News: May 23rd, 2017

Tuesday seems to be FCA’s day in the news, for better or for worse.

FCA Sued by DOJ: More Diesel Dirt

Last week FCA (Fiat-Chrysler of America) filed for updated emissions software for 2017 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel models, as well as a retrofit update for 2014-2016 EcoDiesel equipped models. While complying with the EPA and CARB organizations during their certification, the Department of Justice has been less accommodating. Joining the year-long, ongoing criminal investigation conducted by the DOJ into the FCA’s use of emissions test defeat software, the Environmental and Natural Resources Division of the DOJ has opened a civil suit.

FCA says it is currently reviewing the case, and states its “disappointment” in the DOJ’s decision. FCA also states that they intend to defend themselves vigorously. The proposed update will supposedly bring the engines into emissions compliance, without negatively impacting performance or efficiency.

Unleashing the Demon: Fiendishly Affordable

FCA also announced the MSRP of the limited-edition Dodge Challenger SRT Demon will start at $84,995, which includes $1,700 in gas guzzler taxes, but excludes the $1,095 destination fee. Packing 808hp on the street, to unlock the full 840hp of the Demon, the Demon Crate is available for $1. Containing many track-specific tools and improvements, the low-cost scheme keeps the Demon approachable. Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Cars stated, “We worked very hard to build as much value into the Challenger SRT Demon as possible”, and in keeping with this goal, further options such as passenger seats and trunk carpeting are also available for $1.

More luxurious options are available, such as a leather interior and a Harman Kardon audio system. The most expensive option is the $4,995 sunroof, which is $3,000 more than other Challengers glass. SRT obviously does not want that weight added to its masterpiece. The Demon will be available in 15 colors. The main highlights of the Demon are:

• Highest horsepower V-8 production car engine ever produced
• First-ever front-wheel lift in production car as certified by Guinness World Records
• World’s fastest quarter-mile production car with an elapsed time (ET) of 9.65 seconds and 140 miles per hour (mph) as certified by National Hot Rod Association (NHRA)
• World’s fastest 0-60 production car: 2.3 seconds
• 0-30 miles per hour: 1.0 second
• Highest g-force acceleration of any production car: 1.8 g
• Challenger SRT Demon is covered by FCA US LLC factory warranty, including three-year/36,000-mile limited vehicle warranty and five-year/60,000-mile limited powertrain coverage
• All customers who buy the new 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon receive one full-day session at Bob Bondurant School of High-performance Driving
• 3.09 rear axle ratio for improved off-the-line acceleration
• After-Run Cooler, a factory-production car first, helps the Challenger SRT Demon get ready for the next run as quickly as possible by running the cooling fan and the low-temperature circuit coolant pump after engine shutdown
• First-ever factory-production car with innovative SRT Power Chiller liquid-to-air intercooler chiller system
• Air-Grabber induction system includes the largest functional hood scoop (45.2 square inches) of any production car
• Torque Reserve delivers increased levels of power and torque at launch

Look for the Demon this fall.

Sir Roger Moore Passes at 89

Sir Roger Moore has passed away in Switzerland at the age of 89 after a brief battle with cancer. The fourth actor to play 007 secret agent James Bond, Sir Roger Moore starred in seven Bond movies: Live and Let Die (1973), The Man with the Golden Gun (1974), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), Moonraker (1979), For Your Eyes Only (1981), Octopussy (1983), and A View to a Kill (1985).

While Bond is known for the iconic Aston Martin DB5, Sir Roger Moore never drove one. Despite this, there has yet to be a Bond before or since who was as car focused as Moore. A few of his most iconic rides include the bronzed Lotus Esprit Turbo pictured above–with ski’s mounted on the louvers–the submersible Lotus Esprit, and even a little Moke–which showed up more than once.

A private memorial service will be held in Monaco.