Keeping It Clean!
Weather Environment Parts for Performance
Look what Bayside Jeep in Annapolis, Maryland found:
Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) offers high-quality, factory-backed aftermarket accessories and performance parts specifically created for Jeep Wrangler vehicles!
Two new JPP heavy-duty floor systems and vinyl seat accessories are now available to provide superior interior surface protection.
JPP heavy-duty floor system is multi-layered with thermal protection, sound dampening, and a rugged surface.
Heavy-duty vinyl seats are made with Katzkin vinyl for maximum protection against extreme conditions.
Both products are offered in black with an embroidered Jeep Wrangler grille and stitching in Light Tungsten.
Visit our website to see our latest inventory in Annapolis.
Jeep® Brand Slides Into the Big Game With 'Electric Boogie'
Jeep® brand is making a big splash at the upcoming Big Game with a commercial featuring the classic song, "Electric Boogie" by Marcia Griffiths. The commercial, which features a Jeep® Wrangler, will be seen by millions of viewers during the Big Game. The commercial celebrates the spirit of adventure and freedom that comes with driving a Jeep® Wrangler. The commercial also celebrates the power of music, as Marcia Griffiths' iconic song is set to a modern beat and featured in the Jeep® Wrangler commercial. The commercial is sure to get viewers on their feet and dancing, just like the people in the commercial. So if you're looking for a way to get into the spirit of the Big Game, look no further than Jeep® and Electric Boogie.
What to Expect: 2023 Jeep Cherokee
Ram 1500 and Dodge Challenger Named Top Vehicle Models That Deliver on Buyers' Expectations by InMoment
Auburn Hills, Michigan | M
InMoment announced the results of its fourth annual eNVy Awards with the Ram 1500 and Dodge Challenger earning the top spots in their respective categories. The Ram 1500 earned the award in the Full-size Light Duty segment while the Dodge Challenger took top honors in the Sports Car category, respectively.
"In this year's fourth annual InMoment eNVy Awards, the Ram 1500 won first place in the ultra-competitive Full-size Light Duty Pickup category while the Dodge Challenger won first place in the Sports Car category for the second year in a row," said Tim Englehart, vice president, mobility at InMoment. "Congratulations to both the Ram and Dodge teams for their impressive scores in comfort, quality, and performance that led these models to win in their respective categories."
eNVy award winners were identified using data from the InMoment New Vehicle Customer Study (NVCS). Segment winners are ranked by customer response ratings of their vehicles' ability to deliver comfort, quality, performance, safety and ownership cost.
Segment winners represent 2021 model-year vehicles that have outperformed the competition by exceeding customer expectations in different qualities and how they rate their reasons for purchase.
World's Rarest 1969 Dodge Daytona Is Poised to Break Auction Record
Johnny Hunkins Writer | Mecum Auctions Photographer | M
The Mecum Auctions roadshow rolls into Indianapolis on May 13-21 and Mopar fans will want to have their eyes glued to MotorTrend for this one, as one of the most significant Dodge muscle cars to ever assault the pavement is crossing the auction block, and when it does, this is the exclusive inside story they'll be talking about. We'll dive into that in a moment, but first some quick history. The 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona was a one-year-only model designed specifically to dominate the high-banked super speedways of stock car racing. Its aerodynamic nosecone and raked rear wing made it a terror on the track but ungainly on ordinary roads. The Daytona's extremely limited production of just 503 examples makes it one of the rarest and most sought-after cars in the world of muscle car collecting...
Johnny Hunkins Writer | Mecum Auctions Photographer | M
The Mecum Auctions roadshow rolls into Indianapolis on May 13-21 and Mopar fans will want to have their eyes glued to MotorTrend for this one, as one of the most significant Dodge muscle cars to ever assault the pavement is crossing the auction block, and when it does, this is the exclusive inside story they'll be talking about. We'll dive into that in a moment, but first some quick history. The 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona was a one-year-only model designed specifically to dominate the high-banked super speedways of stock car racing. Its aerodynamic nosecone and raked rear wing made it a terror on the track but ungainly on ordinary roads. The Daytona's extremely limited production of just 503 examples makes it one of the rarest and most sought-after cars in the world of muscle car collecting...
Bigger, Better, Faster, Greener Jeep® and Jeep Performance Parts by Mopar Concepts Heading to the 56th Annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari
The first 7-passenger Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler Overlook is a concept that adds 7-passenger seating for the first time!
Starting this fall you can get a pink Jeep Wrangler!
Jeep is adding color options like Gecko Green, Chief Blue, Nacho Orange, Hellayella, and a few others. This fall we get an even more eye-popping paint job to that palette: Tuscadero.
Learn more about your 2021 Ram truck's towing and payload capacity with help from this guide: bit.ly/2PuxesB
The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Revives a Legend
Wesley Wren | Aug 18, 2021 | autoweek
On this episode of Quick Spin, Patrick Carone climbs behind the
wheel of the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer and puts it through its paces.
Carone takes you along while he drives the new Grand Wagoneer on the
pavement, and on a stint off-road. Carone also is given a tour of the
2022 Grand Wagoneer by Jeep's head of exterior design for the Wagoneer,
Taylor Langhals. Carone also captures his initial experience of the new
Jeep. Expanding on these segments, Carone talks with host Wesley Wren
about the Grand Wagoneer, its place in the world, and his experiences
with the new SUV. Closing the show, the pair discuss what makes the 2022
Jeep Grand Wagoneer special. Tune in
First-Ever Jeep EV Coming Very Soon, Followed By an Electrified Dodge
Alexander Stoklosa Author, Manufacturer Photographer |
During a recent marathon day outlining its future EV plans, Stellantis-that's the cross-Atlantic mashup of what formerly was known as Fiat Chrysler and the French PSA Group-promised that electrified Rams, Jeeps, Dodges, and others were on their way by 2024 to 2030. Some of the news was jaw-dropping, including the Dodge-branded electric muscle car seemingly capable of all-wheel-drive burnouts. An all-electric Jeep, widely expected to be a Wrangler, is on its way, too, as we've known for some time. But the burning question many of these announcements left was: When?
Thanks to a Stellantis earnings presentation covered by The Detroit News, we now know when to expect at least some of these electrified products: The electric Jeep will arrive by 2023, while the rest of Jeep's lineup will begin to offer electric variants by 2025.
On the Dodge end of the Stellantis house, look for a new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model to arrive in 2022. We're not sure which product will get that PHEV powertrain, but a next-generation crossover or SUV is a good bet-likely the next-generation Durango, which like today's model, shares underpinnings with Jeep's (now-outgoing) Grand Cherokee. With a new Grand Cherokee here in three-row form (the first ever for the nameplate) and arriving soon in two-row and 4xe plug-in hybrid forms, surely the Durango is on the cusp of replacement and in line for the 4xe treatment, too. The electric muscle car previously announced won't arrive until 2024.
Timelines for Chrysler and Ram going electric remain elusive, though we know there will be a Ram EV pickup in 2024. Stellantis's luxury brands, including Maserati and Alfa Romeo, are going to make the jump to fully electrified lineups by 2027 here in America.
The New, Redesigned 2022 Compass Reveal
Watch the full reveal to get your first look at the redesigned 2022 Compass. Coming Fall 2021.
Watch HERE
Dodge is Planning to Build the Fastest Muscle Car in Their History: Except It's Electric
June 18, 2021 | PowerNation
Demon, Hellcat, or Ghoul - take your pick - Dodge has a current lineup of muscle cars that have no problem pinning you in your seat. However, with the announcement of the new Tesla Plaid S taking over the headlines, Dodge came back and did what they do best - compete and make headlines of their own, which is why they dropped a bombshell about an electric muscle car that will be the fastest in their lineup.
Nobody wants to be outdone, especially an automotive manufacturer with a fruitful history like Dodge and its Hemi. However, Tesla came onto the scene and created a market that otherwise didn't exist. They've stepped on some toes in the process with their recent "Quickest Production Car" crown and brought out the competitive juices of Dodge.
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, with its 840 horsepower and 770-pound-feet of torque (when using 100-octane), previously held the quarter-mile record with an astonishing 9.65-second run. That was until Tesla released their Model S Plaid, with 1,020 horsepower and 1,050-pound-feet of torque, and achieved it in 9.23 seconds. To stir the pot a little, Tesla has a 180 horsepower and and 280-pound-feet of torque advantage, so…
Electric vehicles have come a long way, and despite their gaudy torque numbers and ability to go fast in a straight line, they still don't have the capabilities of an internal combustion engine, reliability being one of them. That doesn't mean they aren't improving drastically, which is why Dodge wants to jump in on the fun. This will be the first time Tesla has some real competition, not to say there haven't been others in the market to this point like the Mustang Mach-E.
Unnamed sources revealed to The Detroit Bureau that Dodge is taking this opportunity to work on an electric muscle car, described as "the fastest car they've ever made." There are two ways to feel about this - the first is that it's awesome. We are witnessing the best horsepower wars in modern history and 1,000 horsepower is as common today as a Honda Civic.
However, another way to look at this is also auto companies are not only acknowledging the shift to an electric world, but they're taking it seriously. Embracing the future isn't bad, but change is, admittedly, hard.
Details at this stage are scarce, and CEO of Dodge, Tim Kuniskis, told Fox News Auto recently that "electrification is inevitable in this space. It will help internal combustion engines perform significantly better and in some cases electrification all by itself."
His comments left us wondering what he meant - it will help internal
combustion engines in this space? Could this mean an even faster
internal gasoline-powered car could be in the works as well? Although
we're not quite sure by what he meant, we are sure of our trust in Dodge
and their ability to produce next-level cars and guide us into the next
chapter of the horsepower wars.
The 2021 Grand Cherokee L now comes with three rows that seat up to seven passengers! Learn more
Here's What Everyone Forgot About The Dodge Challenger Hellcat
by Lewis Mahoney | May 26, 2021 | HotCars
The Hellcat was developed by Dodge's SRT team and became an instant hit, below are some of the more interesting facts and features people may have forgotten about the Dodge Challenger Hellcat.
Power Per Dollar
Hellcat Engine Almost Never Happened
Diamonds For Strength
New Development Process
Huge Demand
First Model Sold For Charity
Drag Car
Surprising Fuel Efficiency
Good Value
Red & Black Key
2021 Jeep Wrangler 392 review: High-speed off-road high jinks
We begged for a V8 Wrangler, and boy did Jeep deliver.
By Emme Hall, May 24,2021, RoadShow
"It's a very weird sensation: Here I am behind the wheel of a 2021 Jeep
Wrangler Rubicon SUV, and I've just chirped the tires and rocketed to 60
mph in less than five seconds. It's unnatural. And I love it.
It's been 40 years since the 1981 Jeep CJ had
a 5.0-liter V8 under the hood, producing a mere 125 horsepower. Times
certainly have changed -- the 2021 Wrangler Rubicon 392 uses a 6.4-liter
Hemi V8 with a stonking 470 hp and 470 pound-feet of torque. It makes
for heart-pounding, head-tossing, seat belt-locking and maniacal
laugh-inducing fun. But there are still a few issues with this otherwise
thrilling package.
When I start the 392, it defaults to the
wake-the-neighbors loud setting, so right away I know it means business.
Around town, the V8 burbles and grumbles, the eight-speed automatic
transmission quietly working in the background. When I reach a long
straight on a back road, I switch to the paddle shifters (in a Jeep!)
and floor it. The nose rises up, my head snaps back and the full-time
four-wheel-drive system gets the power down to the 33-inch BF Goodrich
KO2 tires. After around 4.5 seconds, I'm at 60 mph. Goodness." Read More
2022 Jeep Compass: Is This the Coolest Shape of a Gadget-Era Jeep So Far?
by: Alexandru Sincan | May 17, 2021 | autoevolution.com
The first generation of the Jeep Compass series was something like a subcompact SUV
of the early 2000s with an improvised traditional Jeep face added. It
was using the Dodge Caliber technical platform as many other subcompact
and compact family cars and SUVs of the American branch of the
DaimlerChrysler group (1995-2007). Uninspiring start.
In 2011, the front end of the Compass was radically redesigned to resemble the Grand Cherokee model series. Already much better! The second generation was launched in 2018 as a product of the FCA group (formed in 2014).
In 2011, the front end of the Compass was radically redesigned to resemble the Grand Cherokee model series. Already much better! The second generation was launched in 2018 as a product of the FCA group (formed in 2014).
The vision behind it was far more coherent than in the case of the
previous generation. The second generation of the Jeep Compass had it
all from the beginning: the modern technology of the SCCS (Small Common
Components and Systems) platform, efficient engines, a 9-speed automatic
transmission and a nicely integrated design. More than ever, it was
clear that Compass aspired to the role of "mini-me" of the contemporary
Grand Cherokee. A mini-me with a length of, however, 173 in (4,395 m).
That's a quite serious car! Worthy to be mentioned: this was the first
Jeep specially designed to hit global roads. Read More
10 Sick Facts About The Ram TRX Pickup Truck
by: Martin Peter | 04/27/21 | hotcars.com
The popularity of pickup trucks in the US is at an all-time high, with
the top three best-selling vehicles being pickup trucks. Pickup trucks
are so popular that there are now categories within the market. For
example, there are heavy-duty trucks designed to haul heavy items.
Then there are the light-duty trucks, perfect for city dwellers
interested in using them as daily drivers. The third and relatively new
category is performance trucks. Performance pickup trucks are equipped
with potent engines and premium components, allowing them to be quicker
than some sports cars.
The latest entrant to the performance pickup truck market is the Ram
TRX. The TRX is a limited edition truck and one of the craziest
production pickup trucks ever. Let's explore some quick facts about this
incredible truck.
- The TRX Has An All-New Face
- A HEMI V-8 Powers The TRX
- The TRX Is The Most Powerful Mass-Produced Truck Ever
- The TRX Is Built For Off-Roading
- The TRX Has A Luxurious Interior
- The TRX Is The First-Ever Ram With Paddle Shifters
- Each TRX Will Have A Custom Plate Inside To Show How Special It Is
- The TRX Has Eight Drive Modes
Accessorize your 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe with these new performance parts
Jeep Performance Parts now offers a range of cool new components for its electrified Wrangler 4xe.
Craig Cole | May 3, 2021 | Roadshow
"The 2021 Wrangler 4xe is the new hotness from Jeep. This hard-core off-roader melds the go-nearly-anywhere prowess of a standard Wrangler with the added efficiency and near-silent operation of a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. But for customers who want a little bit more capability or an extra dash of style, last week Jeep announced a range of new performance parts and accessories for the 4xe.
Available through the Mopar online store, these components include everything from all-weather floor mats and a molded cargo tray to off-road lights, a reinforced swing gate and even an awesome new front bumper. Arguably, the most important item on offer is a 2-inch suspension lift kit, supposedly an industry first for a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Priced at a not-unreasonable $1,495, this components set includes four springs, Fox shock absorbers, new stabilizer bar links, a bucket of fasteners and more."
Watch the Dodge Durango SRT leave a Mustang Shelby GT500 in the dust! 
By DodgeGarage | April 20, 2021 | Read More
See the 2020 Jeep Wagoneer at the 2021 Atlanta Auto Show
Viknesh V. | April 9, 2021 | motorauthority
The Atlanta International Auto Show, now into its 39th year, kicks off
on April 14 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia,
and Jeep will be present with its 2022 Wagoneer.
Jeep unveiled the reborn Wagoneer in March, in both regular and extra-plush Grand Wagoneer guises. The Wagoneer is more your Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition alternative while the Grand Wagoneer has enough luxury to challenge the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, as well as some of the full-size SUVs from the German brands. Unlike some of those rivals, the Wagoneer comes in only one length for now.
Underpinning the vehicle is a modified version of the body-on-frame platform from the latest Ram 1500 pickup. An independent multi-link rear suspension should contribute to a smooth ride and air suspension will be available (standard on the Grand Wagoneer) for those that desire extra comfort.
Power in the Wagoneer comes from a 5.7-liter V-8 that makes 392 hp and 404 lb-ft of torque with the assistance of a mild-hybrid system. An 8-speed automatic is standard and buyers will be able to choose from three distinct four-wheel-drive systems. The Grand Wagoneer gets a 6.4-liter V-8 with 471 hp and 455 lb-ft, as well as the top-of-the-range Quadra Drive II 4WD system as standard.
As the official photos show, the interior of the Wagoneer is a very nice place to be, especially in Grand Wagoneer guise. A digital instrument cluster is standard and is joined by a second screen for the infotainment and an available third screen for the climate settings. Grand Wagoneer buyers can opt for a fourth screen for the front passenger.
Drag Race: Lamborghini Urus Vs. Dodge Durango Hellcat Vs. Jeep Trackhawk
Martin Bigg | April 9, 2021 | CARBUZZ
The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat and Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk are both powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 rated at 710 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque in the Durango SRT Hellcat and 707 hp/645 lb-ft in the Trackhawk. The Urus, on the other hand, packs a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 pumping out 641 hp and 626 lb-ft of torque.
While the Durango SRT Hellcat has the most power, it's also the heaviest out of the three SUVs, tipping the scales at 5,710 pounds. By contrast, the Urus has the least power but is the lightest out of the trio, making for an interesting race.
In the first drag race, all three SUVs race off the line using launch control. Despite its huge heft, the Durango SRT Hellcat immediately pulls ahead of its competitors and crosses the line first, followed closely by the Trackhawk and Urus. For round two, launch control is switched off but the Durango still takes the victory, with the Trackhawk and Urus finishing in second and third place respectively, but the Trackhawk closed the gap towards the end for a close finish. In the third and final round, all three SUVs duke it out in a rolling drag race.
This time, the results are reversed: the lighter Urus finishes first, followed by the Trackhawk and Durango. Considering the significant price difference between the Durango SRT Hellcat ($80,995), and the Urus ($207,326), the fact the American heavyweight only lost one race is seriously impressive.
5 things to know about the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX
Robert Duffer | 10/6/2020 | 5 things to know about the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX
1. It's wider
2. It has Hellcat breath
3. Same bed, new bones
4. It has Hellcat power, too
5. It wears TRX branding
5 things to know about the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX
1. It's wider
2. It has Hellcat breath
3. Same bed, new bones
4. It has Hellcat power, too
5. It wears TRX branding
1. It's wider
2. It has Hellcat breath
3. Same bed, new bones
4. It has Hellcat power, too
5. It wears TRX branding
Jeep Magneto: Electrifying the Easter Jeep Safari with a Wrangler EV
The Easter Jeep Safari has become synonymous with factory-backed concepts and customs, and this year is no different. The headline grabber of 2021 is called the Jeep Magneto, and it's truly unlike anything the off-road brand has ever assembled. As its name hints, the Magneto is fully electric, with an electric motor under the hood that hooks up to a standard six-speed manual transmission that sends power to solid front and rear axles through a two-speed transfer case.
To be sure, this is not a typical electric car concept. Electrification usually equals a chance to completely rethink traditional car-building and designing techniques. In the case of the Magneto, however, all of the powertrain bits - which includes the motor and several battery packs - has been hidden inside a stock steel Wrangler Rubicon chassis and bodywork. It's unconventional in that it's all rather conventional. Read More
Ram Truck Brand Launches New Advertising Campaign 'I'm A Ram,'
Featuring Music From Five-Time Grammy-winning Artist Chris Stapleton
Ram Truck Brand Launches New Advertising Campaign 'I'm A Ram,' Featuring Music From Five-Time Grammy-winning Artist Chris Stapleton
WATCH NOW
THE ALL-NEW 2022 WAGONEER AND GRAND WAGONEER
Anticipate Greatness
THE ALL-NEW 2022 WAGONEER AND GRAND WAGONEER
Built for those who want to share a lifetime of success with the people they hold dear. The All-New Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer reinterpret their own legacies and take the premium SUV into uncharted territories of style, comfort and adventure. These are more than sport utility vehicles. They're the means to make exceptional memories and create your own legend.
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Jeep's Upcoming Wagoneer Will Play Amazon Fire TV
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Big news: 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L revealed with seating for 7 and spy cam
By Gary Gastelu, 1/7/2021, Along with the rebooted Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer full-size SUVs,
the brand is introducing the 2022 Grand Cherokee L to its lineup, which
is the first three-row version of its top-selling model and will
compete with the likes of the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot and Toyota
Highlander.
The all-new vehicle is scheduled to go on sale this spring, and will be
followed by a two-row version without the L later in the year that will
include a plug-in hybrid powertrain option.
The Grand Cherokee L features styling inspired by the original Wagoneer, with a longer hood and boxier cabin than the outgoing Grand Cherokee, which first went on sale in 2011, along with a slightly forward-slanted grille.
Three different all-wheel-drivetrains with increasing levels of off-road
capability will be offered, along with the choice of a 290 hp 3.6-liter
V6 engine or 357hp 5.7-liter V8 that can tow up to 7,200 pounds.
The Grand Cherokee L will also be available with a Quadra-Lift air
suspension system that's equipped with computer-controlled shocks and
can increase the ground clearance from 8.3 inches to 10.9 inches for
off-road driving or lower it to 6.5 inches to make it easier to get
into.
High tech driving aids include a head-up display, night vision camera
and a hands-on lane-centering and adaptive cruise control system that
will be followed in the 2022 model year by a hands-free one similar to
Cadillac's Super Cruise.
The cabin will be offered in seven-passenger and six-passenger
configurations with a camera that the driver can use to monitor the
third row and rear-facing child seats installed in the second row using
the 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system display. A digital gauge
cluster and rearview camera-equipped mirror are additional improvements
over the current Grand Cherokee's interior, as are the Palermo leather
and open-pore oak and walnut trim that comes in high-end models.
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2021 Dodge Challenger Adds Gold Rush Color From 50th Anniversary Edition
Connor Hoffman, 12/4/2020, caranddriver
The yellow paint job is available on the Challenger T/A, T/A 392, SRT Hellcat, and SRT Hellcat Redeye models.
- Dodge is adding the Gold Rush paint job, first seen on the 50th-Anniversary cars, to 2021 Challenger T/A, T/A 392, SRT Hellcat, and SRT Hellcat Redeye models.
- The yellow paint job is a no cost option, but the car must be equipped with the Satin Black-painted hood, roof, and decklid, which comes standard on the T/A models.
- Gold Rush is available to order now, and 2021 models will arrive early next year.
Dodge is adding the Gold Rush exterior paint color, an option introduced on the 50th-Anniversary edition cars, to the Challenger T/A, T/A 392, SRT Hellcat, and SRT Hellcat Redeye models. The Gold Rush-painted Challys will arrive early next year.
The yellow paint job is a no-cost option. However, to get it, customers need to choose the $3495 Stain Black-painted hood, roof, and decklid, which comes standard on the T/A models. The new commemorative paint color joins other appropriately named fun colors available on the Challenger, including Frostbite, Hellraisin, Sinamon Stick, and Go Mango.
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POWER WAGON® 75TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
The 2021 Ram 2500 Power Wagon® 75th
Anniversary Edition pays homage to a power-packed legacy. Built for
off-road performance and featuring a heritage color scheme interior,
this edition boasts the badges of honor that 75 years of service
deserve. Read More
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2021 Jeep® Wrangler 4xe named Green SUV of the Year™ by Green Car Journal
- Wrangler 4xe boasts 375 horsepower and delivers up to 25 miles of pure electric operation for daily commutes with no range anxiety
- 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is the natural evolution of nearly 80 years of Jeep® capability leadership
- Wrangler 4xe retains the Jeep Wrangler's Trail Rated running gear: solid front and rear axles, full-time 4x4 two-speed transfer case, fully articulating suspension and 30 inches of water fording capability
- Jeep 4xe vehicles provide new levels of efficiency, environmental responsibility, performance and capability, on and off the road
The innovative 2021 Jeep® Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid has been named Green SUV of the Year™ by leading industry publication Green Car Journal. The announcement was made this week at the Virtual Greenbuild Conference and Expo.
The Wrangler 4xe delivers up to 25 miles of nearly silent,
zero-emission, electric-only propulsion, making it commuter friendly as
an all-electric daily driver without range anxiety. It is also the most
capable and eco-friendly Jeep vehicle off-road - combined with the
open-air freedom that only Jeep Wrangler offers. 4xe is Jeep's global
name for its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle technology.
"The
Wrangler 4xe delivers an exciting and environmentally positive way for
Jeep fans to enjoy their on- and off-road experiences," said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and
GreenCarJournal.com. "Its powerful plug-in hybrid powerplant brings
welcome performance, while enabling up to 25 miles of trail or street
driving exclusively on quiet, zero-emission battery power."
The
Wrangler 4xe's hybrid powertrain combines a high-tech, 2.0-liter
four-cylinder turbocharged engine with two electric motors, a
high-voltage battery pack and TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic
transmission. Torque from the electric motors in the Wrangler 4xe
arrives instantly on demand from the driver. The powertrain also
delivers fuel-saving, seamless, start-stop operation of the engine.
The
most advanced powertrain ever developed for a Jeep Wrangler maximizes
efficiency with an estimated 50 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe). With
375 horsepower and a 0-60 MPH time of just 6.0 seconds, the 2021 Jeep
Wrangler 4xe delivers performance, benchmark off-road capability and an
electric vehicle lifestyle.
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe
driver can tailor the hybrid powertrain to best suit each trip with the E
Selec mode buttons on the instrument panel. Hybrid, the default mode,
blends power from the engine and electric motors. Electric prioritizes
EV operation until the battery reaches its minimum charge, while eSave
prioritizes propulsion from the engine, saving the battery charge for
later use.
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2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Has a 470-HP 6.4-Liter V-8
The 392, which sits an inch taller than the standard Rubicon, will
launch to 60 mph in a claimed 4.5 seconds. It'll go on sale in early
2021.
- Jeep has announced that the Wrangler Rubicon 392 is headed to production, and it'll go on sale early next year.
- It's powered by a 6.4-liter V-8 that produces 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, and Jeep claims it'll do 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.
- Available only as a four-door Rubicon model, it's equipped with 33-inch all-terrain tires, Fox shocks, Dana 44 axles, and it's an inch taller than the standard Rubicon.
Read More
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Jeep Teases Production 2022 Wrangler With 392 Hemi V8 In New Video
Elizabeth Blackstock, Saturday 11/14/2020, Jalopnik.com
"Back in July, Jeep confirmed that the 6.4-liter V-8 Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept was definitely a thing-but today we got our first video, and it confirms the news that the marque has been hinting at: We're going to be getting a production Jeep Wrangler with a V8 engine, and it's going to be available to buy in 2021.
We were skeptical about this in the past, especially because it was loaded with that big word: concept. There's nothing worse than a teaser for a cool machine that's never going to come to fruition. But this is the real deal. This is production.
Jeep posted its most recent video on Instagram. It's short, but you can just hear the growl of the engine as it accelerates through the desert. That noise is unmistakable, and it's not one you've ever heard in a production Jeep before.
We were skeptical about this in the past, especially because it was loaded with that big word: concept. There's nothing worse than a teaser for a cool machine that's never going to come to fruition. But this is the real deal. This is production.
Jeep posted its most recent video on Instagram. It's short, but you can just hear the growl of the engine as it accelerates through the desert. That noise is unmistakable, and it's not one you've ever heard in a production Jeep before.
Its previous post came on Twitter, which just showed a hood with a
conspicuous bump and 392 inscribed on the side. From the last image, it
was impossible to tell whether we were getting a Wrangler or a
Gladiator, but the new video gives us the confirmation we were looking
for.
There was very little to deduce from the June image, but now we can start talking specs.
Here are some highlights from Jeep's concept press release (which may or may not be exactly true for the final production version):
- Dana 44 axles, a Selec-Track full-time two-speed transfer case, Tru-Lok electric front- and rear-axle locking differentials and 37-inch mud-terrain tires that wrap around custom 17-inch beadlock wheels
- A factory Jeep Performance Parts two-inch lift kit and 37-inch tires combine to improve articulation and contribute to unprecedented levels of water fording capability (34 inches) and ground clearance (13.25 inches), as well as improved approach (51.6 degrees), breakover (29.5 degrees) and departure (40.1 degrees) angles.
- Rubicon rock rails, steel bumpers with a Warn winch and a steel belly pan
- Eight-speed automatic transmission and a 3.73 gear ratio
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Jeep Gladiator gets Willys trim level for 2021 model year
The Jeep Gladiator gets a new but familiar edition for the 2021 model year, borrowing the Willys trim level from the Wrangler line. There are the requisite badges and stickers, but fortunately there's content included in the package that may make the Gladiator Willys edition, which is based on the Sport S trim, attractive to buyers.
Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep
Brand in North America, says, "Gladiator Willys models harken back to
the original Jeep lineup while offering an aggressive look and
additional increased capability." Rock rails and shocks are borrowed
from the off-road-spec Rubicon model, and a limited-slip differential is
a welcome addition. Unique 17-inch black wheels wear chunky 32-inch
BFGoodrich KM2 mud terrain tires and pair well with the similarly
blacked-out grille.
Also included are the Gladiator's Technology Group with seven-inch
infotainment screen and Convenience Group. An upgraded 8.4-inch Uconnect
system is optional, as are adaptive cruise control, Jeep's Active
Safety Group, Cargo
Management Group (which includes an upgraded alternator and 400-Watt
inverter), the Cold Weather Group with heated seats and steering wheel
and the Trailer-Tow Package.
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2022 Jeep Compass Rumored To Debut In November
Anthony Alaniz, Oct. 26, 2020, Motor1
It'll feature updated styling inside and out.
The 2022 Jeep Compass
that our spy photographers caught earlier this month was wearing less
camouflage than before. Now, we may know why. A new report from Mopar Insiders,
citing "several" of their sources, says the automaker will reveal the
updated crossover next month at the Guangzhou International Automobile
Exhibition in China, which is scheduled to begin on November 22.
The Compass we expect to see should feature several styling updates
without any significant design overhauls. The latest spy photos show
Jeep's familiar seven-slot grille sitting between what looks like a pair
of narrower headlights. Even fewer changes are expected at the rear,
with small changes kept to a minimum on the lower part of the bumper and
diffuser. Photos of the interior have shown a new infotainment system
likely paired with a new dashboard layout. Read More
_________________________________________________________________________New Jeep Wagoneer Gets Wood Paneling Somewhere Along Its Design Study
Oct 11, 2020 | Jacob Oliva | Motor1The idea got killed by the boss.
From Kaiser to AMC, then to Chrysler (now FCA), the Jeep Wagoneer was an enduring nameplate that spanned from 1963 to 1991 - one of the longest-running Jeep
nameplates before it got killed. It's also the third longest-produced
single generation vehicle in U.S. automotive history, sitting atop the
SJ platform for 29 years.
However, apart from its longevity and revered capabilities, one of
the most distinctive traits of the Wagoneer is rather aesthetic - the
presence of wood panelings. With that said, one could have expected the
returning Grand Wagoneer concept to bear the wood panels on the sides, as seen on the fan rendering above.
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Ram Commemorates the Pinnacle of Southwest-inspired Luxury With 2021 Ram 1500 Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary Edition
- Ram introduces new 2021 Ram 1500 Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary Edition - luxurious capability inspired by the Southwest
- Limited Longhorn replaces Laramie Longhorn and the 10th Anniversary Edition is an available special package
- Class-leading interior with premium materials: real wood, leather and metal trim
- 2021 Ram 1500 is the benchmark for performance, capability, technology and luxury
October 5, 2020
, Auburn Hills, Mich.
-
Ram today is commemorating the pinnacle of southwestern luxury by
unveiling the new 2021 Ram 1500 Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary
Edition pickup truck.
The Ram 1500 Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary Edition joins the lineup
and raises the world's benchmark again for upscale pickup trucks.
Jeep Gladiator gets Willys trim level for 2021 model year
The Jeep Gladiator gets a new but familiar edition for the 2021 model year, borrowing the Willys trim level from the Wrangler line. There are the requisite badges and stickers, but fortunately there's content included in the package that may make the Gladiator Willys edition, which is based on the Sport S trim, attractive to buyers.Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand in North America, says, "Gladiator Willys models harken back to the original Jeep lineup while offering an aggressive look and additional increased capability." Rock rails and shocks are borrowed from the off-road-spec Rubicon model, and a limited-slip differential is a welcome addition. Unique 17-inch black wheels wear chunky 32-inch BFGoodrich KM2 mud terrain tires and pair well with the similarly blacked-out grille.
Also included are the Gladiator's Technology Group with seven-inch infotainment screen and Convenience Group. An upgraded 8.4-inch Uconnect system is optional, as are adaptive cruise control, Jeep's Active Safety Group, Cargo Management Group (which includes an upgraded alternator and 400-Watt inverter), the Cold Weather Group with heated seats and steering wheel and the Trailer-Tow Package.
_________________________________________________________________________
2022 Jeep Compass Rumored To Debut In November
Anthony Alaniz, Oct. 26, 2020, Motor1It'll feature updated styling inside and out.
The 2022 Jeep Compass that our spy photographers caught earlier this month was wearing less camouflage than before. Now, we may know why. A new report from Mopar Insiders, citing "several" of their sources, says the automaker will reveal the updated crossover next month at the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in China, which is scheduled to begin on November 22.
The Compass we expect to see should feature several styling updates
without any significant design overhauls. The latest spy photos show
Jeep's familiar seven-slot grille sitting between what looks like a pair
of narrower headlights. Even fewer changes are expected at the rear,
with small changes kept to a minimum on the lower part of the bumper and
diffuser. Photos of the interior have shown a new infotainment system
likely paired with a new dashboard layout. Read More
New Jeep Wagoneer Gets Wood Paneling Somewhere Along Its Design Study
Oct 11, 2020 | Jacob Oliva | Motor1
The idea got killed by the boss.
From Kaiser to AMC, then to Chrysler (now FCA), the Jeep Wagoneer was an enduring nameplate that spanned from 1963 to 1991 - one of the longest-running Jeep nameplates before it got killed. It's also the third longest-produced single generation vehicle in U.S. automotive history, sitting atop the SJ platform for 29 years.
However, apart from its longevity and revered capabilities, one of the most distinctive traits of the Wagoneer is rather aesthetic - the presence of wood panelings. With that said, one could have expected the returning Grand Wagoneer concept to bear the wood panels on the sides, as seen on the fan rendering above.
_________________________________________________________________________
Ram Commemorates the Pinnacle of Southwest-inspired Luxury With 2021 Ram 1500 Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary Edition
- Ram introduces new 2021 Ram 1500 Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary Edition - luxurious capability inspired by the Southwest
- Limited Longhorn replaces Laramie Longhorn and the 10th Anniversary Edition is an available special package
- Class-leading interior with premium materials: real wood, leather and metal trim
- 2021 Ram 1500 is the benchmark for performance, capability, technology and luxury
October 5, 2020
, Auburn Hills, Mich.
-
Ram today is commemorating the pinnacle of southwestern luxury by
unveiling the new 2021 Ram 1500 Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary
Edition pickup truck.The Ram 1500 Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary Edition joins the lineup and raises the world's benchmark again for upscale pickup trucks.
Jeep® Brand Celebrates 80th Anniversary With Expansion of Jeep Wave Customer Care Program and Full Lineup of Special-edition Models
- Jeep® Wave Customer Care program available on all new 2021 Jeep vehicle purchases and leases
- Premium service program includes three years of free maintenance,
24/7 phone and online support, first-day rental and trip interruption
coverage, and VIP access to exclusive Jeep events
- New 80th Anniversary models available across entire Jeep lineup
- Loaded with advanced safety and technology features and 4x4
capability, these special-edition vehicles include unique wheels with
Granite Crystal finish, unique exterior and interior accents, berber
floor mats and commemorative 80th Anniversary badging
- 80th Anniversary models available in Jeep dealer showrooms in fourth quarter of 2020
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TRX is a performance truck and an off-road truck, designed to keep you in command of all 702 horses across ever-changing terrain.
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Everything We Know About Dodge's 2021 Muscle Car Lineup
Dodge is still the go-to brand for muscle car enthusiasts looking for raw, old-school power. Here's what they have in store for 2021.
By Testimony Olajire
Muscle cars are one of the all-time American favorites, known and loved for their high performance and fast speed. These mass production cars gained much of their popularity in mainstream and underground drag racing circles.
For more than half a century now, Dodge has been producing some of the best muscle cars on the market, period. And the company's 2021 lineup is no exception to the mastery Dodge has managed to produce through the years. It is still a few months to 2021, but Dodge's 2021 muscle car lineup is already stirring up a buzz in the automotive industry. Here's what we know:
10/10 The Lineup Comprises 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock, Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Red-Eye, And Dodge Durango Hellcat
Dodge certainly didn't disappoint as it revealed the much anticipated 2021 muscle car lineup
with three all new vehicles. The cars are the 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT
super stock, the 2021 charger SRT Hellcat Redeye and the 2021 Dodge
Durango SRT.
These are some imposing yet impressive muscle cars, and they are the center of all the buzz going around with Dodge's 2021 lineup.
9/10 All The Cars Have Been Upgraded To Pack More Horsepower Of Greater Than 700hp
Muscle cars are all about performance and speed. It is always a matter
of how far companies can take them. So, a popular thought in the mind of
people about these cars is how much horsepower they pack.
Dodge certainly knows this, that is why all the vehicles in this line up
have been upgraded to produce more horsepower, each delivering more
than 700 potential horses under the hood. This makes them some of the
most powerful muscle cars in the world. Dodge certainly brought its
A-game in the manufacture of these cars and enthusiasts are totally here
for it.
8/10 The Durango SRT Hellcat Is The Most Powerful Durango To Date
The Durango is not a strange name in the Dodge family. It is the
company's brand of SUV. The 2021 Durango SRT hellcat is however
different from previously produced models, as it should be. It has an
eight-speed automatic transmission and a supercharged 6.2-liter V8
engine that generates 710 horsepower. This propels the Durango to a top
speed of 180 mph.
The Durango SRT hellcat speeds from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and can
travel a quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds. These features make the car not
only the most powerful Durango to date, but also makes it the world's
fastest SUV. Who wouldn't want to have this beauty in their garage?
7/10 The Durango Hellcat Is The First Three Row Hellcat Ever Produced With A Redesigned Front End
The 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
is as beautiful on the inside as it is exteriorly. It features a new
dashboard design inspired by the Challenger and Charger. The
infotainment system and gauge cluster have been fitted into one area;
this pattern has created more space for the 10.1inch touch screen Gen 5
Uconnect System. The hard buttons and knobs just below the dashboard
create a more compact look compared to the 2020 Durango.
The infotainment screen, button panel, and dashboard have allowed more
space at the redesigned shift console edge. Designed with a generous
amount of leather and suede, the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
certainly has a posh feel to it. It is a three-row SUV that can
comfortably seat a family, and it can tow up to 8700 pounds.
6/10 The Production Of The 2021 Durango SRT Hellcat Will Be Limited
Despite all its great features, the production of the 2021 Durango SRT
hellcat will be limited. It will only be produced in 2021, beyond which
Dodge will cease production of the model. This makes the 2021 Dodge
Durango SRT Hellcat all the more unique.
5/10 The 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Has Some Similarity To The Dodge Challenger Demon
The 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Superstock Is an eye-catching muscle car that draws its inspiration from the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon and the Challenger Hellcat Red-eye. One can say it is an almost perfect challenger, combining the best features of the SRT Demon and the Hellcat Red-eye.
4/10 The Challenger Has An Excellent Braking System
The Challenger completes a quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds at a speed of 131 mph and
has a top speed of 168 mph. With great speed comes an even greater
braking system. With a pulling power of more than 800 horses, the SRT
Superstock is a heavyweight vehicle, and it is necessary that such
vehicles have an excellent braking system.
3/10 Unlike Other Models, The 2021 Challenger Gets A Different Shift Point For The Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission
The 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Superstock has a revised powertrain
calibration to optimize its performance, including the eight-speed
automatic transmission and the limited-slip 3.09 rear differential.
2/10 The 2021 Dodge Charger's Functional Scoop Design Is An Excellent Idea From Dodge
The 2021 Dodge charger SRT Hellcat Red-eye is one intimidating piece of
work. If sedans could bully, this hellcat would do a good job of giving
other sedans a wedgie. The charger is a wide-body five-passenger car
with a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine, which delivers 797 horsepower
and 707 pound-feet of torque. It can reach a top speed of 203 mph and
does a quarter-mile in 10.6 seconds. Dodge claims this is the fastest
full-sized sedan in the world.
To enhance its supercharged engine, the charger Redeye has a newly
designed hood that supplies maximum airflow from its larger functional
hood scoop. This is an excellent idea from Dodge.
1/10 The Rear-Wheel-Drive Dodge Charger Will Be A Bundle of Drifting Fun With A 10-Horsepower Increase
The Rear-Wheel-Drive Dodge charger comes with a TorqueFlite 8HP90
eight-speed automatic transmission. The 8HP90 has a torque converter
that provides an 18% increase in torque compared to the regular Charger
SRT Hellcat.
The 2021 Dodge charger SRT Hellcat Redeye will be a bundle of drifting fun with the power output increase.
_________________________________________________________________________
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer concept has been revealed! 
What do you think? 
_________________________________________________________________________
Jeep Grand Wagoneer coming Sept. 3
___
Jeep dropped a pair of teaser images of its upcoming Grand Wagoneer last week, accompanied by a simple message: "Coming Sept. 3." In other words, we know when Jeep will pull the wraps off its long-awaited flagship SUV.
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The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is so quiet, it's like someone turned the volume up on nature. Coming soon.
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HUGE NEWS! THE POWER HAS SHIFTED!
The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX is here, redefining the boundaries of what a pick up truck can be.
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This Sure Looks Like a Hemi-Powered Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator
Jeep's official Twitter account tweeted out an image of what seems to be
either a Wrangler or a Gladiator with "392" marked on a massive,
scooped hood earlier today. What's that about?
While the post was short on details, we can draw a
few conclusions. While this could be either a Wrangler or a Gladiator,
it definitely seems to hold the 6.4-liter naturally aspirated Hemi V-8
put in the 470 horsepower Grand Cherokee SRT, which comes in at 392
cubic inches and was once the namesake of a specialized Challenger SRT-8
line. Being the most common high-output Chrysler engine in current
production, the engine is already a popular swap for Jeep enthusiasts,
so a production model seems very possible.
The bigger concern is
whether or not this is actually a production model. It could be the
teaser of a realistic concept, like the Easter Jeep Safari concepts
the company puts out every year. It could be a one-off, built or even
just rendered for only posts like this, designed to test interest while
the company considers building something on a larger scale. The most
interesting possibility, though, is that this is in fact a Jeep Wrangler
or Gladiator packing a startling 470 horsepower.
If that is the case, this looks like Jeep's response to the reveal of the Bronco family. The potential for a high output model of either or both flagship jeep off-roaders is an immediate headline-grabber, but the actual production models could provide both a viable competitor to Ford's much larger SVT Raptor performance truck and a sort of pony car-like escalation in what looks like a war brewing between what are now two competing full lines of compact, stylish off roaders in a category of their own.
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Mopar Introduces New Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) Lift Kits Specifically Tuned for EcoDiesel-Powered Jeep® Wrangler and Gladiator Models
- New Jeep® Wrangler lift kit available now; new Jeep Gladiator lift kit arrives later this summer
July 30, 2020
, Auburn Hills, Mich.
-
For enthusiasts looking to further enhance the off-road capability of their Jeep® Wrangler or Gladiator,
Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) are introducing new specifically
tuned 2-inch lift kits for EcoDiesel-powered Jeep models."Our comprehensive Jeep portfolio includes more than 500 factory-engineered, quality-tested, off-road performance parts and accessories," said Mark Bosanac, Head of Mopar Service, Parts and Customer Care, FCA - North America. "At Mopar, we'll continue to fill our catalog with ultra-capable, factory-backed features that resonate with Jeep fans."
Both lift kits are validated to OEM specs in order to manage the increased vehicle curb weight and to deliver heightened ground clearance and higher approach/departure angles needed for larger tires. Specific features include:
- Suspension articulation is increased 18 percent from stock for enhanced off-road vehicle capability
- Larger 2.5-inch-diameter (versus 2-inch-diameter stock) aluminum-body FOX monotube shock absorbers are specifically tuned for increased weight capacity, durability and cooling during off-road conditions
- Springs are specifically tuned for the diesel-engine application, which optimizes the dynamic performance in all on- and off-road driving conditions
- Longer front lower control arms (versus stock control arms) offer ideal caster settings, while unique heavy-duty bushings provide improved vehicle control and assist with suspension articulation
- Direct bolt-on kit requires no drilling, cutting or welding
The JPP Wrangler lift kit (Part #: 77072399AE) is available for purchase now, while the new JPP Gladiator lift kit (Part #: 77072469AC) will be available in late summer. The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for each kit is $1,495.
When oversize tires (33 inches in diameter and larger) are installed, the Mopar Vehicle Protection (MVP) Custom Calibration option reconfigures the vehicle speedometer and odometer calibrations for accurate gauge readings. The available option has an MSRP of $125.
Factory Warranty
Standard Mopar accessory warranty coverage for both lift kits includes two years/unlimited miles from date of purchase or up to the remainder of the new vehicle's warranty of three years/36,000 miles.
MVP also offers optional, additional lift kit coverage when combined with a purchase of one of the mechanical plan warranty offerings. Plan terms range from 5-8 years and up to 125,000 miles for new vehicles. Please visit your nearest FCA dealership for additional information.
Mopar
Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) is the service, parts and customer-care brand for FCA vehicles around the globe. Born in 1937 as the name of a line of antifreeze products, the Mopar brand has evolved over more than 80 years to represent both complete care and authentic performance for owners and enthusiasts worldwide.
Mopar made its mark in the 1960s during the muscle-car era, with Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use, and expanded to include technical service and customer support. Today, the Mopar brand's global reach distributes more than 500,000 parts and accessories in more than 150 markets. With more than 50 parts distribution centers and 25 customer-contact centers globally, Mopar integrates service, parts and customer-care operations in order to enhance customer and dealer support worldwide.
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2021 Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel first look: more grunt, more miles
Aaron Cole, thecarconnection, July 10
The pairing was highly eventual, but also highly anticipated.
On Friday, Jeep announced that its 2021 Gladiator pickup would be available with an optional 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 plucked from the Ram 1500 pickup and Wrangler SUV. In the Gladiator, the turbodiesel will make 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque and be paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The engine will be available in Gladiator Sport, Overland, and Rubicon trim levels, which are equipped with Dana 44 front and rear axles and a 3.73 axle ratio, which points to the diesel's grunt and prowess heading up a trail.
The EPA hasn't yet rated the Gladiator pickup, but 2020 ratings for the diesel-powered Wrangler were 22 mpg city, 29 highway, 25 combined. The two share similar skeletons, although the Gladiator is bigger so it's likely that the diesel pickup will land somewhere slightly lower when it's rated.
Jeep said that the pickups will be equipped with diesel exhaust fluid after-treatment tanks that will need to be refilled every 10,000 miles.
The Gladiator's 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine is largely identical to the same units found in other Jeep and Ram products, although Jeep says it's made several changes to the engine to make it quieter and more capable off-road. Enthusiasts have clamored for the turbodiesel in Jeep products thanks to the engine's low-end torque and long lopes in the wilderness thanks to better fuel economy, compared to gas-powered Jeeps.
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Once Again, Dodge Makes History
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Dodge isn't done making mountain-shaking muscle car
by Kirby Garlitos, on
Just when you thought the Dodge Challenger couldn't get any more mental, the SRT Super Stock arrives with its chest puffed out and already claiming the title of the world's fastest and most powerful muscle car. Wider than the SRT Hellcat Redeye and sporting fat and sticky radial tires, the Challenger SRT Super Stock upends the Redeye as the most powerful muscle car in the world. It comes with the same powerhouse engine, but output is tuned to 807 horsepower. The Super Stock joins the demented Challenger SRT Demon as the only two muscle cars with more than 800 ponies on tap.Dodge hasn't mentioned a price tag for the Super Stock, but expect it to cost a little more than the Hellcat Redeye's $80,190 sticker price, and order books should open summer of 2020.
Learn more
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2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon EcoDiesel First Test: Is the Diesel Worth the Wait?
By Christian Seabaugh, Brandon Lim, June 29th, MotorTrend
Not too long ago, you only really got four choices when buying a new Jeep Wrangler: two doors or four, soft top or hardtop, manual or automatic, and color. But with Wrangler sales through the roof and the full might of FCA behind the latest JL Wrangler, current buyers of the iconic Jeep are truly spoiled for choice-especially when it comes to engine options, with no less than five engine options available across the lineup. The latest to hit the streets is the highly anticipated diesel engine, and we hit the test track in a 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon EcoDiesel to see if the wait was worth it.
Jeep's new EcoDiesel engine is actually one that Ram 1500 buyers have been familiar with for a couple years now. Now in its third generation, the EcoDiesel 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 gets some Wrangler-specific modifications (like the ability to withstand up to 30 inches of water) and makes the same 260 hp as it does in the Ram, but 'only' 442 lb-ft of torque-down 38 lb-ft to the pickup. An eight-speed automatic comes standard with the EcoDiesel engine, as does four-wheel drive. The new diesel is only available in four-door Wrangler Unlimited models-Jeep says the take rate would be too low on two-door Wranglers to justify the investment. Same for a manual transmission. Read More
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Jeep's new EcoDiesel engine is actually one that Ram 1500 buyers have been familiar with for a couple years now. Now in its third generation, the EcoDiesel 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 gets some Wrangler-specific modifications (like the ability to withstand up to 30 inches of water) and makes the same 260 hp as it does in the Ram, but 'only' 442 lb-ft of torque-down 38 lb-ft to the pickup. An eight-speed automatic comes standard with the EcoDiesel engine, as does four-wheel drive. The new diesel is only available in four-door Wrangler Unlimited models-Jeep says the take rate would be too low on two-door Wranglers to justify the investment. Same for a manual transmission. Read More
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Engine Options Allegedly Leaked
Christopher Smith, 3/6/2020, motor1.com
Pentastar and Hemi power could be joined by a new turbo four-cylinder and a plug-in hybrid model.
A new Jeep Grand Cherokee is coming. We caught our first glimpse of a heavily camouflaged prototype in August 2019, and it's remained an elusive creature in the spy photo world. We only have that single sighting to whet our appetite for the next-gen SUV, but a report from Allpar adds a bit more spice to the meal in the form of powertrain rumors.
With automakers moving to smaller turbocharged engines, there's been some speculation that the next Grand Cherokee in standard guise (as in, anything not tweaked with SRT madness) would nix V6 and V8 engine options entirely. The Allpar report seeks to squash those rumors with news from an alleged insider that yes, buyers will still have a Hemi V8 and the Pentastar V6 to choose from. It's unconfirmed obviously, and Jeep doesn't offer any official word on in-development vehicles. But it makes sense to offer some familiarity for buyers in the insanely competitive SUV segment.
Any way you slice it, changes are coming for the Grand Cherokee and it's about time. The current generation dates back to 2011, but age hasn't tempered sales of the SUV. 242,969 units were sold in 2019, an increase of 8 percent compared to 2018. As such, we can understand Jeep's reluctance to rock the boat too much with smaller engines and hybrid powertrains in a new generation.
We expect Jeep to reveal the new Grand Cherokee later this year as a 2021 model.
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Dodge Set To Reveal Charger SRT Demon Next Month?
Feb 29, 2020
FCA sure loves its Easter Eggs. Could this point to a Charger SRT Demon?
Since the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon first debuted for 2018, with 808 supercharged horsepower (840 on race gas) from a modified version of the Hellcat's blown 6.2-liter Hemi V8, enthusiasts and pundits alike have wondered if and when that engine might make its way into the Challenger's big brother, the four-door Dodge Charger.
The answers to those questions, it turns out could be "yes," and "soon." The emphasis here is on the word "could," but a potential Easter Egg worked into a promotional image for the Mopar-focused Spring Festival of LX 2020 hints at the possibility that the Demon's super-potent V8 could be in the Charger's future.
Seen above, the promotional Springfest image depicts a Dodge Charger SRT with a Hellcat logo tucked away in the corner of the grille - pretty standard. Look closer, however, and you'll note that the hood has a massive mail slot, spanning nearly the full width of the panel - much like the SRT Demon had.
Apart from that, it looks pretty much like an ordinary Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody, with the same body-color bar spanning the upper grille, creating a slender opening. We'll remind you that the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody was, in fact, preceded by the Demon, effectively just taking that model's flared fenders and deeper wheels for itself.Of course, a more aggressive hood does not a Demon make, and it's a distinct possibility that FCA might choose to recycle its Demon-influenced hood on some other special-edition Charger model. Goodness knows FCA loves its special editions.
At the very least, we can say with some confidence that the big-snout hood points to some future SRT special; FCA loves to hint at future product launches through cryptic Easter Eggs, and this wouldn't be the first time the automaker used Springfest, specifically, to gesture at a forthcoming model.2020 Chrysler 300 gets new colors, a new package, and new prices
From last year's palette of eight colors, two are no more: Maximum Steel and Ceramic Grey. Frostbite, a popular white offered on the Dodge Challenger and Charger, has been added to the 300's choices. New hues Amethyst and Canyon Sunset will be added but are late availability. Inside, Black/Linen and Mocha interior colors increase the choice. The $475 Interior Appearance Group that brought features like bright pedals and premium floor mats has been done away with, too.
The build site doesn't show the Red S Appearance Package for the 300S trim, but it's a thing. The option includes Black Noise exterior badging with red inserts on the wing badge, a red "S" badge on the decklid, and 20-inch Black Noise wheels on the RWD model. It can be paired with a new Radar Red interior which is also nowhere to be found on the configurator. The Red S Appearance Package can be paired with any exterior color except Frostbite, and costs $295.
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Jeep Wrangler JPP 20 Is A Heavily Moparized Off-Roader
Jacob Oliva, Feb. 8, 2020, Motor1.com
It will arrive in Jeep dealerships this summer.
The Wrangler is one of the most accessorized vehicles in the world, and seeing one in different flavors is somehow customary now to the nameplate.
However, Jeep wants to show off-roading enthusiasts how it's really done with the introduction of the 2020 Jeep Wrangler JPP 20 at the Chicago Auto Show. Mopar has done all the dirty work on this limited edition Wrangler, featuring a wide array of Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) targeted to the off-road enthusiast.
To further enhances its off-roading prowess, the Wrangler JPP 20 is equipped with a steel front bumper and skid plate that are designed to take any trail. The narrower bumper is also black powder-coated with D-rings for extra towing capability. Mopar also throws in a JPP Rubicon Winch includes 100 feet of Warn Spydura synthetic rope that's completely waterproof to ensure reliable operation during adverse conditions.
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Watch The World's Fastest Dodge Viper Hit Over 250 MPH
Jan. 24, 2020, Martin Bigg, CARBUZZ
100 - 200 mph took just 10 seconds.
The beloved Dodge Viper has been dead since 2017,
but the all-American sports car is still making headlines. Recently, an
extensively modified third-generation 2006 Dodge Viper was taken to the
Johnny Bohmer Proving Grounds for a top speed run, where it set a new
world record for the fastest recorded speed in a Dodge Viper.
While the 2006 Dodge Viper's 8.4-liter V10 gasoline engine produced 500 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque in stock form, this beast has 1,400 horsepower and 1,177 lb-ft of torque on tap. Sadly, the video doesn't outline what modifications were made to the Viper to make it achieve such insane levels of power, but it is nevertheless street legal.
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Dodge's Controversial Splitter Guards Change From Yellow To Pink
Jan. 15, 2020, Anthony Alaniz, motor1.com
To remove, or not to remove, that is the question.
If the internet is useful for one thing, it's allowing people of differing opinions to scream past each other endlessly. Cars are often a point of contention, especially regarding power and performance, and, thanks to EVs, electric range. Though for Dodge, protective strips of plastic have proved contentious and could be even more so going forward. Car and Driver dug into the controversy surrounding the plastic protectors and discovered Dodge is changing the guards' color from yellow to pink. And it may not be the last color change.
In a statement to the publication, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said it shifted to pink splitter guards, as "they weren't part of the original design" of the vehicles. There was no reason to keep them colored yellow. Dodge first began using splitter guards in 2015 to protect SRT Charger and Challenger models during shipment.
Dealers are supposed to remove the coverings before customer delivery, but some have left them installed. It's not clear if the move to pink is an attempt to force dealers to remove the pieces, which could damage the paint if left on the car.
Online debates rage about whether you should or should not remove the splitter guards, with some owners enjoying the bright yellow contrast to the often dark-colored splitters. Their popularity, yellow, pink, or otherwise, could cause Dodge to change the guard color to black down the road, according to the automaker.
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2020 Jeep North Edition Trims Make Every Jeep Model Winter-Friendly
Clifford Atiyeh, Jan. 17, 2020, CARANDDRIVER.COM
Cold-weather comfort is now a simpler order for the Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Compass, Renegade, Wrangler, and Gladiator.
- Unveiled at the New England auto show, the Jeep North Edition is a new trim for all six Jeep models that includes comfort and mechanical upgrades.
- Heated steering wheels and a tow strap kit are included in the package for Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Compass, Gladiator, Renegade, and Wrangler.
- On some models, all-terrain tires ordinarily found on higher trims are also included.
No matter how long the C/D staff has lived in Michigan, never
has anyone enjoyed a minus-26 degree morning on the way to work, not
even when the lucky shuttle is a long-term Corvette.
Jeep's customer research must have reached the same conclusion, because
now there is a go-to trim that winterizes every vehicle in its lineup.
For 2020, all six Jeep models can be ordered as the North Edition, a
bundle of goodies plucked from various option packages on lesser models
and, on certain models, offered at a discount. Like the Ram 1500 North Edition
that FCA released in 2018, the North Edition Jeeps will be offered to
every state, including the hot one with volcanoes surrounded by bright
aqua water. Everyone suffering in the Salt Belt will actually use the
heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and remote start on a daily
basis, while the front tow hooks and 22-foot-long tow strap from Mopar's
Trail Rated Kit are included for an occasional rescue mission.
Thick rubber floor mats and power heated mirrors come standard, and for Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Gladiator, and Wrangler
models, there's a set of knobby all-terrain tires. Every North Edition
brings gray 17- or 18-inch wheels and four-wheel drive (despite Jeep's
off-road reputation, front- or rear-wheel drive is the base fare on
everything but the Wrangler and Gladiator). Finally, a Uconnect 8.4-inch
touchscreen replaces the 7.0-inch unit.
If you're confused how the North Edition slots among the dozens of trims available, let's break it down. On Cherokee and Compass models, it's most similar to the Trailhawk trims in terms of price, engines, and exterior design (but without the upgraded suspensions). The Cherokee Latitude North Edition costs $31,250, and the Compass Sport version is $29,295. The Renegade North Edition is priced slightly higher than the base Sport to which it's added, at $28,165. The Grand Cherokee Latitude with North Edition has most everything the Altitude has and more, for $40,285. On the four-door Wrangler, at $45,960, it's an upgrade for the street-friendly Sahara trim. Gladiator trucks now position the North Edition above the Overland as the most expensive trim to start, at $47,215. It comes with a three-piece hard top, too.
Every North Edition is now on sale except the Renegade, which arrives in March. Even for you, Miami.
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2020 Jeep Cherokee review: An off-roader that's just ordinary
The Jeep Cherokee can go places most smaller crossovers probably can't, but it comes up short in other areas.
The Jeep Cherokee is a capable small crossover, able to ford creeks, scamper over boulders and take you places more urbane competitors likely can't. Favorable approach and departure angles, plus a trio of available four-wheel-drive systems help provide those mountain-goat talents. It's just a shame this vehicle's off-road abilities come at the expense of some refinement and everyday livability.
Fresh off a not-insignificant midcycle update for the previous model year, not much has changed with this Jeep for 2020. Designers added a couple new exterior colors and wheel designs. The Advanced Safety Group, which includes things like lane-departure and forward-collision warning as well as rain-sensing wipers is also offered on more trim levels. Additionally, Alexa skill technology is available on models fitted with an 8.4-inch infotainment screen. But really, that's about it.
To recap, for 2019 the
Cherokee received a number of improvements, perhaps most significantly a
redesigned front end, which is much more conventional looking. Gone are
the stacked frontal lighting elements including those weird-looking,
slit-like lamps. Equally significant: A 2.0-liter turbocharged
four-cylinder engine joined the powertrain lineup, plus engineers
retuned the suspension for a smoother ride and figured out how to add
four more cubic feet of cargo space in the rear. Naturally, these
enhancements and more carry through for 2020.
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2019 Jeep Wranger Unlimited Rubicon eTorque review: More torque, more efficiency, almost no compromises
Antuan Goodwin,Nov 18, 2019, Roadshow
We've taken a look at pretty much every variant of the new JL-series Jeep Wrangler. We've dug into the chassis' capabilities and tested the off-road prowess and cabin/safety tech. We've even tackled the Rubicon Trail in a Wrangler Rubicon. Now, it's time to take a look at the most interesting new development -- well, besides the addition of a diesel, anyway. This Wrangler has Jeep's new 48-volt, mild-hybrid eTorque engine. Yes, an electrified Jeep.
Does electrification hurt or help the legendary Wrangler? It all depends on what you're looking for in a Jeep.
Does electrification hurt or help the legendary Wrangler? It all depends on what you're looking for in a Jeep.
Extra motor
The eTorque hardware is similar to the setup that's under the hood of the Ram 1500 eTorque, but mated to a smaller four-cylinder engine instead of a V6. We're talking a belt-driven, water-cooled, AC-induction motor that adds 130 pound-feet of torque assist under acceleration.
The electric motor also replaces the Wrangler's 12-volt alternator, acting as a generator during light cruising and charging the eTorque system's 0.43-kilowatt-hour battery. The lithium-ion pack is fan-cooled, pulling air from the cabin and exhausting outside. Sound insulation keeps most of the fan noise from the cabin, but I could kind of hear the hum if I really listened.
The eTorque system uses a traditional 12-volt lead-acid battery for the accessory and infotainment systems, but it is charged from the 48-volt system via a DC-to-DC converter, since there's no traditional alternator. Interestingly, there is a still a traditional, 12-volt starter, which the Wrangler uses for cold starts. However, the eTorque motor handles all subsequent anti-idling starts and stops once the gasoline engine is warmed up.
The eTorque system uses a traditional 12-volt lead-acid battery for the accessory and infotainment systems, but it is charged from the 48-volt system via a DC-to-DC converter, since there's no traditional alternator. Interestingly, there is a still a traditional, 12-volt starter, which the Wrangler uses for cold starts. However, the eTorque motor handles all subsequent anti-idling starts and stops once the gasoline engine is warmed up.
Extra torque
The combustion engine in question is a 2.0-liter, turbocharged I4 mated to the Wrangler's familiar four-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Along with the electric components, the Wrangler eTorque makes a combined 270 horsepower, which is just a bit less than the 3.6-liter V6's 285 ponies. However, with its peak 295 combined pound-feet of torque, it bests the V6 by 35 lb-ft.
The turbo engine and electric motor work well together, for responsive and smooth around-town performance. The eTorque system boosts nicely during off-the-line acceleration and the turbo engine delivers solid torque from the engine's midrange and beyond. The transition is smooth -- you almost can't tell there's electro-trickery happening behind the scenes -- and the shifts are even smoother with the e-motor filling in the torque gaps between gear changes.
The combustion engine in question is a 2.0-liter, turbocharged I4 mated to the Wrangler's familiar four-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Along with the electric components, the Wrangler eTorque makes a combined 270 horsepower, which is just a bit less than the 3.6-liter V6's 285 ponies. However, with its peak 295 combined pound-feet of torque, it bests the V6 by 35 lb-ft.
The turbo engine and electric motor work well together, for responsive and smooth around-town performance. The eTorque system boosts nicely during off-the-line acceleration and the turbo engine delivers solid torque from the engine's midrange and beyond. The transition is smooth -- you almost can't tell there's electro-trickery happening behind the scenes -- and the shifts are even smoother with the e-motor filling in the torque gaps between gear changes.
For my money, I think I'd take the eTorque's smooth around-town performance and torque advantage -- which should come in handy for a low-speed crawler such as the Wrangler -- over the technically more powerful V6. However, I can see how traditional Wrangler owners looking for the most rugged powertrain possible could be put off by the additional complexity of the mild-hybrid system. Long-term reliability, of course, is still an unknown.
It also remains to be seen how the 2.0-liter turbo eTorque responds to modifications, something that I know Jeep guys and gals love to do. For enthusiasts, rock crawlers and overlanders, perhaps the 442-pound-foot, 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 would be the better, more robust option.
Extra grand
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Extra efficiency
For now, the primary benefit of going eTorque is the balance of excellent out-of-the-box torque delivery without any real hit to fuel efficiency. In fact, the electrified Wrangler gets a bit of an economy boost.
Regenerative braking captures energy while stopping, and combined with a smooth stop-start system and strong low-speed electric assist, the Wrangler is much more frugal around town. My four-door Wrangler eTorque Unlimited claims up to 22 combined miles per gallon, which breaks out to 22 city and 24 highway mpg. I'll save you a Google search -- that's 4 more miles per gallon in the city and 1 more on the highway than a comparably equipped Wrangler V6.
Extra grand
The Wrangler's eTorque system is only about $1,000 more than the Pentastar V6, so there's not even much of a hybrid tax associated with electrifying this Jeep.
The cheapest eTorque model is the base Wrangler Sport 4x4 2-Door, which starts at $28,045 before you add $1,000 for the eTorque motor. You also have to add $2,000 for the automatic transmission and $1,295 for air conditioning -- you can't get the eTorque without checking those boxes -- as well as a $1,495 destination charge. That's $33,835 out the door.
Now, my 2019 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4x4 eTorque starts at a significantly higher $46,040 thanks to its longer list of standard equipment and other optional amenities. With close to a full suite of driver-assistance tech, leather seats, the 8.4-inch Uconnect navigation suite and more, this example rolled into the garage with a $58,890 as-tested sticker.
For more casual Jeep buyers interested in the Wrangler for its rugged style, all-weather capabilities and on-road manners, there's almost no reason not to check that eTorque box. It's smoother, it's more efficient and, using FuelEconomy.gov's estimated annual fuel cost calculator, the eTorque system should pay for itself within five years for drivers who average around 15,000 miles per year. Of course, your mileage will vary.
More hardcore off-road enthusiasts or owners who'll want to modify their rides will probably want check out the aforementioned EcoDiesel with more torque, proven reliability and a more traditional upgrade and modification path. On the other hand, if the mild-hybrid isn't hybrid-y enough for you, Jeep's got a Wrangler plug-in hybrid coming next year. We'll be keeping our eyes peeled for that one, and so should you.
The Ram Heavy Duty is the 2020 MotorTrend Truck of the Year
Christian Seabaugh-Words| RobinTrajano-Photos,Nov 19, 2019, MotorTrend
The easiest job in the automotive industry has to be marketing pickup trucks. We're all familiar with the ads: An oversized dually slams through a concrete wall, a voice actor in his best movie trailer baritone introduces the "all-new, more capable" Brodozer 4500 as the camera pans back showing the truck towing the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet.
This approach to advertising has trapped pickup engineers into a vicious cycle of chasing max tow and payload numbers-frankly, to the point that the added performance and capability is of little use to the average buyer. After all, once your combined truck and trailer weighs more than 26,001 pounds, legally you should be carrying a commercial driver's license.
So what happens if you take the mad men out of the driver's seat and let the engineers and designers focus on performance, capability, and versatility, the things that real truck buyers both want and need? You get MotorTrend's 2020 Truck of the Year, the Ram Heavy Duty.
Read about Car, SUV, and Truck of the Year contenders and finalists HERE.
Advancement in Design
It's not easy making the large and in charge form of a heavy-duty pickup attractive-let alone beautiful-but the Ram Heavy Duty handily delivers in ways no other three-quarter (2500) or one-ton (3500) pickup does. The cynic in you might be quick to dismiss the new Ram HD's sheetmetal as an 11/10ths-sized Ram 1500, but that'd be underselling all the hard work involved in designing the new Ram.
Riding on a new high-strength steel platform and available in regular, crew, and "mega" cabs with either a 6-foot-4 or 8-foot bed and single or dual rear wheels, the new Ram HD looks clean, purposeful, and modern while featuring a host of functional improvements.
The grille, for instance, is 30 percent larger than before to feed the largest radiator and intercooler ever fit to a heavy-duty Ram, and the aluminum hood helps shed weight. The resulting design is not only the most aerodynamic in its class, with a claimed 0.40 coefficient of drag, but also arguably the prettiest. Even the massive Ram 3500HD dually has a graceful elegance that no other full-size rig can match.
Just like with the light-duty 1500, Ram HD buyers are spoiled for choice. Each of its six trim levels features a distinctive grille, wheel options, and trim befitting the character of the truck, covering the bases from functional and work-ready in Tradesman models to the adventure-friendly 2500 Power Wagon and downright luxurious 3500 Limited.
Things are even better inside. Ram invested heavily in making the Heavy Duty's cabin-the mobile office for many of its owners-a nicer place to be. All models get two to four color scheme options, acoustic glass, active noise cancelling, and a variety of standard infotainment options, ranging from a 5.0-inch screen to an optional 8.4-incher and finally a massive 12.0-inch Uconnect system. The latter two include apps and other tools to help ease the pain of towing and hauling.
Despite the new goodies, the Ram cabin remains just as functional as before. Up to five USB and USB-C outlets, wireless charging, an optional auxiliary switch bank, and a new center console join carryover features such as seating for up to six passengers, Ram Bins underneath the rear floor to stash hitch receivers and other odds and ends, and fold-out panels that turn the back of the cabin into a two-tiered load floor.
Particular attention was paid to the Ram Limited models, which play in the rapidly growing luxury truck market. The beautifully finished and exquisitely detailed cabin of the Ram 3500HD Limited-with thick baseball-glove-soft leather, rich contrasting wood trim, and finely textured metal bits-could teach some premium brands a few things. "This is how luxury should feel," MotorTrend en Español managing editor Miguel Cortina said. "No other truck on the market can beat it."
Engineering Excellence
More so than any other pickup, three-quarter and one-ton trucks are jack-of-all-trades machines. Whereas smaller trucks are more likely to haul air than cargo, heavy-duty trucks tend to tow at least weekly. Furthermore, more heavy-duty truck owners fill their truck beds or go off-road regularly than those owning lighter-duty trucks. Hitting the diverse needs of these truck buyers isn't easy, but Ram delivers.
As most truck buyers know, the key to a dependable truck is found under hood, where the Ram HD has three compelling engine options. A carryover 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 making a healthy 410 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque is standard on both the 2500 and 3500. Although output hasn't changed versus the previous generation, the big Hemi is fitted with Ram's latest cylinder deactivation technology and frame shakers to allow the big gas-burning V-8 to run in fuel-saving V-4 mode longer than previously possible. Backing up the legacy Hemi is a beefed-up version of the Ram 1500's quick-shifting eight-speed automatic, putting the old six-speed automatic out to pasture.
If the Hemi doesn't satisfy you, the duo of revamped Cummins turbodiesels sure will. Sporting new blocks, pistons, heads, and camshafts designed to make the 6.7-liter I-6 smoother, lighter, and more efficient, the standard version of the new engine makes a healthy 370 hp and 850 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with an updated house-built six-speed automatic.
If that's not enough for you, Ram also offers a high-output version of that new Cummins I-6 on the 3500. Making 400 horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft of torque, this new engine is the first in a mainstream heavy-duty truck to crack the four-digit torque mark-something Ram's marketing team no doubt loves. As Detroit editor Alisa Priddle put it, "Who needs coffee in the morning when you have 1,000 lb-ft of torque?"
Working hand in hand with the high-output Cummins is an Aisin-sourced six-speed automatic, which, when equipped with the Max Tow package, a regular cab, rear drive, and dual-rear-wheel 3500HD, helps the HD tow up to 35,100 pounds. Maximum payload is an impressive 7,680 pounds, found on Hemi-equipped versions of the same 3500 model.
A host of other mechanical improvements round out our Truck of the Year package. The Heavy Duty's two available four-wheel-drive transfer cases-one for the Hemi and standard-output Cummins, the other for the high-output diesel-were both beefed up, as were the truck's front and rear live axles and brakes. The unique 2500 Power Wagon off-roader sees its fair share of upgrades, too.
Ram also spent a lot of time refining the Heavy Duty's suspensions. One of the biggest pain points in heavy-duty trucks-including the previous Ram HD-is truly terrible ride quality when unloaded. Ram employed a multifaceted approach to fix this issue.
All the new HDs get what Ram calls Frequency Response Damping shocks, which work with the rear five-link coil springs on the 2500 and traditional leaf springs on the 3500 to give both trucks better ride quality and handling when empty or loaded. Optional rear helper air springs, which improve ride quality, offer further refinement to the Ram HD lineup, ensure the truck stays level while loaded, and also make it easier to pick up and drop trailers.
Performance of Intended Function
Of all the changes made to the sheetmetal and in the cab, under the hood and at the wheels, each and every improvement was in the singular pursuit of building the best possible pickup truck. Our Ram HD testers ran the gantlet during our Truck of the Year testing. Towing, hauling, off-roading, driving unladen-it didn't matter, the Rams continually excelled. That's especially remarkable considering the wildly different use cases for our two Ram testers.
The more traditional of the two trucks was no doubt our H.O. Cummins-powered 3500 Limited dually. Despite what its Kentucky Derby-friendly cabin would lead you to believe, this is a truck meant for work-whether that's hauling 10 tons of lead ballast across the Mojave Desert or $1.5 million worth of thoroughbreds to Churchill Downs is simply up to your imagination.
With a 20,000-pound gooseneck trailer hitched up-made easier by high-res cameras in the cargo area and the air suspension's Alt Trailer Height function-the 3500 dually is a stable towing platform. "It has huge power, and it's backed up by a fantastic transmission that's both smooth and clever about giving you the right gear at every moment," features editor Scott Evans said.
The 3500 also performed well in our Davis Dam frustration tests, where it towed 17,730 pounds of trailer, skid-steer, and excavator up the fearsome grade. Despite some surging fore and aft under hard acceleration up the hill, the truck inspired confidence. Its engine never felt labored, its steering was well weighted, and its automatic exhaust brake helped keep downhill speeds in check without torching its brakes. "At a little over half its max rating, this was an easy ask of the Ram," road test editor Chris Walton said.
Despite high subjective scores from judges when towing, the Ram 3500 brought up the rear in instrumented tow tests at both the proving ground and Davis Dam, falling to one of its direct competitors, the GMC Sierra 3500HD Denali, which has four extra forward gears, 45 more horsepower, and 180 fewer pounds to tote around. At minimum, we'd love to see a heavier-duty version of Ram's eight-speed on the diesel HD.
The Denali won the numbers game, but it simply can't hang with the Ram HD Limited in how it drives. "It has deep reserves of torque and gives off an indomitable, Bentley-like feeling," senior features editor Jonny Lieberman said. Added Evans: "It rides substantially better than the GMC does; it's both better damped and more buttoned down to the road."
The Ram 2500 Power Wagon is another animal entirely. Built completely around the idea of hauling a three-quarter-ton load across some of the most remote regions of the world, it's nevertheless remarkable how versatile the Power Wagon is.
Its Hemi does much of the heavy lifting, but the new eight-speed auto deserves equal credit for breathing new life into the engine. With a better gear ratio spread, the Power Wagon is faster both off the line and while on the move, with shifts happening far more quickly and decisively than before. The changes Ram engineers made to the HD's platform really pay off on the Power Wagon, as well; it now has better body control and steering that's both more accurate and more engaging than before.
The Power Wagon gets even better when you put it to work. Unsurprisingly, the Ram is unstoppable off-road. Even keeping in mind that it was partially developed at FCA's proving ground, it's astonishing the things it's capable of. Armed with a full suite of mechanical aids-locking front and rear differentials (the latter of which can now be locked in two high), an electronic anti-roll-bar disconnect to improve ride quality and articulation, and, for when all else fails, an upgraded 12,000-pound Warn winch-there was no mogul, no hill climb, no staircase that could stop the Power Wagon.
All good things come with compromise, and the Power Wagon is no exception. Thanks to its soft off-road-oriented suspension, it sports the lowest payload and tow capacity of the Ram 2500 lineup, at 1,660 pounds and 10,330 pounds, respectively. After breezing along with a 7,500-pound trailer-roughly three-quarters of its max tow capacity-we attached a 10,500-pound trailer. People go over weight all the time, so why not see what happens?
Answer? Not much. Thanks to the gobs of power produced by its 6.4-liter V-8 and its well-geared transmission, the legally overstressed Power Wagon proved that chasing max tow numbers is a fool's errand, as it handily out-dragged the Silverado 2500 with the same trailer. "That's max tow?" Evans asked. "No doubt at all it's suspension-limited. It feels like it could take thousands of pounds more and still accelerate better than GM's gas 2500s."
Efficiency
Efficiency is no doubt a low priority for heavy-duty truck buyers, but that doesn't mean it doesn't matter. The Ram HD's improved aerodynamics-aided by active grille shutters-and the new eight-speed transmission on gas models should net an 8 to 10 percent fuel economy improvement, according to Ram. The EPA doesn't rate heavy-duty trucks, but we ran the new Power Wagon through our Real MPG tests and achieved 10.2/15.3/12.0 mpg city/highway/combined. That's reasonably close to the previous-generation Power Wagon, which scored 11.6/15.3/13.0 mpg in our testing. Our dually tester, equipped with both the H.O. Cummins and four-wheel drive, scored 13.2/18.0/15.0 in Real MPG tests.
Safety
The NHTSA hasn't crash-tested the new Ram Heavy Duty yet, but the upgraded platform and the active safety technologies made available across the range make us confident that the Ram will perform well in this regard.
Automatic emergency braking, which is compatible with the trailer brake controller, is available from the base Tradesman up through the Limited, as is lane keep and steering assist, blind-spot monitoring capable of accounting for a trailer, radar cruise control, and a tire pressure monitoring system capable of monitoring up to six truck tires and 12 trailer tires. Parking sensors, adaptive headlights, 360-degree cameras, and cargo cameras are also available.
Value
Rams have traditionally been big value plays when compared to its Ford and GM rivals. The HD is no exception. Prices for the 2500 Tradesman start at just $35,090, undercutting both the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500HDs and costing customers just $345 more than a Ford F-250. At the other end of the pricing spectrum, the Ram 3500 Limited starts at $64,045, coming in less than both the GMC Sierra 3500HD Denali and Ford F-350 Limited while offering one of the most luxurious cabins we've ever seen on a pickup truck (if not the most luxurious), plus a standard equipment and options list that its competitors can't yet match.
Put 'Em on the Trailer
Truck marketers might have an easy job, but we Truck of the Year judges have a difficult one. Cue the world's smallest violin, but truth is, when modern-day pickup trucks are as capable as they are, balancing their various pros and cons to come to a decisive winner isn't easy. Thankfully we have our criteria to guide us. Simply put, no truck this year succeeds against our criteria to the same degree as the Ram Heavy Duty lineup.
Sure, some trucks can objectively tow or haul more and do so quicker, but even so, no pickup on the market better balances the diverse needs of its customers better than this one. It's more comfortable empty and when loaded. It's more luxurious but also more affordable. It's great to drive both on-road and off. It's safe, efficient, and tremendously capable. And because of that, it's our 2020 Truck of the Year.
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Looks Like Dodge Durango Is Getting Ram eTorque Mild Hybrid System
Anthony Karr, Dec. 10, 2019, motor1.com
Just earlier this month, the United Auto Workers and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles tentative union agreement unveiled some of the new products the Italian-American automaker is planning. These included a new three-row Jeep model, a PHEV Grand Cherokee, and a Ram 1500 TRX scheduled for 2020. The agreement also briefly mentioned upgrades for the Dodge Durango built at the Jefferson Assembly Plant, and now we have a little more to share regarding the future of the SUV.
According to MoparInsider, a mild hybrid Durango will arrive at Dodge's dealers sometime next year. Logic tells us either the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 or 5.7-liter HEMI V8 will be offered, since both the engines now have eTorque electrified versions in the Ram 1500. In fact, FCA could decide to further diversify the Durango's range by offering both powertrains.
Our source believes adapting both motors
for the Durango should be a relatively easy task for FCA engineers,
since the Durango has an RWD platform, just like the Ram 1500,
which already has the mild-hybrid 3.6 and 5.7 units. The company's
hybrid eTorque powertrain relies on a Motor Generator Unit (MGU) that
replaces the alternator, connected to the crankshaft with a large drive
belt. There's also a 48-volt battery pack "the size of a suitcase" with
the result of the system being lower CO2 emissions, better EPA ratings,
and improved acceleration from a standstill.
FCA's route towards electrification will continue with plug-in hybrid variants of the Wrangler in 2020, plus the Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, and Grand Wagoneer in 2021. The biggest, $3-billion investment from the automaker in the next few years will go to the Jefferson Assembly Plant, and include potentially increasing the workforce there by 1,100 people. That's the site that is responsible for the assembly of the Durango and will also produce the mild-hybrid version of the SUV.
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2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Fuel Economy Rated at 22/32 MPG
Impressive MPG numbers from the new 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6
Stefan Ogbac
Since the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel's announcement, we've been waiting to find out how efficient it is. Now, the official EPA fuel economy ratings have been released and they're quite impressive, especially for a full-size truck.
In rear-drive guise, the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is rated at 22/32 mpg city/highway, making it the most efficient model in the lineup. Opting for four-wheel drive drops the fuel economy ratings to 21/29 mpg, which is still solid considering it's a full-size truck. The new 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 brings increased efficiency compared to the previous EcoDiesel, particularly when it comes to highway fuel economy. Compared to the outgoing Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, rear-drive models gain 2 mpg in the city and 5 mpg on highway. Trucks equipped with four-wheel drive see more modest fuel economy increases of 2 mpg across the board.
When compared to diesel-powered variants of competing pickups like the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, Ford F-150, and GMC Sierra 1500, the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel lands at the top half of the pack in fuel economy. Only the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 beats the Ram, but not by much. Rear-drive models are rated 1 mpg less in the city and highway while four-wheel-drive-equipped trucks lose out 2 mpg in the city but nothing on the highway. The Ford F-150's fuel economy matches the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel in city ratings for both drivetrain combinations, but loses out on the highway by 2 and 1 mpg for rear- and four-wheel drive, respectively. GMC's Sierra 1500 is rated 1 mpg higher than the Ram 1500 in the city in rear-drive guise but loses out on the highway where the Ram has a 2-mpg advantage. However, when you opt for four-wheel drive on the Sierra 1500, the Ram is down 1 mpg in the city and up 3 on the highway.
Powering the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 with 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. It comes exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission. When properly equipped, the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel can tow 12,560 pounds. Diesel-powered competitors from Chevrolet and GMC can only haul up to 9,100 pounds while the Ford F-150 is good for 11,500 pounds.
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The Full-Size 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer SUV Is Finally On Its Way
The new, luxurious Wagoneers will be built in Detroit starting late in 2021
Alex Nishimoto,
The Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will be built at FCA's Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Michigan, alongside the new Ram
HD. (Ram's previous-generation 1500 Classic is still built there, too.)
FCA is taking advantage of the Warren plant's body-on-frame focus to,
go figure, handle the body-on-frame full-size Jeeps, although the SUVs
will share components with the newest Ram 1500.
To wit, we've spied unusual Ram prototypes testing nearby that we
believe to be mules for the Wagoneer. In some photos of those test
vehicles, you can barely make out the truck's rear independent
suspension. Swapping the Ram's rear live axle out for an independent
setup should grant more passenger space in the third row, while better
aligning the Jeeps with luxurious competitors such as the Lincoln Navigator and Range Rover (which also have independent rears) and next-generation Cadillac Escalade
(which is expected to switch to an independent rear from a solid axle
setup). Production of the new Jeep SUVs will begin in the first half of
2021.
Our renderings of what those Jeeps will look like draw heavily from the Jeep Yuntu concept,
which was shown a couple years back at the Shanghai auto show. That
concept eventually became the Grand Commander, a seven-seat crossover
that will only be sold in China. Still, many of the Yuntu's styling
elements could influence the design of the truck-based Jeep Wagoneer.
One thing we know the two Jeeps will have in common is a plug-in hybrid
drivetrain. In its five-year plan, FCA revealed that the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer would get gas-electric plug-in hybrid variants.
As for other engine options, the Wagoneer could share some of its powertrains with the new Ram 1500.
Likely candidates include the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and 5.7-liter
Hemi V-8, possibly with eTorque mild hybrid assistance. The Wagoneer
siblings could also get the latest version of the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6,
which packs 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. But the most pressing
question of all-whether or not the Wagoneers will be offered with
wood-grain siding, like their classic forebears sold in the '80s and
'90s-is entirely open. We're hoping Jeep at least offers customers the
option of slapping the old-school garnish (pictured here!) onto their
big SUVs in 2021.
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Jeep Drops Details on "4xe" Plug-in Hybrid Wrangler, Compass, and Renegade
CES provides a backdrop for advancing Jeep's electrification plans
Kelly Lin,
Jeep is getting serious about electrification, and it now vows to offer an electrified-read: hybridized-version of every model by 2022. Its green revolution ramps up this year, in fact, when the automaker confirms it will roll out plug-in-hybrid versions of its Wrangler, Compass, and Renegade.
The three vehicles will carry a "4xe" badge, as will all electrified vehicles from the Jeep brand moving forward. Jeep says full details on the Wrangler, Compass, and Renegade 4xe will be revealed at the Geneva, New York, and Beijing auto shows, respectively, but consumers will get a first taste at CES 2020.
We knew this was coming. Jeep confirmed plans for a pluggable, hybridized Wrangler back in 2017, and we saw Euro-spec plug-in versions of the Compass and Renegade at last year's Geneva Motor Show. The European Compass and Renegade get a 1.3-liter turbo-four paired to an electric motor system. With this setup, Jeep estimates the Renegade plug-in can run from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, and produce a total output of 240 horsepower.
Although we don't have many U.S.-specific details, including fuel-economy information, Jeep is making big promises for its electric vehicles. "With greater torque and immediate engine response, Jeep electric vehicles will offer an even more fun-to-drive experience on the road and more capability than ever off the road," Jeep said in a recent release. The company also just finally introduced a diesel version of the Wrangler to America, which itself promises plentiful torque and increased economy.
Stay tuned for more information from CES 2020, where FCA will also showcase the Airflow Vision concept.
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Current Dodge Challenger Could Soldier On Until The 2023 Model Year
Anthony Alaniz. Jan. 6, 2020, Motor1
Dodge could build the current- and next-gen Challenger models alongside each other.
The Dodge Challenger hasn't seen a significant redesign since Dodge
introduced the model for 2008. It did receive a substantial refresh for
2015, which helped resuscitate sales, though questions remain as to
when Dodge will introduce an all-new, fully redesigned model. Earlier
speculation hinted that a new Challenger would arrive for 2023; however,
that may not spell the demise of the current model. Mopar Insiders,
citing "sources" within Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, says the current
Challenger will continue production through the 2023 model year.
The publication alleges Dodge is considering building the current- and next-generation Challenger models together, if only for a few months, at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada. Mopar Insiders also says production of both the next-gen Challenger and Charger is expected to begin rolling off the assembly line in the fourth quarter of 2022. That coincides with an alleged Easter egg discovered in photos Dodge released earlier this year of the 2020 Challenger, which showed 2023 miles on the odometer. However,Dodge was quick to squash rumors that 2023 would see a new Challenger arrive.
The Challenger has been a strong seller for Dodge, beating out the Chevy Camaro in sales for 2019.
Over the years, Dodge has continued to refine and fine-tune the
platform, introducing some of the car's hottest and most powerful trims
ever - the SRT Hellcat and SRT Demon. The 2015 refresh helped position
the car with a better interior and improved performance overall.
Whenever the new Challenger debuts, it will likely retain the current model's retro styling. There are also hints that the next-gen Challenger could receive some form of electrification possibly paired with FCA's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, though that would require a new platform, too. However, until Dodge reveals the new Challenger, customers seem quite happy with the current Challenger offerings.
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