Mopar Celebrates “The Elephant,” 426 HEMI

Posted on March 18, 2014 by baysideadmin

Mopar is marking the 50^th 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.

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

Posted on February 21, 2014 by baysideadmin

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.

Winter Driving Tips

Posted on December 27, 2013 by baysideadmin

The weather may be less than the usual in terms of winter driving with a lack of snow and ice on the ground but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared in case. New York weather has the tendency to change when least expected. Having a vehicle ready for such changes can mean the difference between being to work on time or getting the whole family to the destination without any incidents. Here is some tips on how to be ready for winter driving.

*Check your tires:
A major things to be sure is ready for the ice and snow. Tires are keeping you on the road and ensuring your have grip when most needed. Check over the tires to see how mean the summer was on them and to see if any of the tread has been lost. Also make sure that the tire is properly inflated.

*Windshield:
There is nothing worse than being caught in a snowstorm with broken wiper blades or lack of wiper fluid. Ensure that the fluid is filled to maximum as there will be a lot used to clean up the mess of snow and dirt that always ends up on the windshield. Be sure that the wiper blades are functioning properly and are properly wiping away the grime. If not, now is the best time to pick up some new ones.

*Lights:
This is something to help both you and the other drivers. Headlights should be cleaned and providing plenty of light to see through any flurries. This will also make sure that if someone is having a tough time seeing on the road, they’ll be able to make out your headlights on the road ahead and can avoid a collision. Headlights and taillights should be bright and clean for the winter.

*Be aware:
There’s only so much that technology can do to help protect us on the road. At some point, it does fall on the driver to be ready for the random things that can occur. They are the ones to be on the look out for black ice or to know how to properly steer during a spin-out. A driver who is going to be out during bad weather must be aware of how to handle driving emergencies when they happen.

As always, there are plenty more that we didn’t get to that can be done to better a vehicle in preparation of the winter weather. These are simply ones that are very common and most drivers don’t take handle until after they become a problem. Follow these tips and you’ll find yourself being proactive and having much better chances to have good travel during the winter.

To schedule your vehicle for a complete check-up, contact our service department at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge.

Could the New Diesel Engine Be in Other Chrysler Vehicles?

Posted on July 16, 2013 by baysideadmin

“I just want to say one word to you. Just one word. Are you listening? Plastics.” Or in the case of Chrysler with concern to their upcoming Ram and Grand Cherokee, the word would be “diesel.”

It was a move that many saw coming, mostly because the people in question wanted it very badly to happen. With the upcoming 2014 Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chrysler Group will be making drivers quite happy with the additional option of a diesel engine to choose from.

Chrysler is expecting them to be quite popular. Raffaele DeVivo, the president of VM Motori North America thinks that 30 percent of 1500 buyers will take the optional 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engine.

That’s what Chrysler wants to see, demand for the diesel. If they see enough demand, in fact, they are looking to keep expending that engine for use in other vehicles.

“Wherever there is a (Chrysler 3.6-liter) Pentastar, there could be a VM 3.0 liter diesel – Dodge Durango, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Jeep Wrangler, the minivans,” says DeVivo.

What do you think? Are you planning on purchasing a the optional diesel engine for either the 2014 Ram 1500 or Jeep Grand Cherokee? Would you want to see the engine offered in other Chrysler products?

Interested in Mopar parts for your vehicle? Visit Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge online. We have our new and pre-owned inventory available for viewing. For visitors in need of auto repair and service, schedule a time to come in with our high-quality service department. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more auto news and for our monthly parts and service specials.

Mopar Readies Their Limited Edition 2013 Dodge Dart

Posted on June 12, 2013 by baysideadmin

The Dart may have to wait until next summer to enjoy being turbo-charged to appear on screens in the new Fast and Furious film, but that isn’t stopping Mopar from giving it a makeover in time for this season.

But sadly, this Mopar-ization comes with a limit. Only 500 of the them will reach sales floors. Dealerships are taking pre-orders now to get them in the hands of the lucky few who really want them.

The lucky ones get their hands on a truly unique ride. The outside is given the Mopar standard paint job of being coated in black with a cool blue racing stripe stretching from the front to the rear of the Dart. This is the same paint scheme that’s been used previously whenever the parts maker has gotten their hands on a vehicle, such as the Dodge Charger or the Challenger.

That same quality of design is evident in the interior as well. The seats are done up with Katzkin leather. And the rest of the cabin’s look is similar to the exterior with blue accents on a predominately black theme on the driver’s seat, the steering wheel, and the instrument paneling.

Mopar is notorious for the power of their product and it only makes sense that whenever they take a vehicle, such as the Dart, under their wing, that they prove why they’re considered one of the best in the business. The engine is a Multiair turbocharged 1.4-liter four cylinder. It also has six-speed manual transmission.

The limited edition Dart also comes with the 8.4-inch Uconnect screen and system, wireless charger, premium Mopar floor mats, and a sport-pedal kit.

For bragging rights, the list of features goes beyond what’s in and on the car. The 500 individuals who purchase the limited edition will also get a personalized plate that has the vehicles specifications as well as a unique identification number and production date. The last piece of the proverbial pie is a sketch of the car signed by Mark Trostle who is the Chief Designer for Mopar.

Not too shabby of a deal for a limited edition that has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $25,485.

For more details on the 2013 Dodge Dart and other Dodge products, visit Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge online. We have our new and pre-owned inventory available for viewing. For visitors in need of auto repair and service, schedule a time to come in with our high-quality service department. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more auto news and for our monthly parts and service specials.

Chrysler Engineers Work for Next Big Technological Advancement

Posted on June 6, 2013 by baysideadmin

What 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.

Meet the 1968 Dodge Daytona, Star of Fast and Furious 6

Posted on May 28, 2013 by baysideadmin

It’s an exciting week for car lovers. The new Fast & Furious movie is finally out and is packed to the brim with outrageous stunts featuring the most powerful cars on the market. The films have always been about showing off which cool and exotic muscle cars they were able to find and crash onscreen, but one in the new film really stood out against the whole of the franchise. That would be Vin Diesel’s 1968 Dodge Daytona.

The lucky writers at Popular Hot Rodding got a call from the Fast and Furious team for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to check out the Daytona and the other muscle cars assembled for the action flick. Like any one would in their situation, they screamed in joy at this opportunity. They certainly didn’t come back disappointed.

The entire article is a fascinating read into the work that is done on a car before it gets in front of a camera. It’s not as simple as picking it up off the lot and driving it out for the stunt drivers to film with. Dennis McCarthy is the owner of Vehicle Effects and gets all the shiny cars for the movie crew to work with. He detailed the work that went into getting the Daytona, and a lot of Dodge Chargers, ready for its close-up.

From giving it a pretty and movie-quality exterior to a ton of work on the engines to make sure that the cars could be pushed to their limits for some of the stunts. Thanks to the custom engines they inserted, all the cars were able to endure six months of heavy stunt-work and not once did they suffer engine failure.

Read the whole thing for a complete break-down of all the work and to see a ton of photos of the star Dodge Daytona. It’s amazing to see the magic that Hollywood can work on their cars without having to resort to creating complete CGI scenes.

Fast & Furious 6 Showcase the Best Dodge & SRT Have to Offer

Posted on May 20, 2013 by baysideadmin

The Fast and Furious films are pretty much my biggest guilty pleasure when it comes to major blockbuster films. It’s hard not to love a group of people getting together and trying to figure out new ways to get the sexiest and most powerful cars to perform the most outrageous stunts. The poster may show Vin Diesel, The Rock, or Paul Walker on it, but the cars have been and always will be the stars of the franchise.

In the new upcoming sequel Fast & Furious 6, the filmmakers turned to the ones they loved. The team at Dodge and SRT had no problem providing the best cars to work with.

Taking center stage will be the 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8, the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8, and a vintage 1969 Dodge Daytona.

Previously one of the most spectacular action sequences came at the end of Fast & Furious 5 with 2 Dodge Chargers dragging a massive bank vault through the streets of Rio. How do you top something so impressively awesome? Well, judging from the trailers, it seems bringing down a plane and racing from a tank is a good place to start.

How does Dodge and SRT feel about their cars being used in such reckless fashion? Seems they’re huge fans of it actually. Ralph Gilles, CEO of SRT Brand, enjoys handing over his top-of-the-line cars to the crew behind the films to see how many actually make it back to him.

Dodge is really stepping up to help advertise the film though. They’ve already released a “How To” video concerning how to make the Dart a Fast and Furious car.

Also, any fan that purchases their ticket in advance for a showing of Fast & Furious 6 will be entered into a contest to win a Dodge Charger SRT8 from the movie. I feel whoever wins should have to sign away all liability that may occur after watching the films. Dodge is not responsible for any injuries that occur while ramping a car off a train.

For the rest of us, getting a vehicle in such condition to race a tank requires hardwork and dedication. It doesn’t hurt to have a place to find quality parts and upgrades. That’s where Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge comes in. We operate 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.

Spring Vehicle Maintenance Check-List

Posted on April 24, 2013 by baysideadmin

One of the first things I heard when I moved out to New York concerned the weather. I was told “Don’t like the weather? Just wait.” It wasn’t too clear to someone who came from a region with four discernible seasons, but after a few years I get it. Spring is coming, and it can’t figure out if that means warm or cold. What that means for you, as an auto owner, is that it’s time to make sure your vehicle is in working order.

Pat Dougherty, the VP of Sales at Mopar, put together a list that drivers need to have checked out as the weather warms up. “Vehicles need to be in shape for the summer travel season. Preventive maintenance keeps vehicles on the road longer and save customers money in the long run.”

Here are the parts that need checking:

Engine, Belts, Hoses, & Fuel Filter:

Replacing belts and hoses on a regular basis helps to avoid a breakdown or engine damage. Replacing the fuel filter will make sure that your engine is running properly and will maximize your fuel economy.

Tires:

Check the air pressure for all of your tires. That includes the spare. If the pressure is off, that can lead to premature ware. That, in turn, leads to decreasing your fuel mileage.

Brakes:

Brakes are used frequently throughout a single day. Every time the brakes are applied, a thin layer of the pad disintegrates. Make sure you inspect and replace those pads to ensure proper performance.

Oil:

Make sure your engine oil level is checked often and changed and refilled on a regular basis. If the oil is dirty or too low, you can experience engine problems. Not something you want happening to you in New York summers.

Air Filter:

Replacing a dirty filter will help protect your engine from airborne contaminants. The car will get better air flow. That helps decrease on fuel consumption.

Fluid Levels:

Dirty fluids have an impact on the performance of your vehicle and can lead to breakdowns. Make sure you’re checking that everything is filled to the proper levels and on a regular interval.

Battery:

It’s been a rough winter and that meant some rough cold-morning starts. Make sure there’s no corroded terminals or cracks on the case. It’s never fun to have a battery fail in the middle of the city.

Shocks & Struts:

A rough winter also hurts the city streets, filling them with numerous pot-holes. Make sure you have a smoother ride by seeing if those bumps caused any damage.

Wiper Blades:

Spring brings with it plenty of storms. Don’t get caught in the rain with broken wipers. You never want to have to fight to see through a downpour.

Headlamps, Tail Lamps, Turn Signals, & Hazard Lights:

Always make sure your lights are in proper working order to avoid two things, accidents and the cops pulling you over for a citation.

Bring your vehicle into our service department and we’ll give it the look over to ensure it’s ready to face the on-coming weather. Best to get it out of the way before your vehicle develops problems on a road-side and your great vacation out of state has turned into a few hours waiting for the tow truck.

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.

Image courtesy of Surachai / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Is Electric the Future for Cars?

Posted on April 20, 2013 by baysideadmin

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.

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