Stellantis testing vehicle-to-everything in USA

2021 Jeep Wrangler in Tuscadero exterior paint color

Stellantis is testing V2X (vehicle-to-anything, or, perhaps more accurately, everything-to-vehicle) communications technology in the United States. These systems, first codified by IEEE in 2010, are designed to alert drivers and autonomous driving systems to emergency vehicles, pedestrians, traffic lights, roadway hazards, and other problems. The issue with emergency vehicles started developing over a decade ago, … Read more

More Mopar plant downtime; Tavares giving up second job

painting pacifica at windsor

Automotive News reported this morning that the Windsor minivan plant and Belvidere Cherokee factory will be down for another week due to the semiconductor shortage. Windsor will then be down for the entire month of September. Belvidere is scheduled to return to duty after October 1, but as at most automakers now, scheduling is week-to-week. … Read more

Camp in your L: Mopar adds Jeep goodies

If you wanted to take your Jeep Grand Cherokee L camping, Mopar has you covered with a $390 tent kit ($321 from Internet discounters). The blue and gray tent has a 10×10 sleeping area, overhead storage net, inside pockets, two doors, three mesh windows, an exterior canopy, and a 7×6 screened room. What has this … Read more

Dodge, Ram top APEAL study

2021 Apeal

Dodge has, for the second year in a row, topped the mass-market brands in J.D. Power’s APEAL™ study, which looks at the “emotional bond” between customers and their vehicles after three months of ownership. The surveys are placed on a thousand-point index; APEAL stands for Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout. For 2021, Dodge and Ram … Read more

Grumpy Cat Dodge Challenger Hellcat Runs a 7.07 Quarter Mile

Grumpy Cat Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat

For the past few years, the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat campaigned by the Epling Family race team has held the record for the world’s quickest and fastest Hellcat car in the quarter mile. Most recently, the Epling “007” Challenger ran a stunning 7.33 at 186 miles per hour to once again reset their own world … Read more

Jeep 4xe hits Ward’s Ten Best list

Wrangler 4xe system

Jeep has once again made the prestigious Ward’s Ten Best Engines and Propulsion Systems list, with the 4xe hybrid system. The editors noted, “Wrangler 4xe is noteworthy for its rough-and-tumble off-road readiness, while clocking in at nearly 30 mpg during 300 miles of road testing around metro Detroit this past spring.” The two-liter turbocharged gasoline … Read more

Is WRX a challenge for the Dodge Hornet?

2022 Subaru WRX

The Dodge Hornet is coming, but it’s still in the rumor stage. Meanwhile, Subaru has thrown down a brand new 2022 WRX.  Subaru claims upgraded handling and a new direct-injection turbocharged boxer engine for its 2022 performance sedan. The status of the STi high-performance model is currently unknown but there’s a new GT trim, and all … Read more

Dodge Charger Drivers from 3 Teams Enter Funny Car Championship Chase

Ron Capps Dodge Charger

This past weekend, the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Series held its final event of the “regular” portion of the schedule, with 4 of the 11 drivers heading into the playoff portion of the schedule piloting Dodge Charger funny cars. In other words, there are 4 Dodge drivers within striking distance of the 2021 NHRA … Read more

Chrysler finally has a leader—from Honeywell

Christine Feuell, Chrysler CEO

Christine Feuell is leaving her post as Chief Commercial Officer of Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions to become the leader of the Chrysler brand. She will report directly to Carlos Tavares. While Honeywell might seem like an odd place to be mining for a leader of a car brand, Christine Feuell rose through the ranks … Read more

Jeep Compass moving upscale with updated features

For 2022, the Jeep Compass, already upgraded to look and feel more luxurious, has gotten more attention inside. A new 10.25 inch digital instrument cluster is optional, and buyers get an 8.4 inch center telematics display on base models and Latitude, with a 10.1 inch screen standard on all upper models. The center console has … Read more