Mopar Insiders Articles

Ram Dominates the 2025 Texas Truck Rodeo with Four Big Wins Ram Leads the Way in Performance, Luxury, and Innovation Ram continues its streak of excellence, taking home four major awards at the 2025 Texas Truck Rodeo, an event hosted by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA). Held in Texas—the undisputed truck capital of the U.S.—the Rodeo is one of the most competitive events in the industry. From off-road capability to innovative powertrains and luxurious designs, Ram proved why it’s a leader in the truck world. https://moparinsiders.com/ram-dominates-the-2025-texas-truck-rodeo-with-four-big-wins/

Stellantis Takes Full Control of Punch Powertrain Joint Venture Stellantis Expands Hybrid Tech with Complete Ownership of eDCT Transmission Production Stellantis has officially acquired all remaining shares of its joint venture with Belgian transmission specialist Punch Powertrain, securing full control over the design and production of its advanced Electrified Dual Clutch Transmission (eDCT). This move aligns with Stellantis’ long-term strategy to enhance its Mild Hybrid (MHEV) and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) vehicle lineup with innovative drivetrain technology. https://moparinsiders.com/stellantis-takes-full-control-of-punch-powertrain-joint-venture/

Alfa Romeo Shifts Gears: Embraces Multi-Energy Future Feuell Confirms Multi-Energy Approach for U.S. Market... Alfa Romeo has officially abandoned its ambitious plan to go all-electric by 2027, opting instead for a “multi-energy” approach that includes internal combustion engines (ICE) and hybrid powertrains alongside electric vehicles (EVs). Christine Feuell, Chrysler CEO and Head of Alfa Romeo North America, announced this strategic shift during the recent National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) show. https://moparinsiders.com/alfa-romeo-shifts-gears-embraces-multi-energy-future/

Fiat Toro Ultra Expands Lineup with Turbocharged Gas Option A New Luxurious Trim for Brazil’s Best-Selling Compact Pickup... While North America continues to wait for a compact or midsized pickup to debut under the Ram brand, Fiat is pushing forward with its popular compact Toro lineup in Brazil. The automaker has introduced a new gas-powered option to the luxurious Fiat Toro Ultra trim, further solidifying its dominance in South America’s competitive pickup truck market. https://moparinsiders.com/fiat-toro-ultra-expands-lineup-with-turbocharged-gas-option/

World’s First Hellcat-Powered Minivan Redefines Performance and Practicality Rich Benoit of "Rich Rebuilds" Combines a Chrysler Town & Country with a Dodge Charger Hellcat... In a stunning display of automotive ingenuity, YouTuber Rich Benoit, the mastermind behind the “Rich Rebuilds” channel, has created the world’s first Hellcat-powered minivan. This project seamlessly merges the body of a Chrysler Town & Country with the chassis and powertrain of a Dodge Charger Hellcat, and the videos are comedic in a way that few aside from Rich can pull off. https://moparinsiders.com/worlds-first-hellcat-powered-minivan-redefines-performance-and-practicality/

Tim Kuniskis Says “No” to Stellantis CEO Role Ram's Top Executive is All About Trucks, Not Titles... Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Ram Trucks, has made it clear that he’s not interested in becoming Stellantis’ next CEO. Following Carlos Tavares’ sudden departure, speculation began swirling about who might fill the role, with Kuniskis’ name among those mentioned. However, in an interview with Newsweek, Kuniskis dismissed the possibility, saying, “Some people love business, and some love politics, but I love products.” https://moparinsiders.com/tim-kuniskis-says-no-to-stellantis-ceo-role/

2025 Ram 1500 RHO Spotted Down Under Aussie-Bound RHO Pickup Caught Testing In Melbourne... CarExpert, Australia’s leading car magazine, recently caught a glimpse of the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO undergoing testing in the Melbourne suburb of Clayton. This sighting, near the Walkinshaw Automotive Headquarters, where Ram Trucks Australia operates, has fueled speculation about the high-performance pickup’s imminent arrival in the Australian market. https://moparinsiders.com/2025-ram-1500-rho-spotted-down-under/

Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida Q4 to Arrive at German Dealers in April Alfa's Smallest Crossover to Feature the Same Powertrain as the Jeep® Avenger 4xe... Alfa Romeo’s highly anticipated Junior Ibrida Q4 hybrid will debut in German showrooms by April 2025. Combining a turbocharged petrol engine with cutting-edge hybrid technology, this new model delivers a total system output of 107 kW (145 horsepower) and is priced from €37,000 (or about $40,300 USD). With its advanced all-wheel drive (AWD) and Italian flair, the Junior Ibrida Q4 promises to set a new standard in efficient yet dynamic driving. https://moparinsiders.com/alfa-romeo-junior-ibrida-q4-to-arrive-at-german-dealers-in-april/

Charger Daytona Convertible in the Works from Drop Top Customs Convertible Building is Working with Dodge to Create New-Gen Charger Convertible... Drop Top Customs is making waves again, this time with a jaw-dropping convertible version of the all-electric Dodge Charger Daytona. Following their successful collaboration with Dodge on Challenger convertibles in 2022, the Florida-based custom shop is once again partnering with the automaker to create something extraordinary. https://moparinsiders.com/charger-daytona-convertible-in-the-works-from-drop-top-customs/

Rare 1978 Dodge Ramcharger Top Hand 4×4 Hits BaT Restored Classic SUV with Unique Graphics Package The automotive world is buzzing as a rare 1978 Dodge Ramcharger Top Hand 4×4 graces the virtual auction block on BringATrailer (BaT). This classic SUV, one of only 202 Top Hand examples produced for the U.S. market between 1978 and 1979, is turning heads with its distinctive features and recent restoration work. https://moparinsiders.com/rare-1978-dodge-ramcharger-top-hand-4x4-hits-bat/

Jeep® Avenger: Italy’s Favorite SUV in 2024 Compact, Versatile, and Designed for Every Adventure... The Jeep® Avenger (JJ) has firmly cemented its place in the hearts of Italian drivers, becoming the best-selling SUV in Italy in 2024. Not only does it top its category, but it’s also the third best-selling vehicle across all segments in the country. This success is no accident—Jeep’s dedication to delivering a compact yet capable SUV that thrives in both urban and off-road environments has resonated with a broad audience. https://moparinsiders.com/jeep-avenger-italys-favorite-suv-in-2024/

The Dukes of Hazzard Celebrates 46 Years Today Celebrating the Premiere of a TV Legend and Its Mopar Icon... On January 26, 1979, CBS introduced the world to The Dukes of Hazzard, a TV show that would go on to become a cultural phenomenon. The action-comedy series captured the hearts of fans with its daring stunts, memorable characters, and, of course, the iconic Dodge Charger known as the General Lee. For the Mopar community, the show’s debut marks an important milestone in automotive pop culture. https://moparinsiders.com/the-dukes-of-hazzard-celebrates-46-years-today/

Stellantis Issues Recall for 2017 to 2019 Jeep® Cherokee Potential PTU Failure Prompts Safety Recall of 63,082 Vehicles... Stellantis (FCA US, LLC) has announced a voluntary recall of approximately 63,082 Jeep® Cherokee (KL) models from 2017 to 2019. The recall addresses a potential defect in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU), a critical drivetrain component, which could result in the loss of drive power or park functionality. https://moparinsiders.com/stellantis-issues-recall-for-2017-to-2019-jeep-cherokee/

Stellantis Brazil Shatters Export Record in 2024 116,000 Vehicles Exported, Marking a Historic Milestone... Stellantis celebrated a record-breaking year in 2024, achieving its highest export numbers in Brazil since the company was formed in 2021. With more than 116,000 vehicles exported between January and December, the milestone reflects a staggering 94% growth in exports over the past four years. Compared to 2023 alone, the company boosted exports by an impressive 17%. https://moparinsiders.com/stellantis-brazil-shatters-export-record-in-2024/

EXOMOD’s ‘Back in Black’: Where Classic Meets Modern Muscle Retro Charger Looks with HELLCAT Heart Now Available... EXOMOD Concepts has once again pushed the boundaries of automotive craftsmanship with its latest creation, the ‘Back in Black’ C68 CARBON. This head-turning retromod seamlessly combines the timeless design of a 1968 Dodge Charger with the raw power and modern amenities of a 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT HELLCAT Jailbreak. Currently available for purchase through Earth Motor Cars in Carrollton, Texas, this unique vehicle is priced at $368,900. https://moparinsiders.com/exomods-back-in-black-where-classic-meets-modern-muscle/

A Lot of Questions Remain About the Future of Belvidere Assembly New Midsize Truck, But No Word on Battery Plant or Mopar Mega Hub... After months of uncertainty, Stellantis has confirmed plans to produce a new midsize Ram pickup truck at the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois. Production is now slated for 2027, reversing an earlier delay that pushed the project to 2028 under former CEO Carlos Tavares. The move ensures the plant, idled since February 2023, will get a second chance to create jobs and contribute to the North American market. https://moparinsiders.com/a-lot-of-questions-remain-about-the-future-of-belvidere-assembly/

Dodge Mexico Unveils Limited Edition Attitude Green Hornet Model The Popular Sports Sedan, Gets Its First Limited Edition Model... Dodge Mexico is gearing up to release its first limited-edition run of the popular Attitude sports sedan. Known as the Green Hornet, Dodge will build only 300 units, each featuring a distinctive Matte Olive Green exterior color that gives the car a unique and aggressive look. This special edition combines powerful performance with innovative technology, making it a standout in the compact sedan category. https://moparinsiders.com/dodge-mexico-unveils-limited-edition-attitude-green-hornet-model/

Jeep® Admits Wagoneer Pricing Went Too Far Price Adjustments Aim To Rebuild Trust With Buyers... Jeep® has acknowledged its misstep with the premium pricing strategy for the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer (WS) models. Speaking at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show, Bob Broderdorf, Head of Jeep® North America, addressed the issue head-on, describing how the brand’s push-upmarket alienated consumers and dealers. https://moparinsiders.com/jeep-admits-wagoneer-pricing-went-too-far/

Sergio Marchionne’s 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Goes To Barrett-Jackson A Bespoke Muscle Car Built For The Late FCA CEO Heads To Auction... A unique Mopar collector car is making its way to the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auctiontomorrow, Thursday, January 23rd. This one-of-one 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, built exclusively for the late Sergio Marchionne, former CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), is a true collector’s dream. Packed with personalized features, a powerful engine, and a deep connection to the Mopar community, this Challenger represents the pinnacle of custom craftsmanship. https://moparinsiders.com/sergio-marchionnes-2011-dodge-challenger-srt8-392-goes-to-barrett-jackson/

Dodge’s Badass Brigade: Calling All Performance Enthusiasts Dodge Wants YOU to Represent the Performance Brand... Dodge is revving up its brand ambassador search with the new Badassador Program, targeting passionate automotive enthusiasts who embody the brand’s high-octane spirit. Following the viral success of the ‘Chief Donut Maker’ contest, Dodge is taking recruitment to the next level by seeking individuals who can authentically represent America’s most aggressive performance brand. https://moparinsiders.com/dodges-badass-brigade-calling-all-performance-enthusiasts/