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Chrysler recalling 280k Dodge Ram 1500 pickups over axle seizures

Following a June investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will be recalling 280,000 Dodge Ram pickups from model year 2005. The issue, NHTSA told The Detroit News, centered on a loose pinion nut, which could cause the rear axle to seize and, potentially, the driveshaft to detach. The affected vehicles were built between January of 2004 and August of 2005, while of the 280,000 trucks, only 257,000 were sold in the US market. According to The News, the recall will begin on February 13, and will see owners report to dealerships to have "a retention feature" added to the pinion nut.

2021 Dodge Durango lineup gets price increases

The 2021 Dodge Durango is another example of Dodge's profitable specialty — minor exterior visual changes that bring outsized improvements, easily identifiable interior updates that elevate the cabin experience, and a whopping chungus engine at the top of the lineup. For 2021, the Durango wears Charger Widebody cues outside plus a new rear hatch spoiler, a new Tow N Go package for the Durango R/T, and a redesigned, driver-focused interior with an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. Prices go up across the lineup. Next year's Durango SXT RWD starts at $33,260, after the $1,495 destination charge, which is $970 more than in 2020. At the top end, the limited-run Durango SRT Hellcat starts at $80,995, an $18,000 jump over the current top of the line, the Hellcat-less SRT that picks up a "392" badge to signify its new position. Below those two are nine more models in rear- and all-wheel drive. Price for the whole range with the differences to 2020 are: Durango SXT RWD $33,260 ($970) Durango SXT AWD $35,860 ($970) Durango GT RWD $37,460 ($970) Durango GT AWD $40,060 ($970) Durango R/T RWD $46,800 ($910) Durango R/T AWD $49,400 ($910) Durango R/T AWD Tow N Go $54,395 Durango Citadel RWD $49,300 ($1,535)  Durango Citadel AWD $51,900 ($1,535) Durango SRT 392 AWD $64,490 (No Change) Durango SRT Hellcat AWD $82,490 If the Citadel price raises eyebrows, it's because Dodge reworked the model to stand out as the clear luxury buy above the R/T. It appears Dodge eliminated the Citadel trim currently priced below the R/T, which is $4,810 less than the 2021 Durango Citadel. The carmaker rebranded this year's Citadel Anodized Platinum, priced above the R/T, as the Citadel. The higher price pays for driver and front passenger seats that add leather and standard ventilation to the heating function, a suede headliner, the 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5 as standard with TomTom navigation, and driver assistance and safety features like adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning with active braking, and lane departure warning as standard. Those latter two features and some others can't be had on this year's model. Dodge has also thrown in the Trailer-Tow Group IV, a $1,195 option presently. The group installs an integrated trailer brake switch, heavy-duty engine oil cooler, Class IV hitch receiver, rear load-leveling shocks, full-size spare tire with the Class IV trailer receiver, and integrated brake controller.

Chrysler's Woodward Dream Cruise festivities include Ram concept truck debut

The streets will be crowded next weekend along Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak, Michigan for the 19th Annual Woodward Dream Cruise. As part of the run-up to the festivities, Chrysler has announced that all of its brands - Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Fiat, SRT and Mopar - will bring along their latest vehicles. Also included will be a collection of classic American cars and various activities for attendees at the official Chrysler location on the corner of Woodward and 13 Mile Road.
Special to this year, Ram brand director Bob Hegbloom and head of design John Dehner will unveil a Ram concept truck on Saturday. Chrysler will also bring Ryan Friedlinghaus of West Coast Customs fame along to show off a few custom Chrysler-made vehicles of his own. Fans of the brand on Facebook will get the chance to virtually customize a vehicle from the automaker's portfolio, with the winner getting their dream car built for them by Chrysler. Pretty cool stuff, no?
As in past years, Ford and General Motors will have an official presence at the event as well, and you can expect to see plenty of cars of all makes and models from all parts of the globe. The madness starts this Friday, August 16, from 4:30 PM to 10 PM, with the main event taking place on Saturday, from 9 AM to 9 PM. For more details on the show, including events and their times, check out the press release below.