1967 Dodge Phoenix Reviews

We’d just turned out of Rodeo Drive in Beverley Hills, Los Angeles and were waiting at traffic lights when this thunderous rumble came within earshot. Heads pivotting, we looked for the source of the commotion.Seconds later, a metallic grey and gold apparition appeared next to us, low slung, mean, wicked and nasty looking. It was a new Dodge Challenger SRT8 Group 2 Widebody. What a name. What a car....HSV BEATERAussies love their HSVs and FPVs but nothing from either of these comes remotely close to the Group 2 Challenger. It is one of the most muscled muscle cars on the streets in the US possibly outgunned only by the forthcoming Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. Who cares, we love the Dodge.Old and new muscle cars are huge business in the US right now with manufacturers delivering a tasty V8 metal feast to enthusiastic Prius-weary buyers.The Group 2 rampaged away from the lights with a sound that could shatter windows at 1000 paces, the rear wheels wiggling as the tyres struggled to cope with massive power and torque produced by the supercharged V8. Then the driver pulled up at the next lights. Ha! What a show.The standard Challenger SRT8 is a good thing equipped with a 350kW/640Nm, 6.4-litre, V8 engine and sundry go-fasts goodies.WHO'S RESPONSIBLEThe Group 2 version is a considerable step up, built from bits supplied by CDC (Classic Design Concepts) in Michigan. CDC has been adding its visual touch to cars since 1990 but cut loose with the Challenger on the outside and under the bonnet.CDC's high quality components are favoured by premium tuning houses like Saleen and Roush. They do not build complete cars prefering customers to create cars for themselves. But the Group 2 looks like it rolled off the factory floor.Inspiration for the brutal-looking beast goes way back into the 1970s Chrysler muscle cars — the Plymouth Hemi Barracuda and earlier Challengers including race versions that competed in Group 2 events of the era. The bulging rear quarter panel extensions have a direct link to the 1971 Plymouth Hemi Barracuda.THE PACKAGEWhat does the Group 2 package comprise? New composite front guards, left and right spoiler canards (side wings) and rear ``billboard'' panel and mudguard well extensions. The new body panels add 12cm to the width of the Challenger.The visual effect is awesome — and functional allowing the use of much bigger 20-inch wheels and tyres for improved traction and cornering grip. Other CDC options include a stainless steel wire mesh grille, sequential tail lights and a fully functional shaker bonnet system.CDC can also point you in the right direction for engine mods including a Vortech supercharger that works in conjunction with the shaker system to boost the Hemi V8 to 430kW (575 horsepower) with something like 800Nm.And out the back, a Corsa exhaust system is essential to deliver  that muscle car sound. Also available is a KW coil over suspension system for better handling together with six pot Brembo brakes on large diameter drilled discs.BIG TICKThe car we saw ticked all the boxes and would retail in the US for around $72,820 — a mere snip when you look at what HSV and FPV charge for lesser cars. The Group 2 is beautiful in its own way and has more eyeball pulling power than any Ferrari you care to mention.It's bold and brash topped of with corona ring daytime running lights in the grille surrounding amber blinkers. Woo hoo. We couldn't wangle a drive but reports suggest the performance matches the looks — take no prisoners off the line for a potentially sub 4.0 second 0-100km/h time.Owners say it delivers capable handling and braking and a sound to rival the Benz SLS on full song. It comes with either a six speed manual or six speed auto. Hope it comes here.

The shock news comes as Fiat looks at making the Fiat Freemont a niche model in Australia after its successful launch into Europe.In Beijing this week, Fiat's global boss Olivier Francois says the death of Dodge was "likely''. Dodge remains in Australia with only one model, the Journey people mover. Its clone, the Freemont,  is intended to become Fiat's second model here, but there could be a time delay as Fiat allocates time to first establish the 500 as its volume seller. But it is believed Dodge will remain a brand name in one market - the US - purely for historic reasons. Mr Francois says Freemont was a "surprise'' seller in Europe. The car is a seven-seat copy of the Dodge Journey - still sold in Australia - that hit the spot with European buyers because of its simplicity and functionality. But Mr Francois has made it clear that Dodge doesn't have a place in the new Fiat-Chrysler alliance. "To us, the Freemont was an opportunistic car,'' he says. "It was never born a Fiat and we knew it was an American product, so how could it fit into Europe? "Well we have sold 35,000 Freemonts in Europe, built in our plant in Mexico, in less than 12 months. "It is so successful that we now have to lift production.''The Freemont could be in  Australia before the end of 2013, depending on its demand in other markets and the progress  of a roll-out of new cars based on the Fiat 500. 

A multicultural compact car with connections to Italy, the USA and China could become Fiat's new star for Australia. The Fiat Viaggio is an Italian rework of a car developed for the USA as the Dodge Dart, which was originally born with Alfa Romeo DNA, and will be unveiled this week at the Beijing Motor Show. It is already being considered as an addition to the local lineup of the new Fiat-Chrysler import operation, which was created when the Italian company resumed control of its local future - previously in the hands of Ateco Automotive - and merged it with its Chrysler outpost. The Dart was high on the shopping list for Australia when it was unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in January, but since then Fiat-Chrysler Australia has decided to cull the Dodge name and badge from its local lineup. A lack of right-hand drive production is also a major hurdle. Switching to the Viaggio would make more sense and, with the Dart just confirmed with a $15,999 starting price in the USA, it could easily make it to Australia in the second half of 2013 with pricetags starting around $25,000. Fiat-Chrysler admits the Dart thrust has been blunted but will not be drawn on the Viaggio. "The Dart is still a very attractive car. But at the moment it's not made with the steering wheel on the correct side for Australia," says company spokesperson, Lenore Fletcher. "We need to team up with some right-hand drive markets and see what we can do." So, is the Italian connection a more likely link, particularly as the Fiat Fremont - a re-badged Dodge Journey with some extra European flair - is already a near-certainty for Australia. Because the Viaggio has original Alfa Romeo DNA, it would also be easily tweaked for right-hand drive production and Australian design rules and customer preferences. "It's too early to comment on the Viaggio," Fletcher tells Carsguide. The Dodge Dart lineup points to the various options with the Viaggio, with a range of engines including Fiat's 1.4-litre MultiAir turbo, five trim levels up to the R/T at $23,290, and a potential high-performance SRT car. Dart deliveries begin in the USA in June.  

Ford is now selling a high percentage of turbo V6 engines instead of traditional V8s with its F-Series range and Chrysler has announced a raft of fuel saving technology for its Dodge Ram 1500 large pick-up. It is now available with an ultra efficient eight-speed automatic transmission, the first time an eight-cog gearbox has been in an American pick-up. A new 3.6-litre petrol V6, which Chrysler says is at least 20 per cent more efficient, is being introduced along with electric power steering, stop-start technology, grille shutters that close when not needed and suspension that adjusts on the run for optimum aerodynamics.

The Mopar-branded system will appear first on the Dodge Dart, and uses an integrated charging-grid bin installed at the front of the centre console, with charging activated when you place a smartphone fitted with the charging case into the bin. Charging is available while the car is running, and is able to juice up a range of devices including iPhone, Blackberry, MP3 Players and Droid-based devices The new technology will appear as a $200 option on the Dodge Dart as it rolls out in overseas markets from 2013, then progress to other vehicles in the Chrysler stable. "At Mopar, we look for every single opportunity to make our customers' lives easier," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand. "Our industry-first in-vehicle wireless charging system is the perfect solution for those connected customers who are always on the go."

Forget it fellas, the venomous new SRT Viper V10 sports coupe is not coming to Australia. Street and Racing Technology (SRT) boss Ralph Gilles has quashed any hope of sending the lighter and more powerful fifth-generation Viper to our shores.“It’d be a $20 million dollar investment to engineer the Viper for right-hand drive. And we’d need at least 500 units per year to make that viable.”Which means Australia would need England and Japan to take the lion’s share of that volume, and that’s not likely given both countries’ road rules allow for low-volume left-hand drive cars.So, we miss out on the new, lighter Viper and its all-aluminium 8.4-litre V10 engine good for an estimated 480kW. Gilles further estimates the Viper will hit 100km/h from rest in under four seconds.Both the power and performance are 'estimates' because SRT doesn’t actually know yet. The car revealed at the New York motor show is an early prototype. Actual production doesn’t start until later this year.The Viper is the first official ‘SRT’ model, which is why it no longer carries the ‘Dodge’ moniker. This is part of a plan to set SRT up as its own performance brand, similar to HSV and FPV.It’s also the most advanced car ever from SRT, says Gilles. “It’s got ESC and launch control. It’s got adaptive suspension, variable valve technology, 4-channel ABS. We wanted to include all that but not at the expense of its performance soul. The car has the ability to turn all that off and go back to its roots with the flick of a couple of switches."The Viper will be sold in two guises in America, Viper and Viper GTS, the latter with two-mode adjustable suspension. The Viper will also form the basis of SRT’s entry into the American Le Mans racing series.It’s almost enough to make you want to move to America… but not quite. 

The Dodge Journey R/T arrives with a host of significant upgrades to styling and equipment. And the Journey R/T scores a powerful 3.6-litre Pentastar 206kW/342Nm V6 Pentastar petrol engine from the SXT variant — the most powerful fitted to an MPV in the Australian market.Both SXT and R/T models gain a fresh new exterior look to compliment the Journey's styling, as well as a new interior featuring a dramatic new dash, along with restyled trim and upgraded equipment.Over and above that, the Journey R/T model enhances customer appeal with an array of new features adding up to more than $3000 extra value over the previous model. However the $43,500 price of the new Dodge Journey R/T is $1500 dearer than the previous version.Standard equipment in the new Journey R/T includes the Pentastar V6, but also leather seats, 8.4-inch touch-screen satellite navigation, second-row overhead video with wireless headphones, a reversing camera, heated front seats and 19-inch alloy wheels. 

The bad news for Australia: we can't have it here. The Viper is unlikely to ever be produced in right-hand drive as the engine placement is offset to that side, making it difficult to convert.The introduction of the latest Viper also marks the beginning of a new brand, Street and Racing Technology (SRT), which evolves from its performance and tuning roots into a standalone brand complete with its own flagship.As for the new Viper, the basic recipe is much the same, although it’s been enhanced in almost every possible way. The Viper, now in its fifth generation, returns to the market with more power and performance, superior craftsmanship, new technologies and more creature comforts.There are also three models being introduced, two for road use and one for racing. The road cars are the Viper and Viper GTS, while racing fans will soon be lapping up the awesome Viper GTS-R in endurance racing. Power for both comes from an aluminum, front mid-engine 8.4-liter V-10 tuned to an estimated 477kW of power and 814Nm of torque --the most torque of any naturally aspirated sports car engine in the world.It is based on the previous model’s V-10 but improvements for 2013 include a new, ultra-high flow and lightweight composite intake manifold, high-strength forged pistons, sodium-filled exhaust valves, new catalysts to reduce back pressure and an aluminum flywheel that reduces reciprocating losses. The Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission has been improved with a shorter throw shifter, closer gear ratios and a final drive ratio that has been shortened to 3.55 from 3.07. The 2013 Viper models should thus be more engaging to drive and top speed is now achieved through 6th gear with maximum engine speed (redline) at 6200 rpm.Starting with a stiffer structure that provides 50 per cent more torsional rigidity, the chassis of the 2013 SRT Viper also benefits from numerous enhancements -- many learned through racing efforts with Viper GTS-R and Competition Coupe models.Major updates include the addition of a new aluminum “X” brace under the hood that ties the suspension pickup points to the magnesium cowl super casting and contributes to improved torsional rigidity and stiffness. A new aluminum impact beam at the front of the car contributes to overall mass savings and improved weight distribution while providing improved crashworthiness.Structurally, many areas of the chassis were reworked to take advantage of new materials, reduce thickness in some areas and reshape components for more structural rigidity in others. The result is an overall weight saving of approximately 100 pounds, making this the lightest Viper yet.At the rear, the suspension has been re-engineered with the toe link moved forward of the axle for better tow control and dynamic stability. A new, driver selectable two-mode suspension system, featuring Bilstein DampTronic Select shock absorbers with both street and track settings, is standard on GTS models.For 2013, SRT Viper models ride on standard Pirelli P Zero, Z-rated tires. An optional SRT Track Package features Pirelli P Zero Corsa, “soft”-tuned, "racing-type" compound tires that improve handling and precision further on the road or the race track.For the first time, however, standard safety technologies such as electronic stability control and traction control are fitted. Additionally, all Vipers now come with a steering-wheel-mounted launch control switch, allowing for optimal acceleration from standing starts.Four-piston Brembo brakes with fixed-aluminum calipers, and vented rotors with a diameter of 355 mm by 32 mm, are used at all four corners as standard. An available SRT Track Package features lightweight and slotted two-piece rotors from StopTech, among other upgrades.The latest Viper also offers new interior and exterior designs incorporating premium materials and new exterior surfaces with aerodynamically functional details that are beautifully integrated into the high-tech carbon fiber and aluminum skin.Inside the plush, driver-oriented cabin are a number of premium features. On the Viper GTS model, all surfaces are fully leather skinned, and standard accent colors are applied to the seats, doors, center console and stitching. Standard high-performance racing seats from Sabelt feature a lightweight Kevlar/fiberglass shell created by resin transfer molding technology for mass reduction and long-term durability.Seating position in the 2013 SRT Viper models is 20 mm lower for more room and enhanced performance-driving ergonomics. Seat travel is extended by 90 mm overall, which enables expanded seating options from a more rearward positioned bulkhead. For the first time, seat height can be adjusted by up to 40 mm -- manually on the Viper model and power controlled on the Viper GTS. Some of the other goodies, either standard or available, include a 7-inch customizable instrument cluster display, connectivity and infotainment system and a Harman Kardon sound system with up to 18 speakers.The iconic supercar will be hand built at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit starting later this year. They will be sold through specialist Dodge dealers in the US, just like the previous models, but unless each US buyer is a loyal and dedicated long-term member of the Viper Club of America, they won't be eligible for the first batch of cars produced.SRT is expecting first-year demand to far outstrip its ability to build a few thousand Vipers. Even 1994’s production quantity of 3,083 units (a record for the Viper) may not satisfy pent-up demand for the new 2013 model.http://www.motorauthority.com/ 

It's widely acknowledged that the Australian car market is one of the toughest in the world, with more makes and models than you'll find almost anywhere else.The mid-sized segment is one of the most competitive within the market, and it was into that motoring maelstrom that Chrysler plunged in 2007 when it launched its mid-sized Dodge Avenger sedan.The Avenger was a mid-sized five-passenger sedan with muscular looks that set it apart from the crowd. Its chiselled lines, bluff panels and in-your-face grille were different to anything else in the market at the time, and for many took some getting used to.The edgy styling was carried on inside where the cabi n was a sea of hard plastics that wasn't really very welcoming. At launch Chrysler offered a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that really struggled. It was smooth enough, but it failed to come to the party when asked to perform.A 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and a V6 were added to the range a few months later. The V6 gave the Avenger some much needed punch. In 2009 a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel was added to the range to give the Avenger a fuel-miser option. If the 2.4-litre engine struggled the four-speed auto that was tacked on the back of it didn't help.It really needed another gear to help stir the four-banger along at anything like a decent clip. A five-speed manual was linked to the 2.0-litre engine when that was launched. When the V6 arrived on the scene in 2008 it had a six-speed auto, as did the turbo-diesel when it was launched a few months later. There was plenty of appeal when it came to the features list.The base model SX came standard with climate-controlled air, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking and four-  speaker sound. Move up to the SXT and you got fog lamps, two extra speakers, leather trim, powered driver's seat, heated front seats, and larger alloy wheels.Little is really known about the Avenger in service. We hear little here at Carsguide, so we have to believe owners are happy with the purchases. Another slant on the lack of feedback from readers is that few Avengers found their way into the market, which is what is suspected. Although the Dodge brand is an old and certainly once respected one, it hasn't been here for many years and hasn't managed to get any real traction since its return.There is no reason to think there is anything fundamentally wrong with the Avenger, but buying outside the top group of brands always needs careful consideration. Check any cars being considered for purchase to make sure they have been regularly serviced.With front, side and head airbags, ABS brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control the Avenger had a comprehensive array of safety gear should it become necessary. UNDER THE PUMP Dodge claimed the 2.4-litre four-cylinder would do 8.8 L/100 km; the V6 would return 9.9 L/100 km and the turbo-diesel 6.7 L/100 km.Well equipped, economical mid-sized family car, but lacks sizzle on the road. Better stick with the known brands. 

As Dodge's parent brand Chrysler, and Italian partner Fiat further develop their arrangements, Fiats will replace Dodges here.  The Fiat and Alfa Romeo brands will move into an expanded Chrysler-Jeep operation that reflects the global alliance between the Italian and American brands.  Part of the change will include switching the Dodge Journey to a Fiat Fremont as the Italian products slide in at the bottom of a bigger new Fiat-Chrysler operation.  Although details are still secret, Carsguide believes the new collaboration will begin in May following a buyout of the Fiat-Alfa agency from Australia's biggest independent distributor, Ateco Automotive. Ateco will retain its luxury Ferrari and Maserati agencies, but is resigned to losing the mainstream brands just as it has been bought out of its Suzuki and Kia franchises in the past. "There is no deal. Nothing is signed," the head of Ateco, Neville Crichton, tells Carguide. But Crichton does not deny discussions, or a plan that will see Ateco - which already holds the Chery and Great Wall franchises for Australia - expanding its import connections to China.  "We're always looking for new opportunities," Crichton says. Chrysler-Jeep as been growing strongly in the past 18 months following the new alliance with Fiat Group that came after the American company - like General Motors - went into bankruptcy in the USA and needed a massive government bailout. The latest Grand Cherokee reflects a stronger commitment to quality and driving enjoyment, something that should also benefit the upcoming SRT performance versions of the Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300C sedan.  But Chrysler in Australia has rejected approaches to become the fourth brand in V8 Supercars racing, based on the cost of the project and questionable short-term returns for a brand that is yet to receive supplies of its latest 300C.  Chrysler was approached by at least two V8 Supercars teams, with Garry Rogers leading a push to put the 300C onto local tracks alongside the Ford Falcon, Holden Commodore and upcoming Nissan Altima.  But Chrysler admits that it might look again at a V8 Supercars proposal for 2014, once it gets its new business plan bedded-down.