Mopar starts throwing in free connection services

UConnect 12 screen

Every Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Fiat (but apparently not Chrysler) vehicle, starting this month, will include ten years of free vehicle health reports, remote lock/unlock, automatic SOS calls, recall notifications, software updates, “digital key” smartphone access and engine start on some vehicles, in-vehicle games, EV charging and management tools for EVs, and basic navigation. These … Read more

Corrected: Pentastar stocks, August shutdowns, and bad cams

Pentastar V6 cooled EGR system in Jeep Grand Cherokee

Recently, Stellantis issued a technical service bulletin advising dealer mechanics that some camshafts in “PUG” (upgraded) Pentastar V6 engines are failing early, and that if they encounter specific issues they should get a replacement cam kit rather than replacing the entire engine. Stellantis did not announce any warranty extension or other accommodation for customers with … Read more

President Trump Neuters CAFE, Opening the Door for Unlimited Performance

President Donald Trump

President Donald Trump is expected to sign his Big Beautiful Bill Act later today, with the bill already being approved by both the Senate and the House. Since this bill is budget-focused, President Trump cannot change or do away with Corporate Average Fleet Economy (CAFE) regulations, but he was able to reduce the fine amount … Read more

Imagining the SRT Impact on the New Dodge Charger

2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody

Now that we know that the Street and Racing Technology division is being restored to focus on performance vehicles for the American brands of Stellantis, it is time to start speculating on what SRT might focus on when the proper people are in place. It seems to be all-but-guaranteed that we will see an SRT … Read more

The SRT Division is Coming Back!

This morning, Stellantis announced two big pieces of information. First, Tim Kuniskis has been promoted to Head of American brands and North America marketing and retail strategy. Second, the Street and Racing Technology division is being reassembled, suggesting that we might be in store for another era of truly high performance vehicles from the Chrysler … Read more

Jeep, Chrysler, and others for Recall Monday

2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee (and L)

The Jeep Cherokee is the only Stellantis vehicle to be recalled this past week, as 2023 Grand Cherokees had broken defrosters and defoggers. Fewer than 2,000 vehicles were affected by the problem, caused by bad blower motors. Chrysler minivans, 2022-25, may have improperly sealed side curtain airbags, increasing the risk of passenger ejection during a … Read more

Chrysler engineer Bob Lees

Bob Lees

Retired Chrysler engineer Bob Lees passed on seven days ago. Born in 1933, Robert Henry Lees Jr. was a passionate car enthusiast and family man who was friendly and happy to tell his story. After serving in the Army from 1953 to 1955, he attended George Washington University and started working for the defense industry. … Read more

Filosa’s four priorities

Antonio Filosa and Stellantis logo

Antonio Filosa, the new leader of Stellantis, laid out four priorities—far fewer than Carlos Tavares had announced. These are: Growth through building what customers want and improving execution Improve quality – “we need to set for ourselves the highest ambition in quality.” “[Do] all of that with intensity and joy!” “…to make the right decisions, … Read more