Stellantis has launched its new logo, which symbolizes the company’s 14 brands and, in their words, “the diverse professional backgrounds of its employees working in all of the regions.” The Latin root of Stellantis, stello, means “to brighten with stars.” The company’s PR poets added that it is:
the visual representation of the spirit of optimism, energy and renewal of a diverse and innovative company determined to be one of the new leaders in the next era of sustainable mobility.
stellantis

The brands are Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep®, Lancia, Ram and Maserati from FCA; and Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel, and Vauxhall from PSA. (FCA noted it also has Mopar, Comau, and Teksid.)

The 2021 Ram 1500 is once again the Truck of Texas, thanks partly to the 702-horsepower Ram 1500 TRX. It’s now joined by the 2021 Dodge Durango, the SUV of Texas. Photos are courtesy of TAWA.

Ram TRX-800

The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) and Houston Auto Show made the announcement last week. In lesser roles were such titles as Off-Road SUV of Texas (Jeep Wrangler), Luxury Pickup of Texas (2021 Ram 1500 Longhorn), Full-Size SUV of Texas (Durango Hellcat), Midsize Pickup of Texas (Jeep Gladiator Mojave), Heavy Duty Pickup (Ram 2500 Laramie Night), and Off-Road Pickup (2021 Ram 1500 TRX).


There were just two technology awards, for best safety or driver assistance (Nissan ProPilot) and towing (Ram 360° camera).

The only non-Ram+Dodge+Jeep winners were the Hyundai Palisade (midsize SUV), compact SUV (Toyota RAV4 TRD), and Land Rover Defender 110SE (Luxury SUV).

palladium

In other news, we have the Aznom Palladium, the kind of luxury car you might expect when a Ram 1500 pickup is converted by an Italian leather company.  In fairness, the conversion from pickup to luxury limousine is well hidden; and it was based on the (U.S.) presidential limousine, which appears to be a sedan but is based on a medium-duty truck. The Palladium is based on the 4x4 version of the Ram; just about every visible aspect of the pickup was altered, especially the rear of the interior, which has a pair of seats and a cocktail table.

While Ram is making a supercharged 6.2 V8, Aznom chose to create their own twin-turbo based on the 5.7 Hemi. It produces roughly the same power, but is unlikely to have quite as long a lifespan as the 6.2.   The “trunk” is set up as a drawer which slides out from the rear, a clever idea (though it cuts into cargo space).

Just ten of the specialized trucks will be made, with prices expected to exceed a quarter of a million dollars.


Allpar creator David Zatz has written two more books; one is now being printed, and the other has come off the press and is on its way to stores and distribution centers. The first to be seen by the public will be  Wagoneer, Gladiator, Comanche, and Scrambler: An Illustrated History of Jeep's Tough, Go-Anywhere Vehiclesfrom Enthusiast Books. The second out, which will appear first in the UK, is  Dodge Viper: The full story of the worlds first V-10 sports car , which covers every generation of the famed supercar.  Dave’s first book (in its second edition), The Rise and Reinvention of Chrysler Minivans , is also still available.