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Driving the 2019 Dodge Durango Pursuit | Bells and whistles, lights and sirens

Recently, we went to the FCA proving grounds in Chelsea, Mich., to test out the company's 2019 model-year lineup. There are a lot of cars to choose from, and only a limited time to drive them, so since we couldn't drive the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye (that drive is coming soon, though) naturally we gravitated to the flashiest, noisiest one: the 2019 Dodge Durango Pursuit police vehicle. This is the first time the Durango is being offered as a cop car, and there are a number of features that make it fit for service. All Durango Pursuit models feature all-wheel drive, and it's available with two different engines. The standard motor is the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, providing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The tester we got to drive, though, was equipped with the 5.7-liter hemi V8, good for 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. It also has a load-leveling performance suspension, which really helped out when we tossed it around the handling course. It has 8.1 inches of ground clearance, which means it can get to scenes off the beaten path. As much as we loved driving it, we had the most fun just playing with the lights and sirens of the Durango Pursuit. Standing outside the vehicle, the sirens and horn are incredibly loud, enough to make bystanders jump in fright. Dodge did a good job with the sound deadening, though, and the sustained wail wasn't bothersome when chasing imaginary suspects around the test track. One feature we didn't get to test out, but important to police duty, was the special Uconnect system in the Durango Pursuit. More than just an infotainment system, the seven-inch display is equipped to integrate various law enforcement systems. Another cool detail about the car, its tri-zone climate system is ideal for K9 units, with the ability to set separate HVAC settings for the dogs in the back of the car. Check out the video above, and stay tuned for more videos to come from our time spent at FCA's Chelsea proving grounds. Related Video: Dodge Crossover SUV Police/Emergency Special and Limited Editions Videos FCA

2019 Dodge Challenger Review and Buying Guide | Cause we still review awesome cars, too

The Dodge Challenger has now been kicking around without a complete redesign for a decade, yet it actually seems to be getting more popular in its old age. Credit a substantial overhaul a few years ago, constant tinkering, and a yearly roll out of exciting new variants. For the 2019 Dodge Challenger, we welcome the 797-horsepower Hellcat Redeye and R/T Scat Pack Widebody. However, there's an inherent honesty and unique goodness to the Challenger that allows it to still duke it out with the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro – despite those age-old rivals' transformation into something more akin to a sports car. The Challenger, by contrast, is 100% muscle car more concerned with straight-line performance than handling precision. It's also much bigger and practical, lending itself better to daily driver duty. That, plus its distinctive style and diverse model lineup, make it easy to see why the Challenger continues to enjoy such massive success. You can certainly count us among its fans. What's new for 2019? We say goodbye to the SRT 392 and Demon, but hello to the 797-horsepower Hellcat Redeye and R/T Scat Pack Widebody. The regular Hellcat gets a 10-hp bump as well as a new "dual snorkel" hood. Further down the Challenger pecking order, you can now get all-wheel drive on the base SXT. What's the interior and in-car technology like? The Challenger's interior certainly isn't as characterful and flamboyant as its exterior would suggest. The Mustang and Camaro are more interesting and distinctive inside. Still, there are some interesting design flourishes that spruce things up, from the base trim's standard houndstooth cloth to the two-tone leather choices available as options. Besides, we're not sure how flamboyant you need the interior to be in a car available in electric orange, blue, green and purple paint colors. Furthermore, what the Challenger interior may lack in visual pizzazz, it makes up for with space (see below) and technology. A 7-inch touchscreen is standard, but all trim levels have an 8.4-inch version available as an option or standard. Both are among the easiest to use in the industry, and we prefer the 8.4-inch unit in particular to what's offered by the Camaro and Mustang. Heck, the Ford doesn't even come standard with a touchscreen, let alone the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that are included on every Challenger. How big is it? For a performance coupe, the Challenger is enormous.

NHTSA investigates a million-plus Jeep Cherokees for parking brake issue

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating a potential safety issue that could be present in more than 1 million Jeep Cherokees sold for the 2014-2020 model years. Per owner complaints, these cars may be equipped with an electronic parking brake control module that is susceptible to water intrusion. If the water causes a short, it can result in uncommanded activation of the parking brake while the vehicle is in motion, which can lead to a stall, NHTSA says.  If you follow Jeep Cherokee news closely (and who doesn't?), this issue may ring a bell. That's because Jeep was on the hook for recalling the Cherokee for water intrusion into the liftgate control module, which is fitted right next to the parking brake module. In that instance, short circuits had the potential to cause a fire, which has not so far been indicated as a potential side effect of the new parking brake issue, but any time electricity is involved, there's usually at least some risk for ignition.  The Cherokee is just one of four Stellantis models with a new open investigation, the Detroit Free Press reported Tuesday. NHTSA is also looking into reports of a transmission problem that could strand owners of 2019-2021 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid minivans and a crankshaft and/or camshaft position sensor problem that could cause a stall in the 2016 Dodge Journey and Jeep Compass. Between the two, these investigations cover an additional 300,000 vehicles.  None of these vehicles are being recalled at this point, however a NHTSA investigation is the first major step toward a recall being initiated. The regulator will work with Stellantis to determine whether a recall is necessary.  Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Government/Legal Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ownership Safety SUV