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NHTSA is investigating FCA shifters for roll-away accidents again, this time the rotary units

It seems FCA's shifter troubles aren't over yet. Now, just a few months after issuing a recall to resolve user-related issues with its monostable shifters, the company is again under investigation by NHTSA. The issue is related to the potential for cars to roll away when the rotary-style shifter is not properly placed in park. Two FCA models are the subject of this investigation: the 2013–2016 Ram 1500 and the 2014–2016 Dodge Durango. NHTSA estimates about 1,000,000 vehicles would be affected if a recall is issued. The investigation was started following 43 complaints of vehicles rolling away while supposedly being in "park." Among the complaints were reports of 25 crashes and 9 injuries. NHTSA does point out that in every incident, the parking brake was not engaged. A representative from FCA also gave us an official statement regarding the investigation: "FCA US is cooperating fully with NHTSA's investigation, the scope of which is limited. Other vehicles equipped with rotary shifters are not included. In accordance with prudent practice, the Company joins NHTSA in urging all drivers to use their vehicles' parking brakes." View 35 Photos As mentioned above, other Chrysler products with rotary shifters, such as the Pacifica minivan and 200 sedan, are not involved in this investigation. One of the key differences, as the representative told us, is that these vehicles have electronic parking brakes that automatically engage if the driver does not select park and then opens the door with the seatbelt unbuckled. The Ram 1500 and Durango feature mechanical, manually operated parking brakes and therefore cannot activate the brake automatically. Because this is currently an investigation, an exact cause for the incidents has yet to be determined, and none of the vehicles have been recalled. It's possible there could be a mechanical defect. However, the issue could be a confusing interface causing user error, as was the case with FCA's monostable shifters, where drivers think they've put the car in park but actually haven't. Something that indicates it could be a case of confused users is that NHTSA also opened an investigation into 2012–2014 Jaguar XF and Land Rover Range Rover Evoques for similar issues. Both vehicles use a rotary shifter and have had roll-away complaints levied as well. Even if it is a case of user error, FCA and Jaguar Land Rover may still have to recall their vehicles.

One-of-four carbon fiber-bodied Dodge Challenger Demon listed for sale

Exclusivity often comes at a high price; in this case, it's $169,995. That's how much Texas exotic car dealer BJ Motors is asking for one of the four carbon fiber-bodied Dodge Challenger Demons built by Speedkore. Many enthusiasts would balk at the idea of spending Audi R8 money on a Demon, but this example isn't your average Challenger. Unveiled at the 2017 SEMA show, and upgraded with 1,400 horsepower the following year, the model ditches the standard coupe's metal body panels for carbon fiber parts to lose about 200 pounds. The example offered for sale has six miles on the odometer so odds are no one has verified its quarter-mile time. The dealer noted the Demon in its inventory is the fourth and final carbon fiber-bodied example built. It's fitted with the stock engine, meaning power comes from a supercharged, 6.2-liter V8 engine that delivers 840 horsepower and 770 pound-feet of torque when burning 100-octane race gas, or 808 horsepower and 717 pound-feet of torque when slurping pump gas. It pops a 2.9-foot wheelie as it screams to 60 mph in 2.3 seconds. The person who ordered this Demon new ticked nearly every box on the list of options. It's equipped with heated and cooled front seats, an 18-speaker sound system, plus two-tone leather and Alcantara upholstery. However, as AllPar pointed out, the dealer makes no mention of the Demon Crate, which included skinny front tires, a block-off plate for the passenger-side door mirror, and a conical air filter, among other go-fast goodies. While spending $170,000 on a Dodge Challenger sounds utterly insane, we wouldn't be surprised if this rare example in like-new condition finds a new home quicker than the Demon goes down a drag strip. Dodge made 3,300 units and stock, metal-bodied examples with delivery mileage sold for an average of $143,000 in 2018, according to Hagerty. AllPar learned Speedkore charged $90,000 for the carbon fiber conversion. The equation tilts in favor of the buyer, which suggests the car's next owner may be more of an investor than an enthusiast. If you're more into classics, Speedkore also gave a 1970 Charger the carbon fiber treatment and rounded out the modifications with a 996-horsepower Demon crate engine. Alternatively, if you have a family to haul, the company made a carbon fiber-bodied Charger with 1,525 horsepower at the crank when running 26 pounds of boost. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences.

2014 Dodge Durango priced from $29,795*

With all the new updates the Dodge Durango is getting for 2014, one thing that Dodge isn't changing on its big SUV is the starting price. Just like the current model year, the 2014 Dodge Durango will be priced from $29,795 (*not including $995 for destination).
This price is for the base SXT model, but the 2014 Durango is also offered in a new Limited trim level (replacing the Crew) as well as the sporty R/T and the luxurious Citadel. The Durango Limited starts at $35,995 (an increase of $800 over the 2013 Crew), while the R/T now starts at $38,995 (up $2,500). The top-of-the-line Durango Citadel will start at $40,995 - an increase of $1,000.
The many improvements made to the 2014 Durango include revised exterior styling, added in-cabin tech and an eight-speed automatic transmission (expected to return better fuel economy). Dodge is saying that the V6 models will get 25 miles per gallon on the highway while V8 models are expected to score 23-mpg highway, but there are no official EPA numbers to report yet. Scroll down for the full press release.