All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

Stellantis Reboots SRT: The Muscle Car Comeback Begins with Tim Kuniskis at the Helm

Stellantis is back on the warpath to reclaim its muscle car credibility—starting with the long-awaited revival of its legendary Street and Racing Technology (SRT) division.

In recent years, Stellantis has lost favor with hardcore car enthusiasts. The final nail in the coffin for many was the retirement of the iconic Hemi V8 and the subsequent push to label electric vehicles as the new wave of American muscle. The automaker’s attempt to rewrite muscle car DNA left fans cold—and skeptical.

But that tide may finally be turning.

This week, Stellantis confirmed the resurrection of SRT, a name that once symbolized pure, unfiltered performance. From the snarling Neon SRT-4 to the ferocious SRT Viper, the badge has graced some of the most visceral American machines of the past two decades. Though the department was officially dissolved in 2021, a single vestige remained: the Hellcat-powered Dodge Durango. That lonely survivor may soon have company.

The Right Man for the Job

Leading the SRT renaissance is none other than Tim Kuniskis, the man behind some of Dodge’s wildest recent creations—including the quarter-mile-crushing Challenger SRT Demon 170. Kuniskis, who stepped down from Dodge in mid-2024 only to reappear as Ram CEO later that year, will now oversee Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and SRT. It’s a massive portfolio, but for those who’ve followed his career, he’s exactly the kind of mad genius the brand needs.

“We’re getting the band back together,” Kuniskis declared. “SRT is another box we needed to check as we head into a product launch cadence enabling more performance than we’ve ever seen before. We’re working with our product development and technology organization to select the best engineers in powertrain and vehicle dynamics to build a team worthy of the SRT name.”

What’s Next for SRT?

Stellantis says the reinvigorated SRT division will oversee two key pillars: the Direct Connection performance parts program and North American motorsports operations for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram. That includes an NHRA drag racing comeback and Ram’s entry into the NASCAR Truck Series starting in 2026.

It’s a clear sign the company is not just bringing back SRT as a marketing exercise—it’s reestablishing performance at the heart of its American brands.

While it’s too early to say what specific vehicles will wear the SRT badge next, expectations are sky-high. With electrification and hybridization reshaping the performance landscape, fans are eager to see how SRT blends modern tech with old-school muscle.

Your Move, Kuniskis

For now, the enthusiast community is cautiously optimistic. Stellantis made the right move by tapping Kuniskis to lead this reboot, but the next few years will determine whether SRT can truly return to glory—or become another nostalgic footnote.

So, gearheads—what’s your all-time favorite SRT vehicle? And what would you like to see come out of this new era under Kuniskis? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: Stellantis

News

Nissan N7 Emerges as Surprise EV Success in China

While the revived Nissan Leaf may be getting the headlines, it’s the lesser-known N7 that’s quietly making waves in the world’s largest electric vehicle market.

In the shadow of Nissan’s more prominent EV offerings, a quieter revolution is taking place. The newly launched Nissan N7, developed in partnership with Dongfeng under their joint venture in China, is proving to be an unexpected success story—one that could signal a broader shift in the company’s EV strategy.

Since its launch, the N7 has attracted significant interest, racking up over 20,000 orders within just six weeks. Although that figure pales in comparison to Xiaomi’s staggering 289,000 YU7 pre-orders in just one hour, it still marks a respectable and encouraging performance for Nissan in a hyper-competitive market. Importantly, it demonstrates that the Japanese automaker is finally tuning into what today’s EV buyers in China are looking for: value, style, and substance.

Nissan recently celebrated the delivery of its 10,000th N7 in China—a milestone achieved just 45 days after customer handovers began on May 17. While that figure might not seem extraordinary in isolation, it’s a significant benchmark when measured against competing models. For context, Nissan managed to deliver 3,034 N7s in May alone, handily outpacing Mazda’s EZ-6, which saw only 1,821 units delivered in the same period.

So what’s behind the N7’s appeal?

At its core, the N7 aligns closely with the formula that has made many Chinese EVs successful: offer modern tech, solid practicality, and attractive styling at an affordable price. Starting at just 119,900 yuan (approximately $16,800) and topping out at 149,900 yuan (about $25,100), the N7 offers a strong value proposition for budget-conscious consumers who don’t want to compromise on quality or features.

Visually, the N7 embraces a sleek and contemporary aesthetic that fits seamlessly into the current EV design language. Inside, the cabin offers a clean, minimalist layout, centered around a large infotainment screen and a digital gauge cluster. Dual wireless chargers, a flowing dashboard design, and a two-spoke steering wheel with tactile toggle controls reinforce its modern, tech-forward character.

This balance of affordability and functionality appears to be resonating with Chinese consumers—and Nissan has taken notice. Encouraged by the early momentum, the company is preparing to expand the N7 to international markets. While official confirmation is still pending, Japan and Australia are expected to be among the first recipients. Additional markets, such as Malaysia and select European countries, are also reportedly on the radar.

As Nissan looks to recapture its relevance in the rapidly evolving EV space, the N7 could be the quiet achiever that helps rebuild its momentum. It may not have the legacy of the Leaf or the buzz of a tech giant’s debut model, but the N7 shows that smart design, strong value, and timely market execution can still go a long way—especially when executed in the world’s most competitive EV battleground.

Source: Nissan

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Nissan N7 Emerges as Surprise EV Success in China
News

Dodge Recalls Over 8,000 Charger Daytona EVs for Being Illegally Too Quiet

In a world where electric vehicles (EVs) are defined by their whisper-quiet operation, automakers are legally required to ensure that these vehicles still make enough noise to alert pedestrians and other road users. Dodge, however, has found itself in hot water after discovering that thousands of its new electric Charger Daytona models may not be making any external sound at all.

The issue affects 8,390 units of the 2024 and 2025 Charger Daytona EVs produced between April 30, 2024, and March 18, 2025. According to a recall notice, the problem stems from “incomplete software loading” in the vehicles’ external sound amplifiers, which may result in the required pedestrian warning sounds not being emitted.

Under current U.S. federal regulations, all EVs must produce a minimum level of noise at lower speeds to prevent accidents involving unsuspecting pedestrians, especially those who are visually impaired. This regulation is entirely separate from Dodge’s more flamboyant Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust system—a feature designed to mimic the iconic growl of a V8 engine using a set of rear bumper-mounted speakers. Even with that system switched off, the Charger Daytona is still legally mandated to make a certain level of noise.

Dodge began investigating the issue on April 17 after receiving customer feedback and reviewing warranty and field data. The automaker worked closely with its engineers and suppliers to identify the root cause. As a result, Dodge has decided to recall the affected vehicles and issue a software update to correct the problem.

Owners of the impacted models will begin receiving recall notifications starting July 10. Dealerships will inspect the amplifiers and, if necessary, reload or update the software to ensure full compliance with federal safety regulations.

While Dodge has not reported any accidents or injuries related to the issue, the recall underscores the growing complexity of EV technology—where software is just as critical as hardware in meeting regulatory standards.

For Charger Daytona drivers, the update will ensure that their muscle-inspired EVs are not only fast and stylish but also safe and compliant with the law.

Source: Dodge