It seems that Chrysler’s upcoming 6.4-liter V-8 gasoline engine will only be available for the SRT vehicles and not Ram Heavy Duty pickup trucks. Joe Veltri, Chrysler vice president of product planning, said “it’s designed for performance, not low-end torque. It’s designed for off-the-line 0-to-60 times.”

He also added “it’s a struggle to recrank that engine to make it a truck engine.” As we can see, Chrysler maybe needs a gas engine with more horsepowers than the current 383 horsepower, 400 pounds-feet of torque 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 used in the Ram HD trucks.

Actually, in the heavy-duty segment between gasoline and diesel engines there is a tendency – from 75%/25% to 70%/30% today and maybe 60%/40% in the future (gas/diesesl). And the price of the diesel engines is rising up.

Official press release:
Geneva, Mar 2, 2010 – The Dodge Car Brand continues to offer customers around the world driving excitement, functionality and aggressive styling.

“The focus of the Dodge Car Brand is creating an all-new spirit and life built around strong American heritage in products that provide performance and personality,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – Dodge Car Brand and Senior Vice President – Product Design, Chrysler Group LLC. “The Dodge Charger SRT8 and Challenger SRT8 command attention by offering benchmark, all-around performance that appeals to unique customers who celebrate their achievements by living life to the fullest.”

At the 80th Geneva International Motor Show, the Dodge Car Brand showcases two iconic models – Dodge Charger SRT8® and Dodge Challenger SRT8 – both of which deliver the best of modern American muscle-car characteristics: unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines and proven technology.

In 2009, the Dodge brand comprised nearly 35 percent of Chrysler Group LLC sales in markets outside North America, led by Dodge Journey as the highest sales volume vehicle and Dodge Caliber also as a top-five sales contender.

As the Chrysler Group product portfolio develops in markets outside North America, Dodge will become a specialty brand with a focus on regional sales for specific models.

Chrysler Group LLC sells and services vehicles in more than 120 countries around the world.

Dodge decided to celebrate it’s 40th anniversary with two special editions of the iconic muscle car: the 2010 Dodge Challenger Furious Fuchsia and Challenger SRT8 Furious Fuchsia.

“Commemorating four decades of Challenger performance, the new R/T Classic and SRT8 Furious Fuchsia editions modernize one of the most memorable hues from 1970 to create a modern muscle-car that exudes more performance, passion and even more nostalgia,” Ralph Gilles, CEO, Dodge Car Brand said in a release.

Powered by the regular 5,7L HEMI V8, the Challenger Furious Fuchsia features dual throwback A-line body-side R/T stripes in Matte Black or Bright White, “Challenger” fender badges in classic script, 20-inch polished-aluminum heritage wheels and functional hood scoop and bright racing style fuel-filler door.

This one-of-a-kind 2009 Dodge Challenger prototype from Petty’s Garage marries the timeless beauty of the 60′s and 70′s race cars from Petty Enterprises and the craftsmanship of today’s master fabricators and is being sold to benefit the Petty Family foundation. This is serial number 0001 and is the very first street car to come from Petty’s Garage which is located in the famed Level Cross, NC facility. This challenger is titled in Richard Petty’s name and powered by a late model 426cid HEMI from Arrington Engines with 585hp, 560ft/lb of torque and breathing through a 90mm Arrington throttle body and cold air intake. Painted in the trademark Petty Blue by BASF R-M, which is not to be mistaken for B5 Blue or Grabber Blue. This is 1 of only a handful of street cars to ever be painted Petty Blue. The car has been completely disassembled, placed on a rotisserie and repainted, including all suspension components, which are painted “Petty Parts Blue.”

Sprucing up a brand-new Dodge Challenger has become a little bit easier, thanks to a new factory-optional Performance Appearance Package from Chrysler. Broken into two separate options, the package can add a more exclusive look to both the interior and exterior of most 2010 Dodge Challenger SE or R/T models.

Dodge today announced an exclusive production run of the 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic and SRT8 featuring the classic Plum Crazy Pearl Coat exterior color. Both Dodge Challenger models deliver the best of modern American muscle-car characteristics — unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful HEMI® V-8 engines and technology — now with an extra dose of nostalgia.

“The new Plum Crazy R/T Classic and SRT8 feature more than just memorable blast-from-the-past design cues and HEMI engines; both models exude the very core of Dodge Challenger’s roots,” said Ralph Gilles, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dodge Car Brand and Senior Vice President – Product Design, Chrysler Group LLC. “Our new Plum Crazy limited-edition models pay homage to Challenger’s heritage while delivering the passion and excitement Dodge fans and customers demand.”