2024 Dodge Durango R/t on 2040-cars

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Stellantis previews 4 electric platforms: Here's how they'll be used

Stellantis EV Day is hitting hard and fast this morning, with big news coming from Dodge and Ram and Jeep and the rest. But to support those brand transformations, a core initiative within Stellantis will help it become a leader in electrification. To do that, the group is developing platforms and technologies with cross-shared components and systems. This starts with four flexible BEV platforms: STLA Small, STLA Medium, STLA Large and STLA Frame. As for targeted numbers, they’re lofty: By 2024, Stellantis aims for over 500 miles of range, 0-62 mph in 2 seconds and charging 200 miles of range in 10 minutes. The four platforms will offer battery capacities from 37 kWh to more than 200 kWh. More specifically, STLA Small will offer 37-82 kWh and up to 300 miles of range. STLA Medium will have 87-104 kWh and up to 440 miles. STLA Large will provide 101-118 kWh and up to 500 miles of range. The truck-focused STLA Frame will provide 159-200+ kWh and up to 500 miles of range (and will support an electric Ram 1500 pickup). Chrysler EV Front 34 View 8 Photos Stellantis has big plans for the STLA Large platform, and is currently developing eight vehicles for it in the next three to five years. Examples of possible vehicles shown include a midsize Ram truck and a Jeep off-roader that could fight against the likes of the Toyota 4Runner. Stellantis design boss Ralph Gilles could be seen in a presentation looking over a Chrysler electric crossover based on this platform. We also saw a Wagoneer badge teased momentarily. There was a rendered silhouette of a crossover that looked like it could compete with the Ford Mustang Mach-E. Gilles said the platform would allow Stellantis to “create a long-range luxury sedan, an all-conquering muscle car, a heart-of-the-market DUV, a heart-of-the-market SUV, a very capable Jeep off-roading white-space opportunity vehicle as well as a new mid-sized truck.” See for yourself in this video starting at the 90-minute mark. As for powertrains, Stellantis is developing three electric drive modules with a shared, scalable inverter, and other common components, as well as in-house software to control them. Those drive units will offer from 70 to 330 kW (94-402 horsepower). More specifically, one EDM will provide 70 kW, a second will provide 125-180 kW, while the most potent can produce 150-330 kW.

25,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango SUVs recalled over brake feel

Chrysler has announced that it is recalling over 25,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango SUVs from several markets over concerns about brake feel under hard braking. The affected models are from the 2012 and 2013 model years, although the actual dates of production aren't available. 18,700 are in the US, while 825 are in Canada, 530 are in Mexico and a further 5,200 outside of North America.
According to a statement, Chrysler was informed of the issue by a component supplier for the Ready Alert Braking system, which primes the brakes in anticipation of an emergency stop. A component in the system was restricting the flow of brake fluid too much.
As Chrysler is quick to point out, the way the brakes functioned was in compliance with regulations and there are no reported cases of drivers losing braking power. Instead, the issue rests with what Chrysler calls a pedal feel that "was not consistent with customer expectations." So it would seem Chrysler is being proactive and fixing a problem not because there's a legal issue at work, but simply because it doesn't feel the way the manufacturer wants it to. Well done.

FCA to recall 318,000 vehicles for faulty backup camera software

An array of 2019 and 2020 FCA vehicles are being recalled over faulty backup camera software that doesn’t meet federal regulations. According to recall documents, the backup camera may not turn off “until a drive cycle ends.” ThatÂ’s far longer than the 10-second linger time allowed by the rules, so FCA has to recall all of the vehicles to implement a fix. WeÂ’ve listed all of the vehicles involved below. 2020 Jeep Gladiator 2020 Jeep Cherokee 2019-2020 Ram 1500 2019-2020 Ram 2500  2019-2020 Ram 3500 2019-2020 Chrysler Pacifica 2019-2020 Dodge Durango 2019-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2019-2020 Jeep Wrangler 2019-2020 Jeep Renegade 2019 Dodge Challenger ItÂ’s an extensive list encompassing a huge chunk of FCAÂ’s lineup in the United States. In total, FCA is recalling 318,537 vehicles. They must be equipped with the 8.4-inch or 12-inch infotainment system for the problem to present itself. FCA expects the recall to start on May 22 this year and will begin to notify owners soon. To fix the vehicles that may be affected, FCA plans to update the infotainment system at the dealer or over-the-air. If youÂ’ve noticed a screen thatÂ’s sluggish to relinquish its hold on the backup camera feed (or maybe never does), then you have this recall to look forward to. Update: FCA has provided additional information about the repair methodology. Customers will be able to receive an update over the air or have their cars updated at the dealership. Customers will begin receiving notifications this month. Related video: Recalls Chrysler Dodge Jeep Crossover Minivan/Van SUV