Stellantis is finally making an eight-speed automatic that can be used in hybrid-electric and gasoline-powered vehicles; at the moment, the “4xe” hybrids use ZF-built transmissions. The changes, which affect three plants near or in Kokomo, Indiana—one casting plant and two transmission plants— will cost around $229 million.The eight-speed transmissions Chrysler builds are modified to work … Read more
Ram, probably the main profit driver of Stellantis in North America, has been increasingly popular thanks to its “new-plus-old-generations” sale strategy. In the future, though, electric power may be the key to success; and Ram is apparently set on staying relevant, without losing its character.The cutaway in the Ram EV Day presentation shows a 2008-Dakota-like … Read more
Head of design Ralph Gilles revealed in a recent video that Stellantis North America (SNA) is planning eight new electrified vehicles within the next five years. These will include:A luxury sedan with a long rangeAn “all conquering” muscle car, which has been teasedAn SUV hitting the “heart of the market”A “very capable” JeepA midsized truckThe … Read more
Dodge is expected to announce a new powertrain on July 8, with many believing there will be a battery-electric or serious-hybrid version of the Charger and Challenger on that date. The rationale is Dodge chief Tim Kuniskis’ statement that “we will have some pretty interesting stuff [on] July 8” to Muscle Cars and Trucks, on … Read more
“Who killed the electric car?” asked a movie, some years ago, implying that General Motors deliberately destroyed the rebirth of electrics. The movie ignored Chrysler’s epic electric car program of the same time—a program which sold cars, rather than leasing them, and was something of a success.Made in Plymouth and Dodge versions, the EPIC was … Read more
