Autoblog Podcast #224 is here. It’s staffed this week by stalwarts Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman and Dan Roth. We talk about Top Gear and its ongoing fight with Tesla Motors, Volkswagen’s decision to unveil the latest Beetle with MTV as a partner, the new BMW M5 Concept headed for Shanghai, Bugatti saying “go” to the Galibier and the possibility of a Hemi-powered Jeep Wrangler. Your feedback in our Q&A module winds us up, and we’ve embedded that in the post below, as well. Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #224: Tesla and Top Gear fight, new Beetle, M5, Galibier and Hemi Wrangler

• Top Gear’s feud with Tesla
• New Volkswagen Beetle coming
• BMW M5 Concept headed to Shanghai
• Bugatti green-lights the Galibier
• Hemi Jeep Wrangler?

In the Autoblog Garage:

• 2011 Dodge Journey
• 2011 Chrysler 300
• 2011 Suzuki SX4

• Runtime: 01:15:17

Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #224: Tesla and Top Gear fight, new Beetle, M5, Galibier and Hemi Wrangler originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nameplates like Charger and Hemi might be commonly associated with the Dodge brand, but like any household name, it had to start somewhere. And that somewhere was with the concept you see here.

Made to showcase the then-new 7.0-liter Hemi V8, the 1964 Dodge Hemi Charger concept car is one of the most coveted pieces from Dodge’s history. It packs one of the 15 original race Hemis built, mated to a three-speed automatic. The fully restored, extreme bodywork puts it on the map, but the reported output of over 600 horsepower (kept in check by hydraulic drum brakes) promises to rip it right up.

The last time this vehicle changed hands in 2007 it went for a reported .1 million. Now it’s destined for the gavel once again as RM Auctions takes it to the Arizona Biltmore on January 20. Thanks for the tip, Arthur!

[Source: RM Auctions via Top Things Stuff]

Leading the Charger: ’64 Dodge Hemi concept up for auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fewer nameplates resonate with the muscle-obsessed Mopar crowd more than the Cuda. Packing a 426 Hemi engine under the long, shaker-equipped hood, the classic ‘Cuda was potent enough to strike fear into the hearts and souls of more plebeian hardware… which was pretty much everything else on the road.

Now that the muscle car wars are officially back in full swing – and, perhaps most importantly, the latest Mustang, Camaro and Challenger have all proven to be hits with the American population – Chrysler has hinted that the ‘Cuda could once again terrorize the dealership lot.

According to Allpar.com, Chrysler has even registered the name Cuda as a trademark. As we’ve said in the past (and our readers seem to agree), we’d be more than happy to welcome back the Barracuda to the muscle car fold… just so long as it’s significantly different from the Dodge Challenger with which it will surely share its underpinnings.

Now would be a good time to point out that the ‘Cuda was historically a bit smaller than the Challenger, with a two-inch reduction in wheelbase when compared to its sibling. What we can say for certain is that a reborn ‘Cuda, should it ever see the light of day, won’t be wearing its old Plymouth name badge. Our best guess is that it would be sold as a Chrysler. In any case, consider our interest piqued.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Allpar.com]

Chrysler registers Cuda nameplate, Hemi engine perks up in interest originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler continues to successfully trade on its history with the introduction of the new 426 cubic-inch Generation III Hemi crate engine. When your past is filled with some of the most illustrious engines to ever roar down a drag strip, around an oval or under the hood of a muscle car, it’s smart to capitalize on it. So with that in mind, production of the 426 crate engine has swung into action.

The new Mopar 426 Hemi Crate Engine is all-aluminum and carries ratings of 540 horsepower and 530 pound-feet of torque for a ,675 price tag. The engine made its debut at the Performance Racing Industry show in Florida, and was joined by other performance enhancing Mopar goodies. Pieces big and small, from valvetrain tie bars and cylinder head stud kits to aluminum engine blocks, W2 cylinder heads and rear strut tower braces for the Challenger/Charger/300, were all shown off at the show which ran from December 9-11. What it means for the leadfoot-at-large is that Chrysler loves its enthusiastic fan base as much as they love its products. For more details, check out the press release after the jump and the gallery below.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Production starts on Mopar 426 ‘Elephant’ Hemi V8 crate motor

Production starts on Mopar 426 ‘Elephant’ Hemi V8 crate motor originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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