William Maley

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will not be debuting any new products Detroit Auto Show, instead announcing that it will be debuting a vehicle at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. “As with any international auto show, sometimes product cycle launches do not coincide with show dates,” said Rod Alberts, NAIAS executive director to the Detroit Free Press. Stephanie Brinley, senior analyst at IHS Automotive agrees with Alberts. FCA is right in the middle of developing the 2018 Jeep Wrangler and next-generation Ram 1500. Both models are expected to be revealed within the next 12 to 18 months. “Not having a car in Detroit is much more about FCA's product development life cycles than anything else. I am certain it's not a decision that was taken lightly," said Brinley. This isn't the first time that Chrysler skipped debuting a new vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show. Back in 2010, the company was beginning to recovery from bankruptcy. FCA isn't saying what they'll be showing at CES, but sources tell Bloomberg that it will be an electric vehicle based on the Chrysler Pacifica. Source: Detroit Free Press, Bloomberg Pic Credit: William Maley for Cheers and Gears View full article

$22,460 for the base S TDI

As a number of manufacturers are running away from diesel (and who can blame them), Chevrolet is running towards it with the introduction of the Cruze Diesel early next year. Now Chevrolet has announced pricing for the diesel variant. The Cruze Diesel will begin at $24,670 for the six-speed manual and $26,270 for the nine-speed automatic. Like the previous Cruze Diesel, the new model will only be available in the LT trim which nets you LED daytime running lights, seven-inch infotainment system, and six-speaker audio system. The diesel will also get the optional Convenience package as standard - keyless entry, push-button start, power driver's seat, and heat for the front seats. In terms of options, a leather package for $1,125 is available for both transmissions. The automatic also gets the option of the Sun/Sound/Confidence package. The 'too many words for a name' package adds a Bose nine-speaker audio system, an 8-inch infotainment system, a color screen for the trip computer, power sunroof, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert. This package adds $3,680. It should be noted this pricing is for the sedan. The Cruze Diesel hatchback isn't due till 2018. Source: Car and Driver, Roadshow Pic Credit: William Maley for Cheers & Gears View full article

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed into law today a full suite regulations regarding the testing, use and eventual sale of autonomous vehicles in the state. “By establishing guidelines and standards for self-driving vehicles, we’re continuing that tradition of excellence in a way that protects the public’s safety while at the same time allows the mobility industry to grow without overly burdensome regulations,” said Synder in a statement. The new law will allow vehicles without steering wheels or brake pedals to travel on public roads, companies to operate autonomous ride-hailing services, and sell autonomous vehicles of the public once they have been certified and tested. This law also establishes the Michigan Council on Future Mobility. Part of the state's department of transportation, the council will be tasked with developing policies and standards on autonomous vehicles, along with regulating connected vehicle networks and data sharing. Michigan's autonomous vehicle legislation has fewer restraints than states such as Nevada, Florida, and California. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), The Detroit News, Roadshow View full article

How do you know what I dream about? I said too much haven't I...

Some who are friends with me know that for the past few months, I have been churning out content for a personal blog. I haven't been consistent with it as much as I wanted to because of life and not feeling like writing after doing a bunch here and some other places. Yesterday, I published my latest piece and will hopefully try to get back on this horse. You can check it out here - http://contradictoryenigmas.tumblr.com/

Last week, we brought forth the rumor the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles canceled plans for the upcoming Jeep Grand Wagoneer. The issue dealt with the Grand Cherokee/Durango's unibody platform could not be stretched out to accommodate the size of the vehicle. Many of us here at Cheers & Gears along with some other outlets smelled something fishy with rumor. Wouldn't FCA think to consider whether or not the Grand Cherokee/Durango's unibody platform actually work for a larger model? Automotive News has done some investigating into this rumor and has learned from supplier sources that the Grand Wagoneer has been put on hold. No reason was given by the sources as to why, but Automotive News has a theory and it comes down to money. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles doesn't have enough to work on this project. At the moment, the company is trying to relaunch the Alfa Romeo brand in the U.S., finish work on the redesigned Jeep Wrangler and Ram 1500, and launch a Jeep Wrangler pickup. There is also the retooling of FCA's Sterling Heights, MI and Toledo, OH plants to get them ready to build more SUVs and pickups. FCA could build the Grand Wagoneer at their Jefferson North plant — home to the Grand Cherokee and Durango production. But the plant isn't setup to build a long-wheelbase model, which means more money has to be spent. Money that FCA doesn't have. Like our story from last week, Automotive News floats the idea of the Grand Wagoneer possibly using the Ram 1500's platform We'll end this piece with the last lines of Automotive News' story as it sums up the choice FCA has to make. "If covering FCA for a decade has taught me anything, it is that the company has its own internal Occam’s razor: If there are two choices, and one is cheaper and easier, that’s the choice FCA will make. Let’s see if that’s the case with the Jeep Grand Wagoneer." Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

It seems we are finally coming to the end of a long tunnel with the Alfa Romeo Giulia as the company has announced pricing for the lineup that will begin selling this month. Although there will only be one Giulia available for the time being and that is the most expensive one. The Giulia Quadrifoglio will carry a base price of $73,595 (includes a $1,595 destination charge). The Quadrifoglio will feature a twin-turbo 2.9L V6 with 505 horsepower, all-wheel drive, torque vectoring, carbon-fiber body parts, adaptive suspension, navigation, and blind spot monitoring. As we reported back in October, the U.S. Quadrifoglio will not get the six-speed manual. It will only be offered with the eight-speed automatic. A month later, the Giulia and Giulia Ti will arrive. Both will feature a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder with 280 horsepower and 306 pound-feet of torque and eight-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive comes standard while all-wheel drive is a $2,000. So what's the difference between the two? Feature set. Giulia ($38,990 after $995 destination charge): Leather upholstery, 10-way power front seats with lumbar adjustment, push-button ignition, remote start, backup camera, 6.5-inch infotainment system, 17-inch wheels, and more. Giulia Ti ($40,990 after $995 destination charge): Includes Giulia's standard equipment along with heated steering wheel, heated seats, 8.8-inch infotainment system, 18-inch wheels, and more. Source: Alfa Romeo Press Release is on Page 2 Alfa Romeo Announces Pricing for All-new 2017 Giulia Lineup Premium Mid-size Sedan Named “Car of the Year” by Top Gear Magazine Starts at $37,995 MSRP & Record-Breaking 505-hp Quadrifoglio at $72,000 MSRP All-new Giulia lineup combines Italian craftsmanship, class-leading performance, state-of-the-art technology and a passion for driving for the premium mid-size market Giulia nameplate reflects a 55-year heritage of Alfa Romeo's lightweight, performance sedan tradition and over 105 years of brand history, carving its legend on road courses around the globe Stunning Italian design and crafted by Alfa Romeo artisans at the Cassino plant in Frosinone, Italy All Giulia models feature a near perfect 50:50 weight distribution, class-leading power and performance and an eight-speed automatic transmission with available column-mounted paddle shifters with gear shifts in less than 100 milliseconds Giulia is very well-equipped with standard premium features, including a 280-hp turbocharged and intercooled 2.0L engine delivering 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds, DNA Mode, leather interior, bi-xenon headlamps, dual exhaust, carbon fiber driveshaft, flat-bottom steering wheel, 7-inch TFT and much more Giulia Ti (Turismo Internazionale) adds 18-inch aluminum wheels, genuine wood interior accents, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, 8.8-inch widescreen infotainment with SiriusXM and much more Giulia Ti Sport adds Quadrifoglio-inspired unique front and rear fascias, 19-inch dark 5-hole aluminum wheels, 12-way power high-performance leather seats, aluminum column-mounted paddle shifters, sport steering wheel, genuine aluminum interior accents, gloss-black window trim surround and colored brake calipers State-of-the-art Q4 all-wheel-drive system available on Giulia and Giulia Ti Giulia Quadrifoglio features distinct styling and the most powerful engine ever developed in a production Alfa Romeo with an all-new 505-hp 2.9L bi-turbo intercooled V-6, carbon fiber hood, roof and rear spoiler, adaptive performance suspension, DNA Pro with Race Mode, torque vectoring, carbon fiber active aero front splitter, carbon fiber interior accents, 3D Navigation and much more Giulia and Giulia Ti go on sale in January 2017 with an MSRP of $37,995 and $39,995, respectively Giulia Quadrifoglio goes on sale this month with an MSRP of $72,000 December 8, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Alfa Romeo today announced pricing for the highly anticipated 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia lineup. “The all-new Giulia is the result of our 105 years of passion for Italian style, craftsmanship and performance,” said Reid Bigland, Head of Alfa Romeo. “Crafted in Italy, the Giulia lineup sets an entirely new benchmark for the segment as the world’s fastest four-door production sedan, featuring class-leading engines, an all-new exclusive architecture, stunning design and state-of-the art technology, available starting from $37,995 MSRP.” Built around the driver, Alfa Romeo Giulia designers focused on simplistic elegance, with an emphasis on incorporating the essential elements for performance. Inside, Giulia’s high level of craftsmanship starts with an asymmetric-styled instrument panel, featuring a driver-focused cockpit crafted with an array of available leathers with accent stitching, plus trim bezels in aluminum, wood or carbon fiber – all for a bespoke look that could only be crafted in Italy. A Formula-1-inspired steering wheel features a thick-rim profile that transmits the chassis’ direct-steering feel and neatly groups the vehicle controls and the engine start button. Behind the steering wheel, the Giulia features a full-color 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) instrument cluster straddled by two large white-on-black face analog gauges. Giulia Quadrifoglio stands as the most powerful Alfa Romeo production car ever with its 2.9L bi-turbo V-6 engine producing a class-leading 505 horsepower and 443 lb.-ft. of torque. The Giulia and Giulia Ti models feature an all-new, all-aluminum, 2.0-liter, direct-injection turbo engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission delivering a class-leading, standard 280 hp and 306 lb.-ft. of torque. With its muscular proportions and a pure design ethos of passion, lightness and simplistic elegance clothing its class-leading technical layout with near perfect 50/50 weight balance, the all-new 2017 Giulia exudes stunning and functional Italian style with a finesse of Alfa Romeo heritage, athletically taut lines and sculptural details. 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia is $37,995 (excluding $995 destination) Optional Q4 all-wheel-drive (AWD) system available for $2,000 MSRP Alfa Romeo Giulia features an all-new, all-aluminum, 2.0-liter, direct-injection turbocharged engine that generates a class-leading, standard 280 horsepower and 306 lb.-ft. of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, Giulia launches from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 149 mph The all-new, well-equipped Alfa Romeo Giulia comes standard with leather seats, 10-way power front seats including 4-way lumbar, bi-xenon headlamps with signature LED daytime running lights and LED tail lamps, dual exhaust, back-up camera with dynamic gridlines and rear park sensors, bright chrome window trim surround, remote proximity sensor with push button start, remote start, 7-inch full-color TFT display and much, much more Available Sport Exterior Package ($1,250 MSRP) adds unique front and rear fascias, 18-inch aluminum sport wheels, gloss black window trim surround and colored brake calipers 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti MSRP for the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti model is $39,995 (excluding $995 destination) Optional Q4 AWD system available for $2,000 MSRP In addition to the expansive list of standard features in the all-new Giulia, Giulia Ti adds even more luxury and convenience offerings, including standard 18-inch wheels, genuine wood interior accents, an 8.8-inch widescreen infotainment display, SiriusXM, heated steering wheel, heated front seats and more Available Ti Sport and Ti Lusso packages (priced at $2,250 MSRP each) provide drivers with two unique offerings that further accentuate the bold characteristics of Giulia Ti Ti Sport adds unique front and rear sport fascias, 19-inch dark 5-hole aluminum wheels, gloss black window trim surround, colored brake calipers, 14-way front power sport leather seats, including 4-way lumbar and power side bolsters, along with manual thigh extenders, sport leather steering wheel and aluminum column-mounted paddle shifters Ti Lusso includes Luxury Pieno Fiore Italian leather seats with cannelloni inserts, 12-way power front seats including 4-way lumbar, leather-wrapped dash and upper door trim with accent stitching, genuine wood trim in dark grey oak or light walnut, luxury steering wheel and more Ti Performance Package adds an adaptive performance suspension, mechanical limited slip differential and aluminum column-mounted paddle shifters 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio MSRP for the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio model is $72,000 (excluding $1,595 destination) Includes the iconic hand-painted Quadrifoglio (four-leaf clover) badge that is symbolic of legendary Alfa Romeo race cars and high-performance production cars As the “halo” model in the lineup, Giulia Quadrifoglio highlights Alfa Romeo’s motorsport knowhow with an all-new, best-in-class, 505-horsepower, 2.9-liter bi-turbo V-6 engine that earns the title of the most powerful Alfa Romeo production car engine ever and the quickest with a class-leading 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds, plus it enabled a record-setting 7:32 Nürburgring lap time – the fastest ever by a four-door production sedan Giulia Quadrifoglio also includes unique exterior styling, carbon fiber hood, roof, rear spoiler and side sill insert, carbon fiber active aero front splitter, DNA Pro with Race Mode and adjustable performance suspension, 19-inch aluminum wheels with Brembo brakes, high-performance leather seats with 14-way power front seats including 4-way lumbar, leather-wrapped dash and doors with accent stitching, carbon fiber interior trim and much more All three Giulia models offer: Near perfect 50/50 weight distribution, segment-leading torsional rigidity and the most direct steering ratio on the market, thanks to Giulia’s all-new, rear-wheel-drive Giorgio architecture Unique Italian style and craftsmanship to the premium mid-size sedan segment A 55-year heritage of Giulia’s lightweight, performance sedan tradition and more than 105 years of brand history, carving its legend on road courses around the globe View full article

The Bentley Bentayga maybe one of most controversial models ever launched by the brand, but it has exceeded sales expectations. Because of this, Bentley is considering expanding Bentayga lineup. Autocar reports that there are three models up for consideration. First up is a coupe-styled version that could launch in 2019 if given the green-light by Volkswagen. “I’m confident that it will happen and our team is working on the case for this car, but it is not yet approved for production. We are the first in the luxury SUV space and at the moment unopposed, but there are lots of rivals coming to the sector. The question we need to answer is if there is space for all these different bodystyles,” said Bentley CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer. Next is a long-wheelbase Bentayga that is already under development. This model will be primarily be aimed at markets such as China and the Middle East. “In the Middle East and China it is almost exclusively what we sell. Those markets have shown what is possible and it makes business sense; the engineering is not rocket science, but it is expensive because when you change components like the side panels and roof you add a lot of cost,” said Dürheimer. The last model is a high-performance Bentayga that could use a retuned version of the W12 engine. Possible competitors include the Range Rover SVR. The Bentayga lineup currently consists of a 6.0L W12 and a diesel V8. A Plug-in hybrid will arrive in 2018. Source: Autocar View full article

We're just only month away before the Detroit Auto Show kicks off and automakers are beginning to tease out what they'll be showing. Today, Lexus has announced that the next-generation LS will debut at Detroit. Not much is known about the next LS aside from it using the all new Global Architecture-Luxury (GA-L) that debuted on the LC coupe this year. It would not be surprising if we see the 5.0L V8 (473 horsepower) with the 10-speed automatic and hybrid powertrains from LC being used in the LS. Source: Lexus Press Release is on Page 2 New Lexus LS Flagship Sedan to Make Global Debut at the 2017 NAIAS TORRANCE, Calif. (December 8, 2016) -- Lexus announced today that the all-new, fifth-generation LS flagship sedan will make its world debut at the 2017 North American International Auto Show next month. The introduction of the LS 400 in 1989 in Detroit made automotive history as a world-class car for the United States. Not only did the vehicle make its mark by offering the drive performance, quietness, and luxury that consumers expected from a premium vehicle, but its unveiling also heralded the birth of the Lexus brand. Now, 28 years later, the all-new LS sedan will be a world-class car for more than 90 countries around the globe, boasting a bold new look with a coupe-like silhouette. Built on the company’s all-new global architecture for luxury vehicles (GA–L), the premium rear-wheel drive platform—an extended version of that used in the LC 500—will offer a more dynamic experience on the road. Inside the spacious cabin, luxurious appointments and visionary technology will provide drivers with the luxury experience they expect from a global flagship sedan. View full article

As we have been reporting since this summer, Skoda is putting serious consideration into entering the U.S. market. Currently, a decision is expected sometime next year. But ask their parent company, Volkswagen what they think of the idea of Skoda entering the U.S. and they would likely say something to the effect of this, “We may be crazy, but we’re not mad. Entering this huge market with an unknown brand, a model range focused on Europe, and a non-existent dealer network is pure suicide. Furthermore, the last thing Volkswagen of America needs now is in-house cannibalization,” said an unnamed Volkswagen board member to Automobile Magazine. Without having any support from the parent company, Skoda's plan of entering the U.S. seems dead in the water. Whether this happens or not remains to be seen. There is one other interesting tidbit from Automobile Magazine. Reportedly, Volkswagen was considering replacing certain models in U.S. with slightly restyled Skoda vehicles badged as VWs. This idea was scrapped however which is a shame since we could see the likes of the Superb being an excellent replacement for the current Passat as an example. Source: Automobile Magazine View full article

Ahead of its spring launch, Chevrolet has revealed the starting price for the 2018 Equinox. The base L front-wheel drive model will kick off at $24,475 (includes destination). This model will feature a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder with 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. Those looking for more power or fuel economy will need to wait until the second quarter when the turbo 2.0L and turbodiesel 1.6L four-cylinders go on sale. Front-wheel and all-wheel will be on offer. As for trims, the Equinox will be offered in L, LS, LT, and Premier. “In a word, crossover customers want one thing: everything. From comfort and connectivity to efficient performance and safety, the all-new 2018 Chevrolet Equinox delivers on all counts,” said Steve Majoros, director of marketing for Chevrolet Cars and Crossovers. We'll likely have more details on pricing and features as we get closer to the Equinox's launch. Source: Chevrolet Press Release is on Page 2 NEXT-GEN 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX STARTS AT $24,475 Crossover offers customers the perfect blend of design, technology and value DETROIT — Chevrolet announced today that pricing for the next-generation 2018 Equinox will start at $24,475 when it goes on sale this spring. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price includes the destination charge but excludes tax, title and additional dealer fees. Equinox offers a fresh, new design and technologies to help keep passengers comfortable and connected on the road. “In a word, crossover customers want one thing: everything. From comfort and connectivity to efficient performance and safety, the all-new 2018 Chevrolet Equinox delivers on all counts,” said Steve Majoros, director of marketing, Chevrolet Cars and Crossovers. The 2018 Equinox will offer three turbocharged engines — including the segment’s first turbo-diesel — providing customers more choices when it comes to performance, efficiency and capability. The standard 1.5L engine will be available at launch, with the 2.0L Turbo and diesel options available in the second quarter of 2017. The 2.0L engine will be coupled to GM’s new nine-speed automatic transmission, offering an exciting driving experience with more horsepower and torque. The 2018 Equinox will be available in L, LS, LT and Premier trim levels, in FWD or AWD combinations. Chevrolet’s connectivity technologies include a standard 7- and an available 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen with MyLink infotainment designed to support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an available OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.* The new Equinox offers an expanded range of active safety features: New Safety Alert Seat New Surround Vision New Forward Collision Alert with Following Distance Indicator New Low-Speed Forward Automatic Braking New Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert Rear Cross Traffic Alert Rear Seat Reminder and Teen Driver are also offered. Rear Seat Reminder can provide an alert when the rear doors are used during or just before a trip, prompting you to double-check for valuables left in the back seat when you exit the vehicle. Teen Driver allows parents to monitor driving habits and facilitates discussions to help encourage better driving habits, even when parents are not in the vehicle. View full article

Yes. There are telltale signs that this is a Chevrolet (the grille that is similar to the Equinox for example). Buick already has enough crossovers and future Cadillac crossovers aren't due for a few more years

Whenever a new set of spy shots come out, the photographer tends to have an idea of the vehicle in question. But that isn't the case with this set of spy shots. The vehicle in question is a Chevrolet Crossover that was driving nearby General Motors' headquarters. But no one can seem to agree if this is the next-generation Traverse or the rumored crossover that would sit between the Equinox and Traverse. Motor1 believes it's latter since it is about the same size and shape as the downsized GMC Acadia. This new model could be wearing the Blazer nameplate. No matter which model this turns out to be, we can be sure the front end will feature a similar design to the Equinox - large split grille and angular headlights. The taillights are long and horizontal, again taking a cue from the Equinox. This new model will use the C1XX platform that currently underpins the Cadillac XT5 and GMC Acadia. Power is expected to come from an updated 3.6L V6 paired with a nine-speed automatic. Source: Motor1 View full article

Dodge is doing something that can be considered as sacrilegious in the muscle car class. They are adding an all-wheel drive version of the Challenger to their lineup. The 2017 Challenger GT will go on sale early next year with a base price of $34,990 (includes $1,095 destination charge). The all-wheel drive system that the Challenger will use is the same one found in the Charger AWD - power is sent to the rear wheels until slip is detected, at which point the front axle will hook up to the transfer case and get power. The bad news is that you can only get the GT with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 with 305 horsepower and 286 pound-feet of torque, and eight-speed automatic. On the plus side, the GT will come with the Super Track Pak that brings launch control, performance pages, and other items. Not much sets the Challenger GT apart from other models in terms of the exterior. The GT comes with a new hood, LED head and taillights, decklid spoiler, and a set of 19-inch wheels wrapped in all-season tires. Source: Dodge Press Release is on Page 2 New 2017 Dodge Challenger GT Is World’s First and Only All-wheel-drive American Muscle Coupe Dodge Challenger GT Joins Charger AWD to Complete the Dodge Lineup of All-wheel-drive Muscle Cars, Delivering Unparalleled Year-round Performance Segment-first: 2017 Dodge Challenger GT is the first two-door American muscle car with all-wheel drive, providing muscle car enthusiasts all-weather driving confidence exclusive to Dodge Challenger GT features the same high-performance all-wheel-drive system found in the award-winning Dodge Charger AWD with active transfer case and front-axle disconnect Dodge’s award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine is standard, delivering 305 horsepower at 6,350 rpm and a responsive 268 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm New 2017 Dodge Challenger GT model has a starting U.S Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $33,395 (excluding $1,095 destination charge) Dodge Challenger GT AWD production is scheduled to begin in January 2017 and vehicles will be available in dealerships the first quarter of 2017 December 7, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Designed and engineered for world-class precision, the new 2017 Dodge Challenger GT all-wheel drive (AWD) delivers the performance, power and all-weather capability to carve through some of the worst weather Mother Nature can dish out. From winding through twisty stretches of mountain roads, escaping away to a snow-covered ski resort, to daily commutes through the slush and snow of Northeastern and Midwestern winters, the Challenger GT AWD is built to handle it all. “Dodge is shifting the muscle car paradigm with the new 2017 Dodge Challenger GT – the world’s first and only all-wheel-drive American muscle coupe,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Cars – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America. “The Challenger has always been the most wide-ranging and functional muscle coupe, and now, with the new 305-horsepower all-wheel-drive Challenger GT, we are stretching the functional and geographic boundaries even further. Available this winter The new 2017 Dodge Challenger GT AWD model has a starting U.S Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $33,395 (excluding $1,095 destination charge). With production beginning in January, the all-wheel-drive Dodge Challenger GT is scheduled to arrive at Dodge dealerships nationwide in the first quarter of 2017. Power, precision and prowess The 2017 Dodge Challenger GT AWD features Dodge’s award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, delivering 305 horsepower at 6,350 rpm and a responsive 268 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm. A tuned induction system and dual exhaust from the manifolds back to the tips help deliver more than 90 percent of the engine’s peak torque from 1,800 to 6,400 rpm – all for outstanding drivability and responsiveness. With the standard TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, Challenger GT offers up to an EPA-estimated 18 city/27 hwy miles per gallon (mpg). The Dodge Challenger GT features Dodge’s high-performance all-wheel-drive system. Also found in the Charger AWD, this technologically advanced system includes an active transfer case and front-axle disconnect for excellent all-season performance and fuel economy. The Challenger GT seamlessly transitions between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive with no driver intervention. Under normal driving conditions, the front axle is disengaged and 100 percent of the engine’s torque is directed to the rear wheels. This preserves the outstanding fun-to-drive performance and handling characteristics inherent to rear-wheel-drive vehicles. When sensors indicate the need for additional traction, the system automatically engages the front axle, instantly transitioning Challenger GT into all-wheel-drive mode. Enhanced with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), the Challenger GT AWD has impressive handling on all surfaces, especially snow and ice. VDC provides excellent traction on slippery surfaces and also helps the driver maintain the desired vehicle path. Enhancing the on-road dynamic performance using precise front-to-rear torque control integrated with the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system, VDC maintains Challenger’s fun-to-drive character, regardless of road conditions. In addition, the new Dodge Challenger GT AWD features paddle shifters and Sport mode. With Sport mode active, gear changes are quicker and revs are held higher for even more performance-oriented acceleration and higher shift dynamics. For even more control, the driver can also use the die-cast steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and view gear election through the full-color Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) centered in the instrument cluster. The Challenger GT Super Track Pak button activates Dodge Performance Pages and launch control features embedded in the 8.4-inch touchscreen radio. Visible performance information, such as reaction times, 0-60 times, G-force indicator and lap times, can be monitored, and even mirrored, in the 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) customizable cluster display. The new Challenger GT model also features three-mode ESC with “full-off” mode, a fun feature for drifting through snowy scenes. All-weather traction all year long, rain, sleet, snow or shine For muscle car enthusiasts who want more all-weather traction, the new 2017 Dodge Challenger GT delivers premium amenities inside and out, including 19-inch aluminum wheels with Hyper Black finish and P235/55R19 BSW all-season performance tires, projector fog lamps, a deck-lid rear spoiler, ParkSense rear park assist and ParkView rear backup camera. Challenger GT is equally well equipped on the inside with standard features, such as premium Nappa leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats with four-way power driver lumbar adjustment, heated steering wheel with power tilt and telescoping column, Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six Alpine speakers with 276-watt amplifier, bright pedals, universal garage door opener and Hectic Mesh aluminum bezels. GT Interior Package The all-new GT Interior package, which is unique to this Challenger AWD model, includes performance Nappa leather and Alcantara suede seats – available on a V-6 for the first time – nine Alpine speakers, including a subwoofer and a 506-watt amplifier, and the Dodge performance steering wheel. U.S MSRP for the GT Interior package is $995. Performance-inspired design, all year round 1971-inspired design, both inside and out, the Dodge Challenger GT features refined exterior styling and heritage muscle-car appearance with split grille, pronounced and functional power bulge hood, LED halo headlamps and LED tail lamps. View full article