2010 Chrysler 300 S6 and 300 S8
Starting with the sedan that marked the return of the great American car, the new 2010 Chrysler 300 S6 (3.5-liter V-6 engine) and 300 S8 (HEMI® V-8 engine) reignite the vehicle’s incredible styling in an all-new model.
Both the Chrysler 300 S6 and 300 S8 models add a very serious, low-key look to the bold proportions of the Chrysler 300. Starting with its 300 roots, the 300 S6 and 300 S8 models trade-in their full-chromed grilles and fascia accents for blacked-out grilles with chromed surround and body-color fascia accents. New darkened headlamp bezels keep up the low-key look, while cleanly “shaved” doors with body-color mirrors and large 20-inch polished face wheels with painted pockets, hint at the 300 S6 and 300 S8’s handling potential. Chromed door handles, belt molding and daylight opening surrounds foreshadow the luxurious appointments within the vehicle.
The cabins of the new Chrysler 300 S6 and 300 S8 models exude a serious, athletic-interior theme. A uniquely designed steering wheel with carbon weave is accented with red stitching and brushed silver spokes. Beautifully bolstered Dark Slate Gray leather front seats are track-tested and feature an embroidered “300 S” logo on the seatback. Specially perforated Dark Slate Gray suede fills the front and rear seats, seatback and seat cushion with hints of red accent beneath. The Dark Slate interior theme continues around the driver and passenger side and is highlighted with brushed aluminum accents on the instrument panel center stack, center console side trim and upper-door trim. Carbon-weave door-pull handles with red accent stitching finish off the interior of both 300 S6 and 300 S8 models.
Keeping passengers connected with their favorite tunes or mobile devices, the 300 S6 and 300 S8 models feature an array of user-friendly technologies including a 13-speaker Kicker audio system with a 322-watt amplifier and 100-watt subwoofer, Uconnect™ Phone, iPod® Control and SIRIUS Satellite Radio. Additional standard convenience features include remote start, heated front seats, power driver and passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, HomeLink universal transceiver and Tire-pressure Monitoring (TPM).
Designed to deliver excitement, the Chrysler 300 S6 and 300 S8 models feature a performance-tuned suspension with performance shocks, steering, all-season performance Goodyear Eagle RSA tires and performance brake linings.
The 2010 Chrysler 300 S6 delivers its driving excitement through a fuel-efficient, 250 horsepower (186 kW) 24-valve 3.5-liter high-output V-6 engine with Auto Stick, capable of 25 highway mpg.
Chrysler 300 S8 offers exceptional performance with the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, which generates 360 horsepower (268 kW) and 389 lb.-ft. (527 N•m) of torque and features fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS) technology that provides as much as a 20 percent improvement in fuel economy. Mated to a quality-proven five-speed Auto Stick transmission, the 2010 Chrysler 300 S8 delivers 25 highway mpg.
The 2010 Chrysler 300 S6 and 300 S8 will arrive at Chrysler dealerships in the spring of 2010.
2010 DODGE CHALLENGER DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Interior:
The Dodge Challenger’s interior treatment is subdued yet gathers inspiration from the 1970 original; unfortunately it’s also a bit cheap feeling. The back seat is fairly roomy, yet (as in all coupes) entry and exit is hampered by the absence of rear doors. Trunk volume is spacious, though its flat trunk lid configuration tends to hamper loading of bulky objects.
The top-of-the-line SRT8 model features orange-accented bolstered leather sport seats and a reconfigurable display that affords instant feedback on 0–60 mph acceleration, 60–0 mph braking, cornering g-forces and quarter-mile times.
The 2010 Dodge Challenger offers a complete assortment of the latest features, including side-curtain airbags that cover both rows of seats. Available tech-based amenities include Chrysler’s Keyless Go keyless entry/starting, hands-free Bluetooth cell-phone interface, and an available navigation system with a 20-gigabyte hard-drive for digital media storage and a USB iPod interface.
Exterior:
Wrapped in unabashedly retro styling, the 2010 Dodge Challenger accurately channels the classic muscle car of the same name from the early 1970s. This means a wide, low front end with round headlamps and a high rear deck with equally wide taillights. Square edges have been rounded off a bit for the sake of aerodynamics, but short of a custom kit car, this is the most accurate “new” version of a classic car out there. It was originally unveiled as a concept model to overwhelmingly positive reaction at the 2006 North America International Auto Show in Detroit and was rushed to production with only minor styling changes.
For model-year 2010, automatic headlamps, an illuminated cup holder, and door handle lights become standard on the R/T version. New for the R/T is the Super Track Pack option that includes a six-speed manual transmission, a 3.06:1 rear-axle ratio, 20-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 performance tires, front and rear Nivomat self-leveling shock-absorbers, a larger rear stabilizer bar, performance brake linings, and an “ESC-off” stability control mode that liberalizes wheel slip for more enthusiastic driving.
Driving:
The base 2010 Dodge Challenger SE version comes with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift function. The SE performs adequately in most respects and suits drivers more interested in styling than speed. The 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T comes with a considerably stronger 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 and five-speed automatic that will make a 0-60 mph run in under six seconds. The top SRT8 model packs a 425-horsepower 6.1-liter V-8 that remains easily in check around town but is quick to deliver amazing thrust when required; it can do 0-60 in just over five seconds. The SRT8 version and Super Tack Pack-equipped R/T models alternately offer a six-speed manual gearbox that works very well and includes a modern take on the old “pistol-grip” shifter.
The 2010 Dodge Challenger handles reasonably well for a car of its size and includes a full assortment of standard chassis control systems, including stability and traction control. The SRT8 features a stiffer riding, yet corner-hugging suspension, and oversized brakes with red-painted Brembo calipers.
2010 DODGE CHALLENGER FUEL ECONOMY
The 2010 SE Dodge Challenger is rated at 17/25 mpg (city/highway). The 2010 Challenger R/T variation is rated 16/25 with either transmission. The SE uses 87-octane gas. Dodge recommends 89-octane fuel for the R/T model.
The SRT8 requires premium fuel, is rated at 14/22 mpg and is subject to a federal gas-guzzler tax.
2010 DODGE CHALLENGER PRICING
The 2010 Dodge Challenger price range is $23,460-$41,955 (prices in this review include the manufacturer’s destination fee; Dodge’s fee for the 2010 Challenger is $725).
The base V6-powered SE is the most-affordable entry and starts at $23,460.
The 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T starts at $31,585, while the 425-horsepower SRT8 carries a rather steep sticker price of $41,955, which is roughly 44 percent costlier than the base version.
2010 DODGE CHALLENGER SAFETY AND RELIABILITY
In government crash testing, the 2010 Dodge Challenger rates the maximum five stars for driver and passenger protection in both frontal and side impacts; it gets four out of five stars in rollover protection.
The 2010 Dodge Challenger received an “about average” rating for both initial quality and expected reliability by J.D. Power and Associates, the leading automotive consumer survey firm.
2010 Jeep Wrangler Mountain Edition
Further expanding the iconic Wrangler brand’s reach, Jeep delivers another high-impact, limited-edition model with the Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition.
The Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition is based on the Wrangler Sport S package, and is available on Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited 4x4 models.
Exterior features include a unique “Mountain” decal on the hood with latitude and longitude coordinates that represent an actual location relating to the “Mountain” theme of the vehicle; painted high-gloss Mineral Gray 17-inch Moab wheels, grille and bumper appliqués; tubular side steps; 32-inch tires; black tail lamp guards; and a fuel-filler door from Mopar.
Available exterior colors include Rescue Green Metallic Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat and Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat. Interior features include an embossed seat insert with embroidered “Mountain logo,” and anodized graphite heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) rings.
Click here to find a new Jeep for you.
MileOne has gone social
If you haven’t already stumbled upon our Facebook page, found us on twitter, read an article from our blog or watched a rough cut video from our Youtube pages then it’s time to start.
Don’t worry; there are no marketing gimmicks in place. MileOne is getting involved in our community and we want you to be a part of it. Sure, our interests are still in automotive but our primary focus is you, your friends and your family.
Tell your stories; share pictures of your new car, discuss opinions on cars you are thinking of purchasing with your new MileOne friends. What better way to decide what your next car should be than to ask people who are already driving them?
Join our social networks to discuss your experiences with other MileOne fans or simply follow us for auto news updates. Whatever your preference is, we have it.
If you have a story you want to share on our pages, let us know. Email your feedback to events@mileone.com or contact us through our blog DriveMileOne.com . If you prefer to connect directly through Facebook, visit our page.
Get socializing. Go “become a fan” of your dealer group facebook page, follow us on twitter, subscribe to DriveMileOne, check out photos on Flickr or watch videos on YouTube.
Jay Leno test drives a Tango electric car
It may not be the most aesthetically-pleasing car out on the market, but the Tango electric car does have Jay Leno’s stamp of approval. And in the auto industry, that speaks volumes.
The pencil-thin, yet surprisingly-fast electric car was the subject in the latest episode of Jay Leno’s Garage. In the episode, Leno talks with the inventor of the Tango, Rick Woodbury, and the two discuss the uniqueness of the car despite its rather peculiar appearance. In a rare moment of seriousness, Leno looked as if he was genuinely interested in what Woodbury had to say, which is pretty significant because the comedian wastes little time in trying to crack jokes at other people’s expense. One particularly important point that was stressed was the Tango’s use of lead acid batteries as compared to the lithium-ion variety, which Woodbury admits the company still doesn’t have the budget for. Nevertheless, the inventor of the Tango stressed that the company is preceding plans with putting lithium-ions in the Tango in the near future.
After their conversation, Leno then takes the Tango out for a ride and is pretty impressed with the ride, even saying that the car’s unique ability to split lanes – according to 63 police officers Woodbury asked, all of them have said that it’s perfectly legal – makes it the perfect traffic buster.
Another Leno quip that made us crack was when he said that the Tango’s the only car that you can hang both your arms on both windows. The man hasn’t lost his touch.
What year did Maryland shatter the snowfall record with 40.5” of snow in the month of February?
See answer under Car Doctor.
Ask the Car Doctor
De-salt your car
With the ice and snow over the past few weeks, most of us have been driving around on salted roads (or at least those of us who were lucky enough to get salted roads!). What you may not be aware of is that salt can cause damage to your car. It can cause corrosion and can speed up rust, which is particularly relevant to older cars. Without getting too scientific on it, salt increases the electrical conductivity of water and so accelerates corrosion.
Now that the cold spell seems to have subsided, it is probably a good time to give the car a good wash and try and get rid of the salt off the bodywork and undercarriage of the vehicle. Make sure in particular to wash the underside of your car to get rid of the salt which will have bounced up from the roads. When you’re washing the car make sure also to get the mud and muck out of the wheels and wheel arches. Give rubber, trims, door seals and tyres a good wash and rub also. If you’re using a hose at home make sure it has a high pressure nozzle so that you can get the water at power into those hard to reach places.
You may also find that your car mats have turned white in sections. This can be caused by road salt from your shoes. Mostly this can be removed with soap and water but if this doesn’t do the job you can also try some vinegar diluted with water.
Click Here to schedule a service appointment at your nearest Mile One Service Center.
February of 2003 was the snowiest February on record in Baltimore, with accumulations that totaled 40.5 inches at the airport.
