,000

This year the 2021 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye becomes the most powerful factory Charger ever. And, big surprise, it's the most expensive Charger in the lineup, with a base price of $80,090 including the $1,495 destination charge. That's also a $2,000 premium over a Challenger Hellcat Redeye, so you're arguably paying $1,000 per extra door. But can you put a price on the satisfaction of sharing 797 horsepower with your friends? Pricing for the rest of the 2021 Charger lineup is out, too. Only three models see price increases: R/T, Scat Pack and Scat Pack Widebody. The R/T is up by $500, the Scat Pack by $600 and the Scat Pack Widebody by $100. These relatively unchanged prices reflect a lack of changes to Chargers. Besides the aforementioned new Hellcat Redeye, there are new 20-inch wheels available for all-wheel-drive Charger GT and SXT, and the regular Charger Hellcat gets 10 more ponies for 717 total. Otherwise the lineup carries over unchanged for the new model year. Dealers can start putting in orders for cars in September, and the first 2021 models should start arriving early next year. Related Video:    

Dodge Dart Registry helps you crowdsource money for your next ride [w/video]

To be honest, we're surprised something like this didn't pop up sooner. Chrysler is riffing on gift registries for couples getting married or expecting babies and cross-pollinating it with a social media funding website like Kickstarter to help customers buy its 2013 Dodge Dart. The Dodge Dart Registry allows people to build and customize a new Dart exactly how they want it, then let other people purchase some or all of the components as gifts.
The registry lets you add features like dark headlights, dual exhaust, various wheels and even interior options without choosing a specific trim level. This sounds a lot like the system Scion uses to let its customers configure cars, and this could be a great idea for Dodge. Of course, this system has the added benefit of being a social media affair for you to share with your friends... you know, so they can help pay for some of the parts, too.
The best thing about the registry is that you can configure your dream Dart from the comfort of your home computer, which strikes us as much better than walking around Bed, Bath and Beyond for the better part of an afternoon with an electronic scanner. The one thing that Dodge doesn't offer? "Thank You" cards. Those are on you.