Recall Alert: 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8, Dodge Charger SRT8

Dodge is recalling certain versions of its performance-oriented SRT8 sedans because of a glitch in the tire pressure monitoring system, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The systems in 303 SRT8 versions of the 2012 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger don't warn drivers when tire pressure falls 25% below the recommended level. The affected vehicles notify drivers when the pressure reaches 22 pounds per square inch instead of the required 24 psi. Underinflated tires could result in tire overloading and overheating, leading to a possible blowout or crash.

Vehicles in the recall were manufactured from May 2 through Nov. 17, 2011. (You can find the vehicle's build date on a label affixed to the driver-side doorjamb.) Dealers will reprogram the TPMS for free. Owners will be notified next month. For more info, owners can call Chrysler at 800-853-1403 or NHTSA's vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236.

Mopar to Show off Dodge Charger Redline, Chrysler 200 Super S in Detroit

At the 2012 Detroit auto show, Mopar will unveil new performance accessory packages for the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 200.

The 2012 Dodge Charger Redline gets a high-performance Hemi crate engine that produces 590 horsepower — 220 more hp than the Charger R/T. The engine is also composed of aluminum instead of cast iron, taking some 100 pounds off the vehicle’s weight compared with the regular crate V-8 that Mopar offers. A high-performance suspension, strut tower brace, throatier exhaust system and beefier brakes accompany the high-powered engine.

Dodge Debuts Charger, Challenger SRT8 Special Editions at 2011 L.A. Auto Show

Two names from Dodge's past return for 2012 with the Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee and Dodge Challenger SRT8 Yellow Jacket. Both are appearance packages with interior and exterior add-ons including exterior graphics and embroidered seats with nostalgic flair. No additional performance upgrades are part of the packages.

The Super Bee name originated in the late 1960s and made an appearance on the previous Charger generation. For 2012, Super Bee Chargers are available in Stinger Yellow or Pitch Black exterior colors with unique graphic appointments for each color. The outside of yellow Super Bees have satin-black hood graphics; black cars have charcoal graphics. Yellow models also get a matte-black rear spoiler and black cars’ spoilers are body-colored. Both color choices have 20-inch wheels with painted black highlights.

Toyota Camry Most Stolen Car

The Toyota Camry was the most stolen new passenger car in 2009, according to the most recent information provided by the National Crime Information Center, a government agency that is part of the FBI.

Out of all the Camrys produced in 2009, about 781 were stolen. Keep in mind that the Camry was (and is) the best-selling passenger car. So the fact that it leads the list isn't remarkable; in fact, the rate at which it was stolen was nearly half the national average. 

2012 Dodge Charger: Car Seat Check

This Car Seat Check was originally published in September 2011 on MotherProof.com.

If you're looking for a muscle car with room for a family, consider the 2012 Dodge Charger. This full-size sedan offers seating for five and three sets of lower Latch anchors. The Charger's optional V-8 engine will have parents volunteering to drive carpool.

For the Car Seat Check, we use a Graco SnugRide 30 rear-facing infant-safety seat, a Britax Roundabout convertible child-safety seat and Graco high-back TurboBooster seat.

MotherProof.com Car Seat Check Recap

The 2012 Hyundai Accent's redesign delivered a more fuel-efficient and spacious ride, especially on the hatchback body style. So how does the new Accent hold up as a carrier of small children in car seats? Installing two child-safety seats in the rear was a cinch, according to MotherProof.com.

2011 Toyota Highlander: Car Seat Check
2012 Dodge Charger: Car Seat Check
2012 Hyundai Accent: Car Seat Check

Recall Alert: 2012 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep Vehicles

Chrysler is recalling about 667 2012-model-year vehicles equipped with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 over an engine issue that can lead to power loss, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2012 models included in the recall are the Chrysler 200, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Charger, Dodge Durango, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

In the affected vehicles, which were built between Aug. 25 and Sept. 5, the engine blocks weren’t cleaned properly. The result is hard debris can damage the connecting rod, main bearings and crankshaft, leading to engine failure. If the engine seizes up while driving, the risk of a crash can increase.

The recall is expected to begin in early October. Chrysler dealerships will replace the engine, free of charge. If owners already have repaired the problem, Chrysler will reimburse the expense if it wasn’t covered by the warranty.  Owners can call Chrysler at 800-853-1403 or NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236 for more info.

Extreme Commuting in the 2011 Audi TT, 2011 Chevy Equinox, 2012 Dodge Charger R/T

More often than not, buyers of all-wheel-drive cars and SUVs must deal with worse gas mileage compared with their two-wheel-drive counterparts. The 2011 Audi TT now only comes with all-wheel drive — a front-wheel-drive option was eliminated for 2010 — but its gas mileage is still respectable at 22/31 mpg city/highway. Along with the TT, we put all-wheel-drive versions of the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox with its four-cylinder base engine and 2011 Dodge Charger R/T with a healthy V-8 through our heavy Chicago commute.
 
The TT makes an interesting case as a commuter car.

Chrysler's Eight-Speed Automatics: First Drive

As we reported at last winter’s North American International Auto Show, Chrysler will couple a new eight-speed automatic transmission with the V-6 engine in its full-size sedans, the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. Both cars were redesigned for 2011; these changes affect the 2012 models, which go on sale this fall. The transmission will have an electronic shifter like an Audi A8, with Sport mode and steering-wheel paddle shifters optional. All-wheel drive, offered only with the V-8 for 2011, will be optional with the V-6 and eight-speed for 2012.

Rental-grade base V-6 trims and all V-8s carry last year’s five-speed auto and conventional gated shifter.

We hit the evaluation track near Chrysler’s Auburn Hills, Mich., headquarters to drive two eight-speed V-6 prototypes: an all-wheel-drive 300 Limited and a rear-drive Charger Rallye. The Charger had Dodge’s new Blacktop Package, which includes 20-inch wheels and performance suspension tuning.

Saddled with some 400 pounds more curb weight than a Toyota Avalon, Chrysler’s Pentastar V-6 and five-speed auto felt leisurely in last year’s 300, especially starting out. The 2012 car feels similar off the line, but get past 1st gear, and the eight-speed’s short ratios and smooth upshifts allow the Pentastar to crank out quick, successive dashes up the tachometer.

2012 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger to Get 31 MPG Highway

There have been many developments coming out of Chrysler over the past few weeks: The automaker paid off its government loans, launched a stand-alone SRT8 brand and are now majority owned by Italian carmaker Fiat.

In a presentation discussing these recent developments, Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne spilled the beans on another tidbit: The company’s large rear-wheel-drive sedans will top the previously stated 30 mpg highway figure.

Both the upcoming 2012 Chrysler 300 and the 2012 Dodge Charger are estimated to get 31 mpg on the highway when mated with the new eight-speed automatic transmission. The 31 mpg figure will be for the rear-wheel-drive 300 and Charger with the 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar engine, Marchionne said.

Chrysler’s CEO says the new transmission is “very advanced,” and includes a total of five clutches, with only two open in any gear for low parasitic losses. The transmission will be able to handle a maximum engine speed of 7,200 rpm.

Marchionne reiterated that a nine-speed automatic transmission will follow for front-wheel-drive cars in 2013.

We'll have a full report on the new eight-speeds and how they perform next month.