An unofficial but reliable source told us which car might be the first to get the new straight-six engine—and it won’t shock you if you’re read the headline. The first car to get the 3-liter in-line six-cylinder dubbed GME T6 is likely to be the next-generation Dodge Challenger, as well as any platform-mates (likely Charger … Read more
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
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
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
Mopar people have been through many electronics systems over the years. The original computer controls were replaced by a new bus system in the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee; that bus was ejected in favor of CANBUS when Daimler took over (the Jeep was put into production during the takeover). Then Fiat replaced the Daimler interpretation … Read more
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
Numerous outlets recently reported, in breathless headlines, that the Dodge Challenger is being killed, based on a recent interview with Tim Kuniskis. However, the story is not that simple. In fact, the Dodge leader said that the Hellcat Charger and Challenger would be leaving in 2023. Most likely, that simply means that the Hellcat will … Read more
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
Yesterday, we brought you some Christmas gift ideas based on a Mopar press release, but that pertained specifically to the Mopar brand and Mopar parts for the various Stellantis brands. That is great if you are shopping for someone who is a general Mopar fan, or someone who has multiple brands from the company in … Read more
If you are Christmas shopping for the Mopar lover in your life, but you aren’t sure what to get him or her, you are in luck. Mopar issued a press release yesterday, offering some ideas for Ram, Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler-themed gifts ranging from an ugly sweater and other apparel to a Ram bar or … Read more
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
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
I recently spent a week driving the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 with the Xtreme Recon package. My first seat time with the Xtreme Recon-equipped 392 Jeep was an off-road test session during which time I found it to be the most capable production vehicle that I have ever tested – and I tested the … Read more
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
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
I recently traveled to Moab, Utah to test the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee in its traditional two-row form. As you may know, the next generation Grand Cherokee debuted earlier this year in the “L” form, serving as the first GC with a third row of seats, and it has been remarkably successful. That launch is … Read more