MEET THE GRIPPING 2018 CHALLENGER SRT® HELLCAT WIDEBODY

The 2018 Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody is a muscle car that flexes harder — and wider. The new widebody design fender flares add width and an aggressive look to the high-performance 2018 Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody.

Dodge and SRT enthusiasts have been clamoring for a factory-production Hellcat with even more grip. We listened. To start, Dodge engineers and designers took the world’s fastest quarter-mile production car,* the new Challenger SRT Demon, and transferred its style to the new 2018 Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody for improved performance on the street and a bolder, more aggressive new look.

Here’s a taste of what the 2018 Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody has in store …

Fenders, Tires and Intimidating Design

You wanted more grip? You got it. With the new Widebody fender flares that add 3.5 inches to the overall width of the Challenger Hellcat, the Widebody model joins the Challenger SRT Demon as the widest Challengers ever. These wider fender flares cover the new 20 x 11-inch “Devil’s Rim” split-five-spoke aluminum wheels, which ride on new, wider 305/35ZR20 Pirelli P-Zero tires with a new tread pattern for added grip on the road and the track.

Complementing the 2018 Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody’s menacing stance is a power-bulge aluminum hood with center intake and dual heat extractors; Hellcat-exclusive new grille and fender badges, along with a raised SRT Hellcat badge on the rear spoiler; exclusive illuminated air-catcher headlamps that feed air directly into the air box and engine bay through the center of the parking lamps; and quad projector headlamps that give a unique detailed appearance, while the aggressive brow “chops” the upper portion of the lamp design for a sinister look.

Supercharged Hellcat Performance

Under the hood, the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody owns the road and the track. Powered by the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI® V8 with 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody can be paired to either the Tremec six-speed manual or TorqueFlite® eight-speed automatic transmission.

On the track, the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody boasts a top speed of 195 mph, and 0-60 mph acceleration improved by .1 second (3.4 in Widebody vs. 3.5 in standard Hellcat). Even more, the ¼-mile elapsed time (ET) improved by approximately .3 sec (10.9 ET in Widebody vs. 11.2 ET in standard Hellcat), while the road course lap time on a 1.7-mile track lowered by approximately 2 seconds per lap. Lateral skid pad grip increased by .04 g (.97 g in Widebody vs. .93 g in standard Hellcat).

Upgraded Steering and Handling

The 2018 Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody is equipped with a new electric power steering (EPS) system with SRT Drive Modes that add new selectable steering tuning for the first time on a Hellcat model. The new EPS and SRT Drive modes offer drivers a tailored experience by controlling horsepower, transmission shift speeds, steering, paddle shifters (automatic transmission only), traction and suspension. On the road and the track, owners will experience improved handling, and will notice better steering feel and ease of turning efforts at parking lot speeds.

In addition to steering, the 2018 Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody features a standard Brembo® brake system that includes two-piece 15.4-inch front rotors and six-piston front calipers that help provide outstanding heat management and longevity. And for even more control, the front splitter (shared with Demon) and rear spoiler (from Hellcat) deliver responsive and balanced handling at high speed.

Get Behind the Wheel

The new 2018 Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody completes the Dodge brand’s most powerful muscle car lineup ever, and will be available late summer of 2017 in 15 exterior color options. All customers who buy the new 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody receive one full-day session at Bob Bondurant School of High-performance Driving. For more information, visit driveSRT.com.

Are you clamoring for more speed and power? Learn more about the Dodge SRT lineup at dodge.com.

Read more at: https://blog.dodge.com/vehicles/challenger-srt-hellcat-widebody/

NEW FRONT FASCIA, AGGRESSIVE ATTITUDE // THE 2018 DODGE DURANGO

The Dodge Durango has a reputation for making its presence known. Now the 2018 Dodge Durango is upping the ante, approaching the upcoming year with a bold, aggressive front fascia. New for 2018, Durango R/T models will share the same front fascia, performance hood, lower valence and LED fog lamps first seen on the new 2018 Durango SRT® that debuted at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show.

That’s not all. Now every Durango powertrain can boast the SRT attitude — from the standard 295-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar® V6 to the available 360-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 and new 475-horsepower 6.4-liter SRT. With rugged good looks and adrenaline-powered performance, all 2018 Dodge Durango R/T models will roll off the line with the SRT front fascia and hood, while 2018 Durango GT models with the Blacktop or Brass Monkey Appearance Packages will offer the performance hood.

The 2018 Dodge Durango went bold in appearance as well as technology and comfort. Front Park Assist is now included with ParkSense® Park Assist System¹ and is standard on 2018 Durango R/T models. All Durango models feature a ParkView® rear back-up camera², a new sport steering wheel and new driver-oriented electronic T-shifter which provides the driver with intuitive gear selection. The 2018 Dodge Durango R/T is equipped with a standard BeatsAudio™ nine-speaker premium audio system that includes a subwoofer and a 506-watt amplifier³.

Finally, to really stand out against the sea of sameness, Durango R/T and SRT models will be available with the high-impact B5 Blue exterior color.

Take a stand against the ordinary. Learn more about the 2018 Dodge Durango — available late summer 2017 — at dodge.com/durango.

Read more at: https://blog.dodge.com/features/aggressive-attitude-2018-dodge-durango/

DODGE AND LEAH PRITCHETT UNLEASH THE DEMON AT NHRA NEW ENGLAND NATIONALS

Dodge is kicking off summer by giving speed and power a swift kick … At the NHRA New England Nationals, Leah Pritchett joins Pennzoil to salute the Dodge brand by driving a supercharged 11,000-horsepower Mopar® HEMI® V8-powered Demon.

Pritchett’s Demon will be the quickest modified, non-production car on the planet. At New England, Pritchett, who was involved in initial testing for the Dodge Demon, will drive a dragster with a special “Demon” paint scheme, and her firesuit and the crew shirts will also sport Demon branding. The Top Fueler already holds the quickest run in NHRA history with a time of 3.658 seconds recorded early this year near Phoenix.

Speaking of records, the speed isn’t for the pros only. Available soon to the public, the limited-production 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT® Demon is the first-ever production car to do a front-wheel lift, as certified by Guinness World Records, and it’s the world’s fastest quarter-mile production car with an elapsed time (ET) of 9.65 seconds at 140 miles per hour (mph), as certified by NHRA. It also registers the highest g-force (1.8 g) ever recorded at launch in a production car.

Sound like your kind of thrill ride? If you want to get behind the wheel of the most powerful muscle car ever, the 840-horsepower SRT Demon will start arriving at dealerships this fall with a starting MSRP* of $84,995. And for those who want to unleash its full power at the drag strip, a personalized, exclusive Demon crate, with performance parts, will be available for $1.

Pritchett and the Demon will hit the track at the June 2-4 NHRA New England Nationals and the following week at Englishtown, New Jersey, for the Summernationals.

If you’re interested in the 2018 Dodge Demon, you’re probably not the kind of person who likes to wait around. Learn more now at dodge.com.

Read more at: https://blog.dodge.com/performance-2/pritchett-new-england-demon/

Dick Scott Fundraising Program - $100 Donation for Every Vehicle

At Dick Scott Automotive Group we realize how important it is to find new and innovative ways to enable parents/guardians to support their children's education and extracurricular activities. That's why in 2009, we created a program called "Dick Scott Donation Vouchers." Since that time, the program has been expanded to include other area groups and organizations!

How does it work? You sign up for the program and when a friend, neighbor or family member mentions they are looking for a new or pre-owned vehicle, you give them a Donation Voucher and ask them to try a Dick Scott Automotive Group location first. It's just that simple! If they find a new or used vehicle at one of our locations, they simply present their voucher at the time of purchase. Once the sale is complete, your school, group or organization receives a check for $100. It's just that simple. No strings!

Is there a limit on much we can earn? NO, there is no limit on how much a school, group or organization can earn.

How do I get copies of my Donation Voucher? Simply click on the name of your school, group or organization (@ www.DickScott.com/community).

How do I sign up? Send an email to Donations@dickscott.com that includes your name and telephone number, and the name of the school/group/organization you are signing up with their address, telephone number and an onsite contact. Once we receive your request, we will create the Donation Voucher, post it on our website and Facebook page and then email you to let you know you are all set!

How Do Power Car Windows Increase Passenger Safety?

Power windows are responsible for approximately 2,000 emergency room visits every year. When a power window closes, it exerts enough force to bruise or break bones, crush fingers, or restrict an airway. Though power windows exert large amounts of force, they are still largely considered safer than manual car windows.

Power windows can be controlled by the driver. No matter how many times you tell a misbehaving child to leave their power window switch alone, they may still keep pressing the button to open their window. The driver has a master set of window controls to close any window that is open on the car. This simple device saves lives and prevents injuries that could have occurred if a child tried to climb out the window. A manual window cannot be controlled by the driver in the same way.

There is a window lock switch. If you have a small child or a dog that tends to press the power window switch accidentally, or if you want to make sure that an accident or crushing injury doesn’t occur by the power window, you can engage the power window lock. It is typically mounted on the driver’s power window controls or on the dashboard, and when it is engaged the rear windows will not open with the rear switches. The driver can still open and close the rear power windows with the master control and the front passenger can still operate their window normally.

There is an anti-pinch device. The power window motor exerts massive force when a power window is being closed. In windows that use an express-up function, the window motor is equipped with an anti-pinch feature so the window will reverse if it encounters an obstruction like a child’s limb. Though it may still pinch, it will reverse directions before a serious crushing injury occurs.

Read more at: https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-do-power-car-windows-increase-passenger-safety

Top 10 Ways to Protect Your Car From Sun Damage

We all know that sun exposure can harm our skin, but did you know the sun’s rays can also damage your car? When you leave your car in the sun for extended periods of time, the temperature inside can reach as high as 145 degrees Fahrenheit, while the surface of the car’s exterior can reach much higher – up to nearly 200 degrees Fahrenheit!

Your car is not immune to negative effects caused by such heat. Here are 10 simple ways to protect your vehicle from sun damage:

1. Regularly check your fluid levels: When it’s hot outside, the fluids in your car can get used up more quickly than under normal circumstances. If you happen to be low on coolant, transmission fluid, or oil anyway, then that suboptimal condition coupled with high temperatures increases the chance of damage to your car.

2. Have your battery tested once or twice each summer: When it’s hot outside, there is often a higher load placed on your car’s battery from running systems like the air conditioning. Periodic testing of your battery and charging system in general prevents you from unpleasant surprises (i.e. the car not starting) on hot days.

3. Get the air filters checked: There is typically more dust and debris circulating in the air during the warmer months, particularly in arid climates, and this can clog the air filters in your car. If this happens, your gas mileage may suffer, and it could even damage your mass air flow sensor, which helps regulate the air and fuel levels in your engine.

4. Use reflectorized sun panels on your front and rear dashes: While it may seem like a hassle to whip these fold-out panels out every time you go to the store, it pays off in the long run. These panels greatly reduce the overall temperature inside your car, which you’ll appreciate when you return, and need to use less air conditioning to cool the car. These panels also help to prevent the bleaching effect the sun has on your interior surfaces and upholstery, which can lower the value of your car should you wish to sell it.

5. Perform tire pressure checks monthly: Extreme heat, trapped air, and rubber can be a volatile combination, and it’s one on which your entire vehicle rests in the summer months. Underinflated tires are more likely to blow out in high temperatures, so prevent accidents (and poor gas mileage) by checking your tire pressure at least once a month. Do this as early in the day as possible when the temperatures are coolest for the most accurate pressure readings.

6. Park smart: If you have the choice between parking your car in the middle of a blazing parking lot or under a broad tree, opt for the shade. This doesn’t require any fancy props and will keep your car’s interior as cool as possible.

7. Regularly clean your car’s interior: The pairing of dust and hot sun can wreak havoc on your interior, essentially caking grime onto your dash and other surfaces. With periodic cleaning, however, this becomes a non-issue; just be sure to use cleaners intended for automobile use to avoid stains and unnecessarily drying out materials at risk of cracking.

8. Wash and hand-dry your car often: Just as dust and debris can cake onto your interior surfaces when exposed to high temperatures, your exterior paint can suffer in the summer sun. Frequently wash your vehicle to keep the surface clean, and dry it thoroughly by hand with a soft cloth, so bits of minerals and grime don’t stick to the residual moisture after a rinse.

9. Use a protective wax: It’s not enough just to clean your car from time to time; you should wax it at least twice a year to lock in the natural oils in the exterior paint and provide a layer of protection not just from grimy bits that can scratch the surface, but also from the sun’s rays.

10. Consider paint protection film: If you truly want to be vigilant against potential sun damage to your car, you may want to invest in a paint protection film kit. Some kits only cover the acrylic headlights, but some kits are available that cover your entire vehicle. If you adopt some or all of these simple tips to provide protection from the hot sun, your car will age more gracefully, much like your skin will with the regular application of sunscreen. They don’t take much effort to implement, and these small actions can save a lot of money down the road and help retain your car’s value over time.

Read more at: https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/top-10-ways-to-protect-your-car-from-sun-damage

Buying a Demon Crate

The 2018 Dodge Challenger Demon has an intriguing $1 option — the Demon Crate, which includes branded tools and accessories.

To prevent abuse, the bargain-priced Crate can’t be purchased by dealers when the car is ordered; the customer can only order it 48 hours after taking delivery of the car. The instrument panel badge, personalized with the customer’s name, cannot be changed, and is in the Crate. Customers can only order the Crate if their name matches the one on the order; and they have to order it from the Demon Concierge.

So what does the Crate include?

- Front Runner Drag Wheels
- High Octane Engine Calibration
- Passenger Mirror Block-Off Plate
- Performance Air Filter (Demon-branded)
- Trunk Foam Case (Demon-branded)
- Fender Cover (Demon-branded)
- Personalized instrument panel badge
- Shipping crate (Demon-branded)
- Demon-branded tools in a bag: torque wrench, extension, and socket; cordless impact wrench; hydraulic floor jack and carrying bag; and tire pressure gauge.

Read more at: https://www.allpar.com/news/2017/07/buying-a-demon-crate-38171

Community Car Care Events Show Most Vehicles Need Service

Community car care events conducted across the country reveal that the majority of vehicles need service on one or more inspected areas of the vehicle.

“At the Car Care Council, we stress the importance of preventative vehicle maintenance and provide free tools, tips and information to help motorists become more car care aware so they can avoid the hassle and expense associated with unexpected car trouble,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “By implementing a proactive auto care plan, car owners can identify and fix small issues now before they become more costly repairs later.”

The community car care event inspections checked a variety of vehicle components including wipers, belts, hoses, air filters, lighting, tires and lubricant/fluids. The Car Care Council gathered and tabulated the results and found that eight out of 10 vehicles need some type of service. The top areas showing the highest failure rates include:

- Engine Oil – 22 percent of vehicles tested had low, overfull or dirty oil.
- Belts/Hoses – inspections revealed 18 percent of belts were unsatisfactory and at least 12 percent of vehicles needed a new hose.
- Air Filters – nearly one out of every five vehicles inspected needed a new air filter.
- Check Engine Light – 14 percent of vehicles had an illuminated check engine light, slightly higher than the previous year’s results.
- Batteries – battery cables, clamps and terminals were found to be in need of repair on 18 percent of vehicles inspected.

The Car Care Council has a free Car Care Guide available at www.carcare.org/car-care-guide, providing motorists with a useful resource that can be kept in the glove box or accessed online. The guide features service interval information, questions to ask a technician and other helpful auto care information that can help drivers better maintain and protect their vehicle.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org.

Read more at: http://www.carcare.org/community-car-care-events-show-vehicles-need-service/

This is what the Durango SRT costs

The long-awaited Dodge Durango SRT was recently announced, with all wheel drive and a 475-horsepower 392 cubic inch Hemi V8 engine.

Today, Dodge also announced pricing of the three-row-SUV, which can run 0-60 times of 4.4 seconds and 12.9 second quarter-mile times. The company also revised the towing capacity upwards, by 100 pounds, to 8,700.

The base price will be $62,995 plus $1,095 in destination fees ($64,090), with deliveries starting in the fourth quarter of 2017.

That includes the eight-speed automatic, six-piston front Brembo calipers, four-piston rear calipers, and vented rotors at each wheel (slotted in front). The suspension is augmented by active Bilstein shocks; wheels are 20 x 10 and shod in Pirelli 295/45 Scorpion Verde rubber (with Pirelli P-Zeros optional).

A new SRT seven-mode drive system gives the driver the ability to adjust drive settings for performance or comfort; a new Sport mode cuts shift times in half and sends up to 65% of torque to the rear wheels, and a new Track mode makes shifts even faster and shoves 70% of torque to the back wheels.

Colors are B5 Blue (late availability), Billet, Bruiser Grey, DB Black, Granite, Octane Red Pearl, and White Knuckle. See our full Dodge Durango SRT page for the whole story.

Read more at: https://www.allpar.com/news/2017/07/this-is-what-the-durango-srt-costs-38174

New Hellcat head badge for 2018

We have been so busy focusing on the new Dodge Demon and the new Widebody package for the Hellcat Challenger that we nearly overlooked a new feature which will apply to all Hellcat cars for 2018 – the slick new 3D Hellcat fender badge, which made its grand debut on the Hellcat Challenger Widebody car.

The 2015-2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat featured the now-familiar Hellcat head badge on the front fenders — a solid piece with slightly raised chrome portions on a black background. During the 2015 and 2016 model years, those fender badges were the only Hellcat heads on the car, while the 2017 Hellcat Challenger and Charger also have the logo next to the SRT badge on the rear spoiler.

The 2018 Hellcat badges are getting their most significant changes, with another Hellcat head being added to the SRT badge on the grille, and a new look for the fender badges. They will not have the black background, opting for an open-back design which gives it more of a 3D look. Rather than the chrome finish, the 2018 Hellcat head has a billet aluminum finish (it is not actually metal), giving it a much tougher look.

In short, the 2018 Dodges take the design of the new Demon fender badge and apply it to the Hellcat fender badge. The result is a far more prominent badge that will stand out against any body color. Having seen these badges in person on the 2018 Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody shown here, I fully expect to see lots of owners of 2015-2017 Hellcat cars swapping for these badges – even if they paint them some other color rather than keeping the billet look.

The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody is expected to hit dealerships during the third quarter of 2017, so it shouldn’t be more than a few months before these badges are available through your local dealership.

Patrick RallPatrick Rall was raised a Mopar boy, spending years racing a Dodge Mirada while working his way through college. After spending a few years post-college in the tax accounting field, Patrick made the jump to the world of journalism and his work has been published in magazines and websites around the world.

Read more at: https://www.allpar.com/news/2017/07/new-hellcat-head-badge-for-2018-38170

Hot Summer Car Care Tips

- Check your fluids and perform regular maintenance.
- Confirm proper tire pressure to avoid a blowout and improve fuel economy.
- Keep yourself cool with a/c and your vehicle cool by parking in the shade.

The arrival of summer marks an ideal time to make sure your car or truck is in good working condition. The high temperatures of summer can be tough on a vehicle - everything from the paint down to the tires is subjected to harsher than normal conditions. Gone unchecked, some issues could leave you stranded in the heat. Here are a few tips to help make sure you and your vehicle are protected against the hazards of summer.

Fluids like coolant, motor oil and windshield washer fluid are things motorists can regularly check on their own. Engine coolant, sometimes called antifreeze, is the number one thing motorists should stay on top of in the summer months. Since modern cars have a closed system for coolant, checking or adding coolant is easy. This is generally done through the coolant reservoir located under the hood. Consult your owner's manual for a specific location. Be sure the coolant level is between the minimum and maximum markings, adding more if necessary. But never open the radiator cap or coolant tank lid when the engine is hot.

Tire pressure is also important, especially in summer months. As the outside temperature climbs, the air in your car's tires expands, so check your tire pressure when the tires are at a normal temperature - before you set out on a road trip. Also, be sure to use the proper tire pressure for your car, not the maximum pressure listed on the tire sidewall. Check the recommended tire pressure label in the door jamb or glove compartment, or consult your owner's manual.

Tires that are over- or underinflated can reduce the vehicle's handling capability or generate excess heat, causing a blowout. Although most newer cars have an on-board tire pressure monitoring system, get a good quality tire pressure gauge - a dial-type analog unit or digital gauge, not a straight, pen-type one - and check them yourself every few months. Don't forget to check the pressure in your spare tire, too. It's like an insurance policy. You never know when you might need it.

Along with the heat, summer also means more long-distance road trips that reveal the high cost of poor fuel economy. So it's a good time to keep up periodic maintenance like oil and filter changes and inspection or replacement of the air cleaner and fuel filters. Not only are these essential to the durability of your engine in the long term, but neglecting them will cause poor fuel economy in the short term, too. Performing regular maintenance means it will take less fuel to make that long highway trip. Maintaining proper tire pressure and using cruise control on the highway can further improve fuel economy, keeping your summer fuel costs down.

While air conditioning can be a drag on fuel economy in stop-and-go driving, keeping the windows up and the a/c on improves aerodynamics and is ideal on the highway. Plus, it will keep the driver and passengers comfortable and reduce driver fatigue. Have your air conditioning system checked annually. If your car's a/c is not getting cold, chances are you have a leak in the system. Adding refrigerant will only solve the problem temporarily, so invest in a proper repair. Some a/c systems have a cabin air filtration system. Check your owner's manual to see how often the filter should be changed. And if you see a little water dripping from your car, don't worry. The a/c system drains condensation when it's working properly.

Keeping your car cool when you're not driving is important, too. The heat of the summer sun can cause cosmetic damage to your car and make it harder to cool off inside when it's time to drive. Protect your paint and interior by parking in a garage or under an awning when possible. Regularly wax your vehicle using a polish with UV protection to reduce sun damage and paint fading. Protect the interior, too. Purchasing a $10 sunshade that keeps sunlight from coming in the windshield can reduce fading, drying and cracking inside your vehicle, and keep you cooler when you sit down behind the wheel.

Preparation is a key to handling harsh summer heat. Following these simple tips will help your vehicle to perform its best this summer. Not only will you and your vehicle be better prepared to survive the heat, but you'll also make the most of your summer by enjoying the freedom that a well-cared-for car can offer. That certainly beats being stranded in the heat.

What it means to you: Don't get stranded in the heat. Maintain your car year-round, but make special preparations for dealing with the hazards of summer, too.

Read more at: https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/hot-summer-car-care-tips-170070