GMC, Dodge Make News at MAMA Road America Event
Posted by:
Mark Bilek
GMC and Dodge introduced two new products last week at the Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. GMC introduced the 2015 Sierra All Terrain HD and Dodge took the wraps off the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT with the Hellcat engine.
First up was the All Terrain HD, which made its debut during the track-day lunch. GMC Director of Marketing and Advertising, Rick Latek, addressed the more than 100 media in attendance.
(Image courtesy of Nina Russian at www.carspondent.com.)
"The new 2015 GMC Sierra HD lineup helps customers tackle tough jobs more comfortably, and with the new All Terrain HD, they can do it with greater style," said Latek. "Equally comfortable whether it's a night on the town or traversing a remote job site, it has all the capability that customers demand from a GMC heavy-duty truck on the job."
According to GMC, the Sierra All Terrain HD is a refined, off-road-inspired execution of the brand's capability that blends exclusive design features with the versatility of 4WD. Available in 2500HD and 3500HD double cab and crew cab models in SLE or SLT trims -- all with 4WD that features an electronically controlled transfer case. Also included is the Z71 Off Road package, with Rancho twin-tube shocks, hill descent control and a skid plate. Sierra HD's 6.0-liter V8 engine is standard and the Duramax turbo-diesel is available.
The All Terrain's exclusive features include a chrome surround on the grille, exterior graphics, aluminum underbody shields and unique 18-inch six-spoke chrome cast-aluminum wheels. Twenty-inch chrome aluminum wheels are available on 2500HD, while 3500HD models also include adjustable outside camper mirrors with a chrome cap.
Additional exterior content includes light-emitting diode signature headlamps, body-color or chrome bumpers, chrome mirrors covers and body side moldings and chrome front-lower bumper plate. Inside, a carbon fiber-inspired theme distinguishes the All Terrain from other models and includes an All Terrain logo on the instrument cluster. A rearview camera system also is standard.
Sierra All Terrain HD goes on sale this summer.
Next up was the Dodge Challenger SRT "Hellcat," which was intro-ed at the day-two breakfast. According to Tim Kuniskis, president and CEO of the Dodge brand, the SRT with the Hellcat engine is the most powerful Challenger ever.
"The new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is the ultimate performance muscle car," said Kuniskis, "Dodge is the Mainstream Performance brand, and now combined with SRT, we are able to unleash a true GT car with an all-new driver-focused interior and TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission combined with the most powerful V8 Chrysler has ever produced. The Challenger Hellcat has been released!"
Challenger SRT with a Hellcat engine is propelled by the new supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8. Its 600-plus horsepower rating will be the highest of any V8 engine in Chrysler Group's celebrated history. The engine can be mated with an upgraded six-speed manual transmission or a new TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic.
The engine will be so powerful that Dodge will offer the car with two keyfobs -- red and black. The red key fob is the only key that can unlock the full horsepower and torque potential of the Challenger SRT Hellcat engine; while the black key fob limits the driver to a reduced engine output.
Standard "Slingshot" split-seven spoke 20 x 9.5-inch, lightweight forged-aluminum wheels are shod with P275/40ZR20 Pirelli P Zero Nero tires. Brakes feature all-new 390-mm (15.4-inch) Brembo two-piece rotors with six-piston designed for heat management/thermal capacity and longevity.
Exterior styling includes new fascia and vertical-split grille topped with a larger, power-bulge aluminum hood that features a dedicated "cold-air" intake and dual air extractors to ensure effective removal of heat and reduced air turbulence in the engine compartment. Another key design element on the Challenger SRT Hellcat is the exclusive Air Catcher inlet port, which feeds ram-air directly into the engine air box through the driver-side parking lamp.
Out back, the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT recalls the historic 1971 model's styling with a new split tail-lamp design and rear fascia. The tail lamps feature the new signature LED graphic with its smooth glow of light that can be seen from blocks away.
Sales are scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2014.
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