Lighting the Way to 2014 with American Muscle: the Future of Dodge

While we can’t give you a crystal ball to see into the rest of the year, we’ve come across some very exciting predictions for Dodge in 2014…  and if the predictions are true, American muscle is really about to flex!

Large cars: Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, etc

With thanks to source Mopar392. All the large cars get the seven-inch configurable dashboard first seen on Dart and Ram 1500; a new steering wheel design that makes playing with the dashboard easier; UConnect 2 with the 8.4 inch central screen; and eight-speed automatics across the board. They also all get new headlights with integrated daytime running lights (e.g. bright LEDs that remain on, unless the driver overrides them).

2014 Dodge Charger

For Hemi cars (and new to Challenger V6), a standard eight-speed automatic will increase both gas mileage and acceleration; it will be used on the standard, 6.4 (392) SRT8, and supercharged 6.2 “Hellcat” SRT8 engines.

Dodge Challenger moves to its new LA platform, nearly the same size but with numerous updates to allow for production flexibility and new automatics and electronics. Chrysler considers this a “refresh,” but in many ways it’s a new car. The front and rear will be revised; the interior will be overhauled; and of course the HellCat 6.2 supercharged Hemi and eight-speed transmission will be included. The SRT 392 will be differentiated from the 6.2 by wheels, badges, and perhaps a different hood. This might end up as part of the 2015 model year.

Dodge Charger gets the same changes as the other cars; the SRT8 version gets the Hellcat supercharged Hemi. The wheel shown on Charger Juiced might be launched on HellCat equipped cars, and a heat extracting hood might be used with HellCat.

2014 Dodge Challenger SRT8

The Alfa Romeo 169, based on the 300C or Charger, will appear around 2015.

One source, Mopar392, said that the Charger and 300 would become a modified Maserati Ghibli, with parts swapped as needed to reduce the cost; he described the Ghibli as being an LX with all the Mercedes “stuff” tossed out so it could have a true Maserati feel.

Ram Pickups and Chassis Cabs:   DS Ram 1500 • D2/DJ Ram HD • DD/DP Chassis Cabs

For 2014, Rams get better gas mileage than they did in 2012: the 2013 Ram 1500 came with stop/start technology and eight-speed automatics with both the V6 and Hemi, along with a tough, lightweight ZF axle. A plug-in hybrid was developed and held back in case of higher gas prices. (See the 2013 Ram 1500 page and the 2014 Ram HD (2500/3500) page).

A 6.4 Hemi option arrives for the Ram heavy duty trucks (the first time an SRT size engine is available for a non-SRT car), along with a new Aisin transmission to compete with the GM’s Allisons. Heavy duty Ram pickups get an optional air suspension setup, more rugged than the one in the Grand Cherokee. The Long Hauler concept used a Kelderman air suspension in front and rear, for higher capacity with a smoother ride; that model was based on the Ram 5500. The Long Hauler joins the lineup for 2014 at last.

2014 Dodge Ram

Other cars

Viper continues, and for 2014, a new Competition Coupe is released based on tuning done at tracks around the world.

• Dodge Avenger has a very short 2014 model year, with production stopping around January-February 2014.
• Dodge Charger is refreshed, essentially getting the same upgrades as Chrysler 300C (see above). There may be a supercharged Hemi in SRT versions.
• Dodge Dart gains all wheel drive. The R/T may or may not appear, using a turbocharged 2.4 liter engine.
• Dodge Journey continues for another year.

While all this can still neither be confirmed nor denied, Dodgeland of Columbia will remain your source for all the latest, from the trim levels to the lease specials!

Dodge Ram – The Mascot of Strength for Over 80 Years

Although Dodge had produced trucks since 1917, the 1981 pickups were the first to sport the Ram name. Dodge actually used a Ram’s head hood ornament back in 1933 to characterize its trucks as rugged vehicles. The symbol was dropped in the 1950s and then resurrected for 1981 when Dodge’s marketing team decided to name Dodge’s trucks after the tough beast and brought back the old mascot.  After over 30 years, the Dodge Ram is still the most highly sought-after model when it comes to Dodge truck muscle, so we decided to take a closer look at why:

• The new Ram 1500 is making a name for itself on the road and on the airwaves. Ruedas ESPN, the leading Spanish-language automotive radio show, named the 2013 Ram 1500 its Truck of the Year. Jamie Florez, Director and Host of Ruedas ESPN, cited it as an example of a vehicle being both attractive and efficient.
• The 2012 Ram 1500 is among the top again, as it was named A Consumers Digest Best Buy⁺ in the automotive category for the 2012 model year. Calling the Ram 1500 ride and handling first-rate, Consumers Digest also noted enhancements like the six-speed automatic transmission. The 2012 Ram 1500 was also recognized for the optional 5.7L HEMI® V8, which gets 390 HP and 20 HWY MPG
• It’s no surprise that the 2011 Ram 1500 was named to the prestigious Automobile magazine All-Stars list. A repeat winner, the Ram 1500 was honored for both its Best-in-Class driving dynamics and its array of comforts. Editors noted that the truck’s cabin “excels in attention to detail,” and that its hand-crafted interior compliments other crew cab storage features, like in-floor bins and the handy available RamBox® Cargo Management System.
• Off-Road Adventures magazine named the RAM brand its MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR, calling our 2011 lineup “one of the most innovative lineups of full-size trucks on the market… with great looks, refined interiors and durable engines.” We couldn’t agree more. We pride ourselves on making trucks, and making them better year after year. The result? A new lineup of fully-loaded pickups, with refined interiors, ample storage space and modern conveniences.
• The 2011 Ram 1500 rode away with the most prestigious honor given by the Texas Auto Writers Association — and for good reason. Ram 1500 has long been an exceptional all-around perfect truck for those who work hard and play hard. “You’ve got to love how tough it is and how comfortable it is,” said TAWA President Michael Herzing, “especially if you’re in a truck all day, like many Texans.” Ram 1500 swept every category it entered, following two days of intense scrutiny by more than 40 automotive journalists.
• Hunting, fishing, camping, boating. It’s all part of the Texas lifestyle. And no truck embodies that more than the rugged, versatile Ram 1500 Outdoorsman®. Maybe that’s why the 2011 Ram 1500 Outdoorsman was named “Full-size Pickup Truck of Texas” by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA).
• The 2011 Ram Laramie Longhorn® was named the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) “Luxury Pickup Truck of the Year.” When it arrived at the Annual TAWA Truck Rodeo, judges could see there was something special about this truck. Something that spoke the language of the Lone Star State in luxurious materials, like burled walnut, leather and chrome. “Some of the added touches like the leather saddle bags and other Southwest details are uniquely Texan but appeal to everyone,” said TAWA President Michael Herzing.
• Edmunds.com wasn’t pulling any punches when it referred to the Ram 1500 as “the guy who regular Joes love to hate — it’s got the looks, the muscles and the talent.” And the Ram 1500 is the 2011 Edmunds.com Consumers’ Top Rated® Large Light-Duty Truck. Edmunds.com noted that the Ram 1500 offers “everything you need in a tough work truck” and that the “powerful engine lineup includes a brawny HEMI® V8.” Consumer comments praised the interior features and amenities, storage and fuel economy.

2012 Dodge Ram

As expected, the latest Dodge Ram generation offers more of everything — style, luxury and performance. However, it also offers something not typically seen in a traditional full-size pickup truck: a coil spring rear suspension as opposed to the old-fashioned (though certainly rugged) leaf spring design. Benefits include a smoother ride, lighter weight and improved off-road performance.

Beneath the handsome, sculpted lines is a more powerful 5.7-liter Hemi V8 making a healthy 390 horses. And thanks to an improved cylinder deactivation system and a more aerodynamic body, the big V8 rates the same gas mileage as the weakling base V6. The latter soldiers on with a four-speed automatic, while the 4.7-liter V8 (again paired with a five-speed automatic) offers better performance with virtually the same fuel mileage.

The cabin saw noticeable improvements in materials and build quality while storage spaces are plentiful — including, on crew cab models, watertight compartments under the rear floor.

2012 Dodge Ram Interior

Key options, depending on trim level, include the “RamBox” (a pair of large built-in compartments atop the bed sides), a rearview parking camera, a navigation system with real-time traffic reporting, Bluetooth, iPod integration, and heated/cooled front seats. The TRX package is geared toward off-roaders with its skid plates, heavy-duty rear shocks, tow hooks, two-tone paint and fender flares.

If there’s any more you need to know about the Dodge Ram, or any new or used truck in or around Columbia or Charlotte, SC, the only place to go is Dodgeland – SC’s hub for everything Dodge and more, not to mention the most modern collision center in the state.  At Dodgeland, the Paint and Collision Center costs average 33% less than other dealerships and body shops, and that’s just a glimpse of the savings and value.  Check out the new Ram specials now!