The Strange Story of the Vanny Van Art Car

The internet is a strange place and sometimes interesting people email me with interesting art car submissions. The Vanny Van is one of those art cars that was submitted to me covered in hand written notes and stickers put on by all kinds of people along the way.

The Story of Vanny Van
Year one
I was born in some kind of car baby making factory called Dodge. It was 1999 and I was a BIG baby. They named me Ram, which was good because at my first Dealership School I was scared. The ride there was great! We didn’t even have to walk at all. A big, long, huge truck carried me and a few others to our new school. We were all excited. I got to ride on the top which was AWESOME!! So many different cars and people would drive past us. I smiled and waved at all of them.
When we got there I met so many kinds of cars, new and old. The old ones would teach us about patience and how you can tell what families are good families and the bad ones that won’t take good care of you. The Rusty Ones, as we kids called them, would tell us of their great adventures around the United States. How some have had many different families and how they have waited a long time at Dealership School to have new ones. They passed their time with their teachings. As the days would go by, me and my friends would meet new and learn about all kinds of people. Many of my friends would get new families and be off in their new lives. My first year I waited.

Dodge Rampage Concept

Dodge's Rampage concept seems to have everything that the typical Dodge truck buyer is looking for: massive size, a stylish yet aggressive look and a 5.7 liter HEMI engine. But Dodge says that it designed the Rampage to appeal to those "non-traditional" pick-up buyers.

Huh? This looks like a traditional (albeit very stylized) pick-up. What's so different about it? We'll tell ya...

Traditional truck guys are going to be shocked by this, but this Rampage is basically a truck-shaped car. Not only does the Rampage utilize unibody construction and have an independent rear suspension, it is - gasp - front wheel drive!!

Yes, this brawny and rugged Dodge is a front wheel drive car... er... truck. After reading the concept behind this concept, this drivetrain layout makes sense. You see, Dodge wanted to build a vehicle that possessed the utility of a truck but had the cabin comfort and room of a passenger car. Yeah, we know... that idea basically describes a minivan, but minivans aren't cool -- trucks are, and so Dodge went with the truck theme.

Actually... now that we think about it, this Rampage is a close cousin of the minivan. Take a look at how the doors of this thing open!

In case you couldn't tell from the picture above, the rear door slides backwards -- much like the back door of a minivan. Still, the interior of this Rampage is much cooler than that of most kid haulers. The interior of the Rampage is designed to be "rugged and athletic" (Dodge's words), so it uses a special urethane material for the seating surfaces and has a rubberized floor. Styling touches come courtesy of a raised center console/gauge cluster and exposed metal pieces.

Here's another nod to Dodge's minivan heritage: you know how Dodge touts its trademarked Stow 'n Go seating in its minivan commercials? Well, this Stow 'n Go system finds a home in the Rampage. Not only do the rear seats fold down into the floor, the front passenger seat does as well. You can fit a whole lotta crap in this thing!

Versatility is the key feature of the Rampage, as not only do all passenger seats fold flat to the floor, the "wall" that separates the cabin from the truck bed also folds flat, increasing useable cargo area even more. Not only that, but the rear lift gate can extend and fold down to a 117 degree angle, which transforms the rear gate into a ramp. It's as if this truck/minivan was designed to haul motorcycles or something...

As cool as this concept is, it's only a concept for now. Will Dodge ever build something like this? We doubt it. We don't think people would shell out serious cash for a front wheel drive HEMI-powered truck/minivan/crossover. If Dodge does decide to make one of these, however, we're first in line for the first test drive.

Dodge Demon

Dodge Demon, upload feito originalmente por Raptor Alpha.

It does, however, use one of DCX's existing engines – the 2.4L four-cylinder World Engine that sends 172 horsepower and 165 ft-lbs. of torque to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. Dodge officials tell us a number of engines could be used in the Demon, including the 1.8 or 2.0L World Engine. A 300-hp motor, probably the one that powers the Caliber SRT-4, was also spoken of when we were initially introduced to the Demon by DCX.

Dodge ENVI Concept - Profile

Dodge ENVI Concept - Profile, upload feito originalmente por Bengal55.

Dodge's ENVI all electric concept sports car. Part of Chrysler's ENVI line of all electric concept cars that in one form or another are supposed to be on sale in 2010. This Lotus based Dodge is supposed to get 200mi per charge and have very low 0-60 times.

Taken @ the 2009 Washington DC Auto Show

Dodge ENVI Concept - Front

Dodge ENVI Concept - Front, upload feito originalmente por Bengal55.

Dodge's ENVI all electric concept sports car. Part of Chrysler's ENVI line of all electric concept cars that in one form or another are supposed to be on sale in 2010. This Lotus based Dodge is supposed to get 200mi per charge and have very low 0-60 times.

Taken @ the 2009 Washington DC Auto Show

A 2008 Dodge Viper.

A 2008 Dodge Viper., upload feito originalmente por Steve Brandon.

The centerpiece of Dodge's display at the 2008 Ottawa-Gatineau Autoshow was this green 2008 Dodge Viper convertible.

From Wikipedia.org:

For 2008, the Viper received a 90 hp (67 kW) bump up to 600 hp (450 kW), a 25 lb·ft (34 N·m) torque bump up to 560 lb·ft (759 N·m) and the engine displacement increased up to 8.4 liters (512 ci/8354 cc) from 8.3, also receiving better flowing heads with larger valves, Mechadyne variable valve timing on the exhaust cam lobes, and dual electronic throttle bodies. The rev limit was able to be increased by 300 rpm due to the improved valve-train stability from both the new camshaft profiles and valve-springs. The development of the engine was done with some external assistance from McLaren Automotive and Ricardo Consulting Engineers.

Changes outside of the engine were less extreme, but still influential. The Tremec T56 transmission has been replaced with a new Tremec TR6060 which now has triple first gear synchronizers and doubles for higher gears. Shifts are claimed to be 18% quicker than the 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. The Dana M44-4 rear axle from the 2003-2006 model now has a GKN ViscoLok speed-sensing limited-slip differential that greatly helps the tires in getting grip under acceleration. Another performance upgrade was the removal of run-flat tires; the new Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires have increased driver feedback as well as grip and, along with revised suspension (springs, anti-roll bars, and shock valving), has made the Viper more neutral in cornering.

The modifications made to the 2008 model year car were enough for Chrysler to make it distinct from the first SRT-10, and the 2008 model became known as Gen IV, just in time for release with Chevrolet's 620 hp (460 kW) Corvette. Another notable change is the reworking of the exhaust system, previous third generation Vipers had their exhaust crossover under the seats which resulted in a large amount of heat going into the cockpit, this was done initially to help improve the cars exhaust note, since the first 2 generations of Viper, which had no crossover, were criticized for their lackluster exhaust notes. For 2008, the Viper exhaust will utilize a new exhaust system with no crossover, reducing the heat that enters the cockpit, but allowing the Viper to still produce an exotic sound.

The electrical system has been completely revised for 2008. Changes include a 180-amp alternator, twin electric cooling fans, electronic throttles, and completely new VENOM engine management system. CAN bus architecture has been intertwined with pre-existing systems to allow for regulatory compliance. The fuel system was upgraded to include a higher capacity fuel pump and filtration system.

[3] Car and Driver recently tested the car and got a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds, a 0-100 mph time of 7.6 seconds and a Quarter Mile-time of 11.6 seconds at 126 mph (203 km/h).[4] Dodge's claims for top speed are 197 mph (317 km/h) and 202 mph (325 km/h), for the Roadster and Coupe respectively. Car and Driver also tested the Viper's track performance, and managed a fast sub 3 minute lap time around Virginia International Raceway. The Viper's time, despite hot weather, was faster than the Corvette Z06, Ford GT, Porsche 911 Turbo and 911 GT3, Audi R8, and other such cars. According to Car and Driver and Motor Trend, the car's slightly adjusted suspension setup and new differential gave it cornering ability as sharp as before with even better control, feedback, and response.

Dodge Viper

Dodge Viper, upload feito originalmente por ANATOLI AXELROD.

Plait on the car was from California.

Third generation ZB (2003-2006)Third Generation

Viper SRT-10

Production2003–2006
Body style(s)2-door roadster 2-door coupe
Engine(s)8.3 L (506.5 cu in) V10

510 bhp (380 kW) @ 5600 rpm
535 lb·ft (725 N·m) @ 4200 rpm
Transmission(s)T56 Tremec 6-speed manual
Wheelbase98.8 in (2510 mm)
Length175.6 in (4460 mm)
Width75.7 in (1923 mm)
Height47.6 in (1209 mm) (coupe)
48.6 in (1234 mm) (SRT-10) 48.6 in (1234 mm) (convertible)
Curb weight3380 lb (1533 kg)


The Dodge Viper underwent a major redesign in 2003, courtesy of DaimlerChrysler's Street and Racing Technology group. The new Viper SRT-10 was heavily restyled with sharp, angled bodywork. The engine was enlarged to 8.3 L (505 cid/8,285 cc)[3] which, with other upgrades, combined to increased output to 500 hp (370 kW) and 525 lb·ft (712 N·m) of torque. The chassis was also improved. It became more rigid and weighed approximately 80 pounds less than the previous model. An even lighter and stronger chassis was planned, but was abandoned because of cost. It is unlikely that the cost increase would have reduced the car's performance value, as it was already one of the fastest cars under $300,000. Parts from the planned suspension were used in the Hennessey Viper Venom 1000 Twin Turbo, however. The initial model was a convertible. In 2004, Dodge introduced a limited edition Mamba package. Mamba edition cars featured black interiors, with red stitching and trim and saw their MSRP price rise by roughly $3000. 200 Mambas were produced.

The new Viper SRT-10 Coupe was introduced in 2005, at the Detroit Auto Show, as a 2006 model. It shares many of its body panels with the convertible but takes its side and rear styling cues from the Competition Coupe. The new coupe looks much like the previous Viper GTS and retains the "double-bubble" roof shape of the original, along with the original GTS's taillights as well offering the original Viper Blue paint scheme with white stripes (referred to as GTS Blue) for an added homage to the original Viper coupe. The engine was also certified by the SAE to produce 510 hp (380 kW) and 535 lb·ft (725 N·m) of torque. It is important to note that the engine makes the same power as before, only the numerical value of the power was changed. Unlike the original coupe, the chassis was not modified. This made the new coupe heavier than the convertible, and thus slightly slower in low speed acceleration. Handling and high speed performance were improved by the coupe's stiffer frame, reduced drag, and increased downforce.

No 2007 model Vipers were produced. Instead, Chrysler chose to give the 2006 model an extended run while preparing the updated 2008 model.

Dodge Viper

Dodge Viper, upload feito originalmente por Wil Lyons.

Just a quick shot I took of a Dodge Viper on display at the 2007 USGP @ Indy
Canon Rebel Ti- 35mm

Dodge Sports Car

Dodge Sports Car, originally uploaded by Cars Photos.

Dodge Auto Sports Car Photo Wallpaper - Cars-Photos.com

The Dodge Hornet To Be Built By Nissan

The Dodge Hornet was a compact car concept which had shown a few years ago. Now it's announced that the car getting closer to production.

Chrysler and Nissan haven't officially announced yet the details of the upcoming Nissan Versa-based vehicle they'll develop together. They only said that it'd be available as a 2010 model, but guesses are on a production Hornet. Chrysler vice president of international sales Thomas Hausch recently said that the Pentastar is working hard on a Hornet Study, and that Chrysler would "announce something" in the near future.

The Automotive News' article is further evidence that Nissan will build the production Hornet. Not the Chinese Automaker Chery like rumored before.

The Dodge Hornet To Be Built By Nissan

The Dodge Hornet was a compact car concept which had shown a few years ago. Now it's announced that the car getting closer to production.

Chrysler and Nissan haven't officially announced yet the details of the upcoming Nissan Versa-based vehicle they'll develop together. They only said that it'd be available as a 2010 model, but guesses are on a production Hornet. Chrysler vice president of international sales Thomas Hausch recently said that the Pentastar is working hard on a Hornet Study, and that Chrysler would "announce something" in the near future.

The Automotive News' article is further evidence that Nissan will build the production Hornet. Not the Chinese Automaker Chery like rumored before.