By Rob Einaudi

Editor-in-Chief

The top ranked Cordoba on CarDomain is gone, but it went out in style. Be sure to read the full story (including an article in Grassroots Motorsports) and watch the video on KriderRacing38′s ride page.

Oh, and is Natty Light the official beer of CarDomain or what? Exibit A. Exibit B.

By Mike Musto

RideLust.com

The title of this blog should pretty much sum up Dodge’s Caliber SRT-4. I’ve been driving this little bugger for 4 days now and although it’s not a bad car, it’s not overly wonderful either. The SRT-4 is Dodge’s answer to cars like the Honda Civic Si, Mitsubishi Lancer, and Subaru WRX. A domestic import of sorts, the SRT-4 is the kind of car you may buy when you’re in your early 20′s, as this is the image that the car projects. Is the car quick? Yes, it actually is–with 285hp under the lid, 0-60 in about 6.3 seconds, and a top speed of 155 mph, the little Dodge is able to hold its own with the imports.

Continue reading "It's Quick, Expensive, and Made of Plastic" »

By Mike Musto

RideLust.com

So far I’ve driven most of the big guns in Chrysler’s SRT arsenal, but now they’ve surprised me with a little pocket rocket: The Caliber SRT-4. Check the blog early next week for a full review.

By Mike Musto

RideLust.com

Through the years, I’ve driven all manner of Jeep. From the old 80′s Cherokee Chiefs and Wagoneers to the 90′s Sports and Wranglers to the new generation of Liberties and Patriots–I’ve put down a lot of miles in these things, and why not? They’re great vehicles. Hell, my brother has a 1999 Wrangler 5-speed with 152k on the clock and the thing has never missed a beat.

As you know, in the past few weeks I’ve sampled a few of Chrysler’s new hot rods like the Challenger R/T and SRT-8. So when they asked me if I would like to give the new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 a try, there was no argument on my end. It rolled up to my driveway just as you see here–a big silver box with chrome wheels and a body kit. Hmmm, not really my cup of tea, but what the hell, it’s my job, so I grabbed the little key fob thingy and hit the road.

Continue reading "Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8: One Fast Box" »

By Mike Musto

RideLust.com

Yep, that’s right! This weekend I am rolling with another one of Chrysler’s big guns–this time, a Jeep Cherokee SRT-8. And let me say that right out of the box, this is one fast 4X4. Tune in early next week for a full review!

By Mike Musto

RideLust.com

These past two weekends have been pretty damn good. You see, last weekend I was given a 2009 Challenger R/T to review, and this weekend I got hold of its bigger, burlier brother, the SRT-8. If you read my review on the R/T you’ll know that I loved that car. It’s a big, brash, in-your-face kinda ride that is simply a riot to drive. The ride, interior room and sheer presence of the car garners looks and respect and makes one feel like they’re 18 again. I did however have a few little gripes about the R/T and even made some comments that I (dare I say it) must retract…

The main differences between the R/T and SRT are the brakes, the suspension, and of course the SRT’s 6.1L HEMI that pumps out 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft of torque–that’s 50 hp more than the R/T. Now, is the extra muscle, bigger binders, and ride worth the extra coin? Well… yes and no. And let me tell you why.

Continue reading "Challenger SRT-8: The R/Ts Big Brother." »

By Mike Musto

RideLust.com

Big cars—I love ‘em! In fact, both my personal cars are over 18 feet long, which may be why I was so attracted to the new Dodge Challenger. When you first see the car in person you come to realize that this sucker is HUGE! Seriously, it’s a big boy.

I received the car on Friday morning, which was great because I had the whole weekend to really play with it and put it through its paces. This particular example was a dark blue ’09 R/T six speed, and it was loaded with every option. Navigation—check! Sunroof—check! Heated leather seats—check! 376 HP—DOUBLE CHECK!

Now, I am generally pretty critical about most cars, but you know what? I REALLY like this thing, and here’s why: it doesn’t pretend to be anything it isn’t, which simply means it’s a muscle car. Big, brash, ballsy and in your face. It makes all the right noises and stirs up all the right emotions when you hit that start button. The tried and true 5.7 liter Hemi burbles to life with a great sounding exhaust note, and lets the driver know they started something that was meant to get them into trouble. Tap the go pedal and the noise only gets better.

There is a lot to say about this thing, so I think I’m going to break it down by category. Again, this is generally not my style, but like I said, I like this car so it deserves to get the full treatment.

Continue reading after the jump!

Continue reading "Mr. Angry Reviews the 2009 Challenger R/T" »