Dodge announced five new performance vehicles at the Chicago Auto Show this week. The Dodge Charger, Challenger, Journey, Durango and Grand Caravan now offer R/T models that deliver increased power, performance and modern technology.

“We’re going back to our roots, when Dodge R/T meant a higher level of dynamic capability,” explained Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Brand at Chrysler. “In addition to exterior design cues and sporty interiors, every Dodge R/T vehicle will have unique handling characteristics, high-tech, high-performing engines, special exhaust tuning, a sport-tuned suspension and performance tires that grip the road. These Dodge R/Ts have definitely earned their stripes.”

The newly-restyled Dodge Charger leads the new group, available both in RWD and AWD models and available at three different content levels – R/T Plus, R/T Road & Track and R/T Max.

The R/T Plus package delivers 18-inch five-spoke chrome-clad aluminum wheels, fitted with P235/55R18 Michelin MXM4 all-season performance tires. Premium leather seating, 12-way power front-passenger seat with 4-way power lumbar, heated/cooled cup holders, vehicle security alarm, LED-illuminated, front-row overhead lighting and LED-illuminated footwells are also included.

Designed for hard-core enthusiasts, the Charger R/T Road & Track package includes all R/T Plus features and adds a black honeycomb-style grille with matte back surround and heritage R/T badge, rear differential with 3.06 axle ratio, performance front seats with suede inserts, performance engine and transmission calibration and high-speed engine controller. A Super Track Pak option adds unique performance-steering gear, high-performance brake linings, high-performance monotube shock absorbers, 20-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 Super Car three-season tires, larger front and rear-stabilizer bars and three-mode ESC with “full off” to the Charger R/T Road & Track package.

At the Max level, the Dodge Charger R/T adds Uconnect Touch with Garmin navigation, SIRIUS Travel Link, adaptive-cruise control with forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear park assist and a rear back-up camera. An Alpine premium audio system with nine speakers and 506-watt 12-channel DSP amplifieris included, as well as SmartBeam headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, power-adjustable heated mirrors with memory and courtesy lamps, heated steering wheel with power tilt, telescoping and memory.

Where those single vehicle requirements extend into the SUV category, the 2011 Dodge Durango R/T is claimed to be a driver’s SUV that delivers on-road performance and capability. The 2011 Dodge Durango R/T will arrive with a 5.7-liter HEMI engine,a s well as a unique fascia with fog lamps, a body-color grille surround with black texture and xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps. An exclusive “Redline Red” exterior paint color will be available.

Lowered by 20mm, the performance Durango benefits from unique suspension tuning, load-leveling rear shocks, performance steering, a tuned exhaust system, 20-inch wheels with all-season performance or optional three-season tires and a modern sports interior that holds you in your seat. A full complement of interior and electronics upgrades are provided as well.

“We have customers who love cars, who love the thrill of driving, but can only afford one car,” commented Gilles. One group of those customers may be attracted to the new man-van, the Dodge Grand Caravan R/T. The company has been trying recently to shed the “soccer Mom” reputation for minivans and this may be a step in the right direction.

Sporting an 85hp increase over previous models, as well as another 30 ft-lb of torque, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine sits ahead of a six-speed automatic transaxle that features a selectable sport and economy mode. A 12mm (1/2-inch) lower ride height contributes both to better handling and improved fuel economy.

Moving beyond the chassis, the Grand Caravan R/T features an exclusive all-black interior with perforated black leather seats with red stitching, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and a premium sound system with nine-speakers, subwoofer and 506-watt amplifier. The R/T version is expected in showrooms this Spring.

Those looking for a performance image, but who cannot decide between SUV or minivan, may find the new 2011 Dodge Journey R/T fitting their tastes. Available in FWD and AWD versions, the Journey R/T receives the same 283hp, 3.6-liter powertrain found in the Grand Caravan. Interior enhancements include a unique red and black cloth interior with six-way power driver seat with lumbar control, four-way power front passenger seat, three-zone automatic temperature control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob with red accent stitching and a remote start.

On the outside, the Journey R/T boasts 19-inch aluminum wheels with satin carbon finish, body-colored grille, body-colored door handles, fog lamps and R/T badging. A full menu of premium electronics will ensure that driver distraction is never far away.

While a Challenger R/T edition was available last year, the 2011 model gains both from the general Challenger improvements for the new year, as well as special touches beyond. With unique performance-tuned dual exhaust and under-floor mufflers with low-restriction bottle resonators, the 5.7-liter HEMI engine now puts out 376hp with 410 ft-lb of torque. A newly revised Tremec T6060 6-speed manual transmission should prove popular with the row-your-own crowd. Output, when coupled to the 5-speed automatic, narrows slightly to 372hp and 400 ft-lb.

Outside, the front of the new Challenger’s wide stance comprises a restyled trapezoidal front air dam with a larger opening for cooling of the HEMI V8 engine. Providing additional downforce is a larger ‘duck bill’ front spoiler in black to match the coupe’s lower sill. Redesigned seats and steering wheel earmark the R/T edition as unique among the company’s lineup.

Additional news on the Challenger front brings the release of the “Green with Envy” exterior finish for both Dodge Challenger R/T Classic and SRT8 392 models. The limited production option is available to order this month for SRT8 models and next month for the R/T model.

“We’re using Green With Envy on the new 2011 Dodge Challengers to pay tribute to some of the coolest paint colors from our past, including the ‘Sublime’ and ‘Green Go’ Dodge Challengers from the 1970’s and more recently, the ‘Snakeskin Green’ Vipers from 2008-2010,” explained Ralph Gilles.

As the buying public returns to market, new models such as these are going to play an important role in their decision-making process. Few are likely to remember the original R/T heritage and lament on its dilution by the current announcements. While enthusiasts like ourselves may find the move questionable, there is little lingering remorse from Chevrolet doing exactly the same thing a few years back with the “SS” designation.