Video: The Last Challenger Designer Segment

Apr 23, 2008 at 2:05PM Gale and Nielander

By Jeff Gale and Brian Nielander
Designers, 2008-’09 Dodge Challenger

So this is it. The final 3 minutes of our talk about the Dodge Challenger. In this segment, Jeff and Brian discuss the interior of the production model and what inspirations came from the Dodge Challenger concept. Thanks for all your interest in this series. And please feel free to pass along any questions for the Challenger team in the comment section…

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Atlanta Show: DUB Puts its Touch on the Charger

Apr 21, 2008 at 4:42PM RLD

PRESS RELEASE

DUB Magazine “Dubs” the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger at Atlanta Auto Show

* Automotive industry lifestyle leaders at DUB Magazine partner with Chrysler LLC to bring two limited-edition vehicles to the market
* Special-edition Chrysler 300 Touring and Dodge Charger SXT models provide new level of exclusivity with more than 12 additional features including 13-speaker KICKER® surround-sound system with 10-inch subwoofer and 20-inch aluminum wheels
* MSRP for both models includes more than $5,600 worth of upgrades for $3,850

Read More »

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Poll: Flat out Opinions on the Dodge Journey ads

at 12:34PM RLD

We’ve got some good stuff coming up this week, including plenty more Dodge Challenger posts in the form of another response from Bob “The Dealer” Frederick and (if all goes as planned) another segment with Gale and Nielander — the Challenger designers.

But for now, we’d like to put a QUICK poll out there (easy does it…Challenger color poll is coming). You’ve all had a chance to look at the new ads (in the post right below this one), now tell us what you think in the poll on the right side of this blog.

What was Your Response to the Journey ads?

–I’m more interested in the Journey Crossover
–I’m just as interested as I was before
–I’m less interested

Feel free to elaborate in the comments section below…

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Marketing: New Dodge Journey Ads — What Do You Think?

Apr 17, 2008 at 1:35AM RLD

Here’s our newest ads for the Dodge Journey crossover, check ‘em out and give us some feedback…this first one is called “The Rematch”

Two more after the jump…

Read More »

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Press Release: Chrysler and Nissan Confirm new OEM Product Agreements

Apr 15, 2008 at 9:21PM RLD

PRESS RELEASE

Auburn Hills, Mich./Tokyo, Apr 14, 2008 - Chrysler LLC and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced two new agreements for the supply of products between both companies. In January, Nissan agreed to supply Chrysler with a new car based on the Nissan Versa sedan for limited distribution in South America on an Original Equipment Manufacture (OEM) basis in 2009.

This new OEM exchange benefits both companies through range extension and the utilization of global manufacturing capacity. Highlights of the new agreement:

Nissan will manufacture an all-new, fuel-efficient small car based on a unique Chrysler concept and design. This new segment entry for Chrysler will be sold in North America, Europe and other global markets in 2010, and manufactured at Nissan’s Oppama Plant in Japan.

Chrysler will manufacture a full-size pickup for Nissan. Based on a Nissan unique design, this truck will be manufactured at Chrysler’s Saltillo (Mexico) Assembly Plant. In order to accommodate this product, Chrysler will shift volume from Mexico to its U.S.-based assembly plants that produce pickup trucks. Sales of the pickup in North America will start in 2011.

Read More »

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Video: 2008 Dodge Challenger Designers Pt. 5

Apr 9, 2008 at 5:51PM Gale and Nielander

By Jeff Gale and Brian Nielander
Designers, Dodge Challenger

Dive in…

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Q&A: Hybrid Guru Answers Your Questions

Apr 8, 2008 at 2:52PM Abdullah A. Bazzi

By Abdullah A. Bazzi
Mr. Bazzi is a man on a mission to save you some gasoline.
Manager, Dodge Hybrid Program

Hi everyone,

In my previous post, I discussed the success of our first production Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango hybrids. I received several questions that I thought I’d answer for you. See below…

————————————

Are there plans to manufacture a hybrid minivan anytime soon?

Answer: We don’t have any plans for a hybrid minivan at this moment but we will build a hybrid powered Dodge Ram 1500 for 2010.

On Mar 25, 2008 at 11:15AM, Bsteinberg posted:

Are you going to come out with a hybrid that gets more the 18 miles a gallon. This is still very low comparable to most cars out there. Why can’t Dodge come out with a 30 mile per gallon truck. This Hybrid idea seems like pure marketing to me.

Answer: Although it may not be the end game, Hybrid technology is a step in the right direction. The two-mode system is an evolution, one that will be enhanced with time. The technology is revolutionary and far exceeds other hybrid technologies. Our application on a large SUV is ideal since it provides fuel economy improvements while maintaining performance and capability. For 2010, we will offer the advanced two-mode system in the Dodge Ram 1500. You can expect similar fuel economy benefits.

On Mar 23, 2008 at 11:28PM, NOTSURE posted:

How about a hybrid hemi challenger?

Answer: Product considerations and the type of technology would be assessed by management based on market demands and business case. If we do decide to develop, I hope I’m on the team.

On Mar 21, 2008 at 7:25AM, hillbillytoad posted:

I would like to see Dodge come out with a Hydrogen Fuel Car or Truck. It can be done and cheap.

Answer: We recently showed a concept hydrogen car at the Detroit auto show. There are significant hurdles to a pure hydrogen powertrain system, the most difficult being that you cannot find a hydrogen station to refuel. Keep your eye on Chrysler’s technology teams - More to come on alternative powertrain.

On Mar 24, 2008 at 9:36PM, imanad posted:

Congratulations Mr. Bazzi.
I wish you more and more success.

Response: Thank you for reading. I’m lucky to be working on such a progressive product that provides solutions to a demand for improved fuel economy.

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Got Chally? Kokomo Charity Raffle Gives Anyone With $10 a Shot at a 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

Apr 4, 2008 at 4:19PM Kevin Anderson

By Kevin Anderson
Kevin Anderson works in Kokomo, Ind.
Kokomo Transmission Plant

(This is a contest sponsored by some Dodge employees in Indiana. We’re passing along this note in case you’d like to participate in their raffle. Details as to how to buy a ticket are after the jump. — RLD)

Hey Challenger Fans,

We’ve got a great chance for you to win a 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 for only $10 in a charity raffle we’ll be holding later this year to benefit the United Way here. I’ll tell you how you can enter in a bit, but first, I thought I’d share a bit about myself and where I’m from.

I’ve been employed with Chrysler for 23 years. I am an Engineer by trade but am currently working as a PQI Facilitator. We are in the process of changing the plant over to team based manufacturing. We refer to that as “SMART” manufacturing, you may be more familiar with the Lean manufacturing terminology. We like to think of it as the SMART thing to do not the Lean thing to do. As a young boy I fell in love with Mopars and never could shake it. Through all my years I have never owned anything but a Chrysler product. I am currently a member of the Board of Directors for the Howard County Automotive Heritage Hall of Fame. I do have two weaknesses; helping children’s causes and driving Mopars. I think that’s why I enjoy helping out with this charitable cause so much.

Read More »

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Bob Returns: Dealer Pumped for Coming ‘08 Production, ‘09 Rollout

Apr 2, 2008 at 1:27PM Bob Frederick

By Bob Frederick
Bob Frederick
RLD Dealer Contributor

It’s hard to believe, but the day that many, myself included, have been waiting for is only a few weeks away! The day is coming when the first Production ‘08 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will roll off the line!

The wait is just about over- The first ones should start to hit showrooms by the end of April or early May. Unbelievable!
If you’re one of the lucky few who’s getting an ‘08, congratulations!

I’ve enjoyed being a part of the Dodge blog RLD so far- it’s fun to interact with all of you fellow Challenger fans and hear what your desires are for the ’09’s and beyond.

With the introduction of the ‘09 Challenger Models at the New York Show, many of the questions that you had were answered, in fact some that I had were answered as well. Three models were unveiled,one for every budget and I think we’re all pretty impressed with each of them. Whether it’s a 3.5 V6 powered SE, a new VVT 5.7 Hemi R/T,or a 425 Horsepower SRT8, it seems like Dodge has us covered. My personal favorite of all has to be the optional 6-Speed Manual with a Pistol Grip shifter in the R/T and SRT8’s!

Like I’ve said in many of my comments here on RLD- Keep your comments and suggestions coming!

Even though everyone has their own opinion, one thing thing seems to be pretty much universally agreed upon: We want to be able to individualize our Challengers right from the factory- From all the original Hi-Impact colors, a few at a time, phased in and out, available on all models several times per year, to stripe choices, to special equipment like Hood Pins, Shaker Hood, Tuff Steering Wheel, more wheel choices, Convertible etc.

‘09 Challenger pricing and ordering info should be out sometime in May, so get ready!

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Video: 2008/’09 Dodge Challenger Designers Pt. 4

Mar 28, 2008 at 2:47PM Gale and Nielander

By Jeff Gale and Brian Nielander
Designers, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger

Here we discuss with Jeff and Brian their work on making the concept fit onto a production platform, which affects the exterior and interior. They also get into their adventures in the wind tunnel and trimming the weight of the vehicle from concept to production. Enjoy…(don’t forget Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 with Jeff and Brian…or our full series of interviews with Micheal Castiglione and Alan Barrington on the Dodge Challenger concept.)

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Welcome

Back in the day, folks referred to holidays as "Red Letter Days" because of their color on calendars. They were times of excitement, tradition and celebration. Well, that's how we feel about the New Dodge and frankly, we've always had a special place in our hearts for red.

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What was your opinion after watching the new Dodge Journey ads?



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