Dodge Challenger makes NASCAR debut on Friday

For those who watch NASCAR, the speed of the vehicles is nothing short of spectacular. To fully appreciate that speed, as well as the smells and sounds, you have to actually attend a race.

Whether you're actually at the track or watching on TV, the cars look like high-tech machines designed for speed and a little bumping and grinding. In other words, none of the vehicles and their cookie-cutter designs really resemble any vehicles you'd see going down the road...until now.

This Friday at the NASCAR Nationwide Series event at Daytona that all changes when Brad Keselowski drives the No. 22 car on the track, a Dodge Challenger R/T.

Before Friday night's highly anticipated return of the Dodge Challenger to NASCAR Nationwide Series' competition after almost 30 years, the Dodge brand will play a key role in providing Challenger owners and fans with a wide array of pre-race action and activities in and around Daytona International Speedway.

- For a list of all the pre-race events, click here.
- For a behind-the-scenes look on the final preparations being made on the car.

Critics weigh in on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

For months you've heard about the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It's the next best thing since sliced bread, or that's what the folks at Chrysler would have you believe. Now, that it's finally here, automobile critics have had a chance to take it for a test drive and spend some quality time behind the wheel.

What are they saying about the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee? We think they like it.

Motor Trend - "With the air suspension raised 2.6 inches, the Grand Cherokee's moderately high and wide stance and precise steering makes rock crawling at Moab easy for a sub-expert off-road driver. Jeep faithful can breath a sigh of relief."

- Read more: http://tinyurl.com/29mvgme

Autoblog - "The GC's Benz architecture makes for a seriously pleasing ride on the open road, and with a triple-sealing strategy to separate engine and wind noise from the cabin, NVH levels are vastly improved. We're talking Lexus quiet."

- Read more: http://tinyurl.com/22qyrec

Cars.com- "The new Grand Cherokee manages to provide on-road driving refinement that can go toe-to-toe with the best that the crossover segment has to offer — and it does so without sacrificing its considerable off-road capabilities.

"It's a no-excuses SUV if there ever was one and, in effect, takes on Land Rover at its own game. Let your brain wrap itself around that concept for a moment, and it becomes clear how much the Grand Cherokee has evolved."

- Read more: http://tinyurl.com/23s3uku

Dodge Challenger kicks England's butt

Last week we previewed the new Dodge Challenger commercial before the U.S. - England game in the World Cup. As we all know in the actual contest, after England jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, the Americans never quit and eventually battled back to earn a 1-1 tie and an important point against a quality English side.

Now, check out the finished commercial. The Americans, led by the Challenger, aren't looking for any ties. Victory is sweet!

General George Washington has a message for England

My Dear England,

As a gentleman, I feel it is my grim but solemn duty to notify you that it is, indeed … ON. We declared our independence once. And on Friday night (11:00 PM EST on ESPN) I must declare it yet again. Our armies will meet upon the field of battle, but you’ll soon find your “Red Coats” are easily bested by three men … wearing only black. Incidentally, our “minute” men in fact only require a mere 4.7 seconds to reach the 60 mile per hour threshold.

With utmost respect,

George "Can of Whup A**" Washington

(Blog Editor's Note: Please tune into ESPN at 11 p.m. Friday, June 11 to find out how this ends).

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee receives first honors

It's just started arriving in dealerships across the country, but the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee has already impressed and has received its first honor and a very important one as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the vehicle a Top Safety Pick, the organization’s highest rating.

“The all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee provides consumers with enhanced safety and security, in addition to legendary Jeep capability and a premium driving experience,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand. Manley noted the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s more than 45 different safety and security systems, which all work in harmony. They include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Roll Mitigation, Active Head Restraints, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning and a Blind-Spot/Rear Cross-path detection system.

“Our new Jeep Grand Cherokee will allow customers to benefit from a new level of protection, on- and off-road,” Manley said.

Now, if you add the great look and countless new features including a new upscale interior, advanced four-wheel drive system, keyless entry and numerous other improvements with the recognized safety features, you have a vehicle that will find its way into the driveways and garages of customers across the country.