Stellantis announces strong twin-turbo inline-six

New engine design

Stellantis

The old saying that there's "no replacement for displacement" isn't quite as accurate as it once was. Turbochargers and the latest engine designs have made it possible to extract major power from smaller, more efficient power plants. Stellantis' latest announcement proves this point, as its new Hurricane inline-six-cylinder engine will generate big power numbers from a relatively modest 3.0 liters and two turbos.

Stellantis says two variants will be available. The standard output version produces more than 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, while a high output variant delivers more than 500 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. The twin-turbo inline-six delivers that power with up to 15 percent better fuel efficiency.

Stellantis Hurricane Inline-SixIt's not yet clear which vehicles will get the engine.Stellantis

The new engine comes as Stellantis works to position itself for an electrified future. The automaker stated a goal of 50 percent a 50 percent battery electric vehicle mix by 2030, but notes that gas engines will still play a major role in its vehicle line for years to come. "The Hurricane twin-turbo is a no-compromise engine that delivers better fuel economy and an important reduction in greenhouse gases without asking our customers to give up performance," said Micky Bly, Stellantis head of propulsion systems.

At this point, it's unclear which vehicles will get the new engine, but Stellantis' brands are packed with opportunities. Dodge, whose Hellcat-powered muscle cars could be a good candidate, and then there's Jeep, with a line of off-road-ready SUVs that could greatly benefit from such an engine. The Hurricane's projected high output of 500 horsepower puts it behind the Hellcat engines power output, but it's still strong enough to make a seriously quick vehicle.

Dodge

You could become Dodge's Chief Donut Maker

Dream job alert

One lucky person is about to win the car enthusiast's job of a lifetime, though only for a year. Beginning today, Dodge is accepting applications for its new and temporary Chief Donut Maker

If the title alone isn't enough to make the job sound appealing, the benefits are seemingly endless. The lucky new Dodge "employee" will pick up a $150,000 salary, along with the opportunity to drive an SRT Hellcat company car for the year. Additionally, the winner will participate in all manner of racing and car-related events, take courses at Radford Racing School, and get a load of Dodge-branded clothing.

Dodge is Hiring a Chief Donut Makerwww.youtube.com

If you're reading this and thinking it sounds like a blast - you're right. There's a catch, however, which comes in the form of an intense consideration process that culminates in a racing event with a pro driver on a closed course. A panel of judges will evaluate the video entries, and wrestler Bill Goldberg will oversee the race between the top ten finalists. Dodge says the series of eliminations will air like a reality TV show, with the winner being revealed in the final episode.

Today is the opening day of the application period. You have until February 28 to submit your short video, which can be a maximum of two minutes. Get busy making your video and head here to submit it before the deadline.

Dodge

Dodge announces performance parts program for Challenger SRT models

American muscle cars

The world may be going electric, but Dodge is still offering plenty of support to owners of its famed Hellcat muscle cars. Today, the automaker announced a program to provide factory-backed performance parts for SRT Hellcat cars. The components can be ordered and installed by one of Dodge's "Power Broker" dealerships.

Dodge Challenger SRT HellcatDodge's packages include graphics for the Challenger.Dodge

Called Direct Connection, the service is Dodge's official source for performance parts and other components. Dodge offers two kits for Challenger SRT models: Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye cars can be upgraded to 885 horsepower and the standard Hellcat can be pushed to 750 ponies. In all, Direct Connection offers 14 kits for the Challenger and 13 race-ready kits. There are also four graphics packages for the Challenger Mopar Drag Park model.

Because of their connections with the company that designed and built the cars in the first place, factory-backed tuning and performance operations are usually top-notch. Dodge's program offers live technical support and an online catalog that allows users to mix and match performance parts using the site's "recipes." All parts that are installed or replaced by a certified Dodge dealer do not interfere with the cars' three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty or the five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Direct Connection Challenger Performance Parts | Dodgeyoutu.be

If Dodge-approved performance parts get you excited, you don't have long left to wait. The kits will go on sale late in the first quarter of 2022. The Dodge Power Brokers dealer network will also start around that time.

Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC

2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat will set you back $116.18 per horsepower

The Price is Right

Pricing for the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat has been revealed. The new model will start at $80,995 plus a $1,495 destination charge. Taking into account the model's 710 horsepower, that's $116.18 per horsepower.

But, dealerships may mark it up even more. That's the "S" in manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). The SUV will be a single-year offering.

There's some options that could drive the price up even higher. Dodge offers the model with dual-center exterior stripes, that cover the front and rear fascias, hood, portions of the roof, spoiler and the tailgate. Stripes are offered in five colors: black with Redline accent tracer, Bright Blue, Flame Red, Gunmetal Low Gloss (metallic finish) and Sterling Silver (metallic finish).

2020 Dodge Durango SRT BlackDodge adds two custom appearance options for 2020 Durango SRT.Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC

All-wheel drive is standard. Dodge is giving the model standard 20-inch machined faced wheels with mid-gloss black pockets. Pirelli Scorpion Zero 295/45ZR20 all-season performance tires are standard; Pirelli P-Zero 295/45ZR20 three-season tires are available.

At the heart of the Durango SRT Hellcat is a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine. It achieves 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission. There are seven drive modes – Auto, Sport, Track, Snow, Tow, Eco, and Valet.

According to Dodge's calculations, the Durango SRT Hellcat runs zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, covers the quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 180 mph.

The SUV has a best-in-class 8,700-pound towing capacity.

2020 Dodge Durango SRT BlackThe model has some options.Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC

Dodge has refreshed the design of the interior of the Durango for 2021. All models get new cockpit styling, instrument panel, center console, and front door uppers with new relocated seat memory switches.

The new 10.1-inch infotainment screen is angled toward the driver and run by FCA's new Uconnect 5 system. The center stack is slimmer than before and there are now chrome-accented toggles and dedicated buttons for heated and cooled seats.

SRT Hellcat Durangos get forged carbon fiber interior accents, red-accented gauges, standard heated and ventilated Nappa leather with suede front seats with an embroidered Hellcat logo (available Laguna leather interior in black/Demonic Red).

Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC

2021 Ram 1500 TRX is the quickest, fastest, most powerful mass-produced pickup ever made

New Model News

There's a new apex predator in town. The Ford Raptor's newest nemesis, the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX has debuted making its mark as the quickest, fastest, and most power mass-produced truck in the world.

From the terrain it can conquer to its performance stats, the new TRX is extreme. The full-size truck is built on a new frame that utilizes high-strength steel and hydroformed sections (this reduces the need for welds, which can weaken the frame) and is designed to take the rigors of life as a desert runner with ease.

2021 Ram 1500 TRX The TRX is a variant of the Ram 1500 though it's built on different architecture.Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC

Ram has made the TRX eight inches wider than the rest of the 1500 lineup. It has a six-inch wider track than those models and tires that are nine inches wide – one inch wider than those that come on the traditional 1500 models.

As part of the design, Ram's engineers shifted the front axle forward 20 millimeters to accommodate the truck's 35-inch tires, which are available with 18-inch beadlock-ready wheels with accent color-matched rings. The standard Goodyear Territory 325/65/R18 All-Terrain tires were exclusively developed for the model. Wheel travel is greater than 13 inches at all four corners – 40 percent more than the rest of Ram 1500 lineup.

At the front of the truck is a "RAM" badge, which sits inside a shapely black grille and has a flow-through design that assists with cooling. All-black LED headlights with bi-functional projector headlamps are standard. A functional air curtain sits just outboard of the headlamps.

2021 Ram 1500 TRX A functional hood scoop supplies 50 percent of the airflow to the engine.Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC

There's five skid plates and steel bumpers. At the sides of the bumper are LED clearance marker lights.

The truck has an aluminum hood that is specific to the model and features bright LED clearance lights that are integrated in the hood scoop. Fifty percent of the air that flows to the truck's engine enters through the hood scoop while the other half comes through the grille. Twin heavy-duty air filters deliver 198.4 square inches of filter surface area – that's four times the dust trapping capacity of the closest competitor.

Buyers can add full-length rock rails or off-road powder-coated aluminum running boards. Body-side and hood graphics are also available.

The box of the TRX has outers that are wider than the traditional Ram 1500. It is available with a bed-mounted spare tire carrier. A full-size spare tire that sits underneath the bed between the Dana 60 solid rear axle and trailer hitch.

2021 Ram 1500 TRX A spare tire, mounted in the bed, is available.Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC

At the back are LED taillamps. Bezels on the taillamps allow for the truck's blind spot monitoring technology to see around the extended box outers. A large "RAM" badge stretches across the center of the tailgate while center identification marker lights are tucked between the tailgate and rear bumper. Oversized tow hooks are found at the front and rear. Five-inch dual exhaust ports complete the backside.

Powering the truck is FCA's beloved supercharged 6.2-liter V8 Hellcat engine, which is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine is rated at 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. It propels the truck from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and to 100 mph in 10.5 seconds. The truck can go a quarter mile in 12.9 seconds at 108 mph. The speedometer tops out at 118 mph.

A full-time active transfer case matches with the powertrain. An electronic locking rear differential and launch control are standard.

2021 Ram 1500 TRX The Ram 1500 TRX comes standard with a host of equipment designed for driving on- and off-road with ease.Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC

The truck employs technology similar to what you'll find in the Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock. The TRX's Jump Detection technology uses wheel-speed and ride-height sensors and accelerometers at each corner to identify when the vehicle is airborne at launch and acts to prevent driveline-damaging power spikes. The tech can react in milliseconds and modifies engine speed and torque, gear selection, transfer case torque split, damping rates and other components to deliver optimum performance.

Ram has designed a new five-link coil suspension just for the TRX. It features an independent front suspension system with active damping. There are forged aluminum front upper and lower control arms. There are front and rear 2.5-inch Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks that were designed just for the TRX.

The truck has 11.8 inches ground clearance thanks to a two-inch lift over the rest of the 1500 lineup. The model is capable of fording up to 32 inches of water and towing up to 8,100 pounds. It has a maximum payload capacity of 1,310 pounds.

2021 Ram 1500 TRX The model has 32 inches of fording capability.Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC

It has an approach angle of 30.2 degrees, breakover angle of 21.9 degrees, and departure angle of 23.5 degrees.

Ram has given the TRX five on-road drive modes: Auto, Sport, Tow, Snow, and Custom. There's also three off-road modes: Mud/Sand, Rock, and Baja. The modes can separately control the four-wheel-drive system, throttle response, transmission, paddle shifters, suspension and the electric power steering. All on-road modes use active slip control. The truck's drive mode selector and launch control button are integrated into the dashboard.

Stopping power comes from four-wheel disc brakes that has the feel of their power enhanced by a hydraulic compensation unit. In the front are two-piston monoblock calipers that are paired with 15-inch rotors. The rear features single piston calipers and the same size rotors.

2021 Ram 1500 TRX Ram designed the truck to be a desert runner.Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC

Inside, the truck is well-appointed - just like the rest of the 1500 lineup. Upholstery options include premium cloth and vinyl, premium wrapped leather and suede, or premium wrapped leather and suede with available red and carbon fiber accents. Heated and ventilated seats are available. Front seats are freshly designed for the model and offer enhanced bolster support and embroidered logos.

Ram has given the model a new SRT-signature flat-bottom steering wheel that has its hand grips wrapped in leather with suede and available with suede ad carbon fiber accents. The wheel is accompanied by aluminum paddle shifters.

There's no rotary shifter in TRX. The performance floor shifter has a cast metal main grip that is wrapped with semi-perforated leather.

2021 Ram 1500 TRX The interior of the model is posh, especially in its highest grade. Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC

The truck takes FCA's technology offerings to the max as well. Its infotainment system runs on the fourth generation of Uconnect, which is displayed on a 12-inch fully configurable touch screen. The new edition of Uconnect, Uconnnect 5, is beginning its rollout now but won't make it to the TRX quite yet.

In front of the driver is a seven-inch information screen within the cluster that features unique TRX graphics and badging. Also in front of the driver is an available head-up display that can show five different content areas at once, including safety system information. This is the first FCA model to have a head-up display.

Like other models in the FCA lineup, the TRX gets performance pages. These can be viewed on the model's infotainment screen or the driver information screen. The Off-Road Pages show ride height, the transfer case's position, the pitch and roll of the vehicle and accessory gauges.

2021 Ram 1500 TRX A seven-inch driver information screen is at the center of the instrument panel. Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC

The truck comes with a 19-speaker plus subwoofer Harman Kardon audio system. It's the most powerful audio system available in a pickup.

A forward-facing camera is part of the available Surround View Camera system. It can be accessed through the Off-Road Pages. A digital rearview mirror is also available.

Additionally, the truck's reimagined center console features a wireless charging dock and five USB ports (including Type A and C).

The truck comes with more than 100 available advanced safety and driver security features including blind spot monitoring, rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and electronic roll mitigation.

Mopar will offer more than 100 factory-engineered, quality-tested performance parts and accessories for the all-new 2021 Ram TRX and more than 600 across the entire 2021 Ram Truck brand lineup.

2021 Ram 1500 TRX Mopar will sell over 100 accessories that can be added to the model.Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC

Ram is backing each new TRX with a five-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty as well as a three-year/36,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty.

Pricing for the 2021 Ram TRX starts at $69,995 plus $1,695 in destination and delivery charges. A Launch Edition of the model is available for $88,620 plus the destination fee, making the most expensive variant top $90,000 based on sticker price.

The 2021 Ram TRX will be built at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC

8 Things you should be most hyped about in the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX

New Model News

Ever since Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced the 6.2-liter HEMI Hellcat engine, the truck world imagined what it would be like to put that monster in a pickup truck. During the 2016 State Fair of Texas, Ram Trucks showed a concept truck that was powered by that engine. Ram said at the time that it was strictly a "concept," but we all hoped they were lying.

What they were doing, however, was waiting for the new Ram 1500 to build the platform upon. Now the 2021 Ram1500 TRX is here. It makes an unruly amount of power. It also has some new technology that hasn't been used yet on any product from the U.S. portfolio of vehicle, along with some tried-and-true components to make this one of the fastest off-road trucks on any terrain.

Supercharged 6.2-liter not-a-Hellcat V8

2021 Ram 1500 TRX

Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC

In the Ram 1500 TRX, the supercharged V8 HEMI makes 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Ram claims that horsepower number is a result of the TRX having the longest exhaust of any vehicles equipped with this motor, along with extra intake plumbing to handle dirt, dust, sand, and other off-road debris.

That's gloriously 127 more horsepower than the Rebel TRX concept that debuted at the State Fair of Texas.

Just don't call it a Hellcat engine. While yes, it is the Hellcat, the folks at Dodge are the ones that are given use of the name in their vehicles. In the Jeep Trackhawk and the Ram TRX, it's just a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8. But, we'll forgive you if you call it a Hellcat.

Launch control

2021 Ram 1500 TRX

Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC

I can't say for certain if this is the first pickup truck ever equipped with launch control, but I also wouldn't be surprised if it is. Located next to the transfer case buttons, pressing the Launch button sets the truck up to accelerate the quickest.

That means a zero to 60 mph time in 4.5 seconds and a quarter mile run at 12.9 seconds with a 118-mph speed limit. Yes, that's quick, especially for a pickup.

Bilstein adaptive suspension

2021 Ram 1500 TRX

Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC

The 2019 Ford Raptor picked up Fox's LiveValve technology for adaptive dampers. After driving a Raptor back-to-back with the old tech and the new tech, LiveValve is the way to go. Ram knew they needed to offer a comparably bonkers off-road suspension, so they called up their friends at Bilstein.

Designed exclusively for TRX, the truck features 2.5-inch Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive shocks. They have external reservoirs for heat management. While we haven't driven the truck yet, Ram claims that this suspension will allow the truck to perform exceptionally both at high speed and in the air. Noted.

No more rotary shifter

2021 Ram 1500 TRX

Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC

If you've driven a modern Ram half-ton, you'll notice that the gear selector is a rotary knob on the dash. In off-road use, I've found it annoying when trying squeeze out of a tight spot that requires frequent engaging of drive and then reverse. For the TRX, Ram removed the rotary shifter and replaced it with a normal shifter in the center. Just as God intended.

There's no official word if Ram will do this swap on all Rams, but there's a chance they might.

Head-up display

2021 Ram 1500 TRX

Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC

New for Ram Trucks is a full-color head-up display (HUD) available on the top trim TRX. Ram describes the TRX as an apex predator hunting prey, so it makes sense that the driver would have a HUD to help them lock in in the competition.

In reality, it shows everything a HUD should; speed, navigation information, rev counter, and more. It changes based on the drive mode that the truck is in and has some level of customization to it. It also allows drivers to keep their eyes up on the dunes ahead while still seeing relevant cluster info - a big plus.

Trailer Reverse Steer Control

2021 Ram 1500 TRX

Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC

Available on TRX – and something we wouldn't be surprised to see offered across the lineup – is Trailer Reverse Steer Control. It works like Ford's Pro Trailer Backup Assist, letting the driver intuitively use a knob on the dash to position a trailer directly where it needs to go. This takes the stress out of trailer backing up, boat ramps, camp sites, and more.

Unlike the Ford system, Ram's doesn't require any measuring of the trailer or placing a sticker on the tongue of the trailer. Using cameras and sensors, the Ram figures it out own its own.

Baja Mode isn't just for Raptors anymore

2021 Ram 1500 TRX

Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC

When the Raptor returned in 2017, it featured a Baja drive mode. This mode keeps the revs up, engages the four-wheel drive system, and sets up the anti-lock braking system to perform the best when jumping sand dunes along the Mexican peninsula, or anywhere else you find yourself hitting dunes at high speed.

The Ram TRX has a similar mode. It, too, adjusts everything including the suspension the make sure the truck is as quick as possible across the dunes. Ram doesn't come right out and say that the Raptor is a direct competitor to this truck, but it's obvious that Ram has every intention of being competitive against the class leader.

Bigger tires, more capability

2021 Ram 1500 TRX

Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC

Finally, the Ram TRX features exclusive-to-TRX Goodyear Wrangler Territory tires. Those 325/65/R18 All-Terrain 35-inch tires are the largest fitted to a factory pickup truck.

With improved ride height the TXR has 11.8-inches of ground clearance and can ford up to 32-inches of water. That's actually two more inches than the Jeep Wrangler.

Despite the off-road credentials, the payload rating on the TRX is still 1,310 pounds and the max tow rating is 8,100 pounds, which is similar to a Ram 1500 Big Horn.

Ram calls the TRX it the ultimate expression of their 1500 half-ton pickup. It's not designed to replace the heavy-duty Ram Power Wagon, but rather suit a different type of buyer. While Ram doesn't mention the competition by name, their insistence of calling this an "apex predator" implies heavily that they're after the Raptor in more ways than one.

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Automotive Map is moving to Your Test Driver

New website

Big news! Automotive Map has moved to a new site and has changed its name to Your Test Driver. You'll notice the same format, writing style, and content on the new site. That's because Your Test Driver is run by Chris Teague, the former editor of Automotive Map. We hope to see you there for continued coverage of news, reviews, and features from around the automotive industry.

2023 Nissan Leaf pricing announced

Updated EV

Nissan is nearing the release of the Ariya, its first new EV in several years. Even so, the brand hasn't forgotten about its first mass-market EV, the Leaf. It was an early entrant in the space, and has been an efficient, affordable, commuter car for over a decade. The car got a mild facelift for 2023, with updated wheels and exterior styling accents. Today, Nissan announced pricing for the Leaf, which starts at just under $29,000.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf feels lively, despite middling power numbers.Nissan

The base Leaf comes with a 40-kWh battery capable of delivering a 149-mile range. Its 110-kW electric motor produces 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The Leaf SV Plus features a 60-kWh battery for a range of 212 miles. It comes with a 160-kW motor that makes 214 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. Nissan backs all Leaf models with an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.

ProPilot Assist comes standard for the Leaf SV Plus, and brings a full suite of advanced driver aids that include adaptive cruise control, driver alertness features, and a surround-view monitor. All Leaf models get Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic high beams, and rear automatic braking.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf SV Plus offers up to 212 miles of range.Nissan

The new Leaf starts at $28,895, which includes a $1,095 destination charge. The Leaf SV Plus starts at $36,895. The 2023 Nissan Leaf is on sale now, and may be eligible for federal tax credits of up to $7,500. Depending on where you live, you may also be able to receive a state tax credit or other incentives.

2022 Nissan Altima: Three things to know

Comfortable midsize sedan

The Nissan Altima may not get the attention or the praise that the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord get, but it's a solid entry in an ultra-competitive segment. It's also one of few options in its class with available all-wheel drive. We spent a week with the 2022 Nissan Altima SR Midnight Edition with AWD and came away from the experience impressed. Here are three things to know about the car.

The 2022 Nissan Altima is a Good Value

With a starting price in the mid-$20,000 range and available all-wheel drive, it's hard to complain about value here. The Altima is still reasonably priced at the top end, where it maxes out at around $35,000 before options and fees. That's a great value for a spacious, comfortable car like the Altima, and with all-wheel drive it's a great all-weather commuter.

2022 Nissan AltimaNissan offers the Altima in several configurations.Nissan

2022 Altima Interior Space and Comfort are Generous

It's easy to ignore Nissan's Zero Gravity seats as another marketing buzzword, but they are legitimately comfortable and supportive in a way that not many others are. Available leather upholstery and contrast stitching give the interior an upscale feel, but even lower trims' cloth upholstery feels nice and works well from a visual standpoint. Up front, there's room for both passengers to stretch out, and the driver won't feel cramped on leg or headroom. Back-seat passengers get a similar treatment, as there's plenty of space for adults and kids. Parents will find an easy time loading and unloading car seats as well.

2023 Nissan AltimaThe Altima gets an update for 2023 with fresh styling and more tech.Nissan

The 2023 Nissan Altima Gets an Update

Nissan is refreshing the Altima for 2023 with a facelift, new tech, and better safety features. The new car will go on sale in the fall of 2022 and will come in several trims, including one with Nissan's truck VC-Turbo engine. The Altima's most noticeable update will be its front fascia, which is all-new for 2023. Nissan gives the car a fresh grille design that varies depending on the trim, and LED headlights will be standard. Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard, and the Altima is available with all-wheel drive, ProPilot Assist, and more.