R.I.P. Dodge Viper…Chrysler Supercar Could Be Gone in Three Years

1996 Viper GTS Coupe-Future Collectors Item?

Autoline Detroit host John McElroy thinks the end may be near for the Dodge Viper.

“A few blogs back I wrote about how Chrysler is going to combine its three brands and start eliminating overlapping models. The idea is to have Dodge concentrate on trucks and work-utilities, with Chrysler exclusively selling cars, and Jeep offering only SUV-based Jeeps.

It’s a bold plan, but a risky one. And while I see the logic in what they’re trying to achieve, I don’t agree with parts of it. Specifically, I wrote in my blog that no matter what happens, they ought to keep the Dodge Viper. Well, so much for my opinion. The word just leaked out that the Viper is going to get the axe.”

Here’s the rest of the story.

Hennessey preparing Dodge Viper ACR for One Lap

By RGordon

The annual event, for those unfamiliar, takes participants across the country on a Cannonball-style rally competing on racetracks and road courses scattered along the way. Dodge always makes a strong showing at One Lap, and the team at the company’s SRT workshop planned on entering two vehicles this year: a Challenger and a Viper. Time and resources being limited however, Dodge SRT turned to noted Viper tuner John Hennessey to help prepare a brand spankin’ new Viper ACR – unveiled just this past November in LA – for the event. To that end, Dodge sent the first Viper ACR off the assembly line to Hennessey, who is now undertaking the task of preparing the car for the race next week. With SRT chief Erich Heuschle driving the Challenger, multiple SCCA national champion and SRT engineer Chris Winkler will be piloting the Viper. Considering that, as John H. points out, Hennessey Vipers came in second place the past two years running, the new ACR promises to put up a good snake fight for the honors this time around.

(source: Autoblog)

This Day in Auto History:

	4.24.1913 Prince Edward Island, Canada lifts its ban on automobiles 4.24.1934 Racer Mike Taylor is born in London, England 4.24.1949 Automobile parts manufacturer Arthur T. Murray dies at age 59 4.24.1964 King Gustav Adolf VI of Sweden dedicates Volvo’s new Torslanda plant at Sorredsdalen 4.24.1975 The last Citroen DS produced, ending a run of nearly 20 years

Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick

For sale is a Brand New (0 Miles) 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10 Roadster (Convertible)

I am selling the vehicle for a close friend of mine (Mary) who won this car on The Price is Right on March 27th, 2008.

Located in Perris, California (92548)

She’s a sweet lady but doesn’t need a Viper in her life right now. In fact, the money she gets from this sale will go toward purchasing a house for her and her daughter. The money you spent will be very meaningful to her. We all wish the best for Mary.

General Specs (as if you didn’t know already)

Engine
8.4L displacement overhead valves (OHV)
V10 cylinder configuration gas engine
20 valves variable valve timing
600 hp @ 6100 rpm
560 ft-lbs. @ 5000 rpm
Premium unleaded (required)

DriveTrain
6-speed manual transmission
Rear wheel drive
Rear limited slip differential

Suspension
Four-wheel independent suspension
Front and rear stabilizer bar
Short and long arm front suspension
Short and long arm rear suspension

Tires and Wheels
polished alloy wheels
19 x 13.0 R 345/30R19
18 x 10.0 F 275/35R18

Safety
4-wheel ABS
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Remote anti-theft alarm system
Engine immobilizer
Xenon high intensity discharge headlamps
Tire pressure monitoring
Front fog/driving lights
Electronic brake force distribution

Additional Info
She has been promised a Venom Red Metallic Clear Coat colored Viper (as seen on TV), but she basically gets what the dealership delivers to her. It is a special Dodge paint color that is $600 extra. The car also comes with Black Interior, Suede Microfiber Seats with Leather Trim, and Paint Protection (extra).

Price as Packaged: $87,910
MSRP as Configured (if built online): $87,640 + Destination Charge
Dealership Suggested Retail Price: $89,990

Mary is taking serious offers only. She is starting the sale price at $89,900. She did say that if someone is ready to offer her $88,000, she may take that offer right away.



Please help me spread the word to people you know that may be interested in the car.

Contact info
You can PM me or email me at psgevo@projectsologear.com
You can also call Mary directly at 951-926-3407 home

Thanks for the space.

`Gus

For sale is a Brand New (0 Miles) 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10 Roadster (Convertible) I am selling the vehicle for a close friend of mine (Mary) who won this car on The Price is Right on March 27th, 2008. Located in Perris, California (92548) You can catch the video of her winning the game “The Golden Road” at http://www.veoh.com/videos/v6588699sskP6wwN She’s a sweet lady but doesn’t need a Viper in her life right now. In fact, the money she gets from this sale will go toward purchasing a house for her and her daughter. The money you spent will be very meaningful to her. We all wish the best for Mary. General Specs (as if you didn’t know already) Engine 8.4L displacement overhead valves (OHV) V10 cylinder configuration gas engine 20 valves variable valve timing 600 hp @ 6100 rpm 560 ft-lbs. @ 5000 rpm Premium unleaded (required) DriveTrain 6-speed manual transmission Rear wheel drive Rear limited slip differential Suspension Four-wheel independent suspension Front and rear stabilizer bar Short and long arm front suspension Short and long arm rear suspension Tires and Wheels polished alloy wheels 19 x 13.0 R 345/30R19 18 x 10.0 F 275/35R18 Safety 4-wheel ABS Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation Remote anti-theft alarm system Engine immobilizer Xenon high intensity discharge headlamps Tire pressure monitoring Front fog/driving lights Electronic brake force distribution Additional Info She has been promised a Venom Red Metallic Clear Coat colored Viper (as seen on TV), but she basically gets what the dealership delivers to her. It is a special Dodge paint color that is $600 extra. The car also comes with Black Interior, Suede Microfiber Seats with Leather Trim, and Paint Protection (extra). Price as Packaged: $87,910 MSRP as Configured (if built online): $87,640 + Destination Charge Dealership Suggested Retail Price: $89,990 Mary is taking serious offers only. She is starting the sale price at $89,900. She did say that if someone is ready to offer her $88,000, she may take that offer right away. Please help me spread the word to people you know that may be interested in the car. Contact info You can PM me or email me at psgevo@projectsologear.com You can also call Mary directly at 951-926-3407 home Thanks for the space. `Gus

Dodge Journey earns top safety ratings in crash tests

The 2009 Dodge Journey earned five-star ratings in various U.S. crash tests.

Dodge’s all-new 2009 Journey has earned five-star ratings for driver- and front-passenger protection in a frontal crash test along with five-star driver and rear passenger ratings for side impact protection, the highest ratings in the U.S. government’s safety crash test program.

“Safety is a top priority and the Journey delivers with advanced multi-stage front driver and passenger airbags, front seat-mounted thorax airbags, all-row supplemental side-curtain airbags and a mid-size Crossover-first integrated child booster seat,” said Larry Lyons, vice-president, Car and Minivan Product Team.

When it comes to safety and security, the Journey employs a two-fold approach: Conventional features including pre-tensioning and load-limiting seatbelt retractors and supplemental airbags are combined with accident-avoidance features including an Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) and Brake Assist.

In addition to the safety and security features detailed above, the Journey also offers: All-speed Traction Control; Anti-lock Brake System (ABS); auto-reverse sun roof; auto-reverse windows; brake assist; brake/park interlock; brake traction control system; child seat anchor system; child-protection rear door locks; and enhanced accident response system — making it easier for emergency personnel to see and reach occupants in the event of an accident by turning on the interior lighting and unlocking the doors after airbag deployment.

Chrysler LLC Patent Updates

	PAT. NO.		Title
1	D567,410		Vehicle tail lamp
2	D567,409		Vehicle headlamp
3	7,363,250		Market center based purchasing system and method
4	7,363,131		Re-positionable vehicle control-by-wire assembly, method, and system
5	7,361,092		Balance assembly for coupling first and second rotating members
6	7,360,512		Low-thermal-inertia intake ports for port-injected, spark ignition engines and an associated manufacturing method
7	7,360,435		Ultrasonic control of bolt tightening
8	D566,868		Vehicle tail lamp
9	D566,622		Automobile body
10	D565,765		Vehicle headlamp
11	D565,764		Vehicle tail lamp
12	D565,467		Automobile body
13	D565,466		Automobile body

Trademark: Imperial

Mark


(words only): IMPERIAL

Standard Character claim: Yes

Current Status: A request for the second extension of time to file a statement of use has been granted.

Date of Status: 2007-10-10

Filing Date: 2005-04-12

The Notice of Allowance Date is: 2006-10-24

Transformed into a National Application: No

Registration Date: (DATE NOT AVAILABLE)

Register: Principal

Law Office Assigned: LAW OFFICE 112

Attorney Assigned:
PERRY KIMBERLY B

Current Location: 700 -Intent To Use Section

Date In Location: 2008-04-23

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LAST APPLICANT(S)/OWNER(S) OF RECORD

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1. CHRYSLER LLC

Address:
CHRYSLER LLC
1000 CHRYSLER DRIVE CIMS 483-02-19
AUBURN HILLS, MI 48326
United States
Legal Entity Type: Ltd Liab Co
State or Country Where Organized: Delaware
Phone Number: 248 944 6511
Fax Number: 248 944 6537

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GOODS AND/OR SERVICES

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International Class: 012
Class Status: Active
automobiles and structural parts and engines therefor
Basis: 1(b)
First Use Date: (DATE NOT AVAILABLE)
First Use in Commerce Date: (DATE NOT AVAILABLE)

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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(NOT AVAILABLE)

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MADRID PROTOCOL INFORMATION

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(NOT AVAILABLE)

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PROSECUTION HISTORY

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NOTE: To view any document referenced below, click on the link to "Trademark Document Retrieval" shown near the top of this page.

2008-04-21 - TEAS Extension Received

Auto Tech: Advances in automatic transmissions

By Jim

When it comes to increasing fuel economy and performance, most people think of engine improvements, hybrids and alternative fuels, but not everyone. There are some out there actively designing new automatic transmissions for vehicles that can make dramatic differences in economy and performance. In the past few years, we have seen vehicles change from three- and four-speed automatic transmissions to five- and six-speed automatics. We have also seen CVT's (Continuously Variable Transmissions) enter the marketplace in significant numbers and the introduction of the automatically-shifted manual transmission, such as Volkswagen's DSG gearbox. Each auto manufacturer seems to be following its own direction with regards to transmissions. Mercedes uses a seven-speed automatic transmission on many of their vehicles, while Lexus has introduced an eight-speed automatic on their LS series Luxury sedans. Ford and General Motors dabbled in CVT transmissions but have now put their focus on building six-speed automatics for both front and rear wheel drive applications as the best compromise between cost of production and maximum efficiency. Why so many gears? With more gears inside the transmission, the gear ratio spacing can be increased. Low gear is now a lower ratio for more multiplication of engine torque. This gives quicker vehicle launches away from a stop with less throttle application. Because the engine isn't working as hard, fuel economy improves. A smaller displacement engine can also be used to provide the same overall performance. Ford claims their new transmission technology delivers four to six per cent improvement in fuel efficiency on average compared with typical four- and five-speed gearboxes. With more gears to drive the vehicle, top gear can now be a higher ratio, giving more fuel economy during highway cruising. The more gears used between low and top gear, the smoother the shifting and the easier it is to keep the engine operating in an optimum r.p.m. range for the best fuel economy. CVT transmissions do just that all the time - automatically. CVT transmissions use two metal pulleys inside the transmission linked by a metal drive belt. The width of the pulleys can be varied, allowing the belt to sit lower or higher on the pulleys. This changes the leverage or gear ratio of the drive. Because the belt can be positioned variably on the pulleys, gear ratios are continuously variable. These transmissions are simple when you look at the number of parts compared to a six-speed automatic, but the technology is complex. The metallurgy of components has to be exact and the control system requires a lot of programming to match engine characteristics. Chrysler has CVTs on several of its smaller vehicles and Audi has offered it on select models, but in my opinion, Nissan has to be the leader in CVT technology, using it in their passenger car lineup and small SUV's like the Nissan Rogue. The programming in the Rogue is excellent, providing the correct gear ratio for all driving conditions instantly and smoothly. These CVT's can be shifted manually, which tells the computer to move the belt position in steps rather than continuously, but maximum fuel economy is achieved in automatic mode. A CVT can achieve the same economy as a manual transmission, without the hassle of shifting. So what does the future hold? I think it will be computer-controlled manual transmissions, such as the DSG transmission Volkswagen already offers. This transmission design uses two clutches instead of a torque converter and synchronized gears like a manual transmission instead of clutch packs as found in a conventional automatic transmission. The computer engages one of the clutches when the driver applies the gas pedal, and the car moves off. The next gear is engaged by releasing the first clutch and engaging the second clutch. While the transmission is in second gear, the computer shifts first gear into third gear position, ready to engage the first clutch again for the next shift. This is a computer-controlled manual transmission and shifts are quick and smooth. Porsche first used it in racing. Now Audi and VW are taking advantage of this design, but others are following. Ford has a new dual-clutch transmission called Powershift, which is already delivering diesel fuel economy improvements of 10 per cent to the Focus in Europe. Powershift is planned for future vehicles in North America. Chrysler's new dual-clutch transmission developed in partnership with Getrag, makes its debut this spring. The new technology will be available in international markets on the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey, the 2009 Dodge Avenger and the 2009 Chrysler Sebring. Vehicles are complex pieces of machinery. Every part contributes to the whole, and the new automatic transmission designs are an integral part of a vehicle's performance and economy.

This Day in Auto History:

	4.23.1898 Nelson Corkish Dezendorf of General Motors is born in Portland, OR 4.23.1921 Toni Schmuecker of Volkswagenwerk AG is born in Frechen, Germany 4.23.1929 The Volvo PV651 is introduced, the marque’s first 6-cylinder car 4.23.1953 The last Allstate is produced 4.23.1969 Racer P. J. Jones is born in Torrance, CA, the son of racer Parnelli Jones

Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick

Track revs up thrills for novice drag races

Rex Roy: Car culture

It was back in 1973, so I can't exactly recall why my older brother was taking his '71 Dodge Charger R/T to the drag strip. It may have been to dial in the new Six Pack carburetor setup he installed on the car's thumping 440 Magnum, or he could have been testing a then high-tech Direct Connection transistorized ignition. Regardless of the reason, he took me. I was 11.

While details of my first trip to a drag strip are fuzzy, one memory remains razor sharp: the roar of uncorked exhaust pipes. It was more than sheer decibels that seared the event within my frontal lobes. It was the percussiveness quality of the sound that hit my chest with such force that I thought my ribs would cave in.

I opened the 2008 drag racing season with a few hundred other would-be and serious racers at Milan Dragway on April 5. Visiting the track as a driver this time, it happened again...somebody fired up their big block Camaro and there was that sound. Instantly I was transported to 1973. My chest rumbled as the driver blipped the throttle and the headers barked out that distinct V-8 rrraaAAAAPPPPPP! My adrenal gland shifted into overdrive.

Quarter mile is ultimate test

The whole point of heading to a place like Milan Dragway is to run your car as fast as it will go for exactly 1,320 feet. That's a full quarter mile, and most people never stand on their accelerator for anywhere near that long. It's a rush. Your results are delivered in an elapsed time (how long it took you) and a trap speed (how fast you were going at the end).

Advertisement

While I usually head to Milan once or twice a year just for kicks, this time I was evaluating the new Dodge Caliber SRT4 and the Chevrolet HHR SS. A racing buddy helped me put these turbocharged performance cars through their paces. Both cars posted quick times in the 14-second range at nearly 100 mph--fast enough to humble most muscle cars from the 1960s.

The thrills build as you wait in the staging lanes. When it's your turn you're waved to the bleach trough where you heat the tires by doing a smoky burn out. The next stop is the starting line where you position the front tires precisely between the staging lights and then watch the Christmas tree. You go on the green and keep the hammer down until the finish line. The shutdown zone is where you decelerate, and at the end of the return lane you pick up your run slip at the timing shack.

You'll be surprised at how quickly the competitiveness of drag racing draws you in. Not only do you want your car to be faster than the next guy's (or girl's), but you'll want to improve your own reaction times and launch techniques. Those run slips provide an immediate report card about your progress or lack thereof.

Try 'test and tune' sessions

You might think that tracks only welcome serious racers with purpose-built racecars. You'd be wrong. The Milan facility caters to rank amateurs in addition to serious professionals. As I'm clearly in the former camp, I only go Milan during their "test and tune" sessions. The atmosphere is relaxed and racing newbies can get acclimated without feeling stupid.

As for what to drive, the cars at Milan's opening day ran the gamut from dragsters to everyday drivers including a new Lincoln MKX, an older souped-up Saturn Ion, and a couple of current Hemi-powered Chryslers. Just about any car is fun to race flat out once.

Importantly, this kind of racing is affordable. Just $25 gets you and your car in for a day of runs. Your "crew" gets in for $12.

As a Detroiter, drag racing is a part of your heritage. Get in touch with it, and keep your races at the track.

Chrysler LLC Introduces Entire 2009 Dodge Challenger Models

2009 Challenger's ready P by RBolig

Three Available Models — Dodge Challenger SRT8®, Dodge Challenger R/T and Dodge Challenger SE — with Pricing from the Low $20s • Get a Free Quote • Find a Local Dealer Essential Hardware The Dodge Challenger R/T features the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine with a five-speed automatic transmission that produces an estimated 370 horsepower (276 kW) and 398 lb.-ft. of torque (540 N•m). For 2009, the HEMI engine is upgraded to get an estimated five percent improvement in fuel economy as well as an increase of 30 horsepower (9 percent) and 8 lb.-ft. improved torque (2 percent) over a greater range of engine speeds. The automatic transmission features fuel-saving multi-displacement (MDS) technology which increases fuel economy by as much as 20 percent depending on driving conditions without sacrificing vehicle performance. The Dodge Challenger R/T also offers a precision-shift six-speed manual transmission — the first for a new-generation HEMI-powered car — that produces 375 horsepower (280 kW) and 404 lb.-ft. of torque (548 N•m) when running on premium fuel. The Dodge Challenger R/T can go from zero to 60 mph in less than six seconds. The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 features an SRT-exclusive 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine mated with a new-for-2009 six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick that generates a blistering 425 horsepower (317 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. of torque (569 N•m). The vehicle can go from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds. The Dodge Challenger SE powered by the 3.5-liter High Output V-6 with a four-speed automatic transmission produces 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 250 lb.-ft. of torque (339 N•m). Patterned off the Dodge Charger architecture, the front suspension and five-link independent rear suspension system on all Dodge Challenger models provide excellent ride and handling characteristics. Essential Styling The Dodge Challenger design team stayed true to the concept revealed at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, while drawing upon elements from the original Challenger. The result: a bold, aggressive muscle machine that blends nostalgia with modern Dodge style.

Pictures of Black Challenger SRT8 from memeber at Caliber Forums

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Stole these from here: Challenger SRT8 and My Caliber SRT4 **56K Beware!** - Dodge Caliber Forums

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