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Chrysler readying 20 Moparized vehicles for SEMA

The Las Vegas Convention Center has plenty of space for aftermarket companies and automakers to show off their wares, and it looks like Chrysler is taking advantage of the spacious floor plan. At next month's SEMA Show, Chrysler will have a full 20 cars from its six brands decked out with Mopar gear.
As a hint of what is to come, Chrysler released a handful of teaser sketches showing glimpses of modified Jeep Cherokee, Ram 1500, Fiat 500L and Chrysler 300 concept vehicles. The automaker will also use the venue to show off a new line of Jeep Performance Parts offered by the all-new Mopar Off-Road Division. In addition to the images, Chrysler also issued a brief press release - posted below - breaking down some of the "industry-first features" that Mopar has offered in recent years.

FCA recalls 15k Grand Cherokees, Durangos over brake issues

The Basics: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is recalling 14,768 examples of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango, both from the 2015 and 2016 model years, and built between December 9, 2015, and January 14, 2016. The Problem: The left front brake caliper on some vehicles may have been made from the wrong type of iron, and could be prone to crack. A cracked brake caliper may not function properly. Injuries/Deaths: None reported. The problem was discovered by the automaker during testing. The fix: Dealers will need to check the casting date of the component in question, and if necessary, replace the brake caliper. The schedule for carrying out the recall service has yet to be outlined. If you own one: Expect to hear from the manufacturer to arrange an appointment with your local dealer. Related Video: RECALL Subject : Front Left Brake Caliper May Break Report Receipt Date: MAR 23, 2016 NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V168000 Component(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Potential Number of Units Affected: 14,768 Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) SUMMARY: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured December 9, 2015, to January 14, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the left front brake caliper may crack due to being made from an incorrect material. CONSEQUENCE: A cracked brake caliper may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash. REMEDY: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front left brake caliper and depending on its casting date, replace it, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S16. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Detroit's new fleet of donated police cars have safety issues [w/video]

In a show of generosity in mid-August, Detroit's business leaders donated $8 million to the Police Department and Fire Department in order to buy 100 new police vehicles and 23 EMS ambulances. But now officers have discovered - and complained - that the police vehicles have glaring safety issues, Deadline Detroit reports. It is not made clear what models of the fleet vehicles - which include police versions of the Ford Taurus, the Chevrolet Caprice and the Dodge Charger - are affected by the safety issues.
Officers reportedly have complained that the Plexiglass partition separating front-seat officers and back-seat prisoners is easily breached, and that the front passenger seat is installed too close to the dashboard. Prisoners who manage to writhe out of their handcuffs can bend the Plexiglass and reach into the cockpit, and sitting too close to the dashboard can render airbags more dangerous and make officers more vulnerable to injury in a crash.
Mark Diaz, president of the Detroit Police Officers Association, received the complaints and reportedly said the vehicles would get safety updates addressing the issues. But Deadline Detroit reports that it checked some of the offending police cars and, as of the last few days, they hadn't been updated.