Latest news with #TimKuniskis
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Stellantis names new North American dealer strategy leader
This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter. Stellantis appointed Jason Stoicevich to lead dealer strategy and performance in North America, a company spokesperson confirmed in an email to Automotive Dive. Stoicevich will report directly to Tim Kuniskis, who recently was named to head the automaker's American brands and the revival of the company's SRT performance division, the spokesperson said. In a LinkedIn post, Stoicevich said he rejoined the company as SVP, dealer strategy and performance. Prior to rejoining Stellantis, Stoicevich had been working as VP of sales at Sierra Automotive Group since July 2024, per his LinkedIn profile. Stoicevich spent several years with Stellantis and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Between January 2018 and January 2021, he was director of the California Business Center for FCA. Stoicevich also served as chairman, president and CEO of Stellantis Canada between February 2023 and February 2024. His appointment follows a string of high-profile leadership changes at Stellantis over the past year as part of an effort to turnaround the struggling automaker. In December, former CEO Carlos Tavares resigned amid falling revenue and shrinking market share in North America. In February, the automaker named a new CEO for its Jeep brand. The company in May named former Jeep CEO Antonio Filosa as its global CEO who the automaker said has a track record of growing vehicle sales and strengthening its U.S. operations. Filosa began his tenure as Stellantis CEO on June 23 and announced a new leadership team on the same day. Recommended Reading Stellantis taps Ram CEO as new head of its American brands
Auto Blog
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Someone is selling a 1,550-hp Ram 1500 TRX
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. For Those Unimpressed By The RHO, It May Be The Next Best Thing Ram is reversing course, bringing back both former CEO Tim Kuniskis and the Hemi V8 engines he advocated for. But those moves came too late to save the Ram 1500 TRX and its 702-horsepower Hellcat engine. It's too soon to tell if a TRX revival is in the future, but for now Atlanta-based Road Show International is offering a substitute. The dealership and tuner recently listed a modified 'RS Edition' TRX for sale. It's got what the company calls its RS Performance Package, which adds a claimed 848 hp for a total of 1,550 hp. Those gains are achieved with a rebuilt engine from BES/HHP, a new supercharger with a dedicated cold-air intake system, and upgraded fuel injectors and fuel pumps to feed it. Source: Road Show International Road Show International lists a zero to 60 mph time of 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 145 mph. That not only beats the stock TRX's 4.5-second zero to 60 mph time and 118 mph top speed, but also the 3.2-second zero to 60 mph of the Hennessey Mammoth 1000, another tuner TRX with 1,012 hp. The best part is that RS Edition still looks mostly stock (gloss black trim and smoked lighting are the main giveaways) so it's more or less a sleeper, by TRX standards. Ram Upheaval The TRX, along with all other V8 Ram 1500 models, was discontinued as part of an effort by parent brand Stellantis to emphasize more efficient inline-six and electrified powertrains. That saw the TRX replaced by the Ram 1500 RHO, powered by a 540-hp high-output version of Stellantis' Hurricane 3.0-liter turbo-six. That's still plenty of power for a truck designed for off-roading. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. However Kuniskis, who returned to running Ram earlier this year after just seven months in retirement, moved swiftly to reverse the 'no-V8' policy, announcing last month that the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 would be available in the Ram 1500 for the 2026 model year. It's one of 25 announcements Kuniskis plans to make over the next year, including several focused on new products like a passenger van. And that's already generated rumors about a TRX revival. About the Author Stephen Edelstein View Profile
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Feds open investigation into Ram truck rollaway issue, potentially affecting 1.2 million
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating whether approximately 1.2 million Ram trucks are prone to rolling away due to transmission failure. NHTSA said Monday, July 7, it opened a recall query into nearly 1.2 million Ram trucks, citing concerns related to the brake transmission shift interlock — a safety feature implemented to prevent the vehicle from shifting unless it is running and moved while the brake pedal is depressed. Affected trucks include Rams 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500 and 5500 from model years 2013 to 2018, equipped with a column shifter. This is not the first time, nor the second, that NHTSA has investigated this crop of Ram trucks for rollaway issues related to the brake transmission shift interlock. SRT is back: Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis to lead Stellantis' American brands, revive SRT products More: Stellantis revamps in-car features deals: What to know before buying In 2017, NHTSA recalled over 1.4 million Ram trucks from 2009 to 2017 model years when it was discovered the trucks could be shifted out of park and into gear without pressing the brake or putting the key in the ignition. A year later in 2018, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (now Stellantis) recalled 180,000 more Ram trucks for the same issue. The problem was supposed to be remedied following the 2017 and 2018 recalls, but NHTSA's new investigation indicates that the agency has now received 14 new vehicle-owner complaints and six death and injury reports citing a similar transmission interlock failure. The reported failures, NHTSA said, "occurred on vehicles that had all previously been repaired" under the first two recalls. The new investigation, the agency said, will review the effectiveness of the previous recall remedies and address them further if needed. In an email to the Detroit Free Press, Frank Matyok, a Stellantis spokesperson, said simply, "We're cooperating with NHTSA's investigation." Liam Rappleye covers Stellantis and the UAW for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him: LRappleye@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: NHTSA investigating 1.2 million Ram trucks for risk of rollaways Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Miami Herald
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Ford & Chevy Won't Be Happy With Ram's New Heavy Duty Pickup
Heavy-duty trucks are a tough nut to crack, especially when it comes to keeping offerings affordable. The Ram 2500 Rebel already stands out with its impressive spec sheet, and now the truck manufacturer is further expanding its sport truck lineup. The Warlock calls back to the 1970s with an off-road focus, while the Black Express delivers sporty styling. Best of all, both Ram 2500 sport truck options are available at an affordable price, all things considered. Ram's Warlock nameplate dates back more than half a century, and the manufacturer has revived it for the 2026 model year. The Ram 2500 Warlock builds on the Tradesman trim and rolls out on 20-inch diamond-cut wheels wrapped in 32-inch Duratrac tires. The heavy-duty pickup features a black grille surround, flares, and bumpers complemented by a Warlock decal on the side of the bed. Class-exclusive power convex trailer tow mirrors make pulling heavy loads both safer and simpler. The 2026 Ram 2500 Warlock is available in a single configuration: a crew cab with a short bed. As for its off-road focus, the Ram 2500 Warlock features Bilstein shocks, a limited-slip rear differential, and a transfer case skid plate. Inside, the Warlock comes equipped with a cloth bench seat. Under the hood lies a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque with standard four-wheel drive. Upgrading to the optional 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel nets you 430 horsepower and class-leading 1,075 lb-ft of torque. The Ram 2500 Warlock starts at $57,165, with the package alone running $2,995. Like the Warlock, the Ram 2500 Black Express builds on the Tradesman trim, with the package itself priced at $2,495. Priced from $53,735, the 2026 Ram 2500 Black Express is solely available with a crew cab, but Ram gives drivers a choice between long or short bed and two- or all-wheel drive. Expect that price to rise significantly if you opt for the Cummins diesel engine. No matter the powertrain, the Ram 2500 Black Express features a bulging sport performance hood with body color bumpers and grille surround. Black tube side steps run the length of the cab, giving way to athletic 20-inch black wheels. Inside, the Black Express keeps it fairly basic, with a cloth bench seat and carpet floor mats coming standard. "Everyone likes a good-looking truck, but the challenge is making it affordable while adding value to the entire lineup," said Tim Kuniskis, Ram CEO. "The Ram 2500 Black Express and Warlock offer an attractive price with custom appearance, while building on our sport truck leadership position." The Warlock and Black Express join the Ram 2500 sport truck lineup for the 2026 model year, slotted beneath the Power Wagon and Rebel. Priced from $68,940, the 2025 Ram 2500 Rebel boasts a rugged design and an off-road focus with styling elements designed for work and play, including a sport performance hood. The heavy-duty pickup is available with either the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 or 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel engine, both of which come mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Ram 2500 Power Wagon starts at $72,285 and prioritizes performance and off-road capability over towing capacity. It's only available with the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive. While the Rebel is rough and tough off the paved path, the Power Wagon brings a certain level of elegance to off-road terrain, complete with a winch and electronic anti-roll-bar disconnect. The 2026 Ram 2500 Warlock and Black Express sport trucks are expected to arrive at dealers this fall. Priced below $60,000, the latest additions to the heavy-duty truck lineup bridge the gap between work truck and full-fledged off-road titan. Perhaps more importantly, the Warlock and Black Express arrive to challenge the likes of Ford and Chevrolet in one of the most competitive segments in the automotive industry. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Auto Blog
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
What If Mazda Brought Back Mazdaspeed With Toyota's Help?
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Mazda could be back in the performance business Rumors have been circulating that suggest the next-generation Toyota Supra might pack a Mazda-sourced straight-six engine under its hood, meaning that a Mazda-branded six-pot-powered spiritual successor to the legendary Mazda RX-7 is equally as possible. Considering Mazda and Toyota have a strategic alliance similar to that of Toyota and Subaru, who share an EV platform for the Toyota bZ and Subaru Solterra and a sports car platform for the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ, this move could signal the beginning of a similar type of partnership with Mazda. If so, could such a move spark Mazda to offer more performance cars on their model menu, perhaps even reviving the Mazdaspeed nameplate to distinguish them from their regular lineup? 2010 Mazdaspeed3 — Source: Mazda You might assume that reviving a long-lost performance subdivision is only the stuff of fairytales, but in a surprising turn of events, another legendary performance institution has announced it will return: SRT. That's right, Stellantis has made the decision to revive the legendary Mopar tuning division with former Dodge CEO (and current Ram CEO) Tim Kuniskis at the helm. Perhaps Mazda might tune into that very same memo and realize that exciting sports cars do deserve a spot in every successful brand's model lineup, including their own. If so, what could a revived Mazdaspeed lineup even look like? Mazdaspeed3 Concept — Source: AI Generated Image Should Mazda borrow power from the Toyota GR Corolla to revive the Mazdaspeed3? Knowing that Toyota is considering a Mazda-sourced powertrain for the next-gen Supra, perhaps Toyota could reciprocate by lending Mazda their vivacious, turbocharged three-cylinder engine to use in a performance version of the current Mazda3 hatchback. While the last Mazdaspeed3 used a turbocharged, 2.3-liter inline-four to send its tire-smoking 263 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque to the front two wheels and propel itself from 0-60 miles per hour in just 6.3 seconds, a revived Mazda performance hot hatch could benefit from the Toyota GR Corolla's 300 horsepower, turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-three engine. Paired with Mazda's iACTIV all-wheel drive system and an obligatory six-speed manual transmission, a new Mazdaspeed3 could boast a quicker 0-60 sprint time akin to the GR Corolla's 4.9-second record. Alternatively, Mazda could better appease its own loyal purists by using a modified version of the brand's turbocharged, 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder engine for a Mazdaspeed3 revival. In current stock form, the very same motor produces up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, allowing the 2025 Mazda3 Turbo to accelerate from 0-60 in just 5.9 seconds–a pace that already outruns even the most powerful factory version of the Mazdaspeed3. With a modified power figure just over 300, and with a similar torque figure or perhaps even less at the acceptable cost of higher revs, the 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G could be an ample starting point for the revived Mazdaspeed3's beating heart. Regardless of what's really under the hood, we're surely not alone in our eagerness for a modern reincarnation of the glorious, torque-steering brute that was the Mazdaspeed3. What if Mazda revived the Mazdaspeed6 as a hybrid? Mazda6 Turbo S Concept — Source: AI Generated Image Thanks to the introduction of the wonderfully engaging CX-70 and CX-90 sport crossovers into Mazda's lineup in recent years, the legacy Japanese automaker finally possesses a RWD chassis that isn't the MX-5's pint-sized platform. Although the Mazda6, Mazda's respected mid-size sedan offering, was discontinued after its 2021 model year, enthusiasts and loyal buyers have eagerly awaited the announcement of an all-new Mazda6 underpinned by the same rear-drive platform found beneath the CX-70. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Mazda6 Turbo S Concept — Source: AI Generated Image If Mazda were to be so bold, this would mean a revived Mazda6 could make use of the Mazda CX-70's plug-in hybrid powertrain, which offers a combined 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque paired with all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Also like the CX-70, a Turbo S trim could equip the crossover's turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six, bringing 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque to the table with a glorious six-pot soundtrack. The cherry on top, however, could be a variant of the Mazda6 with a modified version of their straight six–likely the version that could make its way into the next-generation Toyota Supra–with something north of 450 horsepower under its belt. Similarly paired with all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic gearbox, this would make a seriously epic replacement for the long-lost Mazdaspeed6. Could a mid-engine sports car spice up Mazda's brand appeal? Mazda MX-6 Concept A strategy that's worked all too well for Chevrolet's Corvette, integrating a mid-engine sports car into Mazda's model lineup could once again thrust the brand into the automotive enthusiast spotlight. Plus, with rumors abound suggesting Toyota might soon bring back the legendary, mid-engine MR2, Mazda might be able to borrow the platform for its very own application. In what could be a spiritual successor to the once-exciting, but nowadays mostly overlooked, MX-6 coupe, a turbocharged, mid-engine coupe developed by Mazda's masterful team of engineers would surely be a hot commodity in today's increasingly dull pool of brand-new sports car offerings. Using either a powerful, turbocharged four-cylinder or a turbocharged six-cylinder, if one will fit, a mid-engine Mazda sports car could fill the gap that the Porsche Cayman will soon leave behind, as the German automaker transitions the model away from internal combustion, replacing it with an upcoming EV-only sports car. With the Lotus Emira making waves and the rumored upcoming Toyota MR2 potentially approaching production soon, Mazda could seize the opportunity to put its expertise to practice and compete with its own mid-engine sports coupe offering. 2007 Mazdaspeed6 — Source: Mazda Final thoughts Mazda's shift upmarket in recent years has proven to be incredibly successful for the brand, expanding its market appeal by offering a truly premium product for economy brand prices and with legacy brand resale value. Now that Mazda has proven its capabilities as a true alternative-to-luxury automaker, renewing a long-lost lineup of performance cars and reviving sporty variants of its regular lineup could offer the brand a brilliant opportunity to not only expand brand appeal, but also to show the world a contrast between the level of quality of its contemporary models. Mazda has come a long way since Mazdaspeed was dissolved way back in 2013, and reviving the iconic performance sub-division could be an extremely exciting way to celebrate and show off the company's recent accomplishments. About the Author Cole Attisha View Profile
