President/Publisher Mark Dvornik National Sales Director Rick Castillo MAGAZINE Published by Willow Avenue Studios
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Creative Director Chad Kirby Video Director Jen Persons Editorial Director Jamie Jacobs Video Editor Ian Mcalee Contributing Writers Mark Dvornik Rick D’Louhy Rick Castillo Jen Persons Christopher Thibaut Contributing Photographers Rick Castillo Grace Dvornik Jen Persons Jamie Jacobs Christopher Thibaut All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission. Tailfins & Chrome is published in the U.S.A 6 times per year by Willow Avenue Studios, Inc.. For subscription or advertising rates, call 877-700-3468 or write to Tailfins & Chrome, PO Box 1058, Lutz, FL 33548. Tailfins & Chrome makes no representation or warranty for accuracy or content. The pictures of automobiles for sale and the written offer for sale are the responsibility of the individual advertiser. All photos become property of Tailfins & Chrome when printed unless otherwise agreed to by the publisher.
MAGAZINE
contents 12 CORVETTE 427 CONV.
Marking 60 Years of Performance
20 ICONS
Shelby American GT350 & Super Snake
26 STUDIE
1949 Studebaker Starlight coupe
32 AUCTIONS AMERICA 36 COVER STORY
An American old timer made in Germany
44 DAYTONA DREAM CRUISE 48 FUTURE CLASSIC 2012 Charger Blacktop
Corvette
427
Convertible
Marking 60 Years of Performance
Chevrolet has unveiled the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition – the fastest, most capable convertible in Corvette’s history – as well as a 60th Anniversary Package that will be available on all 2013 Corvette models.
“The 2013 model year will be historic for Corvette, marking its 60th Anniversary and the final year for the current ‘C6’ generation,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Global Marketing and Strategy for Chevrolet. “We couldn’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate these milestones than bringing back one of the mostcoveted combinations in the brand’s history – the Corvette convertible and a 427 cubic-inch engine.” The 60th Anniversary Package and
427 Convertible will make their public debut at the Barrett Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Jan 21, and will arrive at U.S. Chevrolet dealers early this summer. The Corvette 427 Convertible blends elements of the Z06 and ZR1 models to create the fastest and most-capable convertible in Corvette’s history. Its heart is the 427-cubic-inch (7.0L) LS7 engine from the Corvette Z06.
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Rated at 505 horsepower (377 kW) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm), it is the most powerful engine ever installed in a production Corvette convertible – and, like the Z06, the 427 Convertible is only available with a six-speed manual transmission. The LS7 was co-developed with the Corvette Le Mans-winning GT1 engine and features lightweight titanium connecting rods and intake valves, as well as racing-inspired high-flow cylinder heads and a dry-sump oiling system. It is assembled by hand at GM’s Performance Build Center, where customers who purchase the 427 Convertible Collector Edition can purchase the Corvette Build Experience option and assemble the engine that will power their new car. Supporting performance elements in the Corvette 427 Convertible include the driveline and rear axle system from the Corvette Z06, a rear-mounted battery and standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control. The standard 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels are wrapped in ZR1-style Michelin PS2 tires. Lightweight machine-face Cup wheels – introduced on the 2012 Corvette Z06 with Z07 and Corvette ZR1 with PDE performance packages – come standard and include unique gray-painted pockets. Black Cup wheels or chrome ZR1-style wheels are also available.
The 427 Convertible also features several carbonfiber components that help reduce weight, including: • • • •
Carbon fiber raised hood (introduced on the 2011 Z06 Carbon Edition) Carbon fiber Z06-style fenders Carbon fiber floor panels The “CFZ” carbon fiber front splitter and rocker panels are optional on the 427 Convertible, and included with the 60th Anniversary package
The weight reduction brings the 427 Convertible’s curb weight to 3,355 pounds (1,522 kg). Combined with its 505-horsepower LS7 engine, it gives the 427 Convertible a power-to-weight ratio of 6.64 – or one horsepower for every 6.64 pounds of vehicle mass. That’s better than: • • • •
Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet – 6.90 Audi R8 5.2 RSI Spyder – 7.58 Aston Martin DBS Volante Convertible – 7.82 Ferrari California Convertible – 8.31
The combination of low mass and high output will make the 427 Convertible one of the fastest convertibles in the world, delivering estimated 0-60 performance of 3.8 seconds, quarter-mile performance of 11.8 seconds, lateral acceleration of 1.04 g and a top speed of more than 190 mph.
The 427 Convertible is available in 2LT, 3LT and 4LT trim levels and will carry a unique vehicle identification number sequence, similar to the Corvette ZR1. All 2013 Corvette models, including the 427 Convertible, will be available with a 60th Anniversary Package, featuring an Arctic White exterior with a Blue Diamond leatherwrapped interior with suede accents. Convertible models will have a blue top. Additional content includes a ZR1-style rear spoiler, special badging, gray-painted brake calipers and the “60th” logo on the wheel center caps, steering wheel and seat headrests. An optional graphics package adds full-length racing stripes in Pearl Silver Blue, including a tonal stripe stitched into the convertible top, extending the graphic theme over the roof. For 2013, all Corvettes will feature 60th Anniversary badges on the fascias and the “waterfall” panel on convertible models, as well as 60th logos in the instrument panel gauge cluster and on the sill plates. The first Corvette 427 Convertible offered to the public will go to the highest bidder at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale collector car auction, on Saturday, Jan. 21. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Drive to End Hunger food relief program. Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports are teaming up for the auction, including Hendrick team driver and four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jeff Gordon. Team owner Rick Hendrick helped launch the Drive to End Hunger program with AARP and the AARP Foundation.
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“
The 2013 model year will be historic for Corvette, marking its 60th Anniversary and the final year for the current ‘C6’ generation...
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The Drive to End Hunger is part of a multiyear sponsorship for Gordon’s No. 24 Chevrolet. It calls on racing fans, corporations and charitable organizations to raise money, build awareness, and engage Americans who face the threat of hunger. Early 427-powered Corvettes, particularly convertibles, offered from 1966 to 1969 are some of the most-coveted and collectable Corvettes ever produced. The first 427-powered Corvette rolled off the assembly line for the 1966 model year. Two performance levels of the 427 were initially offered – an “L30” version rated at 390 horsepower and the “L72,” which cranked out 425 horsepower. Both were rated at 460 lb-ft. of torque. The range of 427 engines grew in 1967, with the addition of the “L71” and “L88” options. The L71 added a unique triple-carburetor induction system that helped boost output to 435 horsepower. Known to collectors as “427/435” cars, these ’67 models – especially the convertibles – are especially sought-after collector cars. The “L88” delivered 430-horsepower (with a single four-barrel carburetor) thanks to racing-tuned aluminum heads. Intended for customers who would immediately transform their new Corvette into a race car, the L88 was installed in just 216 production Corvettes between 1967 and 1969. In 1969, a special “L89” 427 engine combined the L71’s induction system with the L88’s
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aluminum heads, offering maximum horsepower with an approximately 100-pound weight advantage over the standard iron heads. Also in 1969, Chevrolet built two “ZL1” 427 Corvette coupes. The ZL1 engine was essentially an all-aluminum version of the L88, with the aluminum cylinder block and heads offering a tremendous weight advantage for racing. More of the engines were sold as crate engines to racers. By 1970, the big-block engine grew to 454 cubic inches, just as the trend in high-compression, high-performance engines was beginning to wane. The four-year run of 427 Corvettes was already established as the golden era of performance Rare and low-production examples of the Corvette have been around since its 1953 introduction, but Chevrolet didn’t begin building commemorative models until 1978, when the 25th Anniversary model – also known as the Silver Anniversary Corvette – was offered. The Corvette was in its third generation then and at the close of that epoch in 1982, a Collectors Edition was offered, as well. Those special models launched what has become a tradition for the Chevrolet Corvette, which has offered milestone anniversary and generational collector-edition models ever since. The 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible represents the first time a Collector Edition and Anniversary Edition are being offered in the same year – and available on the same car.
ICONS Celebrating 50 Years of American Performance
To honor its 50th anniversary, Shelby American™ is unleashing a new line of Anniversary Edition Shelby GTS, GT350® and Super Snake® vehicles. Only 50 white and 50 black of each post title Shelby model will be manufactured, making it an instant collector’s item and an iconic piece of automotive history. “Few thought that Shelby American would make it in the car business for 50 years,” said Carroll Shelby. “We built the first Cobra in a rented garage and then GT350’s in an old hanger. But our company is still here, manufacturing the best cars that I’ve ever made. The next 50 years will
be even better for Shelby American.” The Shelby American name is synonymous with high performance worldwide. Over the past five decades, the company has relentlessly pushed the envelope with a string of superior vehicles and parts.
“Our golden anniversary is a remarkable milestone worthy of this limited edition line of Shelby vehicles,” said John Luft, president of Shelby American. “On the heels of the unprecedented sellout of our 50th Anniversary Edition Cobra 289, we expect demand for these new Shelby’s to be strong.” Only 50 white and 50 black 50th Anniversary Edition cars are available; each will boast gold stripes to signify the golden anniversary. In addition, each Shelby comes with commemorative 50th anniversary badging, custom interiors, special wheels,
6 piston front brakes, car cover and a unique VIN number that will be entered into the official registry. A special museum delivery ceremony at the Shelby factory in Las Vegas is also included in the package, as well as exclusive collector merchandise. The most powerful Shelby built yet, the GT500 Super Snake is available in 650, 750 or 800 horsepower configuration as a coupe or convertible. Based on the Ford Shelby GT500, the car is enhanced at the Shelby American facility with more powerful brakes, better handling and updated styling cues to match the higher horsepower motor. The 50 white and 50 black anniversary edition cars will carry gold stripes, a first and one-year only option for the Shelby. The anniversary package begins at $59,995, not including base car.
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In 2010, Shelby American returned the storied GT350 name plate to the road. Based on the Ford Mustang 5.0 GT, the car is turned into a high performance muscle car by the Shelby American team. From the LeMans style racing stripes to the 430, 525 or 624 horsepower engine, big brakes and razor sharp suspension, this Shelby is a worthy descendent of the pony car that cemented the Shelby legend. The car is available as a coupe or convertible with the supercharged engine only with a manual transmission, while an automatic is available with the normally aspirated 430 horsepower engine. Previously only offered in red, white or blue, the black version with gold stripes is a one-year anniversary exclusive option. The post title package begins at $59,995, not including the base Ford 5.0 Mustang GT. The Shelby GTS post title package can be based on either the V6 or 5.0 Ford Mustang. Starting at only $19,995 for the V6 post-title package ($24,995 for the V8), the Shelby features upgraded brakes, suspension, tune and appearance. Many options are available for the GTS, including superchargers to boost performance. “From the 800 horsepower Shelby Super Snake to the agile GT350 and nimble GTS, each 50th anniversary Shelby is built to run,” noted Luft. “A fifty-year anniversary only comes around once in life. These limited edition Shelbys will mark that milestone for a select few who have a chance to own a piece of history.”
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Studie B
ernard Mc Elwain of Ruskin, Florida has been a Hot Rodder all of his adult life. Seven and a half years ago he found his latest project, a 1949 Studebaker Starlight coupe. After completely stripping the body from the original frame, he started the process of realizing his dreams. Bernard did all the metal work himself, with the true craftsmanship that is hard to find these days. 26
Text and Photos by Christopher Thibaut Bernard ordered an Art Morrison frame and front end and installed a 454 Chevy, with early 427 aluminum heads. This was topped off with an Edlebrock Intake Manifold sporting a 750 Holley, Mallory Ignition and custom made headers. This was coupled to a GM 350 tranny with a 1900 stall, feeding to a Frankland 9� Ford rear-end with 3:25 gears. Once he had the drive train set up he set about getting the proper stance for his Studie! With Mickey Thompson 33x23.5x15 drag radials on the back and 5� skinnies up
front on Convopro wheels. Bernard also installed Aerospace Component drilled disc brakes front and rear. Traction bars with coil overs in the rear and coil overs in the front complete this amazing chassis. Mc Elwain did all the work except for the two-tone gold paint and the interior stitching, creating a true one of a kind Hot Rod. The Studie is shown all around the Florida car show circuit, where it has become an all-time favorite.
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Auctions
A
& Events
UCTIONS
MERICA
A
uctions America by RM celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Collector Cars of Fort Lauderdale auction by selling more than $17 million* worth of pre-war classics, exotics, hot rods, muscle cars and memorabilia during a four-day event. With an increased number of consignors, bidders and attendees this year, the Fort Lauderdale event produced an impressive 72 percent sell-through rate. Thousands flocked to the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center from March 15-18 to see 553 incredible automobiles plus memorabilia, including 26 well-restored Corvettes from the Tony Parella Collection. “This was the best Fort Lauderdale auction to date with such an impressive docket of vehicles,” said Donnie Gould, president of Auctions America by RM. “Bidders, consignors and attendees representing eight countries told us they were pleased with the remarkable selection and quality of vehicles we offered. We’re thrilled to see such a positive growth and interest in the hobby. From vintage Shelby Mustangs to historic Chevrolet Corvettes, pre-war classics and celebrity-owned rides, we had something for everyone.” The top seller of the Fort Lauderdale auction was a stunning 1933 Chrysler CL Phaeton that sold for $341,000 (pictured top). Offered on Saturday at no reserve, it is one of only 36 Phaetons built from Chrysler’s top-of-the-line CL series. In addition, the sale also featured a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 that garnered $198,000 and is believed to be the only red-and-black 1970 LS6 convertible ever built. The Chevelle included the original build sheet, Protect-O-Plate and owner’s manual.
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Celebrity vehicles were at the top of many bidding lists, including the 1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith touring limousine featured in the 1981 blockbuster hit Arthur with Dudley Moore and Liza Minnelli. The new owner took home the Rolls-Royce for $96,800.
The top-selling vehicles over the weekend represent the best examples of their marques,” noted Gould. “Bidding was spirited, as demonstrated by our total sales this weekend. 33
The highest selling automobiles of the weekend include: Lot no. 574 – 1933 Chrysler CL Phaeton ($341,000) Lot no. 578 – 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 Convertible ($198,000) Lot no. 648 – 2006 Ford GT ($171,600) Lot no. 572 – 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG ($178,200) Lot no. 540 – 1953 Chevrolet Corvette ($176,000) Lot no. 583 – 1954 Buick Skylark Convertible ($170,000) Lot no. 570 – 2007 Ferrari F430 Spider F1 ($162,250) Lot no. 606 – 1950 Chevrolet “Tin Woodie” ($154,000) Lot no. 582 – 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 Roadster ($145,750) Lot no. 525 – 1931 Cadillac Imperial V-16 Fleetwood Limousine ($143,000)
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Auctions America has become an auction house of choice for premier collections of estate and private vehicles. A stand-out collection of the weekend was the Tony Parella Corvette Collection. With a 100 percent sell-through rate, the collection featured 26 impressive Corvettes, representing every model year from 1953 through ’69, plus rare examples from the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s. Fetching $176,000, a rare 1953 Chevrolet Corvette was the top seller of the Parella group (pictured right). Chevrolet only built 300 Corvettes in the debut year of 1953; this is one of only 255 ’53 models still in existence. “I couldn’t be happier with the outcome,” said Parella. “While selling my Corvette collection through Auctions America, the care and effort they put into handling my sale exceeded my wildest expectations.” “Our team of Car Specialists comprises some of the best market experts in the nation with more than 140 years of combined experience,” added Gould. “Enthusiasts and collectors alike appreciate our expertise, as well as our transparency. They return each year to buy and sell prized cars because of that trust. We look forward to returning to Fort Lauderdale next year with an exciting line-up of cool rides that visitors do not want to miss.” Full results from Auction America’s Collector Cars of Fort Lauderdale auction are posted online at www. auctionsamerica.com. Auctions America continues its 2012 auction calendar in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, April 26-27, for the second annual Spring Carlisle Auction at the Carlisle Expo Center. * All sales figures are listed in U.S. dollars and include the 10% buyer’s premium.
“This Corvette unites classic automobile design in balance with the latest in modern vehicle technology.” This is how Eduard Pogea, head of POGEA RACING GmbH outlines the ‘59 model Corvette convertible modernised by his company on a customer’s orders. And continues: “Within the space of only one year we developed, produced and adapted current technology to fit in an American Old timer. Our objective was to marry contemporary driving characteristics, a terrifically powerful engine, dependable brakes and a refined vehicle interior with classic bodywork.” The chassis for this demanding project consists of an in-house tube frame manufactured in cooperation with SRIII Motorsport in Chicago. This frame not only significantly improves the convertible’s torsional stiffness, it also forms a solid base on which to mount the height adjustable coilover suspension, as well as the modern drive and brake systems. When it came to looking for an engine befitting its heritage, POGEA opted for a Corvette LS3. This engine, used in the current Corvette (MY 2011), was fitted out by POGEA with extra components to increase its performance. Besides LS7 fuel injectors, aggressive camshafts and a direct, open intake with tip cone filter, the exhaust flow above all was tuned to optimum level. Henceforth the 6.2-litre engine is free to howl its zest for life through 45-millimetre diameter Edelbrock exhaust manifolds coupled with a stainless steel exhaust system with only 2 silencers. At the same time as that V8 sound massages your eardrums, the engine performance increases to an impressive 485 HP / 357 kW at 4400 rpm and 585 Nm at 6200 rpm. The engine power reaches the rear wheels via a manual 5-shift gearbox with ceramic clutch and a Dana 44 differential.
—— An American Old Timer ——
MADE IN GERMANY
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With these modifications, the completely reconditioned Classic puts out excellent performance: from 0 - 100 kms/h in a mere 3.9 seconds and with a top speed of 288 kms/h, the two-seater is decidedly superior to the original basic model. A generously-sized sports brake system taken from the Corvette LS5 provides contemporary deceleration values. Perforated, internally ventilated brake discs , sized 330 mm (front) and 300 mm (rear) are actuated at the front by six-piston and at the rear by four-piston callipers. The appropriately-styled 3-part POGEA RACING wheels, 9.5Jx18 at the front and 12Jx19 on the rear axle, were specially developed for the increased demands of the souped-up convertible. Bridgestone Potenza 265/40 R 18 and 305/30 R 19 tyres were selected as the ideal combination.
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A clever trick allows POGEA to house the enormous wheels in the rear wheel-wells: widening them by doubling the original mudguards. As a result the rear end grows by a handsome 37 centimetres to 2.09 metres overall width and is equipped with 4 LED rear light clusters to become a real eye-catcher. The complete paint job in the original Ferrari colours Rosso and Bianco contributes to the effect. Red and white also dominate the vehicle interior with its perfect look and feel. A combination of carpeting and smooth leather turns the vehicle interior into a sophisticated control centre. A Vallelunga steering wheel with flattened lower rim and seats out of the Cobra ensure more legroom compared to the standard interior. Together with an Alpine multi-media system including satnav, a retro-fitted AC unit and servo-steering, POGEA upgraded almost all of the car’s electronics to prepare the Corvette for reliable use in everyday traffic.
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POGEA RACING GmbH is a company with a vocation as a workshop specialising in vehicle enhancement. Besides chip tuning on a Dynojet all-wheeldrive test bench for all current vehicle models and restoring Old timers as well, they are enthusiasts when it comes to individual and offbeat vehicles. They are the creators of numerous unique specimens. In particular POGEA RACING provides refinements to vehicle interiors, as well as optimising performance and aerodynamics. This upgraded ‘59 Corvette has been created as a result of the combination of these skills and by choosing the right partners for the venture. It is the symbiosis of American roots and quality workmanship “Made in Germany”.
Auctions
& Events
The Daytona Beach
Dream Cruise The Daytona Beach Dream Cruise was held for the fourth time Oct. 21-23, 2011, with new oceanfront venues added for more fun. Knowing how impressive this event had been in its first few years, Tail Fins and Chrome naturally attended to see this most recent turnout of 1,500 participating collector cars and trucks. To optimally accommodate so many great vehicles, registration was expanded to two days and it took place adjacent to the beach so the Atlantic Ocean was in the background of the “Official Keepsake Photo” given totally free to each owner who checked-in. All of these photos are also downloadable for free from the event web site www.DaytonaBeachDreamCruise.com . Tremendous numbers of great cars were displayed along with cruising on North Atlantic Avenue (A1A ) in Daytona Beach Friday and Saturday. Special fun and free activities in 2011 included awesome nostalgia and vintage drag racing films on big outdoor screens with super sound, Friday night on the pool deck of a popular Daytona Beach oceanfront hotel and Saturday night overlooking the river at a terrific Ponce Inlet restaurant. Sunday featured a super gathering of special cars at Blue Grotto, adjacent to the boats at the Halifax Harbor Marina in downtown Daytona Beach. The spectacular Blue Grotto did as they had done all three prior years on Sunday and put up $1,000 cash won by ten lucky people at the event’s big final bash. The celebrity doing the drawing this year was none other than Faith Granger, the talented and energetic creative force behind the great new hot rod film “Deuce of Spades.” Everyone enjoyed meeting her and seeing her car which also stars in this film. It is worth noting that the film “Deuce of Spades” was seen at the Daytona Beach Dream Cruise in test screenings in 2009 and 2010 before it was viewed anywhere else. It was appropriate having Faith do the cash drawings in 2011 as a follow-up to 2010 when the Sunday drawings were done by Timothy Luke, the male star of “Deuce of Spades” who everyone was also thrilled to meet. Wow, this is truly a unique event! To learn more about the next Daytona Beach Dream Cruise and to see over 2,000 photos shot at the 2011 event as well as lots of photos from prior years, be sure to check out the event web site www.DaytonaBeachDreamCruise.com .
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future classic Charger Blacktop
Delivering even more street-cred and sinister attitude to the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT and SXT Plus, the new 2012 Charger Blacktop features a “blacked out� appearance, performance-tuned suspension and state-of-the-art infotainment system.
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The Blacktop Package includes unique Pitch Black-painted “split crosshair� grille with Pitch Black matching grille surround, Pitch Black-painted 20-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels, 20-inch all-season performance tires and performance-tuned suspension architecture. Inside, unique sport seats provide extra lateral support for performance driving needs. The 2012 Dodge Charger Blacktop Package features the aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar engine delivering 292 horsepower through the all-new segment-exclusive eight-speed automatic transmission. For even more spirited driving with performance
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feel, the driver can utilize all-new diecast steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters to manually select the desired gear. The Company’s state-of-the-art Uconnect® Touch 8.4 provides Dodge Charger Blacktop passengers with the segment’s largest touchscreen display (8.4-inch) and next-generation mobile infotainment, connectivity and multimedia features. Surrounding passengers with audiophile-quality sound is an Alpine® premium audio system with nine speakers, 8-inch subwoofer and a 506-watt 12-channel digital signal processing (DSP) amplifier for 7.1 Matrix surround sound. The Dodge Charger Blacktop Package will be available in Bright Silver Metallic, Tungsten Metallic and — for a complete monotone appearance — all-new Pitch Black exterior paint colors, with black premium cloth or Nappa leather seating.
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