Suitability Parameters:
Speed Merchants: No
Fashion Victims: No
Treehuggers: No
Mack Daddies: No
Tuner Crowd: No
Hairdressers: No
Penny Pinchers: Yes
Euro Snobs: No
Working Stiffs: Yes
Technogeeks: No
Poseurs: No
Soccer Moms: Yes
Nascar Dads: No
Golfing Grandparents: Yes
Marlo Stanfield: Yes

Also Consider:
• 2009 Ford Edge
• 2009 Honda Pilot
• 2008 Saturn Outlook
• 2008 Nissan Murano
• 2009 Toyota Highlander
• 2008 Mazda5
• Growing a pair and buying a station wagon

Vitals:
• Manufacturer: Dodge
• Model year: 2009
• Base Price: $19,985
• Price as Tested: $22,985
• Engine type: 3.5-Liter V6
• Horsepower: 235 @ 6,400 RPM
• Torque: 232 @ 4,000 RPM
• Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
• Curb Weight: 4,001 lbs
• LxWxH: 192.4" x 72.2" x 66.6"
• Wheelbase: 113.8"
• Tires: P225/65R17
• 0 - 60 mph: 8.3 Seconds
• EPA Fuel economy city/highway: 16/23 MPG
• NHTSA crash test rating: *****

Also see:
• 2009 Dodge Journey SXT, Part One
• 2009 Dodge Journey SXT, Part Two

Acceleration: **
Even with the 3.5-Liter V6 providing adequate power, the Journey is too heavy to get anywhere quickly. Though a little faster than your average minivan, the crossover feels slower than competing vehicles like the V6 Ford Escape. Buyers should only pick races with the dads in the Windstars.

Braking: ***
Like most of the interactions between driver and vehicle, braking feel is almost nonexistent, lacking the reassuring feedback you'd expect from a similar vehicle. Weighting aside, the four-wheel disc brakes get the job done.

Ride: ***
Once again, the engineers managed to achieve consistent mediocrity with the Journey's performance. Drive it over a speed bump or two and the large crossover offers little in the way of complaint, but any attempt at tackling the pothole-ridden streets of a neglected rural area will have the kids switching from Jenga to Game Boy.

Handling: **
There's still an Avenger in there somewhere. Tackle anything but the most gentle curve and the crossover yaws alarmingly. Steering feel is vague and the please-stop-me-from-wrapping-this-around-a-tree system jerks on at the slightest hint of trouble.

Gearbox: ***
The V6 models come with a six-speed automatic that provides surprisingly smooth and predictable shifts, assuming you were predicting that the Journey was going to shift a tad early. If you prefer choosing your own adventure, the auto override works as well as the system on more expensive models, though the shifter moves left-to-right instead of up-and-down.

Audio: **
My main complaint with the sound system was with the placement of the controls being so low in the console, requiring the driver to shift his or her focus practically to the floor. Other than that, the standard six-speaker setup with the six-disc changer provided entry-level sound that was just good enough. Were it not for the relatively quiet interior, it would probably require more amplification.

Toys: ***
Assuming you consider storage areas to be toys, the Journey comes packed to the gills. There's the comically named ChillZone to keep two sodas cool, the removable floor compartments under the rear seat that can each hold a 12-pack with ice and the pop-down sunglasses holder that also includes a mirror for checking on any wee ones yet to come down from their Capri Sun high. Also, extra points for including a real outlet in the rear.

Value: ***
In mid-level SXT trim, the Journey represents reasonable value, coming in just under $23K. Though the power isn't anything to write home about, there's enough juice under the hood to keep from getting embarrassed and space enough to keep the juice boxes flowing to the rugrats. The exterior is of a quality higher than Dodge has produced lately and the unique features set it apart from the competition.

Overall: ***
The 2009 Dodge Journey SXT managed to be overwhelmingly average, providing an experience in each category that's neither embarrassingly awful nor suspiciously great. Smart features and competitive pricing makes this something worth checking out for those mothers and fathers not ready to make the leap to the Caravan but also not content with trying to fit a baby seat, stroller and the spoils from a Costco run into a Caliber.

Also see:

• 2009 Dodge Journey SXT, Part One

My time with the Journey was all planned out in order to replicate the experience of modern family life. There was sightseeing in Oak Park, a trip to the mall, and another to a community theater in the 'burbs. And though the Journey was up to these tasks, it never felt right. You can't simulate parenthood without offspring, and I could never keep my friends intoxicated enough for long enough to authentically replicate infants. I'm an only child and the closest thing my father had to a family car was a Subaru BRAT.

The Journey may be a family car, but to me it felt like the ideal car for a drug dealer. Having watched every episode of HBO's crime opera The Wire, which claims to have realistically chronicled Baltimore's drug trade, I feel like I can safely say this particular crossover is up to the task. Of course, It probably says something — something deeply disturbing — that it's easier for me to visualize myself in the role of Avon Barksdale than in the role of the Pater Familias...but you're supposed to write what you know. Or at least what television convinces you that you think you know.

The Journey crossover's first advantage for the man with product to move is its exterior. Though based on the Dodge Avenger, there isn't much resemblance other than the family's crosshair grille. And that's a good thing. What respectable underworld kingpin would sneak around in an Avenger? The Journey's higher beltline also gives a more muscular appearance; it's reminiscent of the Magnum it theoretically replaces and, in profile, is far more attractive than any SUV currently for sale under the Dodge banner. Best of all, it's not as conspicuous as an Escalade rolling on 22's. A real thug is a thug that's hush.

Inside is where the narcotics distributor on the up is going to feel right at home. Though there's an optional third row, even Chrysler can't call it a seven-passenger vehicle with a straight face (they call it "5+2" seating). They're exceptionally cruel devices for anyone larger than an Oompah Loompha so we'd suggest opting out and instead taking advantage of the extra room in the back for other things. Besides, it's not the space; it's the features that make it such a great vehicle for drug promotion.

Dodge designers have created numerous compartments of varying size that are ideal for the lifestyle accessories demanded by the modern drug trade. As with other new vehicles from the company, there's the Chill Zone that holds bottles of water or two 12-oz cans and keeps them cool using the air conditioning. Take out the plastic divider and it'll hold a bottle of relatively chilled champagne. I tested it with a bottle of sparking pear juice, but a bottle of Cristal could easily be substituted.

The front passenger seat includes the Flip n' Stow feature, which is a hidden storage area under the seat cushion large enough to secretly hide approximately six kilos. There are also two large storage boxes similar to those found in the cabin of the 2009 Dodge Ram in the rear passenger foot wells. But unlike the Ram's cargo areas, these are removable. Ideal for moving weapons, drugs or holding sodas (everyone gets thirsty, even enforcers). There's another hidden compartment below the rear storage area large enough to hold maybe ten bricks of oregano.

And there are lots of other features that'll work for any sort of businessman, on the up-and-up or otherwise. The optional uConnect system allows you to speak wirelessly through the car's stereo system (talking on a cell in Chicago is illegal; who needs that noise?) and the 115-volt power inverter makes it easier to charge all those disposable cell phones criminals seem to need.

Though this particular model didn't feature it, I have to imagine the optional rear backup camera probably makes it easier to avoid getting snuck up on, and the remote start means that getting going quickly is a cinch...though it's in the getting going where you run shy of your average G-Wagen. The Journey's 3.5-Liter V6 is the same version found in a variety of Pentastar vehicles, including the Dodge Charger, but it's good for only 235 HP in this trim. When paired with the reasonably smooth-shifting six-speed there's enough get-up-and-go to merge onto the highway but not enough to outrun a helicopter.

You may not be able to outmaneuver the fuzz either. In the handling department, the Journey ends up closer to the SUV or minivan end of the crossover spectrum. In fact, the wheelbase and length of the Journey are nearly identical to the previous-generation Dodge Caravan. In the SXT trim, you're talking about more than 4,000 pounds of vehicle being pulled around by the front wheels. As if that wasn't enough of a challenge, it feels like the steering column has to pass through a vat of pudding on its way to the wheels.

But who cares? If you're a crime boss you're probably not driving anyways. And that's maybe where the Journey ultimately falls short. Though quite roomy, the seating is covered in a low-quality cloth that's not up to the luxurious standards of what television has taught us most well-connected criminals require. Unless this is a vehicle that is going to be subjected to repeated staining from either juice boxes or gunshot wounds, the leather upgrade is worth the cash.

In the end, the 2009 Journey SXT was endowed by its creators with a plethora of neat features that make it more of a crossover between a great ride for a drug dealer or a small family, than a crossover between a car and a minivan. It's also a lot of car for less than $23,000; important considering that, though crime often pays, most of that money ends up going to lawyers and bail. Someone wake up the Journey's marketing team. It's a new day.

Also see:
• 2009 Dodge Journey SXT, Part One

May 12, 2008 - Orange County, California. Steve Saleen and his new company SMS are pleased to introduce the first product in his line of Signature Series ultra-high performance vehicles, the SMS 570TM Challenger and SMS 570XTM Challenger.

As a professional racecar driver and innovative businessman, Mr. Saleen is well known as the founder of a number of Steve Saleen brands including Saleen Autosport, Saleen Productions, Saleen Speedlab, Saleen Performance, Saleen, Inc. and now SMS. In the years of building the many brands, Mr. Saleen oversaw and participated in every aspect of the business, in product development, sales and marketing. Mr. Saleen's latest endeavor will focus on the expansion into the high-end of the diverse American Muscle Car markets.

The fully certified and street legal SMS 570TM Challenger and SMS 570XTM Challenger will be based on the all-new and exciting 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T platform and will feature a SMS Supercharged 5.7L Hemi with respective power ratings from 500 to over 700 horsepower! Both models are fully equipped with a compliment of SMS ultra-high performance components including: drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics, tires, wheels and interior.

"The horsepower and torque that we are developing from the SMS Supercharged Hemi is phenomenal" explains Billy Tally, SMS Chief Technical Officer, "combined with suspension and braking improvements our SMS Challenger will be an incredibly capable, refined and tractable automobile".

Each of these limited edition vehicles will be personally signed by Steve Saleen as part of the SMS Signature Series product line complete with unique badges and graphics. Production numbers will be limited per year depending on the model, and the opportunity to be one of the few owners is limited to a first-come, first-served basis, so prospective customers need to act now as production is commencing in the fourth quarter of 2008.

"The Dodge Challenger is a great canvas to start with" notes Phil Frank, Chief Creative Officer, "the SMS Challenger will help define our design DNA as we introduce some exciting and functional aesthetic innovations to this already great platform".

"I am drawing upon 25 years of rich experience in the automotive industry to address the rapidly expanding global market of automotive lifestyle vehicles, technical performance parts, accessories and apparel" explains Mr. Saleen "SMS is enabling us to do what could not be done at Saleen, Inc. due to the their heritage with the Ford dealer network and Ford vehicles. We are using this freedom, along with our new technology developed at SMS, to create world-class specialty vehicles."

The writing was on the wall early for the RUF RT12. Its early inception and lack of respectable progeny placed it high on the list of potential candidates for the ax. Apparently, prodigious power and fancy paint jobs do not an ongoing fantasy make.

Progeny, it seems, rang the death knell of the ultraluxe Rolls Royce Phantom, as well. Perhaps a bit too much Swabish blood flows through its once proud British heart to allow it to stay in the garage. Perhaps that whiff of aristocratic excess overcomes its elegant craftsmanship. Regardless, it suffers the same fate as its Germanic compatriot.

And so, we've winnowed it down to 39 of the rarest, or most beautiful, or most lovable cars on the planet. And we're working up a special Friday JFG treat to heal the wounds you've all inflicted on each other during the past week's melees.

The Jalopnik Fantasy Garage, As it Stands Today:
1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | Honda 1300 Coupe 9 | 1931 Daimler Double Six 50 Corsica Drophead Coupe | Ferrari 288 GTO | Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 | 1970 Buick GSX 455 | First Generation BMW M Coupe | Bugatti Veyron 16.4 | Ford GT | Citroen SM | Porsche 928 | Jensen FF | DeTomaso Vallelunga | Audi Quattro S1 | Buick GNX | Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R | Honorary Fantasy Garager: The LS1 Powered Rotus | Lamborghini LM002 | Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe | Ferrari 250 GTO | Bentley Speed Six | Talbot-Lago T150C SS Figoni et Falaschi Raindrop/Teardrop Coupe | Porsche 917 | Audi RS4 Avant | Lamborghini Miura | Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 | BMW E39 M5 | Jaguar E-type | Mercedes-Benz 300 SL | Dodge Charger/Challenger R/T | Toyota 2000GT | Facel Vega HK500 | Voisin C28 Aerosport | Bugatti Type 41 Royale | McLaren F1 | Maserati Bora | Continental MK II | Tucker 48 | Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato | BMW 507

The blog at Cars.com obsessed with breaking toes on hard black rubber and chrome had pricing info on the latest mid-size sedan from the 'merican side of the German-American hybrid dropped into it's lap. And although pricing info on the SE trim level of the Dodge Avenger was announced at the Detroit Auto Show — pricing on the other trim levels wasn't really cared about yet available. Luckily for those interested in not-so-budget-priced mid-size sedans, Cars.com appears to have snagged all the info from the maws of the half-teutonic beast. And we've snagged it from them — along with a pretty little gallery to remind you of what the not-Sebring looked like at its Detroit Auto Show reveal last week. Pricing's below the jump. – Ray Wert

• Avenger SE: $18,220
• Avenger SXT: $19,120
• Avenger R/T: $22,870
• Avenger R/T (AWD): $24,870

2008 Dodge Avenger Pricing is Here [Cars.com]

Related:
Dodge Avenger, Assembled! Press Shots Of The Not-A-Concept 2008 Dodge Avenger R/T [internal]

Yeah, we're all a bit mind-wiped right now in the media center. Therefore we're leaving the gags and humor behind on this one — mostly because we're not creative enough at the moment to come up with anything funny and unusual about the new-for-2008 Dodge Magnum. So, you know — the press release is after the jump and the photo gallery is below. We hear Chevy's got Coney dogs — so we're gonna try to hit some of that shit up. – Ray Wert

2008 Dodge Magnum Lineup Packs Powerful Punch

* New 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 includes race-inspired, aggressive hood, functional performance hood scoop, new grille, headlamps, front fascia design and interior appointments
* Restyled 2008 Dodge Magnum R/T continues to defy comparison in the marketplace with functionality, HEMI power and fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS)
* Sophisticated exterior and interior enhancements combined with bold Dodge attitude create a modern Magnum lineup for 2008

Detroit, Jan 9, 2007 - The newly restyled 2008 Dodge Magnum lineup — including SRT8, R/T, SXT and SE models — continues the boldly-styled theme of American muscle, with its unique profile, exceptional versatility, HEMI power, fuel-saving cylinder deactivation and rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive performance.

Advanced technologies, flexible and functional cargo space and integrated safety and security features combine to provide a powerful, capable family vehicle with the ride and handling of a sports car.

A package unlike any other in the marketplace, the 2008 Dodge Magnum lineup is an evolution of the bold, powerful and street-smart philosophy of the Dodge brand.

2008 DODGE MAGNUM SRT8
The 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 is more menacing than ever with a completely redesigned hood, grille, front fascia and functional performance hood scoop. The 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 remains true to the SRT credo of "Race inspired, street legal" with 0-60 mph performance in the low 5-second range while, at the same time, maintaining all of the utility and convenience features the entire 2008 Dodge Magnum lineup has to offer.

"The 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 is the ultimate package for drivers seeking complete, sports-car performance without compromising family-vehicle convenience and functionality," said Mike Accavitti, Director - Dodge Motorsports and SRT Marketing and Product Planning, Chrysler Group.

Aggressive Performance-inspired Exterior and Race-inspired Interior
A redesigned hood, front fascia and new grille highlight the extensive changes on the new 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8. A functional performance hood scoop has also been added.

The black honeycomb insert of the crosshair grille and air inlet of the front fascia increases brake cooling. The front fascia itself provides an aerodynamic benefit by reducing lift. The 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 rides on 20-inch aluminum, SRT-designed wheels wearing 245/45/ZR20 (front) and 255/45/ZR20 (back) F1 Goodyear tires.

Available exterior colors for the 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 are Bright Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat, Steel Blue Metallic Clear Coat and TorRed.

On the inside, the new 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 maintains its race-inspired environment. Enhancements for 2008 include agate-color accent stitching, carbon-fiber leather-trim door handles, and LED lighting in the cup holders and door-map pockets.

The 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 continues to feature power-adjustable, deeply sculpted and highly bolstered sport seats with performance suede inserts in the front, an improved grip-enhancing carbon-fiber leather-trim steering wheel, and full-performance instrumentation, including a 180-mph (300-kph) speedometer, a tachometer and a temperature gauge.

"That Thing Gotta HEMI?"
Under the newly designed hood of the 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 is the 6.1-liter HEMI V-8, delivering 425 horsepower (317 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 N m) of torque, contributing to a performance roster that includes a 0-60 mph time in the low 5-second range and 0-100-0 mph in under 17 seconds.

New for 2008, drivers can receive instant feedback on their personal performance numbers from a newly available ReConfigurable Display (RCD) in the cluster. Power for the SRT 6.1-liter HEMI is channeled through a five-speed automatic transmission with specially calibrated, driver-selectable Auto Stick, which offers fully automatic or manual shifting selection.

All-around SRT Driving Performance
The new 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 provides all-around driving performance with SRT-tuned dampers, tailored spring rates and suspension bushings and large-diameter anti-sway bars. For added stability and aerodynamic benefit, the ride height of the Magnum SRT8 is one-half inch lower than the Dodge Magnum R/T, SXT and SE models, while the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) has been specially tuned for the 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8's performance-handling characteristics.

Benchmark braking is a hallmark of SRT performance and design. The 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 features tried and true Brembo performance calipers, finished in red. Each is equipped with four pistons, gripping 360 mm x 32 mm vented rotors up front, with 350 mm x 26 mm vented rotors in the rear. The results: 60-0 mph stopping distance of approximately 110 feet.

Street and Racing Technology
SRT creates some of the Chrysler Group's boldest, most distinctive products by single-mindedly following its core vision: Deliver benchmark performance at the lowest price, and deliver it with absolute integrity and credibility.

Every SRT vehicle showcases five key aspects: Exterior styling that resonates with the brand image; race-inspired interiors; world-class ride and handling characteristics across a dynamic range; benchmark braking; and standout powertrain.

2008 DODGE MAGNUM R/T, SXT AND SE
The 2008 Dodge Magnum R/T, SXT and SE charge into the future with a sophistication and refinement noticeable throughout its new bold front exterior design and a brighter, more upscale look and feel to the interior.

"The 2008 Dodge Magnum offers interior and exterior refinements in a boldly-styled package that delivers comfort, functionality and performance," said Tom Loveless, Director - Dodge Marketing and Global Communications. "Dodge Magnum is a one-of-a-kind family transportation vehicle that continues to defy comparison in the marketplace."

Refined Exterior Enhancements
Design changes to the 2008 Dodge Magnum R/T, SXT and SE can be seen in the signature Dodge crosshair front grille which has been lowered and stretched horizontally to create a more aggressive look. Chrome elements added to the front fascia and grille and extra detailing around the fog lamps provide additional interest and refinement to the face of the new Magnum.

The Magnum R/T features optional Xenon high intensity discharge (HID) elements in the headlamps for greater visibility while adding a sophisticated, high-tech look to the exterior.

The hood of 2008 Dodge Magnum models features expressive accent lines that run from the leading edge toward the windshield, highlighting its muscular character and hinting at the power beneath. Optional chrome-clad aluminum wheels and 245/45R20 all-season performance tires contribute to the bold, powerful image that is pure Dodge.

New exterior paint colors include Light Pebble Beige and Titanium.

More Upscale, Bright Interior
The 2008 Dodge Magnum continues to offer a no-nonsense functional interior with well-appointed upgrades including soft-touch surfaces on the arm rests and the top of the center console, a new cruise control stalk and optional LED lighting, which illuminates the cup holders and door-map pockets. Brighter, chromed highlights have been added to the interior cabin of the R/T and SXT models.

The instrument panel has been redesigned to offer a more driver-oriented layout. The clean lines and easy-to-read gauges are highlighted with chrome bezels to deliver additional interest.

Most Powerful Engine Options in its Class
The 2008 Dodge Magnum R/T is equipped with a modern 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine featuring MDS. MDS seamlessly alternates between four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is demanded, increasing fuel economy as much as 20 percent without sacrificing vehicle performance. Drivers may be informed when four-cylinder mode is active by selecting the new fuel-economy display available through the optional Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).

The 5-7-liter HEMI V-8 engine provides 340 horsepower (254 kW) @ 5000 rpm and 390 lb.-ft. of torque (525 N m) @ 4000 rpm and offers an EPA fuel economy rating of 17/25 (city/hwy)*.

Also available in the 2008 Dodge Magnum lineup is the 3.5-liter High Output V-6 engine, which provides 250 horsepower (186 kW) @ 6400 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of torque (340 N m) @ 3800 rpm and a fuel economy rating of 19/27 (city/hwy)*.

In addition, the durable 2.7-liter V-6 engine is offered, providing 190 horsepower (142 kW) @ 6400 rpm and 190 lb.-ft. of torque (258 N m) @ 4000 rpm and a fuel economy rating of 21/28 (city/hwy)*.

* Fuel economy numbers are based on 2007 EPA figures. Due to changes in EPA requirements, 2008 numbers are not yet determined.

Rear-wheel-drive Architecture
The 2008 Dodge Magnum R/T, SXT and SE models come standard with rear-wheel-drive performance.

* Rear-wheel-drive performance offers the best vehicle balance and handling by separating the steering and acceleration duties
* Available advanced automotive technologies include an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Brake Assist, all-speed Traction Control System and four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), which combine to enable the rear-wheel-drive Dodge Magnum to perform with all-season confidence

All-wheel-drive Architecture
The 2008 Dodge Magnum R/T and SXT also are available with all-wheel drive.

* An all-wheel-drive system adds a front differential and transfer case to provide the best in passenger-car four-season traction
* By driving continuously through all four wheels, the all-wheel-drive system provides excellent cornering balance under all driving conditions, and better traction in snow

SAFETY AND SECURITY
The 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8, R/T, SXT and SE all have a full range of available active and passive safety systems. In addition to the accident avoidance features including ESP and Brake Assist, all-speed traction control and ABS that help the driver maintain directional stability, enhance mobility and prevent wheel slip, the Dodge Magnum offers myriad crash protection features. Among the vehicle's safety equipment are:

* Advanced restraint systems and low-risk deployment air bags
* Crumple zones
* Energy absorbing steering column
* Interior head-impact protection
* Available front and rear side-curtain and front seat-mounted air bags

Available auto-reverse windows, power adjustable pedals, self-sealing tires and tire pressure monitor system additionally provide a total package of engineering and technological advancements designed to protect as well as perform.

ENTERTAINMENT AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
The 2008 Dodge Magnum lineup offers the latest entertainment and communication technology available in the automotive industry while maintaining simplicity, safety, freedom and flexibility.

* UConnect Hands-free Communication System using Bluetooth technology with iPod interface for safer driving habits
* Factory installed SIRIUS Satellite Radio with streaming video option entertains without commercials
* Full-map DVD-based Navigation System using Global Positioning System (GPS) provides easy destination routing
* Rear-seat DVD Video Entertainment System (VES) conveniently located in center console storage bin to provide easy access to rear-seat passengers

MANUFACTURING
The 2008 Dodge Magnum lineup will be built at the Brampton Assembly Plant, Brampton, Ontario (Canada) along with the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300. Production of the 2008 Dodge Magnum begins late summer of 2007 and will arrive at dealerships in the fourth quarter.

DODGE BARRAGE CONTINUES
With 1.4 million vehicles sold globally in 2006, Dodge, the Chrysler Group's best-selling brand, continues its product offensive for the 2008 model year with the new Dodge Magnum SRT8, R/T, SXT and SE models. Other Dodge brand models coming for the 2008 model year include the all-new 2008 Dodge Avenger and Dodge Viper SRT10.

Dodge is the No. 5 nameplate in the U. S. automotive market. Overall, Dodge has a 7 percent market share in the United States. In the minivan market, Dodge has a 19 percent market share; in the truck market, 16 percent; and 4 percent of the car market.

Related:
Spy Photos: 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 [internal]

Here are the press shots set up for you, all gallery-ready for your enjoyment, with the press release after the jump. We'll have our own pics from the reveal this morning up shortly — but for now, enjoy the super-hero redness. Oh, and thank the lord it doesn't look like its Mitsu-platform prostituted sibling, the Chrysler Sebring. – Ray Wert

Related:
Spy Photos: 2007 Dodge Avenger R/T [internal]

Just in case you'd reconsidered adding the 650 hp RUF RT12 to the Jalopnik Fantasy Garage, take a look at what quick work it makes of its predecessor, the potent 2003 R-Turbo. Madness, I say, and the videographers concur. – Mike Spinelli

[via German Car Scene]

Related:
Jalopnik Fantasy Garage: RUF RT12 [internal]

Just before my teenage years, my mother's interest in early American antiques blossomed into a fully-blown, fully-funded mania. Our house was filled with precious furniture, from highboys to tea tables. The walls were crammed with portraits, maps and samplers. Surfaces were covered with silver, baskets and early glass. You may have been told not to tip your seat backwards at dinner, but I bet your butt wasn't parked on a Windsor chair. According to Mom, "A person's collection always reveals their personality." In this same spirit of refined excess and psychological insight, we're about to embark on a mutual adventure in automotive acquisition: the Jalopnik Fantasy Garage (JFG). Here's the deal...

We have unlimited funds and space for 50 cars. I'll propose an addition to the Jalopnik Fantasy Garage. Using the comments' section, you either agree with my unimpeachable, infinite taste or shoot down my nomination like a grouse on the Glorious 12th. We'll run a yes/no vote on whether or not the nominated vehicle gets a slot. Once the JFG is filled with 50 cars, you'll vote on which one gets turfed-out to open a spot for a new one.

I'd like to begin this collection with a RUF RT12. I nominate this car because I'm assuming that every single one of you is going to drive the snot out every single automobile in the JFG. (Our fantasy mechanics will keep every car in perfect working order.) Not knowing your driving abilities, and cognizant of the fact that a fantasy death would necessitate fantasy grieving and a fantasy lawsuit, I believe the RT12 provides the unholy trinity we need for our first purchase: insane performance, grandmother lovin' user friendliness and bullet-proof build quality.

Let's start with the performance. How does a 911 with 650hp @ 7000 rpm and 641 ft.-lbs. of torque @ 3500rpm sound? Like someone ripping a hole in the time - space continuum, as played through a stack of Marshalls. If you can withstand the aural assault, the RUF RT12 can catapult its occupants from zero to 60mph in 3.2 seconds — faster than a Carrera GT. RUF's 911 conversion tops out at 219 mph. OK, we don't expect you to play with the top end, but this bad boy will cruise at both grocery getting and autobahn annihilating speeds.

Equally important, the RT12 is built like a brick shithouse. To ensure mission-critical robustosity in an engine tweaked to 180.6 hp per liter, RUF's boffins disassemble Porsche's "old" 996 powerplant, bore it out to 3.8-liters, pop on some titanium conrods and convert the camshafts. We also get a stronger clutch, new shocks and springs, uprated Brembo brakes and calipers, a built-in roll cage (hidden under sumptuous Alcantara) and their latest hydraulically adjustable suspension height doo-hickey.

At the risk of alienating the Porsche purists (for the reasons stated above), I suggest we sign-up for four wheel-drive. As for style, I'm thinking speed yellow or red with a black interior and a black tail spoiler and body colored (four point) seat belts. Oh, and a serious upgrade in the stereo department.

And there you have it: the first nomination for Jalopnik's Fantasy Garage. Again, please submit your arguments for or against this selection in the comments' section, and vote yea or nay. Don't get hung up with counter-suggestions. Remember: we're just getting started; don't worry if your first choice isn't mine. (Submit proposals for future acquisitions to robert.farago@thetruthaboutcars.com.) We've got plenty of time to assemble an automotive collection that will reflect the taste and passion of our collective imagination, available for your fantasy driving pleasure.

Gawker Media polls require Javascript; if you're viewing this in an RSS reader, click through to view in your Javascript-enabled web browser.

[Robert Farago's Jalopnik Fantasy Garage will run every Tuesday.]

Related:
New Ruf RT12 Porsche 911 at Essen [internal]

Venerable Porsche tuner, RUF, has an unassailable record of turning 911s into insanely fast-moving objects. On a train to college in the late-80s — a time when breaking the double-century mark was nearly unheard of for a road car — we cheered (silently, of course) after reading how the twin-turbo RUF CTR "Yellow Bird" nailed 211mph. (Testarossa who?) Now, Pistonheads profiles the latest RUF Porsche, the RT12 — a 997 Carrera tuned for 650hp, and a possible 225mph. These days, there's far more competition for the top number, but the RT12, introduced at last year's Essen motor show and driven recently by PH's Ian Kuah, looks like it could at least teach its predecessors some road manners.

Ian Kuah explores the outer edges of the envelope in this 225mph, 650bhp 911 [Pistonheads]

Related:
New Ruf RT12 Porsche 911 at Essen [internal]

On the occasion of Detroit's annual Woodward "Damn, I Wish It Was 1965" Dream Cruise, Chrysler is introducing a Limited-production PT Cruiser dedicated to the highway that's the best. The Route 66 edition will be available later this year for $19,825 (manual) or $20,660 (automatic), including a $640 destination charge.

The car's cosmetics follow a desert theme, in a sense that it's set up for sun-baked climes, with exclusive Solar Yellow paint — with matching brake calipers and grille — solar-tinted sunscreen glass and liftgate mounted spoiler, which is perfect for frying eggs while summering in Barstow. Still, the package is meant to evoke a street cruiser from the Woodward heyday, with 17-inch chrome-plated, five-spoke aluminum wheels (plus all-season performance tires); chrome body-side moldings and a chrome exhaust tip. Inside, Solar Yellow accents highlight slate-gray cloth, and a standard AM/FM radio with six-disc CD player (and MP3 auxiliary jack) assures a stable medium for Time-Life Collections. Also standard are four-wheel anti-lock brakes with low-speed traction control, speed control and a sport suspension, assuring no one will come a' knockin' if this van is a' rockin'.

Related:
Chrysler Unveils Freshened PT Cruiser [internal]