First of six union contracts is sewn up

Chevy Corvette E-Ray

GM and Unifor, the Canadian union that includes former UAW workers, have agreed on a deal with increases of around 20% over three years. Over 80% of the union members voted to approve the deal, which also moves newer workers up to maximum wages faster and includes one-time bonuses of up to around $7,320 (USD) … Read more

STLA to present new Rams, other vans and trucks

STLA - Ram global trucks and vans launch (2023)

Stellantis announced the introduction of “reimagined” commercial vehicles from most of its brands on October 23. The lineup, to be launched by the heads of Ram, Citroën, Fiat, Opel/Vauxhall, and Peugeot itself, will be shown off at 9 am EDT, with streaming video available. 

It’s possible to make some educated guesses about the vehicles shown. On the left is the little Ami; on the right, the Rampage

Jeep Eyes a Rebelle Rally Three-Peat with the New Wrangler Hybrid

The Rebelle Rally begins tomorrow (October 12th) and the Jeep brand is looking to win its third-straight overall event win and seventh win in the eight years that the all-female off-road event has been held. The event covers 1,500 miles through the desert of Nevada and California in eight days and competitors cross the land … Read more

Mopar bringing faux shifting to EVs

Dodge Charger Daytona BEV

Years ago, Chrysler introduced faux-automatic programming to the CVTs it bought from JATCO and used in the Caliber, Compass, and Patriot, to make the cars more comfortable for people used to automatics. Today, Stellantis has patented a fake transmission feel for battery-electric cars, making vehicles with single-speed transmissions feel like conventional four-or-more-speed automatics. The idea … Read more

Mopar ready for a “Charge” at SEMA

Mopar charge

Mopar provided a quick sneak preview of … something … for the upcoming aftermarket products show in Las Vegas on October 31 through November 3.

The text was: “A serious charge is coming from Mopar at the 2023 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, Oct. 31 – Nov. 3 in Las Vegas.”

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2022-24 Rams not looking back, and other recalls

2023 Ram 2500 Rebel HD

A software glitch has left roughly 300,000 Rams—an odd mix of Ram 1500s (2022-23),  light-GVWR Ram 3500 chassis cabs (2022-23), and Ram 2500s (2022-24)—without the rear view image displaying when in Reverse. The fix is simply a software update, which must be done at the dealership. The Ram 3500s affected are only chassis cabs with … Read more

Buying the underappreciated Dodge Charger SXT

2012 Dodge Charger SXT V6

From the moment it rolled onto the scene, the Dodge Charger captured the imaginations and hearts of motor enthusiasts across the world. Its striking blend of raw power and aggressive design set it apart—as did its generous passenger space. This American classic has witnessed several revisions and incarnations over the years, but through it all, … Read more

STLA gets first samples of revolutionary solid-state batteries

Factorial CEO Siyu Huang and solid state battery

Stellantis, Mercedes, and Hyundai, all of which backed battery startup Factorial, are all collecting on their investment with the first samples of new “solid state” batteries. These have a sold electrolyte, possibly providing safer, more reliable performance than traditional lithium-ion batteries; yet they appear to be compatible with conventional lithium-ion battery manufacturing gear. At the … Read more

NHRA Announces Rule Change for Dodge Challenger Factory Stock Showdown Teams

The 2021 Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak

Yesterday, we brought you the news that Mark Pawuk had won the Factory Stock Showdown class at the NHRA Midwest Nationals, setting a class E.T. record of 7.583 in the process. Many Mopar fans in Facebook racing discussion groups joked that the Dodge Challenger teams would be “punished” for Pawuk’s new record. Today, the NHRA … Read more