Dodge announces upgraded lineup for 2010 including Nitro Detonator

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Chrysler, Dodge

2010 Dodge special edition models – Click above for high-res image gallery

A few weeks ago, everyone, including us, was wondering when The Chrysler Group was going to have anything new to show us at next week’s Detroit Auto Show. You can look at the latest news about potential Ram models, Chrysler’s special editions and Dodge‘s just-unveiled offerings either as wheezing gasps, or signs of pointing in the right direction. Since it’s a new year, we’re going to give Chrysler (and Fiat) the benefit of the doubt… for now.

Dodge says it “has taken ‘base model’ out of its vocabulary” by moving heaps of kit from the Options column to the Standard column on cars like the Journey, which for 2010 will automatically receive 17-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control, sunscreen glass, body-color mirrors, floor mats and passenger grab handles. It has also added “Heat,” “Hero,” “Crew,” and “Uptown” packages to the Journey’s options list for those who like trim names that sound like they came from an SNL skit.

To match its Chrysler 300 siblings, the Dodge Caliber gets a restyled interior “executed with premium materials and detailed craftsmanship” alongside its new instrument panel. Not left out of the marketing brainstorm, the Caliber wears a number of new trim monikers as well, including “Express,” “Mainstreet,” “Heat,” “Uptown” and “Rush.”

Four of Dodge’s other models – the Nitro, Avenger, Challenger, and Viper SRT10 – get their loving spoonfuls as well. You can read all about them in the Pasternak-length press release after the jump, and check out the Nitro Detonator and Viper ACR in the high-res gallery of photos below.

Gallery: 2010 Dodge special edition line-up