Lighter, faster, stronger
FCA unleashes an array of top performers at CIAS
FCA is putting heavy emphasis on its all-new, lighter 2019 Ram 1500 pickup at CIAS. In the truck’s Canadian debut, FCA is also highlighting its tougher frame and increased payload.
The new truck has big shoes to fill: The 2018 Ram 1500 was named best pickup by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) and the 1500 was the second-bestselling vehicle in Canada last year.
The 2019 truck is 225 pounds lighter than its predecessor, partly thanks to a 100-pound weight loss in the frame. With high-strength steel construction, the new truck is able to offer improved stiffness and a 2,300pound payload along with a 12,740pound towing capacity.
FCA says the new 1500 is also loaded with technology, boasting a 12inch touchscreen, 360-degree camera views and active safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring and braking assist.
The truck uses a 48-volt electrical system driven off the “mild hybrid” alternator replacement that aids in start-up, generates extra torque in short bursts and provides regenerative braking. This eTorque system feeds into a suitcase-sized lithiumion battery that sits inside the rear wall of the passenger cabin.
A couple of engine choices — a 3.6litre V6 or 5.7-litre V8 HEMI — give buyers options, but all the trucks are equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Both engines have fuel-saving technology that shuts off fuel when the vehicle is decelerating.
For the muscle-minded, the dynamic Dodge duo of the Durango SRT and Challenger SRT Demon are also on display. While not new, the Durango SRT claims the title of the fastest three-row SUV in North America when equipped with the 475-horsepower 6.4-litre SRT engine.
The Challenger SRT Demon has its own claim to fame: a Guinness World Record-certified first-ever frontwheel lift-off at launch in a production car. The US National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) also recognized the 840-horsepower car as the world’s fastest production car over the quarter mile (9.65 seconds and 140 miles per hour).
This monster is powered by a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI Demon V8, which drives it to many superlatives, including fastest 0-60 production car (2.3 seconds, if you were wondering), and highest g-forces on launch. Sadly, at CIAS all it will do is squat and look tough.
The 2018 Jeep Wrangler and 2019 Jeep Cherokee join the Dodge and Ram vehicles on the FCA stand in Toronto. The Cherokee’s design has been updated for this model year, and the SUV has an optional new 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine. It’s paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and delivers improved fuel economy, Jeep says, through stop-start technology. Five trim levels will be available when the Cherokee comes to market in the first quarter this year.
The Wrangler, which made its debut at the LA Auto Show late last year, is another all-new offering. According to Jeep, its claim to fame is the first two-speed transfer case with full-time four-wheel drive. They call it an intuitive “set it and forget it” system that constantly sends power to the front and rear wheels.
The off-roading Rubicon model now has better articulation and suspension travel, thanks to an electronic sway-bar disconnect. Both the six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic Rubicons have improved crawl ratios to help the SUV climb obstacles more easily.
“The Ram and Jeep brands continue to be stand-out performers with Canadian customers,” said Reid Bigland, president and CEO, FCA Canada. “At the 2018 Canadian International AutoShow, consumers will get a first-hand look at key new products from those brands, including the allnew 2019 Ram 1500 and the all-new 2018 Jeep Wrangler, plus exciting, high-performance machines like the 2018 Dodge Durango SRT and 840horsepower 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon.”
One last bit of eye candy gives Alfa Romeo a place in the show, with the 2018 Stelvio compact SUV on display.
Like its Dodge Demon cousin, the Stelvio also lays claim to a “fastest” title, but this time it’s for a production SUV around the Nurburgring’s fabled Nordschleife.
The Stelvio nailed a seven-minute, 51.7-second trip around the 21-kilometre loop, eight seconds faster than any previous production SUV.
The SUV gets its grunt from an allaluminum, direct-injection, 2.9-litre 24-valve twin-turbo intercooled V-6 engine, with 505 horsepower and 443 lb.-ft. of torque.
With a standard all-wheel-drive system it will do zero to 96.5 km/h in 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of almost 285 km/h.
The Stelvio goes on sale early this year.