Model Showcase: Our Top Picks from RAM, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep

Dodge is entering the crossover market with a name you may have heard of before: the Hornet. Unlike the concept vehicle it produced in the mid-2000s, this Dodge will have an optional hybrid powertrain and strengthen the brand's utility vehicle lineup below the mid-sized Durango. Here at Dan Cummins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Georgetown, we've put together an overview of some of the key features you can look forward to in the all-new Dodge Hornet. Powertrain Options 2023 Dodge Hornet The standard setup in the Hornet is a 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged engine that puts out 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is completed with standard all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission. It will provide considerably more power to this compact crossover than many rivals in the segment, which often features vehicles with base engines under 200 horsepower. The Hornet R/T offers a plug-in hybrid setup consisting of a 1.3L four-cylinder turbocharged engine, an electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery pack. This powertrain will produce 288 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The battery and electric motor combine to provide 30 miles of all-electric driving range. The hybrid powertrain offers three driving modes: Hybrid, Electric, and E-Save. Hybrid mode combines the gas engine and electric power to produce maximum fuel efficiency. The electric option relies exclusively on the battery and electric motor to power your Hornet, with the engine kicking in automatically when the battery gets too low. Finally, the E-Save mode gives the battery a break and relies on the gas engine to move your Hornet around town. The plug-in hybrid Hornet also boasts the Power Shot feature, which can temporarily boost the engine's output by 25 horsepower. When Power Shot is activated, it helps propel the Hornet R/T from zero to 60 mph in just 6.1 seconds. Otherwise, the R/T requires 7.1 seconds to reach 60 mph. The gas-powered Hornet accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. You can charge the Hornet R/T's battery pack using a 240-volt outlet, known as level 2 charging, in about 2.5 hours. Since the Hornet is a brand-new model, we don't have official fuel economy statistics for it yet. However, the R/T will be more efficient than the gas-powered model. Passenger and Cargo Space The Hornet has room for five passengers across two rows of seats. The front row provides plenty of room for passengers to stretch out and relax. The infotainment display is tilted toward the driver for ease of access. The standard upholstery offered in the Hornet is black with red stitching. However, some trims give you the option to upgrade to leather upholstery or faux suede. The second row also has plenty of room for adult passengers while offering equipment for installing child seats. Behind the rear row, you'll have around 27 cubic feet of storage in the gas-powered Hornet and a slightly lower 22 cubic feet in the plug-in hybrid model. Both of these figures are good for the subcompact SUV class that the Dodge Hornet will compete in. Infotainment and Safety Features As you'd expect from a brand-new vehicle, the 2023 Hornet boasts an outstanding infotainment system. The Uconnect 5 infotainment interface provides you easy access to all your favorite features, including radio, music streaming, podcasts, and more. The infotainment display in the base Hornet measures 10.25 inches, and it can be paired with an impressive 14-speaker stereo. Smartphone compatibility is taken care of by wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. When you're behind the wheel, you can keep on top of information like speed limits and your vehicle's performance on the Hornet's 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Other useful features include keyless entry and automatic windshield wipers. The Hornet also helps the driver with a long list of safety features. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking can help you if you don't respond in time to a threat up ahead, while lane departure warning can keep you on the highway. Other standard features include blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. One optional add-on is adaptive cruise control, which will adjust your speed on the highway, so you don't get too close to other motorists. You can also add a driver drowsiness monitor, alerting you when you need to take a driving break, and road sign recognition. Hornet Trims and Pricing Dodge is still finalizing its trim lineup for the Hornet. When the gas-powered Hornet hits our showrooms in December, we'll have a clearer idea of the various trims on offer. The R/T model won't be available until spring 2023, so more news may trickle out about the available trims before then. What we already know is that the base Hornet will have an MSRP of around $31,000. We expect that the R/T will have a slightly higher starting price due to the extra cost of its hybrid powertrain. If you want to keep up to date with all the latest on the Hornet's trims and pricing, feel free to reach out to our sales team. As you can see, there's a lot to be excited about in Dodge's new crossover. It's the first all-new vehicle to come from the brand in over a decade. More are likely on the way soon, with rumors growing that the Charger and Challenger could be discontinued. Dodge has indicated that it wants to move in the direction of hybrid and electric vehicles, so the Hornet R/T's hybrid powertrain may be a taste of things to come. If you'd like to reserve your new Hornet before it hits our showroom, don't hesitate to contact us. Here at Dan Cummins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Georgetown, we're excited about the Hornet's upcoming release. Once the new Dodge vehicles arrive at our dealership, you'll be able to arrange a test drive or drop by to see how they look. While you're here, you can chat with our finance team about securing a competitive auto loan to fund your new Hornet.

If you’re shopping for a new automobile, you’ve probably considered an electric vehicle (EV). Not only are they eco-friendly, but they’ll save you big at the pump. However, do these cars and SUVs need snow tires? Keep reading to learn whether EVs need a seasonal swap and why it’s important to have a set — even during Kentucky’s mild winters. Are EVs Different When It Comes to Tires? A Vehicle Leaving Tire Tracks on Snow Covered Ground by Karolina Grabowska is licensed with Pexels Despite its southern location, Kentucky has chilly weather, especially in January when the snow comes down. Having good traction during the colder months is essential when you have a long list of fun things to do in Lexington. But are electric vehicles any different than other cars? In some ways, yes. Where winter tires are concerned, weight matters. An electric version of your favorite gas-powered model could weigh as much as 50% more. This extra poundage places enormous pressure on your rims and tires. The added heft of the battery on your rear tires can also increase the chances of uneven wear over time. Are There EV-Specific S now Tires? As the demand for emissions-free vehicles increases, so does the need for tires that can handle your commute, even when snow, ice, and storms descend on Lexington. There are a few snow tires designed specifically for EVs. However, the best winter tires for traditional vehicles are usually good for electric-powered models, too. We recommend: Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Confidently tackle harsh winter conditions with Bridgestone WS90’s superior ice control. Its large contact area helps improve performance in slippery conditions, particularly ice. In addition, this tire’s patented multicell technology provides enhanced road grip and reliable stopping power. You’ll also appreciate 30% more block stiffness for an extra season of wear. Michelin X-Ice Snow Extreme weather is no match for the Michelin Man. The X-Ice Snow tire delivers maximum mobility and safety with two types of full-depth 3D sipes. You’ll benefit from shorter stopping distances and exceptional traction with its increased claw effect and long-lasting biting edges. The best perk is that these snow tires have a six-year limited warranty. Pirelli Sottozero 3 The designers at Pirelli took into account the demands of environmentally friendly vehicles and developed a solution that achieves maximum performance in all weather conditions — the Sottozero 3 tire. It provides greater control in emergency conditions by holding air pressure even after a puncture. Look for the "ELECT" name on the sidewall to ensure you’re getting a product that Pirelli designed specifically for your EV. How To Select EV Snow Tires Today’s high-tech tires keep you rolling toward an emission-free future. Depending on which EV vehicle you’re driving, there are unique factors to consider when fitting it with winter tires, such as size limits. However, some standard features apply to most models, including: Load Index This numerical code indicates how much each tire can safely handle. For example, if you have a 6,000-pound hybrid, consider tires with a minimum load index of a quarter of this or 1,500 pounds. A load index of 95 for each tire should do the trick for that model. Rolling Resistance Rolling resistance is the amount of energy it takes to keep your tires moving. This factor is essential for electric cars because it means more miles per charge. After all, EV batteries tend to drain faster during the cold season. So, while you don’t need to reinvent the wheel, focusing on this aspect will help you achieve optimal performance on snow-covered roads. You’ll gain an increased electric range over varying road conditions while maintaining your car’s sustainability. Speed Rating Manufacturers also categorize tires by speed rating. This figure represents the optimal speed that the tire can safely maintain over time. For example, an "S" rated tire has a maximum speed of 112 mph, while an "H" rated option is good for 130 mph. Although you may think you’ll never drive your low-emissions vehicle that fast, there’s more to this number. The speed rating also measures grip, stability, construction strength, and quality of the rubber compound, so always opt for the highest speed rating you can afford. Budget Winter tires developed specifically for an EV’s unique characteristics are not the cheapest on the rack. However, they’re well worth the investment when you factor in safety, so grab your calculator and determine how much you can afford. For example, discount brokers may have a set of 15-inch Bridgestone tires for just over $100 a piece, but the same size Pirelli model will set you back $150 or more. Driving Habits How you drive is another element to consider when shopping for snow tires. Beyond the stress your electric car’s instate torque and acceleration will put on the tread, different driving styles and terrains can also affect the life span of your tires. Driving over winter potholes, downed tree limbs, or other debris can shorten the life of your tires and put you and your passengers in a precarious situation. When To Switch to Snow Tires With winter approaching, your thoughts have probably turned to your car’s tires, and for good reason. For many Kentucky drivers, switching to a winter set makes a lot of sense. Seasonal change-overs protect your expensive summer wheels from damaging salt and corrosion. However, you’ll want to consider your driving conditions before scheduling a snow tire swap, even when you drive an EV. Slippery roads make it vital to have tires with plenty of grip, but you don’t want to switch to a winter set too early in the season. If you do, you run the risk of shortening the rubber’s life. Electric-powered cars and SUVs have a reputation for wearing out tires faster than gas-powered vehicles because they deliver instantly high torque ratings. Putting on robustly treaded winter tires before there’s snow on the ground is a mistake because they may not be able to withstand the unique brand of punishment that EVs dole out. Consider getting yours mounted in October or November. Just remember to have it done before temperatures reach 45˚F at night. When it’s that cold, summer tires start to lose their effectiveness. There you go. The friendly folks at Dan Cummins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Georgetown put together this guide to EV snow tires to help you get through the winter with ease. What are your favorite places to drive during the chilly months? Let us know how and where you put your eco-friendly vehicle’s traction to the test.

Every vehicle owner knows that sometimes they have to bring in their car for inspection. There are different kinds of inspections your vehicle may need, and it's important you get them done at the right time. Read on to learn how often a vehicle needs to get inspected and better understand the different types of inspections and why they're important. Schedule Vehicle Inspection Services The Importance of Regular Vehicle Inspections Image by Enis Yavuz is licensed with Unsplash License There are several reasons you need to get your vehicle inspected. Perhaps the main one is to comply with local laws, and each state has its own laws regarding required vehicle inspections. Some of these inspections help to ensure all vehicles on the road are safe, while others aim to combat theft and fraud. If you fail to comply with these inspections, you could face penalties, such as fines or license suspensions. Another important reason to bring your vehicle in for an inspection is to identify any potential issues. One of the best ways to ensure that your vehicle lasts a long time is by carrying out regular maintenance and addressing issues before they get too big. Through inspections, you can learn what you need to do to keep your vehicle in great shape. This can also help you save money, as it's often more affordable to maintain a vehicle than it is to repair one. Finally, regular inspections can help your vehicle retain its value. When it comes time to sell, you'll want to get as much for your vehicle as you can. Potential buyers will pay more for a vehicle that's gone through all the proper inspections, as this shows it's in good shape and that they are legally allowed to drive it. Types of Vehicle Inspections There are three different types of vehicle inspections you should know about. These are: Safety Inspections During a safety inspection, a trained technician looks at your vehicle's vital systems. The goal of a safety inspection is to ensure that your vehicle is safe to operate on the road. This protects not only you as the driver of the vehicle but also other motorists on the road. While some states require regular safety inspections, Kentucky is not one of them. However, it's not a bad idea to bring in your vehicle for a basic safety inspection every few thousand miles to ensure that it's running efficiently and you're safe on the road. Emissions Inspections Emissions inspections are carried out to help improve air quality. They check to make sure your vehicle's emissions are below a certain level. Since vehicle components can wear down over time, it's more important to check for these emission levels on older vehicles. Currently, some states have emission inspection requirements, though they may depend on the particular city or age of the car. Some vehicles may also be exempt, such as electric cars that don't produce emissions since they're more environmentally friendly. Kentucky doesn't currently require an emissions inspection. VIN Inspections Finally, there are VIN inspections. VIN stands for vehicle identification number. Every vehicle has its own unique VIN, which helps to track vehicle ownership. The purpose of a VIN inspection is to prevent fraud, which includes grand theft auto and parts fraud. This is an inspection that the state of Kentucky requires. When you register an out-of-state vehicle within the state of Kentucky or when you reconstruct a vehicle out of one or more vehicles, it needs to go through a VIN inspection. This helps Kentucky prevent the trafficking of stolen vehicles and parts. How Often Does a Vehicle Need To Be Inspected? Now that you know about the different types of inspections, the question is how often you need to have your vehicle inspected. Legally speaking, you are only required to get a VIN inspection if you purchase a vehicle from another state or if you're reconstructing a vehicle. You'll want to go through this VIN inspection right away, as failure to do so could result in penalties. As for safety and emissions inspections, Kentucky doesn't require these by law. However, it's a good idea to bring your vehicle in for inspections anyway. Having a certified technician inspect your vehicle every 5,000 miles or so can alert you to any potential problems and help to ensure your vehicle continues to run efficiently. These inspections can also make sure your vehicle isn't polluting the air too much, which will help the surrounding environment. For a more accurate time frame, check your owner's manual. Every vehicle has a recommended service schedule that owners should adhere to. For example, some Chrysler models recommend bringing a vehicle in for maintenance every 3,500 miles. Your owner's manual can tell you the best times to bring your vehicle in for inspection and maintenance. If you can't find your owner's manual, our team can assist you. A small time commitment now can save you a lot of hassle and money in the future. Get Your Next Vehicle Inspection at Dan Cummins CJDR of Georgetown When you're in need of a vehicle inspection, head on over to Dan Cummins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Georgetown, Kentucky. At our service center, we have certified technicians who can provide a thorough multi-point inspection of your vehicle. We'll identify any issues you may need to be aware of and suggest ways to address them. With our help, you can keep your vehicle on the road for a long time to come. To get started, you can schedule a service appointment online or contact us to schedule one over the phone. We'll work with you to find a time that's convenient for you. If you need help paying for repairs or maintenance, check out our service and parts financing. Finally, if you want to perform any repairs yourself, you can check out our parts department to get all the high-quality parts you need. For more information about the required inspections in Kentucky, when you should bring your vehicle in, or what's included in a multi-point inspection, feel free to contact us at any time.