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2014 Dodge Dart Blacktop glosses over performance

The Dodge Dart is a decent little car. It's honest, basic transportation, and many of us at Autoblog are genuinely fond of the Alfa Romeo-based compact sedan. For 2014, not a whole lot changes in the Dart world, save the addition of this new Blacktop edition that makes its debut here at the Detroit Auto Show.
It's all very simple, this Blacktop package, and doesn't actually alter performance in any way. Instead, buyers are treated to blacked-out exterior bits like 18-inch wheels, the crosshair grille and headlamp bezels. Inside, black/tungsten or black/red cloth seats are available, with red contrast stitching throughout the cabin.
Adding the Blacktop pack to your Dart SXT with the Rallye Appearance Group will set you back a scant $295, and while it's just an appearance package, it all looks pretty nice to us.

1942 Dodge Carryall from WWII featured on 'Jay Leno's Garage'

On this episode of Jay Leno's Garage, Leno takes a look at a unique Dodge Carryall, both in its past and present states. The Carryall is a 1942 model restored and modified by Winslow Bent at Legacy Classic Trucks in Wyoming. According to Bent, the truck spent time in Tunisia during World War II. Obviously it's no longer a military vehicle, but Bent explains that he and his crew built the truck to still be extremely durable, since its new owner wanted a support vehicle for classic car rallies around the world and in remote locations. To reach this end, the Carryall's original inline-six has been replaced with an intercooled Cummins 4BT turbocharged diesel four-cylinder. Bent modified the engine to make less power than it could in order to make the engine understressed and longer lasting. In total, it makes only 130 horsepower, but 380 pound-feet of torque. It also features a boxed frame and heavy duty axles. It's plenty practical, too, with a large roof rack, winch, and even an on-board welding setup. But it's not all hardcore upgrades, since it also has air conditioning. Check out all the other cool details and listen to Leno and Bent geek out over leaf springs and intakes in the video above. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Image Credit: YouTube / Jay Leno's Garage Aftermarket Dodge Truck SUV Off-Road Vehicles Special and Limited Editions Classics Videos Jay Lenos Garage dodge power wagon

FCA goes all-in on Jeep and Ram brands on cheap gas bet

It's no surprise that as SUV and truck sales remain strong in the wake of unusually cheap gas, Jeep and Ram sales are taking off. What is a surprise is that FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne thinks that cheap gas will be a "permanent condition," and feels strongly enough about it to change up North American manufacturing plans. Jeep appears to be the biggest beneficiary of the product realignment. In addition to increasing the sales estimates for the brand worldwide upwards to 2 million units a year by 2018, the brand will get a flood of investment for new product and powertrains. Consider the Wrangler Pickup to be part of the salvo, as well as the Grand Wagoneer three-row announced in 2014 as part of the original five-year plan. The Wrangler four-door will get at least two new powertrains, a diesel and mild hybrid version, in its next generation. That mild hybrid powertrain may utilize a 48-volt electrical system like the one that's being developed by Delphi and Bosch – which the suppliers think will be worth a 10 to 15 percent fuel economy gain at a minimum. Down the road, in the 2020s, the Wrangler could adopt a full hybrid system. The diesel powertrain is planned for 2019 or 2020. The Ram 1500 is also pegged to receive a mild hybrid system, again potentially based on 48-volt architecture, sometime after 2020. Lastly, Jeep and Ram will take over some of the production capacity of existing plants. The Sterling Heights, MI, plant that builds the Chrysler 200 will now build the Ram 1500; the Belvidere, IL, facility that produces the Dodge Dart will take over Cherokee output; the big Jeep facility in Toledo, OH, will be used for increased Wrangler demand. In 2015, according to FCA's numbers, car and van demand went down by 10 percent, but SUV demand went up 8 percent and truck demand 2 percent. Considering that these are high-margin vehicles, FCA can't ignore the math. FCA also won't build any new factories to supplement production to meet demand, but instead are reshuffling production priorities. Think of it this way: FCA is gambling on cheap gas being a permanent part of our lives, at least into the 2020s. By doubling down on SUVs and trucks, the company stands to win big, unless a spike in gas prices changes the landscape. FCA isn't talking about a Plan B, so they're all in. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out.