October 30, 2014

The Dodge Challenger for years has continually reached new heights in the muscle car segment – and the bar just got raised a little higher. For months we have talked about the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. We’ve made our own speculations and listened to the rumors that have been started. Last we heard this vehicle would have a horsepower that was over 600. Now we know the actual number and we are pleasantly surprised.

So how do you become the “most powerful muscle car ever”? We now know how – take notes. You can attain this title by reaching an astounding 707 horsepower. So when Dodge said the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat would achieve 600-plus horsepower, they weren’t kidding. It reached that and some! The torque followed suit by being raised to 650 lb-ft or torque. To produce this Dodge has added the eight-speed automatic transmission – new to the Dodge Challenger. Also, to help handle the extra torque and power Dodge added a new gearbox inside of the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat – the 8HP90 gearbox, which is upgraded from the 8HP70.

To contain this powerful horsepower Dodge has created two key fobs – a red one and a black one. The red fob allows the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT reach its full potential – 707 horsepower. The black fob limits the horsepower the vehicle can reach to 500hp.

Swing by Monken Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM to check out the plethora of vehicles we have on our lot. We will let you know when the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT arrives. You will soon see why we are a great choice when it comes to dealerships near Centralia, IL.

All about the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT
October 30, 2014
There have been a lot of updates in the Chrysler family, and many models have received SRT upgrades. With much of the hype going to the super-powerful 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, we don’t want you to forget about the other great vehicles receiving SRT upgrades. The 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of those vehicles. Keep reading for more information about what you can expect from this vehicle.

SRT is known worldwide for creating high-performance, powerful automobiles–and the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is no exception. It comes powered by a 6.4-liter engine combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Horsepower and torque have both been increased by five, bringing new totals to 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.

Jeep and SRT have also added a new standard feature on all vehicles called the Active Noise Canceling system. This system allows for the perfect combination of bold vehicular sounds and insulation from outside sounds. SRT and Jeep know that consumers want to hear the power they paid for (like the exhaust and the rev of the engine.) To achieve this perfect combination, Jeep uses four microphones throughout the vehicle and the stereo system to nullify external sounds.

The last big change is the new Red Vapor package. This package will add different exterior colors, black badges around the SUV, and upgraded 20 inch wheels in black chrome with bright center caps.

Monken Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM is excited about the arrival of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT. Swing by our Southern Illinois area Jeep dealership to check out the vehicles we have on our lot. See you soon!

The 2015 Chrysler 200 is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+

September 10, 2014
Most vehicles strive for safety, but not every vehicle reaches the pinnacle of safety honors like the 2015 Chrysler 200 did. This vehicle was recently evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and after thorough testing, the 2015 Chrysler 200 received the honor of being named a Top Safety Pick +. You can find out more information about what this award and what a vehicle has to do to earn it – just keep reading.

Before awarding any sort of safety ratings the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducts a variety of tests on each vehicle. The ratings can range from a top rating of “good”, “acceptable”, “marginal” or “poor”. A vehicle must earn a good or acceptable rating for small overlap protection, good ratings in the Institute’s moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint test, in addition to a basic, advanced or superior rating for the front crash prevention test.

The 2015 Chrysler 200 earned a superior rating for the front crash prevention when the optional forward collision warning system is active with autobrake. Autobrake is provided in a package by Chrysler called the SafetyTec package. In all other tests, the 2015 Chrysler 200 earned a top rating of “good,” therefore qualifying for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick+ award.

Monken Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM is proud to have this Top Safety Pick+ vehicle on our lot. If you’re near the Centralia, IL area, swing by our lot to experience the 2015 Chrysler 200 for yourself. We have a variety of other new and used Chrysler vehicles so, whatever you’re looking we’ll help you find it.

Many people who are shopping for trucks may not know that maximum towing capacity is not calculated the same way for each vehicle. With horsepower and torque, there is a standard system in place that all automakers must use, but until now there was nothing like this for maximum towing capacity. However, thanks to the Society of Automotive Engineers, or SAE, this has now changed. Keep reading for more information.

The Society of Automotive Engineers has introduced a new maximum towing capacity calculating system called J2807. RAM is proud to be the first auto brand to apply the new standards on their trucks. To calculate the maximum towing capacity, J2807 simulates real-world towing in a variety of tests. Trucks must perform tests that include 0-60 miles per hour time allowance test, a climb test – checking the ability to climb a grade without dipping below a certain speed, and handling test.

You can expect to see the new standardized ratings on the 2015 RAM 1500, 2015 RAM 2500 and 2015 RAM 3500. But if you were wondering, here they are:

RAM 1500 with 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 – 7,600 lbs
RAM 1500 with 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 – 9,200 lbs
RAM 1500 with 5.7-liter Hemi V8 – 10,650 lbs
RAM 2500 with 6.4-liter Hemi V8 – 16,300 lbs
RAM 2500 with 6.7-liter Cummins inline diesel – 17,970 lbs
RAM 3500 with 6.4-liter Hemi V8 – 16,420 lbs
RAM 3500 with 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six diesel – 30,000 lbs (!!!)

Swing by Monken Chrysler Nissan to check out these trucks in all their glory! We have a variety of other new and pre-owned RAM vehicles at our Southern Illinios RAM dealership.