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Refreshed Chrysler 300 SRT won't be sold in NA

It looks like it might be time to bid farewell to the V8 rumble from the Chrysler 300 SRT - at least if you live in North America. The reported change comes as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles reshuffles its ranks with the Dodge brand, re-absorbing SRT and building its muscular reputation with the Challenger and Charger Hellcat models. Meanwhile, Chrysler is taking a more mainstream approach, and that likely means the end of overt high-performance models from the division for now.
According to Automotive News, the 300 SRT will be discontinued in the US for 2015, but it won't be totally dead. Some right-hand drive markets will still get the brawny V8 sedan next year, a distinction that goes a long way toward explaining some spy shots we've seen recently.
The 300 SRT's North American demise probably shouldn't come as a total shock. In FCA's five-year plan, it says that the 300 is destined for a refresh to be unveiled later this year, presumably at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show. There's no mention of the SRT model in the document, though, which seems to signal its end.

2016 Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice is a Superhero special [w/video]

The Jeep Renegade doesn't fit the usual image for the Batmobile, but it seems Bruce Wayne is willing to use what's around in a pinch. Thanks to the compact crossover's appearance for a scene in the upcoming Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice movie, a new version now offers customers a blacked-out CUV that looks tailor made for the Dark Knight. Buyers can order the Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition in an exclusive shade called Carbon Black or a lighter Granite Crystal with a gloss black roof. To continue the dark look, Jeep fits shiny black trim and 18-inch wheels in the same color, and there's an emblem that blends Superman and Batman's logos. The shadowy appearance continues inside on the cloth seats and gloss trim, but metal diamond accents on the gearshift and door handles offer some contrast. The company bases the Dawn of Justice edition on the Latitude 4x4 trim with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder and nine-speed automatic. It comes standard with the Popular Equipment Group, which combines remote start, a power driver's seat, and dual-zone climate control. The Dawn of Justice Special Edition retails for $27,245 (after $995 destination) and is available now. Company spokesperson Todd Goyer tells Autoblog that Jeep expects production to be in the "low thousands." You can watch Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne speeding around in a Renegade below in the ad for this superhero-themed version. The film hits theaters on March 25. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Related Video: FCA US LAUNCHES ONE-OF-A-KIND CO-BRANDED PARTNERSHIP WITH WARNER BROS. PICTURES' BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE Jeep® and Dodge brands debut marketing campaigns as part of promotional partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures' highly anticipated Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, opening nationwide in theaters on March 25, 2016 Jeep brand introduces all-new 2016 Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition available now in dealerships across the country Jeep and Dodge brands to launch commercials using hero scenes from the film February 22, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC and Warner Bros. Pictures are joining forces in a one-of-kind co-branded partnership to mark the premiere of the highly anticipated debut of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (opening nationwide in theaters on March 25, 2016).

NHTSA closes investigation into Jeep Liberty fires

The investigation that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened into the Jeep Liberty in October 2013 has been closed. NHTSA received two (!) complaints about fires starting in the driver's door, thought to be caused by the master power window switch. The initial estimate was that 80,000 Libertys could be roped into a possible recall, but according to a report in the Detroit News the agency examined records for 425,000 Chrysler products that used the same window switch, including the Dodge Nitro and Chrysler Town & Country minivan.
After canvassing 265 warranty claims related to the master switches, NHTSA concluded that the rate of fires compared to the "large population of vehicles" was rather low, and that there was no trend pattern behind the few issues it did find. Perhaps with that, and the closure of the trailer hitch investigation, the Liberty can finally rest in peace.