Mopar Insiders Articles

AUCTION: 2012 Dodge Challenger Nationwide NASCAR Has Mopar R5P7 V8 Under The Hood... If you’re into racing history and seeking a thrilling addition to your collection, there’s an exciting opportunity on BringATrailer.com. A 2012 Dodge Challenger Nationwide NASCAR race car is currently up for auction, boasting a fascinating pedigree and track-ready features. https://moparinsiders.com/auction-2012-dodge-challenger-nationwide-nascar/

Tavares Confirms Five Vehicles Will Be Produced At Melfi Next-Gen Jeep® Compass For European Market Will Be One Of Those Products... In his discussions with Italian union leaders on Monday, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares released new information regarding the future production at the Melfi Assembly Plant. Although Tavares was there to discuss the situation at the Mirafiori plant, the leader of the fourth largest global automaker also addressed the future plans for its other significant assembly plant. https://moparinsiders.com/tavares-confirms-five-vehicles-will-be-produced-at-melfi/

Challenger SRT Demon 170 Convertible Sold for $242,000 at Mecum Indy Rare Custom Convertible by Droptop Customs Draws High Bids In Indy... At the recent Mecum Indy Auction, a unique 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 Convertible fetched an impressive $242,000 after fees. This standout vehicle, which has only 30 miles on the odometer, is a Dodge-authorized custom convertible conversion completed by Jeff Moran and his team at Droptop Customs. It is number 1,100 of the 3,300 Demon 170s produced, making it a rare and desirable addition to any car enthusiast’s collection. https://moparinsiders.com/challenger-srt-demon-170-convertible-sold-for-242000-at-mecum-indy/

Ram Brazil Bids Farewell To 1500 Classic With Limited Edition R/T Limited Edition R/T Model Restricted to Just 100 Units... For the past fifteen years, the Ram 1500 (DS) has played an important role in the Ram Truck brand. Since 2019, after the debut of the fifth-generation Ram 1500 (DT), the DS truck has been known as the Ram 1500 Classic and has continued to offer the cheapest V8 full-size pickup across the North American market and elsewhere in the world. https://moparinsiders.com/ram-brazil-bids-farewell-to-1500-classic-with-limited-edition-r-t/

Jeep® Is Bringing The Sahara Name To The Renegade In Brazil Renegade Sahara Will Slot Between Longitude and S Model... The Jeep® Renegade may have disappeared from North American showrooms, but it continues to be a significant player for the brand globally, especially in Brazil. Since its debut, the Renegade has frequently battled with its sibling, the Compass, for the title of best-selling SUV in the Brazilian market. Brazilians have shown so much love for the Renegade that it received a special makeover specifically for Latin and South America, a treatment not seen elsewhere. For 2025, Jeep® is adding a touch of the iconic Wrangler to the Renegade by introducing the Sahara trim...

A unique piece of automotive history is now available on BringATrailer.com. This custom-built 1934 Dodge KC-series half-ton pickup, meticulously crafted by the seller over a decade from 2012 to 2022, is up for auction, offering a blend of vintage style and modern performance. The pickup rides on a high-quality Progressive Automotive chassis, providing a solid … (read full article...)

The next-generation Jeep® Compass (J4U) is rumored to be gearing up for its official debut by the end of the year, as reported by British car magazine AutoExpress. With development said to be in its advanced stages, production is expected to commence in mid-2025 in Europe, followed by North America later in the year. So, what can we expect from the new Compass? Prepare for a major overhaul. First and foremost, it will be built on a cutting-edge platform known as STLA Medium, bidding farewell to the outdated Small Wide 4×4 platform. This modern architecture, utilized in vehicles like the … (read full article...)

In a surprising move, Italian authorities have seized 130 units of the Fiat Topolino electric vehicle (EV) at a port in Tuscany. The reason? A tiny emblem on the car that looks like the Italian flag. Although Fiat is Italy’s largest car manufacturer, the Topolino is produced in Morocco, not Italy. This has caused a stir because of Italy’s strict laws on product authenticity. Italy has a law from 2003 that prohibits companies from using branding that might mislead consumers into thinking a product is made in Italy when it’s not. The small Italian flag emblem on the Topolino was … (read full article...)

Jeep is expanding its electric vehicle lineup. Recently, it teased the Jeep Wagoneer S, which will be fully revealed on May 30th. Antonio Filosa, Jeep’s CEO, also confirmed that the Gladiator 4XE will be released in 2025. Now, sources within Stellantis have disclosed to us that the next electrified models will be the full-sized body-on-frame Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. Initially teased in a Jeep 4XE day video back in September of 2022, Jim Morrison (Then head of Jeep, Now Head of Jeep Performance Parts) mentions that the Grand Wagoneer 4XE has an estimated driving range of over 500 miles with … (read full article...)

The Stellantis (FCA US) Product Design Officer (PDO) team hosted its first cars and coffee event of 2024, this past weekend. Car enthusiasts from all walks of life, regardless of their favorite brand, descended upon the former site of the Walter P. Chrysler Museum for a morning filled with automotive splendor. The turnout was nothing short of impressive, with a few hundred Mopar and non-Mopar vehicles filing the lot at the former museum to be part of the action. So much so, that some visitors had to utilize overfill lots across the street to accommodate the influx of cars. These events, which … (read full article...)

A unique 1990 Jeep® Grand Wagoneer (SJ) is turning heads on the popular automotive auction site BringATrailer.com. This vintage SUV, refurbished between 2020 and 2021, boasts a powerful Gen3 HEMI® V8 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, providing a modern twist to a classic ride. Originally repainted in Metallic Blue and adorned with woodgrain trim, this Grand Wagoneer exudes retro charm. It features aftermarket LED lighting, Hella driving lights, and a receiver hitch for added functionality. The interior showcases tan leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and Vintage Air climate control for comfort on the road. Underneath the stylish exterior … (read full article...)

In a historic meeting at the Stellantis Automotive Pole in Minas Gerais, the President of Stellantis for South America, Emanuele Cappellano, and the Governor of Minas Gerais, Romeu Zema, announced a significant investment plan. Stellantis will contribute R$14 billion (approximately $2.8 billion) from 2025 to 2030, marking the largest investment in the Betim Automotive Pole’s history. Expansion and Future Technology – The investment will primarily support the expansion of the engine production line at the Betim facility. This expansion will produce the next generation of engines, including those equipped with bio-hybrid technology. The first vehicles featuring this innovative technology are … (read full article...)

The Cherokee nameplate holds a special place in the Jeep® brand’s legacy, and enthusiasts will be thrilled to learn of its imminent return to the lineup. Since its absence from the market in 2023 due to the idling of the Brampton Assembly Plant, anticipation has been steadily mounting for its revival. In a recent interview with Italian publication Il Sole 24 Ore, Jeep® CEO Antonio Filosa confirmed that the Cherokee is slated to make its comeback in 2025. However, there’s more to the story than just its return. The next-generation Cherokee (KM) is set to make waves with its electrified … (read full article...)

Jeep® has had a busy day. First, the European-focused Avenger 4xe was revealed. Then, we got a teaser for the upcoming 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S, the brand’s first all-electric vehicle for the North American market. Recently teased on Jeep’s social media platforms with a captivating video titled “Surpass Yourself,” this sleek and powerful crossover is poised to make waves when it hits dealer showrooms this summer. What sets the Wagoneer S apart? Under its hood—or rather, powering its wheels—is a dual electric motor setup boasting an impressive 600 horsepower and 617 lb.-ft. of. torque. Translation? This electric Wagoneer S can … (read full article...)

Ram continues to expand its global footprint and is set to launch a new midsize pickup, the Ram 1200. Based on the Peugeot Landtrek, this model will be produced in China, targeting the growing demand for versatile and affordable pickups in lower-income markets across Latin America and South America. The Peugeot Landtrek, the foundation for the Ram 1200, was initially developed in partnership with Changan Automobiles and is manufactured at the Shenzhen Baoneng Motor Company in China. This collaboration has enabled Ram to swiftly adapt the Landtrek for its lineup, introducing a competitive option to customers beyond North America. The … (read full article...)

Alfa Romeo and Chrysler have achieved significant recognition at the 2024 Texas Auto Roundup, hosted by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA). After intense driving at Eagles Canyon Raceway in Decatur, Texas, automotive journalists cast their votes, and the results saw Alfa Romeo and Chrysler atop their categories. The 2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia was awarded the prestigious “Performance Vehicle of Texas” title, while the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid won the “Minivan of Texas” award for the eighth consecutive year. Founded in 1987, TAWA has become one of the industry’s most recognized and reputable automotive media organizations. TAWA’s mission is to … (read full article...)

The Stellantis Cassino Assembly Plant, located in Italy, has been the center of a significant workers’ strike, reflecting growing tensions over unsustainable working conditions. The strike, which began on Monday, saw over 80% participation from employees in key departments such as assembly, plastics, and plating, and continued into Tuesday and Wednesday. The strike was organized by the unions Uilm, Fiom, and Flmu-Cub in response to increasing workloads and production paces deemed excessive by the workers. Union representatives explained that the company’s unilateral decision to increase production rates and workloads was the tipping point. “We have responded to yet another unilateral … (read full article...)

Since the end of the pandemic, the auto industry has experienced record profits, driven by high sales and unprecedented monthly payment rates due to low inventories. However, the market dynamics are shifting rapidly, and Stellantis finds itself facing an overabundance of inventory, a stark contrast to its previous situation. Market Dynamics Shift – In the immediate aftermath of the pandemic, auto companies thrived on high transaction prices and minimal incentives. The market has since taken a turn, fueled by even higher interest rates, inflation, and climbing vehicle prices. Now, Stellantis is struggling with excess inventory that would have been easily … (read full article...)

Jeep® has long been synonymous with ruggedness and adventure, and their latest model, the Jeep Avenger 4xe, is no exception. Unveiled to a group of European journalists, the Avenger 4xe builds on the success of the original Avenger (JJ), offering a modern twist with its hybrid powertrain and all-wheel-drive (AWD) capabilities. Eric Laforge, Head of Jeep Brand in Enlarged Europe, stated, “Avenger is one of Jeep’s biggest success stories, with over 90,000 orders from final customers, of which almost 30% are fully electric. In the wake of this success, Avenger 4xe will be the new benchmark in the B-SUV segment, … (read full article...)

The automotive interwebs are abuzz with rumors of a potential return of General Motors’ (GM’s) Pontiac brand. A recent ad in the May/June issue of Car and Driver has reignited speculation about Pontiac’s comeback and its potential to challenge Dodge in the muscle car arena. The ad, albeit fictional, paints a compelling picture of Pontiac’s return to glory. It boldly claims a supercharged V8 engine with a monstrous 667 horsepower. But what does this mean for Stellantis’ Dodge brand? Dodge, known for its V8 engines, recently faced criticism for discontinuing its iconic Gen3 HEMI® V8 engines in favor of electrified … (read full article...)