In 2010 Dodge put a hold on production of Vipers, but Dodge Viper Phoenix fans will be happy to know, they’re back and better than ever. Dodge announced earlier this year that they are releasing two new models:  the SRT Viper and SRT Viper GTS. Both models have features that clearly resemble the original ferocious Viper. But with new designers and engineers working together, the Viper has been reborn. 

The exterior body still remains modeled after snakes and the human body, with smooth curves, low stout, and upkicked tail but has been redesigned to be more aerodynamic. The use of premium materials, such as high-tech carbon fiber and aluminum, and new practical details, bring the Viper into the higher quality category of “supercar”.  Under the hood the 2013 Viper is powered by the shockingly powerful, all-aluminum pushrod V-10 engine that creates 640 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque. The new intake manifold runs off a high-performance computer-based simulation with Formula 1 aerodynamics and even features nuclear submarine performance to ensure a silent ride.

 A Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual is still standard and allows the car to be every bit as fast as previous models. New to the SRT Viper is a two-mode suspension system that features Bilstein DampTronic Select shocks, which are known to be extremely efficient on both the road and the track. Electronic stability control and launch-control system, with steering-wheel buttons, are both standard, and aid in allowing the car to have the fastest possible launch from a dead stop. The revised camshaft profile also works with Viper’s variable-valve timing for lower emissions and fuel consumption, while still providing power. The new model also features upgraded Brembo four-piston unit brakes, with fixed-aluminum calipers and vented rotors. A revised catalyst wash-coat process also enables a 20-percent overall increase in power output.

The interior has visibly significant changes, in comparison to previous models. Both 2013 models will feature high-performance racing seats, special upholsteries, trims, and accents. Chrysler has also guaranteed that anyone up to 6’-7” will be able to fit comfortably in the car, with the addition of an extended floor pan and bulkhead. Sitting in the driver seat there is also added convenience features such as the customizable gauge cluster, infotainment unit with Uconnect media center, integrated SiriusXM Travel Link, and 18-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system. With all of these added features the new Viper still weighs 100 pounds less than the older model.

The 2013 SRT Viper and SRT Viper GTS are guaranteed to keep both track and street drivers happy with performance, speed, convenience, and a new quality standard. Chapman Las Vegas Dodge and Dodge Arizona dealerships will have the car available for test drive in fall 2012.

Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, a major sponsor of the 2011 Las Vegas Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, recently presented Jason Kingman with a cash prize for his winning entry into a drawing for the use of a Dodge Caliber for a year.

“Since we already have a Chrysler Town & Country that we love and purchased from Chapman, we opted for a cash award,” Kingman said. “With three kids under 6 years old at home, my wife and I agreed this is a fantastic way for us to start 2012!”

Kingman was at the Las Vegas Dodge dealership to pick up his vehicle and entered his name in the contest on a lark. General Manager Don Hamrick picked Kingman’s name out of the tumbler live on KLAS TV-8 just minutes before the start of the race. Days later, a friend of Kingman’s mentioned to him they heard his name selected and he contacted the Chapman dealership shortly afterwards.

“Chapman is happy to award this winning check to Jason as part of our sponsorship of this huge marathon,” Hamrick said. “We knew the race was going to be something special as it was the first one run at night. As it turned out, it was the biggest Las Vegas Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon yet and we wanted our giveaway to match.”

Locals received a discount for signing up early at Chapman to run in the marathon. As they did, runners and car shoppers were encouraged to sign up for the dealership’s Dodge Caliber promotion.

Dodge is a national sponsor of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon series.

Locally, several Chapman employees participated in the December race. One employee, Karen Baldwin, completed five of these marathons in 2011.

Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep and Chapman Chrysler Jeep are both offering a year free of payments for anyone who purchases a new vehicle from them during the month of January; the first payment will not be due until January 2013. See either dealership for details.

Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep sells and services new and used vehicles and is located at 3175 E. Sahara Ave. at Mojave Road. Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep can be reached at 800-NewDodge and www.VegasDCJ.com.

In addition to Chapman Dodge, Chapman Chrysler Jeep sells and services the complete line of Chrysler and Jeep vehicles. Located in the Valley Automall in Henderson, Chapman Chrysler Jeep can be reached at 888-207-1687 or online at www.ChapmanChryslerJeep.com.

New Eight Speed Transmission Introduced by Chrysler

• Chrysler Group LLC is first domestic automaker to offer new eight-speed automatic transmission
• New eight-speed transmission coupled to award-winning Pentastar V-6 will offer double-digit increase in fuel economy
• New 845RE eight-speed transmission will be offered initially in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive models of V-6 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger
• Lower gear spread of transmission ensures low engine operation for better fuel economy

The first eight-speed automatic transmission in a domestically produced automobile will mark its debut on both the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger for 2012.

The new eight-speed automatic, introduced and licensed through ZF and often found on high-end luxury cars including Audi, Bentley, BMW, Range Rover and Rolls Royce, will be available on selected models of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. Initially, the transmission will be mated exclusively to the award-winning 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar engine that was introduced last year.

The result is a four mile-per-gallon increase that pushes highway fuel economy to an EPA-rated 31 mpg for the 2012 Chrysler 300 and 2012 Dodge Charger – up from 27 mpg highway over last year’s model.

The transmission efficiency and wide ratio spread also provide the best possible fuel economy in city traffic. Fuel economy for both models is 19 mpg on the EPA city cycle – an increase of five percent over last year’s five speed automatic. With eight speeds, driving at a lower rpm in both city and highway environments also effectively helps reduce emissions by nearly 11 percent on both vehicles.

Compact and lightweight, the new transmission required no structural changes to either vehicle and despite the addition of more gears, the transmission actually weighs just 3kg more than the outgoing five speed automatic transmission.

Chrysler says the combination of the new transmission and the 292-horsepower engine drive the cars from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds.

 Two Las Vegas car dealerships are helping to find a solution for consumers who are affected by tough economic times. Chapman Las Vegas Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram and Chapman Chrysler Jeep are both offering in-house financing on affordable vehicles in order to assist buyers who otherwise would have been turned away because of financial constraints.

“In the recent economic downtown, people lost their cars to repossession because of job loss or other unfortunate events. As the economy rebounds, citizens find themselves taking jobs that are not as financially rewarding. Our goal at Chapman Las Vegas Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram is to help good people in less than ideal situations,” said Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram General Manager Don Hamrick.

For many people, purchasing a reliable commuter vehicle may be out of reach because of unfortunate events such as job loss, divorce, and bankruptcy that tarnish credit reports and ratings.  Getting a second chance after coming out of a credit crisis can often seem out of reach or impossible.

The in-house finance teams at the Chapman Las Vegas dealerships work with employed candidates who make at least $350 a week. The goal is to provide affordable, reliable transportation to ensure that customers are able to travel to and from work and provide for themselves and their families.

Since the onsite financing program began in February 2011, Chapman dealerships have assisted over 300 residents with purchasing used cars in Las Vegas and its surrounding communities.

 “Our in-house financing program is far more flexible compared to a bank or lending company. We’re not looking for people with perfect credit. We’re reaching out to people who have a steady job and are making an effort to rebuild their lives and their credit.  Since the program was instituted, Chapman has become the number one dealer in loan generation.  It’s been very well received in the Las Vegas community,” said Hamrick.

Another key to the success of the program is the product that Chapman offers its customers. While competing dealerships may offer similar financing programs, their used car inventory pales in comparison to Chapman’s, both in terms of selection and size.

“Oftentimes young families inquire about the program. A standard two door car will not do for a family looking to get back on their feet. The selection of eligible vehicles at Chapman Dodge includes various makes and models including cars, trucks, and SUVs all ranging in price from $2,195 to $16, 000,” said Hamrick.

 Chapman is committed to offering funding for the in-house financing program for as long as the public demands it.  Hamrick anticipates that it will last for a year or more. To find more information regarding Chapman’s in-house financing program, answer a short online questionnaire or visit Chapman Las Vegas Dodge or Chapman Chrysler Jeep Henderson.

Whether riding with the top off or traversing through mud-drenched canyons, nothing is cooler than cranking up the sound in your Jeep® Wrangler. We know that, and so does multi-platinum recording artist/actor Lenny Kravitz. For this very reason, Jeep and Chapman Las Vegas Dodge Chrysler Jeep saw an opportunity to put you in the passenger seat with Lenny on the action-adventure ride of the summer. And as the soundtrack to this front seat ride is the song, “Rock Star City Life” from his new album “Black and White America.” And as usual, you have to get into the driver’s seat to experience it first-hand, because when driving a 2011 Jeep Wrangler, adventure is never ordinary.

Standing out from the luxury crowd with a notable presence just got easier for owners of the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300. Mopar, Chrysler Group’s service, parts and customer-care brand, will offer eight new custom grilles and six new wheel designs for Chrysler’s flagship sedan.

“Mopar is offering a full menu of grilles and wheels for those looking to customize and personalize their all-new Chrysler 300,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC. “By itself, the Chrysler 300 makes a statement. Our grilles and wheels provide exclamation points. And unlike other aftermarket offerings, our grilles are specifically tested for aero, cooling and thermal, and our wheels are specifically designed and tested for durability and impact.”

Each grille is designed by Chrysler and provides an exact factory fit and finish. The selection includes a 13-bar grille and a diamond-pattern grille, both constructed of billet aluminum. Both grilles are chrome-plated and polished to a high luster. The 13-bar grille features narrow horizontal, 5mm blades patterned within the traditional Chrysler 300 grille shape that first defined the model more than 55 years ago. The diamond-pattern grille features 154 individual diamond shapes and has a high-chrome polish.

Harkening back to traditional sports cars, the new Mopar grille selection also includes three wire-mesh grilles constructed of 2mm steel wire set in a small-hatch diamond pattern. Mesh grilles will be available in Platinum Chrome, Gloss Black and Bright Chrome finishes.

For a bit more subtlety, two versions of the production grille will also be offered with new finishes. Both bright chrome and black chrome grilles are available.

Mopar will also offer a traditional, heritage type egg-grate grille reminiscent of the grille of the 1955 Chrysler 300, the first in a Chrysler 300 letter-car series. All of Mopar’s custom grilles are inserts and easily fit within the original grille-surround with no modifications required. Grilles may be ordered and installed on all new 2011 Chrysler 300 models and carry a 3-year 36,000 mile warranty when purchased with the vehicle.

In addition to grilles, Mopar will also offer six new customized wheel packages for the Chrysler 300. Wheels are available in 18-inch, 19-inch and 20-inch diameters and include an array of finishes.

Included are two different wheels measuring 20-inch x 8-inch with a 10-spoke design that are constructed of forged aluminum. Finishes include Satin Carbon and painted Gloss Black. A traditional five-spoke design, measuring 20-inch x 8-inch clad in Black Chrome will also be available.

On Chrysler 300 models that are equipped with all-wheel drive, a specific 19-inch, eight-spoke, cast-aluminum design is painted in a Satin Carbon finish.

Two five-spoke 18-inch Rallye Wheels will also be offered. Constructed of cast aluminum, the highly polished version includes black pockets and a polished lip and machined spokes. The 18-inch wheel also is offered in a Gloss Black finish. Both finishes are designed to offer durable, corrosion resistant protection.

For additional information, contact Chapman Las Vegas Dodge Chrysler Jeep for date availability and pricing information on all Mopar accessories.

2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Mojave

The Wrangler Mojave is due to arrive in June, and has a MSRP of $29,195. For more details, read on: 

• New 2011 Jeep® Wrangler Mojave pays tribute to renowned, rugged Mojave Trail.
• Wrangler Mojave follows successful “Islander,” “Mountain” and “Call of Duty®: Black Ops Edition” models
• Exterior features include a body-color hardtop and fender flares, “Mojave” and lizard decals on the hood and rear, and the Sahara model’s side steps
• Available in Sahara Tan, Bright White and Black
• An aggressive Wrangler Rubicon tire and wheel package, with mineral gray 17-inch wheels shod with 32-inch tires
• Wrangler Mojave’s seats are dark saddle leather with a lizard logo embossed on the front seats
• Unique driftwood surrounds the vents, front-passenger grab handle, steering-wheel spokes and door-handle inserts
• Mopar® tread pattern slush mats and overhead grab handles complete the Mojave package

 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Jeep brand President/CEO Mike Manley called the Grand Cherokee SRT8 the “ultimate performance SUV,” and that, “Flat out, it’s the most powerful, technologically-advanced, high-performance Jeep vehicle ever.” Due to arrive in dealer showrooms during the third quarter 2011, no MSRP has been yet announced.

Owners of any Chrysler Group SRT vehicle receive one day of professional driving instruction from the Richard Petty Racing School as part of the SRT Track Experience, designed to maximize their driving knowledge and skills on the street or track. Sessions are conducted throughout the year at selected tracks.

We have a few details on the Grand Cherokee SRT8 below.

• 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds; quarter mile in mid-13 second range; top speed of 155 mph; 60-0 mph braking in 116 feet
• All-new 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 that delivers an estimated 465 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque
• Best handling Jeep vehicle ever features advanced new adaptive damping suspension managed by new Selec-Track system, delivering up to .90 g on the skid pad
• New active valve exhaust system allows standard Fuel Saver Technology to engage over a wider rpm range for an estimated 13% improvement in highway fuel efficiency and 450-mile range on one tank of gas
• Trailer tow rating of 5,000 lbs
• Available 825-watt, 19-speaker premium SRT performance audio surround-sound system from Harman Kardon® that includes a 10-inch subwoofer for the ultimate in sound quality
• A wide variety of easy-to-use infotainment options are available with features that provide customers with seamless integration of consumer electronics, delivering drivers and passengers the conveniences of home and office

For more information about the 2011 Jeep® Wrangler Mojave and the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, please call 1.888.207.1749 or stop by Chapman Las Vegas Dodge Chrysler Jeep at 3175 East Sahara Las Vegas, NV 89104.  

The 2013 Dodge Viper is still a ways off but SRT engineers have been busy making improvements to the iconic legendary super car. Last month when it was still a “Winter Wonderland” in Michigan, the bloggers at Red Letter Dodge caught the guys doing a little white powder drifting on a 2010 test mule. That’s where Dodge’s gear heads are fine-tuning the new stability control that will be on the next generation model.

Even though the Dodge Viper never lost its crown as the ultimate American-built sports car, the bar has now been raised. For our competition out there, consider this your first warning!

The action-packed Fast Five movie will make its theater debut in just a few weeks and Chapman Las Vegas Dodge Chrysler Jeep wants to take you for an exclusive behind-the-scenes thrill ride. You’ll get to see an insider look as Vin Diesel and Paul Walker tear up the streets of Rio de Janeiro in their HEMI®-powered Chargers, including the two specially prepared matte black Chargers for the movie’s climax scene. Check out the video to get a firsthand look at the full lineup of stunt vehicles and how the film makers captured all the adrenaline-filled, nail-biting action.

Now that we have your attention, head over to www.Dodge.com/FastFive to get all the behind the scenes action, learn more about the movie and cars and check out the 2011 Dodge Charger. As if that was not enough to get your heart pounding, the site also features an exclusive sweepstakes to win one of five custom Fast Five Edition 2011 Charger R/Ts . Good luck and don’t forget to catch the movie in theaters nationally April 29th.

Among other upgrades, the 2011 Durango boasts 22 different seating configurations which can accommodate seven passengers in three rows of seats in a 2+3+2 layout. Available safety and security technologies include Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control and Keyless Enter-n’ Go.

Flashy chrome details and a sleek exterior design entices the buyer. But, for those looking for power this is where the Dodge Durango really shines; engine options for the 2011 Durango include a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 or a 5.7-liter HEMI (with multi-displacement mode and four-cylinder mode). The engines will be able to tow 6,200 lbs and 7,400 lbs respectively.

The best part is, drivers will get all of the all-new Durango’s capability, functionality and flexibility and still get excellent fuel efficiency. In fact, drivers can go more than 500 miles, that’s about the distance from Las Vegas to Carson City or from Las Vegas to Sacramento, without having to stop for fuel. To test drive the all-new Dodge Durango visit us in Las Vegas at Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep.

The all-new Chrysler 200 was also redesigned for 2011. Formerly known as the Sebring, this expertly crafted and elegant sedan offers a number of exterior and sheet metal upgrades which include: front and rear fascias and fenders, grille featuring the new Chrysler brand winged badge, hood, rear decklid and exterior mirrors, new projector headlamps and fog lamps, new LED taillamps and a LED center high-mounted stop light.

Drivers who are not looking to sacrifice substance should note that the Chrysler 200 boasts a new powertrain lineup featuring the 2.4-liter I-4 World Gas Engine mated to either a four-speed or six-speed automatic transaxle, or the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transaxle. Each provides an improved ride and handling tuning.

The inside of the vehicle was redesigned to provide a quality, comfortable driving space. Updates include a new instrument panel, bezels and gauge face, upgraded seats with a new design that incorporates more cushion material and revised spring geometry as well as new leather and cloth seating materials, new “soft touch” armrests and dash, and new heating and cooling outlets in the instrument panel with improved design and functionality.

To test drive the all-new Chrysler 200 visit us in Las Vegas at Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep.