2014 Ram Power Wagon Test Drive

If Ram pickups wore superhero pajamas, the Power Wagon would be on them.

The go-anywhere heavy duty truck is just about the biggest, burliest off-roader you can buy. Based on the Ram 2500, it’s nearly 7-feet tall, just shy of 20-feet long and weighs almost three-and-a-half tons. A jacked-up suspension and 33-inch tires help it ford water 30 inches deep. Don’t forget your waders.

There’s 14.3 inches of ground clearance between the axles, but their extra-strength differentials hang down to 8.5 inches, so don’t try to straddle any big rocks. Putting a set of TruckNutz on one of these would be redundant.

Nevertheless, a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 with 410 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque moves it around with the authority of a muscle car and can tow up to 10,810 pounds, despite its dirt-road chops. Since it’s so big, the Power Wagon doesn’t get an EPA fuel economy rating, but I saw 13 mpg on the highway courtesy of cylinder deactivation tech that lets it run on four cylinders as often as possible.

This is truly a truck’s truck, and the one you would call when yours is stuck in the mud. I’m not usually one for decals on street cars, but the flashy Power Wagon graphics give it the appropriate look of a costumed avenger. You get it only on $50,340 SLT models, however, while an undercover Tradesman trim level starts at $45,690 and the upscale leather-wrapped Laramie goes for $56,015.

All of them come with a 12,000-pound winch, a two-speed transfer case, front and rear locking differentials and a front sway bar that can be electronically disconnected at low speeds for extreme articulation over obstacles. If you still manage to get stuck, you’re on your own.

Keep it engaged, and the on-road ride is better than you’d imagine. The Power Wagon rides on coil springs, takes turns well and doesn’t hop around too much even with an empty bed. The cabin is quiet, both audibly and visually, the latter being a little bit of a letdown. While it gets the same refined and feature-filled interior treatment that all Rams do, and a split front bench seat, there aren’t any Power Wagon-specific details to get excited about, so you’ll have to settle for the towering view.

That view comes in handy on the trail. At about half a foot wider than a Jeep Wrangler, the Power Wagon requires a wide berth, as I learned on the off-road course at the Monticello Motor Club in New York, much of it better suited to something a wee bit smaller, which is pretty much everything. Of course, if you don’t mind a few dings and scratches, you can just step on the gas and blaze your own path. Timber!

If this isn’t the official vehicle of Bro Country, I don’t know what is. I couldn’t help drifting it through the curves while yelling “yea c’mon!” to … well, myself. But I definitely looked like a boss when I did.

Order one with a set of waterproof Ram Boxes in the bed sides, fill them with icy cold beverages and you’re sure to be the hero of the tailgate party, even if no one there needs a tow.

2014 Ram Power Wagon SLT

Base price: $50,340

Type: 4-door, 6-passenger 4×4 pickup

Engine: 6.4L V8

Power 410 hp, 429 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed manual

MPG: NA

 

by Gary Gastelu Published October 17, 2014 FoxNews.com

Dodge appeals to muscle car crowd with its Charger

Fiat Chrysler is offering the powerful sedan at a variety of price points.

In an automotive marketplace redolent with boasts of fuel efficiency, sustainability and eco-friendliness, Dodge’s new fullsize Charger sedan arrives with a much different and politically incorrect promise: Unapologetic power.

The Fiat Chrysler Automobiles FCA brand refuses to relinquish its U.S. audience of muscle-car admirers. Quite the opposite. FCA is promoting Charger with a few highly-powered versions powered by V8 engines, notably the 707-horsepower Hellcat. Built in limited numbers, the fire breathers are mainly meant to stoke demand for a mainstream Charger equipped with a V6 engine.

Strengthening the fullsize sedan is a key element in the makeover of the Dodge brand since 2009, following Chrysler’s bankruptcy and its subsequent merger with Italian automaker Fiat to create a global automaker incorporated in the Netherlands. Ram pickup trucks, once sold as Dodge Ram, has been turned into a separate franchise; while the automaker’s minivan, sold as a Dodge Caravan and a Chrysler Town and Country, soon will be sold exclusively as a Chrysler.

Tim Kuniskis, head of FCA’s Dodge brand, noted that many of today’s sedans “get lost in a parking lot,” since they look the same. Charger’s styling is meant to convey the aggressiveness of speed and power. The vehicle is likely to appeal to fans of NASCAR stock car racing, even though Dodge withdrew from the competition three years ago.

“We wanted to offer something different in a fullsize sedan, some that wasn’t boring,” he said. In addition to the supercharged Hellcat—of which only a few thousand units will be built, at a price of $69,000—Charger also can be purchased with a 485-horsepower V8.

But the Charger that will sell in mass volume is equipped with a 300-horsepower V6. It starts in price at about $28,000 and competes against Chevrolet Impala, Ford Taurus, Toyota Avalon and Nissan Maxima. With a V8, it has become a favorite of police departments and highway patrols.

Increasingly, Chrysler Dodge Jeep and Ram brands are clustered under a single dealership roof. While branding remains separate in advertisements, shoppers might find a Jeep Cherokee, Ram pickup truck and Dodge Charger under the same roof. If that sounds like a dog’s breakfast of brands, it’s also one that seems to be attracting new customers, especially for Charger.

“Our research shows that 40% of Charger buyers have never been in one of our dealerships,” Kuniskis said. “And 60% of those purchases lead to another” among the brands represented by FCA multi-brand dealers.

With energy prices falling, an especially favorable sales environment might be gathering for the new Charger, the third generation of the full-size sedan introduced in 2005. A new Chrysler 300, built on the same architecture as Charger, will be shown in the next few months, adding heft to FCA’s U.S. lineup.

True to its heritage as the automaker that popularized the minivan when others thought it wouldn’t fly, Chrysler has always marched to its own drummer – and not always so successfully. With the new Charger, FCA is sounding a contrapuntal note to the energy saving, diminutive sizing and resource conservation that characterize automaking; it’s a note that could redound to its benefit.

Dodge and Jeep® Brands Take Home Trophies at 11th Annual Carspondent.com Active Lifestyle Vehicle Awards Competition

• Dodge Durango named “Best Value Family”
• Dodge Journey named “Best Value On-Road”
• Jeep® Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel wins “Luxury Off-Road” category
• More than 100 athletes and outdoor enthusiasts evaluated the vehicles and voted for the winners

October 22, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – The Dodge Durango, Dodge Journey and Jeep_® Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel were each named winners in this year’s Active Lifestyle Vehicle (ALV) awards.

The 11th annual Carspondent.com “Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year” awards competition took place at Local Motors in Chandler, Ariz., on Sat., Oct. 18.

More than 100 athletes and outdoor enthusiasts from around the country who participate in sports, such as marathon running, bicycling, soccer and kayaking, evaluated and judged new vehicles in the 10 award categories in this unique competition.

Dodge and Jeep brand vehicles were winners in the ALV event, taking three of the eight categories:

• Best Value On-Road (MSRP at or below $35,000) – Dodge Journey
• Best Value Family – Dodge Durango
• Luxury Off-Road (MSRP over $35,000 with true off-road capability) – Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel

“Winning these important Active Lifestyle Vehicle awards is truly a proud accomplishment for the Dodge and Jeep brands,” said Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. Sales, Chrysler Group LLC. “The Dodge Durango, Dodge Journey and Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel offer functionality and performance for any adventure, so they’re an ideal fit for customers with active lifestyles.”

The ALV awards are the only annual vehicle awards in which active, outdoor enthusiasts choose the winners, along with a small contingent of automotive journalists who accompany them in the ride-and-drive tests. Testing includes a challenging off-road course as well as on-road driving.

“This year’s Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year was the most competitive in the program’s 11-year history with hundredths of a point often determining category winners. Jeep and Dodge resonate with our audience because of the brands’ outdoor focus, versatile yet stylish interior designs and strong powertrains,” said Nina Russin, a co-founder of the Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year awards.

“The EcoDiesel engine in the Jeep Grand Cherokee is excellent for towing and extends range between fill-ups on long road trips. The Dodge Journey gives growing families the interior versatility they need in a relatively small vehicle at an affordable price. And the Dodge Durango combines the truck attributes sport-utility enthusiasts crave with good fuel economy and excellent road manners.”

The ALV awards were co-founded by Bob Babbitt, a member of the Ironman Hall of Fame, and Jim Woodman, longtime journalist, triathlete and founder of Active.com, as well as Nina Russin, longtime distance runner and auto journalist.

Dodge Durango
With a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, improved fuel economy and performance, LED exterior lighting, two interior touchscreens, a programmable instrument cluster and an available high-definition dual-screen Blu-ray entertainment system, the Dodge Durango reaches even higher levels of sophistication building on its proven performance, utility and comfort.

Named one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines for three years, Durango’s standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine paired with the standard eight-speed transmission generates an impressive 290 horsepower (295 horsepower on Rallye, Citadel and select Blacktop models) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, and can tow up to a best-in-class 6,200 pounds. The V-6 powered Durango also features a best-in-class driving range of over 600 miles on a tank and up to 25 miles per gallon.

The available 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine produces a best-in-class 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque with a best-in-class tow rating of 7,400 pounds. The 5.7-liter engine’s Fuel Saver Technology with cylinder-deactivation allows the HEMI V-8 engine to achieve up to 23 miles per gallon.

The instrument panel features a redesigned center stack that houses the 5-inch and 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreens. The bottom of the center stack houses a media hub with an SD card slot, USB outlet and auxiliary jacks, as well as a storage bin. The center console features a segment-first rotary shifter for the standard eight-speed automatic that adds another level of refinement over the traditional gated automatic shifter. The instrument cluster has also been given the high-tech treatment and now includes a full-color 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) screen. Standard on all models, this screen allows for drivers to customize in more than 100 ways how information is presented.

Dodge Journey
Dodge Journey is America’s most affordable and versatile crossover and is the only crossover in the segment to offer the choice of four- or six-cylinder engines, five- or seven-passenger seating and front or all-wheel drive. Journey continues to deliver the latest in vehicle connectivity and customization with the Chrysler Group’s Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system. With best-in-class storage space, available fold-flat seats, second-row in-floor storage and front-passenger “Flip-N-Stow” in-seat storage, the interior isn’t just a nice place to be, it also offers best-in-class utility.

The Dodge Journey has more than 40 safety and security features, and is America’s most affordable seven-seat crossover with a starting MSRP of $19,995. The Dodge Journey is available in AVP, SE, SXT, Crossroad, Limited and R/T trim levels.

Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee — the most awarded SUV ever and the vehicle that has long defined what a premium SUV should be — receives even more content for the 2015 model year. The Grand Cherokee Summit models receive added features as well as a new Summit California Edition appearance package that further enhances Summit’s premium exterior aesthetics.

Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers best-in-class 30 miles per gallon (mpg) highway courtesy of an available 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine and standard eight-speed transmission. The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 boasts an unmatched driving range of more than 730 miles.

Legendary Jeep capability comes courtesy of three available 4×4 systems, Jeep’s Quadra-Lift air suspension system and class-leading Selec-Terrain traction management system. Grand Cherokee boasts best-in-class towing of 7,400 pounds, and a crawl ratio of 44.1:1.

A refined exterior design — complete with available bi-xenon headlamps with signature LED daytime running lamps (DRL) — provides a premium appearance. Interior luxury is achieved with premium amenities, including Natura leather, exotic open-pore wood trim and unique color offerings.

The 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee is available in five trim levels: Laredo, Laredo E, Limited, Overland and Summit.

About Dodge
The Dodge brand is tearing into its centennial year as America’s mainstream performance brand, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2014. With the purification of the brand and consolidation with SRT, Dodge is getting back to its performance roots with every single model it offers. The consolidated Dodge and SRT brands will offer a complete lineup of performance vehicles that stand out within their own segments. Dodge will be the “mainstream performance” brand. SRT will be positioned as the “ultimate performance” halo of the Dodge brand, together creating a complete and balanced performance brand with one vision and one voice.

From muscle cars to compact cars, minivans, crossovers and full-size SUVs, the Dodge brand’s full lineup of 2015 models deliver best-in-class horsepower, class-exclusive technology, unmatched capability and a slew of cool features, such as LED headlamps, Dodge signature racetrack tail lamps, dual exhaust, 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment centers and 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) customizable gauge clusters, to name a few. For the 2015 model year, customers will be able to drive the new 2015 Dodge Charger and Challenger, as well as the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and Charger SRT Hellcat. The Dodge brand lineup also includes the 2015 Dodge Dart, Durango, Grand Caravan and Journey, including the new Crossroad model, and Dodge Viper.

About Jeep Brand
Built on more than 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left and right-hand drive configurations and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options.

Driven: 2015 Jeep Cherokee tackles mountain roads and unpaved trails with equal grace

When it comes to SUVs, you can choose a crossover SUV that drives like a car and excels on paved surfaces, you can get a traditional SUV that drives like a truck and excels on unpaved surfaces, or you can get a 2015 Jeep Cherokee, which does it all – and well!

Christian Wardlaw      NEW YORK DAILY NEWS       Monday, October 20, 2014

The 2015 Jeep Cherokee definitely breaks away from traditional Jeep design. You might love or hate the looks, but this strong-selling SUV excels in all types of driving conditions.

Looking south from my driveway, the Santa Monica Mountains line the landscape, separating my Los Angeles suburb from the Pacific Ocean. Even in a severe drought, they’re green due to the coastal sage scrub that covers them and the fog that regularly envelops them like a wet, gray blanket. This is where I test vehicles, and this is where I took the 2015 Jeep Cherokee for a drive, both on and off the pavement.

For 2015, Jeep has fine-tuned the Cherokee, making the 4-cylinder models compliant with Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) standards in 14 states, expanding availability of safety features to most versions of the SUV, and adding ventilated front seats as an option for the rugged Trailhawk model. Jeep also introduces new automatic stop-start technology for the Cherokee’s optional 3.2-liter V-6 and adds low-speed crash mitigation technology to the optional forward collision warning system. At Jeep’s invitation, I made the 20-minute trip to Malibu, Calif., to test the former but, hopefully, not the latter.

After climbing behind the wheel of a Cherokee, I’m always taken aback by how sophisticated this SUV is. Refined, responsive, calm, cool, and collected; the Cherokee drives much like a car, aside from the tall driving position. Add the Limited model’s luxury fittings, advanced infotainment technologies, and impressive safety systems, and a Cherokee credibly straddles the line between mainstream and upscale brands. It is for these reasons, and more, that the Cherokee is a big sales hit for Jeep.

In order to test the V-6 engine’s new automatic stop-start engine technology, I descended upon suburbia for lunch-rush driving combat. In practice, Jeep’s engine stop-start technology is reasonably unobtrusive, though not entirely transparent in operation. You’re aware of when the engine turns off and re-starts due to subtle vibrations, a change in climate control operation, and hearing it when you’ve got the radio turned off. But as such systems go, it’s fairly refined. When the traffic light turns green, the engine quickly re-starts. It’s fast enough that you won’t beat the system while moving your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator.

The optional 3.2-liter V-6 engine delivers 271-horsepower and a combined economy average of 24-mpg when in front-wheel-drive format.

The point of automatic stop-start is to increase fuel economy, and based on official EPA estimates the technology makes a big difference. Last year, a Cherokee with a V-6 engine and front-wheel drive was rated to get 22 mpg in combined driving. This year, the number is 24 mpg. Gains are not quite as dramatic in 4-wheel-drive versions of the Cherokee, rising 1 mpg over last year to 23 mpg in combined driving. During my quick test of a 4WD model, I got 22.5 mpg, so it appears that the EPA numbers are fairly accurate.

While climbing back into the mountains, the Cherokee’s V-6 delivered spirited response, the 9-speed automatic transmission working in a mostly inconspicuous fashion. Occasionally, downshifts are evident on hills, and the transmission sometimes is a bit indecisive when upshifting, depending on driving conditions.

Aside from those minor powertrain annoyances, the Cherokee’s steering is satisfying, especially in terms of wheel rim thickness, heft, and response. The SUV displays a tight turning radius, too, and the brakes work perfectly, providing excellent pedal feel and modulation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Cherokee Limited is comfortable, as well. Up front, the driver and front passenger enjoy tall perches from which to survey the landscape, and Jeep supplies plenty of seat track travel in order to accommodate those members of the species with longer limbs. Even the rear seat is roomy and comfortable, sitting high and supplying great thigh support. Owners can slide it forward and back to maximize passenger space or cargo space, as the situation dictates.

Cargo room is tight no matter how the rear seat is configured, however. When moved as far back in its track as possible to make good on Jeep’s claim that the Cherokee is a midsize SUV, the cargo area provides just 24.6 cubic-feet of space. Slide the rear seat all the way forward, and the Cherokee gains 4.5 cu.-ft. of additional space. Fold the rear seat down to access 54.9 cu.-ft. of room. The front passenger’s seat folds flat, too, bumping maximum space to 58.9 cu.-ft. There’s also a hidden storage compartment under the front passenger’s cushion, but it doesn’t really help to make up for the Cherokee’s cargo carrying deficit.

Back at the ranch – literally – I swapped the Cherokee Limited for a Cherokee Trailhawk in order to do some serious off-roading on the private trails above Malibu’s Calamigos Ranch. These include suspension-twisting moguls, 120-degree hairpin corners, and a rock-strewn downhill trail that would make many SUV drivers quaking with fear.

The Trailhawk simply shrugs when confronted with this type of terrain. To understand how a crossover SUV can laugh in the face of such off-road adversity, first you must understand what makes the Trailhawk worthy of its “Trail Rated” badge in the first place.

For starters, it’s got the Cherokee’s most capable Active Drive Lock 4WD system, which includes a locking rear axle, a 4.083 final-drive ratio, and Crawl Control technology with a 56:1 crawl ratio. Additionally, the Trailhawk is equipped with Selec-Speed control for safely ascending and descending steep hills on loose surfaces, as well as Selec-Terrain traction control designed to tailor the Cherokee’s power delivery for specific types of surfaces.

In order to take advantage of all this capability, Trailhawk models also include skid plates, tow hooks, 17-inch aluminum wheels with all-terrain tires, an off-road suspension, and increased approach, break-over, and departure angles.

The Jeep faithful will love the ruggedness of the Cherokee Trailhawk model, pictured here. But all SUV buyers will appreciate the new Cherokee’s level of sophistication, safety, economy and value.

A Cherokee might be a crossover at heart, but when decked out as a Trailhawk, this SUV is the real deal. Driven with care, and under the watchful eye of an off-roading instructor, the Trailhawk powered up hill and down dale, occasionally sliding and slipping but never causing its driver to lose faith. To be honest, I find off-road driving to be far more difficult and dangerous than lapping a paved racetrack at speed, but the Cherokee Trailhawk provides the level of capability necessary to quell internal demons. The trick is to use its technology properly, and observe smart driving practices.

By day’s end, I was once again reminded why my original skepticism of the latest Cherokee has, since its debut, been transformed into admiration for what Jeep has accomplished here. The automaker did not phone this one in, like it did the original Compass and Patriot. You might not be drawn to the Cherokee’s admittedly unusual styling, but when you drive one and use it in the manner Jeep has intended, you’ll understand exactly why this SUV is so popular.

 

Jeep Grand Cherokee: More Refined Than Ever

Sunday, October 19, 2014 | Jeffrey Weidel – Weidel on Wheels

There are some recognition issues concerning the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. And that’s a good thing.

Why? Because the latest version is quite the departure from previous models.

A 2014 “refreshening” has given the Grand Cherokee a more modern, sophisticated look that will have admirers giving it the double take. And that’s certainly a good thing because previously the Grand Cherokee was extremely basic and possessed little personality.

The latest design incorporates reshaped headlights, a 7-slot front bumper grille, and possesses a nice overall appeal that was overdue.

When it arrived on the scene nearly two decades ago, there was plenty of interest in the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Sales people were making a nice living off this rugged sport utility vehicle throughout much of the mid-to-late 1990s when sales were exceeding 300,000 per year.

However, when gas mileage became more of an issue and crossover SUVs came into vogue, sales of the less-refined Grand Cherokee dipped. Jeep was slow to make significant changes until 2011 when a major redesign made a dramatic refinement statement.

The changes shouldn’t alarm loyal Grand Cherokee owners. One of its core traits remains – off-road features.

What’s cool about the Grand Cherokee is the versatility, which not a lot of modern SUVs can match.

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

• Performance: 3.6-liter, V6, 290 horsepower; 5.7-liter, V8, 360 horsepower; turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel V6, 240 horsepower; 6.4-liter, V8, 470 horsepower
• Mileage estimate: 17-23 mpg; 14-22 mpg; 12-18 mpg
• Estimated price: $29,495 to $64,380
• Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles; drivetrain 5 years/100,000 miles; corrosion 5 years/100,000; roadside assistance 5 years/100,000

The midsize version does a little of everything, retaining its ability to go off-road and transport as many as five people on a daily commute.

The Grand Cherokee provides generous ground clearance (11.3 inches maximum) with its optional adjustable air suspension. And another available upgrade is the sophisticated four-wheel drive system. The Grand Cherokee has climbing power and a drive-mode selector that makes it more efficient in taking on specific types of terrain.

For car buyers who care very little about off-road capability, the Grand Cherokee should be appealing as well. It features a roomy interior, a performance-laden engine, and the ride is much improved, with handling similar to some crossover SUVs.

The Grand Cherokee base model is offered at a reasonable $29,495 sticker price. Don’t be fooled into thinking that same bargain price also applies to the other three main trim models, which rise significantly.

The standard powertrain is an efficient 3.6-liter, V6 that produces 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The rear-wheel drive Grand Cherokee accelerates from 0-60 in approximately 7.9 seconds, which is slower than most rivals. Gas mileage has been improved to 17-23 mpg.

There are other performance options to consider, including a 5.7-liter, V8 that has 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, and the turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel V6 that garners 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque.

The 2014 lineup also features a high-performance Grand Cherokee that may intrigue some car shoppers. But beware of the high price – the top-of-the-line SRT goes for more than $64,000. And what are you getting for that major hike? A powerful SUV that features a 6.4-liter, V8 that elicits 470 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, plus a sizable list of luxury features.

The SRT8 can tow up to 7,400 pounds, but note that its gas mileage (12-18 mpg) is less than traditional Cherokees. The poor gas mileage isn’t surprising because the SRT8 goes 0-60 mph in a very quick 5.1 seconds.

Previous Grand Cherokees were devoid of a sophisticated interior and hard plastic was more the rule than the exception. The new models have softer material and a more appealing look, including wood trim on all but the base model. The Grand Cherokee also provides comfortable seating for both front and back seat folks, and lots of convenient storage areas.

There are several negatives that should be noted. The Grand Cherokee has no third row, so the maximum seating is five people. The cargo space is fairly limiting, but the split back seats do fold nearly flat to greatly increase the cargo capacity. The optional navigational system has a tiny screen and is very unintuitive.

There are plenty of reasons to give the new Jeep Grand Cherokee a look, and comparing it to its primary competitors – Ford Explorer and Toyota 4Runner. The base model Cherokee comes at a great price and the other trim models feature that rugged off-road experience that can’t be found these days in many SUVs.

Dodge prices Charger SRT Hellcat at $63,995

Michael Wayland, The Detroit News 4:51 p.m. EDT October 17, 2014

The 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat — the most-powerful production sedan ever — will start at $63,995, officials announced Friday.

The pricing includes a $1,700 gas guzzler tax but excludes a $995 destination fee. It is $4,000 more than the starting price of its Dodge Challenger Hellcat sibling at $59,995.

At the heart of the Charger Hellcat is Chrysler’s new supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi Hellcat V8 engine, which produces 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque and clocked an NHRA-certified quarter-mile elapsed time of 11.0 seconds. The Charger Hellcat, thanks to aerodynamics, will have a top speed of 204 miles per hour — five more than the Challenger Hellcat.

“The Charger is now tighter, leaner and more athletic, without sacrificing the proportions, performance, driving dynamics, attitude and price that attracted customers in the first place,” said Dodge and SRT President and CEO Tim Kuniskis in a statement.

The Charger Hellcat anchors the 2015 Charger lineup, which includes nine models starting at about $28,000 for an entry-level SE with a standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine with 292 horsepower.

For the 2015 model-year, the Charger received a full-body makeover and received numerous performance and technology upgrades, including a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, e-shifter and push-button start.

Production of the 2015 Charger is scheduled to start Oct. 27 at the company’s Brampton Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada, followed by the vehicle’s arriving in dealerships in November. Dealer ordering started earlier this month, according to a company spokeswoman.