Get ready for a new transmission

880RE transmission (pictured: ZF Gen 4)

It’s got eight speeds. It was engineered by ZF, originally, and was modified by the friendly Mopar powertrain engineers. It’s able to handle a lot of torque, and can have an integrated electric motor. It’s the brand new, fourth-generation ZF 8-speed, dubbed 880RE. The first eight stands for eight forward gears; the second is a … Read more

Ordering open for 807-hp Jailbreak Charger and Challenger

The 2022 Dodge Charger (left) and Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye

Buyers can now order their 2022 Dodge Charger Jailbreak and Dodge Challenger Jailbreak. The cars, listed in the dodge.com build and price system, are based on the widebody Redeye models, which have bulging fenders to accommodate plus-sized tires. Those are essential for putting 797 horsepower to the ground—except that the $995 Jailbreak package boosts output … Read more

What is in STLA Brain?

Jeep Group Ride (V2V via STLA Brain)

Yesterday, we covered the official launch of STLA Brain, a combination of hardware and software to be used on all Stellantis’ new platforms. Part of the idea is that, instead of having general-purpose processors handling most functions, dedicated custom microprocessors will handle specific types of analysis, simplifying the programming and reducing parts counts. It’s a … Read more

Tip: New Dodge Challenger for 2024-25?

Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye

A new Dodge Challenger, codenamed LB, is reportedly slated for production around 2024-25, and is likely to end up at Brampton—where the current Challenger, Charger, and 300 are made. This tip counters a recent story that the Challenger was being dropped. It seems likely the four-door Charger will continue, and it doesn’t take an STLA Brain … Read more

2022 Jeep Wranger: only four doors, 4xe… in EU

Rebelle Rally Winning Jeep Wrangler 4xe

While American buyers will continue to face tough choices between the four-cylinder 4xe hybrid, 392 Hemi V8, and Pentastar V6 in the Jeep Wrangler—not to mention whether to get the compact two-door or less-compact four-door—Europeans are getting fewer choices. In short, they can get the 4xe with four doors… or a used Wrangler. The reasons … Read more

Tiny Ram Recall

2016 Ram 1500 Tradesman

Ram is recalling 132 pickups whose side curtain airbags have the wrong amount of compressed gas. The defect might affect the 2021-22 Ram 2500 and 3500, and 2021 Ram 1500 Classic. Dealers will replace the flawed assemblies, which were made by Joyson Safety Systems, at no charge to customers. The recall affects just 33 Ram … Read more

Auto workers change leadership system

Jefferson North (2017)

In the wake of corruption scandals involving automakers and the UAW, union members have voted to replace the old system of having leaders appoint their replacements to a direct voting system, where members themselves will choose leaders. While some reported this as an “overwhelming” victory for the reformers, only around 143,000 actually voted with the … Read more

More Jeep, Ram recalls

All-new 2022 Grand Wagoneer Series III

The morning’s recalls are much more minor than yesterday’s Cummins fuel pump bombshell. First, some 2021 Ram 1500 pickups don’t show the rearview camera image at times, because of a conflict with the Trailer Reverse Steering Control Module. Ram doesn’t actually have a solution yet. The 38,157 trucks (in the USA) covered were built from … Read more

Stellantis ties up with solid-state battery maker for electric cars

Factorial CEO Siyu Huang and solid state battery

Lithium-ion batteries have been miraculous for laptops, phones, and watches, but have some issues in cars. The next generation, many believe, will be solid state batteries, which use a solid electrolyte material to provide greater range and increased safety. Factorial Energy has developed what they believe to be a breakthrough in solid state battery technology; … Read more

Cummins-equipped Rams recalled for fuel pump

2020 Cummins logo

Ram is recalling around 222,000 heavy duty pickups and chassis cabs, due to a surprisingly high number (6,399) of warranty claims coming in from August 2018 through this September.  Despite the claims, the investigation apparently did not begin until this October. The problem is premature wear in the Bosch CP4 fuel pump, which causes metal … Read more

Brazilian Jeep plant demolished

In 1952, Willys created a subsidiary in Brazil; its first engines came off the line in 1956 for local Jeeps, with local production of cars starting in 1958. These were the “Hurricane Six,” a mere 161 cubic inches (2.6 liters), with a single barrel carburetor and 90 gross horsepower output (around 50-70 net horsepower). Willys … Read more