Friday, December 6, 2013
Dodge Adds Charger AWD Sport to the Family
When you think of the Dodge Charger. what comes to mind? A big, modern muscle car perfect for families? Visions of smokey burnouts once the kids are dropped off at school? How about a perfect all-weather car? No? Well, Dodge wants that perception to change. While the general perception of the Charger is all about aggressive styling and available HEMI V-8 power, the Charger has been available with all-wheel drive, but this feature seems to have flown under the radar. What better way to highlight the Chargers all-weather capabilities than to come out with a special model all about all-wheel drive?
Orders are being taken now, but expect January 2013 availability for the Dodge Charger AWD Sport. Consider the AWD Sport as a limited edition option package, as Dodge only intends to build Charger AWD Sports for about three months. The AWD Sport is based on the V-6 Charger SXT and HEMI V-8 Charger R/T trims. As for cost, Dodge is charging $1,395USD for the AWD Sport package, and $1,195 on R/T models.
So, what do you get for the money? The Charger AWD Sport distinguishes itself with a gloss black grille, gloss black painted 19 alloys, and a rear spoiler. Inside, buyers are also treated to sport seats and Chryslers premium Beats Audio. The V-6 Charger AWD Sport gets a slight boost in power. The well-received 3.6L V-6 now boasts 300hp, thanks to a sport tuned dual exhaust and cold air induction system. The 370hp 5.7L V-8 is unchanged. The Garage sampled a 2012 Dodge Charger R/T which we thoroughly enjoyed. For 2013, both V-6 and V-8 Chargers feature an 8-speed automatic, as opposed to the 5-speed in our test car. Unique to the AWD Sport are paddle shifters and a Sport mode that will bang out quicker shifts and will hold revs higher in each gear. Kudos to Dodge for the shift paddles made from diecast metal instead of plastic. No word from Dodge, but I expect this to be available in other Chargers once the AWD Sport run is over.
But again, the emphasis here is on the Chargers all-wheel drive capability, and to break the perception this is strictly a rear wheel drive brute. Dodge is quick to point out their active transfer case and front axle disconnect technology, where the front wheels have no power unless needed to improve fuel economy. Will it work? Hard to say, but I cant blame Dodge for wanting to raise awareness that the Charger is available with all-wheel drive. Whether we see more Chargers rolling up to ski resorts in Stowe, Vermont, or Aspen, Colorado remains to be seen.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Dodge Grand Caravan Queen of the Family
Despite the undeniable success of crossover utility vehicles (CUV) in the large family car class, the Dodge Grand Caravan 2013Â continues to grow in popularity each year. In 2013, the American manufacturer offers us a minifourgonette versatile than ever, thanks to its new Sway System standard trailer.
Dodge Grand Caravan ranks not only among the safest vehicles on the market and versatile, but it also offers more comfort and technology related to entertainment than any large luxury sedan.
The eternal problem
 We all have our little faults. Well, one of the Dodge Grand Caravan 2013 is being very greedy, especially for a minivan as modern and refined. The problem stems in part from its mechanical, despite its 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, a fuel consumption well above average. I would even say that, with an average of 12.2L/100km city and 7.9L/100km, the Dodge Grand Caravan is one of the less economical vehicles in its class.
However, without its 3.6-liter V6, the minifougornnette American manufacturer would lose its versatile and occasionally credibility. If you want my opinion, there are few vehicles whirlwind of the Grand Caravan can boast display a towing capacity of 3600 lbs.
Good equipment, a good crew Dodge Grand Caravan 2013
Dodge Grand Caravan is designed to please the whole family. Front passengers will love the heated seats, navigation system and the different comfort technologies. Rear passengers will in turn conquered by the entertainment system that offers the Grand Caravan.
The American manufacturer minivan has an interior modern and tasteful. However, its exterior design lacks personality.
A poorly chosen name Dodge Grand Caravan 2013
I do not know about you, but when I hear R / T, I expect performance that go far beyond what a standard model manages to produce. However, regardless of its versions. The Dodge Grand Caravan 2013Â is equipped with the same 3.6-liter V6 engine, which is not without powerful. However, a little more spice would have justified the $ 30 000 displayed by the R / T.
Dodge Grand Caravan 2013 certainly shows consumption too high. In addition, it offers no AWD option, which clearly reduces its versatility. However, its performance is exceptional and cargo space divided among the best on the market. If, for one reason or another, minivans should be brought to disappear, I am convinced that the Dodge Grand Caravan  would be impossible to remove from the market.
Dodge Grand Caravan
Dodge Grand Caravan 2013: Queen of the Family