Back to the Beach: Packing sand in the Dodge Grand Caravan

Posted by By Laura Ricks, Automotive Editor July 15, 2009 4:08PM

nola.com
Categories: Dodge

There are bad rituals and there are good ones.

Bad rituals: Paying taxes, forgetting to bring a hat to Jazzfest, eating too much at Thanksgiving.

Good rituals: Tailgating at Saints games, eating seafood on Fridays and getting a minivan to go to the beach.

So here it is folks, my annual back-to-the-beach minivan report. Fortunately, like last year, I got a Dodge Grand Caravan SXT to take and I couldn't have been more delighted. Ditto for my passengers.Loading Up
Three rows of seats, a cargo area that expands up to 83 cubic feet and a choice of three seating/storage configurations make for a lot of options when it comes to loading up people, beach towels and a vast array of junk food. Read the rest of the story: http://bit.ly/SmWSd

Jeep show draws enthusiasts from across the U.S.

Jeep show draws enthusiasts from across the U.S.Jeep owners said it is, indeed, 'a Jeep thing.'By KEVIN HORANDaily Record/Sunday NewsUpdated: 07/20/2009 10:24:43 AM EDT

The center hosted PA Jeeps' annual All Breeds Jeep Show, an event that feels like a carnival celebrating all things Jeep. The event attracts visitors from all over the country, PA Jeep president Wayne Fish said.
An enormous inflatable Jeep hovered over hundreds of revelers, many with cameras hanging from their necks, oohing and ahhing at rows of the souped-up 4x4s.
Vendors selling Jeep goodies such as kick panels, transmissions and tires set up shop along the edge of the center. Heavy-metal music blared from the back of one Jeep as its tires crunched along the gravel.
The obstacle course set up in the middle was the biggest attraction. A steady line of Jeep drivers forged over mountainous dirt pathways and gigantic boulders while spectators packed metal bleachers.
Mastering the course is what makes Jeeps special, said Brian DeBusk, of Elkton, Md. It also convinced DeBusk that the money he spent on recent upgrades, like a long-arm suspension system and locking differential, was worth it. Read the rest of the story here: http://ydr.inyork.com/ci_12872249

Glory Days of Dodge Profiled in New Book

LONDON - July 20, 2009: Dodge Challenger & Plymouth Barracuda
Special thanks to the AutoChannel

Chrysler's Potent Pony Cars, a brand new book by Dodge specialist Peter Grist is an in-depth look at the highly collectable and much sought after cars that captured the imagination in the 1960s and 1970s when they featured as stars of both the big screen and drag strip. A Dodge Challenger R/T was famously used in Vanishing Point - the 1971 action-road movie starring Barry Newman.

Published by Veloce at £29.99 ($59.95 USA) in hardcover, and written in Peter's easy to follow and unpretentious style, this new book follows a chronological journey through the development of pony cars from the 1960 Valiant onwards. Fascinating design concepts and evolution are incorporated, featuring all sub-series and models. The book boasts 375 mainly colour pictures, including fresh new photos of original vehicles and rarely seen archive pictures and period adverts.

Read the rest of the story here: http://bit.ly/mA2KV

2008 Jeep Wrangler X, Right Hand Drive!

Attn: Mail Carriers! Here is the Jeep of your dreams! Right hand drive, all weather, all terrain, 2008 Jeep Wrangler X! Not only do you get the safety and security Jeep is known for, you get the confidence that comes from owning a Jeep! Come on down and check this Jeep! Why pay more in the city, when you can buy for less in the country! Now we can answer your questions even faster!! Send an IM to caseberemotors@yahoo.com or "tweet" us on Twitter at casebere motor sales. For larger photos or to see more of our inventory, go to www.CasebereMotor.com

Mr. Norms Unveils 426 Hemi Dodge Challenger & Hemi Cuda Convertibles

Mr. Norms latest creations are a pair of convertibles based off the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8, the 426 Hemi Dodge Challenger and Hemi Cuda Convertibles. Taking design cues from the original 426 Hemi Challenger and 426 Hemi Cuda these vehicles are a modern rendition of the mighty Mopars which use to roam the streets in the 70's. Each of these Challenger based vehicles incorporate E-body design elements from the early 70's including a new grille inspired by the 1971 model for the Hemi Cuda Version, a shaker hood system, Hemi billboard graphics and '71 Hemi Cuda taillight assemblies. Both vehicles receive a set of 20-inch forged multi-piece Mr. Norm's "Thrust" custom wheels with ultra high performance Pirelli tires.

Under the hood of both vehicles sits the 426 Hemi V-8 which utilizes a forged rotating assembly and a Kenne Bell supercharger that pumps out 725 horsepower. Keeping each of these vehicles firmly planted on the groundis Mr. Norm's Hi Performance Rear Suspension system. The rear suspension utilizes the Viper SRT-10 spec Dana 44 differential mated to heavy duty driveshaft and half shafts.

On the inside the 426 Hemi Challenger and Hemi Cuda convertibles feature Katzkin black custom leather and suede seats accented with yellow top stitching along with a real pistol grip shifter.

For more on each of these vehicles check out the photos and press release below or head on over to Challengerblog.com:

Thanks to Matt Rigney, Author,July 16th, 2009 Challengerblog.com

Dodge Viper SRT10 stays at Chrysler

Conner assembly plant in Detroit saved from closing in Dec.

Alisa Priddle / The Detroit News

There is no killing the Snake.

The new management at Chrysler Group LLC has decided to keep building the iconic Dodge Viper SRT10, meaning the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit won't be shuttered in December, as had been planned.

Read the rest of the story here: http://bit.ly/2lGnch

The Dodge Fire Wagon

Clunkbucket
Posted by Mike Bumbeck On July - 9 - 2009

Anyone who has biked or hoofed up and down California’s fire roads has probably asked themselves what sort of vehicle is capable of negotiating the narrow motorways. One answer to that question is this 1952 Dodge M37 3/4 ton 4X4. The Dodge M37 was the fifties postwar descendant of Dodge WC-series of World War II-era military vehicles. This restored M37 evidently found its way into civilian use on California fire fighting patrol duty. The M37 was manufactured in more than a few variants. A 5.83:1 gear ratio (!) on both axles made good if not slow use of the 78 horsepower flathead six engine. Super durability and legendary ability to make a determined crawl over most any terrain is a automotive quality for which the Dodge M37 and Power Wagon relatives are still famous for. More pictures here: http://bit.ly/WgEtr

In-Car Navigation Systems to go 3-D?

Navigation systems have quickly gone from being an interactive way to direct one from Point A to Point B to massive infotainment centerpieces capable of MP3 player integration, web browsing and wifi. Auto Express is reporting that GPS units could go 3D as soon as next year, because advancements in hardware could make the technology feasible with already available dual image LCD screens.
If you're thinking that you're going to have to wear those goofy paper 3D glasses to find the nearest McDonalds, that's not the case. Faster processors and increased memory will enable the LCD to oscillate between two images fast enough to give the illusion of depth. The incorporation of important landmarks embedded within the 3D image ought to go leaps and bounds towards finding your destination easier.

In the near term, it's likely that the functionality will first be available in aftermarket systems, with OEM models becoming available after the tech becomes a bit more mainstream. Actually, Clarion has been selling a 3D nav system in the UK for over a year and Sony and Panasonic have had the tech available in Japan, so it's more a matter of when, not if, the tech will be available in North America.

Family car or muscle car? 2009 Dodge Charger is both

By Jenny White the Daily News

When the Dodge Charger returned a few years ago, the auto world was abuzz with its retro design, and resurrected other muscle cars like the Dodge Challenger and the Chevrolet Camaro.

Though some of the interest has dimmed, the 2009 Charger still gets a lot of second looks and comments.
I had the SXT model, not the distinctive R/T model. The SXT can pass as a family sedan, whereas the R/T looks like, and is, a muscle car. The SXT impressed me with its roomy interior.
The Charger’s large size and long wheelbase provide a cavernous cabin with plenty of rear legroom. Seats were well-bolstered and were great for children and adults in the back. Cabin materials were attractive and seemed well-made. There were plenty of cubbies and drink holders to make the Charger a viable option for those with kids. The trunk can hold 16 cubic feet of luggage, which is consistent with other large sedans in this class. Read more: http://bit.ly/YEvSM

Showdown in the parking lot: Dodge Ram vs. Ford F-150

Posted June 30 2009 07:22 AM by Jeffrey Jablansky

Filed under: Car Ramblings & Reviews

Automobile Blog

Everyone seemed a little shocked when I, the office’s token transplanted New Yorker, expressed interest in driving the two largest vehicles currently in our fleet, the Dodge Ram and Ford F-150.
“Have you ever driven anything that big before?” someone asked.
“Does anyone even drive pickups this size out East?” asked another. The story was even pitched to me as, “New York city boy comes to the Midwest, experiences big manly trucks in their native setting.”
Guys, come on. (I don’t look like that much of a “city boy.” Right?)
How hard could it be? I’ve used a previous-generation Toyota Land Cruiser and a Series-II Land Rover Discovery before that as daily drivers. If I can squeeze them into parking spaces in the Big Apple, I should definitely be able to wheel a pickup truck around the block in Ann Arbor.
Earlier in the week, I walked out to the parking garage to have a look at our test vehicles. There, parked with their noses extending into the flow of traffic, obscuring the path of dueling subcompacts fighting for spaces, sat the largest, longest, and highest-end versions of the Ram and F-150. In the garage, sandwiched among Civics and Camrys, the trucks finally revealed their maxed-out scale. With a healthy grin, I set out two days later with associate editor Eric Tingwall and photography intern Andrew Trahan to test the mettle of these luxurious yet brutish trucks in the supposedly rugged Midwest.

See the rest of the story here: http://bit.ly/EW93x

Just saying what we knew at Dodge all along... Enjoy the article!

What is the MOST Patriotic Car?

Posted by Muscle Car News
Question of the day:

What is the MOST Patriotic car?


Its the Fourth of July and, as this is the land of little public transportation, youre probably going to drive everywhere. But what if you want to drive with nationalistic intent? Whats the most patriotic car? We choose classic Jeep Willys MB, a symbol of America to most of the world. In addition to representing our country in wars we were almost universally proud of, it represents a class of vehicle essentially created by the U.S. (suck it, Land Rover). More than its historical context is its symbolic meaning. The Jeep is an off-road vehicle. Its the automobile for Emersons road less traveled. Its manifest destiny manifested in steel and rubber. Its the only brand to successfully crossover from companies owned variously by the Germans, French and now the Italians. It is America. Well? Think you can get more patriotic than that? Lets see you try.

Have a Great 4th of July Everyone!

Top 10 Ironic Ads from History

by the Consumerist

This is truly a "do you remember when..." list. Makes you wonder what they will think of our current ads 50 years from now! Check them out here: http://bit.ly/1aDyEk