FCA Archives • Page 2 of 2 • Jacksonville (First Coast) Car Culture

September 18, 2020November 3, 2020

Fiat 500 Steals the Show Then and Now

In the middle of a section full of high-end Porsche, Dodge Vipers and miscellaneous Italian exotics sat a vintage Fiat 500. The tiny city car looked like it could fit into the trunk of any of the vehicles surrounding it at the car show. But the little hatchback didn’t fade into the background. Rather than being eclipsed by the exotic supercars, the 500 stole the show. In fact, when the official event photos were published, the Fiat’s “Cinquecento” main the first page of the story.

Automotive Photography by Deremer Studios LLC

Fast forward as we stare at the latest version of Fiat’s subcompact. The 500’s retro styling and “less is more” approach continue to command a loyal following of enthusiastic owners and fans. Fiat’s standout design, entertaining driving dynamics and excellent fuel economy provide well above average fun in a relatively affordable package.

2019 Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio. Photo Courtesy of FCA.

The Basics

The four-passenger 2019 Fiat 500 and 500c subcompact can be purchased as a hatchback or convertible. It’s sold in four trims: Pop, Lounge, 1957 Retro Edition and Abarth. Pop and Lounge models are powered by a normally-aspirated 135 horsepower four-cylinder engine. Our 500C Abarth model gets a turbocharger that boosts power to 160 hp. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, and a six-speed automatic gearbox is available on all models. Front-wheel drive is standard.

Our Review Vehicle: 2019 Fiat 500C Abarth

Our reviewer checks all of the available boxes: a more powerful engine, Abarth styling and performance packages, 17-inch wheels and a unique convertible top that provides in-between open and closed options. Need a little sun and fresh air – tap the button to roll the canvas top back to the equivalent of a sunroof. Coming home from the night shift and need a boost to keep you awake? Hold the button down until the roof is completely open.

It is hard to deny the 500C Abarth’s personality. Taking a look at the vintage model, you can clearly see how the latest-model is inspired by the legendary 1950’s vehicle, considered by many as the world’s first “city car.” Much like the original, the 500’s footprint is miniscule but the subcompact’s presence is huge.

Interior

The 500’s interior is simple but fun, fitting of the Fiat’s personality. Front seating is surprisingly spacious, but the back seats are tiny (a word we use a lot in this post). Two adults would be hard pressed to even fit in the rear seats, never mind ride in them for anything longer than a short trip around town. The hatchback version allows the rear seats to be folded down, creating a comfortable two-seater with a decent size cargo area. Our convertible top comes at the expense of cargo space. With only 5.4 cubic feet available, you’d be hard-pressed to fit more than a roller bag or two in there.

Driving the Abarth

Our Abarth model’s turbocharged engine and sport-tuned steering and suspension are lots of fun on the road. The exhaust crackles and pops between shifts and when you let up the throttle. While the Abarth isn’t the fastest car we’ve driven, the tuned suspension, larger brakes and wider tires make every ride a little adventure.

Final Verdict

The entry-level 2019 Fiat 500 Pop starts at $16,495 plus fees, providing the subcompacts retro-styling at an affordable price. Our performance-themed Abarth starts at $20,745 our nicely-equipped convertible was just shy of $27k plus fees.

Those looking for an entry-level vehicle that still commands attention will likely find the base model 500 a great deal. However, enthusiasts will find the pricing premium of the Abarth model to be well worth the added expense. For us, the 2019 Abarth hatchback with the 5-speed manual is the pick. The extra power and performance options transform the little city car into an enthusiast-friendly vehicle that loves to be driven.

2019 Fiat 500 Abarth Engine. Photo Courtesy of FCA.

Chris Brewer is an automotive writer and photographer living in Northeast Florida. Chris is a regular contributor to numerous automotive magazines and founded Jacksonville Car Culture, an automotive lifestyle firm that runs Jacksonville’s Cars & Coffee. Chris also works as the director of communications for The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, a world-renowned automotive event and two-time winner of the International Historic Motoring Event of the Year award. He also has a doctorate degree from The Institute for Worship Studies.

Follow Chris on Facebook @jaxcarsandcoffee or @jaxcarculture

Or on Instagram at @jaxcarculture or @brewervintage

September 16, 2020November 3, 2020

Since 1983 Chrysler Leads The Minivan Charge: The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The year was 1983. Ronald Reagan was president. Michael Jackson’s Thriller album topped the charts as the compact disc (CD) revolutionized the industry. Star Wars Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi ruled the box office and the first minivan rolled out of the factory at Chrysler.

1984 Plymouth Voyager instrument panel, driver’s console. First generation 1984-1990. Photo courtesy of FCA.

It looked like a van and drove like a big car. That may not sound like much in 2019, but in 1983 choices had to be made. If you wanted the convenience of a van, you bought something built on a truck chassis. Station wagons were holding down the fort, but even the largest wagon was a compromise if you needed maximum cargo space and room for more than five adults. Built on the popular Chrysler K-Platform, think Dodge Aires and Chrysler LeBaron, the 1984 model year Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager sat changed the rules entirely.

2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Photo courtesy of FCA.

Looking at history it only makes sense that the same manufacturer that delivered the first minivan would produce the industry’s first electrified model. As hybrid vehicles continue to grow in popularity, pointing to an electrified future, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid leads the charge (pun intended).

Powered by Technology

Powered by a V-6 gasoline engine and an innovative dual-motor eFlight electrically variable transmission, the Pacifica hybrid is powerful and efficient. Fuel economy is rated at an impressive 82 MPGe. Plug it in and with a full charge, the Pacifica has a range of 32 miles without using a drop of fossil fuel. Fill up the gas tank, drive perfectly and you’ll see 520-miles worth of road before you need to coast into a gas station.

The technology behind Chrysler’s Pacifica Hybrid is the game changer. The 1984 Caravan would likely wonder if the late model hybrid was designed using alien technology. The eFlite transmission features two electric motors which are both capable of driving the vehicle’s wheels. Not only is this efficient, but the result is smooth authoritative acceleration and immediate power when you need it for passing or entering busy highways.

Drives Like a Car (a really big one)

Launched for the 2017 model year, the Chrysler Pacifica sits on an all-new platform. Improvements across the board have yielded better handling, reduced noise levels and a ride that enhances both sportiness and comfort.

The minivan formula combines car-like driving dynamics with van-inspired interior appointments. The Pacifica Hybrid excels in both categories. The cabin is spacious with room for up to eight passengers. Seating is comfortable in all positions. The driver’s cockpit is well-designed and provides excellent access to the vehicle’s controls and view of the 7-inch full-color driver information display.

More Technology

We are long-time fans of Fiat Chrylser Automobile’s Uconnect infotainment system and the available version found in the Pacifica is the best example yet. In our review vehicle, the dashboard-mounted 8.4-inch touchscreen is joined by two 10-inch seatback mounted touchscreens. Operating the system is relatively easy and the options list continues to grow year after year. Smartphone integration is relatively seamless thanks the Pacifica’s standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and available 4G Wi-Fi.

Chrysler Pacifica’s standard audio includes six speakers and Active Noise Cancellation. However, considering the availability of dual 10-inch screens, it makes sense to round out the rolling theater experience with one of the two premium audio systems. Consumers can opt for a 13-speaker Alpine system or go all-in with a 20-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system.

Safety technology is also abundant with more than 100 standard and available safety and security features. Highlights include parallel/perpendicular park assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and a 360-degree Surround View Camera.

It’s a Van Inside

SUV owners will argue that they have everything a minivan has, but the low cargo floor area found in minivans is the game changer. Offering 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space with all the seats in use and up to 140.5 cubic feet with both rear rows folded, the Pacifica holds its own in the cargo department with all but the largest gas-guzzling SUVs on the market.

Pricing

The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid starts at $40,245 plus destination charges. Our nicely-equipped Limited model had a sticker price of $50,800, including a $1,495 destination charge.

Final Verdict

The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid’s comfortable interior, long list of technology features and ample cargo space make it a fantastic family vehicle. Add in the 520 mile range, excellent fuel economy and stellar driving dynamics and the Pacifica is arguably the perfect cross-country trip vehicle. Turns out the only minivan option in 1984 remains one of the best options in 2019.

Follow Chris on Facebook @jaxcarsandcoffee or @jaxcarculture

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September 11, 2020November 3, 2020

The 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon – Presence On and Off The Road

Presence. Sometimes you simply feel in control and ready. A new suit, a pair of dress shoes, even the right jacket can give you that extra bit of confidence.

Driving the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon provides the same boost; authority, strength, style and in the case of the Rubicon, comfort. Jeep’s latest iteration of the iconic Wrangler provides the best of all worlds – brawn and beauty and without breaking the bank. Outdoor adventures are covered. Cruising the beach with the top down, absolutely. Picking up the kids at the carpool lane? Yes. Grocery store runs or a weekend trip to the home improvement store? No problem. With the upscale interior, even date night is elevated.

Wrangler has been synonymous with strength and authority since the mid-eighties. The Wrangler was even a co-star alongside the dinosaurs of Jurassic Park. The vehicle has a strong following. Owners often flash lights and waive to each other in passing. Very few vehicles command the dedication of the iconic Jeep Wrangler.

Our review vehicle, the Wrangler Rubicon, was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The V6 produces 285 horsepower and 260 ft-lbs of torque. The engine and transmission combination works well for day to day driving. Fuel economy is about what you’d expect from a boxy off-road ready vehicle at 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The power is immediate and thanks to Jeep’s brilliant eight-speed automatic, the Wrangler feels ready up to the speed limit and beyond.

While the Rubicon is a welcome daily driver, the Wrangler really shines off road. The almost unstoppable 4×4 features locking front and read differentials. The transmission offers a 4-wheel low setting that works to keep the Jeep moving in terrain that stops many other off-road vehicles in their tracks. Get in over your head and the disconnectable front stabilizer bar frees up the front wheels to help climb otherwise impossible rocks and crags.

Road noise is abundant, especially at highway speeds, but the Uconnect infotainment system remains among the best in the industry. Our review vehicle included an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. FCA’s lauded system is easy to use and loaded with features. Audio is clear and loud and the smartphone integration works flawlessly.

While the Wrangler is not for everyone, Jeep’s off-road ready convertible is the only vehicle for some. With a starting price tag of just over $28k the Wrangler can be configured to meet most budgets. Our nicely-equipped Rubicon, with a long-list of MOPAR options, costs close to $50k.

Follow Chris on Facebook @jaxcarsandcoffee or @jaxcarculture

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September 9, 2020November 3, 2020

The Continually Evolving Small SUV: 2019 Jeep Renegade

Not that many years ago a phone was a phone. It had one job, make phone calls. Eventually the phone began evolving, adding features to transmit data and add functionality. Today, consumers equate the term “phone” with “tiny supercomputer with a hi-res camera.” Expectations are high; a lot is expected from something very tiny.

In many ways expectations in the small sport-utility vehicle marketplace mirror that of the cell phone. It is not enough to provide basic transportation, a SUV needs to be competent on the highway and around town, provide plenty of cargo space, entertainment, look great and not complain if you need to wander off-road during the family camping trip.

Manufacturers have raced to create the ultimate tiny SUV and much like the latest cell phones, offerings like the 2019 Jeep Renegade Limited have become the “does a little bit of everything” vehicle that many people need. Jeep’s name represents adventure lifestyle and off-road capability. Legendary models like the Wrangler can be seen tackling rocky crags and chugging through rivers unscathed. It only makes sense that Jeep’s smallest SUV should have mentionable 4×4 capabilities. However, the Renegade is better thought of as a purposeful daily driver for families who might, every once in a while, visit the drive-on beach.

Jeep’s refreshed 2019 Rengade is powered by a standard 2.4-liter four cylinder or an all-new 1.3-liter direct-injection turbocharged engine. Both engines send power through a 9-speed automatic transmission. Our Limited model gave us a chance to spend some time with the new turbo engine.

Engine and Transmission

Rated at 177 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, the overachieving 1.3-liter powerplant is a nice match for the SUV. The engineers at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) have worked their magic to dial in a wide powerband and rarely did the Jeep feel sluggish or overworked during the week long review period. Fuel economy is solid for a contender in the small 4×4 SUV marketplace, rated at 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined.

Our Limited model included the Jeep Selec-Terrain system which provided four different drive modes. While the majority of our time was spent in the “Auto” mode, the system has options for Snow, Sand and Mud. The closest we took the Renegade to “off-road” was parking on wet grass. Days of rain had created a situation where the normally firm ground had deceptively given way to six inches of mud. At the end of the day, the Renegade easily pulled out of the spot while the two vehicles parked on either side had to wait for a tow truck.

Interior

Our top-trim Limited model features leather seating and premium trim. Front seats are comfortable and supportive and it is relatively easy to find a comfortable driving position. Similar to the vast majority of small SUVs, the rear seating area is adequate for two adults or three small children. Cargo space is 18.5 cubic feet that can be expanded to 50.8 cubic feet when you include the rear seat area.

Technology

Our Limited model included FCA’s excellent Uconnect infotainment system. We have long been fans of the user friendly system, which we consider a benchmark for non-premium vehicles. The 8.4-inch touchscreen occupies a great deal of the dashboard area. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, HD Radio, Bluetooth connectivity and SiriusXM Radio (with subscription) are standard. An optional BeatsAudio system takes the system’s audio reproduction to the next level.

Everyone will appreciate the availability of up to 70 safety and security features. The updated Renegade includes the segment’s first availability of Forward Collision Warning-Plus and LaneSense Departure Warning.

Pricing

The base model 2019 Jeep Renegade starts at $22,275. Our Limited model retails for $34,265. Both are subject to a $1,495 destination charge.

Our Verdict

While the small SUV landscape is continually evolving, the Jeep Renegade is a strong contender for consumers. The styling is in line with the Jeep lineup and the interior is comfortable and functional. If you’re attracted to the Renegade’s styling and feel that the seating and cargo space will work for your lifestyle, then Jeep’s little SUV might be the perfect “does a little bit of everything” vehicle for you.

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September 3, 2020November 3, 2020

Just Right: The 2019 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody

When Dodge hints that they are going all in, you can count on it. Five years ago rumors began to circulate about a street legal factory muscle car that would change the rules. The car would have north of 700 horsepower and forever change the perception of “what is enough.” The tire-melting, driveshaft twisting, drag strip terror 2015 Dodge Challenger Hellcat was unleashed and a new chapter in the horsepower wars began eventually resulting in a “Demon-possessed” 797-horsepower SRT Hellcat Redeye. The last bit of that sentence was actually cut and pasted from a Dodge press release…

While more really is more when it comes to late-model drag strip dominance, less may be more when it comes to real world driveability. For our needs, which rarely include crushing well-intentioned pony cars at the drag strip, a slighter version of the Challenger works perfectly. Give us the Hellcat Widebody’s glorious design, monstrous V8 and many of the features, but leave the supercharger and nearly $80k starting price at the dealer.

Enter the 2019 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody.

Let’s get the important stuff out there first. The R/T Scat Pack model is powered by a normally-aspiratied 6.4-liter 392 HEMI V8 engine and a Tremec six-speed manual or a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. Either combination works brilliantly to send 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque through the hilariously-wide rear tires to the unexpectant roadways.

While we are proponents of the Hellcat, we unofficially named it “Family Car of the Year” in 2015, the power is probably more than you need for anything other than world record burnouts and scaring the in-laws. Trying to wrangle almost 800 horsepower when it’s starting to rain and you’ve been cut off by a minivan owner on their way to work can be treacherous. If the base V6 is a little cold and the Redeye is too hot, then the 485 horsepower Scat Pack might be the Goldilocks’ Challenger pick for “just right.”

The Challenger line up offers more than 70 available safety and security features. Highlights include Forward Collision Warning, adaptive cruise control, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection.

Add in FCA’s excellent UConnect infotaiment system, which is one of our favorites from any manufacturer, and the Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody becomes even more compelling as a daily driver. We have always found Fiat Chrysler Automobile’s system to be user friendly and highly functional.

Value:

The pricing is just right too. Dodge claims that the R/T Scat Pack “offers the most muscle for the dollar priced less than $40,000.” We won’t argue. With the manual transmission the 475-horsepower Challenger costs $39,245 which equates to about $83 a pony. Our Scat Pack included the widebody package. The model feature the same fender flares from SRT Hellcat Widebody. The flares add 3.5 inches to the overall width of the car. The Widebody sits on 305/35ZR20 Pirelli tires mounted to 20 x 11-inch alloy wheels. All in our review vehicle cost $54,120.

Final Verdict:

We love the retro styling of the Dodge Challenger. The new Scat Pack widebody model gives owners a chance to have the look and much of the power of the top-tier Hellcat Demon at a fraction of the cost. Families will likely find that the back seat limits the usefulness of the Challenger, but the huge front seats and truck make it one of the most comfortable late-model muscle cars you can buy.

Follow Chris on Facebook @jaxcarsandcoffee or @jaxcarculture

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