2003 Dodge Neon Sxt on 2040-cars

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FCA plants skipping summer shutdown to keep up with demand

Hopefully, some FCA US factory employees don't have big plans for the usual summer shutdown, because the automaker is keeping several plants running this year. Demand is so high that the company wants to keep models rolling off the assembly lines. Four FCA US assembly plants, all the engine factories, and some locations that build transmissions are staying open throughout the summer, according to the Detroit Free Press. Usually, these sites would see a two-week shutdown for the company to retool and perform repairs. This year, factories are staying open for FCA to support its strong sales. The lines that remaining humming through the summer show an inclination toward the automaker's popular SUV's and crossovers. They include the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Michigan that builds the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango; Saltillo Van Assembly in Mexico that constructs the Ram ProMaster; Toledo Assembly Complex in Ohio that produces the Cherokee and Wrangler; and Toluca Assembly in Mexico that makes the Dodge Journey and Fiat 500. Related Video: News Source: The Detroit Free PressImage Credit: Bill Pugliano / Getty Images Plants/Manufacturing Dodge Fiat Jeep RAM FCA dodge journey fca us ram promaster Jefferson North Assembly Plant

Dodge Challenger Hellcat X is 805-hp worth of charity [w/video]

Donating to charity is good for the soul. You feel good and help out those in need, and while you should donate out of the goodness of your heart, there's nothing wrong with getting something in return. That's doubly true if that something (or somethings) happen to run on gasoline... a lot of gasoline. For just $3 (plus $40,000 in taxes), you could park not one, but two high-powered Mopars in your driveway. The big item, of course, is the world's most powerful Dodge Challenger Hellcat. Dubbed the Hellcat X after the XF6F, a twin-charged US Navy prototype that evolved into the Hellcat fighter from World War II. Its 6.2-liter, supercharged V8 has been supplemented by a turbocharger, boosting output to 805 horsepower. Because, you know, 707 just wasn't quite enough. It should be noted that the Hellcat X isn't a production model – Fiat Chrysler isn't going to be putting a twin-charged Hemi into production – but that it's a one-off job built for the 2015 Chrysler Nationals at Carlisle. Joining the Hellcat X is a handsome, black 1970 Challenger 440 R/T. Complete with a four-barrel carburetor (yeah, we were hoping for a Six Pack, as well), a pistol-grip shifter, and menacing black paint, this exact car was the star of 2012's "Revolution Reborn" television spot. And if this car's on-air claim to fame isn't enough, rest easy knowing you're the owner of just one of 100 black 440 R/Ts produced in 1970. Now, single tickets do start at $3, although there are larger bundles available, including a $5,000, 6,000-ticket package. Proceeds from the drawing, which is being put on by Dream Giveaway, will go towards New Beginning Children's Home charity, which issues grants to everything from the National Guard Educational Foundation to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. You can check out more on the Hellcat X in the video, below. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Dodge Grand Caravan to live in fleets through 2017

After a hard-working career of hauling around families for decades, the Dodge Grand Caravan name was set to retire in 2016 under FCA's five-year plan for the US. The decision would have put all of the automaker's focus behind the next-generation Chrysler Town & Country, but that original strategy might have changed. Now, Dodge's minivan may have to work just a few more years before it can finally shuffle off. There are set to be 2016 and 2017 model year examples of the current Grand Caravan, according to an internal FCA production document obtained by Automotive News. This report suggests no changes in the minivan between those two years, and there's no mention of the company's intentions deeper into the future. "While we've announced the Grand Caravan will eventually be the minivan that goes away, we're not going into more detail at this time," a Dodge spokesperson said to AN. For the next Town & Country, production would start in Windsor, Ontario, in late February 2016. This document also suggests a brief run of 2016 Chrysler minivans based on the current model from August 2015 until February 2016. Automotive News speculates that the reprieve for the Grand Caravan could allow that model to focus on fleets and the Canadian market while the new Town and Country gets up and running. The latest generation T&C will reportedly debut at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show and will possibly carry a higher price to befit a vehicle with a more modern platform and improved tech.