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1996 was a good year for movies, and one of the most successful titles of that year was Twister, about tornado-chasing scientists in Oklahoma. Its box office was only second to the alien invasion CGI spectacular Independence Day. Twister starred Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton as our scrappy hero storm chasers and Cary Elwes as the well-funded nemesis storm chaser. Benna Chrysler Dodge Ram would like to point out that an unofficial central character of the film was the red 1995 Dodge Ram 1500 that our heroes used for their chasing. Now, “just” 28 years later, comes a Twister sequel called simply Twisters. None of the original cast returns, but a Ram truck again stars as the hero storm-chasing truck. Based on the trailer, the new film pits the educated elites against our blue-collar storm chaser guys with cowboy hats and thick accents. Plus, there is a brilliant blonde “city girl” former storm chaser who clearly falls in with the local dudes. In keeping with the hero’s underdog status, their ride is not a new truck. It’s an early 2000s 20-year-old Ram dually looking more like a truck carrying the camera and film crew rather than in front of the lens with an extensive external roll cage, lights, and lots of downhome tornado wrangler stuff. But the truck also has a black primer hood to keep it looking humble. One Speed Racer-like modification is internal drills in each corner to fasten the truck into the ground when things get a bit breezy. In the first movie, the Ram truck’s bed carried a device called “Dorothy” that released hundreds of little sensors that were swept up into the tornado to provide valuable information. This time around, these tornadoes are really mean and not content with knocking down billboards and flattening trailer parks. Reno, Nevada, gets beat up, and a refinery blows up along the way. So, the goal is nothing as wimpy as mere education. This time, they are going to kick some tornado tail, or rather “disrupt” the tornado and save everyone. Other more contemporary Ram trucks also appear in the trailer, including a Ram 1500 TRX and (keeping it in the extended family) an early 80s Jeep J10 pickup that is literally taken by the wind. An equipment-laden Toyota 4Runner also does some chasing, only to meet a bad end. This is middle America, after all, so no Toyota is going to save the day. As much as we at Benna CDJR, who sell new Ram trucks, would like a shiny new Ram truck to be the hero like last time, there is something to be appreciated about a 20-year-old Ram getting the job done. Twisters opens on July 19th.

Jay Leno is considered one of the greatest automotive enthusiasts ever. In fact, he’s probably the first name you’ll mention when talking about people with car collections. Leno is associated with car culture like no one else. There is no doubt he is just as famous for being a gearhead as he is a comedian and talk show host. Not only is he a collector, he drives all of his cars very regularly. Jay Leno’s Garage After hosting The Tonight Show with Jay Leno for 22 seasons, Jay Leno retired home to his car collection and his hit show on YouTube called Jay Leno’s Garage. His online show features him reviewing his personal cars, as well as special and rare cars owned by other people. Employing a staff of people that he works with to restore and keep his vehicles in tip-top shape, Leno has more than 180 cars and 160 motorcycles. To say he’s passionate about anything with wheels would be an understatement. Exclusive Car Care Products Jay Leno’s Garage and Dodge have partnered up to bring enthusiasts a new co-branded line of car care and detailing products through Direct Connection, which is the Dodge brand’s performance products line. With more than 20 different products to help you keep your Dodge looking brand new inside and out, Direct Connection aims to empower gearheads to take care of their rides. On hand to announce the new product line with Jay Leno was Dodge Brand CEO Tim Kuniskis in front of a Dodge Challenger Demon Last Call edition. Your purchase of the Direct Connection detailing bucket starter kit will include a 3.5-gallon bucket plus the following: Direct Connection Quick Detailer Direct Connection Ceramic Wash Shampoo Direct Connection High Gloss Tire Shine Direct Connection All-purpose Cleaner Direct Connection Color-changing Wheel Cleaner Direct Connection Interior Detailer Direct Connection Chenille Wash Mitt (pack) Direct Connection Twist Weave Drying Towel (pack) Microfiber Dressing Applicator Pad “When you think of legendary American automobiles, Dodge instantly comes to mind. And now, with a little help from Jay Leno's Garage car care, we're ensuring these beauties don't just run great, they look great too,” said Jay Leno. “You know, in my years around cars, it's all about authenticity and the passion behind it. Dodge's new Direct Connection website is a game-changer! For every Dodge owner out there, it's THE place to snag those OEM-certified parts and supplies to ramp up your ride with genuine performance upgrades. If you're looking to give your Dodge the royal treatment it deserves, look no further. And hey, while you're sprucing up the performance, don't forget to make it shine with a little help from Jay Leno's Garage car care!” Where Can I Buy Them? Later this year, Dodge will announce pricing and all the products can be purchased exclusively from DCPerformance.com, the official online home of Direction Connection. At Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we offer some of the best prices and services to all of our customers. With dozens of new and used vehicles to choose from, our great sales team and finance department will work hard to make sure you drive away happy. And our amazing service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own.