Mopar Insiders Articles

Chrysler EcoVoyager: A Forgotten Hydrogen-Electric Pioneer A Bold Step Towards Hydrogen-Electric Travel Back in 2008, Chrysler unveiled the ecoVoyager Concept, a futuristic, hydrogen-electric luxury vehicle designed for zero-emissions travel. While it never made it to production, it showcased bold ideas that pushed Chrysler’s design and technology forward. The ecoVoyager combined an electric motor with a hydrogen fuel-cell range extender, offering over 300 miles (482 km) of total range while emitting only water vapor. https://moparinsiders.com/chrysler-ecovoyager-a-forgotten-hydrogen-electric-pioneer/

Allison Kovalik Becomes The First Person To Run 9s With HURRICANE I6 Gen 2 Garage Team Is Now Aiming For The 8s... The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter HURRICANE High-Output (H/O) I6 engine is already proving to be a game-changer in the world of Mopar performance, and Allison Kovalik has just cemented its place on the track. Behind the wheel of her 1999 Dodge Dakota, Kovalik and her Gen 2 Garageteam became the first to run a 9-second quarter-mile with the new HURRICANE H/O I6 engine. https://moparinsiders.com/allison-kovalik-becomes-the-first-person-to-run-9s-with-hurricane-i6/

Stellantis Patents Eggshell-Based Tire Formula for Sustainability Automaker Aims to Reduce Harmful Tire Emissions with Bio-Waste Innovation In a move toward greener transportation, Stellantis (FCA US) has secured a patent for a new tire formulation that replaces conventional fillers with bio-waste materials—specifically, calcium oxide (CaO) derived from eggshells. This innovative approach aims to cut down on the environmental impact of tire dust emissions while maintaining performance. https://moparinsiders.com/stellantis-patents-eggshell-based-tire-formula-for-sustainability/

REPORT: 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 Production To Move To The U.S. Dundee Engine Plant Could Soon Start Building The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 Since the departure of former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, the Stellantis organization has undergone rapid changes. Pricing strategies are being reevaluated, electrification plans are being reconsidered, and in a surprising twist the 5.7-liter (345 cubic-inch) HEMI® V8 has been granted an extended lease on life in the Dodge Durango, according to our sources. https://moparinsiders.com/report-5-7-liter-hemi-v8-production-to-move-to-the-u-s/

Ram Poised for NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Return in 2026 Dodge Eyes Cup Series Comeback in 2028 Ram could soon be making a long-anticipated return to NASCAR, with sources suggesting the brand has submitted a formal application to join the Craftsman Truck Series for the 2026 season. If approved, it would mark Ram’s first official involvement in the series since withdrawing after the 2016 season. Meanwhile, speculation continues to grow regarding Dodge’s potential return to the NASCAR Cup Series by 2028, reigniting a brand legacy that has been absent since 2012. https://moparinsiders.com/ram-poised-for-nascar-craftsman-truck-series-return-in-2026/

Swamp Rat Alley Roars Back to the NHRA Gatornationals Four Iconic Don Garlits Dragsters Set to Thrill Fans on Display... The Petty Brothers Racing YouTube channel recently shared an exciting video featuring the legendary No. 43 STP Dodge Charger, the same car Richard “The King” Petty piloted to his fifth Daytona 500 victory in 1974. This iconic machine, powered by a roaring 7.0-liter (426 cubic-inch) HEMI® V8, remains one of the most recognizable stock cars in NASCAR history. The video captures the moment Timmy Petty and the Moonshine Speedshop crew fire up the historic race car, bringing its thunderous engine back to life. https://moparinsiders.com/petty-brothers-fire-up-the-43-1974-daytona-500-winning-dodge/

Custom 1977 Dodge Tradesman Van Up for Auction Vintage Dodge Van with New Orleans-Themed Custom Interior If you’re looking for a rolling piece of 1970s van culture, this 1977 Dodge Tradesman B200 Street Van might be the ultimate find. Currently up for auction on BringATrailer.com, this long-wheelbase Maxivan is finished in Russet Sunfire Metallic with custom multicolor graphics, capturing the essence of the custom van craze of its era. https://moparinsiders.com/custom-1977-dodge-tradesman-van-up-for-auction/

Dodge CEO Hints at Affordable Sports Car Dodge Eyes Sub-$30K Sports Car for the Future Dodge CEO Matt McAlear recently hinted at the possibility of a new sub-$30,000 sports car in a conversation with the ‘The InEVitable Podcast.’ As Dodge shifts its focus while maintaining its performance heritage, McAlear believes an affordable weekend car will be in strong market demand. https://moparinsiders.com/dodge-ceo-hints-at-affordable-sports-car/

VIPER V10-Powered Jeep® Wrangler (TJ) Up For Auction 505 Horsepower Meets Jeep's Iconic Two-Door... This isn’t your average Jeep® Wrangler (TJ). Currently listed on BringATrailer.com, this 2006 Jeep Wrangler X has undergone an insane transformation, swapping out its original powertrain for an 8.3-liter (505 cubic-inch) VIPER V10. Yes, you read that right—this lifted off-roader now boasts the heart of a Dodge Viper, making it one of the wildest TJ builds we’ve seen hit the auction block. https://moparinsiders.com/viper-v10-powered-jeep-wrangler-tj-up-for-auction/

4 Low-Mile Plymouth/Chrysler Prowlers Headed To Auction Headed To Auction At Mecum Glendale 2025 With No Reserve If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a Plymouth or Chrysler Prowler, Mecum’s Glendale 2025 auction is bringing you six incredible chances to do just that. From March 18-22, a unique collection of these retro-inspired roadsters will cross the auction block, offering collectors and enthusiasts a rare opportunity to snag a low-mileage example of Chrysler’s boldest design experiment. https://moparinsiders.com/4-low-mile-plymouth-chrysler-prowlers-headed-to-auction/

Swamp Rat Alley Roars Back to the NHRA Gatornationals Four Iconic Don Garlits Dragsters Set to Thrill Fans on Display... Swamp Rat Alley is making its return to the NHRA Gatornationals for the third consecutive year, bringing fans an up-close look at four historic dragsters built and raced by the Mopar legend “Big Daddy” Don Garlits. As part of the 56th Annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway from March 6 – 9, 2025, this must-see attraction inside Hot Rod Junction will showcase key pieces of drag racing history. https://moparinsiders.com/swamp-rat-alley-roars-back-to-the-nhra-gatornationals/

Stellantis Unveils STLA AutoDrive: Hands-Free, AI-Powered Driving New Level 3 Autonomy Enhances Comfort, Safety, and Driving Efficiency at Slower Speeds Stellantis has officially launched STLA AutoDrive, its first fully in-house-developed autonomous driving system, marking a major milestone in the company’s technological roadmap. The system introduces Hands-Free and Eyes-Off (SAE Level 3) capabilities, allowing drivers to temporarily disengage from control while the vehicle navigates stop-and-go traffic at speeds up to 60 km/h (37 mph). https://moparinsiders.com/stellantis-unveils-stla-autodrive-hands-free-ai-powered-driving/

Jeep® Secures Patent for Adjustable Door Air Deflector Patent Looks To Enhance Comfort for Wrangler and Gladiator Owners Jeep® enthusiasts love the open-air experience that comes with removing the doors on vehicles like the Wrangler and Gladiator. But at higher speeds, that freedom often comes with intense wind buffeting, making long drives less comfortable. Stellantis has now patented a solution—an adjustable air deflector designed to manage airflow and improve cabin comfort. https://moparinsiders.com/jeep-secures-patent-for-adjustable-door-air-deflector/

2025 Fiat Toro Gains More Power with New 2.2L MultiJet Diesel More Horsepower, Torque, and Better Fuel Economy The 2025 Fiat Toro, one of Brazil’s best-selling compact pickups, has just gotten a major upgrade under the hood. Fiat has introduced a new 2.2-liter (134 cubic-inch) MultiJet I4 turbodiesel engine, replacing the previous 2.0-liter (122 cubic-inch) diesel, delivering a significant boost in both power and torque. Available in the Volcano and Ranch trims, this new engine makes 200 horsepower (203 PS / 149 kW) and 332 lb.-ft. (450 Nm) of torque—an 18% increase in power and a 29% increase in torque compared to the outgoing model. https://moparinsiders.com/2025-fiat-toro-gains-more-power-with-new-2-2l-multijet-diesel/

Ram’s Legal Battle With Diesel Emissions Isn’t Over Yet Ongoing Lawsuit Adds To Stellantis' Emissions Troubles... Ram’s legal headaches regarding its Heavy Duty diesel trucks are far from over. Despite a massive settlement between Cummins and the Department of Justice (DOJ) over emissions violations, Stellantis—the parent company of Ram—remains tangled in a class-action lawsuit that could lead to further financial and reputational damage. A recent ruling by a federal judge has allowed key claims against Stellantis and Cummins to proceed, signaling that the issue isn’t going away anytime soon. https://moparinsiders.com/rams-legal-battle-with-diesel-emissions-isnt-over-yet/

Sports Car Showdown: Corvette Z06 vs. Maserati MC20 Cielo Edmunds' U-Drag Race Pits American Muscle Against Italian Elegance For the past couple of years, we have heard some Dodge enthusiasts speculate about the possibility of Dodge creating a new Halo supercar, potentially based on the mid-engined Maserati MC20. After all, Stellantis has already used the MC20 platform to spawn exclusive models like the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale and track-focused Maserati MCXtrema. However, after a recent U-Drag Race comparison by Edmunds.com featuring the Maserati MC20 Cielo and Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06, some of those opinions might shift. https://moparinsiders.com/sports-car-showdown-corvette-z06-vs-maserati-mc20-cielo/

Jeep® Adds More Off-Road Grit With Wrangler 4xe Backcountry Limited Edition Wrangler 4xe Blends Rugged Capability With Premium Tech... The Jeep® brand is adding another chapter to its legendary Wrangler lineup with the introduction of the 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Backcountry. Based on the well-equipped Sahara 4xe, this limited-edition model ramps up its off-road prowess while keeping premium comfort features intact. With only 5,800 units available for North America, the Backcountry edition offers buyers a more adventure-ready take on the electrified Wrangler. https://moparinsiders.com/jeep-adds-more-off-road-grit-with-wrangler-4xe-backcountry/

Stellantis Expands Hybrid Tech With New eDCT Production New Electrified Dual-Clutch Transmission Will Be Built in Italy and France Stellantis is set to expand its production of the Electrified Dual Clutch Transmission (eDCT) in Italy and France, reinforcing its commitment to hybrid and electric vehicle technology. This move aligns with the company’s broader strategy to enhance efficiency and sustainability across its vehicle lineup. https://moparinsiders.com/stellantis-expands-hybrid-tech-with-new-edct-production/

2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Owner Faces ‘Bricking’ Issue Owner Shares His Unexpected EV Problem and Solution The all-new, all-electric 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona has been a hot topic among enthusiasts, but now that cars are finally landing in customers’ hands, real-world issues are surfacing. One Charger Daytona Scat Pack Stage 2 owner, who runs the Socket Monkey Garage YouTube channel, recently faced a frustrating problem—his brand-new Charger was completely bricked. https://moparinsiders.com/2024-dodge-charger-daytona-owner-faces-bricking-issue/

Josh Hart Enters 2025 Factory Stock Showdown Series with DHDR Top Fuel Driver Expands His Racing Efforts with Dodge Challenger Drag Pak Entry Top Fuel team owner and driver Josh Hart took on a new challenge in 2025, announcing his entry into the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series. Hart, who continued to pilot his R+L Carriers-sponsored Top Fuel dragster in all 20 Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series events, partnered with David H. Davies and DHDR to field a Burnyzz Speed Shop-branded Dodge Challenger Drag Pak for the eight-race Factory Stock season. https://moparinsiders.com/josh-hart-enters-2025-factory-stock-showdown-series-with-dhdr/