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Scott Krugger to Lead Design for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram

In a strategic reshuffle aimed at sharpening the design DNA of its most iconic brands, Stellantis has announced the appointment of Scott Krugger as Head of North America Design. The newly created position places Krugger at the creative helm of legendary American marques including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, and Ram, as he reports directly to North America COO Antonio Filosa.

Krugger, a seasoned design executive who began his career with the company in 2001, brings more than two decades of brand-shaping experience. His most recent role saw him lead the exterior design for Dodge and Dodge//SRT passenger and utility vehicles in North America—vehicles known for their aggressive styling and performance-first ethos. He also previously oversaw design for Alfa Romeo, Jeep, and user experience development at Stellantis’ EMEA design studio, giving him a global design perspective rare in the industry.

The appointment is part of a larger transformation of Stellantis’ design leadership structure, which also includes the recent hiring of Gilles Vidal to head design for the company’s European brands. Both moves are key to Chief Design Officer Ralph Gilles’ vision of a globally unified yet regionally agile design operation.

“With Scott’s immense design talent and proven leadership in North America and Gilles’ award-winning track record in Europe, we are opening a new chapter of creative excellence,” said Ralph Gilles, who continues to spearhead Stellantis’ global design strategy while working closely with regional heads to ensure brand authenticity and consumer resonance.

The company’s new design framework aims to strike a balance between global design consistency and regional customization—a necessity in today’s diverse and rapidly evolving auto markets. Under this model, Krugger will help steer the North American brands through a design renaissance that prioritizes bold innovation while honoring the heritage that defines each marque.

Krugger’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Stellantis, as the company intensifies efforts to electrify its lineup and expand its reach in both traditional and emerging markets. With fresh leadership and a sharpened creative vision, Stellantis appears determined to make its next generation of vehicles as visually compelling as they are technologically advanced.

For fans of muscle cars, rugged off-roaders, and American luxury alike, the future just got a little more exciting.

Source: Stellantis

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

News

Porsche 911 GT3 is 10 seconds faster than Dodge Viper ACR

The Porsche 911 GT3 is the new king of the Nürburgring for cars with a manual transmission. It was 10 seconds faster than the previous fastest car, the Dodge Viper ACR.

The Dodge Viper ACR ruled the Nürburgring for eight years, with a lap time of 7:01.3. However, this lap time was set when the full lap (20 km) was not counted. The previous rules at the Nürburgring did not take into account the main straight to the finish line. On the shortened track, the Porsche 911 GT3, with almost 140 hp less, was 10 seconds faster than the Viper ACR, with a lap time of 6:51.764.

Behind the wheel was driver Jorg Bergmeister, who completed the 20 km course in 6:56.294. That’s impressive considering the new record is faster than the lap time of the previous 911 GT3, which used the PDK transmission.

The car was equipped with the optional Weissach package, which includes a range of ultra-lightweight components and carbon fiber parts, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires.

Source: Porsche

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Porsche 911 GT3 is 10 seconds faster than Dodge Viper ACR