Mopar at Moab: 2010 Rock Crawlers

While Chrysler's on-lot product seems to be significantly lacking in the appeal department, the company's Mopar tuning division continues to impress. Being showcased during the annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah (is there any way to say that WITHOUT sounding like a PR executive?) between March 27th and April 4th) will be some of Mopar's more hardcore concepts.

Much like last year, when Mopar unveiled such hosses as the Lower Forty and J8 Sarge, Mopar will be bringing a variety of Jeeps and trucks.

This year's stars include two Wranglers (J7 and Trail Boss), a Ram (Power Wagon), and a Patriot (Extreme). From spy shots and press pics, it looks like it's gonna be an off-road bonanza full of color and big tires.

The J7 is a said to be a 4-door Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited which is rumored to be a stripped down model in the G.I. vein, while the Trail Boss is probably yet another heavy-duty Wrangler 2-door that can handle anything and then some.

The Ram Power Wagon is shaping up to be another Baja-badass like Chevy's SEMA-fied ZR2 Silverado and Ford's too-legit-to-quit SVT Raptor, albeit with a short cab / short bed layout. All that, AND it has a color scheme eerily similar to Techart's Concept One. Wonder if it has the snakeskin (or cerbero) trim?

Lastly, the Jeep Patriot Extreme is a dream come true, finally looking like the Cherokee successor it's supposed to be (as a Cherokee owner, I refuse to accept that the Liberty is a fitting substitute). Lifted and wearing fender flares. Now the Cherokee can finally rest in peace.

- By Phil Alex

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Dodge Challenger gets New Mopar Appearance Packages for 2010

The New Year brought new exterior and interior appearance packages from Mopar for Dodge's reborn Challenger muscle car. Available as a factory production option, the exterior kit includes a unique body-color hood with scoop, body-color rear "Go-Wing" spoiler and strobe stripe performance graphics. The exterior package can be yours for $1,995.

For the interior, Mopar's set includes a Mopar-branded T-handle shifter, bright pedal kit (only for automatic models), bright door-sill guards, premium carpet floor mats and a full vehicle cover. Dodge prices the interior package $945 for Challenger's equipped with an automatic transmission and $780 for cars fitted with a manual gearbox.

Both styling packages are available on Challenger SE (3.5-liter V6) and R/T (5.7-liter HEMI V8) models but only with these exterior colors: TorRed, Bright Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal and Bright White.

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Moparized Dodge Challenger with Nearly $12k Worth of Accessories Heading to SEMA Show

Being the largest automotive toy store that it is, the SEMA Show must feel something like the Holy Grail to Chrysler's Mopar division that will be represented by a variety of tuned proposals. The Dodge Challenger you see pictured here has been fitted with a gazillion accessories from the Mopar parts bin including a coilover suspension kit that allows up to a 1.63-inch ride-height drop, 20-inch forged-aluminum wheels in a nostalgic design and even a pair of splash guards complete with a pair of fuzzy dices for the rear view mirror. If you go for the 'Full Monty', it will cost you $11,790. Details after the jump.

"Moparized" DODGE CHALLENGER

• Custom-designed, matte black Go-Wing Rear Spoiler MSRP: $316
  
• Mopar Nostalgia Wheels are a throw back to Mopar's heritage with 20-inch, 5-spoke forged-aluminum wheels featuring both a polished and clear-coat finish. MSRP: $583/each
  
• Black 5.7-liter HEMI® Engine Cover with HEMI logos show off the powerplant in a not-so-subtle style. MSRP: $326
  
• Hood Prop Kit replaces the single-hood prop rod with two gas struts and fasteners for easy hood travel. MSRP: $51.60
  
• Cold-air Intake Kit provides noticeable gains in horsepower and torque, improved performance when accelerating and emits an aggressive sound from under the hood. MSRP: $371
  
• Front and Rear Splash Guards provide excellent protection for front fenders, rocker panels and rear fascias with a custom-molded design. MSRP: $52.75 pair
  
• Stainless-steel Cat-back Exhaust features a free-flow system that provides gains in horsepower and torque in addition to improved fuel economy and a deep-toned exhaust note. MSRP: $1,190
  
• Chromed Fuel Door offers bright, bold complement to any exterior paint color while providing a retro look. MSRP: $176
  
• One-piece Wheel Lock Kit provides protection with four chrome-plated locking nuts and one exclusive Mopar key. MSRP: $43.45
  
• Custom Strobe Stripe Graphic adds a black stripe that begins on both front fenders and fades out midway through the door panel for an added performance look. MSRP: $182
  
• Uconnect™ Navigation includes AM/FM/DVD player and Sirius Satellite radio with 30-gigabyte hard drive, USB connection and mini stereo jack. MSRP: $2,050
  
• Sound system includes 368-watt amplifier (MSRP: $210), two 6-inch x 9-inch speakers in front (MSRP: $115), two 6-inch x 5-inch KICKER speakers in rear (MSRP: $79), and dual 10-inch square KICKER Subwoofer (MSRP: $885)
  
• Ambient Lighting Kit illuminates the entire front footwell and cupholder areas with multi-color LEDs controlled with a rotary knob. MSRP: $274
  
• Mopar Sirius Satellite Radio Antenna Kit delivers a new level of depth and content with more than 100 channels of digital entertainment from coast to coast. MSRP: $158
  
• Chromed T-handle Shifter featuring a Mopar logo enhances the interior appearance by replacing the stock shift knob on the automatic-equipped Dodge Challenger. MSRP: $137
  
• Interior Bezel Kit upgrades the center stack and console trim plate bezels with a two-piece, carbon-weave hydrographic finish. MSRP: $172
  
• Easy-to-install Pedal Dress Up Kit showcases bright stainless-steel pedal covers for a performance-accented look. MSRP: $82.25
  
• Mopar's brushed stainless-steel Door-Sill Guards make scratches to the interior sills a thing of the past. MSRP: $140
  
• Premium front and rear Floor Mats feature 24-ounce luxury carpet that is color-coordinated to match any interior color. Front mats are custom-contoured for an exact fit and feature the Dodge Challenger logo on top of a rubber-nibbed backing which keep them firmly in place. MSRP: $82.25/set of four
  
• Challenger-branded Cargo Area Mat is made of 24-ounce luxury carpet that is custom fit with a surged-edge binding for easy removal. MSRP: $107
  
• Mopar's Stage II Coilover Suspension Kit allows up to a 1.625-inch ride-height drop for a low, custom look while maintaining a sporty, comfortable ride. MSRP: $1,750
  
• Made from heavy gauge, powder-coated steel, the Strut Tower Brace reduces body flex in the front end and improves handling and driveability. MSRP: $359
  
• Hood Pin and Cable Kit adds an extra touch of exposed chrome to Dodge Challenger's front end. MSRP: $71
  
• Mopar-edition Hood Decal MSRP: $350

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Mopar to Show Off Custom Dodge Ram Bianco at 2009 SEMA

Next month's SEMA show at Las Vegas will see the Mopar squad revealing several concept models including this custom Dodge Ram Bianco that's based on the HEMI V8-powered Ram 1500 Sport. Chrysler's in-house performance tuning arm said that the Ram Bianco has been modified to reflect a more upscale feel and appearance with the help of several Mopar performance parts and accessories.

Finished in a special Arctic Ice pearl paint, the truck is distinguished by a Mopar body kit that includes modified fender flares while the 22-inch alloy wheels in dark finish and lowering kit complete the upgraded looks.

Inside, Mopar said that the Ram Bianco gets black and white Katzkin seats with matching door trims and Piano Black and Arctic Ice accents. There's also a new For Kicker audio system consisting of an audio amplifier, a subwoofer and new speakers.

Performance upgrades are limited to a Mopar cold-air intake and a new exhaust system.

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SEMA '09: Mopar Dodge Challenger 1320, a 556HP Street Legal Drag Car

No SEMA show is complete without some classic American muscle and this year's aftermarket gathering in Las Vegas won't disappoint. One of the highlights at Chrysler's Mopar themed stand this year will be the Dodge Challenger 1320, a street-legal version of the Drag Pak Dodge Challenger racer. Named for the 1,320 feet on a quarter-mile drag strip, the modded Challenger features Mopar's 426 cubic-inch HEMI V-8 crate engine that produces an output of 556 HP and 540 lb.-ft. of peak torque.

The HEMI V8 drives the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox through a custom Dynatrac rear housing with Mopar Dana 60 internals and a selectable, ARB locking differential. The Challenger 1320 also gets a four-corner, adjustable coil-over suspension kit from Mopar that is said to improve handling.

On the outside, the Mopar-prepped Challenger is finished in an eye-popping non-metallic yellow paint with contrasting matte black graphics and Mopar police wheels fitted with Nitto street-legal drag radials.

Other highlights include the carbon fiber hood with the HEMI scoop, front spoiler and grille panel.

The coupe's interior has been stripped out in order to reduce vehicle weight and fitted with a pair of front seats from the Dodge Viper, a sport steering wheel and a Hurst shifter.

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