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Dodge Viper might not live past 2017

The Dodge Viper might be running out of venom because the muscle-bound sports car could be on the road to being cancelled in just a few years. According to Allpar, the proposed deal between the United Auto Workers and FCA US would close the Connor Avenue Assembly plant, which produces the Viper, in 2017. The proposed union contract doesn't give a reason for closing the factory, but the decision is understandable if frustrating. The plant was idled twice last year to reduce production of the Viper to match flagging demand. A $15,000 price cut for the coupe eventually allowed for a sales surge, but that appetite hasn't continued in 2015. From January through September of this year, the company has only moved 503 of the sports cars, down eight percent. To further spur demand, Dodge has employed a few other tactics like the 1 of 1 program for buyers to personalize their Vipers, and the introduction of the brutally track-focused ACR. In a world where high-end sports cars are continuing to get friendlier for both their drivers and the environment, the Viper remains a holdout with a big, naturally aspirated V10. Even with the addition of some electronic aids on the latest Vipers, the snake still demands respect from those behind the wheel. Respect is fine, but sales are what matter to FCA – and the harsh reality is that a lack thereof might force the Viper into retirement, whether we like it or not.

Chrysler Recalling 700k Vehicles For Ignition Switch Woes

General Motors isn't the only automaker with ignition switch problems. Chrysler is fighting it too and is now announcing a recall of 695,957 examples worldwide of the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans from the 2008-2010 model years, plus the 2009-2010 Dodge Journey. According to a statement from Chrysler, the models have a bad wireless ignition node detent ring in the ignition switch, making it possible for drivers to appear to have the key in the "Run" position but for the spring not to fully engage. It can then slip back to the "Accessory" position and shut the car off. If this happens, the vehicle loses power steering, brake boost and the airbags. There is some disparity about the number of vehicles affected under this recall. In its statement, Chrysler claims that it covers 525,206 vehicles in the US, 102,892 in Canada, 25,591 in Mexico and 42,268 elsewhere. However, the recall announcement posted by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration lists an estimated 438,109 vehicles in the US. Chrysler spokesperson Nick Cappa told Autoblog via email that the reasoning for the different figures "will become clear at a later date." To fix the problem, Chrysler will install a new detent ring in the vehicles. It will begin contacting owners soon, and obviously the repair will be free of charge. This isn't the first time this problem has cropped up in these models. Chrysler issued a recall for 248,437 vehicles in 2011 for certain 2010 model year examples. A few weeks ago, NHTSA also began investigating the 2008-2010 model years of the affected models for ignition switch problems. At this time, it's not clear whether that evaluation and this campaign are linked. Chrysler told Autoblog that it has no reports of injuries related to the problem. Scroll down to read the company's statement and the NHTSA recall report. Statement: Expansion of Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) safety recall July 1, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Out of an abundance of caution, Chrysler Group is expanding a previous safety recall to install a more robust WIN module detent ring. A previous recall in 2010 included 196,000 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan and Dodge Journey vehicles built August 2, 2009 through June 17, 2010. The expansion includes an additional 695,957 vehicles manufactured January 29, 2007 through August 1, 2009.

Mopar '13 Dart is a bruiser of a compact

For the fourth year in a row, Mopar is offering a limited-production car decked with a plenty of add-ons and a unique look. This year's black-and-blue car is the Mopar '13 Dart, which was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show with the now-signature paint scheme. Like previous Mopar models, only 500 of the '13 Darts will be built. Past models include the Mopar '10 Challenger, Mopar '11 Charger and the Mopar '12 300.
The all-black Dart gets a brightly contrasting, offset blue stripe running the full length of the car, and other styling mods like the aero-tuned body kit, gloss black grille, wheels and mirror caps. Curiously, Mopar chose to stick with the Dart's standard headlights rather than the darker, smoked lights. The interior gets a similar black-and-blue treatment, but this unique cabin features a blue leather driver's seat to go along with the black leather seating for the rest of the passengers.
More than just a styling package, the Mopar '13 Dart also gets some performance and handling goodies to complement the Dart's turbocharged 1.4-liter engine, such as upgraded brakes with slotted rotors, a lowered suspension, retuned electric power steering and a "sport-tuned" exhaust system.