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2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit Sets New Performance Benchmarks In Police Vehicle Segment

• 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit V-8 records fastest lap time ever in Michigan State Police's Vehicle Evaluation Test history (1:33.70)

• Fastest-ever lap time at Grattan Raceway highlights Dodge Charger Pursuit V-8 as the police sedan with the best combination of acceleration, braking, handling and dynamics

• Dodge Charger Pursuit V-6 delivers the fastest naturally aspirated or E-85 capable six-cylinder lap time

• Charger Pursuit V-8 delivers the best-in-class acceleration needed for police-fleet duty, including 0-to 60 mph in under 6 seconds:

• 0-to-60 mph (5.83 sec)
• 0-to-80 mph (9.18 sec)
• 0-to-100 mph (13.65 sec)

*MSP's 2012 model year preliminary data

September 23, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Designed and engineered to be America's high-performance police vehicle, the new 2012 Dodge Charger V-6 and V-8 models set new levels of performance - including the fastest lap time ever recordered (1:33.70) - at Michigan State Police's (MSP) annual Police Vehicle Evaluation tests earlier this week at Grattan Raceway in Belding, Mich.

"Achieving the fastest-ever lap time at the Michigan State Police's annual Police Vehicle Evaluation test reflects the mission of the Dodge Charger Pursuit Team to equip our law enforcement officials with the absolute best combination of vehicle performance and tactical equipment," said Peter Grady, Vice President of Network Development and Fleet, Chrysler Group LLC. "Even more impressive is that all four Michigan State Police Vehicle Test Team drivers averaged their fastest times in the Charger Pursuit - reinforcing the driver confidence provided when world-class acceleration, braking, handling and dynamics are combined."

In addition to the 370 horsepower and world-class performance and precision of the Dodge Charger Pursuit V-8 model, the 292 horsepower Charger Pursuit V-6 models held their own around Grattan Raceway, averaging the fastest times for naturally aspirated (1:37.71) and E-85 capable(1:37.57) six-cylinder police cars.

Rapid acceleration is also critical to quickly catching up to target vehicles, and the 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit V-8 leads the police sedan segment with the fastest 0-to-60 to 0-to-100 mph times.

• 0-to-60 mph (5.83 sec)
• 0-to-70 mph (7.38 sec)
• 0-to-80 mph (9.18 sec)
• 0-to-90 mph (11.43 sec)
• 0-to-100 mph (13.65 sec)

Continuing to build on the Charger's high-performance heritage and the 2011 Dodge Charger Pursuit debuting at last year's MSP tests, the 2012 model features new performance improvements, including:

• Optional 3.07 rear-axle ratio for increased acceleration with Pentastar® V-6 (2.65 standard)
• Optional 3.06 rear-axle ratio for increased acceleration with HEMI® V-8 (2.65 standard)
• Recalibrated engine controller (including a 151 mph max-speed rating) with HEMI V-8
• New heavy-duty and higher performance brake pads with new silicone brake caliper boot to reduce brake fade and deliver improved performance and durability (late availability)
• All-new police-specific designed front seats provide additional comfort, accommodate the equipment on the officer's duty belt, and provide the lateral support for performance driving
• Full-color Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with an engine-hour and engine-idle hour meter
• 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with 100,000 mile spark plugs
• New wheel hub for minimized deflection and less vibration when braking

About the 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit
America's high-performance police vehicle - the 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit -provides law-enforcement with the best combination of tactical technology, safety, power, efficiency and an iconic design.

New for 2012, Dodge Charger Pursuit offers six all-new quality-tested and factory-installed police-equipment packages backed by the factory. In addition, 24 free-standing options allow for the customer to equip the Charger Pursuit to his or her specification.

The Dodge Charger features two uncompromised, high-performance engines that deliver world-class levels of power, refinement, technology and fuel efficiency.

Engineered to perform, the aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine delivers 292 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, offers E-85 flex-fuel capability and up to 27 highway mpg. For best-in-class power, the Charger Pursuit's legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with Fuel Saver Technology delivers 370 horsepower, 390 lb.-ft. of torque, 0-to-60 mph in under 6 seconds and up to 25 highway mpg.

With superior ride and handling, the Dodge Charger Pursuit features Chrysler Group's second-generation large car rear-wheel-drive architecture with performance-tuned suspension, load-leveling Nivomat shocks, heavy-duty anti-lock vented-disc brakes (ABS), front- and rear-stabilizer bars, 18-inch performance tires on steel wheels and two-mode police-specific Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Developed with the guidance of the brand's Police Advisory Board, the Dodge Charger Pursuit features a mobile-command interior with unique features, including a Vehicle Systems Interface Module for easy equipment integration, heavy-duty police-duty front seats and column-mounted shifter with Auto Stick.

In addition to its Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) "Top Safety Pick," the Dodge Charger Pursuit surrounds the heroic men and women who protect with uncompromising safety and security equipment, including standard advanced multi-stage driver and front-passenger air bags, seat-mounted side-thorax air bags, supplemental side-curtain air bags for front and rear outboard passengers and driver's knee bag.

Some Like It Hot-Dodge Introduces New Durango Heat

• Designed to complement the performance-tuned Durango R/T, new five-passenger Heat package with the Pentastar V-6 engine delivers 295 horsepower and up to 23 miles per gallon (mpg)
• Best-in-class 50 cubic feet of storage behind the second row and performance-tuned to thrill anyone who truly loves to drive
• New Heat package delivers affordable performance with a starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $30,295 (excluding destination charges)

February 9, 2011 , Chicago -
Dodge is turning up the heat in the full-size SUV segment, introducing a new affordable performance package for the all-new 2011 Dodge Durango SUV - the Dodge Durango Heat. Designed to complement the performance-tuned Durango R/T, the new Heat package delivers aggressive styling, the high-performing 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with 295 horsepower and a surprisingly affordable price. With a starting U.S. Manufacturer's Retail Price (MSRP) of $30,295 (excluding destination), the Dodge Durango Heat will be available at dealerships across the country in the Spring of 2011.

"Durango Heat is about handling performance and a street presence that puts the sport in sport- utility," said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Brand - Chrysler Group LLC. "The unibody rear-wheel-drive (available all-wheel-drive), two-row exclusive seating configuration makes this the lightest Durango model. A world-class double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension make Heat a handling champ that moves out smartly with 295 horsepower, a dual-exhaust, tuned air induction, custom 20-inch Satin Carbon finished wheels while delivering ultimate utility with more storage room at 50 cubic feet than anything it competes with. The Durango Heat also is among the most efficient in its class at 23 miles per gallon on the highway. For the money, there's truly nothing like it on the market."

From the outside, the Durango Heat and the R/T have a striking resemblance. Both feature a unique fascia with fog lamps, a color-matched grille and dark headlamp bezels. The color-matched body kit, wheel lips and rear fascia with integrated dual chrome exhaust outlets, give the Heat a lower stance.

Built on the Durango's new unibody platform, which is 25 percent stiffer than the Durango it replaces, the five-passenger Heat also shares R/T's performance-biased engineering, including its aggressive suspension tuning, performance steering, unique 20-inch wheels with all-season performance tires (three-season high-performance tires for even greater grip and response also are available), a 20-mm lower ride height, tuned dual-exhaust and a modernized interior that holds drivers in their seats.

Where the R/T is powered by the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, the Heat is powered by the new Pentastar V-6 engine. The 3.6-liter V-6 engine is an all-new design, featuring double-overhead camshafts (DOHC) and a high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block in a 60 degree configuration. Contributing to best-in-class V-6 towing at 6,200 lbs. and a top speed of 130 miles per hour, the engine delivers 295 horsepower (216 kW) at 6,350 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. (353 N•m) of torque at 4,500 rpm. The EPA fuel economy miles per gallon (mpg) (City/Hwy) are 16/23 for the rear-wheel-drive model and 16/22 for the all-wheel-drive model.

While Heat entices with performance-biased styling and handling, the newest Durango also maintains SUV capability with room for five passengers and 50 cubic feet of storage space-more storage capacity behind the second row than any other five-passenger vehicle on the market- including 5.9 cubic feet of under-floor storage. As in the R/T, Heat comes standard with Uconnect Voice Command and a premium 506 Watt Alpine audio system with 10 speakers, including a subwoofer.

About Durango

From its sleek exterior design to its modern, spacious interior, and intelligent, fuel-efficient and powerful powertrain options, the 2011 Dodge Durango is all-new from the inside out. And the changes are more than skin deep. The Durango's unibody structure is more than 25 percent stiffer than its predecessor. The end result is a vehicle with crossover versatility, SUV capability and performance in a different league than its competitive class.

Durango customers live busy lives. They need a vehicle that is spacious and flexible enough to haul three rows of passengers (Citadel, CrewLux, Crew, Express) and their gear, but powerful and agile enough to keep it fun. Durango customers are looking for the perfect balance of functional versatility and luxury at an outstanding value. Dodge's newest SUV is the only vehicle in the segment that will meet their needs.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the all-new 2011 Dodge Durango (Rear-wheel-drive/All-wheel-drive):

Durango Express: $29,195 / $31,195

Durango Heat: $30,295 / $32,295

Durango Crew: $33,195 / $35,195

Durango Crew with CrewLux package: $38,195 / $40,195

Durango R/T: $35,465/$37,865 Durango Citadel: $41,795 / $43,795

(All prices exclude an $850 destination charge.)

2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Debuts with Newest HEMI® V-8

Inaugural Edition Model Features Exclusive Content

• Introduction of legendary 392-cubic inch HEMI® V-8 for the street, an engine with a famous name but is a decidedly high-tech, modern engineering masterpiece
• Potent 392 HEMI V-8 balances brawn with brains, features an active intake manifold, variable-cam timing and Fuel Saver technology (four-cylinder mode) on automatic transmission-equipped models
• Significant horsepower and torque gains are just part of the muscle coupe's balanced performance story as a redesigned suspension tuning delivers new driving manners
• 1,492 Inaugural Edition models will be built with exclusive interior and exterior appointments

For 2011, the Dodge brand's ultimate modern American muscle coupe receives a big boost in power and performance. And the product story goes beyond the impressive horsepower and torque lurking under the hood.

The new Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 builds on its original mantra of a rear-wheel-drive coupe that promises a balanced approach between form and function, with impressive straight-line acceleration and world-class ride and handling to go along with high-performance braking and the latest technology that delivers improved fuel efficiency.

The result is the newest version of the quickest coupe in the Dodge lineup packed with modern amenities and features performance enthusiasts will love.

"We listened to our devoted, loyal Dodge customers, and this new Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 answers their call for more power off the line," said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO - Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "We consciously tuned the 392 for a lot more torque, as that is what truly creates the thrust that sets you back in the seat and keeps you there! We can't wait to see our customers' reactions when they get behind the wheel and put their foot on the throttle - it is so responsive and a blast to drive."

New 392 HEMI® V8 Offers Wide Torque Range

The return of the legendary 392-cubic inch HEMI® powertrain back to the street in the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 provides another step in showcasing the evolution of the performance brand.

Pumping out 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque, the newest HEMI engine in the SRT product lineup provides an additional 90 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,900 rpm versus the previous 6.1-liter V-8 engine. The added torque allows for inspired standing starts and improved straight-line performance while new, performance-tuned motor mounts improve idle stability and ride control at any speed. An active intake manifold and high-lift camshaft with cam phasing provides maximum low-end torque while optimizing high-end power.

The 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is available with either the standard five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick or an available Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission that was first offered on the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10®. An improved heavy-duty clutch provides easier shift engagement.

Like the original 392 HEMI, the performance on the street and at the track is sure to turn heads with numbers such as 0-60 mph in high 4-second range and quarter-mile elapsed time in the high 12s.

New for 2011 is the Fuel Saver technology in automatic transmission equipped models, which allows the engine to operate economically on four cylinders or use all eight cylinders when needed.

Under the hood, unique valve covers with painted silver ribs and the "392 HEMI" logo give the HEMI powerplant a clean, yet aggressive look.

A redesigned SRT-tuned exhaust system results in a deeper, throatier note that will surely create envious onlookers both during daily commutes and at the race track.

Challenger SRT8 392 Inaugural Edition Offers Exclusivity

To kick off production of the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, 1,492 Inaugural Edition models (1,100 for the U.S. and 392 for Canada) will be produced featuring exclusive exterior and interior content.

On the exterior, two colors and new full-body stripe combinations are available on all Inaugural Edition models: Deep Water Blue with standard Stone White stripes or Bright White Clear Coat with standard Viper Blue stripes. For the first time, the front grille features a body-color grille surround.

Unique "392 HEMI" badges flank both fenders touting the historically significant V-8 engine that remains true to its high-performance roots and powers the highest rated Challenger in terms of horsepower and torque ratings. From the rear, the Mopar® quad exhaust tips deliver the performance exhaust note while adding the styling cue of a serious muscle car.

The Challenger SRT8 392 Inaugural Edition rides on standard 20-inch SRT exclusive wheels that feature a polished face and satin black painted pockets.

The race-inspired interior of the Challenger SRT8 392 Inaugural Edition begins with standard Smooth Pearl White leather-trimmed seats and dual blue stripes accented by unique blue stitching. Each of the front seats features an embroidered "392" just below the headrest.

The center instrument panel, center stack and console bezels feature a silver metal brush finish for a clean yet high-performance look and feel. The door trim panels also feature silver metal brush grab handles inside Pearl White door bolsters with unique blue accents.

An exclusive, serialized "Inaugural Edition 392 HEMI" dash plaque, showing the sequential build number from 1 to 1,492 rounds out the exclusive interior content.

Ultimate Modern American Muscle Coupe

The exterior styling of the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 remains unmistakably Dodge, with proportions that evoke a bold, instantly recognizable vehicle that has a wide, stable stance on the road.

A larger front splitter and integrated front fender spats improve overall high-speed aerodynamics and overall balance. Top speed has been increased to more than 180 mph with the manual transmission (173 mph in the automatic). A newly modified front fascia chin spoiler improves aerodynamics and is accent painted for a more aggressive look. The rear deck-lid spoiler also is completed in matching body color.

New Interior Styling Will Delight

The precise performance handling of the Challenger SRT8 392 comes to life through a new, right-sized, three-spoke steering wheel that features a carbon fiber accented leather wrap and silver metallic painted spokes at the 3-, 6- and 9 o'clock positions.

The trapezoidal instrument panel features a four-bomb gauge cluster with chromed accent rings and unique, new for 2011 SRT graphics. Inside the cluster, the SRT-exclusive Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with performance pages provides the driver with trip information, multimedia information from the Media Center radio, along with instant feedback on 0-60 mph time, 60-0 mph braking, G-forces, one-eighth mile and quarter-mile times.

Power lumbar-equipped front seats are standard on all Challenger SRT8 392 models. It's also much easier to get in and out of the rear seat. The driver's seat now features seatback tilt with memory and an easy to reach release handle, while the front-passenger seat adds tilt and slide with memory, which makes it even easier to use.

Maximum Performance Handling For Road And Track

New, highly damped shocks offer a firm ride that maintains the feel for everyday commuting while being fully capable for the more challenging situations. SRT engineers recalibrated the suspension geometry to improve Challenger's balance, cornering ability and steering responsiveness. Quicker steering ratios and new negative camber settings all around dramatically improve Challenger's appetite for high-speed cornering.

The performance SRT-tuned, fully-hydraulic steering system also has been improved with a new, heavy-duty pump and revised gearing to give drivers more direct feel and on-center response.

The result: the 2011 Challenger SRT8 392 is capable of .93g on the skid pad - the most of any production Challenger and on par with some of the world's best-handling performance coupes.

392's Storied History

The original 392 HEMI engine was introduced in the new 1957 model year Chrysler and Imperial products. It replaced the 354 cubic-inch version of the original HEMI launched in 1951.Compared with the 354 engine, the 392 was completely revised and improved, with larger valves and ports, a beefier block and crankshaft and improved bearings. In short, the 392 HEMI, often affectionately referred to simply as the "92," was perfect for drag racing.

More than a few racers at that time immediately enhanced the performance of the newest HEMI by bolting on six or eight carburetors, installing new camshafts, etc., and went racing.

Racing legend Don ‘Big Daddy" Garlits ran a 392 in his infamous Swamp Rat I dragster at record speeds of faster than 180 mph on nitro with no supercharger. Garlits also used a 392 HEMI to officially break the 200-mph barrier when his Swamp Rat went 201.34 mph at Atco, N.J., in 1964.

But the 392's success went beyond the drag strip. It also set records at the Bonneville Salt Flats and in boat racing. Drag racing boats were no different than their land-based counterparts in the use of the 392. Famous HEMI engine builder Keith Black was better known on the water than on the land, until he teamed up with Tommy Greer and hired Don "The Snake" Prudhomme to dominate Top Fuel in California in the early 1960s using a 392 HEMI.

After 1958, the 392 HEMI was gone as a production engine, but it still remains a legend. Collectors are now preserving many historic 392-powered race cars and hot rods and proudly displaying them on show car circuits.

In 2007, Mopar - Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand - helped celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original 392 by launching a modern, crate engine version of the 392 HEMI.