Audi R8 V10 and Spyder versions to be scarce and dear
Filed under: Car Buying, Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Plants/Manufacturing, Supercars, Audi
Click above for high-res gallery of the Audi R8
Word has it there is an eight-month waiting list for the Audi R8 in the car's home market of Germany. Here in the good ol' U.S. of A., the 50 units we get per month are not nearly enough for all of the interested buyers. Well, with V10, convertible and possibly diesel versions in the works, we can't imagine that demand will subside anytime soon. You might think that Audi would be smart to amp up production to handle the high demand, especially with those new versions coming soon, but that isn't gonna happen according to Audi. Seems they can only make 27 R8s a
For those lucky enough to have the coinage and a place in line, there is more news. Car and Driver talked to Michael Dick, Audi's member of the board of management for technical development, who told them the company expects to sell around 80% with V10 flavor. That version goes on sale next year, with drop-tops following soon after in Europe. Yanks will have to wait another year with 2011 models showing up in '10.
Other tidbits gleaned from the interview: Pricing hasn't been set, the diesel might be Euro-only if it even makes it to production, and a little brother R4 was never in the cards with the TT-RS and possible Audi R3 version of the VW roadster filling out the dance card well enough. We'll keep our fingers crossed that there are enough V10s available so we can get one in our garage at least.
[Source: Car and Driver]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Rumormill: Could Lexus become a hybrid-only brand?
Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Japan, Lexus, Toyota, Rumormill
This could be Japanese-only news, or just a case of bad translation, but Toyota Managing Officer Toshio Furutani has apparently told Japan's Nikkei Business News that Toyota wants every vehicle in the Lexus product line to offer a hybrid option, and that "in the medium to long term, Toyota was considering making the Lexus lineup hybrid-only."
That sounds like he could mean Lexus, period, all over the world. But our questions come from the fact that the same report said that the Nikkei listed only the LS and GS models as currently available with a hybrid option, neglecting to mention the RX. And the fact that for Lexus to offer only hybrids in the U.S. would be an eyebrow-arching brand decision. Not that there isn't anyone out there in the market for a hybrid IS-F, but would you really risk it? We'll wait for a follow-up from someone at Toyota, or we'll just assume Furutani's comments were meant for other ears than ours.
[Source: Reuters]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy
Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Chrysler, LLC., Autoline on Autoblog
Chrysler's EVs are for real
When Chrysler rolled out three electric vehicle prototypes a couple of weeks ago most EV experts were skeptical. They were even more skeptical when the company claimed that it would have an EV on sale by 2010. Wait a minute, everyone wondered, how could Chrysler have caught up with GM, Nissan and other automakers who have been working on EV's for a lot longer?Well, to hear Chrysler tell it, it's not behind at all. It is the first major automaker to actually allow members of the media and dealers to drive its production-intent EV's. The company claims it's been working on EV's for at least two and a half years-or about the same time as the other major OEM's. Its effort came out of the fuel cell program it was working on with Mercedes, back in the good 'ole DCX days. They merely pulled the fuel cell out and dropped in a battery pack.
John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers. Follow the jump to continue reading this week's editorial.
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Gas prices pleasant as economy tanks
The US, and in fact the entire civilized world, is knee deep in a financial meltdown. However, crashing stock markets and crumbling banking institutions have led to one pleasant side effect. The price of gas is dropping faster than the NASDAQ. A quick trip through south-east Michigan shows that gas prices have dropped below the $3.00 threshold, and tumbling crude prices show that even cheaper petrol is on the way. A barrel of oil now costs $77.70, which is in stark contrast to the $147 per barrel crude in July that lead to $4.25 per gallon gasoline. That's a drop of nearly $9.00 today alone, and OPEC has scheduled an emergency meeting to try to halt the precipitous drop of black gold. And since we're paying under $3.00 per gallon for oil that was purchased last month, that means we won't bear the fruit of the recent drop in crude until November.While many of you were with us in praying for this drop, it's coming at a huge price. Gas is becoming more affordable because a set of Texas-sized Brembos put the brakes on energy use, but at least it's cheaper. At this rate, if the get depressed about the economy, we can afford to go for a quick ride without having to take out another loan on our crashing mortgages.
[Source: CNN Money]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Toyota releases pricing and spec info for European iQ
Filed under: Economy, Euro, Green, Hatchbacks, Toyota
Click above for a high-res gallery of the production Toyota iQ
IF you're in Europe and hoping to get your name on a list for a Toyota iQ, now's the time. Toyota has opened up the order banks for the cleverly packaged microcar prior to its January availability date, while also giving up the goods on available specs, options, and pricing. The iQ comes in only two trim levels, iQ and iQ2, and pricing starts at £9,495 for the manual, and £10,495 for the multidrive CVT transmission. All iQ models come with 15-inch alloys, heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors, air conditioning and six speaker audio system with auxiliary socket. Checking the box for the iQ2 adds another £1,000, but for the money you receive high-gloss wheels, fog lamps, auto headlights and rain sensing wipers, smart entry and start system and climate control.
The iQ is pretty damn small, but Toyota is stuffing the tiny coupe with plenty of standard safety features, including ABS, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and nine airbags, including the world's first rear window airbag. Toyota also offers five different option packages including leather seats, navigation, and iSport, iUrban and iStyle packages. The iQ may be small, but after looking at the specs, it looks like Toyota went out of its way to give you just about any option you can dream up for a bargain basement price. You just can't get one if you live in the US, at least not yet. Hit the jump to view Toyota's detailed press release.
[Source: Toyota]
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2009 Impala recalled over faulty airbags
Filed under: Recalls/TSBs, Safety, Chevrolet
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says passenger airbags in some 2009 Chevrolet Impalas may have a potentially deadly flaw. Not only could the devices fail to inflate in a crash, but the inflator tube could rupture and hurl pieces of it at passengers. Sounds pretty bad, but there is good news for most Impala owners. According to NHTSA, the recall will only affect 79 Impalas, and not all of them will need replacement. Airbags found to be faulty will be completely replaced under the recall campaign at GM service centers.
Notices will be mailed out sometime this month to Impala owners who need to have their vehicles inspected. You can read the entire NHTSA description here.
[Source: Inside Line]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Toyota opens second facility in Michigan, adds 400 jobs
Filed under: Toyota
Michigan has been begging for good news from the auto industry lately, and the Great Lakes state got some from a company that was once considered public enemy number one. Toyota has officially opened a brand new $187 million technical center in York Township that will provide 400 more jobs to the beleaguered state while giving the Japanese automaker additional manpower to develop more new vehicles for North America. The York Township facility will compliment the 700-person Toyota research and development center in Ann Arbor that has been operational since 1997. The Ann Arbor facility has performed R&D duties for various vehicle including the Avalon, Tundra, Sienna and upcoming Venza. The added jobs at the new facility only represents a small portion of the thousands of jobs Michigan residents have lost over the past decade, but having an automotive force like Toyota investing in your state is a very good start, indeed.[Source: Toyota]
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J.D. Power warns global auto market may "outright collapse" in 2009
Filed under: Trends, Plants/Manufacturing
J.D. Power and Associates, the influential industry tracking firm, warned that the global auto market may "outright collapse" due to the lack of available credit and the general global economic conditions in 2009. According to the company, credit market restructuring, fewer leasing options, and declining owner equity are adding additional stress to an already burdened market. Don't turn to the automotive markets in China, Europe, or India either -- they are expected to slow next year as well. Much of the domestic sales decline is attributed to consumers delaying vehicle purchases (their studies indicate people are keeping their vehicles four months longer in 2008, compared to 2007). Other contributing factors are the drop in leasing activity, and the loss of fleet sales (down to 2.8 million from 3.3 million last year). While the automotive sales decline over the summer made this a buyer's market, willing consumers who venture into showrooms today are finding dealerships eager to sell, but banks aversive about lending.
[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]
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Chrysler sues Getrag over U.S.-built dual-clutch trannies
Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge
Chrysler has managed to stay out of the doom and gloom news for a few weeks now, which goes to show that going private can have its benefits. But things couldn't stay quiet forever, and as if the company needed something else to deal with, it's now in row with German transmission supplier Getrag over a potentially failed joint venture.Chrysler uses Getrag double-clutch transmissions (DCT) in the Euro-version Dodge Journey (seen above), and is planning on adding the Euro Avenger and Sebring to the DCT lineup. Getrag signed an agreement with Chrysler to build a factory in the U.S. that would also supply Chrylser's American products with DCTs, and in return for Chrylser agreeing to get such transmissions only from Getrag, Getrag would get $300 million to finance and tool the factory.
According to Getrag, it only intended to borrow the funds if said funds were guaranteed by the German government. According to the German government, it would only guarantee the $300 million loan if Chrysler put that same amount in an escrow account to guarantee repayment. According to Chrysler, it had no idea of such an arrangement, and Getrag never should have signed the agreement if it meant Chrysler needed to back Getrag's loan with its own cash. And that's how court cases are made. While the factory remains in limbo, Chrysler needs to find another supplier for DCTs for its American cars, and do it in a hurry.
[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Conflicting details: Volkswagen's LA-bound mid-engine coupe
Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Convertibles, Coupes, Volkswagen
CAR and Autoweek have tapped their sources within Volkswagen to get the scoop on a rumored mid-engine Elise-fighter that may debut at next month's LA Auto Show. But when working with unnamed insiders, information tends to get jumbled in the process and differing reports emerge that suggest it's all more speculation than hard facts.Both reports confirm what we've heard before: Volkswagen will limit the cylinder count to four, but that's where the similarities end. Autoweek's sources say that engine choices will be limited to either a 170-hp 1.4-liter Twincharger TSI gasoline engine or a new 125-hp 1.6-liter TDI sending power to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. CAR pegs displacement of the gasoline engines at between 1.2- and 1.4-liters, with output ranging from 105 to 160 hp. A 1.2-liter TDI producing 75 hp is also being bandied around.
According to Autoweek, the mid-engine coupe will come to market in 2011, while CAR contends production won't begin until 2013. Additionally, CAR reports that VW won't use an aluminum architecture due to cost constraints, meaning that the Modular Sports Car (MSC) will come in at around 2,660 pounds (300kg heavier than the Elise). On the other hand, Autoweek is saying that the concept will tip the scales below 2,200 pounds by tapping Audi for its expertise with aluminum and opening the door to a four-ringed variant with a choice of a 211-hp 2.0-liter TFSI or a 204-hp twin-turbo'd 2.0-liter TDI. Not to mention the possibility of a Porsche 914 successor.
A strut-based suspension will be employed instead of a Golf-derived multi-link arrangement, while parts cribbed from the rest of the VW line - ranging from steering components and brakes to electronics and transmissions - will be used to keep manufacturing costs in check. Autoweek is also reporting that both a coupe and roadster will be offered, which strikes us as totally unnecessary as VW would be better served offering a removable hard-top similar to that on the MSC's target, the Lotus Elise.
[Sources: CAR and Autoweek]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Automoblox unveils new model! The A9-S convertible
Filed under: Toys
Click above for high-res gallery of the A9-S plus a bonus teaser pic!
Automoblox, maker of heirloom quality toy cars, is on an upward trajectory that hasn't slowed since we first encountered them a few years ago. In fact, while birthday shopping for my three-year-old nephew recently, I encountered Automoblox on the shelf of a local toy store for the first time, and then again at the little rug-rat's birthday party where a family friend bought him the X9 sport utility to go along with the S9 sedan I got him when he was born.
Times are so good for Automoblox that it's bucking the trend by unveiling a brand new model, the A9-S convertible. Based on the A9 compact, the A9-S is the first open-air Automoblox model ever and the first to feature a new white color palette for its speedster windshield, rear wing and rubber tires. The wheels are jet black with three fat spokes each and the two plastic passengers even have their hair swept back. Like all Automoblox cars, the German beech wood body of the A9-S can be taken apart and its parts and accessories mixed and matched with other cars to create new vehicles.
Christmas is right around the corner, and it's a safe bet we'll be buying the A9-S, which retails for $38 at the Automoblox Store, to add to our own growing collection that includes the X9, X9-X, C9-R and a trio of Automoblox Minis. We've also been told there's another hot version of the C9 in development, and have a teaser pic to prove it.
[Source: Automoblox]
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Ford CFO Don Leclair retiring, Ford Europe's Booth will replace him
Filed under: Ford
Ford Chief Financial Officer Don Leclair has decided to hang up his spreadsheets after an illustrious career at the Blue Oval. Leclair worked at Ford for 32 years and has held the top financial post there since 2003. Succeeding Leclair will be Ford of Europe President Lewis Booth. Booth has helped lead Ford's positive transformation in Europe and grow Mazda's success around the world, which are probably Ford's two largest successes of the past decade. Excruciatingly tough times in North America await Booth upon his arrival Stateside, and team Ford needs some of that same magic he had in Europe to pull the 105-year-old automaker out of its current situation. Leclair and Booth will be working together over the next few weeks to ensure that no balls drop during the transfer of power.
We're sure Mr. Leclair would have loved to leave the Blue Oval during happier times, and we hope his retirement is a long and enjoyable one. If stocks are part of his exit package, though, it may be some time before he has a chance to relax.
[Source: Ford, Photo by William Thomas Cain/Getty]
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VIDEO: Mazda releases unrevealing teaser vid of 2010 Mazda3
Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Videos, Mazda
Click above to view video after the jump
Mazda has already given us a sneak-peak at its long-awaited 2010 Mazda3, and while we like what we've seen so far, we want more. We know that team Zoom Zoom is adding a new 2.5L engine to replace the outgoing 2.3L engine, and that the full Monte will be shown at the LA Auto Show next month, but anything more would be great. We came across a short video clip of the Mazda3 in action, but it's 12 seconds long and shows the same three photos we've already seen with moving wheel animations. Needless to say, it's a little disappointing. Now is as good of a time as any to look at the high-resolution pics we do have in the gallery below, and if you need help imagining what Mazda's top-selling sedan looks like in motion, hit the jump.
[Source: eGMCarTech]
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AMG boss confirms future hybrid and diesel plans
Filed under: Coupes, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Green, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, AMG
Click above for more high-res shots of the SL65 AMG Black Series
Saying that "only a fool would ignore" the emissions of a new vehicle and the current global economy, AMG head-man Volker Mornhinweg realizes that it can't keep building gas-guzzling supercars with reckless abandon. Not that the company will lose its performance edge, mind you. In fact, hybrids and diesels could offer a meaningful performance boost if tuned properly. How so? Torque. Diesel engines are known for their massive axle-shreading twist, and electric motors, an essential part of any hybrid powertrain, make maximum power right off idle, allowing for an internal combustion engine that's tuned for stratospheric revs.
In a recent interview with CAR, the notion of fitting a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter oil-burning V6 inside the C class was kicked around. Mornhinweg suggests such a vehicle is a distinct possibility as AMG moves forward. Hybrid technology could be based on the new drivetrain powering the recently-unveiled S400 BlueHYBRID. No matter what the future holds, we can be sure that the AMG crew is obviously not made up of a bunch of fools, and will therefore continue to offer cars with the highest performance pedigree, regardless of what's underhood.
[Source: CAR]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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FPV GT 5th Anniversary edition unveiled in Sydney
Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Ford, Misc. Auto Shows, Australia, FPV, Special/Limited Editions
Click above for high-res gallery of the FPV 5th Anniversary model
Ford Performance Vehicles, otherwise known as FPV, is celebrating its fifth birthday as being the sharp end of Ford Australia's performance stick. FPV presented itself with a gift at this week's Australian International Motor Show in the form of a special edition FPV 5th Anniversary model. Only 200 units will be produced of the rear-wheel-drive Falcon-based birthday present, ensuring instant collector car status for the discerning Aussie buyer. The car features Alpine Silver 19-inch multi-spoke wheels, 6-piston Brembo brakes, sports seats upholstered in Nudo leather and special "5th Anniversary" decals on the trunk, ahead of the rear wheels, embossed on the front headrests and on the floormats. The FPV 5th Anniversary model will be available in Lightning Strike or Silhouette, both with striping, and starts at $71,890 in Australian dollars, which FPV says equates to $9,600 worth of extra goodies for only $5,300 more than the FPV GT sedan. So happy birthday to FPV, and we hope that Ford invites us to your rear-wheel-drive performance sedan party some time soon.
[Source: FPV]
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Toyota iQ could come Stateside wearing Scion badge
Filed under: LA Auto Show, Economy, Hatchbacks, Scion, Toyota
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Toyota iQ
Rumors have been swirling over the past few months that Toyota was considering bringing its iQ mini-car to the States, and according to MotorTrend that's exactly what's going to happen at the LA Auto Show this November, where Toyota will unveil a U.S.-spec iQ wearing Scion badges.
The iQ - originally destined for sale in Japan and Europe - features a 3+1 seating arrangement and motivated by either a gasoline-powered 1.0-liter three-pot or a 1.4-liter diesel. However, MT speculates that the Yaris' 1.5-liter four, mated to a manual gearbox or CVT will be fitted for duty in the U.S.
Ideally, the Scion iQ would have to be priced at or below its direct competitor, the Smart ForTwo, so expect a sticker of under $15,000 if and when it goes on sale. The rationale behind offering the iQ as a Scion would finally give some credence to the brand's targeted urban demographic, which has been faltering in recent years. And with more usable passenger and cargo space than a ForTwo, the Scion iQ could be a hit for people downsizing their rides without sacrificing some of the practicality found in a more traditional runabout.
[Source: MotorTrend]Permalink | Email this | Comments
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More 'Ring running: Maserati MC12 beats world's best in super comparo
Filed under: Supercars, Maserati
Click above for more high-res shots of the Maserati MC12
Despite the fact there is no real "Official 'Ring Record" for production cars, manufacturers never miss the chance to time their fastest cars as they lap the famous German race track. After all, there's a great bit of marketing to be had by claiming that your car is faster than everything else. Maserati realizes this just as much as the next company, and the Italian automaker's MC12 is still 'super' even though it's now three years old. Perhaps even more so, as it recently managed to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife in just 7:24.29. Not only is this an extremely fast time, it betters the marks set by such enviable performers as the Ferrari Enzo, Koenigsegg CCX, Pagani Zonda F Clubsport and Porsche Carrera GT. All of these cars are owned by one (very lucky) man and were tested with the same driver (American Le Mans Series racer Marc Basseng) at the same time and under the same conditions, while lap timing duties went to Europe's evo magazine. All of this lends a dose of credibility to the Trident's accomplishment that's lacking from the incredible 'Ring times that automakers have been claiming lately. So, while not all 'Ring times are created equal, some bragging rights now belong to Maserati.*
*The only car we know of that claims a faster time is the Dodge Viper ACR, which unofficially managed the deed in just 7:22. Your lap times may vary.
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GM: "bankruptcy protection is not an option"
The beating General Motors and Ford took on Wall St. yesterday has people loosely throwing around the word "bankruptcy" this morning. GM made its position clear in a statement just released (read in full after the jump) that "bankruptcy protection is not an option." It's true that both automakers are in a bad way after yesterday's sell off. Shares of GM ended the day at 4.76, which gave the giant U.S. automaker a market capitalization (cost of a single share times the number of shares outstanding) of less than $3 billion, while Ford shares closed at just 2.08 to give the Blue Oval a market cap of $4.7 billion. Further adding fuel to the fire is speculation that the debt rating of each automaker may slip further into junk status. But how real a prospect is bankruptcy for these two iconic automakers? Though some consider the prospect a real, if almost inevitable, possibility, the reality is that neither GM nor Ford is likely to voluntarily enter Chapter 11 anytime soon. For one, both companies still have billions of dollars of cash on hand that should last them well into 2009, despite the fact they're burning through their reserves at an increasingly quicker pace. They also have still have untapped lines of credit and assets to unload. Ford has sold off a number of its brands like Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover, while GM is seeking buyers for HUMMER and its medium-duty truck business.
But the real obstacle to bankruptcy is the position that these two companies hold in the fabric of American life, which is both material and emotional. Combined they employ hundreds of thousands of people and indirectly are responsible for many times more. They're also more near and dear to our hearts than big investment banks on Wall St., so politicians would likely step in before it was too late. No one can predict the future, and the markets seem to be stuck in a self-perpetuating downward spiral at the moment, but that doesn't mean we should listen to alarmists on TV looking for higher ratings.
[Source: LA Times, General Motors]
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RUF's electric Porsche breaks cover
Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrids/Alternative, Sports/GTs, Green, Porsche
Click above for more high-res shots of the eRUF Model A Concept
Rumors of RUF's impending electric Porsche were true, except that the actual vehicle is based on a Porsche 911, not the Cayman as previously reported. Powered by a three-phase electric motor that offers about 200 horsepower along with an impressive 480 lb.-ft. of torque, the eRUF Model A can reportedly hit 60 miles per hour in under seven seconds and can reach a top speed of 160. Power comes from a lithium iron phosphate battery pack, which produces 317-volts and 480-amps and is made up from 96 individual cells. A full charge takes a rather long 10-hours, and regenerative braking is included in the package allowing for a range of up to 180 miles. From the outside, you'd never really know that something was different about this 997, except that it doesn't produce that soul-stirring flat-six sound. This is still just a concept and its specifications are subject to change. We can be sure, though, that this isn't the last electrically-powered sportscar set to hit the market.
[Source: RUF]
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2009 Dodge Charger Cop Car gets boost in power and fuel economy
Filed under: Government/Legal, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge, Police/Emergency
Click above for small high-res gallery of 2009 Dodge Charger police car
Sheriff Buford T. Justice will now be able to chase your Bandit *** all over the country if he's protecting and serving behind the wheel of a 2009 Dodge Charger police car. The Charger's 368-horsepower HEMI is nearly double what Pontiac was putting underneath the screaming chicken back in '77, and gives the cop-spec Charger the most power of any police car on offer; plenty of snort underfoot when it's time to apprehend individuals devoid of respect for the law. Hot pursuit will last longer, too, with Chrysler's Multi Displacement System switching off half the cylinders in the V8 to conserve 20-percent more fuel. The venerated Ford Panthers were rugged and inexpensive for fleets, but the Charger gives officers a firepower upgrade while also offering a chassis that's far more capable. It's never been advisable to attempt running from the police, but that's now an extremely bad idea with the upgraded Charger on the beat. We discovered this first hand, not when we were arrested, but when Dodge gave us a cop-spec Charger to play with for a week, which you can read about here. Press release after the jump.
[Source: Chrysler]
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