That left the Dodge brand to search for a new symbol as it tries to reinvent itself as a sporty, youth-oriented brand -- without pickups. So Dodge CEO Ralph Gilles adopted the twin red slashes of Chrysler Group's performance cars, seen on SRTs and R/T models.

Says Gilles: "It signifies our sporty character. Most SRTs are Dodges."

The red slashes will appear on new dealer signs, advertising materials, owner's manuals and merchandise such as hats and T-shirts.

On vehicles, the Dodge name will stand by itself in a new script that will appear prominently but without the red slashes, Gilles says.

The first vehicles to get the new treatment will be the 2011 Dodge Charger and a seven-seat Dodge crossover that will replace the departed Dodge Durango. Both vehicles will debut in the fourth quarter.

The famous ram's horns will disappear from other Dodge vehicles gradually in the replacement cycle.