Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Dodge

click above image to view high-res gallery of 2009 Dodge Journey

Meet the 2009 Dodge Journey, a new crossover from the crosshairs brand that will debut early next month at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany. Why the international debut? The 2009 Journey will be an international vehicle, sold both in the U.S. and Canada, as well as markets outside North America. The new Journey is one of those vehicles that wants to look like an SUV, haul stuff like a station wagon and ride like a passenger car.
Known by the code name JC49 for months, the Dodge Journey is actually based on an Avenger chassis with a wheelbase lengthened 4.9 inches. That provides extra room for an optional third-row seat for “occasional use”. The Journey also includes some clever features like a large storage bin beneath the front passenger seat cushion, as well as two in-floor bins behind the front seats big enough to carry a 12-pack each and some ice.

Dodge designed the Journey with a traditional crossover look, eschewing the amped up machismo look of many recent Dodge looks. Of course, the monochromatic R/T looks the best, especially wearing 19-inch wheels. The interior of the 2009 Journey is also not traditional Dodge fare. While we can’t comment on how the materials feel, it does appear the Journey is sporting new switchgear, and a lot of it. The audio and HVAC controls are a barrage of buttons that could be intimidating to some.

More info after the jump, along with VIDEO, Dodge’s full press release and the gallery of high-res pics below.

[Source: Dodge]

Continue reading 2009 Dodge Journey crossover will debut in Frankfurt

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Dodge charger has three engines available. 3.5 liter 250 hp V6, 5.7 liter 340 hp V8 and 5.7 liter 350 hp V8.
All engines have an automatic 5 speed transmission. All cars share the same body; have four doors and a passenger capacity for five people.

Dodge Charger SE

This version of dodge charger with a base price of $22,320 is equipped with 3.5 liter 250 hp engine. Same driver comforts are present as in any other charger and has standard furnishing.

Its features include, cruise controls, tilt-and-telescope urethane wrapped steering wheel, shift knob is also urethane wrapped, air condition, floor coverings and mats, powered door locking system, outside powered windows, trunk release via remote, two power points, lumbar adjustment for both passenger and driving seats, CD/FM/AM stereo system. Dodge Charger SE has all season tiers i.e. P215/65R17 on steel rims.

For all SE models two limited upgrades are available. One is the “Convenience Group one” which upgrades the driver seat to 8-way power seat and provides adjustable pedals. This upgrade costs $505. The second is Protection Group which upgrades the SE with rear and front curtain air bags for sides, self seal tiers and air filter for cabin. This upgrade costs $590.

Dodge Charger SXT

Dodge charger SXT comes around $25,320. SXT is fitted with the V6 engine. The features present in SE are upgraded in SXT. It has a driver’s eight way power seat. Instead of urethane the shift knob and steering wheel is covered with leather. The rear seat is a 60/40, split folding seat that has a foldable armrest in the centre as well. The stereo system is also upgraded to Boston Acoustics sound system which includes six speakers, an amplifier of 276-watt, fog lights, aluminum tier rims and cargo net for the trunk.

Optional features that can be included with extra money are; seats with leather tri for $640, powered sunroof for $950, adjustable power pedals for $125, six disc mp3 CD player for $400, satellite radio subscribed for one year for $195, entertainment systems for the rear seat for $1150 and Bluetooth for $360. You can also get 18 inch alloy rims with all-season P225/60R tires and more sporty suspension for $325. The Protection Group and Smokers Group packages are available like in SE models there is another package that is offered which are the Comfort Seating Group. I this package the front seats are heated, bucket seats with leather trims, adjustable power pedals and an eight way powered passenger front seat other than the drivers for $1395.

Dodge Charger R/T or Road/Track

Dodge charger R/T comes for $29,320. This model has a 5.7 liter 340 hp V8 engine. It has the standard features as in the SXT model but has many optional features as well. Outside mirrors are heated and are foldable. The speedometer is upgraded to 160 mph. Rotors of front brake are 1 inch larger in diameter than SXT. The rear discs are now vented. A system that monitors tier pressure is also installed. 18 inch alloy rims is fitted by default. The fuel capacity is also increased to 19 gallons. The single exhaust tip in SXT or SE is now replaced with dual shinny metal exhaust tips.

Other options available to an R/T model are; Boston Acoustic 7 speaker setup with 322-watt amp and a subwoofer for $535. Convenience Group Two upgrade is available which includes dual zone climate control system, front seats are heated, adjustable power pedals, front seat for passenger is also eight way adjustable, powered windows for $955. Electronics Convenience Group upgrade includes a security system with alarm, garage door opening system, display for vehicle info which is selectable, compass, more audio controls for $630.

The Road Runner model of R/T has a 5.7 liter 350 hp V8 engine, sporty steering, and shocks with self leveling feature, sports seats, suspension upgrade, and some better aluminum rims for $1600.

Safety Features

Safety features include antilock breaking system ABS, track speed for all-speed, brake assisted electronic stability controls. A safety feature which is an inside danger release is present in the trunk. A safety seat for children is also fitted in the rear seats.

At a Glance

Dodge charger is a stylish competitor in the sedan line up. It’s a blend of modern electronic equipment, impressive engine, elegant suspension and good looks. The car provides good handling in all weather conditions and driving on curved or straight roads. It is definitely going to be a good seller in the car market.

In the olden days the dodge charger was a two door coupe but the 2006 Dodge charger from the designers of dodge magnum and Chrysler 300 is a thrilling sedan.
It is larger in size than dodge magnum and Chrysler 300. The new dodge charger is packed with hard pumping power and with modern equipment and comforts. Putting it another way, it can really stop, turn and run.

Exterior

Dodge charger has been planned to be Magnum’s sedan version. The front end is like a shark nose, leaning into the air. Dodges trademark crosshairs are placed, chromed on versions SXT, in body color on versions SRT8 and SE and in black color on Daytona. The stylish halogen compound headlights are peering out under the hood giving an impression of scowling eye brows. There is an air intake in the lower part of the bumper divided into three slots. The other models such as the Daytona and SRT8 wear a trim i.e. chip spoilers beneath the trifurcated air intake. Fog lights fill up the corners of the front bumper. The side view reveals that the designers have tried to develop a sedan that has a coupes looks. The cars back is almost vertical and has its tail lights set at the upper corners. An elegant recess in the rear bumper holds the number plate.

Interior

The interior of the dodge charger is some what more lifted with a mixture of interior features from Magnum and Dakota. The dash board and instruments on it are almost same as that of magnum with some alterations. From the top half of the steering wheel the speedometer, tachometer, fuel and coolant meters are easily visible. The steering wheel is also like the one found in magnum. Beneath the air-conditioning outlets, the panels for stereo and climate controls are easily accessible by the driver. Steering column has the turn-signal lever, the cruise control just like in Mercedes Benz.

Comfort and View

Outside mirrors are also remote control. The seats are comfortable with head restraints and have very good thigh support. Being a sedan the rear seats have large space even if the front seats are pushed back to the maximum. The view from the driver’s seat is a little bit lesser due to the A side pillars between the front windscreen and windows and C side pillars connecting the rear windscreen and rear windows.

Other Features

Interior of charger also includes a very good sound system, doors have pockets, large storage bin in the centre, ash trays, cup holders and much more. The trunk can easily hold long parcels.

Driving

Dodge charger, considering its size and nearly two tons of weight, still proves to be a fun ride. The V8 engines deliver smooth power. The V6 engine is a bit more aggressive and needs more attention when driving in crowded situation. A very good feature in V8 engine chargers is that it incorporates a multi-displacement system which shuts down four cylinders to conserve fuel when not needed. The driver will not experience any difference in drive when the switch occurs.

At an 80 mph cruise dodge charger moves quietly with very less road or wind noise. The sedan is heavier at the nose and under steering can be felt for a moment before the automatic electronic stability controls take over. More fatty tiers and suspension tweaks of Performance Group make the body to lean less while turning and increases the turn response.

Dodge chargers automatic transmission produces same performance for both modes i.e. automatic or manual. In the automatic mode, changing to high gear occurs right before the redline and changing to lower gears occur with very small delays. The chargers braking system provides smooth controlled stops.