Dodge Announces Pricing on 2011 Models Including Challenger, Charger and Durango

Over the past few weeks, the Chrysler Group has been revealing information and pictures on a slew of all-new or refreshed models for 2011. Now, it's time to let out the pricing details beginning with Dodge and its 2011 model year Durango SUV, Charger, Journey, Grand Caravan, Avenger and the Challenger.

You can read the full details in the press release after the jump, but for those that want the skinny, here are the starting prices for the new models:

New Durango from $29,195; Charger SE with the new 292HP 3.6-liter V6 from $25,170; refreshed Journey crossover with 283HP V6 $22,245; Grand Caravan from $24,995; Avenger from $19,245 and Challenger from $24,670. Also, the new limited edition 2011 Challenger SRT8 392 with a 470HP V8 starts at $42,555.

Press Release

2011 Dodge Durango – A three-row performance SUV

Dodge is putting the 'sport' back into the sport utility (SUV) segment with the 2011 Dodge Durango, a three-row design spacious enough to carry the entire crew and performance-tuned to thrill anyone who truly loves to drive. From its sleek exterior design and modern, spacious interior to the 50/50 weight distribution and a unibody structure that is more than 25 percent stiffer than its predecessor; the all-new Durango delivers crossover versatility, SUV capability and unexpected performance a league above its competitive class. Durango is the perfect balance of functional versatility and luxury at an outstanding value.

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 Crew: $33,195 / $35,195
Durango Crew with CrewLux package: $38,195 / $40,195
Durango Citadel: $41,795 / $43,795
(All prices exclude an $850 destination charge.)

All-new 2011 Dodge Charger – World-class Performance and Precision with an Iconic Soul

With its iconic character, contemporary fastback four-door coupe proportions, world-class performance, craftsmanship and refinement, and state-of-the-art connectivity features, the all-new 2011 Charger is the Dodge brand's flagship that proudly delivers premium, world-class E-segment sedan precision at an incredible value.

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

Charger SE: $25,170
Charger SE (with Rallye Package): $27,420
Charger SE (with Rallye Plus package): $29,170
Charger R/T: $30,170 / $32,320
Charger R/T (with R/T Plus Package): $32,170 / $34,320
Charger R/T (with Road and Track Package): $33,170 / $35,320
Charger R/T (with Max Package): $35,170 / $37,320
(All prices exclude an $825 destination charge.)

2011 Dodge Journey Crosses Over: A Gorgeous New Spirit and a Driver's Soul

For 2011, Dodge takes what was good with the Dodge Journey and makes it better. The Journey receives a major overhaul with a completely redesigned and retuned suspension, a new V-6 engine and a gorgeous new interior. And that's not all. Journey also features the latest and greatest in vehicle connectivity and customization with the Chrysler Group's new PowerNet electrical architecture. Owners will feel like they have the world at their fingertips with the Journey's available touch-screen command center. In addition, at 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2011 Dodge Journey equipped with the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine delivers a 20 percent boost in power compared with the V-6 engine it replaces. It's mated to the smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new 2011 Dodge Journey:

Dodge Journey Express: $22,245
Dodge Journey Mainstreet: $24,245
Dodge Journey Crew: $29,240
Dodge Journey R/T: $28,245
Dodge Journey Lux: $32,740
(All prices exclude $750 destination charge.)

The Originator is Back with an All-new Attitude--The New 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan: New Heart, New Moves, New Soul

The new 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan is a minivan with the driving dynamics of a performance sedan – and a little bit of attitude. Dodge believes that just because a driver needs the versatility of a minivan doesn't mean that the experience has to be boring. So engineers redesigned and retuned virtually every system in the new Grand Caravan's suspension. That major suspension overhaul, combined with a new V-6 engine that delivers best-in-class horsepower, gives Grand Caravan drivers a dynamic driving experience that other minivans in the segment just don't deliver. Get behind the wheel, and enjoy a driving experience once never thought possible in such a functional vehicle.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan:

Dodge Grand Caravan Express: $24,995
Dodge Grand Caravan Mainstreet: $25,995
Dodge Grand Caravan Crew: $28,695
Dodge Grand Caravan R/T: $30,595
(All prices exclude $835 destination charge.)

An All-new Dynamic for the 2011 Dodge Avenger: A Mid-size Sedan Designed, Engineered for Spirited Performance

In addition to an all-new interior, the Dodge Avenger's "fun to drive" quotient rises exponentially for 2011 with a significantly upgraded suspension to give drivers agile, confident, handling performance in all driving situations, whether it's a spirited adventure on twisty roads or an emergency maneuver. A new and improved powertrain lineup contributes to the 2011 Avenger's driving experience. In addition to the standard re-calibrated 2.4-liter World Engine with an available 6 speed automatic transmission, Avenger customers also can opt for the new Pentastar V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that gives customers the best of both worlds – best-in-class 283 horsepower (an increase of 20 percent compared with the engine it replaces) and 29 miles per gallon Highway fuel economy.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new 2011 Dodge Avenger:

Dodge Avenger Express: $19,245
Dodge Avenger Mainstreet: $21,245
Dodge Avenger Heat: $23,745
Dodge Avenger Lux: $23,545
(All prices exclude $750 destination charge.)

New 2011 Dodge Challenger: Upgraded Performance, Handling, Style and Value

The new 2011 Dodge Challenger delivers more of what muscle-car enthusiasts want — a more powerful and efficient engine lineup, maximum grip with an all-new performance suspension design and even more athletic styling — all executed with quality and precision. The new 2011 Dodge Challenger combines world-class ride, refinement and braking performance with more power and new track-tuned suspensions to deliver a thrilling driving experience. With its all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine producing 305 horsepower — 55 more horsepower than the engine it replaces — the new 2011 Dodge Challenger SE is the most powerful, refined and technologically advanced entry-level Challenger ever.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new 2011 Dodge Challenger:

Dodge Challenger SE: $24,670
Dodge Challenger SE (with "Rallye" package): $26,670
Dodge Challenger R/T: $29,670
Dodge Challenger R/T (with "Plus" package): $31,170
Dodge Challenger R/T (with "Classic" package): $32,970
(All prices exclude $825 destination charge.)

Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Delivers New Levels of Performance With Loads More Torque, Horsepower and Maximum Handling

With the introduction of the legendary 392-cubic inch HEMI® V-8 for the street, the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 builds on its original mantra of a rear-wheel-drive coupe that promises a balanced approach between form and function. The new 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 pumps out 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. However, impressive straight-line acceleration is just part of the performance story, as world-class ride and handling, high-performance braking and the latest technology that delivers improved fuel efficiency, results in the newest version of the quickest coupe in the Dodge product lineup.

Dodge Challenger SRT8 392: $42,555
(Price excludes $825 destination charge and any applicable gas guzzler taxes.

Alfa Romeo Creates Giulietta Mosaic with Thousands of Photos

As part of the ongoing celebrations for the Italian brand's first 100 years, Alfa Romeo has unveiled a unique billboard in Chelsea, UK. The specially commissioned artwork depicts the latest model to join Alfa Romeo's range, the all-new Giullietta hatchback, through a mosaic of pictures.

In an apparent nod to the belief that Alfa Romeos have a soul, the mosaic was created by using thousands of photos from past and present owners, historic stills from film, TV and landmark motorsport successes.

Damien Dally, Brand Communications Manager, Alfa Romeo said:

"This piece of artwork communicates the brand in its centenary year extremely well. Creating our latest Giulietta model from hundreds of images sent in by fans of the brand and from our heritage really sums up what Alfa Romeo is all about. Not only does the final outcome look fantastic, it also a great piece of memorabilia to mark this special year."

Alfa Romeo said that every person who contributed a photo will receive a Limited Edition print of the mosaic artwork as a token of appreciation.

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SEMA Show: Stealthy Ford Taurus Police Interceptor Concept

A [supposedly] stealth concept version of Ford's Police Interceptor will make its world premiere at this week's SEMA Show in Las Vegas. As cool as it may look though (minus that worn-out driver's seat...), somehow we can't see this interceptor being very stealthy as those massive 22-inch alloy wheels and blacked out grille are bound to capture motorists' attention on the road.

Said to be inspired from the SR-71 Blackbird, the original stealth airplane revealed in the 1960s, Ford's Police Interceptor study also gets a large boot spoiler adorned with bead lights painted black, smoked tail lamps and tinted windows while the body was lowered an inch.

Ford doesn't say what's hiding under the hood, but the production Police Interceptor sedan model will be offered with two powertrain options, an E85-capable normally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering at least 280 horsepower and a turbocharged version with direct-injection and at least 365 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque.

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Sabine Schmitz “Queen of the Nürburgring” stars in new BMW Unscripted Video

Remember Murray Fowler and his BMW 2800 CS? Then you probably wondered who the next impromptu actor in BMW's "Unscripted" series would be. Well, your wait is over: it's autoofcars2011.blogspot other than female racer and television personality Sabine Schmitz, also known as the "Queen of the Nürburgring" or the "fastest taxi driver in the world".

She earned these nicknames for lapping the German race track more than 20,000 times (according to her own estimates), mostly behind the wheel of the famous BMW M5 Ring Taxi. Other highlights of her carrier include two wins (in 1996 and 1997) and a third place finish (2008) at the 24 Hours Nürburgring.

Sabine got involved in the world of racing as a young child, when many famous drivers and motorsport personalities stayed at the Schmitz family hotel in Nürburg. As a result, all three Schmitz sisters started racing, but only Sabine had real success.

Charismatic and very natural on camera, Sabine pursued a television career as well, co-hosting a number of German motoring shows. Perhaps her most memorable moments in television are linked to several appearances on BBC’s Top Gear.

By Csaba Daradics

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Refined 2011 Renault Espace MPV Priced from £24,495 in the UK

The Renault Espace MPV is entering the 2011 model year with some subtle updates including the addition of LED daytime running lights and new equipment, as well as a Euro 5 compliant engine range. In the UK, it will be available to order from November 8 and in showrooms from January 2011, priced from £24,495 to £28,495. The cost to upgrade from the Espace to the long-wheelbase Grand Espace is £1,500.

Along with the LEDs, the 2011 Espace models benefit from the introduction of a new Pearl Blue color and freshly designed 17-inch Eptius and Novadis alloy wheels, while Renault also updated the MPV's interior with new trims and upholstery options, plus the addition of a new Carminat TomTom Live real-time satellite navigation system.

The full size MPV is available with two updated 2.0-liter dCi turbo diesels producing 150HP and 175HP, the latter mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The combined cycle CO2 emissions of the base dCi 150 engine has been reduced by 18g/km, from 188g/km to 170g/km, while versions with automatic transmission also get emissions savings, claiming 189g/km of CO2.

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2011 Honda Civic Type R Euro Launched in Japan, Limited to 1,500 Units

Honda has introduced a new model year version of its British-built Civic Type R Euro in Japan. The 2011MY batch will be the last of this model series to make its way to Japan as production of the current generation three-door Civic Type R has been terminated in Europe because its 2.0-litre VTEC engine does not meet the Euro V emissions regulations.

The Japanese automaker had imported 1,850 examples of the Civic Type R Euro from Britain in late 2009. This time, Honda will bring a total of 1,500 units of the 2011MY version of its high-revving hot hatch. The only changes over the previous model year are the addition of a new Crystal Black Pearl color, some trim updates such as the different finish of the fuel cap and a new numbered plaque.

In Japan, prices for the 2011MY Civic Type R Euro start from 3,000,000 Yen [including consumption tax] or about US$37,200.

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