New Ram Brand gets Dodge's Horns Logo, Dodge Adopts SRT-Like Twin-Red Slash

Late last year, Chrysler LLC split Dodge's lineup into two different brands, one for the firm's passenger vehicles, and the other comprised of the Ram truck models. Now it's time for the Detroit automaker to separate the brand's identities with a different logo for each brand.

As you can see in these official pictures, the Ram brand gets to keep Dodge's well-known horn logo while Dodge, which will be positioned as a sporty and youth-orientated passenger car maker, adopts a new insignia featuring two red slashes that's inspired by the Chrysler Group's SRT performance brand.

"It signifies our sporty character. Most SRTs are Dodges," says Dodge CEO Ralph Gilles. "On vehicles, the Dodge name will stand by itself in a new script that will appear prominently but without the red slashes."

Dodge plans to gradually phase out the horn logo from its current lineup. The first Dodge models to get the new Insignia will be this year's 2011 Charger sport sedan and a 7-seater replacement to the Durango based on the new Jeep Grand Cherokee (see official drawings here).

Via: Chrysler and Automotive News

Dodge Challenger: 40 Years in Pictures

Challenger turns 40-ish this year. Well, actually, it's like a 40-year range over which the Challenger name was used a few times and to celebrate, Chrysler has given a photo-run-through of the model's rich history.

Over the course of its first generation, ranging from 1970-74, the Challenger was offered with an inline six-cylinder and many choices of V8. The 8-cylinder options ranged from a 318 cubic inch unit making 230 horsepower to the 425-horse 426 Hemi and 390-horse 440 (output numbers dipped consistently as the oil crisis developed).

A major difference between the original and current Charger is that a convertible isn't currently offered. After the '74 model year Challenger production stopped, with around 188,000 units sold.

The second-generation Challenger arrived in 1978. Unlike the original E-body Barracuda twin, this model was based on a Mitsubishi and came with a 77-horsepower 1.6 liter inline-four or an optional 105-horsepower 2.6 liter I4.

Finally, the third generation (or attempt) at selling a Dodge challenger is upon us. Debuting in 2006 as a concept, it hit the streets as a 2008 model.

True to the original, this Challenger is available with a six-cylinder or optional V8s, loud colors, and a ton of factory accessories. Unlike the original T/A top-end model, though, we get the SRT with a 425-horsepower 6.1 liter Hemi.

By Phil Alex