Dodge has decided to bid adieu to their popular Challenger, Charger, and Chrysler 300 models with pizzazz by wrapping up production with a show-stopping pitch-black SRT Demon 170. This last hurrah is about more than just a car, it's a tribute to a legacy spanning nearly two decades.
✌️ End of an Icon: The final ever example of the Dodge Challenger and Charger (at least, as we know them today) rolled off the production line in Ontario, Canada, on December 22nd.
🖤 Pitch Black Powerhouse: The last SRT Demon 170 boasts a heart-thumping 1,025 hp on E85 fuel, and a staggering speed of a quarter-mile in 8.9 seconds.
This may not be the last we hear of the iconic models. Word on the street is we could see the Charger EV as early as 2024.
Truck engine manufacturer Cummins Inc. is navigating through a pricey environmental compliance storm that will likely cost them around $2.04B in total charges.
🛻 Ram Concerns: The fine stems from regulatory scrutiny over undisclosed emission control devices in certain Ram truck models.
💰 Emissions Compliance Fallout: The charge includes a $1.675B fine, the largest civil penalty ever under the Clean Air Act, addressing emissions issues in Dodge Ram trucks. According to the Department of Justice, the company agreed to pay the fine to the U.S. and the State of California to settle the claims, marking the second-largest environmental penalty in the history of the nation (BP keeps the record for the largest fine after their massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico).
😤 No Sir, Not Here: Though the company has agreed to the fee, a spokesperson for Cummins said they have “seen no evidence that anyone acted in bad faith and [do] not admit any wrongdoing."
🤐 Lips Sealed: RAM-owner Stellantis has yet to speak on the matter.
We don’t know about you, but we probably wouldn’t fork over billions if we didn’t do anything wrong. But, you do you, Cummins.
Tesla has initiated yet another recall affecting approximately 120,423 Model S and Model X vehicles in response to concerns about the vehicles' doors potentially unlocking during a crash.
🔧 Software Solution: The recall, primarily involving 2021-2023 models, is being addressed with an over-the-air software update, negating the need for physical repairs at service centers.
🚪 Door Safety Concerns: The issue, identified during a routine crash test, revealed that a cabin door unlatched after impact increasing the likelihood and severity of injury.
🔍 NHTSA's Oversight: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that Tesla's solution involves an OTA update to comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.
⚡ Quick Action: Tesla has been proactive in addressing the issue, with owner notification letters expected to be mailed by February 17, 2024.
🔁 Repeat Offender: This recall follows another recent Tesla recall of 2.03M vehicles to install new safeguards in its flawed Autopilot system.
Stay safe, Tesla drivers! “Auto Updates” may be your best friend for a while.