Now That is a Jeep

This is the G. Patton Tomahawk, and it looks like a Jeep Wrangler subjected to repeated jabs of testosterone injections.  So much so, its grew an extra pair of wheels, while its skin became as hard as rock.

G. Patton, based out of China, have taken a standard Jeep Wrangler, which in itself isn’t no tame vehicle, and transformed it into this dark, six-wheeled leviathan that’ll probably take control of your dreams tonight, waking you up with a cold sweat. Its makers cut a Wrangler in half, got rid of the rear portion and replaced it with a pick-up bed.

Then, they added an extra axle, six humongous, 35-inch Mickey Thompson tires wrapped around 17-inch wheels, and an elongated hard top. The Jeep’s front fascia was redesigned into something more sinister, while the usual off-road embellishments, like a roof mounted LED bar light, a luggage rack, bull bars and a winch went on. Finally, thick coats of textured paint; military green contrasted with black, and aptly called the ‘Black Armour’, were applied.

Due to the added weight, the Wrangler’s standard 5-cylinder diesel engine was rendered inappropriate, and thus went in a  Jeep sourced, 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, that too boosted with a supercharger. However, the output of the engine is unknown, but we reckon it’ll be enough to give the six wheeled Tomahawk the grunt it requires.

Custom outfitting jeeps is no new venture.  People have been customizing them for years.  Some for the better, some not so much but different strokes for different folks right.  Well I think any jeep lover would have to agree, this one is straight up bad to the bone.

Come get more information at Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM Plano 4500 West Plano Parkway Plano, TX or give us a call at 972-867-6000 today!

RAM SUV?

Who remembers the old Ram SUV?  I do as my uncle had one back in the late 80’s.  I remember thinking how tough it looked.  He would deliver stuff to the old oilfield locations in it and I always wish I had one.

“You have the opportunity with a new frame for the next-generation Ram,” Manley said. “You have the opportunity to take a large SUV off of it because we already have a very, very capable frame today that is going to be upgraded.”

So they are planning on taking an amazing pickup truck, the Ram 1500 and using the platform to bring back the Ram Charger.  Awesome idea.  Let’s take a look at the new Ram 1500.

Consumer Reports magazine announced that the Dodge Ram 1500 pickup is the best full-size pickup, with a score of 78 in road testing, according to Automotive News. That scores 10 points ahead of Ford's F-Series. Consumer Reports is known for rigorous testing, and it's valuable for Dodge to receive this ranking and even be "recommended."

"Continued interior and powertrain improvements make the Ram a particularly well-rounded choice," said Jake Fisher, director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Conn, according to Automotive News.

Edmunds agrees, giving it an "A" rating and noting reasons for its ranking as "supple ride and composed handling; eight-speed transmission; impressive base V6 engine; refined cabin; impressive tech features and controls."

Come get more info at Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM Plano 4500 West Plano Parkway Plano, TX or give us a call at 972-867-6000 today!

Bring Back the Wagoneer

As SUV’s go, who doesn’t remember when Jeep brought us the Wagoneer.  Not quite a station wagon, it was quite literally the first ever sport utility vehicle.  It was first introduced in 1963 and since the term sport utility vehicle or suv had never yet crossed anyone’s lips, they just referred to it as a station wagon but it was much more than that.

I mean look at that bad boy.  You put bigger tires on that thing and you could drive over the top of most station wagons.  Last year Jeep introduced a Wagoneer concept.

The upcoming Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will not just be tricked out variants of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.  They will be completely separate models.  The only similarity might be sharing the same architecture.  Mike Manley, the Jeep head said, “the pinnacle of premium for the Jeep world is the Wagoneer name.  In the same way as you may have an Overland and a Summit, you have different trim levels.  So you could imagine the use of Wagoneer to denote a really premium vehicle, and the Grand Wagoneer takes it to the very next level.

FCA CEO Sergo Marchionne said that the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will be built at the Warren Truck Assembly plant in Detroit Mich.  This is where they are currently manufacturing the Ram 500.  The last Wagoneer ended production in 1991 but the name was used to denote a limited production Grand Cherokee in 1993.

For more information, come by Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM Plano 4500 West Plano Parkway Plano, TX or give us a call at 972-867-6000 today!

The Making of Dodge Ram

Dodge has a leader in the truck industry for almost one hundred years now. In 1981, however, the Dodge Ram pick-up made its splash in the market. Though the image of the ram has been their symbol since 1933, the actual vehicle names after the symbol was not created until almost 50 years later.

Vehicles were made in a slightly different manner back in 1981 than they are today. The original Dodge Ram was made of fresh sheet metal, which made the truck lighter, less likely to succumb to rust, and more bulky in shape. It was led by the infamous egg crate grille. Also, at the time new technology was released that put heating and air for vehicles at a peak performance, and the Dodge Ram was one of the first to use this technology. Dodge also decided to continue to use the same power under the hood that they always had for their other trucks. This consisted of a 3.7 liter that offered 95 horsepower, 5.2 liter V8 that offered 140 horsepower, and a 5.9 liter V8 which offered 170 horse power. Lastly, the Ram came in four different trim levels. The Base Model, Custom SE, Royal, and Royal SE.

Dodge has come a long way since that first Dodge Ram in 1981. Here we are, 35 years later and the 2016 model has been released with so many innovations you’ll have to see for yourself.

Come in for a test drive of our 2016 models at Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM Plano 4500 West Plano Parkway Plano, TX or give us a call at 972-867-6000 today!

Jeep Continues to Impress

What if I told you a vehicle could take on an Olympic event.  Ok, not only take on an event but actually complete an Olympic course.  I hear the doubts already creeping through your mind.  It happened folks.

The Jeep Renegade is the off-road brand's smallest offering, but clearly, that lack of physical footprint doesn't correlate to a lack of capability. To prove this, Jeep put an Olympic snowboarder behind the wheel of a very slightly modified Renegade, which the athlete drove up and down the rafting course at the Cardiff International White Water Centre in Wales.  The water doesn't appear too crazy-deep, as it only gets up to the bottom of the Renegade's front fascia. Nevertheless, Jeep added drain holes in the footwells and raised the airbag's ECU by half an inch.

The stunt is impressive to watch. It’s also impressive no other automaker has tired this before, making the Jeep Renegade the first vehicle to ever attempt the feat. The Renegade might not be the most capable Jeep in the stable, but it’s far more capable the large majority of crossovers in the market today.  It comes with the optional Active Drive Low 4WD system, which give the driver high- and low-range gears for trudging through mud or snow. Speaking of different terrains, the Renegade comes with Jeep’s Selec-Terrain traction system, which adjust the traction control and ABS systems for environments that include snow, sand, mud, and rock.

To see what else the Renegade can do at Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM Plano 4500 West Plano Parkway Plano, TX or give us a call at 972-867-6000 today!

Jeep Grand Cherokee Hellcat: Yes Please

You have got to be kidding me.  By now unless you have been living under a rock, everyone knows what a Hellcat is.  Well Jeep just announced they are going to produce a Hellcat version of the Grand Cherokee.

Jeep boss Mike Manley has said on video that the JGC Hellcat will arrive before the end of next year. Specs aren't known, but it seems likely that the Jeep Hellcat will share the blown 6.2-liter V8 used in the Charger and Challenger Hellcats. We've also heard rumors the Track hawk name could be used for this vehicle. In those applications, the beastly Hemi pumps out 707 manic horsepower.

An eight-speed automatic transmission developed by ZF will be the only unit offered. While Dodge’s Hellcats are rear-wheel drive, the Track hawk will ship with all-wheel drive, and that’s where the situation begins to get tricky. Car & Driver previously reported the Grand Cherokee’s all-wheel drive system can’t handle the Hellcat’s massive 707-horsepower and 650-lb-ft. output. Developing a new all-wheel drive system for a low-volume model has been ruled out for obvious cost reasons, so the eight-cylinder might have to be electronically detuned before it can be dropped in the Grand Cherokee’s engine bay.

In a separate interview, Manley revealed the on-again, off-again Wrangler-based pickup truck has finally been given the green light for production. The truck will be based on the next-generation Wrangler that’s expected to arrive in late 2017, and the two models will be assembled side by side in Toledo, Ohio. Further details will be announced later this month when Fiat-Chrysler publishes.

Find out what else they have cooking at Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM Plano 4500 West Plano Parkway Plano, TX or give us a call at 972-867-6000 today!

2016 Dodge Hellcat Crazy Colors

I don’t know about you but I hate your traditional boring colors, especially when it comes to muscle cars, it’s always red or black or red and black.  No creativity to speak of, until now.

This month Dodge has started offering a new stripe option only available on the most powerful muscle cars.  The SRT Hellcat stripes are now available to order on the top-of-the-line, 707-horsepower versions of both the Charger and Challenger. The dual full-length stripes run all the way up from the front lip, over the grille, up the hood, accentuating the NACA duct, along the roof, down the trunk lid, across the rear spoiler, and down the rear bumper. They feature a carbon-fiber texture, and can be ordered with any of eleven colors for a little extra.  Along with the stripes, Dodge has also announced that it is extending the availability of the exclusive Plum Crazy color – which was originally scheduled to expire at the end of December – for another month. The throwback hue can be ordered on Charger and Challenger models ranging from the SXT through the R/T models all the way up to the SRT 392 and Hellcat.

Here is the press release.

Given the exceptionally strong demand for Plum Crazy, the Dodge team is responding immediately to enthusiast demand and has extended the production of one of its most desired historic paint colors for the Dodge Challenger and Charger.  Initially, ordering for Plum Crazy was scheduled to end in December 2015. But exceptionally strong customer demand, plus the opportunity to pair this legendary high-impact hue with the new SRT Hellcat stripe, means dealers will be able to continue ordering the high-impact, highly popular color through January.
Since 1970, desire for this heritage hue continues to get stronger than ever – as the signature paint color is directly associated with high collectability and the famed "Mopar-or-no-car" legacy. Today, Dodge is offering Plum Crazy across the widest performance range of Challenger and Charger models ever.

For more information, come by Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM Plano 4500 West Plano Parkway Plano, TX or give us a call at 972-867-6000 today!

2016 Jeep Renegade

Jeep has once again gone back to their roots and come up with a design for the new Renegade. One that is modern yet keeps to what the brand is all about and all in the smallest offering from the company since coming up with the Willy’s model back in World War II times.

This new ‘back to our roots’ offering however shows just how serious that Jeep and or Chrysler are about keeping the brand alive and continuing to make what has become known around the world as one of the best off roading and rugged vehicles on the market, and the new Renegade has been given the same DNA right from the start.

The Renegade can be purchased with a couple of different engine options, for those that want to have a manual transmission to really keep the old Jeep DNA alive 1.4 liter Multi-Air turbo charged engine that is mated to a 6 speed manual transmission, for those are very serious about their Jeep’s this would be a perfect way to go, this option also will get up to 31 mpg on the highway if gas mileage is an important consideration.  The other option is a 2.4 Tigershark I4 engine that makes 180 horsepower with 174 ft.-lbs. of torque, quite strong for the small SUV. It is coupled with a 9 speed manual transmission, one of the first vehicles to ever offer 9 speeds and the only one in its class.

Come check one out today at Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM Plano 4500 West Plano Parkway Plano, TX or give us a call at 972-867-6000 today!

2016 Jeep Cherokee: Off-roading in Style

What does the s stand for you ask?  It stands for sport which makes this beauty fun to drive, and very easy on the eyes.

The new Cherokee shares its underpinnings with the Chrysler 200, Dodge Dart and new parent company Fiat 500L, before adding its newly styled body. Keeping its Jeep roots, the Cherokee is distinctive with its smaller chiseled front vertical grille and stylish lines. Think of the Cherokee as a pint-sized Grand Cherokee with the same level of refinement.  Jeep models are well-known for their off-road ability, and with four trim levels to choose from, you can select your level of refinement between the Sport, Latitude, off-road Trailhawk or luxury Limited model.

Engine choices include a standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a more potent 3.2-liter V-6 with nine-speed automatic transmissions. Front-wheel or four-wheel drive is available, and most Cherokee models include an Active Drive system where off-road, low-range gearing comes into play.  In addition, all four-wheel drive models include a Terrain dial to set the stage for Snow, Sand/Mud, Auto or Sport modes to improve tire grip.

The engine includes a stop/start feature this year that seamlessly shuts down at idle while braking. The system comes to life automatically when lifting off the brake pedal.  An adaptive cruise control system keeps the SUV a pre-set distance away from traffic ahead, braking or accelerating to achieve a set speed. The Jeep system is unique from rival adaptive cruise controls in that it offers a stop and go feature. While most other systems drop off at slow speeds, requiring the driver to take over, the Jeep system brings the SUV to a full stop in traffic and accelerates to the pre-set speed after taking pressure off the brake pedal. This feature can be defeated with a touch on the brake pedal, but once used to its sensitivity.

For more information, stop by Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM Plano 4500 West Plano Parkway Plano, TX or give us a call at 972-867-6000 today!

2016 Dodge Durango

For growing families, a Durango makes sense. All the more so, if you haul a boat or trailer at times. Towing capacity can reach 7,400 pounds with the available Hemi V8 engine.  All 2016 Durango models get new wheel finishes, and V6 engines gain stop-start technology. Four new body colors are available, and new appearance packages mix gloss black and body-color detailing, including a new Brass Monkey Appearance Package.

Rear-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available: V8 models get a low-range transfer case, while V6 models use a simpler single-speed unit.  Two strong engines are available. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 makes 290 or 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Dodge’s 5.7-liter Hemi V8 generates 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet. Both engines mate with an excellent 8-speed automatic transmission. A stylish rotary selector controls the transmission, and all Durango’s have paddle shifters.  The Hemi V8 uses cylinder deactivation to save fuel, while V6 models now include engine stop-start technology. All models have a selectable Eco Mode. Despite all that technology, don’t expect frugal motoring, especially from the V8, though Durango’s gas-mileage estimates aren’t much lower than other large crossovers.

The Durango has a solid list of safety features. Without the available rearview camera and parking sensors, outward visibility is poor. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rated Durango Good, its top rating, in all of its four tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave it four stars out of five overall: four in frontal crash and five in side collision.

Come see all of the offerings at Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM Plano 4500 West Plano Parkway Plano, TX or give us a call at 972-867-6000 today!

2015 Jeep Renegade: Prepare for Adventure

Get ready for crazy new and exciting adventures in the brand new 2015 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk! This 4X4 with 20:1 crawl ratio is ideal for your weekend trips to almost any location! The new and improved Selec-Terrain System comes with 5 different terrain settings including a Rock Mode for those spur of the moment mountain get-a-ways! This lovely model comes with an 8 inch lift with off road suspension and hill descent control as well as 17 inch off road aluminum wheels.

The exterior of this new model is insanely equipped for nearly any trip imaginable. Red tow hooks, skid plates, off road fascias, and a black accent roof and roof rails are just a few of the outside features allowing you to look good and travel smart. The interior features are no joke either! A leather wrapped heated steering wheel for those adventures in the colder months, open-air dual panel roof for those summer trips, Selec-Terrain traction control for total safety, and hands-free calling are a few of the interior features that will keep you comfortable while also keeping you and those around you safe. 

The new model comes equipped with a 2.4-liter Tigershark engine with a 9 speed automatic transmission. It has enough room inside to comfortably seat 5 passengers and has tons of cargo area in the back and other ingenious storage spaces for all of your supplies and baggage!

Come in to check out the daring and adventurous 2015 model at Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM Plano 4500 West Plano Parkway Plano, TX or give us a call at 972-867-6000 today!

Jeep: An American Original

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk V-6 is aimed at a whole new generation of the American man.  Just being tough isn’t enough anymore.  The Trailhawk knows how to appeal to the new “sensitive modern man.”  This coming from the brand that helped the Allies win World War II.

It earns its Trail Rated badge by lofting the shared architecture an inch further from the dirt, tucking it behind skid plates, and fitting a locking rear differential, knobby Firestone Destination A/T tires, and unique front and rear fascia’s that up its off-road-critical approach, departure, and break over angles to 29.9, 32.2, and 22.9 degrees. Those are increases of 8.9, 4.9, and 1.2 from the regular Cherokee’s. Should you get in over your elevated head, the ’Hawk’s three tow hooks—two up front, one in back, all bright red regardless of exterior color choice—give the rescue party something easy to snatch without bending any suspension components.

The Firestones’ chunky tread blocks promise off-road capability, but sacrifice little on-road refinement in exchange. Its suspension clearly designed for more than crawling over rocks, the Cherokee is quiet and composed over the road. None of its varied platform-mates is so refined. Steering response remains sharp, with a degree of road feel we’d never have expected in a Jeep. And the firm brake pedal feels like foreshadowing for a Cherokee Abarth. The Trailhawk circled the skid pad at a respectable 0.77 g, just 0.02 down on the pavement-oriented Limited.

You know you can’t wait to get behind the wheel of this one.  Come check it out at Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM Plano 4500 West Plano Parkway Plano, TX or give us a call at 972-867-6000 today!

  

The 2015 Chrysler 200: First Look

The 2015 Chrysler 200 is the first of a series of cars with “The New Face of Chrysler” with its integrated grill and headlamps and updated Chrysler winged logo.

This edition of the 200 is completely redesigned and new from rubber to the roof.  It is built on a wide platform used with the Dodge Dart and Jeep Cherokee.  There are two engines available in front drive models – a 2.4 liter MultiAir2 Tigershark I-4 giving you 184 horse power and a 3.6 liter, Pentastar V-6, with a best in class 295 horse power.  Only the V-6 models will be available with all-wheel drive.  

The 200 is the benefit of an engineering revolution.  It is the first midsize sedan to feature a nine speed automatic transmission.  It also features the optional all-wheel drive system that can fully and automatically disconnect the rear axle for better fuel economy when four-corner traction is not needed.

Available safety equipment include Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus, which can fully brake the car without driver intervention, Full speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus which can slow or fully brake the car independently of the driver, and Lane Sense Lane Departure Warning-Plus, which adds steering wheel input to visual and audible warnings.

For more information on the new Chrysler lineup, come by today Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM Plano 4500 West Plano Parkway Plano, TX or give us a call at 972-867-6000 today!