Sunday, May 17, 2009

2009 Dodge Charger



Aggressive styling, legendary engine performance, and a refreshed interior define the 2009 Dodge Charger, a four-door, five-passenger performance sedan that harkens back to the heyday of Detroit muscle cars.

Trim levels include the basic SE, loaded SXT, powerful R/T, and muscular SRT8. Engine choices start with a 2.7-liter, 178-horsepower V-6 that provides solid acceleration. The 3.5-liter, 250-horspower V-6 engine is definitely lustier, with punchy acceleration. In addition to its muscular powerband, the new-and-improved 5.7-liter, 368-horsepower HEMI® V-8 offers a Multi-Displacement System, deactivating four cylinders while cruising to maximize fuel economy. The super-powerful SRT8 boasts a 6.1-liter, 425-horsepower HEMI® V-8 with 420 pounds-feet of torque for eye-popping thrust. An available five-speed AutoStick® transmission provides the versatility of a clutchless manual with automatic gear selection.

Fuel economy is moderate with 13-18 mpg in the city and 19-26 mpg on the highway. The Charger competes with the Chevrolet Impala, ford Taurus and Pontiac G8.

Front bucket seats with generous bolstering and a high seating position provide a comfortable, commanding view of the road. Optional illuminated cup holders are a welcome addition for nighttime cruising. The Charger boasts the incredibly versatile UConnect® system that can fulfill your digital dreams through a 6.5-inch touch screen. Turn your car into a Wi-Fi hotspot and connect laptops, phones, PSPs, PDAs and play online games, surf the internet and download music. The 30 GB hard drive lets you upload and store up to 6,700 songs, tons of photos and play your iPod/MP3 player through the sound system. Include Sirius Satellite Radio, turn-by-turn navigation and Bluetooth connectivity and you’ve just turned your car into the ultimate entertainment center.

Rear-wheel drive is standard across the line, providing superior handling on dry pavement. The optional all-wheel drive system on SXT and R/T models improves acceleration in limited traction situations and includes an active transfer case designed to maximize fuel economy. The optional electronic stability control assists the driver in maintaining control during extreme steering maneuvers. Standard four-wheel disc brakes with available anti-lock control provide shorter, more controlled stops. The standard tire pressure monitor system alerts the driver to any significant drops in pressure. Driver’s-side inflatable knee bolsters, optional side curtain airbags and front seat-mounted side-impact airbags help aid occupants in a collision.

With abundant power, supremely comfortable seats, and a wealth of advanced creature comforts, the 2009 Dodge Charger is a kinder, gentler muscle car for the masses.

Source: http://www.newcars.com/dodge/charger/index.html

Sunday, May 3, 2009

2010 Chevrolet Corvette


The 2010 Chevrolet Corvette should see no major changes. Corvette should continue to be available as both a coupe and convertible, with three different trim levels: base, high-performance Z06, and ultra-high-performance ZR1. All base Corvettes should have a 430-hp 6.2-liter V8 engine. An optional "dual-mode" exhaust system that increases horsepower to 436 should remain available. Base Corvettes should be available with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Z06 should remain a coupe only and come with a 505-hp 7.0-liter V8 and mandatory 6-speed manual transmission. Z06 models also should have specific suspension tuning, tires, and brakes. ZR1 should continue to have a supercharged 638-hp 6.2-liter V8 engine. It should continue to team with a 6-speed manual transmission. ZR1 should continue to differ from other Corvettes by its unique suspension tuning and use of lightweight carbon fiber on the hood, roof panel, roof bow, front fascia splitter, and rocker moldings. Convertibles should have a soft top that folds with manual or power operation, depending on model or option selection. Available safety features across the Corvette lineup should include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front side airbags. Base models should be available with GM's Magnetic Selective Ride Control that automatically adjusts suspension firmness within two driver-selectable modes. Also likely to remain optional on base Corvettes is a high-performance Z51 package that has a firmer, nonadjustable suspension. This report is based on evaluations of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette.