Dodge heralds its Ram 1500 half-ton as “America’s most awarded half-ton pickup.” All-new for 2019, Ram is hauling in awards from coast to coast. After a 1300-mile performance test, Truck Trend named the 2019 Ram “2019 Pickup of the Year.” Edmunds editors gave it their “2019 Best Family Truck Award”; Autotrader placed it on their “Best New Cars for 2019” list; and The Fast Lane Truck (TFLtruck) has awarded the all-new half-ton with a Gold Hitch award in the light-duty segment. The awards keep coming, and so do the sales, as Ram 1500 is the No.3 best-selling vehicle in America, and during some months this year, have come in at No.2.

Many of the tributes come from the modifications and re-engineering of the all-new 2019 edition. The fifth-generation Ram starts its new version with its design. Overall weight reductions total nearly 225 pounds net; its new frame features 98 percent high-strength steel to improve durability, weight and rigidity for improved handling; its maximum payload increased to 2,300 pounds, maximum trailer tow to 12,750 pounds and the new Ram 1500 is the segment’s most aerodynamic pickup with .357 coefficient of drag and features exclusive active aerodynamics: grille shutters, air dam and air suspension. From a looks perspective, the 2019 Ram shows off a new face with a chiseled Ram’s head logo and “RAM” grilles, straighter lines and clean ruggedness. Ram now also provides its most dramatic differentiation between models and trim levels.

Offered in 6 trims, with 12 color options, three engine choices, 2WD or 4WD configurations, three cab sizes and three bed sizes, I tested the 2019 Ram 1500 Rebel Crew Cab and it was rugged, sporty and bold, from its sculpted hood to black grille. Bigger all around this year, my 4WD Crew Cab with a 5.7-foot bed measured 232.9 inches long, 82.1 inches wide and 77.5 inches high on a 144.6-inch wheelbase. That represents a 3.9-inch gain in length, 2.7 inches in width and 1.8 inches in height. Ground clearance is 7.8 inches at the front axle, and the tailgate is 34.5 inches above the ground.

Inside is a more modern cabin and cab with more tech, twice the storage capacity, a modular design that allows for more personification and customization, and an available 12-inch fully configurable touchscreen. There is also an active noise cancellation system on 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 equipped models and acoustic glass reduce ambient sounds down to a low 67.1 db – the quietest Ram 1500 ever. The new HVAC system features nearly 25 percent more air flow at lower noise levels, and interior space remains about the same, with 40.9 inches of front Crew Cab headroom and 39.8 inches in row two; legroom is 40.9 inches up front and 45.2 inches in the rear, and shoulder room is 66 inches and 65.7. 

Powerwise, Ram for 2019 delivers significant gains in fuel efficiency with the eTorque mild hybrid system on second generation 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engines. Standard is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with variable-valve timing that offers 305 horsepower, 269 lb.-ft. of torque and fuel economy of 18mpg/city and 25 mpg/highway. And for those of us who believe Ram means HEMI, my Ram 1500 Rebel muscled up with the iconic 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with fuel-saving cylinder shut-off and VVT. The system thunders out 395 hp and 410 lb.-ft. of torque for an EPA rating of 15mpg/city and 22 mpg/highway.

Off road, my test Ram 1500 Rebel was a conquering beast; on the highway, it was quick, powerful and attentive; and on the track, it was exciting and a half-second faster than my 2018 review Rebel. After a tire smoke, my Rebel polished off a zero-to-60mph run in 6.6 seconds during a 15.1-second quarter-mile. True, I burned lots of rubber and climbed some rocks, but my fuel economy suffered and I only averaged 14.4mpg – 1.5mpg less than last year.

The base 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman starts at $31,795 in 4x2 configuration with a 6-ft.-4-in. box, and 395-hp engine, and moves through 6 trim levels to the $53,240-base Limited. My test 2019 Ram 1500 in Rebel trim is the fourth trim and starts at $44,490 in 4x4 with a Quad Cab, 6.4-foot box and 3.6-liter V6 eTorque engine. Gaining a Crew Cab and a 5.7-foot box added $3250. Upgrading in power to the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine added $1395 and uptweaked the transmission to an 8-Speed automatic 8HP50 transmission as well. 

Flame Red and Black two-tone exterior paint is now standard, but we added Black tubular side steps for $695 and the Level 2 Equipment Group (Remote Start, 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay®, Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirror; Exterior Mirrors with Turn Signals and Courtesy Lamps; Heated Front Seats and Steering Wheel, A/C Auto Temperature Control with Dual Zone Control, Power adjustable pedals, ParkSense® Front and Rear Park-Assist with Stop, Uconnect®  and much more, for $3000. 4C NAV with 8.4-Inch display added $795; 9-amplified speakers with subwoofer added $595; a sunroof added $1495; Blind-Spot with Cross-Path detection added $595; and destination charges added $1695, for a sticker-as-tested of $58,005 before incentives, which could discount by as much as $3,000, so check with your local dealer.

You can see 102 years of Dodge/Ram trucks and nearly 2700 vehicles from all eras of the Chrysler brand, as classics, muscle cars and high-performance new models all converge at the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds, July 12-14. Special displays include “50 Years of the Dodge Charger Daytona and 500,” “50 ½ years of the A12 Roadrunner and Super Bee,” “50 Years of Summer ‘69”, or you can take a free thrill-ride in a 700-hp Hellcat.” And on display will also be tons of half-tons and larger trucks.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

The Dodge Charger is the top-selling American sedan on the market. America’s only four-door muscle car has been a U.S. muscle car icon since 1965, when it was launched as an option package for the Dart GT, charging out 230 horsepower – some of today’s versions more than triple that output. With more muscle than the original, Charger remains of top-seller in the 11th year of its current run and sixth year in the current generation, with a full redesign, expected for 2020 or 2021.

For 2019, Charger revamps the Charger lineup and upgrades the muscle machine inside and out. New for 2019, Dodge is repositioning the Charger lineup into six distinct, attitude-infused models that offer a range of performance and powertrain options for every modern muscle-car customer. The lineup ranges from the 707-horsepower Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat – arguably the quickest, fastest and most powerful sedan in the world – to the efficient V-6 power of the new Charger GT RWD performance model and the all-wheel-drive capability of the new SXT AWD model. Charger GT and R/T models receive a full complement of race-bred chassis upgrades and features along with new performance looks, such as a performance hood with air induction, styled fascia, sculpted side sills, decklid spoiler and seats. Also new for 2019, Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat and Scat Pack trims feature standard performance upgrades, including Launch Assist and Line Lock; a new performance grille with dual air inlets; new Launch Control switch on Scat Pack; and Torque Reserve, After-Run Chiller on SRT Hellcat.

Charger is a full-size sedan assembled Brampton, Ontario, Canada, with a unitized steel body and aluminum hood. Playing well on its heritage, Charger draws on design cues from its historic 1969 model, Charger turns heads with its muscularity, while its wide body hugs the pavement from highway to track. My Charger R/T test ride was 200.8 inches long, 75.0 inches wide and 58.5 inches high on a 120.2-inch wheelbase with a curb weight of about 4270 lbs., and ground clearance of a scant 4.9 inches.

Charger’s rep has been earned with its looks and its muscle performance. The 2019 version puts the original 1965’s 230 horses back to the stable with powerful engine choices. The standard Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine impresses with 292hp and 260 lbs-ft of torque for an EPA rating of 18/city and 27/hwy for AWD. The optional Super TrackPack upgrade bumps the power to 300hp and 264 lbs-ft. The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 that powered my R/T trim Charger thunders out 370 horses and 395 lbs-ft. The HEMI system was rated at 16mpg/city and 25mpg/highway and my mixed-use and heavy-acceleration tests averaged 23.1mpg. The Street & Racing Technology (SRT) Scat Pack and Daytona 392 trims employ a 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 that muscles out 485 hp and 475 lbs-ft of torque for a rating of 15/city and 25/hwy and street-legal/track-worthy speed. The SRT Hellcat versions supercharge their 6.2-liter HEMI for a jet-thrusting 707hp and 650 lbs-ft of torque for racing and performance capabilities at an EPA rating of 13/city and 22/hwy.

I am a stick-and-clutch guy, and prefer manual transmissions in my muscle cars, but my 5.7 HEMI was coupled to an attentive TorqueFlite 8-Speed Automatic Transmission. The push-button start begins with a purring exhaust note, and when called upon, the system provides instant, tire-spinning power. Passing at speed is effortless, and track tests showed a 5.9-second zero-to-60mph dash during a 14.3-second quarter-mile.

Charger hugs the pavement in all maneuvers. Its independent SLA front suspension with high upper “A” arm, coil spring over gas-charged monotube shock absorbers and stabilizer bar works with the rear’s one piece lower-control arms on the AWD models for precise handling, and the rack and pinion steering with electric power assist is responsive and predictable.

The driver-oriented interior is skillfully conceived with premium, soft-touch materials, a full-color driver information display gauge cluster, and an instrument panel center stack with the newest Uconnect system. The interior offers comfort for drivers and passengers under 6-feet tall, at 38.6 inches of front headroom and 36.6 in the rear seats. Legroom is good for even taller inhabitants, at 41.8 inches in row one with 40.1 in row two, and wide-body shoulder room of 59.5 inches in front and 57.9 in the rear.

With six trims and multiple variations basing from $29,990 for the 300-hp Charger GT and $33,320 for the 292-hp SXT, to $67,245 for the 707hp SRT Hellcat. My370hp test 2019 Charger R/T was third on the trim list, base priced at $35,995.

In B5 Blue exterior paint (for an extra $69), with Black cloth seats, my test ride included such options as: the Harman Kardon® Audio Group for $1595, with 19 Harman Kardon® Green Edge® speakers, subwoofer and amp; The Driver Confidence Group for $1245, with Blind Spot power heated mirrors, Blind Spot and Cross-Path Detection, Auto-Dimming Mirror and more; The $995 Navigation and Travel Group with SiriusXM® Traffic Plus and Uconnect® 4CNAV with 8.4-Inch Display; and a Power sunroof added $1295. I would have liked some R/T-specific cosmetics and competition stripes, but that could have added more than $2000. Adding Destination charges of $1495 put the sticker-as-tested at $42,689, but regional incentives cut my price to $40,189, so check your local dealer for available discounts.

You can see 50 years of the Dodge Charger Daytona and 500 on display at the largest Mopar event in the world featuring over 2,700 vehicles from all eras of the Chrysler brand, at the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds, July 12-14. Fifty years is the key this year as Carlisle will pay homage to: 50 ½ years of the A12 Roadrunner and Super Bee; and 50 Years of Summer ’69. And you can also take a free thrill ride in a 700-hp Hellcat. Classic cars, muscle cars, trucks, and high-performance new models are all showcased at this Mopar-lover's paradise. Cars, parts, tools, memorabilia, collectibles and more will be for sale in the Mopar Automotive Flea Market, as well as the latest and greatest products within the Manufacturers Midway.



<I> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I> 

Jeep® Grand Cherokee was launched in 1992 as a ’93 model, and since it arguably began defining the premium SUV segment, has earned its spurs by being an annual favorite of award-giving groups. The accolades have led Jeep to bill Grand Cherokee as “the most-awarded SUV ever.” In keeping with that theme, Jeep Grand Cherokee was named AutoPacific’s Ideal Vehicle Award for the Mid-Size SUV segment for the eighth consecutive year, based on 58,000 responses from a national survey by the automotive research and consulting firm. And once again, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 has earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA -- the highest single rating in NHTSA’s vehicle-evaluation program.

Still in its fourth generation, which began for model-year 2011, Jeep Grand Cherokee remains ranked in the Top-20 in all vehicles sold in America, and is the seventh top-selling SUV/Crossover. To enhance that sales ranking, Jeep has made a number of mild uptweaks for 2019 across the Grand Cherokee line-up. All Grand Cherokee models now feature Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path detection as standard equipment, and all models are equipped with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Uconnect’s 8.4-inch touchscreen radio with 9-speaker audio system, navigation system, higher resolution and pinch-and-zoom capability. 

Outside, Grand Cherokee Limited X debuts and features a unique front and rear fascia, performance hood, Granite Crystal exterior accents and new 20-inch Low Gloss Granite Crystal wheels; Grand Cherokee Overland gets a new 20-inch Heritage wheel and Summit models get a unique optional 20-inch wheel. Three new exterior paint colors have also been added: Slate Blue, Green Metallic and Sting Gray.

From the base Laredo to the 707-hp Trackhawk, there are seven trim models available, and five different engines are offered — including a diesel. And while rear-wheel drive is standard, buyers looking to maximize the Grand Cherokee's off-road prowess can uplevel with all-wheel drive.

Assembled at Jeep’s Jefferson Avenue North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Mich., Jeep Grand Cherokee is off-road capable and still pampers well on the highway and around town. It comes at you in premium fashion, with a rounded, elegant exterior design complete with its signature seven-slot grille. Key exterior features include front and rear LED lighting, and bi-xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps that are outlined with signature LED running lamps. The front and rear feature unique lower fascias for every trim level and a large, aerodynamic rear spoiler.

I tested the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit, which weighed in at about 5000 lbs. (curbweight with the 3.6-liter engine), and measured 189.8 inches in length, 84.8 inches in width at the mirrors (body width is 76.5 inches), and 69.3 inches in height at the roof rails, on a 114.7-inch wheelbase; with a load floor height of 32.4 inches, sill step-in height of 20.5 inches and a minimum ground clearance of 8.6 inches. 

Grand Cherokee offers five engine choices this year, including HEMIs, an Eco-Diesel and a 707-hp supercharged V-8. Standard on the Laredo, Limited, Overland and Summit trims is the economical 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that provides 295 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque for an EPA rating of 18mpg/city and 25mpg/highway in 4WD. My week of testing in the 3.6-powered Summit trim included some off-road fun, trackwork, town and highway driving, and averaged 20.3mpg. 

A 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 is an available option on 4x4s, with 360 hp and 390 lb.-ft. of torque is optional, and the 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V-6 is an option with 240 hp and 420 lb.-ft. The SRT model comes standard with a 6.4-liter V-8 that powers up with 475 hp and 470 lb.-ft.; and the Trackhawk gets a standard 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 that explodes out 707 horses and 645 lb.-ft.

All of Jeep Grand Cherokee’s engines are mated to the ZF automatic eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers quick acceleration and precise, smooth shifting. Steady acceleration accompanied engine noise that entered the cabin, but the power was ready, willing and able. On the track, my Summit’s 3.6 completed a zero-to-60mph sprint in 7.6 seconds during a 15.8-second quarter-mile.

The Grand Cherokee Summit cabin seats five and is well-crafted, technically enhanced and comfortable. Interior accommodations provide 39.9 inches of front headroom and 39.2 in row two; first row legroom is 40.3 inches with 38.6 in the second row with 4.3 inches of knee clearance, and shoulder room is 58.7 inches in front with 58 inches in row two.

Packed with tech, environment controls and infotainment, Grand Cherokee also includes more than 70 safety and security features as well as an array of advanced user-friendly technology

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee is offered in 4x2 or 4x4 configurations and various engine choices, beginning with the base Laredo 4x2 at $31,945 and moving through the model ranks all the way up to the 707-hp Trackhawk 4x4 at $86,900. My test Jeep Grand Cherokee in Summit trim well up the line-up and starts at $52,290 in 2WD, and four-wheel-drive starts at $55,290. My 4WD Summit came with a standard 3.6-liter engine, 8-speed automatic transmission. The well-accessorized trim really didn’t need many additions, but added a remote CD player for $495. With Destination charges of $1495, my vehicle was discounted $1000 with a Chrysler Capital 2019 Bonus Cash 44CKB3 offer and stickered at $55,685.


> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been
writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

Nice weather and cool cars go together like…well, like every good cliché of things that go together.  For two days in June (21-22), the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds came to life with nearly 1,000 cars spanning the history of the Chevrolet brand as part of the annual Chevrolet Nationals.  The National Parts Depot Showfield was bustling with over 100 years of history, hosting a greater turnout of cars than the year before.  

Chevrolet weekend offered many things to many people – seminars, cool displays, activities (autocross rides with UMI Performance, Nitrofest), contests (burnouts, beauty, Real Street Shootout), special guests (Bruce Larson, Matt Avery, Charlie Morris, Larry Lombardo, Linda Vaughn and more than a half a dozen other greats from the history of Hurst) but it was the Bandit Jump that literally had folks craving more.

Vendors were coming to Carlisle days in advance of the weekend, with showcars quick to follow.  Indoor displays like the Solid Lifter Showroom in Building Y and the Featured Display showcase within Building T were in place by Thursday evening.  Additional spotlights like Novas at Carlisle and the Hurst Showcase also came together in advance of Friday’s 7 a.m. opening.  Once in place, these “best of the best” features helped anchor another great Chevrolet Nationals weekend.

With many great cars on display, many more cruised in to be part of the judged showfield.  From Fiero’s to Buick’s, Cadillac’s to Oldsmobile’s, Corvette’s to trucks and more, there was a little bit of something for everyone.   

As previously noted, the Bandit Jump was the star attraction of the show.  On Saturday at around 1 p.m., the Northeast Ohio Dukes stunt team launched a Smokey and the Bandit themed Trans-Am through the air on the southside of the grounds.  After soaring some 30 feet in the air and 120 or so feet in distance, the front-end impact left the crowd cheering and its driver, Ray Kohn wanting more.  This was also the first-time Kohn and the NEOD have jumped a Trans-Am and also the first time a jump like this was attempted anywhere in the country this year.  Needless to say, the crowd standing rows deep were appreciative of the efforts.  

In addition to all of the fun at the fairgrounds, the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center came to life for the second annual Summer Sale, powered by Carlisle Auctions.  From 11 a.m. until around 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, some 200 consignments crossed the block; again, spanning automotive history.  There was even an all-Chevrolet hour, offering a perfect compliment to all the fun happening across the street.  The top selling auction car was a 1966 Corvette going for $61,000, while another Corvette, this one a ’63, selling for $46,000.  Each sold during Carlisle Auctions’ all-Chevrolet hour late Saturday afternoon.

As the last of the vendors and showcars load out at Carlisle, everyone is making plans for 2020’s event.  Save the date, because the 20th edition of the Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals take place June 26-27.  Registration is now open for that event and would be attendees are welcome to call 717-243-7855 or visit www.CarlisleEvents.com to learn more.