Last year, with just one production year and only 3,000 made, the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT® Demon was unleashed on American soil. The one-of-a-kind, street-legal drag car roared to life, set unheard of records and was immediately banned by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). Shortly thereafter, when the last 2017 Dodge Viper rolled off the line, it marked the end of an era. After 25 years, the hand-built, iconic, American supercar quietly ended production. So, months later, what has these two back in the spotlight? A charity auction that pairs the very last of both iconic vehicles to roll off their respective production lines. Barrett-Jackson, internationally renowned for their car collector auctions, is partnering with Dodge to bring the vehicles to the auction block. “We couldn’t be more excited to team up with Dodge for another significant sale,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Over the years, Barrett-Jackson has reached incredible milestones with Dodge. The sale of ‘The Ultimate Last Chance’ is a car collector’s dream and we are honored to partner with Dodge and support their philanthropic goals.” A car collector’s dream indeed. The two vehicles have a combined 1,485 horsepower. Both vehicles don the exclusive Viper Red exterior coat. And both have achieved legendary status – one on the track and the other on the … Read More
Author: Linda Steil
Whether in the market or staying in the know, start your research here
When searching for a new vehicle, where do you start your research? The overwhelming amount of information available online can be, well … overwhelming. But what if there was a website that broke it down for you and you could look at the best family vehicles on the market? Or the best all-wheel-drive vehicles, starting under $25,000? Luckily, there is. If you haven’t already visited KBB.com’s Awards & Top 10s page, it is a great place to go for information whether you’re actively searching for a new vehicle or just like to stay in-the-know. With expert- and current-owner reviews, plus safety ratings, all in the same place, it’s a cornucopia of great information that can quickly assist in narrowing your search. For instance, it would likely come as no surprise that the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica is one of KBB.com Editors’ 12 Best Family Cars of 2018. Like many others, they agree it is top-notch in all-around value. “Whether you want basic transportation for eight passengers, luxury accommodation for the same or an innovative class-exclusive plug-in hybrid that offers a real-world 30-plus miles of fuel-free range, the Pacifica has you covered.” Other predictable winners are members of the Jeep® brand lineup of SUVs. Some of the most notable include: Best AWD under $25,000 2018 Jeep Compass 2018 Jeep Renegade … Read More
Born unto Freedom and Adventure, Jeep® Wrangler was destined to be an American icon
The all-new 2018 Jeep® Wrangler has made a big entrance into the automotive world. With it comes a campaign emphasizing the soul of what makes the Wrangler an American icon. Is there such a thing as “too much freedom” or “too great an adventure”? You decide. Not to be outdone by its iconic cousin, the reimagined 2019 Jeep Cherokee takes you on a breathtaking journey as it demonstrates how the World Comes with It. If you’ve ever longed to “Go Your Own Way,” Jeep Cherokee can take you there. See for yourself …
Taking a backward glance as we continue our drive forward
Five years ago this month I was training to be a Chrysler Capital credit analyst. I’d already been an analyst for our parent company, but this was different. We had signed an agreement with FCA US LLC (formerly known as Chrysler Group), and a new division was about to be born – Chrysler Capital. I remember feeling so lucky and so nervous at the same time. I knew how to buy deals, but this was different. This was big. And I wanted to do the best possible job I could for the people that believed enough in me to make me a part of it. Of course, I wasn’t alone – either in the process or what I was feeling at the time. Another credit analyst, Mindy, was one of the first to approve a deal. In order to test all of the new systems that had been built, we onboarded a few dealers at a time to approve and fund deals before our official kickoff on May 1, 2013. She recalls feeling honored to be part of such an important chapter of our company’s history and that “it was crucial to ensure Chrysler Capital got off the ground running and was a success.” Today, Mindy takes pride in what she does every day. “My favorite part of what I … Read More
Autotrader names 2018 Ram 1500 to Best Interior List
I love my Ram truck. I’ve said it a million times. I love how it looks. I love how it sounds. I love the four-wheel-drive and the fact that I can help when someone needs help getting pulled out of a tough spot. And I particularly love how comfortable it is, even on long drives halfway across the country. It turns out, the editors at Autotrader concur, as they recently named the 2018 Ram 1500 to their Best Interior List. “What’s on the inside of a car is arguably as important as what is on the outside, since drivers and passengers spend all their travel time here,” said Tara Trompeter, managing editor for Autotrader. “Although there’s an all-new, fully redesigned 2019 Ram set to debut soon, we’re still smitten with the interior in the outgoing 2018 model. As you escalate through the Ram’s trim levels, the interior improves, with some top-end models offering luxury car levels of comfort and sophistication.” But there’s more to this story. On a list of what would primarily be considered luxury or sport vehicle brands, the 2018 Ram 1500 is the only truck. You may wonder, in a sea of sophistication, how does a self-proclaimed workhorse earn a spot on the “best dressed” list? Careful consideration to every inch, that’s how. The Ram truck design team … Read More
Kathryn Hahn turns up the volume in the Chrysler Pacifica S
As teenagers, we were all embarrassed by our parents a time or two. Now, as a parent myself, I feel like I’ve earned the right, on occasion, to be THAT parent and carry on the tradition. Evidently, the same holds true for actress Kathryn Hahn. In her latest role, starring in a series of commercials for the Chrysler Pacifica S, Hahn is the go-anywhere, do-everything mom in her blacked-out Pacifica S. From soccer practice to the school pickup line to a night out on the town with the girls. Watch the five-part series of Chrysler Pacifica S ads, starring Kathryn Hahn on the Chrysler YouTube channel.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
From the bottom of our hearts, we want to take a moment to wish everyone out there Happy Valentine’s Day. Today and every day, we appreciate you!
Why garage safety should be on your to-do list too
If I said the word “garage,” what does it bring to mind? Probably something to do with your vehicle. Maybe storage? For some, maybe the luxury of a workshop area. Garage safety was not likely something that ever entered even the back recesses of your mind. Mine either. Until a few months back when, in doing the very mundane task of taking the recycling out to sort it, I missed a step and found myself face-to-floor with a very hard and cold slab of concrete. Eight stiches to my face and one broken knee cap later and I have a whole new respect for making our home a safer place for the entire family. Luckily, just a few simple safety checks can help make your garage a safer place for you, your family and your vehicles. For starters, garages tend to be the first place we go when it comes to our storage needs. But excess clutter can lead to accidents. Things like tools, ladders and sports equipment should be properly stored to prevent tripping hazards and/or the antics of curious toddlers. The last thing you want to do is have your arms full of groceries and trip over an abandoned bike. Automatic garage door openers are commonplace these days, and ensuring they are working properly is essential. One important … Read More
A Super Bowl of super FCA US LLC ads
Controversy. It wouldn’t be a modern-day Super Bowl if some of the ads didn’t strike a chord and cause some kind of controversy. But let’s talk about that. It’s the Super Bowl – the largest audience that any advertiser will have at any given time throughout the calendar year. One 30-second spot is premium ad space (at a premium price), so digging deep, pushing the envelope and making people remember yours, out of the dozens of other ads that aired – isn’t that the goal? Some companies do it with humor. (Thank you Tide®.) Some companies do it by pulling at our heartstrings. Some use puppies. (Y’all missed the Budweiser pup, admit it.) In any case, those that are still talked about the morning following the game, are the brands who have succeeded. Traditionally, FCA US LLC has three Super Bowl spots. Traditionally, they were epic, movie-like commercials that drew you in and made you want more. Traditionally, they were awesome. This year, FCA US LLC announced they would air five ads during Super Bowl LII. When I read that, I thought surely it must be an error. And so I watched. Ram’s Icelandic Vikings was funny. (The long version is even better.) For a moment, I felt a little sorry for my cousins, who are all Minnesota Vikings fans, … Read More
Awaiting Super Bowl Sunday … alive with anticipation
Super Bowl Sunday is right around the corner. Somewhat of a holiday in our home, we look forward to it every year. We carefully prepare, getting game food and drinks ready and arranged in advance within eyesight of the television, so not a minute will be missed. The dog is walked, fed and ready to go for kickoff. We have and know our “spots” in advance. My husband will pace. Our daughter will curl up in the corner on her phone, looking up whenever my husband yells at the television. (She’s 11, what do you expect?) Then there’s me. I sit quietly and watch, commenting occasionally and explaining what just happened that caused the outburst from across the room. It’s game time. Not a moment will be missed. Because, after all, this is the Super Bowl. And that means, at a rumored $7.7 million for a 30-second spot, we’ll be watching closely to see what kind of comic relief the advertisers have to offer this year. Of course, I’ve already been scouring the internet, doing my best to find whatever I can regarding sneak peeks, teasers, etc. This year has been more challenging than previous years and I have to admit that, while it only makes me search harder, it also makes me happy. After all, there is a significant … Read More