Reborn to Run #3: Scott Keeps it Moving on the East Coast

By Scott Vandekerckhove

East Coast Driver, Challenger USA Road Trip

(Here’s another awesome diary post from one of our drivers. Please take a minute to read the whole thing when you get a few minutes…it’s well worth the time. And for hundreds of great photos, check out the Flickr page by clicking here…)

I could have easily spent a week in Times Square alone with this car. The buzz in NYC was simply electric. But, as with all good things, they must come to an end. As the middle afternoon approached, it was time to head to Levittown, NY located on Long Island.

As I filled the car up with gas at a station near the Javits Center, I realized that a thick coat of dirt had gathered on the outside of my car. Priority number one was to get a bath for my Hemi Orange baby. Once in Levittown, I stopped at The East Coast Hand Car Wash for a deep clean.

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Two Last Chances: Challengers Still on Tour Until Saturday in Michigan

We hope you’re enjoying the diaries of our brave drivers as they relay the stories of the places they’ve been and the things they’ve seen.

But fair warning, you’ve only got a couple more chances to see these cars on the road and meet our drivers. And don’t forget to check out all the photos — literally HUNDREDS of awesome shots — at the Flickr page.

TONIGHT:

5 p.m. to dark

Jim’s Dairy Bar

1125 S. Miami Street (SR 48, next to the bowling alley)

West Milton, Ohio

and SATURDAY:

Frankenmuth Auto Fest 2008

Frankenmuth, Mich.

Midwest Update #3: Challenger USA Road Trip Continues

By Cheston Carson

Midwest Driver, Challenger USA Road Trip

(Here’s another update from the road…for the latest pictures, be sure to check out the Flickr page by clicking here…)

Tuesday, August 19 - I wake to find my Challenger cloaked in a sheath of dew from the evening. I load up my things and grab a bite to eat, then hit the road for Memphis. On my way into Memphis I’m starting to get excited to see and hear the sites and sounds of Beale St.

I get in mid-afternoon and make my way to the first cluster of police I can find. They drool over the Challenger and start asking questions. Clearly they are fans in just a few minutes, so I ask for special permission to take the car down Beale St. to get some choice photos. They gladly give me clearance and I make my way to Beale Street’s legendary clubs and pubs. The crowd is instantly drawn to my Hemi Orange friend. I pass out a few brochures and start taking pictures. I spend about two hours around the Memphis sites and make way for Graceland.

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Travels With Chally: West Coast Update #2

By Corey Martin

West Coast Driver, Challenger USA Road Trip

(This is another VERY LONG update from the road. Take a minute to check it out when you have time and follow Corey’s adventures. For an incredible bunch of photos from the trip, click here to go to the Flickr page.)

A Rant

I’d like to start off today by addressing two stereotypes regarding the L.A. driving experience. One of them is, unfortunately, true and the other is, unfortunately, false.

First: Traffic is bad in the greater Los Angeles area. Now I know I’ve already touched on this topic and I won’t waste your time with stating the obvious but, WHAT?! . . . I mean, . . .HOW?! I slipped the other day while driving with Brad as my shotgun camera hero, saying something to the effect that I would kill myself if I had to commute in this everyday. Brad, poor guy, has a 45-min commute . . . without traffic . . along the awful and predictably unpredictable I-405. Sorry Brad, I’m a jerk.

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Labor Day Weekend: USA Road Trip Schedule Update

Go out there and find a Challenger this weekend! Full schedule is after the jump…

WEST COAST

FRIDAY, Salem, Ore.

- 5:30 p.m. Cruise-In at Rock-N Rogers, 3235 Market Street NE, Salem, Ore.

SATURDAY, Seattle

- 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Muscle Cars for Kids, to benefit the Seattle Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center, 26015 104th Avenue, Kent, Washington.

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Midwest Update #2: Cheston and Challenger Charm Indiana, Illinois and Missouri

By Cheston Carson

Midwest Driver, Challenger USA Road Trip

(This another REALLY LONG post from our intrepid team of drivers criss-crossing these United States in the all-new Dodge Challenger. Take a minute to drink it all in when you have time…and for more pictures, with more added each day, click here to get to the Flickr page.)

Wednesday, August 13 — After a full day of driving I got into my South Bend hotel room around 10:30 at night. I’d parked the Dodge Challenger in the parking structure as to avoid any undesirable attention during the night. I dropped my bags in the room and immediately headed out to get something to eat … my stomach was churning because I’d forgotten to eat.

The good-size crowd at the pub across the street from the hotel indicated that the food must be good, so I bellied up to the bar and ordered a ham sandwich and a cup of coffee. Soon I was deep in conversation with Lindsay, the bartender. She introduced me to Ben, a writer for the local newspaper, Courtney, a waitress who resembled - and I kid you not - the Swiss Miss Cocoa girl with blonde pigtails, and “Big Daddy,” a pub regular.

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News Release: Chrysler to Explore Options for Viper

Here’s the latest haps for those in the Viper crowd…

PRESS RELEASE

Chrysler LLC to Explore Strategic Options for Viper Business

* Move part of Company’s focus on core business
* Goal is ensuring strong future for Viper
* Stand-alone strategic review unique to Viper

Auburn Hills, Mich., Aug 27, 2008 - Chrysler LLC announced today that it is preparing to explore strategic options for the Dodge Viper business. This strategic review comes as the Company focuses on enhancing its core business and leveraging its assets.

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Reborn to Run: East Coast Update #2

By Scott Vandekerckhove

East Coast Driver, Challenger USA Road Trip

(This is a REALLY LONG post from Scott taking us through the first 10 days or so of his tour down the East Coast…if you get a minute, read the whole thing. And if you’d like to see more pics, check them out here at the Flickr page by clicking right here.)

From this post: “While traveling down the Avenue of America, a NYC Police car briefly tempted me to a quick race. I sped up a bit to put him in his place as both cops smiled in delight.”

Straightenin’ The Hills And Flattenin’ Curves

I passed over a small bridge on my way into Vermont and snapped some beautiful pics. Little did Vermont know that it was about to become the Orange Mountain State.

In all my years on Earth, I had never been up this high on the East Coast, and I must say that this is by far the most gorgeous landscape I’ve ever laid eyes on. The roadside is surrounded by the most luscious green trees and the roads are as smooth as glass. This is where the Challenger belongs.

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Schedule Update: Challenger USA Road Trip

For the latest photos from the trip, check out the Flickr page by clicking here…

West Coast:

Tuesday - Ashland, Ore./Portland, Ore.

-Shakespearean Festival, Ashland
-Photo ops around Portland, Pioneer Courthouse, Rose Garden, Art Museum, Pearl District
-NW Hot Rod & Harley Nationals & Rock Festival, PG&E Park, Portland, Ore.

(click through for full schedule)
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Video Release: Consumer Reaction to the 2009 Dodge Ram

The embargo on driving impressions is gone! And now, a video from our friends at Chrysler Media Services and the Chrysler LLC “Voices” blog who went with us to the Ram Challenge in San Antonio…enjoy!