Friday, June 8, 2012

2013 SRT Viper GTS-R Goes Through Paces at First Track Test


SRT Motorsports recently completed the first on-track test of the new 2013 SRT Viper GTS-R with team driver Marc Goossens at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, S.C. Beth Paretta (Director of Marketing and Operations, SRT Brand and Motorsports), Gary Johnson (Road Racing Manager, SRT Motorsports) and Goossens give their thoughts about the new car and how the test went. The SRT Viper GTS-R is expected to compete in the American Le Mans Series GT class later this year.

Check out the in-car camera footage and racing footage of the 2013 SRT Viper GTS-R Track Test herehttp://youtu.be/TVZvJ80muYk

http://media.chrysler.com/newsrelease.do;jsessionid=0DE993552CAA53EF8AAD97AEF6524AFC?&id=12566&mid=1

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Mopar Ram Runner Wins Truck Duel in the Desert - Leaves Ford SVT Raptor in the Dust


The Mopar Ram Runner and the Ford SVT Raptor met for a shoot-out at Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA), a state park in southeast California with 85,000 acres of nothing but dirt, dust and desert. When all was said and done, the Mopar Ram Runner was declared the winner.

PickupTrucks.com (powered by Cars.com) teamed with veteran SCORE International Off-Road Racing Series Trophy Truck driver Chad Ragland to thoroughly evaluate both trucks on a challenging 4.73-mile evaluation loop.

“I was impressed with Ram Runner’s extreme off-road capability,” said Ragland. “We jumped, slammed into mounds, cut through deep sand and it came out like a pro, rarely getting into the bumpstops or touching the skid plates,” said Ragland. “Those front-end shocks are amazing. During our first set of runs, I could feel myself tighten a bit as we headed toward the big rocks and ruts, but then the front end just sucked it all up. Those big springs and shocks had no problems.”

“We like how the Ram Runner kit can be built in pieces and stages based on what the truck owner wants and needs,” said Mark Williams, Editor, PickupTrucks.com. “You can go full throttle right away, or take it slower, building your perfect desert explorer at your own pace, factoring in your own budget.”

“Our Mopar Ram Runner is the ultimate desert racer based on a production vehicle,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “Mopar Ram Runner offers superior suspension travel to handle rough terrain and greater approach and departure angles for better clearance.”

“We’re proud that – under the most punishing real-world test conditions possible – the Mopar Ram Runner takes PickupTrucks.com’s top off-road honors over the Ford Raptor,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico. “Whether you’re into desert racing, rock crawling, hunting and fishing or just need a hard-working dependable work truck, there’s truly a Ram truck for everyone.”


Mopar Ram Runner

The Mopar Ram Runner kit, developed with successful Baja off-roader Kent Kroeker, includes the following: Pre-Runner Stage II Lift Kit, off-road front bumper, off-road front and rear fenders, off-road rear-tire carrier, sport performance hood and cat-back exhaust. Each element of the kit may be purchased separately. The kit may be installed by do-it-yourselfers or in a Ram dealership.

The Mopar Ram Runner kit is equal to or better than the competition on a number of fronts. The heavy-duty suspension system can handle practically any abuse the off-road dishes out. Front upper and lower control arms, which are three inches longer than production arms, provide added width and allow greater wheel travel over rough dirt trails.

Front lower control arms are constructed of plate steel in order to withstand off-road punishment. Upper control arms include rebuildable high-angle ball joints. Both inner and outer tie rods are substantially strengthened and contribute to the vehicle’s rugged, off-road steering characteristics and capabilities. Outer tie rods, constructed of forged steel, measure 1 inch in diameter. Inner tie rods also are nearly 20-percent beefier than production, increasing from .62 inches to .75 inches.

At the rear, a 5-link coil spring rear suspension is utilized and helps provide a 30-degree departure angle.

The Pre-Runner Stage II kit offers a boost in suspension travel, 14 inches both front and rear, which is superior to the suspension travel on the Ford SVT Raptor. The Ram Runner kit, which includes Fox 3-inch internal bypass shocks, offers performance on par with that of an off-road Baja race truck and outperforms the 2.5-inch shocks of the competition.

Ground clearance is approximately 13 inches at the center of the front cross-member and 16 inches at the rocker panels.

Body parts included in the Mopar Ram Runner kit, created with Trophy Truck inspiration, feature a tough-yet-stylish look built to handle the rigors of the off-road while turning heads on the street. The front bumper is constructed of steel with an integrated skid plate. With a 41-degree approach angle, ample clearance is assured over the deepest off-road obstacles.

Front and rear fiberglass fenders are lightweight, tough and durable with wider wheel wells that allow for tremendous suspension articulation with zero tire-to-body interference. The eight-inch wider track also provides an imposing, aggressive look.

The stamped aluminum, dual-scooped sport performance hood adds even more to the forceful appearance of the Ram Runner Kit. The spare-tire carrier is located in the bed of the pickup and enables easier access and provides the ability to transport a larger spare tire, contributing to the overall appearance and “Baja truck feel.”

http://media.chrysler.com/newsrelease.do?id=12496&mid=1

The Jeep® Brand Takes Over Flatiron Plaza in NYC to Celebrate its Partnership with USA Basketball



The Jeep® brand and USA Basketball formed a global partnership to support the men’s and women’s national teams, naming the Jeep Wrangler the “Official Vehicle of USA Basketball.” To celebrate the partnership with USA Basketball, the Jeep brand brought the game to the heart of NYC with its “Power By Design” event.

The Jeep brand took over the Flatiron Plaza and turned it into a basketball-themed event complete with New York Knicks All-Star and USA Basketball team member Carmelo Anthony and USA Basketball Legend and former New York Knicks All Star Allan Houston. Participants were challenged to make 12 consecutive free throws on a regulation basket for the opportunity to win a trip to Las Vegas to see a USA Basketball exhibition game.

Check out video highlights click here.

http://media.chrysler.com/newsrelease.do?id=12534&mid=1

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Jeep® Brand Launches Online Contest: ‘Power by Design’ Entrants can Customize and win a 2012 Jeep Wrangler


The Jeep® brand kicked-off “Power by Design,” an online contest that enables consumers to create and customize their very own 2012 Jeep Wrangler using a variety of USA Basketball design cues.

Participants can visit www.jeep.com/usab to enter and begin to customize the Jeep Wrangler of their dreams for a chance to win the vehicle they customized along with a trip to Washington, D.C., where they will see their vehicle on display and have an opportunity to attend a USA Basketball exhibition game.

“The Jeep brand is excited to offer one lucky winner a trip to attend an amazing event and also a Jeep Wrangler that is truly one-of-a-kind,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “Power by Design gives consumers an opportunity to be original, creative and a part the Jeep brand’s unique partnership with USA Basketball. This contest is another great way for customers to connect with the Jeep brand as they show us how they would customize their Wrangler.”

To enter, participants can configure a USA Basketball-themed Jeep Wrangler and submit one entry online to earn contest admission. Participants will be able to select wheel and tire packages, add decals and color options to their vehicle that they will be able to share with their friends and followers on Facebook and Twitter. “Power by Design” also features “Key to Power,” a basketball free-throw shooting game that will enable visitors to unlock additional vehicle features to enhance their customization. The contest launched on May 25 and will run through Wednesday, June 20. A winner will be randomly selected at the end of June.

Last month, the Jeep brand formed a global partnership with USA Basketball to support the men’s and women’s national teams as the Jeep Wrangler was named the “Official Vehicle of USA Basketball.”

To find out more information and view the contest rules visit www.jeep.com/usab.
http://media.chrysler.com/newsrelease.do?id=12501&mid=1

2012 Dodge Durango Earns Place on Edmunds.com and Parents Magazine's List of "Best Family Cars of 2012"



Edmunds.com and Parents magazine have selected the 2012 Dodge Durango among the “Best Family Cars of 2012.” This marks the 10th industry award for the 2012 Dodge Durango, including “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and “Full-size SUV of Texas” by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA).

"We are honored that Edmunds.com and Parents have featured the Dodge Durango on this exclusive list,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand. “Dodge is committed to providing quality products to our customers that are safe, innovative and family-friendly, while doing so with passionate styling that sets us apart.”

For the fifth consecutive year, experts from both Parents and Edmunds.com scrutinized hundreds of vehicles focusing on safety and reliability as top priorities when deciding which cars would earn a spot on the “Best Family Cars” list. Each vehicle was also judged on performance, interior, exterior and family-friendly features. Organizers also consulted parents who own and drive these vehicles every day.

“Modern and functional, the 2012 Dodge Durango has been designed with style and family-style versatility in mind,” said Scott Oldham, Edmunds.com editor-in-chief. “The seven-passenger Durango packs a high-quality interior, the latest high-tech gadgets, a fuel-efficient drivetrain and a fun to drive demeanor.”

The Best Family Cars of 2012 feature appears in the July issue of Parents on newsstands June 12.
http://media.chrysler.com/newsrelease.do;jsessionid=B6D613DE1564920594CC32B5F81CC601?&id=12537&mid=1