Ram unveils ProMaster full-size van

The 2014 Ram ProMaster won’t win any beauty contests, but what it lacks in looks it more than makes up for in usability. Besides, if style is what you’re looking for, you’d better stop looking at full-size vans and walk across the showroom floor to the nearest Dodge Challenger.

Competing against full-size vans from Ford, General Motors, Nissan and Mercedes-Benz, the 2014 Ram ProMaster stands apart from the crowd by being the only full-size van to offer front-wheel-drive.

But front-wheel-drive is for cars, not trucks, right? Wrong. In fact, much of the Ram ProMaster’s appeal comes from its front-wheel-drive utility. Sold across the pond as the Fiat Ducato, Ram notes that the Ducato is the “most popular full-size van in Europe.”

And the Ducato’s sales success really comes as no surprise the minute you begin to gloss over the ProMaster’s many appeals. Without a driveshaft and differential to invade the cargo area, Ram says the ProMaster’s cargo capacity, step-in height and load floor height, as well as its ceiling height, exceed all full-size van competitors. Meanwhile, powerful and efficient powertrain choices provide class leading fuel economy and payload capacity.

Mopar fans will recognize the Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 engine that sits in many of the company’s products – from the rugged Ram 1500 to the quick Dodge Challenger. In the ProMaster, the V6 engine makes 280 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque and is connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Buyers looking for more torque can opt for a new 3.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine that pumps 174 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automated manual transmission.

Available with two different roof heights, three different wheelbases, and four different body lengths, the ProMaster can also be had in a chassis cab configuration that makes it the perfect blank canvas for your needs.

Drivers of the ProMaster will be pleased with its impressive cargo room, power and abundant features, such as Bluetooth and an available five-inch touchscreen navigation system with Uconnect.

To learn more about the 2014 Ram ProMaster stop by Wharncliffe Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram today.

Image credit: Chrysler

Substantially revised Jeep Grand Cherokee debuts in Detroit

It really has been over three years since the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee was first shown to the public at the New York Auto Show in the middle of 2009. And after three successful model years on the market, Jeep is going ahead and preparing a substantially reworked Grand Cherokee for the 2014 model year.  Shown at this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Mich., the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee evolves the model’s styling, technology and powertrains.

Having been around since 1941, Jeep knows a thing or two about building a tough SUV, and the revamped Grand Cherokee’s looks reflect this. Some might prefer the current models more pedestrian looks to the slightly over-styled front and rear ends of the 2014 model, but almost everyone can concur that the Grand Cherokee remains one of the best looking midsize SUVs available.

Styling preferences aside, the 2014 Grand Cherokee is a technologically greater SUV than its 2013 counterpart.  Credit a redesigned center stack that includes a standard 5-inch Uconnect display and available 8.4-inch unit. A new steering wheel and updated gauge pod with a configurable 7-inch display are also new additions to the 2014 Grand Cherokee.

Yet, the most jarring change within the 2014 Grand Cherokee might just be its electronic shift lever. This shifter controls the Grand Cherokee’s new eight-speed automatic transmission. While the new transmission brings obvious benefits to fuel economy, Jeep is quick to point out that the extra gears result in, “a lower crawl ratio of 44.1:1 to aid in climbing over – or through – tough obstacles, when equipped with a two-speed transfer case.”

The eight speed automatic transmission comes standard with every 2014 Grand Cherokee powertrain, which includes the familiar 290-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 and 360-horsepower 5.7-liter V8.

New for 2014 is an available diesel engine. Displacing 3.0-liters from its six-cylinders, the new diesel engine produces 240-horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, while achieving expected fuel economy ratings of 11.2 L/100km in the city and 7.8 L/100km on the highway in two-wheel drive guise (four-wheel-drive models are expected to return 11.8 L/100km in the city and 8.4 L/100km on the highway).

Meanwhile, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 is now simply the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT. Though an “8” may have been lost in the naming convention, nothing was lost under the hood. A 6.4-liter V8 continues to pour 470-horsepower to all four of the SRT’s wheels. Like the rest of the 2014 Grand Cherokee lineup, the SRT now uses a state-of-the-art 8-speed automatic transmission. Inside, the SRT sees the same equipment changes as other 2014 Grand Cherokee models, though the standard 8.4-inch display screen offers a “Performance Pages” section exclusive to the SRT. This page will show owners information such as lateral acceleration, acceleration times, and more.

To learn more about the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT watch the video below (a video which also includes the introduction of the lightly revised 2014 Compass), or stop by Wharncliffe Chrysler Jeep Dodge today.

Photo and video credit: Chrysler

The Award Winning Ram 1500 and Impressively Capable Ram 3500 Heavy Duty

Ram continues to prove that it builds some of the most capable trucks available to consumers. After winning Motor Trend’s 2013 Truck of the Year award, the Ram 1500 was also awarded Four Wheeler’s 2013 Pickup Truck of the Year. Faced against the aging Toyota Tacoma and its all-new TRD T/X Baja trim, the Ram proved to be the champion as Four Wheeler took both vehicles on a weeklong 1,000 mile off-road journey through the mountainous terrain of Southern California. As the staff of Four Wheeler note, “Again, and again the Ram surprised and impressed us, which is why it went onto receive our coveted award for Pickup Truck of the Year.”

If the Ram 1500’s capabilities seem impressive, wait until you get a load of the all-new Ram 3500 Heavy Duty. A new steel frame, more capable transfer case and transmission, and a revised Cummins turbo diesel six-cylinder engine with a mind-boggling 850 lb-ft of torque, work together to give the Ram 3500 Heavy Duty a best-in-class 30,000-pound trailer capacity. As Automobile Magazine notes, “That trailer rating bests both Ford’s F350 (maximum trailer weight of 21,700- 22,800 pounds with a fifth-wheel), the F450 (24,700 pounds maximum with a fifth-wheel or gooseneck), and the Chevrolet Silverado/ GMC Sierra 3500 (23,100 pounds).”

To learn more about the award-winning Ram 1500 and impressively capable Ram 3500 Heavy Duty come to Wharncliffe Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram today.

Image credit: Chrysler

Ram 1500 is Motor Trend’s 2013 Truck of the Year

There may have only been three contenders in this year’s 2013 Motor Trend Truck of the Year contest, but the two competitors the Ram 1500 fought against were no dogs.

Yes the Ford F-150, after winning the award in 2012, was brought back as a contender due to exterior and interior refreshments for the 2013 model year. Meanwhile the Nissan NV, a truck that Motor Trend claims “lost by a single vote to the winning Ford F-150” in 2012, was also invited back due to the addition of a new passenger van model.

Though the competition may have been few, all three clearly stand as some of the best on the market. In the end, there could only be one winner and Motor Trend awarded the 2013 Ram 1500 with the honors of 2013 Truck of the Year.

As noted in Wharncliffe Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram’s introductory post to the 2013 Ram 1500, the truck sees significant changes for the new year. An all-new V6 engine, refreshed interior and exterior changes, as well as an available rear air suspension are just a few of the noteworthy changes made to the 2013 Ram 1500.

While the F-150 uses a twin-turbo V6 to compete against the Ram’s 5.7-liter Hemi V8, Motor Trend found in its testing that there still is no replacement for displacement. Motor Trend was able to hold the burly V8’s 407 lb-ft of torque at bay long enough to “get a 6.9-second 0-60-mph time, with 15.4 seconds at 88.6 mph in the quarter mile. Pretty impressive numbers, even if they were edged out by the EcoBoost [F-150]. Acceleration with a trailer is where the V-8 came alive. While the F-150 needed 15.7 seconds to get to 60 mph, the Ram did it in 15 seconds flat. The quarter-mile advantage went to the Ram V-8 with a 20.0-second run at 69.4 mph compared with the Ford’s 20.5 seconds at 67.5.”

Since truck’s are purchased for their ability to move heavy payloads, the Ram 1500’s ability to accelerate more quickly while towing a trailer is an advantage any truck driver who’s slowed down traffic while merging onto a freeway can appreciate.

There’s no doubt that competition for Motor Trend’s 2013 Truck of the Year was stiff. All three contenders represent great purchase decisions, but one stands above the rest and that is the 2013 Ram 1500. To learn more about the Ram 1500 come to Wharncliffe Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, or read about the results of Motor Trend’s 2013 Truck of the Year competition on motortrend.com.

Photo credit: Chrysler

 

More Luxurious 2013 SRT Viper Still Puts Performance First

After a short hiatus, the Viper returns for 2013. No longer a Dodge, the all-new Viper now wears the Chrysler group’s SRT badge. Short for Street and Racing Technology, the 2013 Viper represents the pinnacle of SRT’s engineering prowess.

Despite the revolutionary change in branding, the 2013 Viper is generally an evolution of its predecessor. SRT has forgone the industry norm of installing an automated manual transmission and continues to make the Viper a row-it-yourself vehicle. The six-speed manual transmission is sourced from Tremec and as Autoblog notes, “has been improved with closer gear ratios and a shorter final drive (reduced from 3.07 to 3.55).”

Similarly, SRT resisted downsizing the Viper’s engine. Still packing 10 cylinders, the SRT Viper’s 8.4-liter engine makes an astounding 640-horsepower and a monstrous 600 lb-ft of torque.

As SRT CEO Ralph Gilles told Automobile Magazine, “I wanted it to be like a 640-horsepower Miata.” In other words, while the Viper may hold onto the key elements that made past Viper’s so successful the car has also has been redone to address the previous Viper’s faults.

SRT improved the Viper’s handling by re-engineering the car’s rear end. Of note is a toe link moved forward of the rear axle that significantly increases the vehicle’s dynamic capabilities. Meanwhile, up front a new x-brace sits under hood. Placed above the Viper’s engine, this brace is a visually stunning piece of engineering that provides the 2013 Viper with fifty-percent more torsional rigidity than the previous Viper.

Taking a page from Lotus’ playbook, the SRT team “added lightness” to the 2013 Viper by using a slew of lightweight materials that save almost 100 pounds in weight over traditional materials.

While Ralph Gilles’ told Automobile Magazine that the 2013 Viper “will be one of the last pure driver’s cars,” SRT has made sure to fix the previous Viper’s interior shortcomings so that customers interested in the “pure” driving experience of the Viper no longer need to settle on cut-rate materials and antiquated technology.

Seats from Sabelt, the same supplier Ferrari uses for its vehicles seats, provide both quality feel and terrific support, while a reconfigurable 8.4-inch Uconnect radio display dominates the center stack. Viper owners looking for greater luxury can upgrade to the Viper GTS, which adds power seat controls and a fully leather skinned interior, as well as a slew of other options.

Though the 2013 Viper is still a visceral and raw driver’s car, upgrades to the interior, handling, and for the first time in Viper history the inclusion of stability and traction control (both fully defeatable), brings the snake into the 21^st century. Able to reach a 206 mph top speed (approximately 331 km/h) and cross the quarter-mile in less than 12-seconds, the 2013 SRT Viper will not disappoint consumers seeking the seemingly elusive combination of raw performance and serious comfort that many competitors lack. To learn more about the 2013 SRT Viper come visit Wharncliffe Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge.

Image credit: Chrysler

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 Offers the Soul of a Sports Car in the Body of a Jeep

The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 isn’t “Trail Rated” because it’s been track tested. With a 6.4-liter 470-horsepower Hemi V8 heart shared with the likes of the Dodge Challenger SRT8, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 is able to achieve a breakneck 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds, as well as a top speed of 160 mph; 5 mph greater than the 2013 Audi S5. And when drivers keep their foot off the gas the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 will deactivate half of its eight cylinders in order to save fuel and take owners up to 450 miles between fill-ups.

Don’t think of the Grand Cherokee SRT8 as a typical Detroit behemoth that sacrifices handling capability for straight-line performance, because the masterminds at SRT managed to build an SUV capable of pulling .90 lateral g on the skid pad and stopping from 60 mph in an incredible 116 feet. In other words, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 is able to match the nimble and lightweight Subaru BRZ in the skid pad and manages to stop 4 feet shorter than the little sports car, according to testing done by Motor Trend.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 isn’t a one-trick pony, though. As impressive as it is on a racetrack it may be even more impressive as a daily driver. Jeep Selec-Track allows drivers to choose between five different dynamic modes that work with the Grand Cherokee SRT8’s various systems in order to ensure the best experience when approaching different driving conditions. These dynamic modes are Auto, Sport, Track, Tow and Snow.

When comfort reigns supreme, drivers can choose Auto to enjoy the best in ride quality. In Auto the adaptive suspension tuning will automatically adapt to the road conditions so that passengers are guaranteed comfort. Should the driver want more engagement from the Grand Cherokee SRT8, he or she can switch to Sport mode. And if he or she really wants to bring the reigns in then Track mode can be engaged, which firms the suspension up in order to achieve the most capable handling. Steering wheel mounted paddle shifters for the five-speed automatic transmission aid in increasing driver engagement.

Lest you forget that at its heart the Grand Cherokee SRT8 is a Jeep, drivers can also choose between Tow and Snow modes when using Selec-Track.  Both of these modes help the all-wheel-drive Grand Cherokee SRT8 best mitigate its prodigious horsepower and torque in order to tow up to 5,000 lbs. as well as capably take the driver and up to four passengers safely to their next location during the snowy winter.

New for 2013 are the Grand Cherokee SRT8 Alpine and Vapor editions. Both models offer cosmetic upgrades over the standard SRT8; the Alpine painted white, and the Vapor painted black. With the standard twenty-inch wheels finished in Black Vapor Chrome and gloss black exterior appointments to much of the badging, as well as the front grille work and rear step pad and light bar, the 2013 Grand Cherokee SRT8 Alpine and Vapor editions enhance the menacing looks of the standard SRT8 by taking it up to 11.

Image Credit: Chrysler

Ram 1500 is More Powerful and More Capable for 2013

The 2013 Ram 1500 may not look very different from the 2012 model, but underneath the familiar skin is an almost all new Ram.

Arguably the biggest changes come to the V6 Ram 1500, which ditches the old 3.7-liter V6 in favor of the corporate “Pentastar” 3.6-liter V6 engine. The net result is an engine that makes 305-horsepower and dishes out 269 lb-ft of torque, gains of 90-horsepower and 34 lb-ft of torque. Furthermore, the Ram V6 achieves best in class fuel economy while also being capable of towing up to 6,500 lbs.

Much of the credit to the rise in fuel efficiency throughout the 2013 Ram lineup can be given to the all-new 8-speed automatic transmission. Complete with a rotary style electric shifter, which replaces the former column and floor-mounted shifters in previous Ram iterations, the new eight-speed automatic transmission also helps the 395-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8 achieve best-in-class fuel economy among V8 trucks.

Other tricks up the 2013 Ram 1500’s sleeves that aid in improving fuel economy are active aerodynamic technologies that help bring the restyled Ram 1500 Regular Cab 4×2’s coefficient of drag down to 0.36 from the 2012 model’s 0.386 cd. For reference, the 2013 SRT Viper has a coefficient of drag of 0.364. An electric power steering system brings further fuel efficiency gains of 1.8 percent over the 2012 model with its hydraulic steering pump. Meanwhile a stop-start system, which shuts the 2013 Ram’s engine off when it comes to a stop, helps save fuel.

While saving money at the pump is certainly a selling point of the 2013 Ram 1500, what truck buyers really look for is capability. On that end the 2013 Ram 1500 uses a redesigned frame with fully-boxed side rails, as well as high strength steel in the front frame section. The net result is a front frame that is 30 lbs. lighter than the frame in the 2012 Ram 1500. The addition of a redesigned independent front suspension, as well as an available air suspension, means that the 2013 Ram 1500 is more capable and comfortable than ever.

The available air suspension helps make the most of the 2013 Ram 1500’s capabilities. With five settings, the 2013 Ram 1500’s default ride height leaves 8.7 inches of ground clearance. At speed the air suspension can lower ground clearance by 0.6 of an inch from the normal ride height in order to improve fuel efficiency. Furthermore, the air suspension can lower the 2013 Ram 1500’s ride height by two inches in order to ease loading in and out of the truck. Owners taking their 2013 Ram 1500’s off-road will appreciate the two off-road settings that the air suspension offers – one that moves ground clearance up to 9.9 inches and another that brings the 2013 Ram 1500’s available ground clearance to a staggering 10.7 inches.

Inside, the Ram continues to improve upon its already high-quality and rugged interior. New HVAC controls, as well as an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Uconnect mounted in the center stack keep the 2013 Ram 1500 ahead of the technology curve. With Uconnect, owners of the 2013 Ram 1500 can download the latest applications to their truck at the touch of a button. Uconnect includes a built-in wireless connection that allows the system perform a variety of functions, including the ability for users to lock or unlock the doors through their smartphone or other web-based device. New for ST and SLT trim levels is a 3.5-inch display screen located in the gauge cluster that provides vehicle information to drivers. Optional on the 2013 Ram 1500 SLT and standard on the Sport, Laramie and Laramie Longhorn trim levels is a 7-inch display screen located in the gauge cluster that provides even more information to the driver.

Of course the exterior also sees revisions, albeit minor ones. With a crosshair grille that is nearly an inch taller than the grille of the 2012 Ram 1500, the 2013 model continues to be one of the most striking trucks available today. Redesigned headlights with available LED parking lights/turn signals, as well as new LED taillights complete the Ram 1500’s exterior revisions for 2013. Meanwhile the 2013 model year also brings the option of a long 6-foot 4-inch bed to Ram 1500 Crew Cabs.

No matter your needs, the 2013 Ram 1500 will have it covered with its best-in-class fuel economy, Uconnect wireless media center, and its variety of cab and bed options. Half-ton truck buyers need look no further than the 2013 Ram 1500 at Wharncliffe Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram.

Image Credits: Chrysler

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Passes the Moose Test

In a recent press release, Chrysler detailed findings of a recent test that was run by German magazine Auto Motor und Sport (AMS). Motivation for the test was in rebuttal to findings of the Swedish publication, Teknikens Varld.

Teknikens Varld had produced a video that showed the Grand Cherokee lift up on two wheels during a sudden lane change. Chrysler responded by saying that the Jeep was intentionally overloaded. A team of Chrysler engineers were even sent to reproduce the test with the Swedish magazine.

Chrysler confirmed that the evaluation of the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee by AMS found that the vehicle performed successfully and as designed. Multiple repetitions of what is known as the “moose test” or “elk test” were completed by an AMS driver at a test site in Germany. The moose test is made to determine how well a certain vehicle evades a suddenly appearing obstacle. Course dimensions and layout were the ones set out by the International Standards Organization (ISO).

Under standardized conditions for road surface and with pylon lanes set depending on vehicle width in accordance to guidelines determined by the German Automotive Manufacturer Association, the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee remained safely on the road during the test. Whether loaded with two passengers or the maximum permissible total weight, all four wheels remained in contact with the road which confirm the theory that the Grand Cherokee in Sweden was overloaded. These results also underscore the fact that the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee is listed as a “Top Safety Pick” by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

2013 SRT Viper GTS-R Race Car Put Through The Paces

Without a doubt, the new 2013 SRT Viper promises to tame the track any day, any time of the week. But for the high-profile American Le Mans Series, SRT Motorsports has something special in store. The racing division has recently wrapped up the first on-track test of the new 2013 SRT Viper GTS-R with team driver Marc Goossens at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, S.C. The SRT Viper GTS-R is expected to compete in the American Le Mans Series GT class later this year.

Beth Paretta (Director of Marketing and Operations, SRT Brand and Motorsports): “The first on-track test of the new SRT Viper GTS-R went extremely well. Even after all the hard work by the team, it’s still incredible how fast everything has come together in the development process. We were even able to expand the scope of the test beyond what would be normal for a first on-track session. We’re elated with how the SRT Viper GTS-R responded and look forward to returning to the track soon as we prepare to compete in the American Le Mans Series GT class later this year.”

The SRT Viper GTS-R doesn’t stray too far from the road model, as evident from the easily recognizable looks. The fifth generation of the iconic two-seat, American-built supercar has been deliberately evolved to incorporate superior craftsmanship, a host of new technologies and ergonomic improvements while respecting its visceral legacy of outright performance.

At the heart and soul of the 2013 SRT Viper is the venerable, hand-assembled 8.4-liter all-aluminum, V-10 overhead-valve engine.

Improvements for 2013 include a new, ultra-high flow and lightweight composite intake manifold, high-strength forged pistons, sodium-filled exhaust valves, new catalysts to reduce back pressure and an aluminum flywheel that reduces reciprocating losses. More than 25 pounds has been shaved from the fully dressed engine.

Preliminary performance ratings for the SRT Viper are 640 horsepower and 813 Nm of torque – the most torque of any naturally aspirated engine in the world. All of that velocity will be managed through a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission with a short throw shifter, closer gear ratios and a final drive ratio that has been shortened to 3.55 from 3.07. Top speed will be achieved in 6th gear at the 6,200 RPM redline.

2013 Dodge Dart Configurator Goes Live

If you wish to own a radiant Citrus Peel-colored compact sedan with a class-leading 160-horsepower engine, you’ve got only one choice: the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart. And before you order it through Wharncliffe Chrysler Jeep Dodge, you can build your own model to your taste online, allowing you to see what your new addition to your garage could look like.

The new Dart is the culmination of a global engineering effort. There is Italian influence in its overall composition, utilizing engineering resources from Fiat/Alfa Romeo in its architecture. However, it’s design is distinctively Dodge, and distinctively American and carries an athletic stance. It’s easy to see traces of yesterday’s Neon with its low nose and belt line. At launch, the new Dart will be offered in SE, SXT, Rallye, Limited and R/T trims. For those that enjoy the look the full-LED wraparound taillamps of the Charger, they are present and accounted for.

There’s an array of engines to choose from when it comes to the Dart. First up is a naturally aspirated a 2.0-liter “Tigershark” inline-four producing a stout 160 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque, with the upgrade being a 2.4-liter Tigershark naturally aspirated four cylinder engine with 184 hp and 232 Nm.

However, a more advanced 1.4-liter MultiAir turbocharged four cylinder engine will be available, which will also produce 160 horsepower like the 2.0-liter Tigershark, but will pack a superior 249 Nm of torque. And with its compact size, expect the MultiAir engine to be the most fuel efficient of the three when official fuel economy numbers are released. What’s more, expect a nine-speed automatic transmission to be offered in the Dart next year. That’s right, a nine-speed automatic transmission will be found in the little Dart, which was previously unheard of in the compact segment.

How would you configure your ideal Dodge Dart? Express your thoughts in the comments below, or discuss it with us on our Facebook page!