2022 Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4x4 5'7 Box on 2040-cars

Auto blog

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.

Ram providing horsepower for 142nd Kentucky Derby

More than 120,000 people will descend on Louisville, KY for the 142nd Kentucky Derby this weekend. Seersucker, bowties, and very large, obnoxious hats will be the most common attire among those in attendance, all of whom will have an unquenchable thirst for mint juleps. Ram wants to capture their attention. The truckmaker has announced a new "multi-tier sponsorship" of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby, and will serve as a major advertiser during Saturday's race. The company will air two 30-second advertisements during NBC's broadcast. The first, titled "Truck People – Derby" is up top, while Ram is saving the second, "Never Settle," for race day. Beyond the ads, racegoers will be treated to on-site displays around the track, which is perhaps the best evidence of a truck's toughness – if the official truck of the Kentucky Derby can survive its notoriously "decadent and depraved" infield, it can probably handle towing a boat or hauling topsoil. The three trucks, a Rebel, a 1500 Limited, and a dual-axle 3500 Limited will even be decked out in jockey-like styles. To help build up to its Derby involvement, Ram has released a first-person point-of-view video, just in case you've ever wondered what kind of view the jockeys have as they lap the one-mile dirt track. You can see that video below. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Ram debuts Rumble Bee redux at Woodward [w/video]

Ten years ago, when the Ram truck still wore a Dodge badge, a special yellow-and-black model called the Rumble Bee launched, paying homage to the Super Bee muscle car of the 1960s. Now, we have the Charger Super Bee, wearing the same buzzworthy paint job. But for the 2013 Woodward Dream Cruise, Ram has created a modern version of that Rumble Bee pickup based on the current 2013 Ram 1500, though unlike the last go-around, this one is purely a concept. For now, anyway.
This concept truck uses the 1500's lightest configuration - a single cab, two-wheel-drive model. From there, it has been painted in Drone Yellow with a matte finish, and a Mopar ground effects kit gives the truck a more aggressive stance on the road. The large, 22-inch wheels certainly help that, as well, painted in black to match the other dark accents found around the pickup's body.
Inside, to no one's surprise, the black and yellow theme carries on, with leather upholstery and sport mesh seats. That Rumble Bee logo adorns the chairs and floor mats, but the coolest (or weirdest) touch is the actual amber-encased bee found within the rotary shift knob. Seriously.