2013 Dodge Durango Crew on 2040-cars

Auto blog

2021-22 Dodge Challenger Hellcat drops manual option

The six-speed manual has been dropped from the 2022 Dodge Challenger Hellcat at least temporarily while it awaits a powertrain calibration update that will allow it to be sold again, Road & Track reports. The combination has been unavailable to order since November 2021, Stellantis said.  Dodge didn't give R&T much of an explanation regarding the combo's absence, saying only that a revised calibration that would allow the configuration to be sold is coming. When is anybody's guess. In the meantime, we're starting to wonder just how committed Stellantis is to offering its V8s to buyers who aren't opting for half-ton pickups or larger. The inline-six that is slated to replace the 5.7-liter Hemi variant in at least some applications is expected to debut soon. While the 5.7-liter Hemi has surely more than paid for itself at this point, it's likely that Stellantis is limiting availability only to its most profitable models, which help offset the CAFE costs associated with lower fleet mileage. And while Stellantis made quite a bit of noise in recent years about its customers wanting V8s, options for such have become thinner on the ground. The new Grand Cherokee is ostensibly offered with the V8 on its three top trims — Trailhawk, Overland and Summit — but only the last of those can be found anywhere in U.S. inventory with a Hemi under the hood. Trailhawk and Overland V8s simply do not exist. You don't have to take our word for it; you can look for yourself.  Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Weekly Recap: Toyota propels hydrogen fuel cells

Toyota is serious about hydrogen fuel cells, and it wants the auto industry to follow suit. The Japanese automaker said this week it's releasing 5,680 fuel cell patents from around the world, including technologies used on its upcoming sedan, the 2016 Mirai. The move is unusual, but not unprecedented, as Tesla similarly released its electric vehicle patents last year. The idea for Tesla, and now for Toyota, is to spur development of alternative propulsion. "By eliminating traditional corporate boundaries, we can speed the development of new technologies and move into the future of mobility more quickly, effectively and economically," said Bob Carter, Toyota Motor Sales senior vice president of automotive operations, in a statement. Toyota's fuel cell patents will be free to use through 2020, though patents related to producing and selling hydrogen will remain open forever. Toyota said it would like companies that use its patents to share their own hydrogen patents, but won't require it. "What Toyota's doing is really a logical move, and really a good move for the industry," Devin Lindsay, principal powertrain analyst with IHS Automotive, told Autoblog. The announcement was made at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. It comes as Toyota prepares to launch the hydrogen-powered Mirai in a limited number late this year in California. The launch will be extended to the Northeastern United States next year. Toyota also has announced plans to support networks of fueling stations in each region to try to smooth consumer adoption. The Mirai has a 300-mile range on a tank of hydrogen, and it takes about five minutes to refill. Fuel cells have been receiving increased attention recently, and Audi and Volkswagen debuted hydrogen-powered cars at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. Honda, another proponent of the technology, also showed its updated FCV concept in November in Japan. The company, however, has delayed its fuel cell sedan a year until 2016. Like Toyota, Honda says its hydrogen-powered car will have a range of 300 miles or more. Meanwhile, Hyundai currently offers leases for fuel-cell powered Tucsons, which have a 265-mile range, in Southern California. Despite the optimism some automakers have for fuel cells, the technology still faces barriers. A lack of filling stations has long held it back, and many consumers are not familiar with the potential benefits.

Want a new 2017 Viper? You'd better call Gerry Wood Dodge

As unfortunate as the news may be, the Dodge Viper is entering its final year of production. Slow sales and increased safety regulations have finally killed Dodge's big, brutish, and beautiful supercar. It will be missed. According to Motor Authority, those looking to pick up one of the last remaining models will have to travel to Gerry Wood Dodge in Salisbury, North Carolina. The dealer has apparently managed to secure the final allocation of cars for itself. All 135 or so remaining cars will be sold exclusively through Gerry Wood Dodge. While Dodge has already sold out of the limited-edition 2017 models, Gerry Wood Dodge put a team together to research and create their own unofficial limited-edition cars. These will be ordered in specific and unique color and option combinations. Dodge offers more than 8,000 colors for the Viper, so picking out a few unused shades couldn't have been too difficult. While these aren't official, it should provide some bragging rights to owners who manage to secure one of the special cars. Despite the exclusivity and hoarding the final few vehicles, Gerry Wood Dodge doesn't plan to add a dealer markup to the car. They claim to never markup cars over MSRP, which seems good for everyone but them. We won't complain. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Featured Gallery 2016 Dodge Viper ACR: First Drive View 26 Photos News Source: Motor AuthorityImage Credit: Copyright 2016 Michael Austin / AOL Dodge Car Dealers Coupe Performance