“The new Plum Crazy R/T Classic and SRT8 feature more than just memorable blast-from-the-past design cues and HEMI engines; both models exude the very core of Dodge Challenger’s roots,” said Ralph Gilles, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dodge Car Brand and Senior Vice President – Product Design, Chrysler Group LLC. “Our new Plum Crazy limited-edition models pay homage to Challenger’s heritage while delivering the passion and excitement Dodge fans and customers demand.”

The two Dodge Challenger models deliver the best of modern American muscle-car characteristics—unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful HEMI® V-8 engines and technology—now with an extra dose of nostalgia.

The U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the new 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic in Plum Crazy Pearl Coat is $35,140, while the high-performance SRT8 model is $44,155 (both prices include $725 destination). Both Plum Crazy models are available for ordering now at Dodge dealerships nationwide.

2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic Plum Crazy

Based on the powerful 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T, the Dodge Challenger R/T Classic Plum Crazy edition is the first to offer dual throwback A-line body-side R/T stripes in matte black or new bright white. Completing the look are “Challenger” fender badges in classic script, large 20-inch polished-chrome heritage wheels with all-season performance tires, classic egg-crate grille with heritage “R/T” badge, body-color rear spoiler, functional hood scoop and chromed fuel-filler door.

When paired with the Tremec six-speed manual transmission, the 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic Plum Crazy includes the performance-minded Track Pak with precision-shift “pistol-grip” shifter, anti-spin 3.92 differential and a performance-tuned dual exhaust with two low-restriction bottle resonators for maximum “throatiness.” And when it’s time to deliver, the Plum Crazy R/T Classic can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds with its powerful 376 horsepower (280 kW) and 410 lb.-ft. of torque (556 N•m) 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine.

2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Plum Crazy

If the Dodge Challenger R/T Classic in Plum Crazy is not exciting enough, the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 version delivers even more punch and exclusivity with its 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine producing 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, performance-tuned ride and handling, benchmark braking and race-inspired interior with unique SRT-designed appointments.

The limited-production Dodge Challenger SRT8 in Plum Crazy is based on the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 and features exterior-matching SRT performance seats with Plum Crazy accented stripe.

Production of Plum Crazy-colored vehicles

Production of the all-new 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic and SRT8 in limited-production Plum Crazy Pearl Coat will start in late November 2009 at the Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario. It will be built on the same assembly line as the award-winning and quality-proven Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300.

In January 2009, Kokomo Transmission Plant Manager Joe Per was contacted by plant nurse Donna Calabro, regarding a concern relayed to her by her husband Jim.

Jim Calabro is a Kokomo Police Department officer who was attempting to coordinate the purchase of Dodge Charger police cars for the Kokomo Police Department fleet. Upon learning of the police department’s interest, Per contacted the Dodge Brand officials, who in turn coordinated the involvement of the company’s National Fleet Sales organization. 

The purchase of the vehicles became a reality between the joint efforts of the Kokomo Transmission Plant, Kokomo Police Department, city of Kokomo, the Chrysler Group’s National Fleet Sales and Button Dodge dealership in Kokomo. A total of 10 vehicles were purchased through Button Dodge.

Four of those vehicles will be used for patrols, running 24/7, according to Police Chief Rob Baker. The other six will be unmarked cars, but with all the new bells and whistles.

Goodnight said it had been several years since the city had purchased Chrysler vehicles and this was a great way to support the community. He also indicated that there would be a request next year and hoped that the city would generate additional orders for Chrysler products. 

“Chrysler supports this community, and this community should support Chrysler,” Goodnight told the Kokomo Tribune. “My family owns Chrysler vehicles. Many other families in this community own Chrysler vehicles. So it makes sense for the city to do the same, whenever possible.”

The Dodge Charger police vehicle was designed from the ground up in order to meet the needs of law enforcement agencies. Police-specific features include greater stability and improved handling achieved through a “wheels-to-the-corners” design; performance-tuned steering and suspension; convenient shifter mounted on the instrument panel to make room for police equipment in the center console area; police interior lighting shines white to illuminate the interior and red for use with night vision equipment; heavy-duty seats accommodate fully equipped officers; and a spacious trunk.

With the new 5.7-liter HEMI, the Dodge Charger is the most powerful production police vehicle on the road, producing 368 horsepower and 395 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2009 Dodge Charger is the only police vehicle that offers best-in-class performance in four key pursuit categories: available power, acceleration, top speed and vehicle dynamics.

(Pictured above in front of the Kokomo Transmission Plant with four of the new Kokomo Police Department Dodge Charger police cars are Kokomo Police Chief Baker, Kokomo Transmission Plant Manager Per, and Kokomo Mayor Goodnight.)

The Web site publication is sponsoring a stage at the Texas State Fair and is asking attendees and those online to vote for their favorite Texas Edition pickup. The voting started Sept. 26 and runs through Oct. 18.

Voting pits the Dodge Ram 1500 Texas Lone Star Edition against the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Texas Edition, Ford F-150 Texas Edition and Nissan Titan Texas Titan. The winner will be announced in a press release and on the Web site after the show ends.

Those with Internet access can click here to go to pickuptrucks.com and vote.

The company loaned the charity organization a Sprinter van to transport a bald eagle named Challenger to its second annual One Heart Gala in California Sept. 11.  The bird, pictured here with its handler and the Sprinter van it called home for a week, had special transportation needs that only a Dodge Sprinter could fulfill while it was in town for the gala that raised an estimated $500,000 for charities like the Wounded Warriors Project, Make-A-Wish and Boys and Girls Clubs of Orange County.

Challenger (the bird) is part of the American Eagle Foundation, which is dedicated to promoting the Bald Eagle as the national symbol of the United States.

Expecting to grow to 230 or so people along the way from Illinois, the group plans to spend the weekend in Niagara , exchanging track stories, comparing accessories and talking about the continuation of the Viper in 2010. Some owners made the journey from as far away as Texas and Germany. 

Ralph Gilles, Senior Vice President—Product Design says the Illinois club mimics the enthusiasm he sees at all Dodge-sponsored Viper Club of America events.  “It’s been a phenomenon since Viper came on the scene,” Gilles says.  “What’s cool about it is they do it on their own.  When the owners themselves decide to celebrate the vehicle, that’s when you realize the passion is something substantial.”

Those with Internet access can find more images by going to http://www.flickr.com/photos/42596156@No2/

Perhaps breaking a stereotype that pickup trucks are the ideal candidate for such a list, there were only two that actually made the cut—the 2009 Honda Ridgeline and the 2010 Ford F-150.

The complete list included:
2010 GMC Acadia                            
2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport                                                                           
2009 Mitsubishi Outlander                    
2010 Kia Soul                                                                            
2009 Honda Ridgeline                                                                            
2009 Dodge Caravan                                                                            
2009 GMC Yukon Denali                                                                             
2009 Dodge Caliber                                                                             
2009 Honda Element                                                                            
2010 Ford F-150

“Auto manufacturers are increasingly creating vehicles with particular lifestyles in mind, and undoubtedly the huge football-following American public has influenced some design choices,” said Jack Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. 

The editors noted such features as speakers that flip down from a rear hatch, multiple monitors, built-in tables and seats, fold-down tailgates that have step-ladders and handles, removable in-vehicle coolers, rear cargo compartment audio controls, powerlift gates, dual power outlets and premium sound packages as a few of the factors for inclusion in the listing. 

“While some may only think of the traditional pickup truck as being ideal for tailgating, our choices show that there are tailgate-friendly vehicles available in just about every size and price-point,” Nerad added.

In this video, Chrysler Group designer Jeff Aneiros highlights the 2010 Dodge Caliber’s new interior.

The second shift is being returned to increase production of the Dodge Caliber, in response to market demand. Production of the 2010 Dodge Caliber, with an all-new interior, is scheduled to begin in early December.

Previously planned production of Jeep® Compass and Patriot will not be affected by this action.