Detroit 2012: Mopar Adds More Perfomance To Charger & 200

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

January 2, 2012

At next weeks Detroit Auto Show, Mopar will introduce two performance packages for the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 200.

First up is the 2012 Dodge Charger Redline which will be offered in the three stages. Stage 1 brings forth many dress-up items, including a carbon fiber front splitter, a three-piece carbon fiber decklid spoiler, a black vinyl roof graphic, a two-piece grille insert that blends a body-colored surround with a black crosshair insert, faux door scoops, and 20-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels. Inside, an aluminum instrument panel bezel with a red accent, a matching aluminum shifter bezel, and stainless steel pedals is added.

Stage 2 is where we begin to see some performance upgrades for the Redline; a cat-back exhaust system, a front strut tower cross brace, and high-performance brake pads.

Stage 3 is where the major performance comes in. The regular 5.7L HEMI V8 is swapped for Mopar's aluminum-block 426ci HEMI crate motor producing 590 HP. The downside is the the 590 HP engine is only for track use.

Then there's the Chrysler 200 Super S which will be offered in two stages. As is the case with the Charger Redline, Stage 1 for the Super S is cosmetic. Using the 200 S as a base, Stage 1 adds recessed mesh grill with a floating Chrysler logo, large chin spoiler, flared side sills, a matte black rear diffuser, satin chrome accents, rear decklid spoiler, and 10-spoke, 18-inch wheels painted either black or gray.

Stage 2 adds a cat-back exhaust system, lowered coil-over suspension, and a cold-air intake.

Pricing for the two packages hasn't been announced and are expected to come out sometime later this year.

Press Release is on Page 2

• New 2012 Dodge Charger Redline features three available Mopar® stage kits for factory-tuned performance
  
• Stage One features aerodynamic exterior components and interior accents
  
• Stage Two features bolt-on performance parts for improved power, handling and braking
  
• Stage Three features new high-output version of the powerful aluminum-block Gen III 426 HEMI^® V-8 crate engine, delivers 590 horsepower
  
• Dodge Charger Redline will debut at 2012 North American International Auto Show
  

Auburn Hills, Mich. , Jan 2, 2012 - Delivering performance and an even more aggressive look, the 2012 Dodge Charger Redline is a 426 HEMI^®-powered showcase of new Mopar® performance kits that will arrive later this year. The Dodge Charger Redline vehicle with all three Mopar performance stage kits will debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show.

“Since the 1960s, the Mopar Brand has built a long history of adding power and performance to the Dodge Charger – and with the Redline, we Moparized the new Charger with modern-day performance and style while giving a nod to our storied past,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “With three kits, Mopar offers a tailored choice for every customer.”

Stage I: Aerodynamic Carbon Fiber Exterior Components and Interior Accents

Based on the 2012 Dodge Charger R/T model, Mopar’s list of Stage I modifications includes a full-width Mopar carbon fiber chin spoiler to give the Charger Redline a more aggressive appearance. Matching the Redline Tri-coat paint, the two-piece grille features a body-color painted-grille surround with black signature “crosshair” insert. Large 20 x 8-inch Mopar Black Envy Wheels feature a Pitch Black-painted wheel face with polished accents. Mopar carbon fiber door scoops highlight Dodge Charger Redline’s signature body-side scallops and include heritage “R/T” badging to pay homage to the historic 1970 Charger model. A three-piece Mopar carbon fiber rear spoiler adds additional down force and provides an even more dynamic look. Emphasizing Dodge Charger Redline’s fastback silhouette is Mopar’s vinyl roof graphic in matte black.

The Dodge Charger Redline’s cockpit design features premium materials and is further enhanced with a Mopar aluminum shift bezel and aluminum instrument panel bezel with Redline perimeter accent. For a more enthusiast-desired look, Mopar pedal covers are made from stainless steel and feature a rubberized pattern for improved traction.

Stage II: Mopar Bolt-on Performance Parts Deliver Improved Power, Handling and Braking

Designed and tested straight from the factory, the Dodge Charger Redline features Mopar’s Stage II performance kit to enhance its already world-class power, handling and braking.

Allowing the Dodge Charger Redline’s legendary HEMI^® V-8 engine to perform at its optimal level, Mopar’s cat-back performance exhaust system delivers an increase in horsepower and a menacing “throaty” sound. Under the hood, a front-tower cross-brace and front tower brace caps provide increased structural stability for improved handling dynamics. For ultimate braking capabilty, high-performance Mopar brake linings are track tested and deliver fade-resistance during hard braking use.

Stage III: Mopar’s Gen III High Output 426 HEMI V-8 engine, with 590 Horsepower on Tap

Delivering 220 more horsepower than the 2012 Dodge Charger R/T, the Charger Redline features the new high-output version of the powerful and lightweight Gen III 426 HEMI V-8 crate engine (for race/off-road use only).

With its legendary 426 cubic-inch “Elephant Motor,” the Dodge Charger Redline delivers 590 horsepower via a lightweight aluminum V-8 engine block that shaves more than 100 lbs. from the traditional cast-iron crate version. The new Gen III High Output 426 HEMI engine is professionally built and includes a stout, balanced lower reciprocating assembly that features a forged-steel crankshaft with six-bolt mains at 2, 3 and 4, and cross-bolted 4-bolt mains at 1 and 5. H-beam style rods are made from forged steel and coupled to forged 11:1 compression ratio aluminum pistons. Included is a revised windage tray to provide excellent oil dispersion and prevents oil aeration by the crankshaft.

The Gen III High Output 426 HEMI engine’s valvetrain starts with a more aggressive roller camshaft with .639 intake and .628 exhaust lift and cylinder heads that feature the latest designs for exceptional flow characteristics. To help stabilize the valvetrain at high engine rpm, tie bars are available.

Mopar cast-aluminum valve covers and billet fuel rails are also included in the Dodge Charger Redline’s Stage III performance kit.

• 2012 Chrysler 200 sedan modified using Mopar parts and accessories
  
• Stage One appearance package amplifies refined styling of Chrysler 200
  
• Stage Two amplifies performance with coil-over suspension, cold-air intake and cat-back exhaust
  
• Mopar package will be available on Chrysler 200S sedans in 2012
  

Auburn Hills, Mich. , Jan 2, 2012 - Chrysler Group LLC’s Mopar brand set its sights on the 2012 Chrysler 200. The Chrysler 200 Super S by Mopar is a rolling showcase for the latest Mopar exterior parts that will be available for the 200 sedan in 2012. The Chrysler 200 Super S by Mopar will debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show.

“The Super S is Mopar’s interpretation of the Chrysler 200,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “The extensive list of high-quality Mopar parts enhances the performance and appearance of our Chrysler 200.”

For Stage One, Mopar’s long list of modifications starts at the front of the car with a large chin spoiler, satin chrome fog light trim, satin chrome grille surround and mesh in the upper and lower grilles. The upper grille is gloss black with a recessed Chrysler wing badge.

Body sides feature new side sills, satin chrome belt molding, black chrome “200” badges and gray or hyper black 18-inch “S” alloy wheels.

From the rear view, the new look is capped off by a new trunk lid spoiler, satin chrome light bar and a matte black lower diffuser with attached exhaust openings.

Stage Two adds performance with a coil-over suspension, which also lowers the center of gravity for the vehicle. In addition, Stage Two includes a cold-air intake and cat-back exhaust.

This Mopar package on the Chrysler 200 Super S will be available on Chrysler 200S later in 2012. Mopar’s Chrysler 200 Super S will be one many Mopar-modified vehicles that will debut during the 2012 auto show season.