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Mopar teases four of 'nearly 20' SEMA Show concepts

Yesterday it was Chevrolet. Today, Mopar has dropped some SEMA knowledge, releasing a quartet of teaser images that give us some indication of what kind of cars, trucks, and crossovers Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram will be showing in Las Vegas. Like Chevy, Mopar's concepts utilize both production and concept accessories, although Fiat Chrysler has gone a bit more indepth on at least one of its concepts. Immediately, the most tantalizing teaser is the one shown above. Yes, that's the back of a Challenger, and aside from the bright orange accents on the gray body, you should take notice of the badge mounted on the spoiler – yes, that says "GT AWD." To be honest, such a vehicle wouldn't be a huge shock, as both the Challenger's LX platform-mates, the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300, are offered with all-wheel-drive options. Still, adding such a vehicle to the production cycle would give Dodge a leg up on the rear-drive only Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. Aside from that concept, FCA has also released teasers of a Ram-based concept, a 300-based concept, and what we're guessing is a Fiat 500X. We can't wait to see what the actual Fiat concept has to do with kiteboarding. As for the 300 and Ram, there's not a lot of hints on what sort of styling details they'll contain. The Chrysler has additional LED accents and what we're guessing is matte blue paint, while the Ram is based on a Hemi-powered 1500 with Rebel styling cues. This is just a very tiny sample of Mopar's final SEMA roster, which include "hundreds" of parts. There should also be a total of 20 vehicles covering all four former Chrysler Group brands, as well as Fiat. Naturally, we'll have plenty to report on each vehicle once the SEMA show kicks off in the next couple weeks.

2023 Chrysler Pacifica Review: Hybrid is still the one to get, but it's pricey

Pros: Unique plug-in hybrid; versatile Stow ‘n Go seats; great entertainment features; good looks Cons: No cheaper base trim; top trims and Hybrid are really expensive; less-comfy second-row Stow ‘n Go seats The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica represents the seventh year of this latest generation of ChryslerÂ’s minivan, which is usually a year past when a car would be completely redesigned. Despite this advanced age, the Pacifica was so well done from the get-go that it remains fully competitive, and in Hybrid form, one of our top choices in the admittedly small minivan segment. Key updates two years in particular ensured that its in-car tech remained just as state-of-the-art and well-executed as itÂ’s always been. Indeed, if thatÂ’s a priority, the Pacifica should be at the top of your list. Ditto fuel economy, because with its plug-in hybrid powertrain and 32 miles of electric range, itÂ’s possible for the Pacifica Hybrid to best even the sensationally efficient, hybrid-only Toyota Sienna. This efficiency is a key reason why that pair represents our top minivan choices, as they can save you $1,000 or more versus V6-only vans (including the regular Pacifica) in gas per year. That said, we put the Sienna on top in a comparison test because of price, and the scales have only tipped further since then after Chrysler jacked the price up by about $8,000 in the last two model years. The base Pacifica Hybrid is now more than $50,000 with the Pinnacle living up to its name with a price tag over $60,000. The $7,500 federal tax credit should help, but itÂ’s unclear at this point if it'll still apply in calendar year 2023. Basically, we really like the Pacifica Hybrid, but the economics might be tricky. So could finding one at a dealer given supply, demand and potential mark-ups.   Interior & Technology   |   Passenger & Cargo Space   |   Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive   |   Pricing & Trim Levels   |   Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2023? The Pacifica gets a new Road Tripper package for 2023. Available on the Touring L trim levels of both gas and hybrid versions, it adds special graphics and wheels in Luster Gray with orange highlights. ThereÂ’s also “Granite Crystal” exterior trim, all-weather floor mats and a roof rack (though itÂ’s unclear whether its different than the PacificaÂ’s usual Stow ‘n Place rack). The gas-only version also includes the Trailer Tow group.

5 reasons why GM is cutting jobs, closing plants in a healthy economy

DETROIT — Even though unemployment is low, the economy is growing and U.S. auto sales are near historic highs, General Motors is cutting thousands of jobs in a major restructuring aimed at generating cash to spend on innovation. It's the new reality for automakers that are faced with the present cost of designing gas-powered cars and trucks that appeal to buyers now while at the same time preparing for a future world of electric and autonomous vehicles. GM announced Monday that it will cut as many as 14,000 workers in North America and put five plants up for possible closure as it abandons many of its car models and restructures to focus more on autonomous and electric vehicles. The reductions could amount to as much as 8 percent of GM's global workforce of 180,000 employees. The cuts mark GM's first major downsizing since shedding thousands of jobs in the Great Recession. The company also said it will stop operating two additional factories outside North America by the end of next year. The move to make GM get leaner before the next downturn likely will be followed by Ford Motor Co., which also has struggled to keep one foot in the present and another in an ambiguous future of new mobility. Ford has been slower to react, but says it will lay off an unspecified number of white-collar workers as it exits much of the car market in favor of trucks and SUVs, some of them powered by batteries. Here's a rundown of the reasons behind the cuts: Coding, not combustion CEO Mary Barra said as cars and trucks become more complex, GM will need more computer coders but fewer engineers who work on internal combustion engines. "The vehicle has become much more software-oriented" with millions of lines of code, she said. "We still need many technical resources in the company." Shedding sedans The restructuring also reflects changing North American auto markets as manufacturers continue to shift away from cars toward SUVs and trucks. In October, almost 65 percent of new vehicles sold in the U.S. were trucks or SUVs. That figure was about 50 percent cars just five years ago. GM is shedding cars largely because it doesn't make money on them, Citi analyst Itay Michaeli wrote in a note to investors. "We estimate sedans operate at a significant loss, hence the need for classic restructuring," he wrote. The reduction includes about 8,000 white-collar employees, or 15 percent of GM's North American white-collar workforce. Some will take buyouts while others will be laid off.