Franklin Sussex Auto Mall Blog

While terms of the sale have not yet been completed, Chrysler has officially recognized that they have sold the Pacifica Advance Design Studio in Carlsbad California to Mercedes-Benz.

The Chrysler Pacifica studio opened in 1983 and spawned the Dodge Challenger concept in 2006. It also was responsible for the concepts that led to production versions of the Dodge Intrepid, Plymouth Prowler and Jeep Compass, as well as a number of influential concepts that were not produced, including the Chrysler Millennium and Chrysler Atlantic.

Chrysler closed the site earlier this year as part of a plan to streamline operations. The 20-person Pacifica design team has relocated or left the company.

Mercedes’ plans for its existing studio, 51 miles to north in Irvine, California, are unclear. It opened in 1990 and employs about 18 people, according to company materials. However, it measures about 13,000 square feet–less than half of the size of the Chrysler property.

Check out the full article on AutoWeek.Com

There has been a big buzz lately surrounding the reintroduction of the Dodge Challenger. With a long list of followers and the recent release of numerous drifting and burnout videos, the Challenger has become an extremely desirable vehicle.

Yesterday, I found a couple desktop wallpaper images of the Dodge Challenger over at MotorTrend.Com. Enjoy!

Chrysler recently released a video interview of Brian Nielander, the Exterior Design Manager for the Challenger, and Jeff Gale, the Lead Exterior Designer for the Challenger. During the clip, Brian and Jeff discuss the various elements of the new Challenger that are reminiscent of the original Dodge Challenger as well as the concept car seen at many of the auto shows around the world.

Here is the clip from that interview covering the challenges of bringing the concept car to life while retaining that original muscle car look and feel!

The 2008 Dodge Challenger has finally arrived!

With its ground shaking performance, unmistakable design cues and world-class ride and handling characteristics, the return of the iconic Dodge Challenger brings what pony car fanatics crave! Developed by Chrysler’s in-house performance engineering organization, the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 was engineered with a focus on the five pillars of every SRT vehicle: bold exterior design that resonates with the brand image, a race-inspired interior, world-class ride and handling across a dynamic range, a standout powertrain and benchmark braking.

For 2008, Dodge will be producing only 6,400 models in three distinct colors, HEMI Orange, Bright Silver Metallic and Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat. Each 2008 model will have the same SRT8 6.1L HEMI V8 with 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque that will propell the Challenger from 0-60 mph in the low 5-second range along with a 1/4 mile time of less than 14 seconds.

With an MSRP of $37,995, most (if not all) 2008 Challengers have already been accounted for by customers who put deposits down the first week they were able to. Currently, Chrysler has provided Franklin Sussex Auto Mall with three.

Here are a couple shots of Dodge’s latest muscle car!

Dodge just released a quick video teaser of the new 2008 Challenger. Check it out!