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FCA and Cummins named in diesel emissions class-action lawsuit

Chrysler is now the first United States-based carmaker to be sued for allegedly skewing emissions results. In a move that sounds eerily similar to the troubles of European manufacturers, Chrysler is claimed to have hid diesel engine characteristics causing emissions as much as 14 times higher than permitted by regulations. According to Bloomberg, the lawsuit alleges that Chrysler, together with its diesel engine partner Cummins, has concealed the nitrogen oxide output of certain Ram vehicles produced between 2007 and 2012. The NOx pollutants were meant to be broken down in a process called regeneration in the truck's NAC system, or NOx Absorption Catalyst, which predated the 2013-introduced SCR, or Selective Catalytic Reduction system. By design, the NAC captures and stores NOx emissions, converting them to nitrogen and oxygen through a catalytic process. The lawsuit claims the Cummins engine's system has a limited capacity to store the emissions, and as a result the pollutants escape, increasing emissions, worsening fuel consumption and wearing down the catalytic converter. The later, cleaner SCR system uses a urea-water injection, and it gradually replaced the NAC on Cummins 6.7-liter engines, as it was first implemented in 2011 and made standard in 2013. As Bloomberg notes, the model years of Ram trucks involved in the lawsuit predate the earliest Volkswagen "Dieselgate" models by two years. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of 500,000 truck owners, accuses Chrysler and Cummins of fraud, false advertising and racketeering. As an underlying motive, the filing mentions a 2001 change in EPA emissions standards. Announced to become effective in 2010, the EPA requirements drove Chrysler and Cummins to try and reach those already by 2007. However, the NAC system is said to have fallen short of these goals, and the filing claims that Chrysler and Cummins chose to "rig" the engines instead. The affected vehicles predate the 2014 merger of Chrysler and Fiat. FCA US has released a statement regarding the lawsuit, saying it will contest the lawsuit "vigorously". News Source: BloombergImage Credit: Getty Editorial Government/Legal Green Chrysler Dodge RAM Emissions Diesel Vehicles FCA cummins diesel

It ain't easy keeping a Hellcat steady at 170 mph on ice

The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat you see hit the ice at Arsunda Speed Weekend in Sweden, over two hours north of Stockholm. It's said to be bone stock, save for the studded tires that help it grip on ice. But it apparently takes more than some steel studs and a lead foot to keep it pointed the right way. Just look at how much driver Alx Danielsson has to saw at the wheel to keep the Hellcat from veering off course. Fortunately he seems to have the chops to do so, being not only a native of Sweden (and therefor imbued from birth with otherworldly abilities to drive on ice) but also having won the highly competitive Formula Renault 3.5 Series championship back in 2006. In the end Danielsson hit a top speed in excess of 170 miles per hour, touted as some sort of record, however unofficial (and specific to Dodge Challengers). That's a fair bit shy of the 205 mph that Bentley achieved in the Continental Supersports, but while that model had slightly less power than the Hellcat, it did have the benefit of all-wheel drive – something that could make all the difference in these kinds of slippery conditions. Related Video:

2016 Dodge Viper ACR priced from $117,895

Fancy getting your hands on the all-new Dodge Viper ACR? Prepare to shell out at least $117,895, not counting destination or gas-guzzler tax. Those two add $1,995 and $2,100, respectively, for an out-the-door price of $121,990. That's $32,900 more than a base 2015 Viper, or the equivalent of a Challenger with a few options. As we explained previously, the ACR model doesn't do much for outright power – the 8.4-liter V10 offers up only five more ponies than before – but it does add suspension and aerodynamic upgrades that make this particular Viper far more potent on the track. The order books are officially open for the ACR, so if you've got the coin, get in touch with your local dealer. Until then, head into Comments and let us know what you think of the ACR's pricing. Would you shell out $118,000 for the ultimate Viper? DODGE OPENS ORDER BANKS FOR NEW 2016 DODGE VIPER ACR The fastest street-legal Viper track car ever offers a tremendous value for performance May 12, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Viper enthusiasts with the need for ultimate handling, performance and road course domination, as well as the ability to drive their Viper home from the track, can now place their orders for the fastest street-legal Viper track car ever. The Dodge brand has announced pricing and opened order banks for the recently introduced 2016 Dodge Viper ACR. Unveiled last week at the revamped Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit, the American Club Racer model of the iconic, hand-built American supercar will have a starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $117,895 (excluding destination and gas guzzler tax). "Bringing our street-legal Dodge Viper ACR back is going to arm our track enthusiasts with the ultimate weapon to dominate road courses across the country," said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO - Dodge and SRT Brands, FCA - North America. "This is without a doubt the best Viper ACR ever. The latest in aerodynamic, braking and tire technology will ensure its legendary performance reputation around the world." Originally introduced in 1999 and last available for the 2010 model year, the Viper ACR has a long-standing legacy as the ultimate street-legal track car for club racing. The new 2016 model honors that performance legacy with significant aerodynamic and suspension upgrades, new Carbon Ceramic brakes with six-piston calipers and high-performance tires specifically designed for ACR.