Custom Mopar Jeep Wrangler to Benefit March of Dimes

2014 Custom Jeep Wrangler for March of DimesA custom 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara, upgraded with Mopar parts, will be given away to a lucky winner in a special fundraising sweepstakes to benefit the March of Dimes.

The Wrangler was donated by a Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram dealership in suburban Chicago, and proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit an Illinois chapter of the charity. Some of the parts added for the custom upgrade include front and rear off-road bumpers, rock rails, steel body corner guards, interior accents using the March of Dimes’ signature color purple, and much more.

Back in February, the Mopar customized Jeep Wrangler was featured at the Chicago Auto Show, right after the sweepstakes opened to the public. The sweepstakes will officially close at 11:59:59 PM PT on May 1, 2014, so there is still over a week to get an entry in for the sweepstakes. For the full rules of the eBay Giving Works March of Dimes Sweepstakes, click here.

Want to learn more about all the available Mopar parts to customize your vehicle? Contact us at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge. You can also download our mobile app to schedule a time to be seen in our quality service department. Be sure to like us on Facebook and to follow us on Twitter and YouTube to see our monthly parts and service specials.

Mopar Limited-Edition Challenger Sells Out in Under a Day

Mopar 2014 Dodge ChallengerThe limited-edition of the Mopar 2014 Dodge Challenger has sold out in less than 24 hours after going on sale.

Only 100 vehicles were available for purchase, making the Mopar 2014 Dodge Challenger the rarest limited-production Challenger ever offered by Dodge. The lucky buyers who managed to snatch up one of the Challengers will be receiving a 2014 Dodge Challenger that has already been given a full Mopar upgrade, including a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine as well as a choice of two exterior color options and three Mopar Blue stripe options. A little more than half of the Mopar Challengers ordered came with the Pitch Black paint while the rest chose Bright White.

Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, spoke about the limited-edition Challenger and the winning combination of Mopar and popular Dodge vehicles, stating, “The very high demand for the Mopar ’14 Challenger spotlights the success of our limited-edition Mopar-modified vehicles, and also clearly demonstrates the passion our customers have for personalizing their rides. Whether during or after the ordering process, Mopar is there to help put a personal touch on customers’ rides.”

Buyers who missed their chance at the Mopar 2014 Challenger can still purchase a 2014 Dodge Challenger and upgrade it with Mopar parts and accessories, but those Challengers will not come directly from the factory with the upgrades already in place.

Want to learn more about the HEMI engine and all the available Mopar parts to customize your vehicle? Contact us at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge. You can also download our mobile app to schedule a time to be seen in our quality service department. Be sure to like us on Facebook and to follow us on Twitter and YouTube to see our monthly parts and service specials.

The LX Platform Takes Center Stage at Spring Fest

Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger

Dodge was in Irvine, California last weekend for the LX Spring Fest 9, showing off the LX, LC, and LD platforms.

In a video for Dodge’s YouTube channel, Steve Magnante gave a tour of the Dodge models and explained the distinction of LX. Rear-wheel drive vehicles from the 2005 model year were called the LX cars. The Dodge Charger also has rear-wheel drive, but it is different enough to earn its own distinction as part of the LD series. The Dodge Challenger R/T is a two-door vehicle and is four-inches shorter than the other four-door counterparts, so it is distinguished as an LC series.

All of these vehicles come with the HEMI engine and rear-wheel drive, tying them all together under the Dodge brand and as varieties on a platform.

Check out the full video explanation below.

Want to learn more about the HEMI engine and all available Mopar parts? Contact us at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge. You can also download our mobile app to schedule a time to be seen in our quality service department. Be sure to like us on Facebook and to follow us on Twitter to see our monthly parts and service specials.

Mopar Celebrates “The Elephant,” 426 HEMI

Asian Elephant Luke trumpets his approval of the special 426 HEM

Mopar is marking the 50th anniversary of the 426 HEMI racing engine with a photo shoot with Pro Stock drivers Jeg Coughlin Jr., Allen Johnson, the new Dodge Dart, and an elephant.

For year, the nickname for the 426 HEMI has been “The Elephant.” It was given this nickname for three reasons. First, it is a large engine. At the time the 426 HEMI was first produced, it was the largest racing engine available and could only be used in bigger vehicles.

Second, it is a powerful engine. At the 1964 Daytona 500, these engines were producing around 750 horsepower, and Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Allen Johnson’s NHRA Pro Stock cars can get approximately 1,500 horsepower.

Third, the 426 HEMI is a hefty engine, weighing up to 700 pounds. It didn’t earn the nickname of “The Elephant” for being dainty.

For the photo shoot, Mopar went to Two Tails Ranch, a safe haven for a variety of animals including four Asian elephants. An elephant named Luke was selected for the photo shoot and gave the photographer plenty of great poses.

Asian Elephant Luke trumpets his approval of the special 426 HEM

For more information on all of Mopar’s available parts, contact us at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge. You can also download our mobile app to schedule a time to be seen in our quality service department. Be sure to like us on Facebook and to follow us on Twitter to see our monthly parts and service specials.

Undercar Digest: Mopar A/C Compressor Named Top 10 Product

Undercar Digest

Undercar Digest has named Mopar’s re-manufactured air conditioning compressors as a Top 10 product, as voted by their readers.

Mopar’s re-manufactured air conditioning compressors are built for older Chrysler Group models, and seeing that Chrysler Group vehicles are holding up better for a longer time, car owners are holding onto their vehicles for longer. Owners are more likely to replace parts, such as air conditioning compressors, before they trade in for a new model.

Fortunately, Mopar offers re-manufactured engines, transmissions, electrical systems, steering assemblies, brake components, and more, and these product lines are tested and inspected to meet current vehicle requirements, making them even better than the original parts. Last year, Mopar offered hundreds of re-manufactured parts, giving Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram owners the option to hold onto their favorite cars for longer.

For more information on all of Mopar’s available parts, contact us at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge. You can also download our mobile app to schedule a time to be seen in our quality service department. Be sure to like us on Facebook and to follow us on Twitter to see our monthly parts and service specials.

Chrysler Engineers Work for Next Big Technological Advancement

Timmons Accepting AwardWhat is the future of auto technology?  Is it electric cars?  Is it eight-speed transmission?  It’s hard to tell, there’s no definite “next big thing” attached to any single bit of technology.  That’s why it’s usually such a slow slog to the next innovation.  There’s time and money involved and the risk that goes along with the investment.  That hasn’t stopped Chrysler from stepping up and doing what they can to spur the next generation of auto tech.

In fact, an engineer with Chrysler by the name of Adam Timmons was just awarded for his work.  He is a Battery Cell Technical Specialist and was awarded the Stefan Pischinger Young Industry Leadership from SAE International.

What this award is meant for is to help promote careers in engineering by recognizing the contributions made by workers under the age of 35 that show the ability to be a leader in the industry.  Timmons works at the Chrysler Technical Center in Auburn Hills and is responsible for the next generation of electrical propulsion systems.  Specifically, he works on the batteries for the Fiat 500e electric car and the Ram 1500 PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle).  This allows for electric vehicles to travel further.
With people like Timmons heading the next generation of skilled engineers creating technology to improve drivers lives, it’s clear that while the next “big” thing isn’t known at the moment, it’s definitely right around the corner.  Can’t wait to see what it is.

Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge operates in the Queens area with top quality staff and tech to help you with your car problems. If you’re having issues with your car, contact our service department and we’re schedule a time to help get you back on the road asap. Follow us on Facebook and on Twitter for more news and monthly part specials.

Chrysler Custom Challenge Championship Seeks Best Mopar-ized Vehicle

UntitledThe Spring Festival of LXs in Irvine, California started when a group of four wanted to have a get-together to show off their rides to one another. As these things can do, it grew. The following year, more people showed up and the year after that even more. Now the event brings in thousands of people and around a thousand cars from all over the country.

Drivers weren’t the only ones who noticed, Chrysler did as well. The event was started specifically to out of love of their products, specifically the Dodge Challenger, Charger, Magnum, and Chrysler 300. The automaker loves the idea of their fans gathering and they want to be part of it.

The CEO of Chrysler, Saad Chehab, has pledged their support to the Mopar fanatics by creating the “Chrysler Custom Challenge Championship.” To enter, all you do is pay a visit to Chrysler Facebook page and upload a picture along with a description of your vehicle and you could win a trip to the 2014 North American Auto Show in Detroit, a luxury vacation package for two, and a two-year lease of a Chrysler vehicle.

Good luck to all who enter!

In need of a check-up?  Schedule an appointment online at our website or contact us at 888-425-7294.  Like Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for a full list of our special monthly offers.

Is Electric the Future for Cars?

2013 Fiat 500e

Every industry has the same problem.  No one can predict future trends.  Try as much as they might, the market reacts however it wants.  That’s a problem that the auto industry is going through right now.  How can they prepare for a future that is looking more and more to not be dependent on traditional gas?  Recent developments that have been made with electric cars certainly point to this being the most potential industry.  But CEO of Chrysler Sergio Marchionne questioned whether this would be the case.

Speaking at the Society of Automotive Engineers 2013 World Congress in Detroit, Marchionne brought up the subject the new technologies.  His major critique was against the government adding incentives to the market to convince people to embrace electric cars.

“I believe we should continue to explore the potential of electricity, but without being strong-armed by regulators and in combination with benefits of all other available technologies.”

He continued by adding that he thinks the US should be neutral to technology and has the automakers be the ones that test potentials for alternative fuels.

Currently, the US has a $7,500 federal tax credit for buying a plug-in electric or all-electric vehicle.  While it’s a great incentive to those on the fence about getting one, but the tax credit hasn’t seemed to have made an impact yet.

While Marchionne may not be completely on-board with electric quite yet, it hasn’t stopped the automaker from producing their first all-electric car, the Fiat 500e.  It’s being speculated that Marchionne may be raising warning signs about electrics cars due to the loss the company takes with each vehicle sold.  And that’s after all subsidies.

New technology is difficult to accept especially when it’s taking over for something that’s been ingrained for so long in a products existence.  Only time will tell if electric is the way of the future or if there is something else just wanting to be discovered.

Is your service light on?  Need a check-up before a family vacation?  Stop by Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge in the Queens area.  Our service department features top-quality customer service and will work with you to make sure you’re satisfied with the service provided.  Like us on Facebook and follow the dealership on Twitter for more tech news and future parts and service specials.

Mack Avenue Plant Makes Final Engine; Readies for Pentastar

It’s the end of an era at the Mack Avenue Engine Plant in Detroit.  They reached a mile stone with the production of a 4.7 liter V-8 engine.  Normally it wouldn’t be that big of a deal, making another quality engine for Ram trucks and other Chrysler vehicles.  This one, however, happens to be the last one they’ll ever make as production is ceasing.

C-Mack47signedenginesignv1The Mack Avenue Plant has put together more than 3 million powerplants.  They are now planning to move on to the next engine type.  Back in November of last year, Chrysler invested $198 million dollars into the plant, as well as added around 250 new jobs, so that the Mack Planet can start production of the Pentastar V-6 engines.

The final engine made was signed by the employees and will now be displayed in the lobby of the plant.  It’s a bittersweet moment as the workers begin to transition over to the next phase in production.

“Producing more than 3 million engines is a testament to each and every person that has worked at Mack Avenue Engine Plant 1 during the past 15 years,” said UAW Local 51 President Lorenzo Poole.

Plant Manager Bob Hollingsworth continued, “The Mack Avenue team should feel incredibly proud of what we have accomplished.  I applaud all the men and women who have helped build the 4.7 for all these years.  We are going to celebrate because we have a lot of work ahead of us, producing the award-winning Pentastar engine.”

If you are in the Queens area and are looking for top quality service, bring your vehicle into Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge.  Contact us and schedule a time for us to take a look at your car.  You can also shop online at the Mopar E-Store for a special treat.  Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more news and service specials.

Mopar Shows Off New Jeeps at Easter Jeep Safari

03JeepMoparWe recently wrote about the concepts that Jeep and Mopar are teaming up to bring to the Easter Jeep Safari.  Since then, the event has gone underway and more information is available on the six models being presented.  Turns out the concepts are the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Concept, the Jeep Wrangler Mopar Recon, Jeep Wrangler Stitch, Jeep Wrangler Sand Trooper II, Jeep Wrangler Flattop, and the Jeep Wrangler Slim.

Auto Media decided to focus on 3 of the concepts.  The first one they looked at is the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk.  This new Jeep contains the much talked about and much desired EcoDiesel engine.  The outside is clad in blood-orange paint and has 35-inch off-road Micky Thompson tires, along with custom fender flares and capped off with a modified SRT hood.

Next up is the Jeep Wrangler Mopar Recon.  The template is the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.  Underneath the hood is a 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 crate engine, capable of 470 horsepower.  The Wrangler Recon is built to be tough and shows that by having many features that make it capable to withstand some punishment.  Mopar put a Warn winch, high-clearance flat fenders, and rock rails on the Jeep along with the Rubicon’s 10th Anniversary hood on for good measure.  All of this is clad in a slate gray paint-job.

Last is the Wrangler Stitch, also a mod of the Wrangler Rubicon.  What Mopar did to this was put the Wrangler on a diet, shedding over 3,000 pounds to make it a similar weight to the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT.  That weight loss didn’t diminish the qualities though, so don’t fear.  The list of goodies included is quite long and includes, 17-inch aluminum wheels, customer DynaTrac Pro Rock 44 axles with 4.88 gears.

It’s clear that just by looking at these three Jeeps and what they are capable of, they were built for the Jeep owners looking to push an envelope.  “We created our new Jeep Performance Parts portfolio for extreme off-road Jeep fanatics ” said Mopar’s President and CEO, Pietro Gorlier.  “Jeep owners who are passionate about customization, performance, and personalization will have a long menu of Jeep Performance Parts from which to choose.”

Planning a spring getaway or just need to figure out why the ‘check engine light’ is on, stop on into the service department at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge. We offer top quality customer service and want to make sure you work only with the best. If you’re looking to do some additional work on your vehicle, you can shop online through our website at theMopar E-Store. For more Mopar news and special monthly offers, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.