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Dodge entered the popular compact crossover segment this past year with the introduction of the 2023 Dodge Hornet.  2023 models arrived in the Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram inventory late in the 2023 model year.  In typical Dodge fashion, they brought to the segment its most powerful gas engine and a distinct performance focus to its overall design.  Now come the 2024 models, which add the Hornet R/T. This plug-in hybrid represents the first-ever electrified vehicle from Dodge and the most powerful model in the Hornet lineup. Bringing Performance to the Compact Crossover Segment The Hornet GT and GT Plus carry one with the Hurricane4 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 connected to a 9-speed automatic transmission. It is the segment’s most powerful gas engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. EPA-estimated city/highway/combined MPG is 21/29/24. For 2024, the Hornet lineup adds the R/T and R/T Plus plug-in hybrid models. The engine is a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 connected to a 6-speed automatic that powers the front wheels. Powering the rear wheels is a 90-kW electric motor that receives its energy from a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Combined, the engine and motor produce 288 horsepower and 383 lb-ft. of torque. The model provides an estimated 32 miles of electric-only range. So if your daily round-trip commute is within that distance, the Hornet R/T can be a daily electric vehicle.  After the electric range is depleted, there remains battery power to assist the engine.  The Hornet R/T is rated at 77 MPGe and has a total range of 360 miles. The “Head of Hive” 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T carries extra sting with a class-exclusive, on-demand PowerShot feature that supplies a 15-second burst of 30 horsepower, enabling a run from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, while the Dodge Hornet GT reaches 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds in Sport Mode. Hornet performance goes beyond mere acceleration. All models in the lineup feature standard Koni shocks and Brembo four-piston brake calipers. The models also include torque vectoring to assist in fast curves, and of course, all R/T models feature all-wheel drive. Activated by a steering wheel button, the Hornet GT features a Sport Mode, which increases throttle response, shifts at higher rpm, tightens steering wheel feel, and provides a stiffer suspension setting if equipped with Dual Stage Valve shocks.  The Hornet R/T offers Sport Mode and three hybrid driving modes: Hybrid, Electric, and E-Save Hybrid Mode: Provides maximum combined efficiency of the engine and motor, minimizing fuel consumption by setting electric priority until a minimum battery level is met Electric Mode: Offers an all-electric, zero-emission mode, and automatically switches to hybrid when the battery is depleted or when extra power is requested by driver pedal kick-down E-Save Mode: Gives priority to the conventional engine to preserve battery charge, possibly to save for city driving when all-electric propulsion is its most efficient.  The Passive option maintains the existing charge, while the Active option will recharge the battery as you drive. Sport Mode: Activated by a dedicated button on the center console, this produces sharper throttle response, higher shift points, access to the hybrid system’s optimized power and torque, as well as a tighter steering feel. The Hornet R/T also recharges the battery from regenerative braking and coasting from the throttle lift. The regenerative braking also reduces brake wear. Packaging All Hornets are equipped with a 12.3-inch Digital TFT Cluster, 10.25-inch center touchscreen and dual-zone automatic climate control wireless phone connectivity, and blind spot warning, among other features.  Also standard is Active Driving Assist which includes Distance Pacing Cruise Control, and lane centering. Besides the drivetrain, additional standard features on the R/T model include: Heated front seats 8-way power driver seat with 3-way memory Driver-side auto-dimming mirror Remote start system The R/T Plus adds: Full leather seating surfaces 8-way power passenger seat Ventilated front seats Sunroof Harmon Kardon sound system Hands-free power liftgate The GT Plus basically adds all of the additional R/T and R/T Plus features. Three packages are available on both Hornet R/T and GT: The Blacktop Package brings to life an automotive version of a “murder Hornet” with a blacked appearance including: 18-inch Abyss alloy wheels Gloss Black badging and mirror caps Gloss Black painted daylight opening (DLO) molding The Track Pack offers the most performance-oriented configuration with: 20-inch Abyss wheels Dual Stage Valve Suspension Alcantara sport seats Aluminum interior accents and pedals Red brake calipers The Tech Pack builds on the Active Driver Assist system by adding: Highway Assist Traffic Sign Recognition Intelligent Speed Assist Drowsy Driver Detection Front-park sensors ParkView 360 camera Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist The Hornet shows that as Dodge enters a new era of electrified and even EVs, Dodge's performance values remain steadfast.  It is obvious yet meaningful to call the Hornet the Dodge of compact crossovers. To see all of what that means, pay a visit to Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and experience the Hornet for yourself.

For Benna CDJR’s fourth installment on the top 50 Dodge models of all time, we show the models that almost made it to the top ten and may well belong there, in your opinion. As before, the rankings were determined by Autoevolution. At this level, most of these models will be familiar to Dodge enthusiasts. 20. 1984 Caravan It may not light up the streets or adrenalin like Dodge’s muscle cars, but this could well be the most influential model Dodge ever produced. The design brief was to develop a vehicle that could seat up to eight people, provide car-like comfort, and fit in a standard-height garage. Originally based on the humble K-car platform, the Caravan, and its Plymouth Voyager twin introduced the modern Minivan concept to America and, in some ways, the Western world, as it beat the similar-in-concept Renault Espace by a few months. With the addition of a Chrysler version called Town & Country, the minivans sold over 14.6 million units worldwide. In the process, they created an entirely new genre and began the decline of the station wagon body style. 19. 2021 Durango SRT Hellcat By 2021, Dodge had decades of experience dropping absurdly overpowered drivetrains in moderately sized vehicles, and they weren’t about to let that fade with the popularity of SUVs. As Dodge’s only SUV at the time, the Durango was fitted with the Hellcat engine previously seen in the Challenger and Charger. It produced an insane 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful gas-powered SUV ever made. The engine hauled this hauler from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, which makes it the quickest 3-row SUV ever. The model was dropped in 2022 but returned for 2023. 18. 2004 Ram Rumble Bee The Rumble Bee name was derived from the Coronet-based Super Bee muscle car. Though also available in black, the Solar Yellow version was covered in enough day-glo yellow paint to be seen from space. Exclusively available with the regular cab and short bed, the Rumble Bee featured 20-inch wheels, lower body cladding, a bed cover, and of course, the black stripe (yellow on black trucks). The trusty 5.7-liter Hemi V8 sat under the hood scoop producing 345 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque. Over 10,000 Rumble Bees were produced across two years. 17. 1970 Super Bee Hemi Speaking of the Super Bee, it first appeared in 1968 as the Dodge’s counterpart to the better-known Plymouth Roadrunner. Both featured a low-priced bare-bones version of the mid-size platform but with all the available high-performance hardware. Drivetrains included the 383 Magnum V8 and the 440 with the six-pack carburetor system. A grand total of 42 units were built with the 425 -horsepower 426 Hemi, making them the rarest Bees in the world. The 1970 model makes this list due to the very aggressive twin grill treatment, a version of which was picked up by the 1971 Charger. 16. 1970 Challenger T/A Late to the pony car party, Dodge immediately entered the Challenger into the SCCA Trans-Am series, which had become the competition home of Mustangs, Camaros, Barracudas, AMC Javelins, and Firebirds (which famously appropriated the series’ name). As with the Mustang 302, Dodge figured a small block was the best way to compete, so both the race car and required homologation production cars were fit with the 340 cu-in. V8 with the six-pack carburetor system, which produced 290 horsepower in the T/A. A heavy-duty suspension supported the car, and disc brakes were fitted in the front. A fiberglass hood was fitted as a weight-saving feature. The T/A was only in showrooms for the 1970 model year, with 2399 units finding buyers. 15. 2017 Viper GTS-R The GTS-R was the Viper’s swan song. Built for the Viper’s last year and commemorating the model’s competing in the GTS endurance racing class, the 100-unit $145,000 GTS-R, stayed as close to the racing vehicle as street legal requirements would allow. All were white with twin blue stripes and featured the massive rear wing, front corner winglets, a front air dam, and seven holes in the hood plus front fender vents. As always, the Viper was powered by a naturally aspirated V10, with this version displaying 8.4 liters and rated at 645 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque. 14. 1968 Charger R/T Introduced two years earlier as a dramatically shaped mid-size fastback, Dodge changed things up for 1968. They kept and improved upon the simple but aggressive body-wide grille that concealed quad headlamps. But behind was a less dramatic but arguably better-proportioned coupe body with coke-bottle curves for the lower “fuselage” body. This is the Charger everyone remembers. R/T stood for Road/Track, though Dodge played with the term “Rapid Transit” in their marketing. Under the T/A’s low flat hood was a standard 375 hp 440 cu-in Magnum V8 with the 425 hp 426 Hemi as an available option. The Charger R/T lasted until 1971, when it had a major design change. The 426 Hemi disappeared, but the 440 remained, though was detuned to 280 hp because…70s. 13. 2015 Charger SRT Hellcat It was a disappointment to many Dodge fans when the 2006 Charger returned as a 4-door sedan. But it was rear-drive and full-sized in a world of front-drive mid-size sedans and even built from the bones of the previous Mercedes-Benz E-Class, so it was still rather special. A redesign for 2011 upped the aggression, but it was the facelift for 2015 that really hit the mark. Not only did the front’s low profile grille with integrated headlights do justice to the original, but with the SRT Hellcat, it was blatantly overpowered to an extent the original Charger could only dream of. Its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 produced a supercar-level 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. Supercar performance figures followed, including 0 to 60 in 3.4 seconds and having a 207 mph top speed. It was the fastest production 4-door sedan to be had anywhere and remained so until Dodge added “Redeye” to the name in 2021. 12. 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat Built on the Charger and Chrysler 300 platform, the revived Challenger had something of a disadvantage against the smaller, similarly revived Camaro and contemporary Mustang. Dodge responded by supercharging its biggest Hemi V8, christening it the Hellcat, and putting it in both the Challenger and the above-mentioned Charger. With the same 707 horsepower and torque as the Charger, the Challenger was curiously slower than the Charger with a 0-60 time of 3.6 seconds. Nevertheless, the power was way beyond anything in the Camaro and Mustang stables, including the Shelby GT500. Dodge has since made even more powerful Challengers, but it was the SRT Hellcat that took that first giant leap. 11. 1998 Viper GT2 Championship Edition Inspired by the GTS-R that took a class win in the 1997 FIA GT Championship, the limited-edition 1998 GT2 started what the 2017 GTS-R finished. Like the latter, it had a front air dam, front corner winglets, lower side sills, and a strut-supported rear wing, but all were more subtle and better integrated into the overall design. In this form, the 8.0-liter V10 produced 460 horsepower, which was a slight bump over the rest of the model line and over a hundred horses over the contemporary Corvette. Like the GTS-R, production was limited to 100 units making it a sought-after collectible today.

Stellantis brought back several awards from the 2023 annual Texas Automotive Writers Association (TAWA) Auto Roundup. Held in late March at Eagles Canyon Raceway in Decatur, Texas, Benna CDJR is proud to say that the Lone Star scribes showed some love for Dodge, Chrysler, and Alfa Romeo, bringing home a combined seven awards from the event. Ram and Jeep will likely get their turn when trucks are reviewed at the organization’s Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall. Dodge Hornet: Crossover Utility Vehicle of Texas The Dodge Hornet is the newest vehicle introduced across the Stellantis family and takes aim at the very popular compact crossover segment. TAWA took an instant liking to it, giving it the Utility Vehicle (CUV) of Texas title award but also bestowing honors such as Best Value, Best New Interior, and Best New Feature, for a total of four awards. The Best Feature award is for the class-exclusive PowerShot feature, which supplies a burst of 30 horsepower for the electrified Dodge Hornet R/T plug-in hybrid. The R/T has a rear-mounted motor that provides an estimated 30 miles of EV range and a combined 288 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. Dodge Challenger SRT Black Ghost: Performance Vehicle of Texas One of the seven “Last Call” special-edition Challenger and Charger models in their final year of muscle car production, The 807-horsepower Dodge Challenger Black Ghost channels the spirit of a legendary street racer that prowled Detroit’s famed Woodward Avenue in the 1970s. Only 300 of the Black Ghost “Last Call” models will be produced, all in Pitch Black and in Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody form. Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid: Family Vehicle of Texas Probably the least surprising of the awards, the Pacifica took the Family Vehicle of Texas award for the 6th consecutive year. Minivans are known for carrying out commuting and domestic chores during the week and then being the designated vehicle for road trips, which is a perfect scenario for a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Yet the Pacific remains the only available plug-in hybrid minivan in the country. The Pacifica PHEV provides an estimated 30 EV miles, 80 MPGe, and more than 500 miles total range. For this and other reasons, the Pacifica is also the most awarded minivan over the last six years, with more than 170 honors and industry accolades since its introduction. Alfa Romeo Stelvio: Best Mid-Size CUV For this award, it probably didn’t hurt that votes were decided after the cars were run on the Eagles Canyon Raceway. Because while the Stelvio is a beautiful piece of machinery full of Italian design and elegant detailing, it's the performance that makes it unforgettable. It isn’t just the 280 hp and 306 lb-ft of torque, it is the character of the engine as you put it through its paces, the sublime feel of the steering as it shows its sure-footedness on the curves, and the confidence one feels from the brakes. The Stelvio is a performance thoroughbred, and TAWA recognized just that. We thank TAWA for recognizing the special nature of these Stellantis models. Of course, Benna CDJR is where you can see the all-new Dodge Hornet and Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid up close and experience them on the road. With production limited to just 300, we may not have a Challenger SRT Black Ghost in stock, but you can experience other Challengers, learn more about the Black Ghost, and put yourself in for a pre-order until they are all spoken for.

This is Benna CDJR’s second look at the top 50 Dodge models of all time as collected by the enthusiast site Autoevolution. This edition looks at the 31 - 40 best-ranked models. As mentioned in the first installment of this series, Dodge isn’t going anywhere, just two of its iconic models are, so this seems to be a good time to look at some of the brand's greatest models in its 95-year history. 40. 2007 Avenger R/T AWD Originally a Dodge Coupe version of the 2nd-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse, the Avenger came back in 2007 as a mid-size sedan replacing the Dodge Stratos. Like the coupe, the Avenger was based on a Mitsubishi Galant platform and built in the Chrysler - Mitsubishi joint venture Diamondstar plant in Normal, IL. All Avengers sported Charger-like styling, particularly with the kick-up character line just before the rear fenders. What puts this model on the list, however, was the R/T model’s combination of a 235 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 and all-wheel drive, which made it stand out in the mid-size sedan class. Running the power through a 6-speed automatic transmission, and helped by AWD traction, the Avenger could transition from stop to 60 in 7.2 seconds. 39. 1940 WC-Series Remember that fast-moving ambulance heading into the M*A*S*H camp just as the music picks up in the show’s opening credits? That was a Dodge WC. Like the Jeeps often shown on that program, the WC was built for World War II in cooperation with Fargo, another Chrysler-owned truck company. Built in ½, ¾ ton and even six-wheeled 1½ ton versions, WCs took on the bigger jobs, including cargo trucks and weapons carriers, (radio) command cars, reconnaissance vehicles, carryalls, panel vans, telephone installation, mobile emergency/field workshop trucks, and of course ambulances. More than 350,000 WC were made through 1945, and together GPs (Jeeps) and WCs (sometimes nicknamed “Beeps”) made up nearly all the light-duty trucks used by the U.S. military during the war. 38. 1966 D/Dart Super Stock An arguable distant spiritual ancestor to the Hellcat and the current “Last Call” models, the D.Dart Super Stock was a factory-built drag racer designed to compete on the strips against other small-block V-8s of the time. The compact-sized D/Dart’s 273 cubic inch V-8 was pumped up to produce 275 horsepower. That is more than one horsepower per cubic inch. Only 50 models were built. It is somewhat overshadowed by the Dart LO23 that was stuffed with a 425 Hemi and occasionally a 440 ci. 37. 1974 Ramcharger Least known of the full-size 2-door SUVs, the Ramcharger came out five years after the full-size K5 Chevrolet Blazer, but three years before the full-size Ford Bronco. Like its competitors, the Ramcharger was built on a short wheelbase version of the brand’s full-size pickup. The top was removable, and there was even a cloth top available for a while. It started as a 2-seat hauler, but a second row of seats was added two years later. While the base model was powered by the venerable 225 slant-six, from there, it was all V-8s in 318, 360, 400, and 440 cubic inch sizes. There was an identical Plymouth version of this vehicle called the Trailduster, marking one of the only times a truck was offered by that brand. There were two generations of Ramchargers spanning 20 years. 36. 2003 Neon SRT-4 The Neon SRT-4 is another example of Dodge making a hellion out of an ordinary sedan. While most 2nd-generation Neons were available with either 132 or 150 horsepower, the SRT-4 (Street and Racing Technology-4 cylinder) was a concept model developed by DaimlerChrysler's PVO (Performance Vehicle Operations) in-house tuner group to originally produce 208 hp using a supercharged 2.0-liter. By the time of the 2003 production model debut, it featured a 215 horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-4, which was bumped up to 230 hp the following year. The model proved more popular than Dodge expected. Originally expecting to sell just 2,500 per year, over 25,000 models were sold across three model years. 35. 1964 D-100 Street Wedge The D-100 Street Wedge is arguably the first factory muscle truck. Based on the plain but hard-working D-100s that normally ran on the 225 slant-six or 318 V-8. This model was powered by a predecessor of the famed 426 Hemi known as the 413-cubic-inch Max Wedge V8. known as the  “Ramcharger”, the first use of the name. Chrysler developed the engine specifically for drag racing among its full- and mid-size cars. Rated at 365 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, it was the most powerful truck at the time though Dodge only built 50 of them, just enough to meet NHRA requirements. 34. 2009 Challenger Drag Pak This is yet another factory-built drag racer. The Challenger just had its return the prior year, and Dodge was heavy into nostalgia with a series of special edition models that were homages to famous Dodges of the muscle car years. The Drag Pak was the only one that wasn’t street-legal. The lack of production use enabled Dodge to shave 1000 pounds off the car. There were three engine options, including a 5.7-liter Hemi, 6.1-liter Hemi, and a 5.9-liter Magnum Wedge. An initial run of the required 50 cars was completed to meet NHRA requirements, though over 100 Challenger Drag Pak" vehicles were eventually produced. 33. 1978 Li'l Red Express To understand the Li’l Red Express, one must understand the late 70s. Emission requirements were detuning muscle cars out of existence. But those requirements did not apply to trucks. So Dodge started producing a line of “adult toys” in truck form. The Macho Power Wagon was a 4x4 truck with fat tires, a factory roll bar, and a wild two-tone paint job. The Warlock had a step-side bed,  aftermarket wheels, gold pinstriping, bucket seats, and fat white-letter tires. The Li’l Red Express beat them all in audacious styling. The step-side bed had oak sideboards, and roof-high semi-like exhaust pipes rose between the cab and rear fender. All models were red with a large, gold company logo-like Li’l Red Express Truck sign on the doors. The Express was powered by the 360 ci V-8 producing 225 horsepower, which seems paltry today but was more powerful than anything but the Corvette at the time. 32. 2006 Magnum SRT-8 Ironically, it was the Dodge Caravan minivan that fired the first crippling blow at the venerable station wagon body style. In the subsequent 20 years, both minivans and SUVs had pretty much sealed the wagon’s fate. But with its LX platform derived from Daimler’s Mercedes E and S-Class, Dodge figured they had just the right ingredients to revive the All-American full-size RWD wagon. This being Dodge, it was just two years before they created a halo muscle car version with a 6.1-liter HEMI V8 engine good for 425 horsepower mated to a 5-speed automatic that also came from Mercedes. The drivetrain was good for a 0-60 time of just 5.1 seconds and hit the quarter mile in 13.1 seconds at 108 mph. Brembo brakes brought things back to a stop. All Magnums remained niche vehicles as Americans continued to flock to SUVs, and the wagon was discontinued in 2008. 31. 2007 Charger Daytona It didn’t have a roof-high wing, but Dodge’s homage to its iconic NASCAR warrior almost 3-decades earlier was a looker. With a moderate altitude black rear wing, blacked-out rear, mostly black hood with “HEMI” cut out on each side, rear ‘70 ‘Cuda-like black stripes, and 20-inch chrome five-split-spoke wheels, this charger was not subtle. That is even before you consider the roster of Dodge’s famous amusingly named colors, such as Sub Lime Green, Plumb Crazy Purple, and Top Banana, plus a few new ones, such as Go ManGo!, Stone White, and HEMI Orange. Mechanically the Daytona was basically an R/T with ten more horses thanks to a more free-breathing exhaust system, for a total of 350. In 2009 the power increased to 368 thanks to a new variable valve timing system. While not as potent as the SRT models, its tribute to vehicles colors and imagery of the muscle car era paved the way for many many of the current “Last Call” models Stay tuned as the Benna CDJR blog continues this series with the 21-30 ranked best Dodge models.

While the gasoline-powered production of the 2023 Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger are coming to a close, Dodge still lusts after making high horsepower pony and muscle cars. This time, for 2024, they have shown off the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT electric concept car. We still have to learn a lot about the upcoming electric-only Charger, but what we do know should excite the masses. Dodge has said the trim levels so far will be the 340, 440, and the SRT Banshee. Banshee… don’t they always come up with the coolest names? The numbers indicate how much horsepower the car will have in kilowatts. Horsepower is said to be 455 for the 340 kW and 590 for the 440 kW trim. For reference, 100 horsepower equals 74.57kW, or 100kW equals 134 horsepower. The SRT Banshee will ride on an 800-volt, all-wheel drive platform. We aren’t sure of the power ratings yet, but I can imagine Dodge will make an immense amount of power that will make everyone giggle like schoolchildren. The concept car shown is the SRT Banshee trim level. Going Back To Their Roots While we aren’t sure how many doors the Charger will eventually have, the concept car shows off an incredibly retro style 2-door modeled very closely after the 1969 and ‘70 model years. The Charger was always a coupe, but when Dodge brought it back out in 2006 for its sixth generation, it debuted sporting four doors. Modern Solutions Dodge is patenting three different features that are on the Daytona SRT concept car. EV Dodge Charger will feature a multi-speed transmission that aids an electric vehicle in having more range and better performance when traveling at faster speeds. Dodge calls their system the eRupt, which also has a unique shifting feel, unlike any EV before it. They say it will feel more like a “normal” transmission when it shifts. A multi-speed gearbox is also used in the Porsche Taycan for similar reasons, however, without the shifting experience which Dodge says is pure Dodge. The R-Wing is a front wing/splitter that has the classic Challenger and Charger profile with aerodynamics in mind. This will aid in keeping the front of the car planted at fast speeds while also directing air in any way the engineers and designers have deemed necessary for performance. The third and final feature is potentially their most interesting: the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust, which is a first on an electric vehicle. Dodge say the new EV Charger will have an exhaust sound that rivals the current gas-powered Hellcat’s supercharged 6.2-liter V8. This Isn’t The End While I am sure we are all sad to see the wonderful pony and muscle cars with monstrous V8s ride off into the sunset, there is a whole new level of excitement and enthusiasm building around the seemingly boundless ideas and performance of modern Electric Vehicles. And, the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona SRT shows us that there is a lot coming down the road ahead for the enthusiast who loves power and speed. Find out more from our expert staff about this awesome concept vehicle. Contact us today for more information. Need Service? Use our easy service scheduling tool here.

LAST CALL! The last gasoline-powered Dodge Charger and Challenger models are being produced right now as you’re reading this. So why are you still here? Shouldn’t you be calling to get your order in? For 2023 Dodge are making six special edition Charger and Challenger trims called the “Last Call”. For the Challenger, you can get the Shakedown, Black Ghost, and Swinger. The Charger gets the Super Bee, Swinger, and King Daytona. A super special, ultra-rare Challenger, the SRT Demon 170, was just announced in March. Since you are still here, let’s talk about some of what makes the Challenger and Charger so great. Obviously, the V8 engines, right? Well, hold on for a second. We shouldn’t forget to mention that in the SXT and GT trim levels, you can option All-Wheel Drive with the award-winning Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 that puts out 303 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. All of that for a base price of $31,100 and $33,200 for the Challenger and Charger, respectively. That’s not a lot of money for muscle car looks that get you up to 19 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. That’s wild, child. Oh, Shift! All R/T and SRT Challengers come standard with a Tremec TR-6060 6-speed manual gearbox. Optional on the V8 Challengers and standard on the V6, as well as the only transmission offered on all Chargers, is the popular TorqueFlight 8-speed automatic gearbox with shift paddles on the steering wheel. 1960s Muscle 2023 Style I see you haven’t left yet, which makes me think you want to hear about V8s. Charger and Challenger both offer the R/T, R/T Scat Pack, SRT Hellcat, and SRT Hellcat Redeye, as well as the SRT Super Stock exclusively as a Challenger trim. Your choice of V8s are the tried and true 5.7-liter Hemi in the RT models that make 372 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Hopping up to the RT Scat Pack gets you the massive 392 Hemi, a 6.4-liter pushing out 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. But, if that’s not enough for you, you’re welcome to step up to the Hellcat range that features a supercharged 6.2-liter 717 horsepower. However, if that’s entirely too pedestrian for you, Dodge also offers the same supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat in the Redeye and SRT Super Stock trim levels, which puts out a nuclear-level 797 horsepower in the Redeye and 807 horsepower in the Super Stock, both of which have 707 lb-ft of torque. Jailbreak Your Car As a final send-off, any SRT vehicle can be customized with what Dodge is calling “Jailbreak”. When ordering your vehicle, you can choose from any combination of 14 exterior colors, 10 stripes and, or decals, 5 brake caliper colors, 3 or more wheel styles, and 10 various interior trim and color options. For the Hellcat Redeye trim, Jailbreak also takes the horsepower from 797 to 807. Living Life 1,320 Feet At A Time For 2023, the Challenger R/T Scat Pack can be optioned with the 1320 package (1,320 feet is a ¼ mile), giving the car the 8-speed automatic transmission, a TransBrake that locks the output shaft of the transmission during a standing drag racing start, Nexen SUR4G drag spec tires, specially tuned damping featuring a Drag Mode, Torque Reserve that helps manage fuel flow through the motor when using launch control and TransBraking for a quarter mile start, a 3.09 final drive with a limited-slip differential, a 41-spline rear axle shaft from the Dodge Demon, Line Lock to hold the front brakes to allow for easier burnouts to warm the rear tires, launch assist and launch control which both help to gain traction during hard launches, special wheels, Brembo brakes, and only a driver’s seat, saving 114 lbs of weight. The rest of the seats can be optioned back into the car for $1. If none of what I have told you seems enough for you, you can always just go ahead and get the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170. Production is limited to 3,300 in America and 300 in Canada, so act fast. The SRT Demon 170 features the same 6.2-liter supercharged V8 in the Hellcat models but ups the ante to 1,025 horsepower. With a 0-60 time of 1.66 seconds, and will fly through the quarter mile in 8.91 seconds at 151.17 mph. To find out more about these Last Call editions and order yours contact us today and allow our expert staff to help you out.

Dodge is no stranger to producing high-performance supercars and muscle cars, and few are as easily recognizable and legendary as the Viper. It’s truly a one of a kind vehicle, from the handcrafted details to the unprecedented speed. Although it’s no longer in production, that doesn’t stop fans from drooling over Viper models of the past and wishing for new models. History of the Viper Since its introduction in 1992, over 30,000 Viper models have made their way to the worldwide market. This American-made supercar made waves at first introduction with its 10-cylinder engine capable of 400 horsepower. It’s only gone up from there, despite pauses in production, with the latest 2017 release marking the end of the Viper – for now, anyway. As one of the only street-legal track cars, the Viper is sorely missed, even though Dodge produces some equally-powerful cars like the SRT Hellcat. What really makes the Viper stand out is its fine craftsmanship and attention to detail. Each viper is a custom-built masterpiece, touched by human hands and made with only the best materials. The Viper finally said goodbye in 2017 with six special edition releases and options for true customization. Buyers got the chance to make their Viper one-of-a-kind, with 50 million ways to make the car their own. There were an unbelievable 16,000 exterior colors, 24,000 custom stripe options, and even more ways to fine-tune the Viper from the inside out. Now, with a limited number of pre-owned Viper models to choose from, enthusiasts are taking Viper to the digital world. Fans are creating their own prototypes for what a new Viper could look like, taking inspiration from cars of the past and present. Even though a re-release of the Viper is only a dream, that doesn’t stop artists and car enthusiasts from hoping that it will someday make a comeback. We can only hope to see a new release of the iconic supercar – this time, maybe in an electrified model. Find Your Dodge at Benna CDJR Although there’s no word of a new Viper, you can find all the latest Dodge releases, like the 2023 Challenger, here at Benna CDJR. View our available inventory online, contact us with the car you’d like, or place a factory order directly from our website.

Finding the right family vehicle can be a challenge. You want safety, convenience, and comfort rolled into one, but not every vehicle can check all those boxes. Luckily, the new 2023 Dodge Durango is coming soon, with all of that and more. 2023 Dodge Durango Interior and Features Let’s face it: whether you’re driving alone or with the kids, you can never have enough room. The new Durango shines in that department, with three rows of seating and up to 85.1 cubic feet of cargo space to haul just about anyone or anything. Best of all, the seats are easily configurable so you can have both passenger room and storage space depending on your needs with over 50 different options. Plus, it’s done easily with the touch of a button. When it comes to convenience, the whole crew will love the available 10.1-inch Touchscreen Display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Support. Performance, Capability, and Towing Of course, your busy life needs an SUV to meet every demand. The 2023 Dodge Durango comes with four engine options, from the 3.6L Pentastar V6 all the way to the Supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8. For a vehicle of its size, handling is surprisingly smooth due to its weight balance and available all-wheel drive. Then, when it’s time to go on your weekend adventure or summer road trip, the Durango can provide up to 8,7000lbs of towing capacity without compromising the ease of the drive. Trailer sway control comes standard, and there are even several available packages like Tow N Go to maximize your capability. Trims, Pricing, and Packages Choose from seven trims: SXT, GT, R/T, R/T HEMI Orange, Citadel, SRT 392, or SRT Hellcat. Each provides different standard and available features, with options for 4X2 or AWD available up to the Citadel trim – then, it’s all AWD. Pricing starts at $38,890, increasing with each trim level. Of course, Dodge also offers several options for customization with several packages. Stand out with the SRT Black or Blacktop packages, or increase your power to your desire. 2023 Dodge Durango Coming Soon to Benna CDJR Are you interested in the 2023 Dodge Durango? New models are arriving soon at Benna CDJR, so don’t hesitate to contact us today. We can help you choose your Durango and have it ready for you as soon as it arrives.

What’s Hot From Chrysler and Dodge in 2023? We’ve entered a new year, and with it comes new vehicle models to get excited about. Both Dodge and Chrysler, in particular, have a lot to look forward to if you’re in the market for a new car. Let’s discuss what some of the trending vehicles are from these two automakers. more A New Compact SUV From Dodge If you missed the news in 2022, Dodge came out with a brand-new compact SUV. It’s called the Hornet, and you’ll be able to get it as a gasoline-powered model or a hybrid. The starting MSRP for the 2023 model is $29,995. These versatile vehicles with a small footprint have become hugely popular, and the Hornet is shaking up the market with an exciting exterior design and sporty turbocharged power. Unlike some of its competitors, Dodge seems to have put significant consideration into the model’s driving dynamics, equipping it with top-of-the-line features like Koni shocks and Brembo brakes. It’s a vehicle that should absolutely be at the top of your test drive list for compact SUVs. A Unique Luxury Option From Chrysler Meanwhile, the Chrysler buzz for 2023 is focused on luxury. The brand announced its 300C model, which is a limited-edition vehicle that pulls out all the stops to celebrate its 70th anniversary. The model starts at an MSRP of $55,000, which is actually quite affordable considering the features that come with it. Those features include black Laguna leather seats, silver accent stitching, carbon fiber accents and a 485-horsepower engine. Though the vehicle will be available in limited quantities, if you can, you should definitely try to check it out. To do that, you can contact us at Benna CDJR. We would be happy to tell you more about all the models in the Dodge and Chrysler lineup, and when you’re ready, we can get you behind the wheel.

Did Dodge Actually Make a Convertible Pickup Truck? The Dodge Dakota may have ceased production in 2011, but if you’ve been driving pickup trucks for a while, you are no doubt familiar with the nameplate. For over two decades, it was one of the top truck options in the U.S., even being named the North American Truck of the Year in 2000. more We aren’t here to talk about accoladed, though. We’re here to talk about a somewhat rare convertible version of the Dakota. Did Dodge actually make such a truck? Yes, they did, and one was recently featured at the Mecum auction in Las Vegas. As reported by MotorTrend, the model is a 1990 Dodge Dakota Sport convertible. Only 909 convertible Dakota models were produced that year, and as you can see from the picture on MotorTrend’s website, this one is in terrific condition. Interesting Facts About Dodge’s Convertible Dakota Pickup The Dodge Dakota first appeared in convertible form for the 1989 model year. After all, it was the ‘80s, and they had to go out with a bang. The drop-top was only available on the Dakota Sport model, which also featured sport-styled alloy wheels, vinyl seat inserts, a cassette player, air conditioning, Sport decals, a V6 engine, and of course, a vinyl convertible roof. As fun as it must have been to drive this truck, the convertible variant only lasted through the 1991 model year. With only three years in production, it’s no wonder why the Dakota Sport convertible is considered a rare piece worthy to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. If that isn’t you, that’s OK. We have plenty of modern pickup trucks available to explore here at Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Superior, WI. Let us know when you find one you like so we can set you up with a test drive. See Our New Ram Trucks

What to Know About the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept One of the best ways to stay up-to-date on the future of the automotive world is through car auto shows. In particular, the Specialty Equipment Market Association Show in Las Vegas every year does a great job of showcasing how brand’s like Dodge are pushing the envelope of vehicle performance and design. more Nothing has changed for the 2023 show, as Dodge pulled up with the Charger Daytona SRT concept. Of course, what you need to know about this concept model isn’t so much its specs alone, but what these specs and features mean for the future of the Dodge brand. Daytona SRT Powertrain Specs Most cars that come out on the market today may have a couple of powertrain options. In some cases, that number may be as high as three or four. In that case of the Daytona SRT concept, however, Dodge has equipped the model with up to nine possible powertrains. The concept can be powered by three different battery-electric systems. In addition, each of these systems can be upgraded via Dodge Direct Connection performance. For example, the base trim designed by Dodge is equipped with a 340 kW system outputting 455 horsepower, but through Dodge Direct Connection, this can be upgraded to either eStage 1 to produce 495 horsepower or eStage 2 to produce 535 horsepower. Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept Stryker Red Dodge is also trying out some new paint color options with this concept model through a new tri-coat hue known as Stryker Red. The car also comes with 18-inch Direct Connection carbon fiber wheels and 305mm drag radials. Only time will tell if any of this will make it to buyers, but either way, it seems safe to say that Dodge has something exciting in-store for future muscle cars. Since this is a concept model you won’t be able to experience this performance for yourself, but it should be no surprise by now that Dodge is building up to the world’s first electrified muscle car that you will actually be able to drive. For more news on that, be sure to check back to the Benna CDJR website blog.

The next event at one of the most influential annual automotive happenings in the world, The North American International Auto Show (Detroit Auto Show) will feature some high-tech advances in the auto industry, with a focus on up-and-coming EV (Electronic Vehicle) Technology. Scheduled for Sept. 14 – 25, 2022, this big event will include FREE community activities in downtown Detroit, a charity black-tie gala to support local charities, and the debut of Detroit Auto Show’s rebranded logo, introducing a fresh green and blue color palette. According to Detroit Auto Show Executive Director Rod Albert, this show is expected to be a hit, especially for those who are thinking about buying a new vehicle this fall. There will be 80 technology companies, Tier 1 suppliers and start-ups, and leading universities, along with panel discussions on current and future mobility and electrification trends. In addition to showcasing new brand-defining vehicles, the Detroit Auto Show will feature ride-and-drives and dynamic experiential activations, including AutoMobili-D, an inside look at future mobility platforms. Just to give you an idea of the anticipated attendance, Detroit Auto Show’s main show floor at Huntington Place is already sold out. If you are unable to get into the main event, you can still enjoy seeing hot-new cars perusing the brand new 2023 Grand Prix downtown circuit. This event, which had been delayed since the pandemic, is not only HUGE for automobile gurus, it’s perhaps one of the most community-focused fundraising events of the year, attracting thousands of visitors and potential new donors in support of the Detroit community. This year’s Charity Preview beneficiaries include, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, The Children’s Center, The Children’s Foundation, Detroit PAL, University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, and Detroit Auto Dealers Association Charitable Foundation Fund for Southeast Michigan. Want to be in the know of some of the latest vehicles getting ready to make their debut in our showroom? Contact us at Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram today or stop by our convenient Superior location. Our professional sales team is ready to serve you and all of your vehicle needs!