William Maley

Previous Page Next Page The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is no more for 2019, but that doesn't mean it hasn't influenced the lineup. Lets begin with the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye. Under its dual cowl hood is a revamped supercharged 6.2L V8 producing 797 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque. Power flows through an eight-speed automatic to the rear-wheels. Dodge claims the Redeye is the "most powerful production V8" and "quickest production muscle car," most likely because the Demon doesn't exist anymore. Here are the numbers, 0-60 mph: 3.4 seconds Quarter-Mile: 10.8 seconds Top Speed: 203 mph This increase in power is due to Dodge upgrading 25 major components including a bigger supercharger, strengthened engine internals, high-capacity fuel injection system, second-fuel pump, and improved lubrication. The Demon also hands over the Torque Reserve system that builds up power before launching from a standing stop, and After-Run Chiller that cools down the supercharger when the engine is off. Down one rung is the regular Hellcat. Dodge has increased horsepower to 717, along with adding Launch Assist, Torque Reserve, Launch Control, and Line Lock. A dual-cowl hood is standard. Both Hellcat models will have the option of a widebody that features larger fender flares to make room for the wider tires. Dodge also announced the R/T Scat Pack Widebody that features the same wide fender flares as the Hellcat, rear spoiler, SRT tuned chassis, and adaptive dampers. The changes make a huge difference as the Scat Pack Widebody is about two seconds faster per lap than the standard Scat Pack. All Scat Pack models get Launch Assist, Launch Control, Line Lock, SRT Drive Modes, and SRT Performance Pages. Wrapping up the 2019 Challenger lineup is the R/T and GT rear-wheel drive. The previously-optional Super Track Pak is now standard for both models and includes a performance suspension, enhanced steering, a new front splitter and hood, 20-inch wheels, and bolstered cloth Houndstooth seats. The 2019 Challenger family arrives in the fourth quarter. Source: Dodge New 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye: Possessed by the Demon New Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye and Its 797-horsepower Supercharged HEMI® High-output Engine Drive 2019 Challenger Lineup Dodge launches most powerful SRT Hellcat lineup ever The new 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye is the most powerful, quickest and fastest muscle car Most powerful production V-8 engine with 797 horsepower and 707 lb.-ft. of torque Quickest production muscle car with 0-60 miles per hour (mph) acceleration of 3.4 seconds Fastest grand touring (GT) production car with a ¼-mile elapsed time (E.T.) of 10.8 seconds at 131 mph; and reaches a new top speed of 203 mph 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat boasts new rating of 717 horsepower and 656 lb.-ft. of torque A new dual-snorkel hood on all Hellcat models pays homage to the distinctive Dodge design themes from some of its most famous muscle cars, including the 1970 Dart Swinger and 1971 Demon Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody features the same fender flares from SRT Hellcat Widebody, which add 3.5 inches to the overall width R/T Scat Pack Widebody rides on sticky 305/35ZR20 Pirelli tires mounted to 20 x 11-inch forged “Devil’s Rim” aluminum wheels All 2019 R/T Scat Pack models feature the power-bulge aluminum hood with heat extractors formerly featured on the Challenger SRT Hellcat Challenger R/T and GT RWD models get standard high-performance suspension June 28, 2018 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - No rest for the wicked, indeed. Dodge continues to push the performance envelope in 2019, using its high-performance engine street credibility to elevate its entire Challenger lineup, introducing the most powerful supercharged SRT Hellcat lineup ever with horsepower output now starting at 717. And that’s just the beginning. Following a record-setting year with the introduction of the limited-production Dodge Challenger SRT Demon – the quickest, fastest and most powerful muscle car ever – Dodge//SRT is going back to its muscle car roots by taking its biggest, most powerful engine – the supercharged HEMI® Demon V-8 – and leveraging its enormous power output to boost the performance of the Hellcat. The result: the 797-horsepower 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye. “With 840 horsepower, a 9.65 quarter-mile time and Guinness World Record certification that it’s the first production car to lift the wheels at launch, the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon earned its place in the record books,” said Steve Beahm – Head of Passenger Cars, Dodge//SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA North America. “The Dodge Brothers would be proud that we’re leveraging the power and performance of this proven engine to bring a Demon-possessed Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye to an even wider high-performance enthusiast audience.” Also new for 2019, Dodge offers the Widebody Package on the Challenger R/T Scat Pack model, which adds 3.5 inches to the overall width, improving handling and braking to the naturally aspirated muscle car. At the track, larger six-piston Brembo front brakes, wider wheels and tires, and suspension upgrades featured on the R/T Scat Pack Widebody equate to 2-second faster lap times or approximately 12 car lengths at a 2.1-mile road course, compared with the non-Widebody Challenger R/T Scat Pack. Production of the 2019 Dodge Challenger lineup starts at the Brampton (Ont.) Assembly Plant in the fall of 2018, with vehicles starting to arrive in dealerships in the fourth quarter. Demon engine drives most powerful Hellcat lineup ever Designed and engineered with more power to appeal to an even broader muscle car enthusiast audience, the heart of the new 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye comes from its limited-production big brother – the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. The supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI high-output V-8 engine is rated at 797 horsepower and 707 lb.-ft. of torque and is mated to a TorqueFlite 8HP90 eight-speed automatic transmission. Like its Demon brethren, it has 25 major component upgrades, including a larger supercharger, strengthened connecting rods and pistons, high-speed valve train, fuel injection system and improved lubrication system. Compared with the standard SRT Hellcat engine, the Redeye’s supercharged high-output engine features: Largest factory supercharger of any production car – 2.7 liters versus 2.4 liters Increased boost pressure: 14.5 psi versus 11.6 psi Higher rpm limit: 6,500 rpm versus 6,200 rpm Fuel: Two dual-stage fuel pumps versus one At full throttle, the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye’s high-output engine consumes 1.43 gal/min (5.4 liters/min) of fuel – enough to drain the fuel tank in just under 11 minutes, yet is still rated at 22 miles per gallon (mpg) when driven in normal highway conditions Larger induction air box with three sources of intake air: New dual-snorkel hood Driver-side Air Catcher headlamp Inlet near the wheel liner Additional features from the SRT Demon that help the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye achieve its status as the most powerful, quickest and fastest muscle car: Torque Reserve delivers up to 3.9 psi of boost at launch and up to 55 percent more engine torque Only factory production car with both SRT Power Chiller™ and After-Run Chiller High-strength steel prop shafts provide a 15 percent increase in torque capacity 41-spline half shafts provide a 20 percent increase in torque capacity New for 2019, SRT Hellcat Redeye offers two final drive ratios, a standard 2.62:1 or available 3.09:1 for enhanced launch capability. The 2019 Challenger SRT Hellcat lineup delivers improved performance numbers, including a new top speed of 203 miles per hours (mph), making the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye the most powerful, quickest and fastest muscle car. Challenger SRT Models 1/4-mile elapsed time/speed Top Speed Redeye Widebody 10.8 seconds @ 131 mph 203 mph Hellcat Widebody 10.9 seconds @ 127 mph 195 mph Redeye 11.1 seconds @ 131 mph 203 mph Hellcat 11.2 seconds @ 125 mph 199 mph Functional and intimidating exterior design The newly designed, fully functional dual-snorkel hood provides maximum air intake to the supercharged powerplant and pays homage to the distinctive design themes from some of the most famous mid-1960s and early-1970s Dodge muscle cars, like the 1970 Dart Swinger and 1971 Demon. "We designed the SRT Hellcat Challenger’s new dual-snorkel hood to focus on another key historical Mopar design element and pay homage to our past with a modern interpretation that looks even more sinister," said Mark Trostle – Head of Performance, Passenger and Utility Vehicle Exterior Design, FCA US LLC. “Whenever we design a new exterior element, we work hand-in-hand with the SRT engineering team to ensure that everything we create resonates with SRT DNA, is functional and meets their performance goals." Even the dual carbon or gunmetal stripe packages have been skillfully tailored to enhance the new dual-snorkel hood design. In addition to the new dual-snorkel hood, the exterior of Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye receives enhanced badging showing a sinister red jewel-like eye design on the Hellcat that jumps off the Midnight Grey Metallic finish fender badge. A new die-cast SRT emblem on the supercharger housing also features the new Redeye logo. Available on Challenger SRT Hellcat and R/T Scat Pack models for 2019 is the Widebody Package first seen on the 2018 Challenger SRT Hellcat. Wider fender flares add 3.5 inches to the overall width of the vehicle resulting in a more muscular, planted stance. The new flares are expertly integrated into the body design with concealed attachments to amplify the Challenger SRT Hellcat’s width. The front side marker lights are styled to flow with the shape of the fender flares. An available new Satin Black spoiler on both SRT Hellcat and R/T Scat Pack models is both wider and longer, offering a more expressive look while meeting all SRT performance objectives. Standard on 2019 SRT Hellcat models are 20 x 9.5-inch SRT Low Gloss Black lightweight performance wheels while new 20 x 9.5-inch split five-spoke wheels with Brass Monkey finish are available. Customers opting for the Widebody Package will get available split-five spoke, 20 x 11-inch “Devil’s Rim” forged aluminum wheels, riding on sticky 305/35ZR20 Pirelli P-Zero tires for improved performance while accentuating the menacing look. Beating the heat Heat is the enemy of any high-performance powertrain, so Dodge//SRT engineers looked for more ways to keep the intake air as close to the optimum temperature as possible. One key to the engine’s imposing power output is air – and plenty of it. The new, low-restriction, dual snorkel hood is fully functional and sealed to the air box. When combined with the Air Catcher headlamp and an inlet near the wheel liner, these three sources give the SRT Hellcat Redeye’s high-output engine an 18 percent greater air-flow rate than last year’s SRT Hellcat engine (1,134 cubic feet per minute). At full power, this is the equivalent flow rate to 89 adults simultaneously emptying their lungs in 1 second. The revised air inlet path on the new dual snorkel hood results in an intake air temperature reduction of 4 degrees Fahrenheit. The innovative, award-winning SRT Power Chiller™, standard on the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye only, diverts the air-conditioning refrigerant from the interior cabin to a chiller unit mounted by the low-temperature circuit coolant pump. Charge air coolant, after being cooled by ambient air passing through a low-temperature radiator at the front of the vehicle, flows through the chiller unit, where it is further cooled. The chilled coolant then flows to the heat exchangers in the supercharger. The SRT Power Chiller™ lowers the intake air temperature further on the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye, resulting in improved performance. The After-Run Chiller, also an industry first, minimizes any heat soak effects, allowing the engine to stay in optimum operating temperature. When the engine shuts down, the After-Run Chiller, now standard across the Challenger SRT Hellcat model lineup in 2019, keeps the engine’s cooling fan and low-temperature circuit coolant pump running to lower the supercharger/charge air cooler temperature. The driver can track the supercharger coolant temperature on the SRT Performance Pages in the 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen and know in real time when the supercharger is at the optimum temperature for another run. 2019 Challenger SRT Hellcat lineup: more horses, expanded technologies and more features From 717 to 797 horsepower, Dodge is delivering the most powerful Challenger SRT Hellcat lineup ever. Both a manual and automatic transmission are available to handle the immense horsepower and torque output. The Challenger SRT Hellcat receives a standard Tremec six-speed manual transmission, while the efficient TorqueFlite 8HP90 eight-speed automatic transmission is available. The Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye’s supercharged high-output engine is paired to the TorqueFlite 8HP90 eight-speed automatic transmission. Internal changes to the transmission include an upgraded torque converter that delivers an 18 percent increase in torque multiplication when compared with the standard Challenger SRT Hellcat. All 2019 Challenger SRT Hellcat models are loaded with standard performance features, including: Adaptive Damping Suspension — SRT-tuned Bilstein three-mode Adaptive Damping Suspension system includes: Auto Mode = sporty but compliant ride; Sport Mode = firm, maximum handling; Track Mode = firm, maximum handling plus performance shifting and gear-holding feature Braking system — braking power comes from the standard Brembo brake system with two-piece, 15.4-inch front rotors and six-piston front calipers for outstanding heat management, thermal capacity and longevity Electric power steering (EPS) — electric power steering delivers better steering feel and ease of turning efforts at parking lot speeds. It can be calibrated to optimize steering effort for a variety of driving situations via settings in the SRT Performance Pages Launch Assist — launched on the Challenger SRT Demon as a factory-production car first, Launch Assist helps resolve one of the biggest challenges to clean launches and driveline integrity – wheel hop, which happens when tires quickly slip and regain traction at launch, rapidly storing up and releasing energy in the driveline. These high torque spikes can quickly and severely damage driveline components, and up until now, the only solution was to back out of the throttle. The 2019 Challenger SRT Hellcat models use the wheel speed sensors to watch for signs that the tires are slipping/sticking. If hop is detected, the engine control module momentarily reduces torque to maximize traction almost instantly – without the driver having to lift the throttle. Launch Assist reduces loads in the driveline from wheel hop by up to 20 percent Torque Reserve — becomes active once the engine speed passes 950 rpm. The system closes the bypass valve, “prefilling” the intake with boost, manages fuel flow to cylinders and manages spark timing to balance engine rpm and torque Launch Control — holds the engine at optimal launch RPM and waits for the driver to release the brake. Launch Ccontrol then uses engine torque management to optimize wheel slip for maximum acceleration. All 2019 Challenger models with Launch Control receive an improved system that increases hold time from five to 10 seconds for optimal launch and consistent straight-line acceleration Line Lock — engages the front brakes to hold the Challenger stationary but leaves the rear wheels free for a burnout to heat up and clean the rear tires. The system will also let the driver perform a controlled rolling burnout and can engage for up to 200 rear wheel revolutions Larger induction air box — with three sources of intake air: new dual-snorkel hood, driver-side Air Catcher headlamp and inlet near the wheel liner SRT Drive Modes — accessed via the 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen, drivers can tailor their experience by adjusting horsepower, transmission shift speeds, steering effort, paddle shifters, traction and suspension settings. SRT Drive Modes offer selectable settings for Street (Auto), Sport and Track. There is also a Custom setting for the driver to select individual preferences SRT Performance Pages — bring critical vehicle performance data to the driver’s fingertips, including a real-time dyno graph, g-force heat map and much more Also available on Challenger SRT Hellcat and R/T Scat Pack is the Rear Seat Delete Group, which allows customers to delete the rear seats, rear seat belts and add a rear cargo net. Race-inspired, high-performance interior Refocusing the Hellcat on its performance roots, the 2019 Challenger SRT Hellcat lineup features standard Houndstooth cloth performance seats. Three other seat options are available: Nappa leather/Alcantara with embroidered SRT Hellcat logo (available with Plus Package) Laguna leather with embossed SRT Hellcat logo (available with Laguna Leather Package) Laguna leather/Alcantara with embossed SRT Hellcat logo (available with Alcantara Appearance Package) The SRT Hellcat interior features a signature leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel with a backlit SRT logo and paddle shifters. Red gauges with a 200-mph speedometer flank the 7-inch display screen, which features performance timers and a Hellcat logo splash screen at start-up. Complementing the race-inspired cockpit are silver seat and console stitching, Light Black Chrome accents and a Gunmetal SRT Hellcat instrument panel badge. The 2019 Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye has several unique interior features, including: 220-mph red speedometer SRT Hellcat Redeye logo splash screen Light Black Chrome instrument panel badge with SRT Hellcat Redeye logo SRT Hellcat Redeye logo on the key fobs Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack offers new standard hood; Widebody exterior available The Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack continues to offer the most muscle for the dollar in the segment with 485 horsepower and a starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) less than $40,000. Power comes from the proven, naturally aspirated, 392-cubic-inch HEMI V-8 engine’s best-in-class 485 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque. New for 2019, all Challenger R/T Scat Pack models get a new look, courtesy of the 2018 Challenger SRT Hellcat. The power-bulge aluminum hood features a dedicated air intake flanked by dual-air extractors to ensure effective removal of heat and reduced air turbulence in the engine compartment. Standard illuminated Air Catcher headlamps feed additional air directly into the engine bay. Also new for 2019, R/T Scat Pack buyers can leverage the on-track performance capabilities of the SRT Hellcat Widebody. Featuring the same fender flares from SRT Hellcat Widebody, which add 3.5 inches to the overall width, the new R/T Scat Pack Widebody rides on sticky 305/35ZR20 Pirelli tires mounted to 20 x 11-inch forged “Devil’s Rim” aluminum wheels. Many high-performance features are now standard on all a Challenger R/T Scat Pack models, including: Launch Control Launch Assist Line Lock SRT Drive Modes SRT Performance Pages The Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody adds: SRT-tuned chassis, featuring stiffer front springs, retuned shock absorbers and larger sway bars in both front and rear SRT-tuned high-performance adaptive damping suspension Front fascia with integrated splitter optimizes airflow to the cooling modules without compromising vehicle balance Rear spoiler from the Hellcat helps to deliver responsive and balanced handling As a result, the R/T Scat Pack Widebody delivers its best on-road and on-track performance ever, with an improvement of close to 2 seconds per lap or 12 car lengths compared with the R/T Scat Pack. In a quarter-mile comparison, the new Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody gained .2 seconds – running 12.1 seconds E.T. at 112 mph. The Challenger R/T Scat Pack’s superb stopping power comes from the SRT-engineered Brembo brake system with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, resulting in braking (60-0 mph) performance improving to 108 feet (from 111 feet). Exterior badging on the R/T Scat Pack includes new Scat Pack Bee badges that face forward on both fenders. Challenger script and R/T logos flank both sides of the front grille. Inside the performance interior are front seats that feature the Scat Pack Bee logo embroidered into the seat backs; new Dark Dub Plate finish on instrument panel and console and new Liquid Titanium accents on the steering wheel, shifter and cluster bezels. Challenger R/T and GT RWD Models Gain More Performance Not to be outdone, the 2019 Challenger R/T and new GT rear-wheel-drive (RWD) models extend their performance capabilities with standard Super Track Pak features, including: Performance suspension Enhanced steering 20-inch Granite Crystal painted wheels Steering wheel mounted paddle shifters (with automatic transmission) Performance hood and front splitter Performance bolstered cloth Houndstooth seats Available on both the Challenger R/T and GT RWD models for 2019 is the Performance Handling Group, which brings enhanced braking and handling capabilities. On GT RWD, the Performance Handling Group features four-piston Brembo brakes (front and rear), wider 20 x 9-inch Black Noise wheels and a larger rear sway bar for improved driving experience and reduced understeer. The Performance Handling Group on the Challenger R/T adds upgraded springs, sway bars, Bilstein shocks, bushings and mounts, helping to improve performance and response during spirited driving. For the driver looking to get even more out of the Challenger R/T model, the new Performance Plus Package adds track ready 20 x 9.5-inch forged wheels riding on 275/40ZR20 Pirelli P-Zero tires, limited-slip differential and enhanced handling balance for improved cornering performance. Fourteen different distinct Dodge//SRT colors available across Challenger lineup Dodge Challenger customers have a wide array of exterior colors and stripes from which they can choose to customize their muscle car. Fourteen different exterior colors and a wide variety of interior trim selections, including: B5 Blue Destroyer Grey F8 Green Go Mango Granite Crystal Indigo Blue Maximum Steel Octane Red Pitch Black Plum Crazy TorRed Triple Nickel (NEW) White Knuckle Yellow Jacket Available Interior Colors: Black Black/Caramel Black/Ruby Red Demonic Red Sepia Previous Page Next Page

Automakers have been edge for a few months with talk of a trade war and possibly putting up to a 25 percent tariff on imported new vehicles. They only would be pushed further to the edge as President Donald Trump tweeted last week a 20 percent import tariff on all cars assembled in the European Union. Now, automakers are rebuking the President over this. Reuters reports today that two trade groups, representing nearly every major global automotive brands have issued comments saying the president shouldn't go forward with tariff. The two groups in question are the Association of Global Automakers (represents Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, and others) and Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (represents General Motors, Ford, FCA, BMW, and others). The primary concerned brought up by both groups? Jobs. “Rather than creating jobs, these tariffs would result in the loss of hundreds of thousands of American jobs producing and selling cars, SUVs, trucks and auto parts,” said the Association of Global Automakers. Both groups cite a study done by the Peterson Institute for International Economics which estimates job losses between 195,000 to 624,000 depending if other countries retaliate with their own tariffs. Next up is the increased cost on a new vehicle. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers says a consumer could expect to pay an average of $5,800 more on a new car. This number is based on analysis of 2017 sales data and factoring in a 25 percent tariff. New cars are already expensive - Kelly Blue Book said the average transaction price for May stood at $35,635. The final concern brought up deals with a decrease in investments into new technologies such as electrification and autonomous vehicles. “We are already in the midst of an intense global race to lead on electrification and automation. The increased costs associated with the proposed tariffs may result in diminishing the U.S.’ competitiveness in developing these advanced technologies,” said the Alliance. The U.S. Commerce Department which is investigating new car imports on the national security has said that it hopes to wrap up their investigation either next month or August. Source: Reuters

During the reveal of the 2018 Volvo S60 last week, it was announced that the S60 T8 Polestar Engineered would be offered in "extremely limited quantities." The automaker wasn't lying as there will be 20 models up for grabs in the U.S. that will be available only through the Care by Volvo app. The S60 T8 Polestar Engineered packs 415 horsepower and 494 pound-feet of torque, along with Öhlins suspension, large Brembo brakes, and various interior enhancements. It will also be the most the expensive model in the Care by Volvo program, carrying a monthly fee of $1,100 per month. Should be noted that monthly fee does include maintenance and insurance. If you're interested in being one of the twenty people to get a S60 T8 Polestar Engineered, you'll need to be quick with your smartphone. Volvo says orders will open tomorrow at Noon eastern time. Source: Volvo Volvo Car USA Announces On Sale Date, Pricing for S60 T8 Polestar Engineered ROCKLEIGH, NJ (June 27, 2018) – Volvo Car USA announced the S60 T8 Polestar Engineered sedan will be available in extremely limited quantity, with only 20 of the 415hp vehicles available in the United States. These will be available for subscription tomorrow, June 28 after noon ET, exclusively through the Care by Volvo app. Care by Volvo customers can simply choose their S60 T8 Polestar Engineered in app and make all-inclusive, monthly payments that cover insurance, service, and maintenance. The all-inclusive pricing of the S60 T8 Polestar Engineered is $1100 per month before local taxes and registration fees. Polestar Engineered, developed with Volvo Cars’ electric performance arm Polestar, is a complete offer, applying Polestar’s performance engineering expertise to the car’s wheels, brakes, suspension and engine control unit. The offer reflects Volvo Cars’ and Polestar’s commitment to electrification. Additional details: S60 T8 eAWD Polestar Engineered Only 20 available in the United States MY19 exclusively available via the Care by Volvo App 415-hp, 494 lb/ft torque Polestar Optimized T8 Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain Polestar Engineered Öhlins Suspension Polestar Engineered Brembo Brakes with Gold Calipers Polestar Engineered Strut Bar Exclusive 19” Forged Alloy

Last September, Jaguar Land Rover announced plans to begin electrifying their lineup in 2020. This means electrics, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids. There is a good reason why JLR is doing this. Bloomberg reports that the company is very dependent on diesels in Europe. In the fourth quarter of last year, 87 percent of JLR sales in the region were made up of diesel vehicles - surprising to say in the least as sales of diesels for other brands were dealing due to the Volkswagen diesel emission scandal. But it is starting to hurt Jaguar Land Rover. The company said total sales and revenue through March “did not grow as much as we planned” due to customers becoming very concerned about diesel vehicles. Margins and profit also took a hit. To pull this off, JLR needs to spend a lot of money. At a presentation for investors yesterday, the company announced that it would be spending 13.5 billion pounds ($18 billion) for the next three years as part of their electrification plans. A fair chunk of the investment will go to JLR's plants in the United Kingdom for retooling. The goal is to offer three versions of all their models, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. Electric-only models will only be offered if there is enough customer demand according to a spokesman. Source: Bloomberg (Subscription Required)

Ram Trucks is following in the footsteps of Jeep, Nissan, and Volkswagen by selling the previous-generation 1500 alongside the new model for the 2019 model year. Known as the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic, it will be offered in four different trims; Tradesman, Express, Big Horn/Lone Star, and SSV (Special Services Vehicle). Those wanting a Laramie, Rebel, or Limited will need to step up to the new truck. But Ram is still offering three cab options (Regular, Quad, and Crew) and bed lengths (5'7"; 6'4', and 8'). The 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 5.7L HEMI V8 will be available, while the 3.0L EcoDiesel is expected to arrive at a later date. There will be a choice of two-wheel or four-wheel drive. “As we launch the all-new 2019 Ram 1500, we didn’t want to walk away from a key part of the light-duty truck market. Ram will continue to produce the 1500 Classic targeted at entry and commercial buyers,” said Mike Manley, Head of Ram Brand. We have to wonder if the decision to keep the previous-generation 1500 for another year is due to the numerous production issues for the new 1500. As we reported in April, the Sterling Heights Assembly plant where the 2019 Ram 1500 is built is only operating at "60 percent of cycle." Not helping are issues with suppliers delivering enough parts and the mild-hybrid powertrains not in production. Source: Ram Trucks Ram Truck Brands Its Legacy Half-ton with ‘Classic’ Badge for 2019 MY to Sell Alongside the All-new 2019 Ram 1500 June 26, 2018, Auburn Hills, Mich. - What do you call a 2019 Ram 1500? A Classic! Ram Truck brand executives, with two concurrently selling body styles of its 2019 model-year pickup, have given the legacy edition its own name: Classic. Ram will offer both the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic, known internally as the “DS” model, and the all-new 2019 Ram 1500 (“DT”) at its North American dealers through the 2018 calendar year. “As we launch the all-new 2019 Ram 1500, we didn’t want to walk away from a key part of the light-duty truck market,” said Mike Manley, Head of Ram Brand — FCA. “Ram will continue to produce the 1500 Classic targeted at entry and commercial buyers.” The Ram 1500 Classic boasts numerous segment-exclusive features in areas most important to truck buyers. Class-leading ride and handling is accomplished via a unique link-coil rear suspension system. Other features, such as RamBox bedside storage, hidden bins and a flat-load floor, offer unique solutions for cargo. New “Classic” badging is located on the fenders. Offered in four trim levels, Tradesman, Express, Big Horn/Lone Star and SSV (Special Services Vehicle), the Ram 1500 Classic benefits from content specifically designed to match its capability and style. The Ram 1500 Classic also benefits from three new packages: Chrome Plus is offered on the Tradesman trim that offers bundled value content, which includes chrome bumpers, body-color upper front fascia, 17-inch wheels, remote keyless entry and carpet floor covering Tradesman SXT is offered on the Tradesman trim that includes chrome bumpers, body-color front fascia, 5-inch radio, fog lamps (new to Tradesman), dual exhaust on V-8 models (new to Tradesman) and 20-inch chrome wheels (new to Tradesman) Express Black Accent Package is offered on all Express trim exterior colors, which includes Black wheels, Black headlight bezels and Black badging The 2019 Ram 1500 Classic is available in three cabs and three bed lengths: Regular Cab with 8-ft. bed or 6-ft., 4-in. bed, Quad Cab with 6-ft., 4-in. bed, Crew Cab short bed (5-ft., 7-in.) or Crew Cab with optional 6-ft., 4-in. bed. Available in 4x2 or 4x4, other powertrain offerings include award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 or optional 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8. The optional 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel will be available at a later date. The Ram 1500 features a segment-exclusive multi-link rear coil suspension that provides best-in-class ride and handling qualities. A coil-spring setup centralizes and absorbs bumps and impacts, while reducing the amount of friction in the spring system. This setup also weighs 40 pounds less than a leaf-spring configuration. Ram trucks come with an unsurpassed five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Truck customers from half-ton to commercial have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to provide high levels of capability. The 2019 Ram 1500 Classic is built at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant (Warren, Michigan), which has built more than 12.5 million trucks since it started operations in 1938. Regular Cab and some Crew Cab models of the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic are built at the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Saltillo, Mexico. Ram 1500 Classic will be available in the fourth quarter of 2018.

August 30th was going to be a momentous occasion for Audi. It would be unveiling the long-awaited e-tron crossover at an event in Brussels. Invitations to journalists had been sent out. But Automotive News reports that the event has been cancelled. Audi made the announcement yesterday, citing "organizational reasons". The event would now take place in the U.S. at a later date. Those "organizational reasons" are most likely due to the arrest of Audi CEO Rupert Stadler last week. Prosecutors took him into custody over concerns of evidence tampering. According to Bloomberg, Stadler will be spending another week in prison as he continues to be interviewed by prosecutors into his involvement in the diesel emission scandal. This is a big blow for Audi as they would have been the first German automaker to introduce a Tesla fighter. Mercedes-Benz will now get to be the first one with the introduction of the EQC crossover on September 4th in Stockholm. An Audi spokeswoman told Automotive News that the delay to the e-tron's unveiling will not affect the sales launch of the model, expected to happen later this year. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Bloomberg (Subscription Required)

With President Donald Trump tweeting last Friday threating a 20 percent tariff on all imports of European Union assembled cars, the EU has responded by saying it would raise their tariffs on imports of U.S.-built vehicles. “If they decide to raise their import tariffs, we’ll have no choice, again, but to react,” said EU Commission Vice President Jyrki Katainen. “We don’t want to fight (over trade) in public via Twitter. We should end the escalation.” This comes a month after the Trump administration announced an investigation into new car imports on the grounds of national security. U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said late last week the department is expected to wrap up their investigation by late July or August. A number of groups have condemned the investigation and threat of tariffs, one saying that it is “confident that vehicle imports do not pose a national security risk.” Diamler AG announced last week full-year earnings will be slightly lower than last year because of the threat of tariffs. Source: Reuters

Tesla and General Motors lead the pack when it comes to the sales of plug-in vehicles. Data from Automotive News says Tesla stands at 193,344 vehicles, followed by GM at 181,062, But there arises a problem; once they cross the 200,000 mark, the phaseout of the $7,500 tax credit begins. Tesla is expected to be first with some predicting it taking place next month (provided they don't run into more production troubles). GM will follow sometime next year. Barring some sort of extension of the program, it will put the two automakers in a bit of bind where they'll be playing on an uneven playing field due to increased costs. It should be noted that the tax credit won't disappear. The way the phaseout works is that the $7,500 credit sticks around for two more quarters after the 200,000 mark is reached. After that, the credit is cut to $3,750 for the next two quarters, then it drops to $1,875 for two more quarters before it is gone. "The groundbreakers, the people who forged ahead and got these products out there first, could be at a significant disadvantage now. I don't think it's fair to reward a company that hasn't been as innovative with an incentive that begins when someone else's ends," said Rebecca Lindland, executive analyst at Kelly Blue Book. Industry experts expect GM to take a bigger hit than Tesla due to the credit affecting decisions on "lower-priced vehicles such as the sub-$40,000 Chevrolet Volt more than a $75,000-plus Tesla Model S or X" according to research done by the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California-Davis. A study in 2016 bears this out. 40 percent of Chevrolet Volt buyers admit they wouldn't have purchased one without the tax credit. Only 14 percent of Tesla buyers say the same. This likely explains why various GM executives have been pushing the White House for a possible extension of the credit. "At the end of the day, we think having the benefits is great for the customer, because obviously it makes the EV adoption easier and more attractive," GM North America President Alan Batey told Automotive News. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)