Mopar Readies Their Limited Edition 2013 Dodge Dart

Chrysler Group LLC introduces limited-edition Mopar ’13 Dart.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.

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

fast-and-furious-6-daytona-brown-wIt’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.

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.

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

fast-and-furious-6-screenshot-vin-diesel-drives-dodge-charger-daytona-54662-7-640x373The 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

ID-10085780One 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?

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 Readies Six New Jeep Concepts for Easter Jeep Safari

jeep-teases-new-mopar-concepts-medium_2Mopar and Jeep are joining forces to create not just one new concept, but six. All of them will be ready for display at the Easter Jeep Safari.

Chrysler teased two of the Jeeps today. The first is the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk II concept and the second is the Wrangler Slim. Both of these vehicles will be getting ‘Moparized’ to improve their off-road performance. The exact details of those modifications are, as of yet, unknown.

The remaining four Jeeps are going to remain under wraps until the Safari.

The Easter Jeep Safari is celebrating it’s 47th show and will be happening in Moab, Utah later this month on the 23rd through the 31st. The event is meant to cater to Jeep and 4×4 enthusiasts who are looking to see the best all terrain vehicles get put to the test. It’s one of the best places to show off a new Jeep that Mopar has put together to display their off-road capabilities.

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 the Mopar E-Store. For more Mopar news and special monthly offers, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Beat the Gas Price Increase With These Helpful Tips!

ID-100109424Bad news for drivers out there; gas prices are on the rise.  Hopefully it won’t be long before they go down again, but it’s best to prepare just in case.  To that end, we’re here to help you with some tips on what you can do to keep your costs down.  You don’t have the power to make the numbers with dollar signs next to them go down, but you can make sure you’re getting the most out of your vehicle.

PRNewswire has put together a good list, courtesy of the Car Care Council, of what you should be doing to help ease the pain you feel when reaching for your wallet at the pump.

  • Reduce your gas mileage by 4 percent by keeping your car tuned.
  • By keeping your tired inflated to the right amount can improve the gas mileage by 3.3 percent
  • Make sure to replace dirty or clogged air filters and improve the gas mileage by 10 percent

Other means you can take to improve your gas mileage is by observing these tips while you’re driving:

  • Take a look at the speed limit.  When you’re above 50 mph, your gas mileage goes down fast.  For every 5 mph over 50 you go, that’s an additional 25 cents per gallon for gas.
  • Don’t idle your car.  You only need a minute or two to heat up your car.
  • Don’t do any quick starts or stops.  In the city this can lower the gas mileage by 33 percent and 5 percent when you’re in the city.
  • Bunch trips together.  It’s better to make a lengthier trip than multiple shorter ones.
  • Check to make sure you don’t have extra weight in your car.  Empty out unnecessary things from your trunk and back seat.  The added weight can be causing you to need more gas than you normally would.

Follow these pieces of advice and you may find yourself more capable of weathering higher gas price periods.

If you’re in the Queens area and are in need of a tune-up, stop by Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge.  We offer monthly parts and service specials for you to take advantage of.  Make sure you like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more tips and monthly offers.

Image courtesy of markuso / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Chrysler Proves Their All-Wheel Drive is the Best

2013-chrysler-300--glacier-edition(4)-600-001When you brag about the capabilities of your vehicle, there comes the time to stand up or shut up. Chrysler has been telling folks for a long time about the quality of their all-wheel drive for some time. They’re tired of just telling people, though, and are ready to prove that they aren’t pulling any legs.

So how do you prove such a thing? By taking your cars to the one of the snowiest cities in the country. That city is located in the upper peninsula of Michigan and is named Houghton. Chrysler brought with them the 2013 Dodge Charger and the new Chrysler 300 Glacier edition to run the gauntlet.

Drivers made sure that both vehicles were put to the test. What they found was that the vehicles handled beautifully under the severe road conditions. Even at high speeds, the cars were able to slalom on an snow covered road. Here’s the video they put out to show how well the cars handled themselves:

With the recent snow that New Yorks has been getting, you want to make sure that you get a vehicle capable of tackling all mother nature can throw at you. Contact us at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge and let us know that you’re looking for the best in all-wheel-drive. We’ll work with you to help you get what you’re looking for. We love to say yes. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter as well for more news and monthly parts and service specials.

Mopar Gets Their Hands on the 2013 Dodge Dart

bg_dartmopar1Mopar has gotten their hands on the new 2013 Dodge Dart and is giving it their usual love.

At the Chicago Auto Show, Mopar will be unveiling just what they’ve done to the Dodge Dart to give it a little something extra. That extra includes enhancements to the performance of the machine including a lowered sport suspension, revised steering calibration, sport-tuned exhaust, ground-effects kit, and a premium brake kit with slotted rotors.

On the inside, the part maker is giving the driver’s seat customer leather. Also, in an industry-first, a wireless charger for smartphones.

“Our new Mopar ’13 Dart will turn hears and stand out from the crowd,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar. “For this special, limited-edition vehicle, we specifically kept the driver in mind as we added select Mopar parts and accessories.”

Availability for this new Dart will be extremely limited, with numbers being at only 500 models. Production begins in spring at the plant in Belvidere, Illinois.

You can shop for Mopar’s quality parts online at the Mopar E-Store online at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge. You can also see our monthly parts and services specials available only at our dealership. Make sure you like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more Mopar news and monthly specials.