2014 Ram 2500 Laramie on 2040-cars

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NHTSA is investigating FCA shifters for roll-away accidents again, this time the rotary units

It seems FCA's shifter troubles aren't over yet. Now, just a few months after issuing a recall to resolve user-related issues with its monostable shifters, the company is again under investigation by NHTSA. The issue is related to the potential for cars to roll away when the rotary-style shifter is not properly placed in park. Two FCA models are the subject of this investigation: the 2013–2016 Ram 1500 and the 2014–2016 Dodge Durango. NHTSA estimates about 1,000,000 vehicles would be affected if a recall is issued. The investigation was started following 43 complaints of vehicles rolling away while supposedly being in "park." Among the complaints were reports of 25 crashes and 9 injuries. NHTSA does point out that in every incident, the parking brake was not engaged. A representative from FCA also gave us an official statement regarding the investigation: "FCA US is cooperating fully with NHTSA's investigation, the scope of which is limited. Other vehicles equipped with rotary shifters are not included. In accordance with prudent practice, the Company joins NHTSA in urging all drivers to use their vehicles' parking brakes." View 35 Photos As mentioned above, other Chrysler products with rotary shifters, such as the Pacifica minivan and 200 sedan, are not involved in this investigation. One of the key differences, as the representative told us, is that these vehicles have electronic parking brakes that automatically engage if the driver does not select park and then opens the door with the seatbelt unbuckled. The Ram 1500 and Durango feature mechanical, manually operated parking brakes and therefore cannot activate the brake automatically. Because this is currently an investigation, an exact cause for the incidents has yet to be determined, and none of the vehicles have been recalled. It's possible there could be a mechanical defect. However, the issue could be a confusing interface causing user error, as was the case with FCA's monostable shifters, where drivers think they've put the car in park but actually haven't. Something that indicates it could be a case of confused users is that NHTSA also opened an investigation into 2012–2014 Jaguar XF and Land Rover Range Rover Evoques for similar issues. Both vehicles use a rotary shifter and have had roll-away complaints levied as well. Even if it is a case of user error, FCA and Jaguar Land Rover may still have to recall their vehicles.

Ford F-Series Super Duty earns Truck of Texas award

Texans love their pickup trucks, which you already knew. That means the Texas Auto Writers Association and its "Truck of Texas" award is a big deal. And the latest trophy goes to the 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty. The pickup truck managed to snag TAWA's award at the 2016 Texas Truck Rodeo. The award marks the 13th time Ford's F-Series has been named the pickup king of the Lone Star State. Roughly 70 journalists converged outside at the Longhorn River Ranch, just outside of Austin, TX, for the 23rd annual Texas Truck Rodeo where a host of Ford's vehicles won awards. In addition to the F-Series Super Duty being named the "Truck of Texas," the 2017 Ford Super Duty won the Heavy Duty Pickup Truck award, while the 2017 Ford F-150 with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine won the Best Powertrain award. The journalists also awarded Ford for having the "Truck Line of Texas." Ford wasn't the only winner at the Texas Truck Rodeo, as Nissan brought home five awards, including one for the 2017 Titan in the fullsize pickup category and one for the Armada in the SUV segment. Ram also won a few accolades with its trucks. The 2017 Ram 1500 won for being the most luxurious pickup truck, while the 2017 Ram 2500 Power Wagon won the off-road pickup truck award. Last year, TAWA named the 2016 Nissan Titan XD the Truck of Texas, but Ford's all-new F-Series Super Duty managed to keep the Japanese automaker's full-size offering at bay. For the 2017 model, Ford placed aluminum body panels into the F-Series Super Duty's body, which not only shed weight, but also make the truck stronger. Scroll down to see the entire list of TAWA's winners from the 2016 Texas Truck Rodeo. Truck of Texas: 2017 Ford Super Duty SUV of Texas: 2017 Nissan Armada CUV of Texas: 2017 Volvo XC90 Truck line of Texas: Ford Motor Co.

2019 Ram 1500 Laramie Drivers' Notes Review | King of the hill

The 2019 Ram 1500 is the newest full-size truck to the market, though the upcoming 2019 Chevy Silverado isn't too far off. We've driven a few models so far, from the base-spec Tradesman up to the kitted-out Limited variant. Modern trucks are expected to do everything from towing a boat, hauling mulch or carrying a family of five on an extended road trip. The days of simple, single-minded trucks have long since passed. Our tester this week is a mid-grade Laramie model. It has quite a few creature comforts — heated and ventilated leather seats, front buckets, a larger Uconnect infotainment screen — along with features like blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, automatic high beams and a bedliner. There's no moonroof, wireless charging or heated second row seats, but it's still extremely well appointed, especially compared to its forebears. That said, it doesn't come cheap. All in, this truck costs just under $55k. Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore: The 2019 Ram 1500 is simply the best truck in the market. It's powerful, comfortable, brash and the embodiment of what a full-size pickup should be. The Hemi V8 is always the first thing I notice when I test one, and it's smooth and potent in this 4X4 Laramie. Ram has wisely expanded its engine selections in recent years, though the V8 remains my favorite. The Ram's design always grabs me. It's generally the buffest looking truck in the segment, though at times in the last decade or so it has veered into cartoonish proportions. For 2019, it's a clean look with smooth lines and curves that convey a sense of power. I Love the new grille, and Rams always have a good deal of chrome — that's cool with me. Inside, this model was surprising quiet, underscoring the premium vibes. The latest version of Uconnect works well and is intuitive. Plus, there's a nice balance of knobs, buttons and dials. Everything is easy to use and understand. The leather looks and feels upscale, the seats are comfy yet supportive, and the configurable center console is a clever feature. This Ram is fairly loaded up, but even when we tested a more basic Tradesman a few weeks ago, I had similarly favorable impressions. It's an all-star truck. Associate Editor Reese Counts: I really hate to simply parrot what Greg said, but I'm quite enamored with the Ram. It really is the best of the bunch.