The Charger, Challenger, Journey, Durango and Grand Caravan, Dodge are all now being offered in R/T versions, either immediately or during the course of the spring. "We have customers who love cars, who love the thrill of driving, but can only afford one car," said Ralph Gilles, the President and CEO of the Dodge brand. "Our Dodge R/T models give buyers the chance to stoke their love of driving while still taking care of their families and responsibilities; driving these R/T models will absolutely leave a smile on their face," he believes.

The "Road & Track" name has been the performance moniker for Dodge since the muscle car era of the 1960's. "We’re going back to our roots, when Dodge R/T meant a higher level of dynamic capability," Gilles added. "In addition to exterior design cues and sporty interiors, every Dodge R/T vehicle will have unique handling characteristics, high-tech, high-performing engines, special exhaust tuning, a sport-tuned suspension and performance tires that grip the road. These Dodge R/Ts have definitely earned their stripes."

CHARGER R/T

The E-segment Charger R/T becomes the brand's flagship sedan and it gets a blacked out grille and new 19-inch wheels on the exterior, which is inspired by the classic second-generation Charger from the late 1960s, while under the bonnet the 5.7-litre HEMI V8 engine is tuned to offer best-in-class 370 HP. With a new exhaust note promised, 0-60 mph performance arrives in less than 6 seconds. The Charger R/T's interior features a new leather-wrapped thick-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel.

The new Charger R/T is priced at $30,170 (excluding an $825 destination charge). The Charger R/T is available in the United States in two models: Dodge Charger R/T and Dodge Charger R/T AWD. In addition, Dodge is offering several distinct 'lifestyle' packages (R/T Plus, R/T Road & Track and R/T Max). The R/T Plus package includes 18-inch five-spoke chrome-clad aluminum wheels, P235/55R18 Michelin MXM4 all-season performance tires, leather seating, 12-way power front-passenger seat with 4-way power lumbar, heated/cooled cupholders, vehicle security alarm, LED-illuminated, front-row overhead lighting and LED-illuminated footwells. The price of the Charger R/T Plus is $32,995, while the Charger R/T Plus AWD is $35,145 (including $825 destination). Next up is the R/T Road & Track package which includes the equipment of the R/T Plus package but adds a black honeycomb-style grille with matte back surround and heritage “R/T” badge, rear differential with 3.06 axle ratio, performance front seats with suede insert, performance engine and transmission calibration, and high-speed engine controller. The Charger R/T Road & Track is priced at $33,995 (including $825 destination). The Super Track Pak adds unique performance-steering gear, high-performance brake linings, high-performance monotube shock absorbers, 20-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 Super Car three-season tires, larger front- and rear-stabilizer bars and three-mode ESC with “full off” to the Charger R/T Road & Track package (Not available on Charger R/T AWD). Finally the R/T Max package includes the features of the R/T Plus package and adds Uconnect Touch 8.4N with Garmin navigation, SIRIUS Travel Link, adaptive-cruise control (ACC) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Blind-spot Monitoring (BSM) with Rear Cross Path (RCP) detection, ParkSense rear park assist, ParkView rear back-up camera, Alpine premium audio system with nine speakers and 506-watt 12-channel DSP amplifier for 7.1 Matrix surround sound, SmartBeam headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, power-adjustable heated mirrors with memory and courtesy lamps, heated steering wheel with power tilt, telescoping and memory. The Charger R/T Max is priced at $35,995, while the Charger R/T Max AWD is $38,145 (including $825 destination). Built at the Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, the Charger R/T is now available at dealerships nationwide.

DURANGO R/T

The Durango R/T features unique suspension tuning, load-leveling rear shocks, performance steering for improved response, a tuned exhaust system, 20-inch wheels with all-season performance tires (also available are three-season high-performance tires for even greater grip and response), 20 mm lower ride height and a more sporty interior.

The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine in the Durango R/T comes with fuel-saver mode and variable-valve timing and delivers 360 horsepower (268 kW) and 390 lb/ft of torque (520 Nm) at 4,250 rpm. The EPA fuel economy mpg (city/hwy) is 14/20 for the rear-wheel-drive model and 13/20 for the all-wheel-drive model, which includes a two-speed transfer case.

The Durango R/T’s exterior features a unique fascia with fog lamps, a body-color grille surround with black texture and xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps. The R/T model is also equipped with a color-matched body kit, wheel lips, light bar and rear fascia with integrated dual chrome exhaust outlets. Additionally, the Durango R/T offers an exclusive “Redline Red” exterior paint color. The interior includes digital suede seats for seven passengers and “R/T” embroidered sport front seats with red stitching accents on seats, leather wrap steering wheel and shift knob and a 506-watt Alpine audio system with 10 speakers, including a subwoofer. Additional electronics include a 30 GB hard drive radio, remote start, power lift gate, Uconnect with Voice Command and passive entry with push button start. Available features include leather seats, Blind-spot Monitoring, adaptive cruise control, Forward Collision Warning and navigation.

The Durango R/T, which arrives in the showrooms in the spring, has a starting price $35,465 (excluding $850 destination). The R/T model is available in seven paint colors: Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Blackberry Pearl Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Clear Coat, Dark Charcoal Pearl Coat, Mineral Gray Metallic Clear Coat, Redline Red Pearl Coat and Stone White Clear Coat. It is built at the Jefferson North Assembly plant in Detroit.

GRAND CARAVAN R/T

The Grand Caravan R/T features the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission with the unit's standard 283 HP available. On the outside the Grand Caravan R/T is made more distinctive by the 'dipped' body-colour grille, body-colour side moldings and exclusive 17-inch wheels. A new, exclusive to the R/T, all-black interior features perforated black leather seats with red stitching, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and a sound system with nine-speakers, a subwoofer and 506-watt amplifier. Arriving in U.S. dealer showrooms in the spring of 2011, the R/T model has a starting price of $30,595 (excluding $835 destination). The R/T model is available in eight paint colors: Blackberry Pearl Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat, Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat, Stone White Clear Coat, Mango Tango Pearl Coat and Dark Charcoal Pearl Coat. It is built at the Windsor Assembly plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

DODGE JOURNEY R/T

The Journey also is getting the R/T badge for 2011. The Journey R/T features the Pentastar V6 engine with power unchanged from standard at 283 HP, along with the six-speed automatic transmission, re-engineered suspension geometry, premium tires and redesigned steering system that gives drivers a better response and feel of the road. The Journey R/T’s interior includes a red and black cloth interior with six-way power driver seat with lumbar control, four-way power front passenger seat, three-zone automatic temperature control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob with red accent stitching, remote start, 19-inch aluminum wheels with satin carbon finish, body-colored grille, body-colored door handles, fog lamps and “R/T” badge. The R/T model also features Uconnect Touch 8.4 CD/DVD/MP3/SIRIUS Satellite radio with six premium speakers with subwoofer and amplifier and phone. The Journey R/T front-wheel drive model has a starting price of $28,995 (including $750 destination) while the AWD version kicks off at $30,695 (including $750 destination). It is available in the following colours: Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, White or Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat.

CHALLENGER R/T

The new Challenger R/T features more aggressive front- and rear-camber geometry. Set at -1.0 degrees in the front and -1.75 degrees in the rear the car is set up for high-speed cornering with negative camber. New larger diameter front- and rear-stabilizer bars also help improve body roll. Fitted with the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine, there are no changes in horsepower which remains at 376 HP with the six-speed manual. The Challenger R/T also features some new exterior enhancements. At the front is a restyled trapezoidal front air dam with a larger opening to improve cooling. Providing additional downforce is a larger “duck bill” front spoiler in black to match the coupe’s lower sill.

Inside there is an new leather steering wheel which features back-lit cruise control, Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) and available Uconnect Voice Command controls mounted on the front face while the instrument panel now features a new four-bomb gauge cluster with chromed accent rings, sport-themed graphics and a new four-line display EVIC with trip and multimedia information from the Media Center radio. There are also redesigned seat structures with improved cushioning, more comfortable contours, power lumbar and improved access to the rear seats. Pricing starts at $29,670 (excluding an $825 destination charge).

DURANGO HEAT

The additional new Durango Heat is basically the Durango R/T specification but equipped with the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 instead of the 5.7-litre HEMI, thus providing better fuel economy and also cheaper pricing as it starts at $30,295 (excluding destination charge) which is five thousand dollars down on the R/T. The V6 engine delivers 295 HP (216 kW) at 6,350 rpm, slightly up on the stock V6 Durango, and 260 lb/ft (353 Nm) of torque at 4,500 rpm. The package boots the EPA fuel economy miles per gallon (City/Hwy) to 16/23 for the rear-wheel-drive model and 16/22 for the all-wheel-drive model. By comparison those figures are 14/20 and 13/20 respectively for the Durango R/T.

“Durango Heat is about handling performance and a street presence that puts the sport in sport- utility,” believes Gilles. “The unibody rear-wheel-drive (available all-wheel-drive), two-row exclusive seating configuration makes this the lightest Durango model. A world-class double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension make Heat a handling champ that moves out smartly with 295 horsepower, a dual-exhaust, tuned air induction, custom 20-inch satin carbon finished wheels while delivering ultimate utility with more storage room at 50 cubic feet than anything it competes with. The Durango Heat also is among the most efficient in its class at 23 miles per gallon on the highway. For the money, there’s truly nothing like it on the market.”

Charger SRT8

Dodge revives its high performance SRT designation to preview the Charger SRT8 in Chicago; this model will arrive in the showrooms during the year for the 2012 Model Year although a specific date hasn't been set. Under the bonnet will be the first application of the new 6.4-litre HEMI V8 with more horsepower and torque than the 6.1-litre HEMI V8 it replaces. Surprisingly, certainly at least by European standards, this new 6.4-litre engine, which is essentially a bored out version of the unit it replaces, will only deliver an estimated 465 HP, along with 465 lb/ft of torque.

It will however offer a claimed improved fuel economy, although no figures have been released yet. Building upon the standard Fuel Saver technology (four-cylinder mode) which will be fitted to the new 6.4 V8, a new active valve exhaust system allows the technology to engage over a wider rpm range, which helps to deliver improved fuel efficiency or the use of all eight cylinders when the power is needed. Meanwhile an active intake manifold and high-lift camshaft with cam phasing provides maximum low-end torque for improved standing starts while optimising high-end power. For the first time in any Chrysler Group SRT product, standard paddle-shift technology joins the standard AutoStick on the floor shifter. Both are mated, however, to the unrewarding Daimler-sourced W5A580 five-speed automatic transmission.

The Charger SRT8 features an adaptive damping suspension that uses a wide range of on-road and driver inputs, such as vehicle speed, steering angle, steering speed, brake torque, throttle position and lateral acceleration, to automatically tune the suspension for specific conditions. Drivers also can manually choose between “Auto” and “Sport” settings that quickly change the shock damping and harshness characteristics from the ease of everyday commuting to harsher, more challenging driving situations. The performance SRT-tuned, fully hydraulic steering system also is improved with a new, heavy-duty pump and revised gearing to give drivers more direct feel and on-center response.

New, split five-spoke, 20-inch lightweight forged and polished aluminum wheels with black painted pockets feature as does an SRT8-specific rear spoiler, while the front grille, surround and Dodge crosshair feature high-gloss black finishes and the SRT badge. A new-shaped bonnet features a 6.4 L badge and black air exhauster for added engine cooling. The undertray has also been redesigned to improve air flow to the brakes which feature four-piston Brembo calipers and vented/slotted rotors measuring 14.2 inches up front and 13.8 inches in the rear.

Inside there is a new leather steering wheel with a flattened bottom surface that showcases the SRT logo. For a more high-performance look, carbon-weave, fibre aluminum interior trim pieces are integrated into the new instrument panel and shifter bezel. The front seats have new bolstering and perforated suede insert fabrics help “grip” the driver and passengers while heated and ventilated front seats come as standard. Reactive headrests also are standard. The SRT logo is embroidered in the seat backs. Rear seats also are heated for passenger comfort. Modified door trim panels feature new bolster material and accent stitching on arm rests to match the seats. The Charger SRT8 also features a 900-watt, 19-speaker premium SRT performance audio surround-sound system from Harmon Kardon. The user interface for the system is controlled through the state-of-the-art Uconnect Touch on the largest standard touchscreen display (8.4-inch) in the segment.