Mopar Insiders Articles

Stellantis Names Daniel Alejandro González as New Mexico CEO Veteran Leader Takes the Helm to Drive Growth in Key Market Stellantis has announced Daniel Alejandro González as the new CEO of Stellantis Mexico, effective immediately. González will report directly to Antonio Filosa, Stellantis’ COO of the Americas and Director of Quality. https://moparinsiders.com/stellantis-names-daniel-alejandro-gonzalez-as-new-mexico-ceo/

2025 Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty Trucks Hit U.S. Dealerships Updated Heavy Duty Pickups Are Finally Starting To Arrive... The updated 2025 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups are finally arriving at dealerships across the United States, with several dealers in Texas among the first to showcase the new models. Diana Rhoades from Lithia Chrysler Dodge Jeep® Ram of Corpus Christi, Texas, was one of the first to share photos of the newly arrived trucks on Facebook. https://moparinsiders.com/2025-ram-2500-3500-heavy-duty-trucks-hit-u-s-dealerships/

RETURN FROM EXTINCTION: A HEMI® TRX Will Return In 2026! The HEMI-Powered Beast Returns, and It Could Be More Powerful Than Ever Over the weekend, the internet was buzzing with rumors about the sweeping changes Stellantis is reportedly planning to course-correct after the tenure of former CEO Carlos Tavares. One of the most talked-about topics was the potential return of a HEMI®-powered Ram TRX. https://moparinsiders.com/return-from-extinction-a-hemi-trx-will-return-in-2026/

Rampage Laramie Night Edition Debuts With New Diesel Engine The Blacked-Out Look Joins the Powerful New Diesel Option Ram Brazil has just turned up the heat on its wildly popular Rampage compact pickup by introducing the Laramie Night Edition for the 2025 model year. While the Laramie Night Editionisn’t a new package, 2025 marks the first time that new launched 2.2-liter (134 cubic-inch) MultiJet I4 turbodiesel engine can be paired with the darkened appearance package, offering a fresh does of style and performance to the Rampage lineup. https://moparinsiders.com/rampage-laramie-night-edition-debuts-with-new-diesel-engine/

Inside the Making of the Jeep® Avenger 4xe A New Video Series Showcases the Design and Innovation Behind Jeep’s Hybrid AWD B-SUV Stellantis has launched a four-part video series offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the development of the Jeep® Avenger 4xe. This exclusive series dives deep into the design and engineering journey of the brand’s groundbreaking hybrid all-wheel-drive (AWD) B-SUV, highlighting the passion and creativity of the Jeep Europe design team. https://moparinsiders.com/inside-the-making-of-the-jeep-avenger-4xe/

1986 Dodge Omni Shelby GLH-S: A Rare Turbocharged Hot Hatch Low-Mileage Shelby Hot Hatch with Classic 80s Performance The 1986 Dodge Omni Shelby GLH-S is one of those rare, under-the-radar gems that car enthusiasts dream about. With only 500 ever produced, this particular example—#250—stands out with just 23,000 miles on the odometer and a clean history. Originally delivered to Keffer Dodge in Charlotte, North Carolina, it’s now offered by a selling dealer in Florida, complete with extensive documentation and a clean Arizona title. https://moparinsiders.com/1986-dodge-omni-shelby-glh-s-a-rare-turbocharged-hot-hatch/

Kindigit Design 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Heads To Mecum Custom-Built Challenger with 900 HP Heads to Glendale Auction A remarkable 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T restomod is heading to auction at Mecum Glendaleon Saturday, March 22. This custom-built masterpiece is the result of a meticulous frame-off restoration completed in 2014 by Kindigit Design, with a cost exceeding $400,000. The car was a standout award winner at a Washington event in 2014 and gained even more fame being featured on the TV show Bitchin’ Rides (Season 1, Episode 6). https://moparinsiders.com/kindigit-design-1970-dodge-challenger-r-t-heads-to-mecum/

Brampton Downtime Extends as Stellantis Shifts Compass Strategy Stellantis May Delay Brampton's Restart by 6 Months To Prioritize Gas-Powered Compass Stellantis is reportedly reordering its North American launch plans for the next-generation Jeep® Compass (J4U), potentially extending downtime at the Brampton Assembly Plant by at least six more months. Originally, the automaker planned to introduce an all-electric Compass first, but shifting market conditions and evolving consumer demand have led to a strategic pivot toward launching the gasoline-powered version instead. https://moparinsiders.com/brampton-downtime-extends-as-stellantis-shifts-compass-strategy/

The compact Ram Rampage has been making waves in Brazil, quickly becoming one of the best-selling pickups on the market and making those of us in North America jealous of those lucky enough to purchase one of the Ford Maverick-sized pickups. Aimed at the premium pickup market in Brazil, the Rampage debuted with three trim … (read full article...)

Guy Buys Ram 2500 On Marketplace, Finds Out Its A Stolen Clone Buyer Loses $28,000 and Faces Loan Payments After Purchasing Cloned Vehicle John Turco thought he was just going to a routine doctor’s appointment when his day took a shocking turn. As soon as he parked his white 2021 Ram 2500 Laramie in the lot, six police officers surrounded his truck. One of the troopers reassured him, saying, “You’re not in any trouble.” But the reason for their presence left him stunned. https://moparinsiders.com/guy-buys-ram-2500-on-marketplace-finds-out-its-a-stolen-clone/

Maserati MC20 Breaks Autonomous Speed Record at KSC AI-Driven Maserati MC20 Reaches An Unprecedented 197 MPH In a groundbreaking achievement, the Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) and Italy’s Politecnico di Milano have set a new world speed record for autonomous vehicles. A specially modified Maserati MC20 Coupe, driven entirely by artificial intelligence, reached an astonishing 197.7 mph (318 km/h) at the Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. This speed shatters the previous record of 192.8 mph (310 km/h), set by the IAC’s AV-21 racecar in 2022. https://moparinsiders.com/maserati-mc20-breaks-autonomous-speed-record-at-ksc/

What If The Jeep® Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Was A 2-Door? Making The Most-Awarded SUV Ever, Even More Sportier... The 2018 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Trackhawk made a huge splash when it debuted at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) in April 2017. Powered by the supercharged 6.2-liter (370 cubic-inch) HEMI® HELLCAT V8 engine from the Dodge Challenger and Charger, the Trackhawk quickly earned a reputation as a performance legend. With 707 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft. of torque, this beast could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, dominate the quarter-mile in 11.6 seconds, and reach a top speed of 180 mph. Combine that with Jeep’s Quadra-Trac four-wheel-drive (4×4) system, and the Trackhawk became a force to be reckoned with...

Maserati Cancels MC20 Folgore Electric Supercar Low Demand and Market Struggles Force Maserati to Rethink Its EV Strategy Maserati has officially canceled the MC20 Folgore, its all-electric super sportscar. A company spokesman confirmed the news, citing insufficient demand for electric supercars as the primary reason for the decision. Originally, the MC20 Folgore was one of six electric models Maserati planned to launch next year, promising incredible power and a design closely aligned with the current MC20 powered by the twin-turbo Nettuno V6 engine. https://moparinsiders.com/maserati-cancels-mc20-folgore-electric-supercar/

Stellantis Set to Benefit from EU’s Relaxed CO2 Rules European Emissions Flexibility Could Boost Stellantis’ Earnings by Billions The European Commission’s recent proposal to ease strict emissions targets is set to provide a massive advantage for automakers like Stellantis. This policy shift, designed to help the auto industry stay competitive during the green transition, could lift Volkswagen and Stellantis’ earnings by nearly €3 billion ($3.2 billion) according to Bloomberg Intelligence. https://moparinsiders.com/stellantis-set-to-benefit-from-eus-relaxed-co2-rules/

Custom 1970 Dodge Challenger “Havoc” Heads to Mecum Australian-Built Challenger with 572 HEMI® V8 A one-of-a-kind 1970 Dodge Challenger, known as “Havoc,” is set to go under the hammer at Mecum Glendale on Saturday, March 22, 2025. Built by Rides by Kam in Varsity Lakes, Australia, this stunning vehicle is the result of an impressive three-year, 10,000-hour build. Featuring top-tier craftsmanship and performance, “Havoc” has earned accolades, including the Top Judged Elite award at the Great Meguiar’s Uncover at Summernats 32 in January 2019. https://moparinsiders.com/custom-1970-dodge-challenger-havoc-heads-to-mecum/

Dodge//SRT and TSR Extend NHRA Partnership Multi-Year Deal Keeps Direct Connection Cars in Top Fuel and Funny Car Dodge//SRT and Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) have announced a multi-year extension of their partnership, keeping Dodge’s Direct Connection-backed Top Fuel and Funny Car entries competing in the NHRA Mission Drag Racing Series. The announcement was made during the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida, marking a continued commitment to high-performance drag racing. https://moparinsiders.com/dodge-srt-and-tsr-extend-nhra-partnership/

Stellantis Faces Tough Road Ahead With New Tariffs Trump Administration's Trade Policy Could Lead to Higher Prices and Production Challenges Stellantis is warning its U.S. dealers that the new 25% tariffs on products from Mexico and Canada will put the automaker at a serious disadvantage compared to its Asian and European competitors. This warning comes as the Trump administration pushes forward with aggressive trade policies aimed at reshaping international commerce. https://moparinsiders.com/stellantis-faces-tough-road-ahead-with-new-tariffs/

Ram’s 14.5-Inch Uconnect 5 Screen: Bigger Isn’t Always Better We Spent Time with the 2025 Ram 1500’s New Infotainment System — Here’s What You Need to Know Ram has introduced a larger 14.5-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment screen for the 2025 Ram 1500 lineup, and we finally got the chance to spend some quality time with it. This new screen comes standard on the Limited, Longhorn, and Tungsten trims, while it’s an option on Laramie, Rebel, and the new RHO models. While bigger screens are often seen as an upgrade, we found that bigger doesn’t always mean better. https://moparinsiders.com/rams-14-5-inch-uconnect-5-screen-bigger-isnt-always-better/

Trump Grants Big-3 Automakers Temporary Tariff Relief U.S. Delays Some Auto Tariffs for North American-Built Vehicles President Donald Trump has agreed to delay some automotive tariffs for one month following discussions with top executives from the Detroit Big-3 automakers. The decision aims to ease pressure on General Motors (GM), Ford Motor Company, and Stellantis, whose leaders pushed for relief on 25% tariffs applied to vehicles imported from Mexico and Canada. https://moparinsiders.com/trump-grants-big-3-automakers-temporary-tariff-relief/

1966 Dodge HEMI® Charger: Classic Muscle Car Up for Auction Bright Red, 426 HEMI® V8, and Timeless Muscle on BringATrailer The 1966 Dodge Charger is an icon of the muscle car era, and this particular example on BringATrailer.com captures everything that made it legendary. Drenched in eye-catching Bright Red and powered by a 426 HEMI® V8, this Charger combines classic style with raw performance. https://moparinsiders.com/1966-dodge-hemi-charger-classic-muscle-car-up-for-auction/