Mopar Insiders Articles

For years, the Jeep Wrangler has reigned supreme as the go-to choice for American off-roaders. Its iconic design and legendary capability made it the undisputed leader in its segment. However, in 2021, Ford shook up the off-road world with the introduction of the sixth-generation Bronco, aiming squarely at the Wrangler’s throne. The Bronco arrived on the scene with a similar formula to the Wrangler (JL), offering both two- and four-door configurations with removable roofs and doors. This sparked intense debate among off-road enthusiasts, eager to see which vehicle would come out on top. Competition often leads to innovation, and Jeep … (read full article...)

The eagerly awaited updated 2025 Ram 1500 is now making its way to dealership lots, promising truck enthusiasts a host of updates and enhancements across its lineup. Let’s delve into what makes this new iteration of the Ram 1500 a standout choice for both work and play. What’s New? – The 2025 Ram 1500 introduces several new features to enhance performance and comfort. Notable additions include a power open/close tailgate with obstacle detection, premium interior materials and finishes, and advanced technology features such as the updated Uconnect 5 system with a 12-inch or new 14.5-inch touchscreen display. Additionally, advanced safety … (read full article...)

Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, has raised significant doubts regarding the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) during his remarks at the 2024 Freedom of Mobility Forum, yesterday. Tavares expressed concerns that a one-size-fits-all approach to EVs may not be suitable for every part of the world, emphasizing the need to move away from dogmatic thinking. “In a diverse world, it’s essential to acknowledge that current EVs may not cater to the needs of every society,” Tavares stated. He highlighted the challenges associated with EV batteries, emphasizing the necessity for a breakthrough in battery chemistry to significantly reduce weight and … (read full article...)

With over a year’s supply on dealer lots at the moment, Dodge is refocusing its marketing campaign for the compact 2024 Dodge Hornet crossover. The new campaign, dubbed “Inner Child Intervention,” focuses specifically on Dodge’s first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) – the Hornet R/T. The 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T is the brand’s first electrified performance vehicle, boasting a segment-leading 288 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of total torque. This impressive performance is achieved through a 1.3-liter turbocharged all-aluminum engine and an electric induction motor that powers the rear axle. In addition, the hybrid system features a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, a high-power … (read full article...)

Stellantis (FCA US, LLC) is recalling approximately 223 units of its 2024 Chrysler Pacifica and Voyager minivans. According to the latest recall, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 212, “Windshield Mounting.” The suspect period began on December 21, 2023, when the first vehicle was produced using incorrect masking tape in the windshield area and ended on January 4, 2024, when the tape was removed from the paint repair process. The suspect … (read full article...)

Yesterday, the Jeep® brand celebrated ‘4×4 Day’ by re-introducing the popular high-impact Tuscadero (PHP) exterior paint color on the 2024 Jeep Wrangler (JL). Jeep originally introduced the limited-edition exterior color in August 2021 on the 2021 model and continued it into early 2022 on Wrangler models. During that time, over 30,000 orders for Tuscadero-colored Wranglers were produced at the Toledo Assembly Complex, making it one of the most popular limited edition colors on a Jeep ever. Tuscadero is named after the Happy Days character Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli’s girlfriend, Carol “Pinky” Tuscadero, a character who was known for her trademark pink … (read full article...)

Jeep® Brazil is gearing up to launch the 2025 Jeep Compass (M1). While the Compass received an important styling change two model years ago, the Brazilian-built Compass will be getting a revamped powertrain lineup for 2025, which includes gasoline (ethanol), diesel, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) engines. The entry-level engine for the 2025 Jeep Compass will continue to be the 1.3 Turbo Flex T270 engine. This turbocharged 1.3-liter inline-four-cylinder is part of the FireFly or Stellantis Global Small Engine (GSE) family and was popular in the North American Jeep Renegade (BV). However, for Compass duty, the 1.3 Turbo Flex T270 produces … (read full article...)

The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is touted as the quickest, fastest, and most powerful muscle car in the world. With only 3,300 examples produced and certain dealers being allocated units, the 1,025 horsepower muscle car has seen massive dealer markups since the cars started reaching dealers. You may have heard about a certain Mississippi Dodge dealer (Mac Haik Chrysler Dodge, Jeep, and Ram) who sold a deployed soldier in Iraq, Demon 170 from underneath him. Once the story went viral on social media, the dealership terminated multiple employees, and even Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis stepped in to ensure … (read full article...)

RamCharger TRX, Might Just Be The Ultimate SUV! Digital Design, Makes Us Crave A Fullsize Ram SUV... Our friend digital artist wb_artist20 is at it again. You might remember some Ram 1500-based SUV designs like his Rebel-influenced RamCharger two-door and his TRX-inspired four-door performance off-roader. Now he has created something even better a TRX-based two-door RamCharger design. While the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX is the quickest, fastest, and most powerful mass-produced truck … (read full article...) https://moparinsiders.com/ramcharger-trx-might-just-be-the-ultimate-suv/

Classic Mopar enthusiasts, buckle up! An awesome custom 1970 Plymouth Barracuda is set to turn heads and ignite some bidding wars at this coming weekend’s Mecum Houston auction. Set to cross the auction block on Saturday, April 6th, is this beautifully restored Barracuda, transformed into a breathtaking HEMI® Cuda’ replica. This Barracuda isn’t just a pretty face; it packs a serious punch under the hood. Painted in striking House of Kolor HEMI Orange, this masterpiece boasts a modern Gen3 HEMI® twist with a fuel-injected 6.1-liter (370 cubic-inch) HEMI SRT V8 engine. But wait, there’s more! This powerhouse is supercharged with … (read full article...)

Over the past several months, Stellantis has faced criticism from enthusiasts regarding the company’s direction toward electrification in the North American marketplace. A majority of the North American market has been leaning away from electric vehicles (EVs), with automakers racing to develop more plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). However, Stellantis has taken a different approach. This morning, the automaker announced its intention to become the world’s largest mobility maker, allowing Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, and FIAT to enter the electric motorcycle market. Stellantis hopes that a portfolio of electric motorcycles will offer cheaper transportation for those in the … (read full article...)

Rik Yeames, a 64-year-old pizza franchise owner from Concord, New Hampshire, is not your average Dodge Challenger enthusiast. While many may admire Dodge’s two-door muscle car for its sleek lines, Yeames sees his 2018 Dodge Challenger GT AWD as more than just a vehicle – it’s the world’s only Eclipsemobile. Passionate about solar eclipses, Yeames has meticulously transformed his Challenger into a rolling tribute to celestial wonder. Yeames’ fascination with astronomy traces back to his childhood, but a transformative experience in 2017 ignited his fever. “Other than the birth of my kids,” he recalls, “it was the … (read full article...)

In a surprising turn of events, Fiat, under the umbrella of Stellantis, is contemplating a significant shift in its iconic all-electric 500e city car. As sales falter and production targets remain elusive, whispers emerge from suppliers and engineers to various media sources suggesting that Stellantis could be looking at fitting the 500e with an internal combustion engine (ICE). The 500e, once hailed as the beacon of Fiat’s electrification journey, found itself grappling with market realities. Despite initial enthusiasm, Fiat fell short of its production target of 90,000 units in 2023. Now, facing the need for a radical rethink, Fiat is … (read full article...)

In the fast-evolving landscape of electric vehicles (EVs), Stellantis continues to strive to bridge the gap from conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) with its groundbreaking eRupt transmission. Designed to redefine the driving experience for EV enthusiasts, the eRupt transmission represents a paradigm shift in automotive engineering. Let’s delve deeper into how this innovative technology works and its implications for the future of electric mobility. Understanding the eRupt Transmission – At its core, the eRupt transmission is a sophisticated system that aims to replicate the sensation of gear shifting in traditional ICE vehicles. Unlike conventional transmissions … (read full...

The Dodge and Ram brands have clinched top honors in the 2024 Kelley Blue Book (KBB) Consumer Choice Awards. Dodge secured the coveted title for “Best Car Styling Brand,” while Ram triumphed as the “Best Overall Truck Brand,” marking an impressive feat for both marques. These accolades bestowed upon both Dodge and Ram are the result of a thorough analysis conducted by KBB’s Brand Watch study, which delves into the perceptions and preferences of over 12,000 prospective car buyers annually. This comprehensive research provides invaluable insights into the factors influencing consumers’ automotive purchase decisions, including brand familiarity, loyalty, and overall perception. … (read full article...)

The all-new, ultra-limited production Maserati MCXtrema has been unleashed onto the track before it undergoes a series of tests until late April. The aim is to deliver the first model in late summer 2024. The MCXtrema, a track-only homologated race car with only 62 units allocated globally, was created to break the mold and invent new paradigms. Development / Testing – In February, the MCXtrema had its first official track outing at the Autodromo Varano de’ Melegari (Parma). There, Maserati Chief Test Driver Andrea Bertolini, one of the most successful drivers in the GT class with four world titles, has … (read full article...)

In September 2007, Chrysler LLC announced the formation of ENVI – representing the first four letters of “environmental” – the new in-house organization was to focus on electric-drive production vehicles and related advanced technologies. Led by Lou Rhodes, President – ENVI, and Vice President – Advanced Vehicle Engineering, the ENVI team had access to the … (read full article...)

Dodge has just unleashed a new beast onto the automotive scene with the electrifying two-door 2024 Charger Daytona Scat Pack. This powerhouse of a vehicle marks a significant shift in the muscle car landscape, blending cutting-edge electric technology with the raw power and performance that Dodge is renowned for. Powertrain – Underneath the bold and aggressive exterior of the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack lies a revolutionary powertrain that seamlessly blends electrification with the raw power muscle car enthusiasts crave. This coupe’s heartbeat is a state-of-the-art 400-volt system, boasting two electric drive motors (EDMs). One is strategically positioned at … (read full article...)

Dodge recently unveiled its much-anticipated 2025 Charger sedan, sparking speculation about whether a new iteration of the Charger Pursuit, favored by law enforcement agencies, will follow suit. With a rich history dating back to 2006, the Charger Pursuit has been a staple for police fleets across North America, offering a potent combination of performance and reliability. However, amidst the buzz surrounding the Charger’s next generation, Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis remained tight-lipped regarding the possibility of a new Pursuit model, stating, “It’s definitely on our radar.” The Charger Pursuit stepped into the spotlight when Ford discontinued the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor … (read full article...)

There exists a subculture of automotive enthusiasts, who are deeply rooted in vintage American automobiles. Among these passionate aficionados, the Backyard Barn Finds YouTube channel stands out for uncovering hidden treasures in the automotive world. Recently, they were able to tour the McCandless Collection – a haven for Mopar enthusiasts and a testament to the glory days of Chrysler’s “Forward Look” era. Managed by Mike McCandless, son of the legendary NHRA racer and revered engine builder Herb McCandless, the McCandless Collection is a mecca for vintage Mopars. Nestled in a museum, this treasure trove houses an impressive array of meticulously preserved … (read full article...)