6.2 LItre, 707 HP, 180mph, sounds like a supercar, but it is a Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV

• Most powerful SUV ever: supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine delivers 707 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft. of torque 
• Quickest SUV ever: 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, quarter mile in 11.6 seconds and top speed of 180 mph
• Upgraded TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission and driveline components engineered to handle additional torque output
• 60-0 mph braking performance of 114 feet
  • New Brembo braking system includes largest-ever front brakes on a Jeep® vehicle
• World-class on-road driving dynamics: upgraded TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission and driveline components, five drive-mode Selec-Track system and Bilstein adaptive damping suspension
• Aggressive, functional exterior appointments include unique quad-tip exhaust and redesigned fascia that optimizes airflow and cooling
• New standard 20 x 10-inch Titanium wheels expose distinctive yellow Brembo brake calipers
• Driver-focused interior: 7-inch instrument cluster with centered tachometer and 200 mph speedometer; 8.4-inch touchscreen with Trackhawk Performance Pages
• More than 70 safety and security features
• Loaded with advanced technology: new Uconnect 8.4-standard touchscreen includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Injected with an unmatched 707 horsepower courtesy of an awe-inspiring supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine, the most awarded SUV ever and the most capable full-size SUV on the planet has been transformed into the most powerful and quickest SUV ever.

Introducing the new 2018 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.

The new benchmark 707-horsepower supercharged engine combines with an upgraded high-torque capacity TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, world-class on-road driving dynamics and new Brembo brakes to deliver a new level of performance: 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, quarter mile in 11.6 seconds at 116 mph, top speed of 180 mph, 60-0 mph braking distance in 114 feet and .88g capability on the skid pad.

“Long recognized as the full-size SUV capability leader, Jeep Grand Cherokee is now the most powerful and quickest SUV as well, with the introduction of our new 707-horsepower Trackhawk,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global. “The new Grand Cherokee Trackhawk delivers astounding performance numbers, backed by renowned SRT engineering that combines world-class on-road driving dynamics with luxury, refinement and an array of innovative advanced technology.”

Built in Detroit at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant, the 2018 Grand Cherokee Trackhawk will arrive in Jeep showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Awe-inspiring 707 horsepower courtesy of supercharged 6.2-litre V8

Powering the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine delivering 707 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft. of torque.

The breakthrough supercharged engine is designed and manufactured using only the strongest and most durable materials. Its cast iron block features water jackets between the cylinders for optimal cooling. A forged-steel crankshaft with induction-hardened bearing surfaces is so strong it can withstand firing pressures of nearly 1,600 psi (110 bar) – the equivalent of five family sedans standing on each piston, every two revolutions. The unique, specially tuned crankshaft damper has been burst tested to 13,000 rpm.

High-strength, forged-alloy pistons – developed using advanced telemetry measurement – are coupled to powder-forged connecting rods with high-load-capacity bushings and diamond-like, carbon-coated piston pins.

Premium grade, heat-treated aluminum-alloy cylinder heads are optimized for superior thermal conductivity. Sodium-cooled exhaust valves feature hollow-stem construction and special steel-alloy heads that stand up to temperatures as high as 1,652 degrees Fahrenheit (900 degrees Celsius).

The 2,380cc per revolution supercharger includes integral charge-air coolers and an integrated electronic bypass valve to regulate boost pressure to a maximum of 11.6 psi (80 kPa). The twin-screw rotors are specially coated with:

• a proprietary formula of polyimide and other resins
• nanometer-sized, wear-resistant particles
• solid lubricants, such as PTFE (Teflon)

The coating enables tighter clearance between the rotors. This reduces internal air leakage, delivering improved compressor performance and higher efficiencies. The coating can withstand the temperatures generated by compression, and provides superior corrosion resistance.

The supercharger is sealed for life with premium synthetic oil, uses a drive ratio of 2.36:1 and has a maximum speed of 14,600 rpm. The supercharger drive system’s one-way clutch de-coupler improves refinement, while allowing for precisely the kind of powerful sound certain to captivate Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk drivers.

Air sources for the supercharger include a cold-air scoop in the lower front fascia, which replaces the driver’s-side fog lamp and helps to feed the 92mm throttle body.

The large-nosed crankshaft drives a high-flow gerotor oil pump, which feeds a lubrication circuit that includes eight high-flow piston-cooling jets. A high-capacity oil/air heat exchanger, mounted in the front of the Trackhawk, mitigates oil temperatures when driving conditions are harshest, such as on the track.

A new low-temperature cooling system, consisting of a pump, reservoir, heat exchanger and lines, help keep the charge air cool during performance driving. This system is designed to keep intake air temperatures below 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius), under extreme ambient conditions, while enabling air flow of up to 30,000 litres per minute.

A new fuel delivery system, featuring two high-flow, multi-mode pumps, matches the high-performance demands of the engine.

Upgraded driveline components, durability and refinement result in benchmark off-road performance

The performance of the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is bolstered by various upgraded driveline components engineered to handle the additional torque output from the supercharged engine.

The standard TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission delivers improved shift response, quality and consistent performance and drivability. The transmission software takes into account variables such as engine torque gradients, kick-down events, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, grade changes, friction detection and downshift detection to determine the appropriate shift map. 

Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is equipped with the Jeep Quadra-Trac on-demand four-wheel-drive system, which includes an electronic limited-slip rear differential and a single-speed active transfer case. The new, full-time active transfer case uses forged steel chain sprockets and a wider chain for added strength and durability.

A strengthened rear drive shaft connects to a new, stronger rear axle. The differential features a revised housing design, revised ring-and-pinion tooth geometry and new four-point axle mounting scheme for better load distribution, additional torque capacity and overall durability. Torque is delivered to the rear wheels via new ultra-high-strength 300-metre low-alloy vacuum melted steel half-shafts with upgraded eight-ball outboard constant velocity joints.

Standard Launch Control optimizes the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk’s performance by coordinating the engine, transmission, driveline and suspension for a textbook launch and consistent straight-line acceleration.

A new standard Torque Reserve system provides improved engine torque response and quicker vehicle acceleration in Launch Control by pre-positioning the supercharger bypass valve to generate boost and minimize manifold filling time, while cutting fueling to individual cylinders and managing spark timing. This generates a reserve of torque that can be instantaneously delivered upon acceleration from a standing stop.

The Selec-Track system on the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk uses performance-tuned software to pre-configure and distinguish the five dynamic modes, including: Auto, Sport, Track, Snow and Tow, enabling drivers to choose a vehicle setting that ideally meets their requirements and ambient conditions. The drive modes separately control the four-wheel-drive system, transmission, paddle shifters, suspension and the electric power steering.

Dynamic drive mode configurations include:

• Auto — Automatically adapts to any condition; uses a 40-percent front/60-percent rear torque split
• Sport — Transmission shift times are reduced by 50 percent versus Auto Mode; stability control, four-wheel-drive and steering systems are set for typical enthusiast driving style; paddle shifters are enabled and suspension is tightened up without increasing impact harshness to deliver increased vehicle performance capability over Auto Mode; uses 35/65 torque split
• Track — Transmission shift times are reduced 68 percent versus Auto Mode to 160 milliseconds; stability control, four-wheel-drive and steering systems are set for ultimate track performance; paddle shifters are enabled and suspension is set to full firm to deliver maximum vehicle performance capability on smooth, dry surfaces; uses 30/70 torque split
• Tow — Alters torque delivery off the line for greater smoothness and adjusts suspension to combat pitch and yaw to deliver maximum towing performance: uses 60/40 torque split
• Snow — Maximizes traction to deliver optimized performance on snow and ice with reduced engine horsepower; uses 50/50 torque split

Trackhawk also features a Custom Mode that allows the driver to personalize the vehicle’s performance with a selectable driving experience offering a multitude of vehicle system combinations. 

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk rides on a short- and long-arm (SLA) independent front suspension with coil springs, Bilstein adaptive damping suspension (ADS), upper- and aluminium lower-control arms (“A” arms), aluminium knuckle, aluminium clevis and hollow stabilizer bar. The rear suspension is a multi-link design with coil spring, Bilstein ADS, aluminium lower control arm, independent upper links (tension and camber), plus a separate toe link, and a hollow stabilizer bar.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is capable of towing 7,200 pounds.

New benchmark SUV stopping performance

New high-performance Brembo brakes include the largest standard front brakes ever offered on a Jeep vehicle. Up front are 15.75-inch (400 mm) two-piece vented rotors with six-piston calipers painted with a new distinctive yellow finish, and 13.78-inch (350 mm) vented rotors with four-piston yellow calipers in the rear for outstanding stopping performance, heat management and durability. 

The new Brembo brakes bring the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk to a stop from 60 mph in 114 feet. For added safety, the anti-lock braking, electronic stability control and traction systems are uniquely tuned.

Aggressive and functional exterior

The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk rides one inch lower than non-SRT Grand Cherokee models and is further set apart with body-colored wheel flares, side sill cladding and a sculpted hood with dual heat extractors.

The signature seven-slot upper front grille is flanked by adaptive, bi-xenon headlamps and surrounded by an LED character lamp treatment. The headlamps on the Trackhawk model feature a unique Gloss Black background to accent their jewel-like appearance.

The fog lights are absent from the Trackhawk’s front fascia to optimize airflow to cooling modules and air induction without compromising the vehicle’s balance.

From behind, the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk features a unique Gloss Black rear valence that showcases four-inch Black Chrome quad exhaust tips. The new quad exhaust system design provides an exhilarating and unmistakable note during maximum acceleration. 

A ‘Supercharged’ badge on both front doors and a Trackhawk badge on the liftgate features a Liquid Titanium Chrome outline and Matte Black background.

New standard 20 x 10-inch Titanium wheels with a Satin Chrome centre cap showcase the distinctive yellow calipers underneath. Available lightweight 20 x 10-inch forged aluminum Low Gloss Black wheels save 12 pounds versus the standard Trackhawk wheel. Grand Cherokee Trackhawk also features all-new Pirelli 295/45ZR20 Scorpion Verde All-Season and new Pirelli P Zero three-season tires with an increased speed rating.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is available in nine exterior colours: Billet Silver, Granite Crystal, Diamond Black, Ivory Tri-coat, Bright White, Velvet Red, Rhino (exclusive), Redline 2 (exclusive) and True Blue.

High-performance, racing-inspired interior

The driver-focused interior features premium soft-touch materials, unique Light Black Chrome finishes and carbon fibre spears, and a 7-inch driver information display (DID) instrument cluster, which features the tachometer in the middle. The 200-mph speedometer is on the left side of the cluster.

The instrument panel center stack with new 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen features Trackhawk-exclusive Performance Pages that showcase an array of performance timers and gauge readouts, including a new engine dynamometer screen that measures instantaneous horsepower, torque and current transmission gear. The dynamometer screen also includes a new snapshot function for owners to save their readouts on a USB.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk’s three-spoke steering wheel with a flat bottom features a bevy of comfort, convenience and connectivity controls and ergonomically efficient paddle shifters.

The Trackhawk features standard Nappa leather and suede seats with an embroidered ‘Trackhawk’ logo. A fully wrapped Signature Leather Interior Package with ‘Trackhawk’ embossed on the seats, optional in black and Trackhawk-exclusive black and Dark Ruby Red is available. Seats are also heated (front and rear) and ventilated (front). Dark Ruby Red seatbelts and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof are also available options.

A new Premium Metal Package is standard and enhances the Trackhawk’s interior with various upscale real metal accents.

Additional premium interior features include: standard Active Noise Cancellation; premium headliner; leather stitched instrument panel, doors, centre console and armrest; Berber floormats with Trackhawk badge and available dual-screen rear-seat entertainment center with Blu-ray.

There is a choice of two audio systems, including an 825-watt Harman Kardon high-performance audio system with 19-speakers and two subwoofers.

Safety and Security

The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk includes more than 70 safety and security features, including Trailer Hitch Camera View at Speed, which allows owners to view trailered items through the rear-mounted camera while moving, and a Valet mode that enables the following vehicle configurations:

• Engine is remapped to significantly reduce horsepower and torque; limited to 4,000 rpm
• Transmission locks out access to first gear and upshifts earlier than normal
• Transmission will treat the manual shifter position the same as the drive position
• Traction, steering and suspension are set to their Street settings
• Steering-wheel paddle shifters are disabled
• Drive Mode functions are disabled
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is enabled to Full-on
• Launch Control is disabled

Drivers can activate and deactivate Valet mode with a personalized four-digit PIN code.

Other prominent, standard Grand Cherokee Trackhawk safety and security features include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop; Advanced Brake Assist; Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection; Full-speed Forward Collision Warning with Crash Mitigation; Front and Rear Park Assist; Lane Departure Warning-Plus; Ready Alert Braking and SiriusXM Guardian and Roadside Assistance buttons.

Advanced technology delivered with all-new infotainment system

New for 2018, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is equipped with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through the latest version of Uconnect’s 8.4-inch touchscreen radio system. 

Apple CarPlay

Seamlessly integrates an iPhone with the vehicle’s built-in display and controls in addition to featuring Siri Voice control. iPhone-equipped drivers can make phone calls, access music, send and receive messages, and receive voice-guided navigation optimized for traffic conditions and more, while staying focused on the road.

Android Auto

System shares useful information when driving and makes it easy to access the best of Google technology. Featuring Google Maps with free voice-guided navigation, live traffic information, and lane guidance; on-demand access to 30 million songs with Google Play Music; plus the ability to place phone calls or send and receive messages while keeping hands on the wheel; and ask Google search any question. Android Auto also makes it easy to access popular apps and content from the Uconnect system’s touchscreen.

The latest Uconnect operating system includes easy-to-use features, pinch-to-zoom display, enhanced processing power, faster startup times and touchscreens that display high-resolution graphics. Drivers and passengers also have an abundance of infotainment features at their fingertips with SiriusXM Radio, Travel Link, Traffic and Guardian Connected Services that provide real-time information.

Old defunct brands from GM will not be making a comeback anytime soon !

General Motors CEO Mary Barra, at the recent Automotive News World Congress, said the company doesn’t miss any of the brands that were discontinued during the company’s 2008-09 bankruptcy and restructuring -- Saturn, Saab, Hummer and Pontiac.

You can take that to mean that none will ever be revived by GM, at least while Barra is in power.

But that doesn’t mean displaced customers of two of the brands -- Hummer and Pontiac -- have nowhere to go.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is building a lineup that would be a natural home for displaced Hummer and Pontiac customers.

Looking at Jeep’s staggering global growth and the worldwide explosion in popularity of SUVs and crossovers, you have to think a Hummer customer’s first choice would be a Jeep. (Don’t forget the two brands shared the same basic seven-slot grille.) GM no longer has a dedicated brand of rugged off-road vehicles.

But I see the biggest migration of GM customers to coming from Pontiac -- and going to Dodge.

“Dodge is the American performance brand,” Tim Kuniskis boasted during a presentation of Fiat Chrysler’s new five-year plan in May.

Kuniskis, CEO of Dodge, is trimming and recasting the brand’s lineup to focus on performance -- putting its tires squarely on the turf that transformed Pontiac into a performance powerhouse in the 1960s.

Pontiac’s performance image, spawned by such cars as the GTO, Firebird, Super Duty Trans Am and others, lasted well into the 1980s. It was in the midst of being reborn when GM killed the brand in 2009.

Dodge’s Grand Caravan minivan is about to join the midsize Avenger sedan in automotive history books. And by 2018, Kuniskis says, Dodge will have seven performance-oriented nameplates. That plan is already in motion with the outrageous new 707-hp Challenger and Charger SRT Hellcat muscle cars, and the V-10 Viper sports car.

I asked Kuniskis if Dodge will actively pursue Pontiac fans with direct mail appeals, discounts and other tactics, since GM no longer has a brand dedicated to performance vehicles.

“The Dodge brand is open to any buyer who is looking for performance,” he said. “Every Dodge vehicle is designed to deliver that visceral feel that reminds buyers why they fell in love with driving in the first place, and we’re open to any buyer who is looking for that feeling, regardless of the brand they’ve previously driven.”

I don’t want to give you the impression that GM no longer cares about performance cars and Pontiac customers. Cadillac is largely about luxury and tire-shredding performance. At the North American International Auto Show, Cadillac showcased the new CTS-V, a 640-hp road rocket.

And Chevrolet has some interesting cars, such as the SS, which is a new version of the discontinued Pontiac G8 sports sedan, and the Corvette and Camaro. But GM has no mainstream brand purely devoted to performance or even with a strong performance image.

Even if Dodge does capture a good share of Pontiac buyers, success is not guaranteed, says AutoPacific analyst Dave Sullivan.

For one thing, GM won’t give up Pontiac customers easily.

GM spokeswoman Ryndee Carney says GM consistently communicates with Pontiac customers, alerting them of new GM models and offering loyalty incentives to stay with GM. The company won’t disclose or quantify how successful it has been at retaining Pontiac customers, Carney said.

U.S. buyers have many performance vehicles from which to choose.

“When you look at other performance models -- the Ford Focus ST, the Raptor, BMW’s M series, Audi’s S and RS models -- none of those automakers dedicate a whole brand to performance,” Sullivan says. “There is a limited market for go-fast stuff. Look how many Accords, Camrys and Altimas sold last year.”

Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat Chrysler, is not known to have a lot of patience. But he may need it with Dodge.

Says Sullivan: “It’s going to take a few product cycles, maybe 10 or 15 years, to fix memories of the Caliber and Journey.”

Richard Truett

REPORT HERE

FCA Dodge and Alfa both receive awards from the Popular Mechanics 2014 awards ceremony.

• 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat named “Best Muscle Car”
• 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C wins the Car Award for Sport Cars

The new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and Alfa Romeo 4C made lasting impressions on the automotive editors of Popular Mechanics, each being chosen as recipients of Popular Mechanics 2014 “Car Award.”

For this year’s Car Awards, the editors at Popular Mechanics got their hands on as many makes and models as they could and drove them all. The editors were looking for new cars that raise the game and standouts that are both excellent to drive and important this year. After lots of deliberation, they arrived at their favorites. 

The editors noted that “this year was particularly challenging because there are so many incredible cars and trucks.”

The new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat was named “Best Muscle Car.” The 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is the fastest and most powerful muscle car ever with its 707 horsepower supercharged HEMI® V-8 engine and a National Hot Rod Association-certified ¼-mile elapsed time of 11.2 seconds at 125 miles per hour (mph) with stock Pirelli tires. 

Editors at Popular Mechanics said it owned the greatest model name of the past decade and called it “the wildest muscle car Detroit’s ever built.”

The all-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C received the “Sports Car” award for its groundbreaking and functional Italian design, ultra-lightweight design with a Formula 1 derived unilateral carbon fiber monocoque and responsive all-aluminum 1750 turbo engine mated to the paddle-shifting Alfa TCT (twin-clutch transmission).

Popular Mechanics editors noted “on a twisty road, you think you are driving something that costs three times as much” and called the Alfa Romeo 4C “mid-engine Italian driving nirvana.” 

The all-new 4C marks the return of “the great Alfa Romeos” and represents the purest formation of the brand’s DNA with its supercar-levels of performance and innovation, all while focusing on making the driver an integral part and completion of the machine.

USA - 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat voted boldest ride of 2014 by BoldRide.Com readers.

• Thousands of BoldRide.com readers voted for the boldest ride of 2014, and the 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat garnered more than half the votes among the 10 finalists
• Readers and editors alike agreed that in terms of performance, price and styling, the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is hard to match
• With 707 horsepower, an NHRA-certified quarter mile elapsed time of 11.0 seconds on street tires and a top speed of 204 miles per hour, the world’s only four-door muscle car, the 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, is the quickest, fastest and most powerful sedan ever and has a starting U.S. MSRP of $63,995, including $1,700 gas guzzler tax

The new 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is the “2014 Bold Ride of the Year," as voted by fans of Bold Ride.

The new Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® Hellcat engine that produces 707 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful V-8 Chrysler Group LLC has ever produced. 

The unrivaled four-door performance includes quarter mile elapsed time in 11.0 seconds on street tires, 0-100-0 mph in less than 13 seconds and a top speed of 204 miles per hour (mph) making it the quickest, fastest and most powerful sedan ever. The 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat comes standard with two key fobs – one black and one red. The red fob unlocks all 707 horsepower.

"After driving the Charger Hellcat we were completely convinced it was one of the boldest rides of the year. You get huge amounts of power, a sophisticated design, and affordability all in a single package,” said Jeff Perez, Content Director – BoldRide.com. “It’s a car that represents everything right with the American auto industry."

The new 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat beat out nine other vehicles, including the Corvette Z06, the BMW i8 and the Lamborghini Huracan, raking in 54 percent of the votes.

“The new 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is the ultimate American performance sedan,” said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO — Dodge and SRT Brands. “We agree that this four-door family sedan, with its world-class power, efficiency, technology and standout styling, makes a statement unlike anything else on the road today.”

For the new 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, Dodge and SRT designers re-sculpted and refined nearly every body panel with functional performance cues, including heat extractors in the hood, unique front and rear fascias and dramatic LED lighting in both front and rear.

The segment-first TorqueFlite heavy-duty eight-speed automatic transmission is capable of delivering fuel-efficient street driving and maximum performance track driving with 160 millisecond shifts with rev-matching.

Bold new performance attributes include the largest brakes ever offered in a Chrysler Group vehicle – 15.4-inch Brembo two-piece rotors with six-piston calipers, 20 x 9.5-inch wide forged aluminum wheels with Pirelli P Zero performance tires, and a three-mode adaptive damping suspension. New SRT Performance Pages allow drivers to tailor the driving experience by controlling horsepower, transmission shift speeds, paddle shifters, traction and suspension.

The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat features a slew of the latest high-tech features, including the new award-winning available Uconnect Access system, Uconnect Access Services with roadside assistance, theft-alarm notification, voice texting, new 3-D navigation and the ability to turn the Charger into a Wi-Fi hotspot.

USA - 2015 Dodge Cgarger takes ALG Residual Award for the first time.

• New 2015 Dodge Charger recognized with ALG Residual Value Award for the first time
• Residual Value Awards recognize the vehicles and brands that stand out from the rest of the market by representing quality, long-term reliability and strong desirability

The new 2015 Dodge Charger has received the Residual Value Award in the “Fullsize Car” category from ALG, the industry benchmark for residual values and depreciation data.

The annual ALG Residual Value Awards recognize vehicles that are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a conventional three-year period. This is the Charger’s first Residual Value Award in the Fullsize Car category.

“We’ve seen some amazing used market retention from the Charger over the years, and buyers clearly love its unique execution,” said Larry Dominique, President of ALG. “With the improvements Dodge has baked in for 2015, it should continue to lead the Fullsize segment going forward.”

ALG recognizes 26 vehicles with segment awards. Award winners are determined through careful study of the competition in each segment, historical vehicle performance and industry trends. Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand and pricing and marketing strategies represent key factors that impact ALG’s residual value forecasts.

“The new 2015 Dodge Charger is unique in its segment, delivering unrivaled rear-wheel-drive performance and attitude,” said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO – Dodge and SRT Brands, Chrysler Group LLC. “This award from ALG is a testament to how well the Charger holds it value, as well as to all the updates we’ve made for 2015, including a new exterior, a standard new state-of-the-art eight-speed automatic transmission and several new models, including the all-new 707 horsepower Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat.”

New 2015 Dodge Chargers are starting to arrive in dealerships this month. Production of the 2015 Dodge Charger Hellcat will start in the first quarter of 2015.

The Star of the show in Miami is the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, and well deserved it is too.

• Industry accolade comes courtesy of the Southern Automotive Media Association (SAMA) in the 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat's auto show debut
• Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is the quickest, fastest and most powerful sedan in the world, featuring a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® V-8 Hellcat engine that produces 707 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque

In its auto show debut at the 2014 South Florida International Auto Show in Miami late last week, the 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat was awarded the "Star of the Show" from the Southern Automotive Media Association (SAMA).

"The new Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat has quickly captured the world's imagination," said Bill Adam, SAMA president. "Other automotive manufacturers have made high horsepower vehicles over the years, but none comes close to this one. Dodge has built a family capable performance sedan that is sinister and powerful looking, while still able to achieve impressive gas mileage, making this car the 2014 Star of the Show."

The new 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is powered by the new supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® V-8 engine. Its 707 horsepower matches the highest rating of any V-8 engine in Chrysler Group's celebrated history - that of the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat - making it the quickest, fastest and most powerful production sedan in the world, as well as the most capable and technologically advanced four-door muscle car in America. The supercharged HEMI V-8 engine is mated to the new segment-first TorqueFlite 8HP90 eight- speed automatic transmission.

The unrivaled four-door performance numbers tell an impressive story with an NHRA-certified, quarter mile in 11.0 seconds, 0-60 miles per hour (mph) in 3.7 seconds, 0-100-0 mph in under 13 seconds and a top speed of 204 mph.

“Thanks to the Southern Automotive Media Association for this prestigious award recognizing our new ultimate performance sedan and its unrivaled capabilities," said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO -- Dodge and SRT Brands. "We're proud that in its auto show debut,

the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is carrying on the buzz that began earlier this year when our Challenger SRT Hellcat surprised the muscle car world."

Additional performance attributes of the new Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat include the largest brakes ever offered in a Chrysler Group vehicle - 15.4-inch Brembo two-piece rotors with six- piston calipers, 20-by-9.5-inch wide forged-aluminum wheels with Pirelli P Zero performance tires and adaptive damping three-mode suspension.

Dodge and SRT designers have re-sculpted and refined nearly every body panel of the new Charger with functional performance cues, including heat extractors in the hood, unique front and rear fascias and dramatic LED lighting in both front and rear.

The 2015 Charger SRT models feature restyled driver-focused interiors with premium, soft- touch materials, a new 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) customizable digital instrument gauge cluster and a new instrument panel center stack with the latest generation 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen media center.

The 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat will be built at the Brampton, Ontario, Assembly Plant. Production is slated to begin in the first quarter of 2015.

USA - Introducing the new 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat.

With 707 horsepower, an NHRA-certified quarter mile elapsed time of 11.0 seconds on street tires and a top speed of 204 miles per hour, the world’s only four-door muscle car is the quickest, fastest and most powerful sedan ever

• Supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® Hellcat engine produces 707 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful V-8 Chrysler Group LLC has ever produced
• Unrivaled four-door performance includes quarter mile elapsed time in 11.0 seconds on street tires, 0-100-0 mph in under 13 seconds and a top speed of 204 miles per hour (mph)
• Dodge and SRT designers re-sculpt and refined nearly every body panel with functional performance cues, including heat extractors in the hood, unique front and rear fascias and dramatic LED lighting in both front and rear
• Segment-first TorqueFlite heavy-duty eight-speed automatic transmission capable of delivering fuel-efficient street driving and maximum performance track driving with 160 millisecond shifts with rev-matching
• New performance attributes include the largest brakes ever offered in a Chrysler Group vehicle – 15.4-inch Brembo two-piece rotors with six-piston calipers, 20 x 9.5-inch wide forged aluminum wheels with Pirelli P Zero performance tires, adaptive damping three-mode suspension and three-mode, heavy-duty eight-speed automatic transmission
• New SRT Performance Pages allow drivers to tailor the driving experience by controlling horsepower, transmission shift speeds, paddle shifters, traction and suspension
• Two key fobs – one black and one red. The red fob unlocks all 707 horsepower
• New interior design elements, including SRT three-spoke, flat-bottom steering wheel, 7-inch reconfigurable digital gauge cluster, 8.4-inch touchscreen, Nappa leather and Alcantara suede seating, premium materials and a choice of four new trim and color combinations
• Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat features a slew of the latest high-tech features, including the new award-winning available Uconnect Access system, Uconnect Access Services with roadside assistance, theft-alarm notification, voice texting, new 3-D navigation and the ability to turn the Charger into a Wi-Fi hotspot

Dodge is upping its high-performance game again with the unveiling of the new 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat.

The new Charger SRT Hellcat will feature the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® Hellcat V-8 engine that produces 707 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque – making it the quickest, fastest, most powerful production sedan in the world, as well as the most capable and technologically advanced four-door muscle car in America.

“For the last eight years, a large part of the Dodge Charger’s successful formula has been its many personalities. It’s a muscle car, a performance sedan, a family capable sedan; its success is that it can be any or all of those things, depending on how the customer chooses to equip their car,” said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO — Dodge and SRT Brands. “And now, with a NHRA-certified quarter mile time of 11.0 seconds and a 204 mph top speed, the new 2015 Dodge Charger Hellcat redefines itself again, as the quickest, fastest, most powerful sedan in the world!”

The 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat will be built at the Brampton (Ont.) Assembly plant. Production is slated to begin in the first quarter of 2015.

Awe-inspiring powertrain; largest brakes ever offered in a Chrysler Group vehicle

The new 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is powered by the new supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 engine. Its 707 horsepower matches the highest rating of any V-8 engine in Chrysler Group’s celebrated history – that of the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat.

The all-new supercharged V-8 engine is mated to the beefy new TorqueFlite 8HP90 eight-speed automatic transmission.

This new Hellcat engine is Dodge and SRT’s first application of V-8 supercharger technology, featuring a forged-steel crankshaft with induction-hardened bearing surfaces. The result is a crank so well-engineered it can withstand firing pressures of 110 bar (1,595 psi) – the equivalent of five family sedans standing on each piston, every two revolutions. And its unique, specially tuned crank damper has been tested to 13,000 rpm.

High-strength, forged-alloy pistons, developed using advanced telemetry measurement, are coupled to powder-forged connecting rods with high-load-capacity bushings and diamond-like-carbon-coated piston pins.

The supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 has premium-grade, heat-treated aluminum-alloy cylinder heads, which are optimized for superior thermal conductivity. And its die-cast aluminum rocker covers are HEMI Orange.

Standard on the Charger SRT Hellcat is the largest front-brake package ever offered in a Chrysler Group vehicle, which were first introduced on the 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat, featuring all-new 390-mm (15.4-inch) Brembo two-piece rotors with six-piston calipers for outstanding heat management and thermal capacity and longevity.

The unrivaled four-door performance numbers tell an impressive story with the quarter mile in 11.0 seconds, 0-100-0 mph in under 13 seconds, and a top speed of 204 mile per hour (mph).

All-new Drive Modes tailor the driving experience to each individual driver

Whether its on-road or on-track, Charger SRT Hellcat owners can personalize their drive experience, via the all-new Drive Modes feature. Drive Modes tailor the driving experience by controlling horsepower, transmission shift speeds, paddle shifters, traction and suspension. Drive Modes are pre-configured for Sport, Track and Default settings, while the Custom setting lets the driver customize the drive experience to their favorite settings.

• Custom — Allows the driver to personalize the vehicle’s performance
• Sport — Delivers increased vehicle performance capability over the Default Mode
• Track — Delivers maximum vehicle performance capability on smooth, dry surfaces
• Default — Activates automatically when starting the vehicle
• Eco — Maximizes fuel economy with a revised shift schedule, pedal map and second-gear starts

The Drive Modes feature is controlled through the Uconnect system and may be accessed by performing any of the following:

• Pushing the SRT button on the instrument panel switch bank
• Selecting “Drive Modes” from the “SRT & Apps” menu
• Selecting “Drive Modes” from within the Performance Pages menu

Unlocking the power

The all-new 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat comes standard with two key fobs – red and black. The red key fob is the only key that can unlock the full horsepower and torque potential of the SRT Hellcat engine; while the black key fob limits the driver to a reduced engine output.

When Valet Mode is activated, the following vehicle configurations are enabled:

• Engine is remapped to significantly reduce horsepower and torque; limited to 4,000 rpm
• Transmission locks out access to first gear and upshifts earlier than normal
• Transmission will treat the manual shifter position the same as the drive position
• Traction, steering and suspension are set to their “Street” settings
• Steering-wheel paddle shifters are disabled
• Drive Mode functions are disabled
• Electronic stability control (ESC) is enabled to Full-on
• Launch Control is disabled

The driver can activate and deactivate Valet Mode with a four-digit PIN code they create.

Sinister, functional exterior design

Inspired by its performance-enthusiast roots when Charger first launched more than 45 years ago, the new Charger successfully pays homage to past muscle cars while offering distinctly modern all-new exterior and interior appointments.

The Dodge and SRT design team builds upon the 2015 Dodge Charger’s new modern four-door fastback coupe’s already iconic exterior styling by adding a sinister-looking, unique front fascia, hood, rear fascia and spoiler.

The new exterior of the 2015 Dodge Charger is spiritually inspired by the iconic second-generation Charger from the late 1960s, and for 2015, specifically draws its cues from the 1969 model. With its rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platform and proven power, the Charger’s modern take on old-school muscle is sure to resonate with today’s enthusiasts.

Up front, the Charger SRT Hellcat receives the larger, power-bulge aluminum hood, which features a dedicated “cold-air” intake – a visual styling cue from the first Viper coupe built in 1996 – and dual air extractors to ensure effective removal of heat and reduced air turbulence in the engine compartment.

The redesigned front fascia and grille use unique, blacked out upper and lower textures to produce the menacing look that is sure to make onlookers notice the ultimate performance sedan.

An integrated front splitter optimizes airflow to the cooling modules without compromising vehicle balance.

Filling the wheel wells are “Slingshot” split-seven spoke 20 x 9.5-inch, lightweight forged-aluminum wheels with either standard Matte Black or available Brass Monkey/dark bronze finishes.

Two new 275/40ZR20 Pirelli P Zero tires provide performance for all seasons. Both Pirelli P Zero Nero and P Zero tires are Y-Plus rated to handle the extreme speeds the Charger SRT Hellcat is capable of producing.

At the rear, a single piece decked spoiler is painted in body color while the unique fascia and valence showcase the 4-inch round exhaust tips.

The Dodge Charger SRT’s signature “racetrack” LED tail lamps take on the same continuous glowing ribbon of light that debuted on the new 2014 Dodge Durango.

The center high-mounted stop lamp is relocated from the top of the deck lid to the roofline inside the back glass, allowing centering of the Charger SRT’s backup camera.

The rear styling makeover begins at the touchdown point of the C-pillar, which is moved rearward to create an even more pronounced fastback appearance combined with a shorter rear overhang.

High-performance driver-oriented interior   

The 2015 Charger SRT Hellcat’s restyled driver-focused interior features premium, soft-touch materials, a new 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) customizable digital instrument gauge cluster and a new instrument panel center stack with the latest generation 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen media center.

New for 2015, drivers can select one of the many offered backgrounds to connect the digital look and feel with their chosen interior package. In addition, the Charger SRT Hellcat comes standard with a premium 900 watt, 18-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system.

An all-new and class-exclusive electronic shifter with an all-new driver-oriented T-handle provides the driver with intuitive gear selection and offers an Auto Stick selector gate for added control.

A redesigned SRT-branded heated steering wheel features a flat bottom and thick rim for the high-performance driver. Standard paddle shifters are located on the back of the upper spokes. The buttons to control the driver-configurable, full-color thin-film transistor (TFT) display are large and illuminated. Buttons for Uconnect and phone access now reside along the bottom edge of the horizontal spokes. Optional adaptive cruise control is configured by buttons that are symmetrically opposite on the right-hand side of the wheel. As before, the highly praised audio controls are still found on the back of the upper spokes. This new power tilt-telescoping steering wheel also has a 360-degree heat element.

The new 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat features redesigned seats with improved cushioning and more comfortable contours. For improved comfort and convenience, the SRT Hellcat includes standard heated and ventilated front high-performance seats and heated rear seats.

Charger continues to grow its market share

The 2015 Dodge Charger competes in the U.S. full-size car market, but stands alone in a class by itself as the only American-bred four-door muscle car. In March of 2014, the Dodge brand reached a significant milestone, with Challenger and Charger sales combining to sell a total of more than 1 million units in the United States.

The Charger’s combination of aggressive and youthful image, full-size functionality and world-class engineering and quality resonates with young and affluent buyers. Charger’s purchasers on average are 15 years younger than its competitors’ buyers within the segment, with more than half identifying themselves as millennials or Generation Xers.

The Charger’s appeal is attracting a high number of conquest buyers, helping drive a 62 percent increase in sales since 2009 – double the growth of the standard full-size car segment. In 2013, Charger posted its best sales year since 2007, further fueling a 3.2 percentage point gain in market share since 2009.