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Dodge Charger Pursuit nets quickest lap in police car test

We wouldn't advocate trying to outrun the police, no matter what you're driving and no matter what they are. But if you see a Dodge Charger bearing down on you with blue lights flashing in your rearview mirror, you'd better think twice before attempting to flee, because the Charger Pursuit has once again emerged as the fastest police cruiser out there.
In the latest Police Vehicle Evaluation held by the Michigan State Police at Grattan Raceway, Dodge says its new Charger Pursuit AWD posted a lap time of 1:33.85. That's quicker than any of the other law enforcement vehicles present, but also makes it the quickest all-wheel-drive cruiser available to law-enforcement officials. That may not make it the quickest of all time, but that honor belongs to the rear-drive Dodge Charger Pursuit, which cuts a fraction of a second off its AWD counterpart's time with a 1:33.70. But in regions where the extra traction could come in handy, that's as negligible a difference as we've ever seen.
Of course, the annual PVE sessions held by the Michigan State Police take in to account a wide variety of performance tests, including top speed, acceleration, braking, handling, fuel economy and ergonomics. The MSP has yet to reveal its full findings from its 2014 model year tests, but we'll be sure to bring them to you when they are published.

Dodge Journey recalled for freezing fluid lines

The Basics: FCA is recalling 10,944 examples of the 2009-16 Dodge Journey - specifically those equipped with the optional engine block heaters and located in extremely cold climates. The Problem: Power steering fluid lines may leak when starting the engine in extremely cold weather, which would increase the amount of effort required to steer the vehicle. Injuries/Deaths: FCA reports that it is "unaware of any related injuries or accidents." The fix: The manufacturer is working on expediting replacement parts to resolve the issue in those vehicles potentially affected. If you own one: Expect to hear from the manufacturer soon to arrange service. Your chances of being affected are higher if you live in Canada, where a far greater number – estimated at 187,436 – of Journeys may be affected. Related Video: STATEMENT: FLUID LINE May 6, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 10,944 U.S.-market midsize crossover vehicles equipped with optional block heaters to address fluid-line durability in extreme, cold-weather conditions. An investigation found some lines carrying power-steering fluid may leak at engine start-up, when the vehicle is subject to extreme cold. Steering is not lost in such circumstances. However, if a vehicle is so-affected, the amount of physical effort required to steer may increase. The Company is unaware of any related injuries or accidents. Affected are certain model-year 2009-2016 Dodge Journey vehicles. An estimated 187,436 vehicles in Canada are also subject to this recall. Replacement parts are expected to become available soon. Affected customers will be notified accordingly. FCA US urges customers to follow the instructions on all recall notices. Customers with questions may call the FCA US Customer Care Center at 1-800-853-1403. Featured Gallery 2014 Dodge Journey Crossroad View 19 Photos News Source: FCA Recalls Dodge Crossover Minivan/Van dodge journey

2023 J.D. Power APEAL Study shows new-car customer satisfaction scores slip

J.D. Power survey results have been slightly up but mostly down for automakers this year, literally. In February, the 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study showed an overall decline compared the 2022 a month before the Customer Service Index Study did the same. The trend reversed in June with a better overall score on the 2023 U.S. Electric Vehicle Consideration Study than in 2022, then declined again the same month on with a lower overall score on the 2023 Initial Quality Study. The declines continue with the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, overall satisfaction among the 84,555 respondents down two points overall compared to 2022, to 845 out of 1,000 points. Because last year's score dropped compared to 2021, this year marks the first consecutive decline in the study's 28-year history. The study tries to "[measure] owners' emotional attachment and level of excitement with new vehicle" after 90 days of ownership by asking new owners to rate 37 attributes in 10 areas around the vehicle, such as the feeling they get when they hit the accelerator. Satisfaction with nine of the attributes is down this year versus last, fuel economy the only segment to show better results with 15 points more satisfaction. Styling and infotainment are big drags on satisfaction. Responses to new car exterior looks tallied 888 points, down from 894 last year, the largest drop in this year's study. On the digital side, less than half of those surveyed this year said they prefer using a manufacturer's built-in infotainment. From 70% of respondents in 2020 preferring to use a manufacturer's in-house software to play audio instead of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, that's 56% in 2023. Going all-in on Google appears to have the best effect. J.D. Power said that vehicles with both Google's Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS) and Google Automotive Services (GAS) "score higher in the infotainment category than those with no AAOS whatsoever. AAOS without GAS receives the lowest scores for infotainment of the three categories."  Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power, said, "Despite the technology and design innovations that manufacturers put into new vehicles, owners are lukewarm about them. While innovations like charging pads, vehicle apps and advanced audio features should enhance an owner’s experience, this is not the case when problems are experienced.