What’s All the Fuss: Something’s Up with the Dodge Ram 3500 and Jeep Wrangler JL

Dodge has a long history of ruling the American muscle car industry. And the manufacturer has always taken a staunch stance when it comes to providing their customers with what they’re looking for: some of the most powerful combustible engines you can fit in a coupe or sedan. However, a recent change of ownership has caused Dodge to change its tune a little bit. Don’t misunderstand—raw power and speed are still the focal points of their performance lineup. But with an auto industry that’s inevitably evolving into an EV market, Dodge has announced that they are exploring concepts for what they call “eMuscle” technology. Along with benefitting the environment, electric motors are not bound by the same limits as combustible engines. In other words, an all-electric Charger or Challenger could wield considerably more power than its gas-powered predecessors (we know, it’s kind of a scary thought!). So, what do Dodge’s plans for an electric future look like? Below, Mount Airy CDJR shares everything we know so far. And we’ll also touch on what we expect from the 2022 Charger and 2022 Challenger models: Are the Charger and Challenger Going Electric? In July, Dodge announced that it would be launching the first-ever all-electric muscle car in 2024. If you’re like some other muscle car enthusiasts, you may be seething in your seat right now. After all, no other brand has outdone Dodge when it comes to producing incredibly powerful V8 muscle cars like the Charger Hellcat Redeye and Challenger SRT Super Stock. While the announcement definitely raised eyebrows, it also left many people scratching their heads, as the details were scarce and Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis proclaimed that the manufacturer won’t “sell electric cars—it will sell eMuscle.” The messaging was a little unclear, but fans are assuming eMuscle to be Dodge’s branding for an upcoming lineup of EVs. So, which models will be released under the eMuscle sub-brand? That’s the million-dollar question. Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis (which is now the parent company of Dodge), has clearly stated that the Charger and Challenger would be included in the future lineup. When asked during a conference call whether there was an all-electric Viper in the works, he refrained from comment. But then he followed with, “The Charger and Challenger, absolutely yes.” This is great news for fans of the legendary muscle cars, even if a little disappointing to those who were wishing for an electric revival of the Viper. Plenty of mystery surrounds Dodge’s EV plans, but we can be pretty confident that the Charger and Challenger will be part of them, even if they come with different nameplates. Stellantis has also debuted a slogan for Dodge’s future EV brand: “Tear up the streets...Not the planet.” But there’s another factor involved in the decision to go electric than merely cutting down on emissions. Kuniskis is on record for saying that “engineers are reaching a practical limit of what we can squeeze from internal combustion innovation...They know we know that electric motors can give us more.” He also suggested that his engineering team has technology that can give Dodge a performance advantage in the evolving market. “If a charger can make a Charger faster, then we’re all for it,” said Kuniskis. In a teaser video released on social media, Dodge’s concept electric muscle car appears to be doing a four-wheel burnout, which hints at an all-wheel-drive model. However, besides that short clip and the new eMuscle logo, the video didn’t leave much to go on. Though it’s no doubt a transformative step for the automaker to take, it’s easy to see why electrification is necessary if its goal is to remain atop the world of performance-based vehicles. So, what if you’re not sure about the whole muscle-car-gone-electric thing? Or what if you simply don’t want to wait another three years to get your hands on a world-class performance machine? Let’s take a look at what we can expect from the 2022 Charger and Challenger models: 2022 Dodge Charger Dodge hasn’t released any official information on the upcoming 2022 Charger, which means that it will likely be a carryover model. Therefore, it will probably be available in six trims—SXT, GT, R/T, Scat Pack, SRT Hellcat, and SRT Hellcat Redeye. Though the Charger may not be as iconic as its little brother, it has earned its own reputation for being an absolute beast. It has won countless accolades over the years, been the top choice of highway patrolmen, and remained among the fastest sedans in the world. Engine and Performance Assuming no major changes are made for 2022, the Charger should offer five different engines. Let’s be clear, the base engine is capable. And from there, the sheer power just gets ridiculous. The base 3.6-liter V6 produces 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque for the rear-wheel-drive SXT, while the GT and all-wheel-drive SXT sees 300 hp and 262 lb-ft. The R/T trim comes standard with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 that’s good for 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, and the Scat Pack’s naturally aspirated 6.4-liter V8 (a.k.a. 392 HEMI) produces 485 hp and 475 lb-ft. Things start getting absurd when you get to the SRT Hellcat, which is powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that yields 717 horses and 650 lb-ft. The Hellcat Redeye uses a similar engine, except it has been specially tuned to give out a whopping 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. All Charger models come with an automatic eight-speed transmission. Interior The interior of the 2022 Dodge Charger is all about function. The simplicity of the cabin mixed with the aggressive exterior ultimately creates an impressive balance. For a sport sedan, this model offers a lot of room for passengers, as well as impressive trunk space. And if you opt for the top-of-the-line SRT Hellcat Redeye, you’ll receive plenty of race-inspired features, such as a red 220-MPH speedometer. If you’ve ever tinkered with the Uconnect system before, you know how easy to use and responsive it is. Dodge’s infotainment system is among the best in the industry, and every Charger trim comes with it. Here are some additional features that you’ll get with the Charger’s interior: • Seven- or 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen • Seven-inch customizable digital information cluster • Push-button start • Performance shifter • Leather steering wheel • Available sport seats • Available heated front seats and steering wheel Exterior There’s no mistaking the Dodge Charger for any other vehicle when it comes to exterior appearance. The aerodynamic nose and LED headlights are joined by updated suspensions and brakes. Perhaps the most distinctive model is the Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye, which is more aggressive and wider. It also boasts fender flares in the front and rear fascias that extend 3.5 inches wider over the wheels. The Charger’s long wheelbase makes for more legroom inside. There are plenty of features that contribute to the unique, eye-catching exterior of the Charger, beginning with the race-inspired taillights, aggressive fenders, and headlight design, and signature hood scoop (R/T and above). LED daytime running lights, bifunctional halogen projector headlights, and LED fog lights to come standard. Higher trims can be had with high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights. Safety Amid all the power-hungriness, Dodge didn’t compromise on safety when designing the 2022 Charger. There are tons of standard and optional active and passive safety technologies to consider. For example, adaptive cruise control, hill start assist, advanced traction control, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking assistance, lane departure alert with lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning with active braking are all available. There are also a plethora of airbags planted throughout the cabin, including advanced multistage front airbags, a driver-side knee blocker airbag, and supplemental full-length airbags in the side curtain. The 2022 Dodge Charger has not been tested yet by the NHTSA or IIHS. But since the 2021 Charger performed well in crash tests for both organizations, we can expect the same for the upcoming model. 2022 Dodge Challenger As with the Charger, the 2022 Challenger will most likely be a carryover model. It doesn’t get more iconic than the Dodge Challenger. It’s perhaps the most recognized muscle car in the world, yet it has managed to maintain its old-school charm without becoming even the slightest obsolete. We expect the 2022 Challenger will be available in SXT, GT, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, SRT Hellcat Redeye, and SRT Super Stock configurations, though we can’t be certain until Dodge makes an official announcement. Engine and Performance There are several different engines available for the Dodge Challenger. The base engine is a 3.6-liter V6 that pumps 303 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque. The power grows as you step up the trims. For instance, the SRT Hellcat Redeye is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine with an output of 717 hp and 656 lb-ft. The most powerful variant, the SRT Super Stock, uses the same engine, but it has been tweaked to produce 807 hp and 707 lb-ft. You can get either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic transmission with each trim. Interior Don’t let the aggressive nature of the Dodge Challenger fool you—it’s really comfortable inside. A roomy cabin, leather seats, and soft-touch door panels? Yes, please! While the base variant emits a sense of luxury on its own, you can get even fancier by climbing the trim levels or purchasing the comfort package. This vehicle comes with its fair share of interior features, including a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, four-way passenger seat, 60-40 folding bench, and fixed rear windows. The 2022 Challenger comes with plenty of infotainment features as well. Here are a few examples: • Seven-inch infotainment touchscreen • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility • Integrated voice control • 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot • Two USB ports • Dual-zone climate control Exterior As in previous years, the 2022 Dodge Challenger sports an aggressive overall exterior, yet the curves are more fluid than some of the previous models. The aerodynamics is still second-to-none. And the muscle car is still as deliciously retro as ever. You can opt for 18- or 20-inch alloy wheels with all-season performance tires on your Challenger. Other features include body-color exterior mirrors, power mirrors with manual fold-away, automatic projector headlights, fog lights, front and rear solar control glass, LED split taillights, rear courtesy lights, a trunk lamp, body-color fascias, a gloss black grille, and a satin black rear spoiler. Safety Similar to the Charger, the 2022 Challenger has not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but previous crash tests suggest that it will earn stellar ratings. The base Challenger comes with a rearview camera, and there are loads of safety features available—from parking assist to roll stability control, from an aerial view camera system to a performance steering wheel. Conclusion Some muscle car enthusiasts will undoubtedly take issue with the recent news that Dodge will be electrifying their cars. But when it comes down to it, the transformation will allow the automaker to add even more power to the Charger and Challenger while also helping to preserve the planet. If you’re not crazy about the idea of waiting until 2024 for your new vehicle, then consider going with a 2021 or 2022 Dodge Charger or Dodge Challenger. Mount Airy CDJR will be glad to help you pick the perfect beast!

The Ram truck was first introduced in 1981 and it was meant to serve as anything from a comfortable family vehicle to a rugged work truck. As years went on, and with numerous awards won along the way, the RAM evolved to fit the ever-changing needs of the modern driver. Today the RAM truck has become a staple family/luxury/work vehicle that continues to impress and evolve. With both the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 truck models growing in popularity, it’s worth taking a close look into what makes each special. The toughest decision you will have to make when looking over the new Ram trucks is choosing which one to get, the Ram 2500 or the Ram 3500? Both have their own perks and special features, and one of them is sure to be a perfect fit for your lifestyle. Let’s have a look at both. The Ram 2500 In an ever-growing trend towards truck refinement, Dodge enters the 2021 luxury truck market in style with its new Ram 2500. This V-8 (HEMI 8-cylinder), eight-speed automatic, 3600 horsepower truck is flashy, tough, and about as top-of-the-line as a truck can get. The truth is, the difference between the 2500 and 3500 is not huge but it is noticeable. Basically, the Ram 2500 offers more grit and grunt at a lower price. But, both the 2500 and the 3500 come—at base level—with a 6.4-liter, V8 engine and the option for a 6.7-liter turbodiesel engine with 850 pound-feet of torque (this option is only $200 more on the Ram 2500). Inside the cabin, the 2500’s luxury is revealed. The all-leather seats with grey leather piping are easy to slide into, and they do well to match the feel of the soft surfaces throughout. The real wood accents, made from Black Argento, are a nice touch—as is the soft LED lighting in the door handles, footwells, and lower map pockets. Between the two trucks, the 2500 comes with a softer suspension, which makes it a better around-town driver. One nice touch the 2500 offers, and the Ram 3500 does not, is the Power Wagon trim level. At this level, the 2500 adds 33-inch tires and an upgraded suspension system that allows it to hit the trails pretty hard. The luxury truck movement is in full swing and the Ram has done an excellent job at not only keeping up with the market but also taking charge of it. The Ram 2500 is outfitted with all of Dodge’s celebrated performance standards and taken to a new level by using the finest of materials both inside and out. The Ram 3500 Take what you know of the Ram 2500 and add superior payload and towing capacity and you have the Ram 3500. To be more specific, the 3500 can handle up to around 7,600 pounds in payload, whereas the 2500 tops out around 4,000 pounds. This massive difference alone is enough reason for those who plan on pulling and hauling a lot of weight, or even a little weight often, to go for the Ram 3500. There are other differences beyond the amount of power between the Ram 3500 and 2500 models. For instance, the 3500 comes with the option for a large turbodiesel engine that offers 1,000 pound-feet of torque (that’s a ton!). This ultra-tough engine allows for a little over 35,000 pounds of towing (that’s enough weight to require a commercial license and will also require dual rear wheels). This is not an option with the Ram 2500. With all this talk of power, you would think the Ram 3500 would look like a semi-truck. It, actually, does not. It looks quite nice—much like the 2500—with nice leather interior seats, wood trim and ambient light, and extra comfy seating. It’s a nice place to be, inside the cabin of the 3500. The exterior looks just as nice: modern lines and curves but nothing too much to detract from the fact that this is one capable, tough truck. When it comes down to it, we like both the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 models the same. They are both superior in their own rights, and depending on what you need—extra towing power or not—either one is a wonderful fit. Come see us at Mount Airy CDJR today and we will help you get into the truck that you need!

Dodge has long been known for manufacturing vehicles that provide legendary performance. The combination of sheer power, muscle, and general toughness exhibited by models like the Challenger and Charger have remained unmatched by competitors for decades—despite many, many attempts. That said, it’s hard to imagine how Dodge’s lineup of vehicles could significantly improve in those areas. Yet, here we are. It’s 2021, and America’s car manufacturer has added even more high-performance variations to its lineup. The Challenger and Charger both get some upgrades that will make muscle car fans salivate. But the improvements don’t stop with the coupe and sedan; the Durango also joins the party. If you’re looking for the meanest, most American car on the planet, look no further. These Dodge high-performance models are as good as it gets (so far): Challenger SRT Super Stock This generation of the Challenger is in its 14th year of production, and its success is showing no signs of slowing down. That just goes to show how classic this muscle car really is. As in previous years, the 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock is, of course, insanely powerful. But it also provides a spacious cabin that allows the coupe to comfortably fit four adults. Moreover, drivers have plenty of modern technology at their fingertips, and the ride is much smoother than the horsepower would suggest. Speaking of horsepower, the Challenger SRT Super Stock comes with a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 that pushes a whopping 807 horses. This engine enables the car to travel 0-60 seconds in just 3.25 seconds. Whew. The SRT Super Stock is a widebody that rides on 18”x11” aluminum wheels. Nitto NTO5 drag radials wrap the wheels, which are the same tires found on the 2018 Challenger Redeye Demon. There have been several suspension improvements made on the SRT Super Stock for the 2021 model year, including re-tuned Bilstein dampers, launch-related upgrades, and a variety of drive modes meant to provide firmer ride and handling. New, incredibly-powerful brakes with Brembo four-piston brake calipers and 14.2” vented rotors top off the list of changes. Charger SRT Hellcat and Hellcat Redeye You love the Challenger. But it doesn’t provide quite enough room to haul your speed-obsessed family and friends around. Enter the 2021 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat and SRT Hellcat Redeye. Like the Challenger, both of these Charger trims are comfortable to drive, and they come with loads of standard safety features, an impressive infotainment system, and nice luxury touches like leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats. Both the Charger SRT Hellcat and SRT Hellcat Redeye provide absurd power. The Hellcat Redeye, which is designed to complement the Challenger trim of the same name, runs on the same engine: the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8. This engine provides 797 hp (80 more than the Hellcat), 707 lb-ft of torque, and a max speed of 203 mph. The Hellcat keeps it more responsible at just 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. All jokes aside, that’s still 10 more hp than the 2020 Charger SRT Hellcat produced. Both the Hellcat Redeye and Hellcat come with a new hood for the 2021 model year, which includes a bigger hood scoop to enhance air intake. And you can get a widebody version of the Hellcat, which extends the car’s width by 3.5 inches. Durango SRT Hellcat The 2021 Durango SRT Hellcat brings outrageous to the mid-size SUV market. Yes, it will comfortably fit three rows of passengers, and cargo space will allow you to carry plenty of groceries. It, too, provides quite a cushiony ride considering what lies beneath the hood. And it comes with plenty of safety features and luxuries, as well as FCA’s newest infotainment system (Uconnect 5) and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The 2021 Durango SRT Hellcat is powered by the same supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 mentioned earlier, which enables the SUV to pump out 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. The top speed is 180 mph, and 0-60 mph is rated at 3.5 seconds (remember, this is a three-row SUV). The towing capacity for the Durango SRT Hellcat is 8,700 pounds. FCA has confirmed that 2021 will be the only model year that the Durango SRT Hellcat will be available. Conclusion If you’re into high-performance automobiles, this is your year. Dodge has delivered with its 2021 versions of the Challenger SRT Super Stock, Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye and Hellcat, and Durango SRT Hellcat. Each model is wonderfully preposterous without sacrificing comfort. But you shouldn’t take our word for it. Schedule some test drives at Mount Airy CDJRF to experience the power yourself!