Ram ups the ante for towing, torque

FCA today announced that the 2018 Ram 3500 pickup with the 6.7-liter Cummins diesel will produce 930 lb-ft of torque, the highest output of any pickup, beating the Ford F-350 and F-450.

Working with a new fifth-wheel hitch (a $1,395 option), the Ram 3500 will be able to tow up to 30,000 pounds. FCA says the new hitch allows the 2018 Ram to tow the largest travel trailers on the U.S. market.

New Mopar hitch offers the highest available 5th wheel towing

The maximum gooseneck trailer rating is 31,210 pounds; a conventional hitch maxes out at 20,000 pounds.

Earlier this year, Allpar predicted a power boost for the 2018 Rams with the Cummins diesel.

Read more at: https://www.allpar.com/news/2017/08/ram-ups-the-ante-for-towing-torque-38283

Key Points for Parents with teen drivers

Parents play a huge role in helping their teens gain as much driving experience as possible. Before you begin, ask yourself a few questions.

- Can you dedicate several hours a week to practice driving with your teen? AAA recommends your teen complete at least 100 hours of supervised practice driving with a parent before being allowed to drive solo.
- Are you committed to coaching in different driving conditions and at different times of the day? It’s best to start practice driving in basic low-risk situations and gradually move to more complex situations, such as highways and driving in the rain.
- Are you patient enough to provide constructive feedback? There may be times when you want to yell, but remind yourself to remain calm, patient and positive and talk through the driving choices your teen makes. When necessary, agree to take a breather and work it out.
- Are you a good role model? Your teen has been watching you drive for years, but you might want to step up your driving game now. Always wear your seat belt, obey traffic laws, never talk or text on the phone while driving, don’t speed—the list goes on and on, but remember, lead by example.

As the parent, your job is to manage and coach your teen into becoming a safe, experienced driver through practice driving and mentoring. You’re in charge and can control how quickly your teen gets to drive under new conditions. Keep in mind, if your teen is breaking family rules or not being a responsible partner in the process, you can delay licensure.

Read more at: http://teendriving.aaa.com/MI/supervised-driving/key-points-for-parents/

How to Be Safe During the 100 Most Dangerous Days of Driving

The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is often referred to as “The 100 Deadliest Days” because of the high number of traffic deaths among teenage drivers. On average, the number of fatal teen driver crashes climbs 15 percent compared to the rest of the year. Over the past five years, more than 1,600 people were killed during this deadly period in crashes involving teen drivers ages 16-17, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

What’s more, a recent study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety revealed that drivers younger than 18 are almost four times as likely as other drivers to be in a crash, and nearly three times as likely to be involved in a fatal crash. That’s because teen crashes spike during the summer months because teens are out of school and on the road, according to Dr. David Yang, AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety executive director. He added that the Foundation’s research indicates that inexperience paired with more exposure on the road could create a deadly combination for young drivers.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Here are a few tips to remember when you get behind the wheel, followed by footage of teen drivers moments before crashing, illustrating the dangers of distracted driving.

- Use safe-driving skills, especially when your teen is with you. Lead by example.
- Before hitting the road, make sure everyone is buckled up.
- Always obey the speed limit and all traffic laws.
- Never drive impaired. If you’re going to drink alcohol, have a plan. Either appoint a designated driver or hire a taxi to get you home safely.
- Stay focused on driving. Avoid distractions, such as cell phones and daydreaming, and never text while driving.

A study and video analysis by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found distraction was a factor in nearly 6 out of 10 moderate-to-severe teen crashes. Researchers analyzed the six seconds leading up to a crash in nearly 1,700 videos of teen drivers from in-vehicle event recorders. Here, footage from some of those videos.

Read more at: https://autoadvice.michigan.aaa.com/drive/how-to-be-safe-during-the-100-most-dangerous-days-of-driving/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=MMDD

Community Car Care Events Show Most Vehicles Need Service

Community car care events conducted across the country reveal that the majority of vehicles need service on one or more inspected areas of the vehicle.

“At the Car Care Council, we stress the importance of preventative vehicle maintenance and provide free tools, tips and information to help motorists become more car care aware so they can avoid the hassle and expense associated with unexpected car trouble,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “By implementing a proactive auto care plan, car owners can identify and fix small issues now before they become more costly repairs later.”

The community car care event inspections checked a variety of vehicle components including wipers, belts, hoses, air filters, lighting, tires and lubricant/fluids. The Car Care Council gathered and tabulated the results and found that eight out of 10 vehicles need some type of service. The top areas showing the highest failure rates include:

- Engine Oil – 22 percent of vehicles tested had low, overfull or dirty oil.
- Belts/Hoses – inspections revealed 18 percent of belts were unsatisfactory and at least 12 percent of vehicles needed a new hose.
- Air Filters – nearly one out of every five vehicles inspected needed a new air filter.
- Check Engine Light – 14 percent of vehicles had an illuminated check engine light, slightly higher than the previous year’s results.
- Batteries – battery cables, clamps and terminals were found to be in need of repair on 18 percent of vehicles inspected.

The Car Care Council has a free Car Care Guide available at www.carcare.org/car-care-guide, providing motorists with a useful resource that can be kept in the glove box or accessed online. The guide features service interval information, questions to ask a technician and other helpful auto care information that can help drivers better maintain and protect their vehicle.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org.

Read more at: http://www.carcare.org/community-car-care-events-show-vehicles-need-service/

Back to school with Ram ProMaster

REV Group’s Collins Bus subsidiary is using the Ram ProMaster van as the basis for its first-in-class low-floor special needs school bus.

The new bus debuted at the recent School Transportation News Conference & Trade Show in Reno, Nevada. It takes advantage of the ProMaster’s ground-hugging design to eliminates the need for a lift, which is needed by other special-needs buses.

Collins is the first school bus with a truly low entry height.

Instead of a lift, the Ram-based bus has a driver-deployable ramp so the many children who use wheelchairs can enter and exit the bus without assistance. The Collins system also eliminates the downtime and maintenance costs of a wheelchair lift.

The ProMaster’s front-wheel drive setup allowed Collins engineers to design a true low-floor vehicle with a single entry with a nine-inch-high entry step when the ramp is retracted.

Collins also pointed out that the ProMaster has a smaller turning radius than competitors, making the bus more maneuverable in neighborhoods. The front wheel drive also helps traction on snow and ice.

Read more at: https://www.allpar.com/news/2017/08/back-to-school-with-ram-promaster-38233

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE INTRODUCES ROADMASTER ELITE & SPRINGFIELD DARK HORSE WITH 2018 MODEL LINEUP

Minneapolis, MN (July 26, 2017) – Indian Motorcycle, America’s first motorcycle company, elevated its 2018 motorcycle lineup from its entry-level Scout Sixty to its long-distance touring Roadmaster. Along with the newly introduced Indian® Scout® Bobber, headlining the 2018 model year is the ultra-premium Indian® Roadmaster® Elite and blacked-out, toughed-up Springfield Dark Horse. Also receiving a noticeable upgrade is the Chieftain Dark Horse, starting at $23,999. Riders will see a 19” ten-spoke blacked-out wheel with an open front fender and the industry-leading Ride Command infotainment system now included standard.

A limited production model, the ultra-premium Roadmaster Elite features custom-inspired two-tone candy paint that takes 30 hours to complete and is finished by hand, with real 23K gold leaf badging on the tank and lowers. Starting at $36,999, the Roadmaster Elite comes standard with a large number of premium amenities, including the industry-leading Ride Command system, a 300-watt premium audio system, passenger armrests, billet aluminum passenger and driver floorboards, a premium touring console, and stylish pinnacle mirrors.

Joining the Roadmaster Elite in 2018 is the Springfield Dark Horse – a blacked-out, toughed-up bagger, starting at $20,999. Similar to other Dark Horse models, the Springfield Dark Horse features matte black paint with gloss black details. The Springfield Dark Horse features an open fender to showcase the new 19” ten-spoke, blacked-out front wheel. Its quick-release windshield features a blacked-out bracket. The stylish windshield protects riders from the elements, or can be easily removed to give a more mean, slimmed down look.

“The Roadmaster Elite and Springfield Dark Horse are two fantastic motorcycles, with two different attitudes. The Roadmaster Elite packs all the bells and whistles perfect for riders looking for the best of the best, while the Dark Horse brings blacked-out style to the Springfield line,” said Reid Wilson, Marketing Director – Indian Motorcycle. “Beyond these two offerings, we have elevated each and every model – listening to our consumers to bring new features and colors they have asked for.”

Continuing through the 2018 Indian lineup, the Chieftain platform receives notable upgrades – adding a Chieftain Classic model, starting at $23,999, that will feature the brand’s iconic valanced front fender and genuine leather seat with fringe, available in three colors, including Indian Motorcycle Red, Thunder Black Pearl and Star Silver Smoke. The Chieftain Limited, starting at $24,499, remains at the head of the pack and adds three new color, including Thunder Black Pearl, Blue Fire and Bronze Smoke. The Chieftain, available in Steel Gray, receives a lowered price of $21,499, and also receives a 19” blacked-out ten spoke wheel and open fender as standard.

For those looking to add a more modern style, the 10-spoke 19” wheel, in both black and contrast cut, along with an open front fender, are available as an accessory for the Roadmaster, Roadmaster Classic, Chieftain, and Springfield motorcycles. The wheel and open fender will fit those models from model year 2014 onwards.

The Indian Chief Classic also receives upgrades, now available with white wall tires, wire wheels, and full chrome hand controls. Available starting at $19,499, it is available with gorgeous Burgundy Metallic paint.

Indian’s iconic Chief Vintage line receives new offerings for 2018, starting at $19,999. Thunder Black and Star Silver over Thunder Black will for the first time ever feature black genuine leather saddlebags and seats to add to its beautiful styling.

Joining Indian’s recently announced Scout Bobber in the 2018 lineup is the Scout Sixty and Scout. The Scout Sixty, starting at $8,999, receives two new colors, including Polished Bronze and Thunder Black over Titanium Metallic. Meanwhile, the Scout, starting at $11,499, receives a new look and improved performance. Now standard are a cartridge fork front suspension and Pirelli tires, along with passenger accommodations, including a genuine leather passenger pillion and pegs. Scout receives two new colors for 2018, Metallic Jade and Willow Green over Ivory Cream.

Indian’s 2018 model lineup will be available at dealers in the U.S. and Canada starting in September. You can be the first to see and demo the entire 2018 line-up by visiting the Indian Motorcycle display at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally from August 5-13. Learn more about Indian Motorcycle by visiting IndianMotorcycle.com and Facebook, Twitter and Instagram social media channels.

Read more at: http://www.indianmotorcycle.com/en-us/story/indian-motorcycle-introduces-2018-model-lineup

Certified: Ram 1500 diesel

Both the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board have approved the production and sale of the Ram 1500 diesel and Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel.

Recently, Allpar broke the story that FCA had resumed small-batch production of the V6-diesel Rams. Last night, Automotive News predicted the imminent certification of the vehicles.

FCA and the government agencies had collaborated on resolving problems with the control systems on earlier trucks and Jeeps sold with the VM 3-liter V6 engines. The calibrations at issue appear to have been done by Bosch and a company half-owned by Volkswagen, as well as VM USA.

A version of this software will be used to update 2014-16 Jeeps and Rams with the diesel engines. The key issue was software that shut down emissions during conditions that are common for drivers, but not common on the EPA testing schedules. FCA does not appear to have been aware of these behaviors, which conserved diesel exhaust fluid (DEF).

The company reported that fuel economy would be unaffected by the new controls; the engines will likely use more DEF, an inexpensive (if purchased at a pump) additive.

Ordering is currently closed for the 2017 Ram 1500 diesel; however, some may have been built for people who have cancelled their orders after their trucks were made, due to the long lag time. At least one dealer reported that their 2017 orders had been rolled over to 2018s. An FCA representative said that 2018 Ram 1500 diesel production was consistent with the usual new-model-year production timing, suggesting they might be made in the third quarter of 2017.

Read more at: https://www.allpar.com/news/2017/07/2017-ram-1500-diesel-is-legal-now-38251