The Durango "Heat" Is On This Spring

Dodge is cranking up the heat in the full-size SUV market by introducing new fun and affordable models to match the active lifestyles and the family budget of its customers.

During last week’s Chicago Auto Show, Dodge unveiled the new 2011 Durango Heat. The Heat has the aggressive R/T styling cues such as a unique fascia with fog lamps, a color-matched grille and dark headlamp bezels. It also has a color-matched body kit, wheel lips and rear fascia with integrated dual chrome exhaust outlets.

The Heat will also come with 20-inch wheels with all-season performance tires (three-season high-performance tires for even greater grip and response for those of you who want to bend some corners will also be offered), a 20-mm lower ride height, tuned dual-exhaust and a completely new interior with upscale materials and functional design. However, the Heat is powered by the all new Pentastar V-6 engine that delivers an eye-opening 295 horsepower while knocking down and impressive EPA estimated 23 mpg highway on the rear-wheel drive models. The Heat even has best-in-class towing at 6,200 lbs., so you’ll have no problem hauling your trailer load of Jet Skis or ATVs for weekend getaways at the family cottage.

“Durango Heat is about handling performance and a street presence that puts the sport in sport- utility,” said Dodge President and CEO Ralph Gilles. “The unibody rear-wheel-drive (available all-wheel-drive), two-row exclusive seating configuration makes this the lightest Durango model. The Heat is a handling champ that moves out smartly with 295 horsepower, dual-exhaust, tuned air induction, custom 20-inch Satin Carbon finished wheels. For the money, there’s truly nothing like it on the market.”

The 2011 Dodge Caravan R/T - The Man Van

Auto shows are showcases for vehicles that push the boundaries of what is considered possible. Buzz is generated; speculation abounds over which models will make it to showrooms versus those that are only fantasies. Amid the exotic and futuristic, one of the most talked-about vehicles at this year’s Chicago Auto Show was the new and improved Dodge Caravan.

Making its debut in the R/T line for 2011, the Dodge Caravan R/T (or “Man Van” as it has been tabbed by Dodge) packs a Pentastar 3.6-liter engine delivering a best-in-class 283 horsepower and 260 lb/ft of torque under its hood. Dodge engineers also added R/T-exclusive black leather seats with red stitching, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a premium sound system and a performance-tuned suspension that will make you want to strap on a helmet and hit the race track.

We know what you’re thinking: “I’ll never get away with bringing this beast home.” We understand. Tell your Mrs. that the Caravan R/T has a new driver-selectable fuel-economizer mode: At the flick of a switch you can change the shift schedule, maximizing MPG. Tell her that the lower ride height and sweet spoiler give the Caravan R/T great aerodynamics and fuel economy. The 100,000-mile powertrain warranty won’t hurt either.

So why the Caravan R/T? President and CEO, Ralph Gilles, told Motor Trend “We have customers who love cars, who love the thrill of driving, but can only afford one car,” and “Our Dodge R/T models give buyers the chance to stoke their love of driving while still taking care of their families and responsibilities.”

The 2011 Dodge Caravan R/T brings the thunder home to the family starting this spring.

2011 Dodge Avenger A Top Safety Pick By IIHS

Recently it was announced that the Charger was an IIHS (Insurance Institute of Highway Safety) top safety pick in the Large Cars category. You can add another honor to the 2011 Dodge trophy case as the Avenger was also just named a Top Safety Pick for the midsized cars segment in 2011. Scoring top rank for several important tests (front, side, rollover and rear impact, not to mention bonus points for the electronic stability control), the Avenger can officially continue to pack “safety” under its belt, right next to its great style, efficiency and performance.

Just as Motor Trend recently found out, Dodge wasn't messing around with the Avenger. The latest model has grown in leaps and bounds over the last one, and is more than ready to take on the big boys. Thanks in no small part to the availability of the tremendous new 283 horsepower 3.6-Liter Pentastar V6 engine (one of Ward’s 10 Best), upscale interior and comfortable ride, the Avenger is easily one of the smartest choices out there for you guys who want it all, and now you can rest assured it's a safe ride as well.

Ram Trucks Introduces New Tradesman Model

Ram has always been known for tough and hard-working trucks that are up to the tasks of folks who rely on their trusted vehicles for their day-to-day business needs. Truck customers are the most demanding when it comes to the needs and requirements of their beloved vehicles.

Ram Trucks has now introduced a value-priced Tradesman option package that is designed to meet the needs of large commercial fleets, construction companies and small business owners.

Ram Trucks performed considerable research trying to find out what content the customers want in their work trucks and the 2011 Tradesman more than fits the bill. Case in point, the Ram Tradesman begins life as a Ram 1500 ST trim package.

For standard power, the Tradesman gets the legendary 5.7L HEMI engine pumping out 390 HP and 407 FT.-LB torque all while getting 20 mpg on the highway (4X2 models). The Ram Truck brand’s venerable heavy-duty five-speed automatic is standard along with the Trailer Tow Package along with a Class IV hitch, above bumper pin trailer pin connector and heavy-duty engine and transmission cooling. The Ram Tradesman can even haul a 10,000 lb. payload without breaking a sweat.

As in all 2011 Ram 1500 models, the Tradesman uses a multi-link year coil suspension that offers best-in-class ride and handling qualities. Front and rear stabilizer bars and heavy duty shocks are also included as part of the Ram Tradesman list of standard equipment. In other words, the Ram Tradesman can handle the bumps and curves without having your precious cargo bouncing around in the bed. When it comes to the interior, it includes a 12-volt auxiliary power outlet along with six-speaker media center with a CD and MP3 player. You can also order Sirius satellite radio with Uconnect ® voice command with Bluetooth.

The Ram Tradesman is not totally utilitarian on the outside either as 17-inch full face painted steel wheels along with the full 2011 Ram color pallet are available. You can even dress it up with optional chrome front and rear bumpers, side steps, bed rails and exhaust tip. In addition, the Tradesman configuration is flexible enough to address your unique needs. Both 4X2 and 4X4 drivetrains are available in both short bed (6 ft., 4 in.) and long bed (8 ft.) models. Whether work or play, the Ram Tradesman has all the goods at a price that won’t go over budget. There are even great incentives for small business owners to take advantage of the Ram on the Job allowances.

Go to http://www.ramtrucks.com/commercial for more information.

Ram Trucks Offers Chance for VIP Tickets for Zac Brown Band

There are plenty of Zac Brown Band fans out there who love the Ram Truck brand, too. When it comes time to find something a little country to play over the stereo, lots of people reach for these guys every time. Well, if you count yourself among the fans that wouldn’t mind a VIP concert experience, you should check out the Ram Truck and Zac Brown Band Letters for Lyrics Sweepstakes.

For a chance to win, all you have to do is write up a letter of appreciation for the soldiers in our armed forces. Of course, you won’t be left out if you’ve already written up a letter. Simply drop it into the widget and you’ll be entered into the drawing.

Don’t worry. Ram Trucks won't judge your grammar or the content of your message. They just want to let our country’s soldiers know how much they mean to us. The contest runs February 11 through March 23, and they might just pick a few to share. A grand prize winner will be randomly selected to take three of their friends on a three-day, two-night trip to Dallas to watch the Zac Brown Band play live. Sounds like a good time.

You can check out the full rules here and click on the widget to get started on your entry.

2011 Avenger packs a punch

Since the release of the 2011 Dodge Avenger, the automotive media have awarded it numerous accolades and consumers have embraced the great changes engineers and design folks implemented. With an all-new interior and major suspension overhaul, the Avenger is a great mid-sized sedan that is well balanced and fun to drive.

However, the really “big” news is the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 that pushes out 283 horsepower. When mated to the six-speed automatic transmission, the Avenger becomes a “pocket rocket” with 0-60 times in the mid six-second range and quarter-mile ETs in the mid-14 second zone. Folks, we’re talking performance that is on par with many muscle cars from the 1960s and 70s. But unlike these iconic high-octane, fuel-guzzling behemoths, the 2011 Avenger also pulls down an impressive EPA estimated 29 mpg on the highway!

What’s just as cool is the sound of the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6! Recently, the folks at Car & Driver had a chance to record the exhaust note from the Avenger and even were impressed with its throaty and aggressive tone. Maybe you should consider getting your hands on one and shocking a few unsuspecting drivers the next time you are sitting at a traffic light!

Ram 1500 named a Best Buy by Consumers Digest

It's never expected, but the way things have gone lately, it's less-than-surprising when a Ram Truck receives media praise and honors. The honors continue rolling in this month with Consumers Digest, which selected the Ram 1500 as one of its Automotive Best Buy Award winners for 2011. The winning vehicles were pulled from a pool of more than 250 models, with decisions based on factors of performance, comfort and utility as they compare to price and ownership costs. Consumers Digest’s own rigorous testing and evaluation was primarily responsible for determining the results, although important information from third-party sources (for example, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) was taken into account as well.

Available in over a dozen variants, we already know that the versatile Ram 1500 has historically always been a big hit, thanks to its rugged, capable chassis and powerful engine options (including the 390 horsepower 5.7L HEMI V8), not to mention its classic aggressive appearance and affordability. This may come as no surprise to many of you here who have already decided that the Ram 1500 was what your driveway was missing. If you’re one of them, give yourself a pat on the back.

The Diverse High Performance Dodge Charger Team

By now, you probably know how proud Dodge is of the all-new 2011 Dodge Charger. The car manages to blend the spirit of Mopar into a functional package that’s as efficient as it is fun-to-drive. With its muscular bodywork that pays homage to the Chargers of old and its completely re-styled interior, by Dodge's account the Charger is a winner on every front. But did you know that the team that brought the 2011 Charger to life is made up of some of the most talented women in the auto industry?

While the all-star squad is led by Chris Barman, it features a host of women in key roles essential to putting the Charger on the road. Those include positions like product development, manufacturing, quality and purchasing as well as finance and public relations. Barman took the time to speak about his team at Inforums annual Auto Show Breakfast.

“The Dodge Charger team is a diverse and high-performance group,” Barman said. “It is important to recognize this team includes a higher than normal percentage of women in key leadership positions. This diversity is a source of energy, innovation and unconventional perspectives that enable the Dodge Charger to be a very special product.”

Chrysler has always taken great pride in being a company that prizes diversity on every level of its operations. In fact, it has racked up a laundry list of awards for efforts in inclusion. It was named one of the 100 best companies for working mothers by Working Mother magazine 12 times now, and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation has recognized it as one of our country’s leading corporations supporting diversity and inclusion five times. In fact, Hispanic Business magazine placed Chrysler on its prestigious Diversity Elite 60 list in both 2009 and 2010.

For Dodge, diversity isn’t about taking home awards. It’s about how reaching out and including a variety of world viewpoints, makes their vehicles some of the very best products on the market right now. It’s a way of thinking that permeates every level of its infrastructure. Just ask CEO Sergio Marchionne.

“Culture is the fabric that holds organizations together. It is not just an ingredient for success; it is the essence of success itself,” Marchionne wrote. “This is why my leadership team and I are committed to creating an atmosphere where all of our people feel respected and valued, because every person plays an important role in shaping our future, including employees, our supply base, our marketing and our dealer network. Chrysler Group LLC and its people have a future with promise. We will reach the full measure of that promise only as one, united diverse team.”

The team that stands behind the 2011 Dodge Charger is living proof of Marchionne’s words. Dodge couldn’t have produced a vehicle as capable, stylish, affordable and well-built as the one on sale right now without the help of many diverse hands.

Kudos to Dodge!