Mopar Insiders Articles

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...)

Dodge Europe kicked off its debut as the “Official Vehicle” partner of the 2024 WorldSBK Championship during the second round of competition at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain. The collaboration marks the American automaker’s inaugural foray into the high-octane realm of superbike racing, promising to inject a dose of bold, unbridled power onto the track. Aligning seamlessly with Dodge’s signature ethos of strength and audacity, this partnership is a match made in adrenaline-fueled heaven. With an exclusive fleet of five high-performance vehicles, Dodge Europe is poised to take the WorldSBK Championship by storm. At the forefront of this exhilarating alliance … (read full article...)

In the realm of classic automotive legends, few stand as iconic as the 1966 Chrysler Imperial “Black Beauty” replica, famed for its role in the legendary TV show “The Green Hornet.” Set to grace the Mecum Houston 2024 auction block on April 6th, this meticulously crafted homage to the crime-fighting vehicle of yesteryears is sure … (read full article...)

In a bold move, Dodge is rewriting the rules of the muscle car game with its all-new 2025 Charger SIX PACK lineup. Departing from the traditional HEMI® V8 engines, Dodge is embracing innovation by introducing the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter ‘Hurricane’ I6 engines, dubbed the ‘SIX PACK’, as the powerhouse behind its latest muscle car offerings. The Charger SIX PACK comes in two variants: the high-output (H/O) version for the two-door coupe and the standard-output (S/O) version for the four-door sedan. The 2025 Charger SIX PACK coupe packs a punch with its high-output (H/O) Hurricane engine, boasting a formidable 550 horsepower and … (read full article...)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into potential transmission failures in select 2022 Ram Heavy Duty Chassis Cabs. This probe comes in response to 82 complaints received by NHTSA regarding the loss of motive power attributed to a malfunctioning K1 snap ring within the vehicle’s transmission system. The affected models under scrutiny include the 2022 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 Chassis Cab trucks. Complaints lodged with NHTSA indicate instances where drivers experienced a complete loss of motive power, particularly at speeds exceeding 25 mph. Such failures render forward gears 1 to 4 inoperable, potentially leaving the vehicle incapacitated … (read full article...)

Despite not having a display on the show floor, Stellantis is bringing Camp Jeep® back to the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). It marks the 20th Anniversary of Camp Jeep offering free off-road rides to auto show attendees. The 28,000-square-foot outdoor exhibit at this year’s New York International Auto Show gives consumers a firsthand look at the Trail Rated capability standards engineered into Jeep vehicles for ground clearance, traction, stability, articulation, breakover, off-camber, and suspension. The fan-favorite, 28-foot-high Jeep Mountain, with 45-degree approach and departure angles, is the tallest and steepest at any auto show. The event marks the … (read full article...)

If you’re into classic cars, you might want to pay close attention to this one-of-a-kind 1968 Dodge Charger Convertible currently up for grabs. This beauty is causing quite a stir because, well, Dodge never actually made a convertible version of the Charger in ’68. But don’t worry, this isn’t some backyard DIY project; according to the seller, it’s the real deal, not a converted Coronet. Under the hood, this Charger packs a punch. Originally equipped with a 5.2-liter (318 cubic-inch) 2-BBL V8 engine, it now boasts a beefy 7.2-liter (440 cubic-inch) 4-BBL V8, giving it some serious muscle. And let’s … (read full article...)

Ram Trucks Europe and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing are gearing up for another exhilarating season of motocross as they extend their successful partnership into 2024. Building on two seasons of collaboration, this year sees Ram Trucks Europe stepping up its game as the official team sponsor alongside Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in the FIM Motocross World Championship. What’s New This Season? The 2024 partnership brings a fresh twist to the collaboration. Ram Trucks Europe is providing two iconic Ram 1500 pickups customized to reflect the spirit and colors of the Austrian KTM brand. These powerful trucks, emblazoned with … (read full article...)

The muscle car wars are back on with the introduction of the next-generation Dodge Charger. While the Charger is moving past its HEMI® V8 lineup in favor of a new twin-turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine, the new Charger two-door coupe looks to take on Ford’s new Mustang Dark Horse head-on in early 2025. While Ford has vowed that a V8 will be under the hood of its S650 Mustang for as long as possible, the boys at the blue oval upped their game for 2024 with the introduction of the Dark Horse – a 500 horsepower Coyote V8-powered performance machine with some … (read full article...)

Stellantis (FCA US, LLC) is recalling approximately 12,375 units of its 2021 to 2022 Ram ProMaster vehicles due to a wiring harness that may have a poor connection, which can cause the left taillight and left turn signal to become inoperative. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108 requirements, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.” An inoperative left turn signal may not notify other drivers of a turning vehicle, and an inoperative left taillight can reduce the vehicle’s visibility to other drivers. Both scenarios can increase the risk of a crash. … (read full article...)

Stellantis has announced that it has reached a voluntary agreement with Italian labor unions to cut at least 1,520 jobs in Italy. The news comes just days after the automaker announced laying off 400 U.S. employees from its engineering, software, and technology divisions. Stellantis claims the moves are due to the automaker grappling with challenges posed by the shift towards electrification and changing consumer demands. The announcements have been met with criticism as the automaker has made record profits in the past two years and is now facing pushback in sales in North America due to overpriced products and electric … (read full article...)