When the Dodge Challenger returned in 2008, it was certainly a welcome surprise for all

of us. For its second production year, the 2009 Challenger's model lineup is expanded to three models, including the SE, R/T and SRT8 trim levels. The big news for enthusiasts who like the looks of the new Challenger but don't need all the power is the Challenger SE. With its 3.5-liter V6, the SE gets you 250 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. While that's not exactly V8 territory, it's enough to move you around town with a smile on your face.

    The Dodge Ram single-handedly changed the face of the full-size truck market in 1994,
introducing big rig styling and  general good looks to an otherwise humdrum selection of vehicles. Now in its 4^th generation, the Ram keeps its big rig theme and adds a more aggressive-looking front grille and sleeker headlights. The exterior dimensions of the 2009 Ram are roughly the same as the previous
generation, but the big news is the new crew cab model, which replaces the outgoing Mega Cab body style.

    Being the first crew cab Ram offered by Dodge, it's clear they wanted to make it a good one. With the new RamBox storage system, which allows for 4.3 cubic feet of lockable, weatherproof, drainable and illuminated storage space in each bed rail, the new crew cab Ram has plenty of places to put your extra odds and ends. RamBox also includes a bed extender and cargo rail system with four sliding, adjustable cleats.

Ma Mopar may not be in the best shape right now, with the American economy struggling right alongside the currently-weak automotive industry, but in the meantime the show goes on in the Chrysler headquarters with plans for future models.  During an interview with Automotive News, VP of product development Frank Klegon commented that the next generation Charger and Chrysler 300 will not only meet the revised 2011 CAFÉ standard, but it will exceed them.

The CAFÉ laws are often misunderstood, and it should be pointed out that a company's compliance to the laws stretch across the entire lineup and not just a few models, along with a handful of other ways around the penalties associated with said laws.  However, the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, even with the 5.7L Hemi engine, are able to achieve mileage in the high 20s, thanks to Chrysler's Multiple Displacement System (MDS).  Real world reports have found the 300C getting near 30mpg on highway trips while driving conservatively, so its no surprise that this is one of the vehicles being called upon for its efficiency.

The Dodge Ram has typically emphasized sportiness in a truck, a trend which began with the introduction of the second generation Ram in 1994.  The 360 powered Ram Sport laid the foundation, with trimlines like the SS/T, and when the SRT-10 Ram was introduced, it put a whole new meaning to the term "sport truck".  Since the demise of this V10 monster, Dodge lovers have pled for a new sporty truck, and the new Dodge Ram R/T Concept is exactly what many are hoping for with the redesigned Ram.




The heart of the Ram R/T Concept is the 5.7L Hemi, now offering 390 horsepower in normal (non-concept use) form.  To the stock engine, a Mopar performance cat-back exhaust system have been added, adding some power (no modified numbers have been given) and a nice throaty rumble. Ive also seen some sources make mention of a Mopar cold air intake kit, and while the hood was never open, at one point I took the liberty of opening the hood myself and it was just a basic 5.7L Hemi with the stock intake system.

It seems unlikely that a 268 horsepower electric powered Dodge concept wearing a Lotus body could beat a new Dodge Challenger SRT-8 in a short race from a stop, but during a recent show-off session of the new Dodge EV, that was exactly what happened.

The Rose Bowl parking lot was the site of the showdown between high-performance and high technology, and the result helped to secure the idea that not all electric vehicles are just for low-cost commuting.  So many companies have turned to hybrid and electric vehicles as a solution for "responsible efficient transportation", that the enthusiasts' standpoint has been forgotten.  The alternative power vehicles are a great alternative for those who only use their car to get from point A to point B, but for many of us, driving is an enjoyable experience, and the Dodge EV plans to prove that electric vehicles can provide the same fun as a combustion engine powered vehicle.