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The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe works on two types of energy sources: Gasoline and electricity. Using the 4xe’s rechargeable battery pack, your Grand Cherokee can run an estimated 25 miles on a full charge. The turbocharged gasoline engine is not used at all; it is just pure electric propulsion, including instant torque. Running on battery power makes sense when coming to the Twin Ports area. Even if you’re detouring away from the Blatnik Bridge construction, you can still go from Superior to the Duluth Airport without using one drop of fuel. The actual battery range can vary by weather and climate. Cars.com recently tested the Grand Cherokee 4xe during a “mild winter day” and got 21.9 miles of range out of the battery. It is true that colder temperatures could affect battery range. The same is said about hot days, too. When your battery pack runs down to almost empty, the 4xe system switches to the turbocharged gasoline engine. You may have a few drops of electrons left, and some more could be recoverable through regenerative braking. There may be occasions when you start off using the electric motor and then switch to the gasoline engine without any interruption. The switch between the two power sources is very seamless. Recharging is easy. It can take up to a Level 2 charge either at home or at a public charging station. You can install a Level 2 charger for your home. A wall-mounted Free2Move or Jeep brand charger is available through Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. You could also get a wall-mounted charger from another source. There are plenty of electricians in the Twin Ports area who can assist you in installing your own home charger. If you’re looking for a charging station, Jeep has you covered. You will find them in downtown Duluth and on the campus of the University of Minnesota-Duluth. The Jeep website, as well as other apps, can assist you in finding a spot to charge up the Grand Cherokee 4xe when you are away from home. Of course, you can take your Grand Cherokee 4xe off-road. Your battery pack is protected from water up to 24 inches of wading depth. If you are ready to join the plug-in hybrid revolution, contact us at Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to experience the Grand Cherokee 4xe’s ability to run on gasoline or electricity.

When the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid first debuted in 2017, there were plenty of doubters. Could a plug-in hybrid work with families on the go? Years later, that answer is “yes.” After all, it is the first plug-in hybrid minivan sold in America. This was confirmed by Inside EV, where they claimed how much they love this combination of electric and gasoline power that is rechargeable. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid works on two types of energy sources: Gasoline and electricity. The Pacifica’s rechargeable battery pack can run an estimated 32 miles on a full charge. The V6 gasoline engine is not used at all. Just pure electric propulsion, including instant torque. Running on battery power makes sense when you’re commuting in the Twin Ports area, getting groceries, or doing some shopping around town. It even makes sense when you're taking the kids to sports practice or music lessons without using one drop of fuel. Inside EV also found that there is one way you can drive without using gasoline. On the e-shifter knob, turn it into the L position, and it will put the electric motor into a maximum regeneration mode. When your battery pack runs down to almost empty, the hybrid system switches to the V6 gasoline engine. You may have a few drops of electrons left, and some more could be recoverable through regenerative braking. There may be occasions when you start off using the electric motor and then switch to the gasoline engine without any interruption. The switch between the two power sources is very seamless. Recharging is easy. It can take up to a Level 2 charge either at home or at a public charging station. You can install a Level 2 charger for your home. A wall-mounted Free2Move is available through Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. You could also get a wall-mounted charger from another source. There are plenty of electricians in the Twin Ports area who can assist you in installing your own home charger. If you’re looking for a charging station, Jeep has you covered. You can find them in downtown Duluth and on the campus of the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Other apps can assist in finding a spot to charge the Pacifica Hybrid when you are away from home. If you want a minivan that can run on both gasoline and electricity, contact us at Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to experience the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid today!

Jeep has introduced the Wagoneer S as its first battery-electric vehicle (BEV), which is expected to go on sale in the latter half of summer 2024. Though this is the brand’s first BEV, it builds on the experience of having the best-selling plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in the U.S. for the past three years with the Wrangler 4xe. Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is excited about the arrival of this beautiful and high-performing addition to the Jeep model line. The Wagoneer S is a distinct departure from the existing Wagoneer models, boasting a unique platform, exterior and interior design, and, of course, a completely different drivetrain. Yet, it retains the hallmark luxury, refinement, and capability synonymous with the Wagoneer name, promising a thrilling and luxurious driving experience. Electrifying Drivetrain The Wagoneer S's motors combine to deliver a staggering 600 horsepower and 617 lb-ft of torque. To put that into perspective, the Grand Wagoneer L produces 510 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. But what truly sets the Wagoneer S apart is the instantaneous power of its electric motors, with that 617 lb-ft fully available the moment the engine starts turning. This translates into a heart-pounding 0-60 time of 3.4 seconds, a level of acceleration once the exclusive domain of exotic sports cars. The Wagoneer S is estimated to have an impressive operating range of over 300 miles. Thanks to its efficient 400-volt architecture, the 100 kWh battery pack can charge from 20 - 80% in a mere 23 minutes on a fast DC charger, ensuring that you spend more time on the road and less time waiting for your vehicle to charge. “The launch of the all-electric Jeep Wagoneer S marks a new chapter in the storied history of the Jeep brand,” said Antonio Filosa, Jeep Brand CEO. “Building upon nearly a century of innovation and design, this first global EV will introduce a whole new generation of owners to an experience that is distinctly Jeep and 100% electric in every way. With new energy in the Jeep vehicle lineup, ranging from EV to V-8, customers have never had more freedom to choose their own adventure.” Smooth, Silent and Capable All Wagoneer S models will feature four-wheel drive using Stellantis-designed electric drive modules (EDMs), which independently power the front and rear wheels. These 3-in-1 EDMs combine the electric motor, gearing, and power electronics into a single, compact unit. Each EDM is managed by the Jeep brand-exclusive Selec-Terrain traction management system, which features five distinct driving modes: Auto, Sport, Eco, Snow, and Sand. All drivetrain adjustments are made with electronic precision. To help optimize highway range, the front EDM is equipped with wheel disconnects to enable the wheels to spin freely. With no pistons, valves, or any other reciprocating parts, electric motors are inherently smooth and quiet. Jeep designers capitalized on that with a body as smooth as the drivetrain. Aerodynamic surfacing is evident by the precise slope and curvature of the hood and windshield, both angled for optimal performance and efficiency at high speeds. A sloping roofline cascades beneath a cantilevered rear spoiler, bridging function and aesthetics with its signature Wagoneer silhouette. The roof and rear spoiler are angled to reduce wake size, flush door handles minimize air disruption along the sides, and several underbody shields and spats control airflow away from tires to minimize drag. The result is a coefficient of drag (CD) of 0.29, which is the lowest CD ever for a Jeep vehicle and approximately 15% better than the average SUV. No longer needed for engine cooling, the iconic seven-slot grille is now a lighting element that greets you when you approach the front of the vehicle. Launch Edition Comes First The first Wagoneer S to arrive at dealers will be the fully equipped Launch Edition, and every Launch Edition model purchase will include a 48-amp Level 2 home charger. For those for whom installing a home charger is impractical, there is an alternative choice of charging credits through the Free2move Charge ecosystem. The dash is a work of art, incorporating 45 inches of screen space in the Launch Edition. It starts with the driver’s configurable digital gauge cluster. It moves to a large 12.3-inch center touchscreen, with a subsequent display below for climate controls and an interactive display for the front passenger. Unbeatable McIntosh Audio System Another star of the Launch Edition that will undoubtedly carry over to subsequent Wagoneer S trims is the spectacular McIntosh signature audio system. McIntosh has the respect of Audiophiles around the world. This 1,200-watt, 19-speaker system, including a 12-inch subwoofer, combined with the Wagoneer S’ silent running, delivers precisely the high-performance system audio one expects from McIntosh. Technology naturally expands to safety, and the Launch Edition is fitted with Active Driving Assist, Intersection Collision Assist, Drowsy Driver Detection, Traffic Sign Recognition, and a Surround View camera, all of which can be expected to be standard or available on subsequent models. Coming to Benna The Wagoneer S is a groundbreaking Jeep model that is sure to change many drivers' perceptions of electric vehicles. Make sure you experience the Wagoneer S for yourself. It may be in the Benna CDJR inventory by the time you read this. If not, contact one of our sales professionals and have them inform you when the first models arrive.

The Dodge Charger is back and better than ever. Sadly, the V8s are gone, but in their place are some very intriguing motors that create a lot of muscle without much effort. You will be able to get the Charger in either two or four doors, in hatchback form, with an EV or a twin-turbo inline-6 in Standard Output (S.O.) or High Output (H.O.). Every model will come with all-wheel drive available. Once you read about the power outputs, you’ll understand why drivers are going to need it. The biggest news about the 2024 and 2025 Dodge Charger is the introduction of electric motors. The 2024 Charger Daytona will have 496 horsepower in R/T trim via a Stage 1 kit from Dodge Direct Connection and 670 horsepower with the Stage 2 kit Scat Pack. These kits will only be available for the first model year cars in 2024. Both cars have a 100.5 kWh battery with an estimated range of 317 miles for the R/T and 260 miles for the Scat Pack. Dodge says the Charger Daytona Scat Pack will reach 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. However, for 2025, when buying the R/T and Scat Pack, buyers must purchase the Direct Connection Stage 1 and Stage 2 kits. Without the kits, the power will be 456 horsepower for the R/T and 590 for the Scat Pack. “The electrified 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack delivers Charger Hellcat Redeye levels of performance and announces its presence through the world’s first Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust, while Hurricane engine-powered Dodge Charger SIXPACK models will give the Brotherhood of Muscle a gas option that produces better horsepower and torque numbers than the outgoing 5.7- and 6.4-liter HEMI engines,” said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge Brand Chief Executive Officer – Stellantis. “The next generation of Dodge muscle has arrived.” The Daytona R/T will ride on 18-inch wheels, while the Scat Pack will have 21-inch wheels. Both models have fully independent suspension, and an optional Track Pack adds adaptive dampers. For 2024, both cars will have Brembo brakes with 16.1-inch rotors. To help set both the R/T and Scat Pack apart on the inside, they will have different seating surfaces and screen sizes. The R/T will feature a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, whereas the Scat Pack will have a 16-inch screen. However, the R/T can be optioned with the larger screen. Both cars will have a 12.3-inch center infotainment display. A premium 18-speaker Alpine system and an augmented reality head-up display will be available to project a large field of view with virtual image distance. Buyers looking to get into a Charger with a gas motor will have to wait until 2025. The 2025 Charger will be called the Sixpack and is available in S.O. (standard output) and H.O. (high output). The only engine will be the amazing 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 Hurricane that will produce 420 horsepower in S.O. and 550 horsepower in H.O. Dodge Charger Daytona EV models will also have unique drive modes, which include Drag, Track, Drift, and Donut. Drift mode allows drivers to choose between three different slip angles, with torque being biased to the rear axle, and the front axle will maintain the slip angle. Donut mode will allow the Charger to spin only the rear wheels without the traction control trying to limit you. Daytona models will also feature a patent-pending Fratzonic Chambered exhaust system. This system will incorporate two passive radiators that will create Hellcat levels of sound. However, you can use Stealth Mode to avoid exhaust sound. For more information, contact a sales representative at Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to learn more about the all-new Dodge Charger. At Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we offer our customers some of the best prices and services. With dozens of new and used vehicles to choose from, our excellent sales team and finance department will work hard to make sure you drive away happy. And our fantastic service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own.

Stellantis brought back several awards from the 2023 annual Texas Automotive Writers Association (TAWA) Auto Roundup. Held in late March at Eagles Canyon Raceway in Decatur, Texas, Benna CDJR is proud to say that the Lone Star scribes showed some love for Dodge, Chrysler, and Alfa Romeo, bringing home a combined seven awards from the event. Ram and Jeep will likely get their turn when trucks are reviewed at the organization’s Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall. Dodge Hornet: Crossover Utility Vehicle of Texas The Dodge Hornet is the newest vehicle introduced across the Stellantis family and takes aim at the very popular compact crossover segment. TAWA took an instant liking to it, giving it the Utility Vehicle (CUV) of Texas title award but also bestowing honors such as Best Value, Best New Interior, and Best New Feature, for a total of four awards. The Best Feature award is for the class-exclusive PowerShot feature, which supplies a burst of 30 horsepower for the electrified Dodge Hornet R/T plug-in hybrid. The R/T has a rear-mounted motor that provides an estimated 30 miles of EV range and a combined 288 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. Dodge Challenger SRT Black Ghost: Performance Vehicle of Texas One of the seven “Last Call” special-edition Challenger and Charger models in their final year of muscle car production, The 807-horsepower Dodge Challenger Black Ghost channels the spirit of a legendary street racer that prowled Detroit’s famed Woodward Avenue in the 1970s. Only 300 of the Black Ghost “Last Call” models will be produced, all in Pitch Black and in Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody form. Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid: Family Vehicle of Texas Probably the least surprising of the awards, the Pacifica took the Family Vehicle of Texas award for the 6th consecutive year. Minivans are known for carrying out commuting and domestic chores during the week and then being the designated vehicle for road trips, which is a perfect scenario for a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Yet the Pacific remains the only available plug-in hybrid minivan in the country. The Pacifica PHEV provides an estimated 30 EV miles, 80 MPGe, and more than 500 miles total range. For this and other reasons, the Pacifica is also the most awarded minivan over the last six years, with more than 170 honors and industry accolades since its introduction. Alfa Romeo Stelvio: Best Mid-Size CUV For this award, it probably didn’t hurt that votes were decided after the cars were run on the Eagles Canyon Raceway. Because while the Stelvio is a beautiful piece of machinery full of Italian design and elegant detailing, it's the performance that makes it unforgettable. It isn’t just the 280 hp and 306 lb-ft of torque, it is the character of the engine as you put it through its paces, the sublime feel of the steering as it shows its sure-footedness on the curves, and the confidence one feels from the brakes. The Stelvio is a performance thoroughbred, and TAWA recognized just that. We thank TAWA for recognizing the special nature of these Stellantis models. Of course, Benna CDJR is where you can see the all-new Dodge Hornet and Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid up close and experience them on the road. With production limited to just 300, we may not have a Challenger SRT Black Ghost in stock, but you can experience other Challengers, learn more about the Black Ghost, and put yourself in for a pre-order until they are all spoken for.

Though the first Ram ProMaster EV has some time to go before becoming a part of the Benna CJDR inventory, Stellanis has announced a major fleet sale for the model to the Merchants Fleet fleet management company. Merchants Fleet has agreed to purchase 12,500 Ram ProMaster EVs over the next several years. The announcement comes on the heels of Amazon being the first commercial customer for the new Ram ProMaster EV, with plans to add thousands of Ram ProMaster EVs to their fleet each year. The Ram ProMaster EV will debut later this year as the first electric van from the Ram brand. Details have not been announced though it is expected to be very similar to the E-Ducato van by Stellantis-owned Fiat that is already for sale in Europe. That vehicle offers a choice of a 47.0 kWh (kilowatt-hour) battery pack or an optional 79.0 kWh pack. “At Ram, we are laser-focused on offering our customers electrified solutions with disruptive, leading-edge, advanced technology that meets real-world demands, and we are thrilled Merchants Fleet recognizes our all-new ProMaster EV will do exactly that,” said Mike Koval Jr., Ram brand CEO – Stellantis. “Our all-new ProMaster EV is Ram’s first EV offering in North America and an integral step in our electrification journey that will offer more efficient options to all of our customers.” Merchants Fleet is the fastest-growing fleet management company in North America. This announcement underscores the company’s leadership position in offering EV vehicles to its customers. The additional inventory from Stellantis will allow Merchants to provide fleet managers with an extensive selection of short- and long-term EV leasing options, allowing the customers flexibility in incorporating EVs into their own fleets. "We take great pride in our partnership with Stellantis, which plays a crucial role in our strategy to create an innovative EV ecosystem for our clients," said Brad Burgess, senior VP of fleet sales and strategic solutions at Merchants Fleet. " This collaboration allows us to provide our clients with exclusive access to EVs and a level of flexibility they simply can't get anywhere else." Starting with the recently introduced RAM 1500 REV, Ram will offer electrified solutions in the majority of its segments by 2025 and in all of its segments no later than 2030. Ram ProMaster EV is the first of 26 planned new electric commercial-vehicle launches that will contribute to reaching a 40% zero-emission mix by the end of the decade. The Ram ProMaster EV is expected to be a 2024 model and will be available in dealerships next year. Keep checking this blog for more details as they become available, and let us know if you would be interested in adding the ProMaster EV to your fleet.