Here's the official info:

Mopar Dodge Challenger 1320 Image Vehicle: Exploring a Street-legal Drag Pak Challenger
The Dodge Challenger 1320 began life as a Mopar Drag Pak Dodge Challenger. The current Drag Pak option is a light-weight, stripped-down, race-only, special-order version of the Dodge Challenger designed for competitive drag racing.

For the street-legal design, Mopar's design team took the vehicle back to its roots with styling reminiscent of vintage Mopar muscle, updated with today's technology. The Dodge Challenger 1320 image vehicle, named for the 1,320 feet on a quarter-mile drag strip, features Mopar's 426 cubic-inch, all-aluminum, HEMI® V-8 crate engine that generates 556 horsepower. The engine is equipped with unique Mopar-designed valve covers and a dress-up kit. Mopar's long-tube headers and exhaust system allow the cubic inches to breathe. Electric cutouts allow the exhaust to bypass the muffler system, which exits through custom side pipes for added rumble at the dragstrip. Power is put to the ground via a six-speed manual transmission through a custom Dynatrac rear housing with Mopar Dana 60 internals and a selectable, ARB locking differential. Mopar police wheels, widened in the rear, are strapped with Nitto street-legal drag radials to provide extra grip at launch. A four-corner, adjustable coil-over kit is provided by Mopar as an option for the Dodge Challenger. This system improves the handling of the vehicle under extreme loads of 556 horsepower and 540 lb.-ft. of torque.

Following Mopar's high-impact color heritage, the design team layered the 1320 in Acidic Hue, a non-metallic yellow paint and added matte black graphics. The body is lightened with the following carbon-fiber components from Mopar's design team and Seibon:

• Bulged hood with HEMI scoop
• Front spoiler
• Grille panel/headlamp surround

The interior is equipped with bare necessities-Dodge Viper seats, a sport steering wheel and a Hurst shifter. The rear seat, center console and radio have been removed in order to reduce vehicle weight and maintain the 1320's no-nonsense theme.

Joining those three cars is the Dodge Ram Bianco, which is essentially an appearance package. Other than the Lower Forty, all of these vehicles could be created with accessories available from the aftermarket and Mopar itself.

Here's the press release:

Chrysler Group LLC to Showcase Four Mopar Image Vehicles at 2009 SEMA Show

Auburn Hills, Mich., Oct 15, 2009 -

A 556-horsepower Dodge Challenger, a Jeep® Wrangler that transforms into a mobile campsite, a luxury Dodge Ram 1500 and a go-anywhere, do-anything extreme Jeep Wrangler with 40-inch tires. It must be SEMA season.

Four Mopar-customized vehicles will steal the show next month at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas. Mopar's in-house team of creative customizers developed a slew of high-performance image vehicles that feature the brand's innovative performance parts and accessories.

"Our Mopar vehicles demonstrate this company's passion and enthusiasm for the automotive aftermarket," said Pietro Gorlier, President and Chief Executive Officer – Mopar Service, Parts and Customer Care, Chrysler Group LLC. "We will gauge reaction to these vehicles and explore new directions as we develop Mopar performance parts and accessories for our vehicles."

"The aftermarket is not an after-thought in our design studio," said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO—Dodge Car Brand and Senior Vice President—Product Design, Chrysler Group LLC. "Our vehicles are designed and built by the same passionate automotive enthusiasts within our company who are designing and engineering new Mopar parts and accessories for vehicles in our product pipeline."

Led by Mark Allen, Head of Jeep Design, Chrysler Group LLC, the Mopar design team developed four head-turning vehicles for next month's SEMA show.

Mopar Dodge Challenger 1320 Image Vehicle: Exploring a Street-legal Drag Pak Challenger
The Dodge Challenger 1320 began life as a Mopar Drag Pak Dodge Challenger. The current Drag Pak option is a light-weight, stripped-down, race-only, special-order version of the Dodge Challenger designed for competitive drag racing.

For the street-legal design, Mopar's design team took the vehicle back to its roots with styling reminiscent of vintage Mopar muscle, updated with today's technology. The Dodge Challenger 1320 image vehicle, named for the 1,320 feet on a quarter-mile drag strip, features Mopar's 426 cubic-inch, all-aluminum, HEMI® V-8 crate engine that generates 556 horsepower. The engine is equipped with unique Mopar-designed valve covers and a dress-up kit. Mopar's long-tube headers and exhaust system allow the cubic inches to breathe. Electric cutouts allow the exhaust to bypass the muffler system, which exits through custom side pipes for added rumble at the dragstrip. Power is put to the ground via a six-speed manual transmission through a custom Dynatrac rear housing with Mopar Dana 60 internals and a selectable, ARB locking differential. Mopar police wheels, widened in the rear, are strapped with Nitto street-legal drag radials to provide extra grip at launch. A four-corner, adjustable coil-over kit is provided by Mopar as an option for the Dodge Challenger. This system improves the handling of the vehicle under extreme loads of 556 horsepower and 540 lb.-ft. of torque.

Following Mopar's high-impact color heritage, the design team layered the 1320 in Acidic Hue, a non-metallic yellow paint and added matte black graphics. The body is lightened with the following carbon-fiber components from Mopar's design team and Seibon:

• Bulged hood with HEMI scoop
• Front spoiler
• Grille panel/headlamp surround

The interior is equipped with bare necessities—Dodge Viper seats, a sport steering wheel and a Hurst shifter. The rear seat, center console and radio have been removed in order to reduce vehicle weight and maintain the 1320's no-nonsense theme.

Mopar Dodge Ram Bianco Image Vehicle: A Stylish, Luxury Pickup Truck
The Dodge Ram Bianco started life as a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport with a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8. The Dodge Ram is modified to reflect an upscale feel and appearance with the aid of Mopar performance parts and accessories. Colors, textures and accessories are combined in a manner that showcases the sophisticated side of the Dodge Ram 1500.

Exterior modifications include a Mopar hard tonneau that adds a classic, sporty appearance. The inside of the truck bed features Mopar's bed rug—a plush, yet washable carpet. For the exterior, a Mopar body kit and modified Mopar fender flares give a unique, sophisticated look. The stance is aided by a Ground Force lowering kit that not only lowers the vehicle, but also provides excellent ride and handling. The Dodge Ram Bianco is layered in several coats of Arctic Ice pearl paint that give it a rich appearance. Holding true to the upscale theme, Mopar's 22-inch wheels are painted in a matching, high-contrast design. Performance upgrades include a Mopar cold-air intake and a throaty Mopar dual exhaust with just enough growl to let you know there is something powerful under the hood.

The exterior theme continues through the interior. White and black Katzkin seats with matching door trim set the stage for a high-class ride. Piano Black and Arctic Ice accents add to the luxurious theme. For sound, Mopar contributed a Kicker audio system consisting of an audio amplifier, a powerful subwoofer and upgraded speakers.

Mopar Jeep Wrangler Overland Image Vehicle: A Stop-anywhere, Camp-anywhere Jeep
The Jeep Wrangler Overland is perfect for those craving travel and adventure. The Mopar design team took a 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon and turned it into a mobile "on-the-go" self-contained campsite.

To increase cargo capacity for hauling gear, the Jeep Wrangler Overland's rear seats are replaced with a large, flat, rubberized utility floor. Mounted to the cargo rack is an all-new ARB two-person Simpson II rooftop-mounted tent and touring awning. The interior of the Jeep Wrangler Overland features water-resistant Mopar front-seat covers, rugged Mopar slush mats, a Daystar dash bin and lower switch panel that powers added accessories.

Enhancing off-road travel is an American Expedition Vehicles' (AEV), Nth Degree, 3-inch suspension lift and a Full Traction rear sway bar. The lift allows aggressive 35-inch tires mounted on 17-inch steel Mopar winter/off-road wheels to fit under the Jeep. Additional off-road protection at the front and rear is provided by AEV steel bumpers and for added security, a Warn 9.5ti winch.

In order to prepare the Jeep Wrangler Overland for desert duty, an AEV Jeep Wrangler heat-reduction hood and snorkel kit is fitted to the vehicle. Mopar windshield-mounted off-road lights and Daystar bumper-mounted lights provide additional lighting for nighttime and off-road driving.

Mopar Jeep Lower Forty Image Vehicle: An Extreme Trail Rig with 40-inch Tires
The Jeep "Lower Forty" takes the Jeep Wrangler platform to a new extreme. The vehicle is equipped with massive 40-inch x 13.5-inch tires mounted on Mopar's 20-inch forged-aluminum wheels. Mopar added aggressive wheels and tires to a stock, two-door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon without the use of a suspension lift. The team's goal was to achieve added ground clearance without dramatically altering the vehicle's center of gravity. The team removed copious amounts of body metal in order to provide room for 40-inch meats. Three inches are chopped from the windshield frame and a 10-degree rake is added.

Custom front and rear fender flares are 1-inch wider and are located 4 inches higher than a stock Jeep Wrangler. A new one-piece carbon-fiber hood with a Jeep CJ-like power dome and an all-new drop-down tailgate stamped with the "Jeep" logo are added to complete the exterior design.

On the interior, an all-new roll cage is neatly integrated into the body tub and tied directly into the frame rails. The spare tire is relocated to the cargo floor and a custom cargo rack, supplied by Poly Performance, holds extra gear. Once all body modifications were completed, the exterior received a fresh coat of Red Eye No. 3 paint, a custom color developed by Mopar.

Custom touches throughout the interior include a color-matched center console and instrument panel. Seats are re-covered with Mopar's Katzkin leather package in a two-tone scheme. Replacing the carpet is a durable, spray-in truck-bed liner. Rugged Mopar floor mats complete the theme.

Mechanical upgrades came directly out of the Mopar catalog. The Jeep "Lower Forty" features an all-new 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine and a Getrag 238 six-speed manual transmission. Powertrain installations were handled by Burnsville Off-Road using an AEV 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 conversion kit.

The Mopar-supplied Dana 44 front axle and a Dana 60 rear axle, fitted with 5.38 gears and ARB air lockers, were assembled by Dynatrac.

Mopar Brand
Mopar distributes approximately 280,000 components in more than 90 countries and is the source for all original equipment parts for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. Mopar parts are unique in that they are engineered with the same teams that create factory-authorized vehicle specifications for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Car and Dodge Ram vehicles – a direct connection that no other aftermarket parts company can provide.

More than 70 Years of Mopar
When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929.

Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It also was widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960's – the muscle car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth "package cars" equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of "special parts" for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.

Alameda has more Valiants than Darts, but we have seen this '64 Dart coupe, this '64 Dart wagon, this '69 Dart GT convertible, another '69 Dart GT convertible, this '70 Dart with Buick hubcaps, and this Malaisetastic '75 Dart Swinger. Today's car, a no-nonsense '66 GT with a nice stance, is either a newcomer or a visitor to my neighborhood; I hope it's the latter.


A Dart is one of the few 60s Detroit cars that gets more coolness points with the six-cylinder engine than it gets with the V8 (the Pontiac Tempest Sprint being another). That's because the Chrysler Slant Six is one of the Greatest Engines Of All Time.

Mark has always been a fan of Dodge muscle and, until recently, owned a 1973 Plymouth 340 Cuda. After selling that car to an enthusiast in Germany, Mark did what any reasonable person would do and sped off to Vegas with the hopes of buying a four-speed big block. Unable to find the right one, the Londoner with a love of loud pipes headed home. Alas, not a week later this very special Dodge Challenger 440 RT four-speed showed up on eBay UK and Mark quickly took possession of it.

The car itself has a much longer history, having been purchased and restored as a family project by the Stahlhebers of St. Peters Missouri. You can read the full story of the Challenger build here. The Stahlhebers sold the car at auction to a different UK collector who then turned around and listed the car on eBay. And the car itself?

Although it is not a true numbers matching car- It does decode to be an original 440 RT four-speed car. A full rotisserie restoration had been completed a couple of years before and virtually everything had been replaced- with NOS or repro parts etc. The engine is a 1970 440 with a few extra performance parts and dress up pieces- and runs just great!- bodywork is rust free and looks stunning in F4 Rallye Red- This is actually a 1969 Chrsyler colour and is offset with the period RT side stripes. The four speed gearbox is shifted with the Hurst pistol grip shifter - another cool option in my opinion. Since owning her I have driven it as much as the crappy English weather will allow!

When not driving her or racking up trophies, Mark hasn't been shy about parading the car out for the press. Perhaps we should make an effort to go to the London Motor Show this year for the chance to drive Mark's beautiful example of Mopar muscle.

(Thanks to Mark for the info and photos)

That's right, those are roller blade wheels. Carbon fiber gets expensive and rather than just replacing the paint on the rear of the Challenger those wheels should help the muscle car smoothly glide on 1990s technology. Maybe a Moon Boot-based system may end up on an off-road Ram.
Let's just hope they'll also have a Dodge Ram full of tires to tow it around. Details from Chrysler below.

Mopar® Unveils 2009 Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger at SEMA

Las Vegas, Nov 4, 2008 - Mopar®, Chrysler LLC’s global service and parts division, is bringing the all-new Dodge Challenger to the next generation of motorsports enthusiasts. Mopar will unveil the much-anticipated 2009 Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger today at the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas.

Team Mopar driver and two-time Formula Drift (FD) champion Samuel Hübinette, who will steer the Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger during the 2009 season, participated in the reveal. Hübinette’s team owner Shaun Carlson, owner of NuFormz Racing, was also in attendance. Carlson spearheaded the build of the Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger at his NuFormz Racing shop in Ontario, Calif.

The unveiling of the Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger at SEMA continues Mopar’s long commitment to the rising motorsport of drifting. Mopar and Hübinette teamed up to capture the inaugural FD championship in 2004, with Hübinette also taking the 2006 FD title. Hübinette has claimed nine career FD victories, a series high, spreading the word about Mopar power to the younger demographic of race fans that follow drifting.

“The debut of the Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger solidifies the Mopar theme — if you can dream it, you can build it with Mopar,” said Steve Shugg, Director of Sales and Marketing – Mopar, Chrysler LLC. “Mopar is reaching out to today’s car enthusiast by combining its storied racing heritage with a variety of performance and accessory products that allow customers to make a personal statement with their vehicle.”

Shaun Carlson and Samuel Hübinette on the 2009 Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger
The creation of the Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger was no easy task for Carlson and his NuFormz Racing crew.

“We learned a lot from building the Mopar Drift Dodge Charger, which Sam drove during the 2007 season, and transferred that knowledge to the Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger,” said Carlson. ”When we decided to bring out a new competition drift car, what better platform than the new Dodge Challenger. It has cool styling, great aerodynamics and it’s a car that we feel is going to create a lot of buzz among fans of the FD Series.”

The Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger underwent modifications, including a variety of safety components such as a full roll-cage and a five-point harness. A front carbon-fiber splitter and rear carbon-fiber wing were added for improved aero dynamics, and weight was trimmed off the Dodge Challenger SRT8 chassis by utilizing a custom carbon-fiber body by NuFormz Racing.

“One of the biggest modifications was making the car light,” Carlson remarked. “Much of the body is now carbon-fiber, which cut quite a bit of weight. We’ve been able to put a lot of time, effort and hard work into this car. It’s going to be strong.”

The powerplant of the Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger features a Mopar A8 aluminum engine built by Gary Stanton Racing Engines, with Mopar W9 raised port heads, pumping out an estimated 850 hp and 849 lb-ft of torque to BFGoodrich tires. Additional Mopar components include Mopar front and rear sway bars on the suspension.

“This is going to be an exciting time, bringing out another car and another platform,” said Hübinette, who in 2009 will mark his sixth year as a member of Team Mopar. “All that we learned from building the Dodge Charger drift car is transformed into this car and really makes it competitive. The Dodge Challenger is definitely the hot vehicle right now — everybody’s talking about it. Having the vehicle built as a competition drift car is just going to add even more excitement. We’re pumped up about launching this car, doing some testing over the winter and getting it ready to rock, and then taking home some victories next year.”

[Source: Chrysler]

2008 SEMA Mopar Underground Sneak Peek

Dodge Challenger Blacktop
A menacing creation from the minds of the Mopar Underground design team. The Dodge Challenger Blacktop began life as a 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T equipped with a 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 and six-speed manual transmission. Mopar Underground added custom-made spoilers and front brow. To finish off the look, a black-on-black racing stripe paint scheme was added. The “in the weeds” stance and superb handling characteristics are accomplished by the Mopar coil-over suspension and strut tower brace. Blacktop rolls on massive 22-inch Dodge Viper wheels from Factory Reproductions wrapped in Dunlop tires measuring 265/35 R22 front and 305/30 R22 rear. To ensure the powertrain can keep up with the suspension, underhood performance is enhanced. The addition of Mopar components, including a cat back dual-exhaust, cold air intake, allow the HEMI V-8 to breathe easy. The interior has been enhanced with Katzkin leather seating finished in bright red plus a Mopar Kicker audio system for premium sound.

Dodge Challenger Targa
The Dodge Challenger Targa is a full-blown competition car that raced and completed the infamous Targa Newfoundland race this year. “Samantha” started life as a Mopar Challenger drag race package car. Many features were borrowed from the Dodge Viper, but the most noticeable is the snakeskin green paint. To keep the front end down, a Mopar chin spoiler "Splats“ developed in a full scale wind tunnel, was added to the front of the car. Mopar gauges keep a close eye on the vital signs. The Mopar hood is equipped with a scoop to make room for the 540-horsepower, 490 lb. ft. of torque, 392 HEMI® V-8 Mopar crate motor. Mated to a Tremec six-speed manual gearbox, the engine blasts power to the rear wheels through a production 2009 modified gear ratio in the rear end. An abundance of fade resistant stopping power comes from Stop-Tech brakes. Up front, the six-piston calipers clamp 380-millimetre rotors, while in the rear, four-pot calipers work with 355-mm rotors. Developed by KW, the race suspension and brake upgrades came from a proven hero — the Dodge Viper ACR, which just broke the production car lap record at the world-renown Nurburgring in Germany. With only a few exceptions, the Dodge Challenger Targa was built using parts available through Mopar.

Dodge Ram TRXtreme
The 2009 Dodge Ram TRXtreme plays up the off-road capabilities of the 2009 Ram TRX package. Starting life with a quad cab TRX-4 off-road truck, it was easy to upgrade this truck to a serious off-road machine. Mopar Underground design team added 4.5-inches of extra ground clearance using a Mopar lift kit. This made room for Mopar polished and forged 20-inch wheels wrapped in knurly BFG 37X12.50’s. The paint is a bright yellow and mineral grey two-tone incorporating a mud splash theme. A set of Mopar wheel flares, a wheel-to-wheel Mopar tube step and a box rail are painted to match the theme. Rearward visibility comes from the Mopar aftermarket telescoping mirrors, which extend when needed. The one-off steel hood with cooling louvers and larger grille take care of any heat issues that may arise under severe use. A bed accessory system from Mopar holds off-road gear and a Mopar tuned dual exhaust system gives an impressive growl. Interior features include a Mopar navigation system, DVD headrests and Mopar leather seats by Katzkin.

Dodge Ram R/T
The Dodge Ram R/T starts off with a 2009 Ram Sport with a 380-horsepower, 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8, a 4.10 gear and a high stall converter, which rockets the truck to impressive times. With this blank canvas, Mopar Underground created a Dodge Challenger-inspired version of the Dodge Ram. On the performance side, a Mopar cold-air intake kit to keep the engine breathing and a Mopar dual exhaust system with a performance rumble. The exterior is painted classic B5 blue with a Mopar dual-snorkel aluminum hood and carbon fiber accent stripes. Dropped chassis is possible with a concept Mopar air suspension kit. The look is made more evident by the body kit, consisting of sill and box pieces, finished up with a chin spoiler. For wheels, concept Mopar 22-inch Alcoas wrapped in 285/45R22s in front and 305/40R22s in the rear. A Mopar hard tonneau cover and a unique integrated spoiler are combined with the Mopar bed mat showing an ambient under-rail LED lighting system. The interior features Katzkin leather seats with body color stitching to match the instrument panel and steering wheel. A set of Mopar Pedals are installed, adding to the performance look and capability

Dodge Ram Sportsman
The most noticeable aspect of the 2009 Dodge Ram Sportsman is the unique blowing-leaves paint scheme inspired by a new interpretation of traditional camouflage designed by Mopar Underground. The paint is protected by a set of accent Mopar wheel flares and running boards with an integrated step. The Sportsman features Dodge’s exclusive RamBox storage system, filled with plenty of outdoor gear, and the bed rail system holds a cargo rack for additional cargo capacity. The Mopar telescoping trailer tow mirrors aid in rear visibility and match the color theme. The vehicle gets the right stance and added capability with a Mopar two-inch lift kit supported by Mopar polished and forged 20-inch wheels with 33-inch tires. You’ll never get lost with the Mopar navigation unit, but if you do you will be able to enjoy SIRIUS® Satellite TV or movies on the Mopar headrest DVD system. Sit back and relax in the perforated leather Mopar seats by Katzkin, embroidered with the Sportsman logo. The steering wheel and door pulls have been trimmed to match, and the Mopar ambient lighting system gives a unique glow to the interior.

Dodge Ram Mopar Street Package
Using a 2008 Dodge Ram Sport, the exterior blackberry paint really plays up the Dodge Ram Mopar Street Package. This Mopar Underground concept truck features a Mopar body kit consisting of sill extensions and a chin-spoiler. A slight Mopar body drop/leveling kit and Mopar concept 22-inch polished Alcoa forged wheels add to the appearance. A Mopar high-style hard tonneau cover blends with the truck. To add to the aggressive look, the Mopar all-aluminum dual-snorkel hood sits over the 390-horsepower HEMI® V-8, which is backed with a Mopar tuned dual-exhaust. The theme is continued in the interior with Mopar ambient lighting. Mopar suede and leather seats trimmed with premium piping and stitching add to the high-end feel of the truck. The steering wheel and door pulls are trimmed to match for a complete package. Entertainment is delivered via a Mopar DVD headrest system and a Mopar-kicker audio system that will blow you away. The bed is also dressed with a Mopar bed rug and under-rail accent LED lighting.

It's recommended that potential buyers have "a current Competition License or sanctioning body affiliation prior to ordering their vehicle." So, n00bs need not apply. That's because Mopar wants to put their best foot forward with the Drag Challenger. They've even specified that the "buyer is encouraged to have the Challenger Drag Pak vehicle in competition within a reasonable amount of time." We're assuming that's also to weed out any speculating collector-types, as the profit margin on the vehicles will likely be slim to none. Besides, nobody should ever take a brand new race car and seal it in a bubble in a locked garage. [Mopar via Allpar]

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: As we expected, Chrysler is going to try to bring the monthly cost of purchasing down to the same level at which leasing used to be. The key word is "monthly." Consumers will still be paying more in the long run by purchasing a vehicle than they may have through a carefully negotiated lease. But no matter how it's viewed, excluding leasing from the mix is going to sell more small, inexpensive vehicles to the detriment of more expensive offerings. Chrysler is just trying to prevent consumers from going elsewhere for them.

Auburn Hills, Mich. - As the market makes a shift from leasing to retail purchasing, Chrysler LLC today announced that in August the Company will repackage its incentives to make purchasing a vehicle more affordable than ever. The new strategy includes 72-month finance deals on an expanded range of compact, mid-size and full-size vehicles. The program creates retail payments similar to 36-month lease payments, and lower than previously offered finance payments. With these new incentive offers, customers can get lower payments with the benefits of ownership.

The Company is able to achieve this by repackaging incentive resources from leasing to retail. Helping achieve these low-finance payments are special retail finance rates and a bonus consumer cash program in which customers can now receive up to $2,000 cash back on select retail purchases when financed through Chrysler Financial.

"As part of our annual August model-year clearance, we are leveraging the move from leasing to retail purchases to offer our customers the best deals of the year and make buying as affordable as renting," Vice Chairman and President Jim Press said. "We have re-packaged our incentive spending typically spent on leasing into retail purchase packages to lower monthly payments on select vehicles from the Dodge Caliber and Dodge Charger to the Chrysler Town & Country and Jeep® Liberty. With the model year ending on 2008 vehicles, the time to buy has never been better."

Returning lease customers will receive a Lease Loyalty incentive up to $750 for use towards the retail purchase of an eligible new Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle. The disposition fee, up to $425, will be waived by Chrysler Financial.

Special deals for August also include the continuation of 0 percent APR for 72- month deals on the Dodge Ram, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander.

For those customers who still wish to lease a Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle through an independent financial institution, they can take advantage of Chrysler's Customer Cash Allowance on select vehicles up to $2,000.

The Company also announced its "Shop 'Til You Drive Sales Event" sales promotion campaign consisting of new television ads, radio spots, a new national print campaign and Internet promotions. These initiatives are intended to substantially increase awareness and consideration levels of retail purchases, offering lower monthly payments among the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands.

The Drag Package Challengers are also stripped down and fitted with lightweight components like a composite lift-off style hood, which also comes in handy if you want to disturb the peace in your neighborhood. Of course, the cars won't be street legal, so if you want to cruise Woodward, you'll be asking for trouble.

Center Line, Mich., Jul 13, 2008 - Mopar® is bringing the iconic Dodge Challenger muscle car to National Hot Road Association (NHRA) drag-racing competition. Mopar revealed two Dodge Challenger Drag Race Package Cars at the 29th Annual Mopar Mile-High Nationals today before thrilled fans at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colo. Mopar Mile-High Nationals is the longest-running NHRA sponsorship.

"Big Daddy" Don Garlits and Judy "Miss Mighty Mopar" Lilly were behind the wheels for their inaugural track run. Garlits drove the car featuring the Stone White paint scheme. Lilly was behind the wheel of the "Mopar Liquid Metal" prototype. NHRA named Garlits the #1 driver of the Top 50 drivers from its first 50 years. His victories and accomplishments are virtually unmatched in drag-racing history. "Miss Mighty Mopar" is one of the female pioneers in drag racing. Spending 12 years on the NHRA circuit, Lilly is the only female driver to win two NHRA national events in one year.

Mopar built the first two Challenger Drag Race Package Cars for development and testing for its new Challenger Package Car program. Based on the Challenger SRT8®, the prototypes were finished in Stock Eliminator configuration. They ran successfully in June 2008 as proof-of-concept and for NHRA certification. Mopar dropped approximately 1,000 lbs. off the production Challenger SRT8 by eliminating major production components and systems. To accentuate the weight savings, they also feature added composite, polycarbonate and lightweight components designed for drag racing that will be part of the new Package Car program.

The engine was repositioned to improve driveline angle and weight distribution. The 116-inch wheelbase was shortened by ½ inch. They also feature a front cradle with bolt-in crossmember and solid engine mounts.

"Today is a great day for Mopar, Dodge, SRT, drag racers and motorsports enthusiasts everywhere. Not made for the streets, our drag-race-only Challengers will be running soon in NHRA competition—the best grassroots racing series in the world," said Sunil Lahoti, Mopar Marketing and Brand Manager, Chrysler LLC. "And who better to drive our new Challenger Package Cars on their inaugural track run than 'Big Daddy' and 'Miss Mighty Mopar'—the greatest drag racer of all time and a female pioneer of the sport."

New Dodge Challenger Drag Race Package Car Program by Mopar
The first drag-race, factory-prepped package cars built in 40 years, the new Challenger Drag Race Package Car by Mopar builds on the heritage of the limited-edition 1968 HEMI®-powered Package Cars. Those '68 Dodge Darts and Plymouth Barracudas solidified the Mopar brand as a quarter-mile force.

Mopar will build a minimum of 100 Challenger Drag Race Package Cars to meet NHRA requirements. Based on the production Dodge Challenger SRT8, Mopar's modern factory-prepped Challenger Drag Race Package Car will begin as a special Body-in-White (BIW) from Chrysler's Brampton, Ontario, Canada, assembly plant. The body sealer, sound deadener and undercoat will be eliminated. To reduce vehicle weight, major production component and systems will also be eliminated including: windshield wiper assembly, complete HVAC system, all airbag components, rear seats, power steering system, exhaust system and underbody heat shields, cross-car and side impact door beams, rear bumper beam and rear deck lid spoiler.

The drag racer has three engine options—6.1-liter or 5.7-liter HEMI or 5.9-liter Magnum® Wedge—as well as manual or automatic transmission.

A build book/owner's manual will be provided to document the modifications made to the Challenger SRT8 as well as provide recommendations to finish the Package Car for Stock Eliminator competition. To accentuate weight savings, there are unique drag-race components in the Package Car program including: composite lift-off hood with functional scoop, Viper-style front seats, polycarbonate door windows, lightweight cooling module with electric fan, manual rack and pinion steering, special cable-operated deck lid release, special lightweight front brake assembly and special cable-operated throttle linkage and pedal assembly.

The Challenger Drag Race Package Car will be eligible to run in three Eliminator categories—Comp, Super Stock and Stock—and potentially 40 classes.

Depending upon the configuration selected, the U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Challenger Drag Race Package Car program will range from the low to mid $30s. Each car will carry an identification plate with sequential serial number.

The Challenger Drag Race Package Car will be available for order in late August to early September. A toll-free number will be designated for ordering. Details will be posted on www.mopar.com.

Now in its fifth decade, NHRA is the world's largest motorsports sanctioning body with 80,000 members, 140 member tracks, more than 35,000 licensed competitors and more than 5,000 member-track events. NHRA is second only to NASCAR in terms of fan attendance.

70 Years of Mopar
When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929.

Originally used in the 1920s, Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It was also widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960s—the muscle car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth "package cars" equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of "Special Parts" for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.

Today, Chrysler LLC's Global Service & Parts division is responsible for the manufacturing and distribution of nearly 250,000 authentic Mopar replacement parts, components, restoration parts, accessories and performance parts for Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles sold around the world. To assure quality, reliability and durability, all Mopar parts and accessories are designed in strict adherence to Chrysler engineering standards.

Auburn Hills, Mich., Jun 9, 2008 - Dodge announced pricing today for the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger. The U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) will start at $21,995, which includes $675 for destination. Dodge dealers across the country are now taking orders for the 2009 Dodge Challenger, which will arrive this fall.

"The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger gives customers a modern-day muscle machine at an incredible value," said Mike Accavitti, Director - Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. "For less than $22,000, we've brought Dodge Challenger back and loaded it with head-snapping styling and cutting-edge technology."

The Dodge Challenger is the first five-passenger two-door coupe produced from the Company's proven rear-wheel-drive platform that delivers the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300. Developed with Dodge's credo of "bold, powerful and capable," the 2009 Dodge Challenger is available in three models featuring head-turning styling, three available engine options and an automatic or manual transmission.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger has several modern amenities available including uconnect gps with navigation system and real-time traffic, uconnect phone featuring Bluetooth® technology, uconnect studios with SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Remote Start and Keyless Go push-button start. In addition, the Dodge Challenger has more than 25 safety and security features including supplemental side-curtain air bags, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist, Traction Control, automatic headlamps, tire pressure monitoring and Hill-Start Assist in Dodge Challengers with the six-speed manual transmission.

Three models are available in the United States: Dodge Challenger SE, Dodge Challenger R/T and Dodge Challenger SRT8®.

2009 Dodge Challenger SE
With a U.S. MSRP of $21,995 (including $675 destination), the Dodge Challenger SE comes standard with a 3.5-liter High Output V-6 engine which produces 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 250 lb.-ft. (339 N•m) of torque. Mated with a four-speed automatic transmission, the Dodge Challenger SE achieves an estimated 18 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Other standard features on Dodge Challenger SE include comfortable seating for up to five adults, best-in-class cargo space (16.2 cu. ft.), 60/40 split-folding rear bench with arm rests and two cup holders, 17-inch aluminum wheels with P215/65R17 all-season tires, four-wheel disc brakes, side-curtain airbags, remote keyless entry, eight-way power driver's seat, fold-away power mirrors, power locks and windows with express-down, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD radio with MP3 capability and four speakers, cloth low-back bucket seats, manual-tilt and telescoping steering wheel, dual-covered visor vanity mirrors and tire pressure warning lamp.

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T
The U.S. MSRP for the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T is $29,995. Featuring the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, the Dodge Challenger R/T produces an estimated 370 horsepower (276 kW) and 398 lb.-ft. (540 N•m) of torque when paired with the standard five-speed automatic transmission. The 5.7-liter HEMI engine with five-speed automatic transmission is equipped with fuel-saving multi-displacement (MDS) technology which increases fuel economy by as much as 20 percent without sacrificing performance.

Other standard features on the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T include dual chromed rectangular exhaust tips, ABS, ESP, Brake Assist with vented brakes, 18-inch machined aluminum wheels with P225/60HR18 all-season touring tires, fog lamps, body-color exterior mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, illuminated visor vanity mirrors, rear body-color spoiler and cast-metal fuel door.

The available Track Pak features the Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission with "pistol-grip" shifter for $995. When the six-speed manual transmission is paired with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, it produces an estimated 375 horsepower (280 kW) and 404 lb.-ft. (548 N•m) of torque. The Track Pak also includes Hill-start Assist, limited-slip differential, bright pedal covers and performance steering.

Dodge Challenger SRT8
The U.S. MSRP for the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is $39,995 (including $675 destination). The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 offers an available six-speed manual transmission or standard five-speed automatic transmission mated to the SRT-exclusive 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine that produces 425 horsepower (317 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 N•m) of torque. New for 2009 is a standard limited-slip differential, High Performance Red and B5 Blue (late availability) exterior paint and black hood stripes. A classic "pistol-grip" shifter is included with the available Track Pak which includes the Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission with Hill-start Assist.
Other standard features on the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 include a race-inspired interior featuring performance seats with a red accent stripe and added bolstering which keeps customers in place under spirited driving conditions, four-bomb gauges with tachometer and 180 mph speedometer in the center, "Performance Pages" reconfigurable display that features 0 - 60 mph, 1/4 mile, and 1/8 mile times, uconnect gps, unique SRT-tuned ESP and ABS calibrations, 20-inch fully-forged aluminum wheels, red, painted Brembo brakes, hood with functional dual hood scoops, functional black painted rear spoiler and a unique exhaust note.

Street and Racing Technology (SRT) is Chrysler's in-house performance engineering organization that focuses on five pillars for every SRT vehicle: bold exterior design that resonates with the brand image, a race-inspired interior, world-class ride and handling across a dynamic range, a standout powertrain and benchmark braking.

Editor-in-Chief

Rich Truesdell picked up the new Challenger yesterday morning and met up with a bunch of Mopar buddies in Las Vegas. After the jump I have four more pics of the old Mopars that escorted him out of town—I love that '68 GTX. Tonight everyone is meeting up at the Best Western in Lakewood, Colorado before they start retracing the Vanishing Point route. Stay tuned for more stories, pics and video from the road.

"A plan now being discussed calls for Chrysler dealers to sell all of the auto maker's passenger cars under the Chrysler name. Dodge dealers would exclusively offer pickup and commercial trucks, while Jeep dealers would sell Jeep and sport-utility vehicles, according to three dealers familiar with the discussions."

Such a scenario would allow Chrysler to drop some of its overlapping products that essentially compete with one another, such as the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring, which are both midsize sedans but marketed under different names. Fewer products could also mean a reduction in dealers, which would weed out poor-performing dealerships that have excess inventory and resort to incentives that hurt profitability.

Mopar® Announces It's Ready to Blaze a Brand New 'Trail' at the 2007 SEMA Show

• Mopar® introduces Jeep® Performance and Dodge Off-road parts for new 'Trail' marketing initiative
• A new Mopar team will play a key role in connecting with the off-road market
• Mopar returns to off-road competition with the Collins Motorsports team

Center Line, Mich. —

Mopar®, Chrysler LLC's original equipment parts manufacturer, embarks on a new frontier with its new 'Trail' initiative. Mopar will offer authentic performance parts to Jeep and Dodge enthusiasts who want to go anywhere and do anything. For years, Mopar set the standard in the 'Muscle,' 'Street' and 'Speed' scenes. The next logical step was to add 'Trail' to the Mopar portfolio and go off-road.

To be authentic in this market segment meant having the right combination of durable and reliable high-performance parts. For development and testing, Mopar will dive into off-road competition with a new Mopar-sponsored team set to debut at the SCORE International Baja 1000 on Nov. 10.

Mopar introduces Jeep Performance Parts for new 'Trail' marketing initiative
Off-road enthusiasts will be able to rely on genuine Jeep parts and accessories from Mopar when performance and the off-road experience matter.

Modified beyond factory specifications, the initial line up of Jeep Performance Parts will include:

• Long-Arm Suspension Kit - 4.5-in. lift kit for the Jeep Wrangler - A comprehensive kit that delivers the highest ride quality of any comparable height lift kit for the Wrangler. Featuring revised, long-arm control arms, retuned coil springs, tuned shocks, front and rear track bar relocation brackets, drive shafts and more. Engineered to package massive 37-in. tires underneath a 2007 Wrangler two- or four-door.
• Two-wheel-drive low-range kits for Jeep and Dodge transfer cases - Jeep and Dodge owners with vehicles fitted with new process gear 241OR, 242 or 231 transfer cases can enjoy even more rugged aspects of the great outdoors. Uses a new "low" range in two-wheel-drive mode with these transfer case upgrade kits.
• Lowering Kit (P5155066) 2006-2007 Dodge Ram 1500 lowering kit (5.7-liter HEMI, two-wheel-drive, Regular Cab Short Bed) front drop: 1.5-in. rear drop: 4.3-in. This comprehensive lowering kit includes: front springs, rear flip kit, new bump stops, new shocks tuned for ride and handling
• Dana 44 Axle Assemblies (multiple part numbers) — locking and limited slip axles with 4.10:1 ring & pinion gear sets installed. Front and rear assemblies allow enthusiasts to upgrade the entire rolling stock of their classic Jeep with all-new hardware.
*Not legal for use on pollution-controlled vehicles or vehicles registered for highway use.
A new team to play key role in new Mopar 'Trail' initiative
Mopar knows that performance doesn't end where the road ends. Off-road enthusiasts can choose from a full line of performance parts when they hit the "Trail." Two new key Mopar team members, Steve Houtman, Jeep Performance/Dodge Off-Road Powertrain Manager, and Keith Montone, Jeep Performance/Dodge Off-Road Suspension/Steering Manager, will work to expand Mopar's line up of "Trail" performance parts.

Houtman will develop a full line of products for Jeep and Dodge truck off-road enthusiasts. His previous role was as development engineer for Jeep Vehicle Development. Houtman was responsible for drivetrain, chassis and off-road performance on the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander models. A Jeep and Dodge truck owner himself, Houtman attends Camp Jeep® and Easter Jeep Safari [Moab, Utah] events as part of the informal "Jeep Lunatic Fringe" group.

Montone will also focus on creating a line of products tailored to the off-road market for both past and current vehicles. Another recruit from Jeep Vehicle Development, Montone concentrated on powertrain matters. His area of focus during the previous four years was working to ensure that the 2007 Jeep Wrangler met customer needs for off-road and performance. Montone is no stranger to the "Trail" — he served as engineering team leader for the 2007 Jeep Rubicon® press event in Africa which covered 1,600 miles in four weeks across South Africa, Botswana and Zambia.

Mopar returns to off-road competition with Collins Motorsports team
Mopar will look to extend it motorsports dominance from the circle track and drag strip to the off-road course with a return to off-road competition. Collins Motorsports will field a Mopar-sponsored Dodge Ram Off-Road Trophy Truck in the SCORE International Off-Road Racing Series.

Brian Collins, Larry Ragland and Chuck Hovey will share driving duties on the off-road truck. The trio will add to Mopar's off-road heritage that includes legendary names and champions such as Rod Hall and Walker Evans, who competed under the Mopar and Dodge banners in the 1980s.

The Mopar Dodge Ram Off-Road Trophy Truck takes to the desert and rigors of off-road racing in the upcoming 40th annual Tecate Score Baja 1000 that is scheduled for Nov. 10 - 16, 2007.

70 Years of Mopar
When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929.

Originally used in the 1920s, Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It was also widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960s - the muscle car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth "package cars" equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of "Special Parts" for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.

Today, Chrysler LLC's Global Service & Parts division is responsible for the manufacturing and distribution of nearly 250,000 authentic Mopar replacement parts, components and accessories for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles sold around the world. To assure quality, reliability and durability, all Mopar parts and accessories are designed in strict adherence to Chrysler engineering standards.

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