New S Appearance Package Offers Sporty Look for 2018 Chrysler Pacifica

New S Appearance Package Offers Sporty Look for 2018 Chrysler Pacifica

New S Appearance Package Offers Sporty Look for 2018 Chrysler Pacifica

The award-winning Chrysler Pacifica is now available with a new attitude, courtesy of the S Appearance Package. With the S Appearance Package, the 2018 Pacifica gets a sporty look featuring black accents inside and out. Already the most awarded minivan of both 2016 and 2017, the Chrysler Pacifica’s available new look is designed to attract even more attention.

“The Chrysler Pacifica definitely stands out in the school drop-off line, and its class-leading style has won over many new customers,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and Fiat, FCA – North America. “The Pacifica’s S Appearance Package takes that style to the next level and offers our customers yet another unique personality that further differentiates Pacifica from the rest of the segment.”

The Pacifica’s S Appearance Package features Gloss Black accents throughout the exterior, including grille surrounds, eyebrow accents on headlamps, daylight opening molding and rear valance molding. Eighteen-inch wheels with a Black Noise finish are standard, while 20-inch Black Noise wheels are available. The Chrysler wing badges on the front and rear are Black Noise with a Gloss Black insert, while the “Pacifica” and “S” badges in the rear are also in Black Noise. A black roof rack is optional on the Touring Plus and standard on other trim levels equipped with the S Appearance Package.

Inside, the S Appearance Package includes black seats with Light Diesel Gray accents and the “S” logo; Light Diesel Gray stitching and Piano Black accents on the steering wheel; and Light Diesel Gray stitching and Anodized Ice Cave bezels on the instrument panel and door trim. All other interior elements are fully black, including the front overhead console, headliner, visors, second- and third-row cargo lighting bezel, A-pillar trim and center console.

The Chrysler Pacifica S Appearance Package is available for $595 U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) and can be added to any Touring Plus, Touring L, Touring L Plus or Limited models in any exterior paint color. The 20-inch Black Noise wheels can be added to any model equipped with the S Appearance Package for an additional $995 MSRP. The S Appearance Package will be available to order this week and in dealer showrooms this fall.

The Chrysler Pacifica also receives additional updates for the 2018 model year, including standard SafetyTec across all gas and hybrid models, upgraded Uconnect 4 systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and available 4G LTE Wi-Fi (late availability).

The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica reinvents the minivan segment with an unprecedented level of functionality, versatility, technology and bold styling. Re-engineered from the ground up on an all-new platform, the Pacifica delivers class-leading gasoline and hybrid powertrains to the minivan segment. With more than 100 available safety and security features, the Uconnect Theater rear seat entertainment system, and a full array of comfort and convenience technologies, the Chrysler Pacifica is a no-compromises minivan ideally suited for today’s families and has earned its spot as the most awarded minivan of 2016 and 2017.

courtesy: media.fcanorthamerica.com

New 2018 Dodge Durango SRT Named to Wards 10 Best User Experience List

New 2018 Dodge Durango SRT Named to Wards 10 Best User Experience List

New 2018 Dodge Durango SRT Named to Wards 10 Best User Experience List

Going beyond the new ultimate performance and utility capabilities for a 475-horsepower, three-row SUV, the 2018 Dodge Durango SRT now is being recognized for its advanced technology and ease-of-use as the editors at WardsAuto have named the new 2018 Dodge Durango SRT to the Wards 10 Best User Experience List for 2017.

Aggressive, functional and luxurious inside and out, the 2018 Dodge Durango SRT is loaded with an array of technology advancements, innovative and easy-to-use features and services designed to keep consumers connected, engaged and informed, while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

“The Dodge Durango SRT presents a dazzling array of graphical elements, including a smoky SRT animation at startup and shutdown, a slick 3-D navigation map and an equally colorful TFT gauge cluster,” said Tom Murphy, Senior Editor of WardsAuto. “An SRT button at the base of the center stack triggers a series of Performance Pages to help drivers tap into the vehicle’s prodigious performance and set the transmission, stability control, suspension, steering and all-wheel-drive systems to their liking.

“Drivers who want launch control and active Christmas tree lights for a little drag racing have it all at their fingertips,” Murphy continued. “So are adaptive cruise control, other driver-assistance technologies and real-time news, traffic and weather linkups that make the Durango SRT a great daily driver.”

To select the best of the best, WardsAuto editors evaluated the overall user experience of 23 vehicles, rating them on user-friendliness, infotainment features, sound systems, vehicle connectivity, driver assistance technology, information/displays, system compatibility and materials.

New 2018 Dodge Durango SRT Named to Wards 10 Best User Experience List

“The new Dodge Durango SRT not only delivers a 4.4-second 0-60 time and 8,700-pound towing capability, it also delivers an updated interior with all the latest technology, including SRT Performance Pages and the ability to support smartphone integrations of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America. “Wards recognition is further validation from third-party influencers that the new Dodge Durango SRT delivers best-in-class performance, innovative technology and functional, easy-to-use features.”

The Dodge Durango SRT debuts with the new Uconnect fourth-generation system that includes performance improvements with faster startup time, enhanced processing power and the class-exclusive Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen display that houses the new SRT Performance Pages along with Uconnect Navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM Guardian connected services, HD Radio, and 5-year trial of SiriusXM Travel Link and Traffic.

Personalization is made even easier with a newly designed 7-inch, thin-film transistor (TFT) customizable digital instrument gauge cluster with 180-mph speedometer that allows drivers to select from a multitude of layouts and information.

The 2018 Dodge Durango offers consumers more than 60 available safety and security features, including standard all-speed traction control and ESC, which improve overall vehicle handling and performance both on- and off-road. Standard trailer-sway control enhances towing capabilities and keeps the vehicle and trailer aligned as the Durango travels down the road.

Available safety and security features include forward collision warning with crash mitigation, adaptive cruise control with stop, Blind-spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Path (RCP) detection, which aid drivers when changing lanes or in parking lot situations. Uconnect with SiriusXM Guardian connected services includes SOS Calling, Roadside Assistance Calling, Stolen Vehicle Assistance and Theft Alarm Notification. In addition, standard front-row active head restraints, standard full-length three-row side-curtain air bags and standard front-seat-mounted side thorax air bags offer enhanced occupant protection to passengers in the event of a collision. In total, Durango offers seven standard airbags.

courtesy: media.fcanorthamerica.com

Mopar Turns 80: No Signs of Slowing Down

Mopar Turns 80: No Signs of Slowing Down

Mopar Turns 80: No Signs of Slowing Down

Mopar celebrates its 80th birthday on Aug. 1. From humble beginnings as a name for engine anti-freeze, the Mopar brand has come a long way and shows no signs of slowing down as it rolls past 80 years on the history odometer.

Today, the Mopar name works harder than ever — delivering high-quality service, parts and customer care for FCA vehicle brands and owners across the globe. Mopar reaches more than 150 markets, offers a portfolio of more than 500,000 products, taps into a network of more than 50 parts distribution centers around the world and welcomes almost 3 million visitors per year to the brand’s online Mopar Owner Center.

Aug. 1, 1937, is when the Chrysler Corp. introduced its ethylene-glycol-based anti-freeze under the Mopar name – a contraction of the words Motor and Parts. Two years later the company would trademark the Mopar name as the portfolio of parts grew rapidly. That growth spurred the opening in 1953 of the Mopar Parts Depot near Detroit in Center Line, Michigan, which today still serves as the spiritual hub for Mopar, shipping more than 16.5 million parts a year.

Mopar’s performance heritage roared to life in the 1960s. Trailblazers including a group of engineers calling themselves the Ramchargers and NHRA icon “Big Daddy” Don Garlits push the speed envelope on the strip and cement the brand’s reputation for success at the track. The HEMI® engine also dominates in muscle cars on the street as passionate enthusiasts and owners begin to refer to any Dodge, Chrysler or Plymouth vehicle as a “Mopar” car, giving the brand name recognition unlike any other service and parts organization.

As electronics take on a larger role in engine and vehicle performance, Mopar boosts its emphasis on customer care and technician training. The Mopar College Automotive Program (CAP) is launched, partnering with community colleges and dealerships on a two-year education/internship to train the next generation of service technicians.

Mopar has equipped service technicians with advanced technology, such as the wiTECH wireless diagnostic system, to help repair vehicles faster and right the first time. The growth of hand-held wireless devices helps Mopar, through a series of vehicle-information apps, open a new channel of communication with owners.

In 2008, Mopar launches its quick, convenient Express Lane service in dealerships, offering easy access to critical service needs such as oil changes and vehicle inspections. Mopar Express Lane has rapidly expanded to encompass more than 1,750 outlets in operation in more than 20 countries.

From that single line of anti-freeze, Mopar’s parts portfolio now runs the spectrum from basic maintenance items to performance parts for Jeep®, Dodge, Chrysler, Ram and FIAT vehicles, to Magneti Marelli brand parts for a wide range of non-FCA vehicles. Mopar and its partners also service enthusiasts looking to restore classic vehicles or add a modern touch, such as the recently introduced Crate HEMI Engine kits.

The drag strip continues to be the home of HEMI and Mopar racing technology, with the Dodge Challenger R/T Funny Cars of the Don Schumacher Racing stable dominating the NHRA class. Mopar-backed driver Matt Hagan is running a special 80thAnniversary paint scheme on his car.

courtesy: blog.chryslergroupllc.com

Sonoma Wine Country Does Not Bear Fruit For Dodge And Mopar

Sonoma Wine Country Does Not Bear Fruit For Dodge And Mopar

Sonoma Wine Country Does Not Bear Fruit For Dodge And Mopar

There is beautiful wine country surrounding Sonoma Raceway in California, but Dodge and Mopar® drivers will not be sorry to leave. Jack Beckman set the pace for Mopar this weekend at the NHRA Sonoma Nationals, turning in a valiant effort in his Infinite Hero Dodge Charger R/T Funny Car with a semifinal appearance.

Yet, despite Beckman’s best attempt, the Sonoma event ended a streak of 11 consecutive final-round appearances by Mopar Dodge Funny Cars in 2017. It was also the first time this year that neither a HEMI®-powered Funny Car nor Top Fuel dragster from Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) appeared in at least one category final round.

However, Mopar Funny Cars still have claimed 12 of 15 event wins on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule this season, while Mopar Top Fuel machines have four wins to their credit.

At Sonoma, Beckman first drove his Mopar Dodge from DSR past Jonnie Lindberg on a clean pass in the first round when the young Swedish driver had issues at the hit of the throttle. Beckman next took down Del Worsham in round two, despite an explosion as the car crossed the finish line. Beckman gave up lane choice to J.R. Todd in the semis, but still looked like he had the race won when Todd smoked the tires at the starting line. Beckman’s car slowed as he worked his way down the track though, allowing eventual event winner Todd to make a come-from-behind pass for the win and end Beckman’s march.

Also in Funny Car, Tommy Johnson Jr. and his Make-A-Wish Dodge Charger R/T team from DSR began their day by defeating teammate Ron Capps in the first round for the second week in a row. Johnson next matched up against Courtney Force in round two, where each driver struggled to find traction at the starting line. Both pedaled but Force ultimately turned on the win light.

Matt Hagan, meanwhile, went out in the first round after smoking the tires in his Mopar 80th/Express Lane Dodge Charger R/T Funny Car. He fell to Del Worsham even as Worsham also struggled to get down track.

In the Top Fuel ranks, Leah Pritchett set a track record during qualifying to earn No. 1 honors. She defeated Terry Haddock in her Papa John’s Pizza/Mopar Pennzoil dragster from DSR during round one, but dropped cylinders forced her to bow out in the second round to Terry McMillen.

Pritchett’s Mopar-powered Top Fuel teammate, eight-time champion Tony Schumacher, smoked the tires in his U.S. Army car when the light turned green in the first round. He tried to pedal but eventually was forced to give up and was upset by Scott Palmer. Even with the team’s recent struggles, Schumacher still secured a spot in the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs during the weekend.

courtesy: www.drivesrt.com