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Auto critic calls out Corvette, Mustang and Cherokee faithful

Most automotive purists fear change, but not without reason. Change, after all, did kill big-block V8s, along with most station wagons and manual transmissions. But change has also brought with it far more performance, safety and fuel economy - not to mention ridding the world of shag carpet interiors, bias-ply tires and those horrible motorized seatbelts of the early '90s.
By this time next year, the Chevy Corvette, Jeep Cherokee and next-generation Ford Mustang will all be on sale and will all, in some way, have angered or offended purists. To those critics, Mark Phelan of the Detroit Free Press is preemptively telling them to stop complaining - at least until they've all been driven. From the Corvette's square taillights and the Cherokee's radical nose to whatever pony car purists will harp on the 2015 Mustang for, Phelan's column points out the positives of automotive evolution and the negatives of staying the course for too long. That's fair enough, but do you think Phelan is on point, or all wet? Head on over to the Detroit Free Press to read his words, then have your say in Comments.

Train derailment leaves Jeep, GMC, Chevy pickups damaged in Nevada

An unfortunate train derailment is causing some inevitable delays for pickup truck customers west of Nevada. Yesterday morning, 33 train cars derailed in Lincoln County, and the cargo that was being transported consisted of new Jeep Gladiators and Wranglers along with Chevrolet Silverados and GMC Sierras, judging from the photos released by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. The train derailment also caused the adjacent road to be closed, and local law enforcement recommends the area is to be avoided as long as it takes to clean it all up. In the photos, damaged Jeeps and other trucks sit either on their wheels or shiny-side-down as the incident is being assessed. Available information says there were thankfully no personal injuries, but itÂ’s not likely any of these trucks will end up in customer hands, even with a significant discount. Pre-registration transport damage, significant or not, has often resulted in scrapping complete vehicles so that manufacturers can steer clear of liability issues. Hooniverse.com, which also reported on the incident, notes a couple of interesting things. Firstly, the upended Gladiator seems to have a pretty sturdy support structure for its glasshouse, thanks to its new rollbars. Another matter is that the GM trucks, also pictured, wear discreet and temporary transport steel wheels instead of fancier items, perhaps to deter thieves eager to grab a shiny set from trucks on their way to the dealer. Still, itÂ’s a shame these vehicles could never fulfill their hauling purposes in the hands of new owners. Perhaps the manufacturers can at least use the damage for data-gathering purposes. Related Video:    

Mopar introduces winter tire and wheel packages

Winter is coming, and Mopar will try to help drivers stay safe in the cold weather this year by offering a winter tire and wheel package for a variety of FCA US vehicles for the first time. The packages combine everything drivers need to be prepared for slick roads, including winter tires, steel wheels, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System sensors. Even better, the company delivers them mounted, balanced, and ready for installation. Customers can order the bundles from dealers now. Mopar offers packages with the General Altimax Arctic tire on the Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, Jeep Cherokee, and Chrysler 200. All- and rear-wheel drive configurations of the Chrysler 300 get the Michelin X-Ice Xi3, and the all- and rear-drive Dodge Charger models use the Continental WinterContact SI. Depending on the vehicle, prices vary between $242 and $292 per wheel, and Mopar will expand the program to even more models next year. Spending the extra money on winter tires really can make a difference. Experts are clear that the specialized rubber simply works better when the weather gets cold. They can shorten braking distances and improve traction – even with all-wheel drive. Plus, winter tires can often last for more than one year, which spreads out the investment. ALL-NEW MOPAR WINTER WHEEL ASSEMBLIES DELIVER ADDITIONAL COLD-WEATHER CONTROL 01/12/15 from Mopar Print this page Add this release to Your Downloads Mopar winter wheel assemblies include winter tire, steel rim, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Assemblies delivered mounted, balanced, ready to install December 1, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Winter is coming and just in time, so are all-new Mopar winter wheel assemblies. The all-new Mopar winter wheel assemblies are available for order for a variety of FCA US vehicles. Assemblies include a winter tire, steel rim and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and are delivered mounted and balanced, so you or your dealership can quickly and easily pop off all-season rims and rubber and put on cold-weather appropriate gear. "Mopar is rolling out our first-ever offering of winter wheel assemblies for those customers who desire a little extra control during the cold weather seasons," said Pietro Gorlier, Head of Parts and Service (Mopar), FCA – Global.