The battery-electric Wagoneer S might be coming, but the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are already on sale. They started out with 5.7 and 6.4 Hemi engines, but these have largely been replaced already by two varieties of the “Hurricane” twin-turbo straight six. The standard output variety produces more power and torque than the 5.7 Hemi … Read more
When Dodge showed—or, rather, sounded—its Fratzonic exhaust system in the Dodge Charger EV, many on social media and in car forums scorned the very idea. Some of that was likely a knee-jerk reaction to electric cars, but some suggested that it was too artificial. EVs do need to make some kind of sound, for safety … Read more
The Jeep Gladiator has an array of uniquely named colors and this week, the Trail Rated brand introduced the newest color for the 2023 model year. The color is named Earl and the company is calling it a “bold shade of gray with hints of aquamarine”. To me, it looks like a very light blue … Read more
Once again, the Michigan State Police have tested all the police pursuit and special duty cars they could lay their hands on. The pursuit cars were the Chevy Tahoe and Silverado, Dodge Charger and Durango, and Ford Explorer, F-150, and Mustang Mach E. Surprisingly, given its quick 0-60 acceleration, the Mach-E was not impressive during … Read more
Two Mopar books have been put on sale at Amazon. The first, My Slant on Things: Tales of old Chryslers and junkyards and stuff, by Gary Platz with Ed Driestadt and David Zatz, is a series of stories about rooting through junkyards, keeping cars alive and well, and memorable experiences in the days when many … Read more
Several outlets incorrectly reported that the 2023 Jeep Compass’ 2-liter turbo engine will generate 270 hp. However, Chrysler itself reported, in three places on the press release, that it will actually generate 200 hp, with 221 lb-ft of torque. This would seem to settle the power question, but what would cause such a large difference? … Read more
The Los Angeles show will see a new version of the Chrysler Pacifica and an “electric” reveal of one of the “most iconic and classic FIAT brand models of all time.” The Fiat is almost certainly the new-and-improved 500e already on sale in Europe. While it’s possible there will be a new generation of the … Read more
FCA Canada has closed ordering for the 2022 Challenger, Charger, and 300; vehicles ordered but not built will be moved to the 2023 model year later. Dealers can now order a variety of 2023 cars: Chrysler 300 Touring, Touring L, and 300S Dodge Charger SXT, GT, and R/T Dodge Challenger SXT, GT, and R/T In … Read more
The latest Consumer Reports rankings are out, and they managed to skip pretty much all former Chrysler, current Stellantis brands, using this disclaimer: Criticisms of Consumer Reports’ “feedback loop” seem to have support in how few owners are willing to splash out on any vehicle from FCA US; more niche brands such as Acura and … Read more
The Wrangler 4xe, FCA US’ most popular plug-in hybrid despite years of selling PHEV minivans, has been out long enough for people to get some idea of how much money they may save by driving one, versus the standard gasoline engines. The four-cylinder-turbo-plus-motor 4xe system generates nearly the same acceleration as the big 392 V8, … Read more
Jeep’s joint venture with Guandgzhou (GAC) has declared bankruptcy. Jeep was the first American company to make and sell vehicles in China, with Beijing Jeep; this was before China required that foreign companies form joint ventures with Chinese firms. When Daimler-Benz took over Chrysler, though, they gave the company and factory to Mercedes. For a … Read more
The Dodge brand announced back in August at the Speed Week Muscle Announcement event that the seventh and final Last Call special edition vehicle – a Dodge Challenger of some sort – would debut at the 2022 SEMA Show. However, earlier this month, it was announced that the big debut had been pushed back to … Read more
