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concept cars

How GM Killed The Crossover: The Brief Life Of The Chevy XT-2 Concept Truck

In 1989, it was increasingly clear a new revolution was coming to the truck market, but what shape it would take was still a mystery. With the staggering success of large body-on-frame SUVs and light trucks just a gleam in the eyes of automakers, GMs design team continued down the path of car-based pickups with the Chevy XT-2 Concept Truck. Although we now know car-based pickups and SUVs lost the battle to large SUVs shortly thereafter, it appears the XT-2, an essentially ignored concept here in the United States, may end up winning the design war.

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Feature

12:05 PM on Tue Jul 22 2008
By Matt Hardigree
2,332 views, 63 comments

Latest by thatguy01: Someone was looking at the Hot Wheels catalog. [i20.ebayimg.com] more »

question of the day

What European Cars Should American Car Companies Bring Over?

We're constantly harping on American companies for not bringing over their European cars, but with news that Ford is doing just that, the question has new immediacy. The British Motor Show is a good place to start. The show will witness the debut of the Ford Focus RS, which speaks to a rally heritage we don't have but sorely need. Maybe it's the technology, or maybe we just want the diesel versions of cars we already have. More »

11:40 AM on Mon Jul 21 2008
By Matt Hardigree
3,405 views, 114 comments

Latest by luima: Catterham R500??? more »

industry news

Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger To "Fight Back" With Better Trim, Smaller Engines

Chrysler's latest survival scheme? Fancy toys in budget models. It used to be, that if you wanted heated seats and other fancy interior amenities in your Chrysler Sebring or Dodge Avenger, you had to plop down more cash for the 3.5-liter V6-equipped models. Now, as the company struggles to stay afloat amid high gas prices and a weak economy, it's rethinking that approach and now looking to offer high-spec in its four cylinder models and dropping the highest trim level as part of a plan they're calling "Fight Back." At what? Hit the jump for the answer. More »

1:11 PM on Fri Jul 18 2008
By Wes Siler
3,091 views, 61 comments

Latest by n/a: I think we may see the same waking giant we saw in the early 90s with the cab forward desinged LH cars, the 94 Ram and the 96 Caravan. more »

industry news

Chrysler Minivans To Get Hybrid, Diesel Power According To Windsor Daily

A recent report in the Windsor Star claims the cars Chrysler plans to hybridize by 2013...will be minivans. On top of that, they're even looking at a diesel version of the soccer mom-mobiles, with both to be built at the company's Windsor, Ontario plant. More »

12:45 PM on Wed Jul 16 2008
By Andrew Stoy
1,639 views, 23 comments

jalopnik reviews

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Part Three

Why you should buy the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8:
You love America and everything it stands for. You break out in hives at the thought of restoring an old '71 Challenger, but still want to live life looking good, moving fast and bleeding red, white and blue. Your nickname was "Super Soul" or your last name is "Kowalski."

Why you shouldn't buy this car:
You hate America and everything it stands for. You are content living your life in a drab, vanilla coma, never once yearning to break free to live life the way it should be lived. You know, like it was thirty years ago. Also, you're a red commie liberal hippie who smells vaguely French. Comprendez-vous?


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Feature

3:00 PM on Fri Jul 11 2008
By Ray Wert
8,007 views, 95 comments

Latest by Ray Wert: @joelja: So would the correct spelling of the word "aught" or "ought." @sos10: Ain't that the truth. more »

jalopnik reviews

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Part Two

Exterior Design: *****
The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 gets all five stars for providing a perfect example of a polarizingly retro design done right. You either love it or you hate it. Although we've yet to find a single soul who is willing to shout this pony down in person. From the big, strong front fascia and that creased centerline to those broad haunches in the back, this muscle car oozes bad-ass.

Interior Design: ***
Inasmuch as the exterior was crafted with pound upon pound of love and care, the interior feels like the ginger-headed stepchild of the design process. The flat plastic dash, while soft-to-the-touch, looks bare, forlorn and unloved. The woven leather steering wheel feels less sturdy than this car deserves. Still, the Challenger SRT8 gets one star for a back seat with the spaciousness of the original, another star for those bolstered front seats and yet another for the faux suede along the doors. Nice touch, Dodge.

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Feature

3:00 PM on Thu Jul 10 2008
By Ray Wert
5,911 views, 64 comments

Latest by n/a: Bumblebee, It is, but unfortunately the confederate flag option was pulled at the last minute. more »

toys

Ultimate Diecast Toy Car Created: 1979 Chrysler LeBaron Town And Country!

That's right, dear readers, humanity has now officially reached the pinnacle: diecast 1:24 and 1:60 scale replicas of the amazing '79 Chrysler LeBaron Town And Country station wagon! With an even hundred horses from its undaunted-by-Malaise 225 Slant Six, the 3,600-pound Town And Country provided a great example to road-tripping families eager to teach the kids about the proverb of the Tortoise And The Hare. Thanks to 57Sweptside for the tip! [Motormax]

5:00 PM on Wed Jul 9 2008
By Murilee Martin
1,337 views, 37 comments

jalopnik reviews

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Part One

Michigan's M-1 is a state trunk road that starts at downtown Detroit's waterfront drive, Jefferson Avenue, then shoots north in a straight line for 21.4 miles, past some of the poorest and wealthiest neighborhoods of the metro region until it loops back down the other direction in the city of Pontiac. And really, nobody calls it "M-1." Everyone knows it as Woodward Avenue and it's the heart of the Midwestern metropolis dubbed the Motor City. But until this morning, I didn't realize how important this stretch of road was to me. Many of you may not know, but this past month I moved to New York. Until the start of last month, I'd lived my entire life in this corner of Michigan. But this week I'm back in Detroit for one reason, and one reason alone — an entire week of driving the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8. It's a car imbued with so much positive energy there's only thing I can think of to do it justice. I plan on running Dodge's muscular old-school revival up and down Woodward Avenue, stoplight-to-stoplight, from downtown Detroit to Pontiac until I pass out from exhaustion or the gas station declines my credit card.

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Feature

4:00 PM on Wed Jul 9 2008
By Ray Wert
8,581 views, 103 comments

Latest by n/a: @SVTFan: Indeed! Fine choices. more »

jalopnik reviews

Dodge Charger Police Edition, Part Three

Why you should buy the 2008 Dodge Charger Police Edition:
You need a big cruiser, but need muscle car speed. Your department has a bunch of money to spend after a big drug bust. You've got to reunite your band and save an orphanage.

Why you shouldn't buy this car:
You think high-speed pursuits are unnecessary and dangerous. You complain about high gas prices. You think the police shouldn't carry guns. You're a neo-Nazi from Illinois.

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Feature

12:00 PM on Thu Jul 3 2008
By Mark Arnold
2,081 views, 27 comments

Latest by NovaloadMissesPolar: Great review!VA has been running grey Chargers as unmarked for quite a while--they are harder to see coming up on you. There are a few in livery as well. But since I'm on the road to and from the state's more »

jalopnik automotive amerigasm

Five Reasons Why We're Not Proud To Buy American Cars

We just read Car & Driver's recent salute to five vehicles demonstrating all that's right and good with American car companies. Although they're right to be pointing out five great products, the Amerigasmic rah-rah fest left a bad taste in our mouths. Not because it's slightly sycophantic, but merely because it's too easy a list to create. There's just far too few American vehicles that show off the good, and so many that show off the bad. Frankly, we could do a list of the five cars that make us not want to buy American, but we're much more interested in helping our automakers help themselves by pointing out what's ailing them. Without further ado, here's our continuation of this weeks Jalopnik Automotive Amerigasm with the five reasons why we're not proud to buy American cars. More »

Feature

11:15 AM on Thu Jul 3 2008
By Wes Siler
50,833 views, 189 comments

Latest by sleze69: @Solo_Racer: I am glad that I am not the only person who thought she is a crap writer. Her ideas, on the other hand, are wonderful. more »

i feel gassy

Hybrid SUVs Skip Gas-Guzzler Tax, Still Get Hybrid Credit Thanks To Tax Code Loophole

GM's two-mode hybrids, the Tahoe and Yukon, along with Chrysler's versions, the Durango and Aspen, have come to an ironic intersection in the tax code: These vehicles are eligible for a hybrid tax credit, yet theoretically should also be hit with the gas-guzzler tax. Does that sound like the world's loopiest loophole to you? We certainly think so. More »

9:40 AM on Thu Jul 3 2008
By Andrew Stoy
2,470 views, 91 comments

jalopnik reviews

2008 Dodge Charger Police Edition, Part Two

Exterior Design: ****
The 2008 Dodge Charger Police Edition benefits from the inherently aggressive looks of the standard Charger's angry headlamps and strong rear haunches. Of course, each car's style will be affected by the livery of its jurisdiction. Our car looks badass in black with the exposed steel wheels and a spot lamp mounted in the A-pillar, but we would've liked to have a push-bar in front to make it even more intimidating.

Interior Design: ***
Function rules over form inside the Police Edition. The center console and floor shifter have disappeared, making room for a large mounting surface for police equipment, relocating the autostick to the steering column. You would think a cop car might have some sort of donut holder molded into the dashboard, but there aren't even any cup holders. But the three stars come entirely from the rubber floors, making you free to spill beverages or bodily fluids without fear of a difficult cleanup, and the red night-light.

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Feature

12:00 PM on Wed Jul 2 2008
By Mark Arnold
3,304 views, 29 comments

Latest by n/a: HmmmmSpeaking from a pure Honda / Toyota / Nissan and Mazda loving background... THis damn car.. is damn fucking hot. I mean honestly.. that front clip is hot.The dog dish caps.. is hot. This.. is a guilty pleasure. To drive this bad SOB more »

car industry carnage

Car Industry Carnage: US Auto Sales Down 18.8% For June

Everybody knew it was coming, but the extent of the disintegration of the US automotive market came clearly into view today as automakers reported their sales figures for June. During a month when the national average price of gasoline topped an average of four bucks, what does one expect? Well — how about an 18.8% decline in sales. Fercrissakes, the Hummer brand saw a year-over-year fall of almost 60%! Un-freakin'-believable. What we have here folks is an automotive bear market — actually probably the worst bear market in the history of the industry. And like all bear markets, there are some clever companies which manage to shine even during the worst of times. Follow along as we discuss today's car industry carnage. These numbers are sourced from Automotive News as well as directly from manufacturers and are unadjusted unless otherwise noted. More »

Feature

7:20 PM on Tue Jul 1 2008
By Ben Wojdyla
6,263 views, 124 comments

Latest by superbmtsub: I disagree with the styling of Mitsubishi vehicles with the exception of the Gallant. Their biggest problems are their interior which is on par with a cheapo Pontiac and same goes to the reliability and quality. more »

jalopnik reviews

2008 Dodge Charger Police Edition, Part One


If you saw Top Gear last week, you saw the boys compete to find the best sub-£900 replacement for the British standard Opel Astra police car. They shouldn't have bothered. There's already something bigger, stronger and faster in the colonies — and we've driven it. Just ignore the price tag and fuel economy. —Ed.

Barreling down the highway in the 2008 Dodge Charger Police Edition, I'm on a mission. It's 106 miles to Chicago, I've got a full tank of gas, and I'm supposed to meet Hardigree on the Southside in an hour at the 95th Street drawbridge. Legally, there's no way for me to make it on time, and even though this is a cop car, I've no sirens or flashing lights to assist me in pursuing above-the-law speeds. What I've got instead is a stripped-down, blacked-out cruiser that feels like the spiritual successor to the Dodge Monaco Elwood Blues picked up from the Mt. Prospect city police auction. Though that may just be the black suit, sunglasses, and fedora talking.

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Feature

12:00 PM on Tue Jul 1 2008
By Mark Arnold
5,693 views, 62 comments

Latest by FrankGrimes: What option box do I check to get the police package? more »

industry news

New Chrysler Minivans Selling So Well They're Closing The Factory

Come Halloween, Chrysler will idle its St. Louis South minivan plant indefinitely. And, just so the 1,500 employees at St. Louis South are clear about the meaning of "idle indefinitely," co-president Tom LaSorda said, "We see no intent to rerun this plant. We're idling it and it will likely be fully closed." More »

11:00 AM on Tue Jul 1 2008
By Andrew Stoy
1,889 views, 30 comments

industry news

June U.S. Auto Sales Will Seriously Suck For Every Automaker Except Honda

Today's the first of the month, the day the world finds out what sales numbers look like for the US market for June. With Automotive News using words like "carnage" to describe what those numbers will look like, we probably shouldn't expect a whole lot of happy faces in the boardrooms of automakers. So what are the stories to watch for this month? There's two. First, we're hearing Toyota might pass GM in US market share for June. Second, Chrysler may see sales fall below 10% of the market and Honda might even pass them to become the #4 sales leader in the United States. We doubt the Honda piece will happen, but the 10% part? That could happen — especially given their over-reliance on sales of pickup trucks and SUVs. Want to know the bloody numbers? We've got the projections from JD Power and all of his many Associates below the jump on year over year sales through June. More »

8:30 AM on Tue Jul 1 2008
By Ray Wert
1,561 views, 23 comments

Latest by superbmtsub: While the majority of the herd were marketing their brands on bigger engines to the public, karma rewards Honda, the supplier of low-torque fuel sippers. more »

industry news

Merrill Lynch "Car Wars" Report Claims Cerberus Readying Chrysler For Chop Shop

The new Dodge Challenger is hitting showrooms. The 2009 Dodge Ram launch is scheduled for fall. But it's the sounds of silence after that when it comes to product. What's going on? One influential industry study, the Merrill Lynch "Car Wars" report (yes, that's it's real name), states Chrysler's lack of new product may be a deliberate effort on the part of owners Cerberus Capital Management to thin the herd in advance of a breakup and subsequent sale. In an excerpt that again proves financial analysts are paid by character count, the report says,
"Chrysler's product pipeline severely lags the industry on a number of key metrics, which is an ominous sign for its market share. We believe that this is an active decision by new owners to rationalize the product portfolio in advance of a breakup/sale."
Cerberus, of course, is denying any such plans, stating that, "We have a model that is buy, fix and hold." Uh-huh. Didn't Gordon Gecko say that too? More »

10:00 AM on Mon Jun 30 2008
By Andrew Stoy
3,251 views, 32 comments

Latest by Chairman Kaga: @jaylake: MoPac'll do that to you every time. more »

2009 dodge challenger

2009 Challenger Brochure Hits Web, Gives Us A 70s Flashback

The brochure for the new 2009 Dodge Challenger has hit the automotive webosphere and Mopar-mad fan-boys are drooling over an item we think will be an instant classic. The car? At this point, unknown. But the brochure will totally hit the "Found on EBay" pages shortly. That's because Dodge has created a gorgeous piece of showroom lit — with the fonts, photography, and graphic touches that channel the 70's Challenger. But as always, it's what's inside that counts. And inside the brochure is shot after shot of the new pony car from Dodge in all sorts of variations — each more amazingly retrosexual than the last. There's the R/T Classic Package Challenger, complete with old-school Challenger badging and a set of strobe-style side stripes. But it's the the new "Track Pak" for the quarter-mile fans that gets us going this morning — featuring a made-for-the-drag-strip package complete with 3.91 rear gear, a set of 20s, and the all-important 6-speed manual gearbox. Hot dogs, apple pie and Hemis, baby! Complete gallery below.

[mnhotrod @ Flickr via Autoblog]

8:20 AM on Mon Jun 30 2008
By Andrew Stoy
4,502 views, 47 comments

Latest by n/a: Wheelvintiques.com offers some cool looking retro 17" steelies that have the 5 x 4.5 pattern that would probably fit. They can be powdercoated in many colours that would match some of the stock ones. DBtires makes some W rated more »

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