IIHS releases latest driver death rates

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has released its latest study on vehicle death rates, with the Nissan 350Z and small cars like the Chevrolet Aveo coming in as the biggest losers. The IIHS study also concluded that SUVs, once considered among the most dangerous vehicles on the road due to their propensity for rollover accidents, now rank towards the top in terms of total death rates.

The study, which calculated the driver death rate of vehicles from the 2005-08 model years during 2006-09 based on registered vehicle years, found that the Nissan 350Z had the highest driver death rate of any vehicle, tallying 143 deaths per million registered years. The Nissan Titan crew cab ranked second with 126 deaths per million registered years, followed by the Chevrolet Aveo with 119 and the Chevrolet Cobalt with 117.

On the whole, mini cars have the highest death rates of any vehicle segment, with an average rating of 82. Midsize sports cars are close behind with 80, followed by small cars with 72.

On the other side of the coin, the study found minivans to be the safest vehicles in terms of death rates, with an average rating of 25. The Toyota Sienna led the pack with a rating of 0, while the Dodge Grand Caravan ranked last with a rating of 63.

SUVs showed a marked improvement in the latest study, moving to second place behind minivans with 28 driver deaths per million registered years. The IIHS attributes the segment’s improvement to the widespread adoption of electronic stability control programs.

“The rollover risk in SUVs used to outweigh their size/weight advantage, but that’s no longer the case, thanks to ESC,” said Anne McCartt, the Institute’s senior vice president for research.

The Ford Edge, Nissan Armada, Land Rover LR3 and Range Rover Sport ranked as the safest SUVs, all managing a 0 rating.

Despite some weak segments, the study concluded that today’s vehicles are far safer than those from just a few years ago, as reflected by the study’s average death rate of 48. In comparison, that figure was 79 for 2001-04 models during 2002-05 and 110 for 1989-1993 models.

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Mopar officially releases “Ram Runner” off-road kit pricing

Leftlane has brought you details and images of Ram Runner style trucks over the past year, but now Mopar has officially released its kit along with pricing and options.

But in the event you somehow missed it, the Ram Runner is a special off-road truck that is equipped with a myriad of parts normally only found in the aftermarket, ranging from suspension, to bumpers to wider fenders and beyond.

“At Mopar, our image vehicles showcase potential directions that we may take and the new Ram Runner kit is a good example,” said Pietro Gorlier, president and CEO, Mopar. “We saw the reception that Ram Runner received last year and quickly moved to offer kits that will allow off-road enthusiasts to transform their stock Ram 1500 into a desert racer.”

The premise of the Ram Runner kit is that enthusiasts can apply OEM-quality (and engineered) parts to their existing 2009-2011 Ram 1500 trucks at their own pace and to the extent that their personal style desires. The ability to order parts in a piecemeal or full kit fashion allows enthusiasts with all different budgets and tastes to build their truck just how they want it, rather than having to buy an all-new truck that comes completely finished from day one.

For those who want the whole deal in one shot, the Pre-runner stage II kit will run $13,270, and includes a 5-link coil-spring rear suspension, 4130 chrome moly lower control arms, upper control arms, Fox three-inch internal bypass shocks, rebuildable high-angle ball joints and forged steel tie rods. The net result? An impressive 14-inches of front and rear suspension travel.

But the suspension kit is just a starting point for those looking to traverse the desert or mountain at highway speeds, which of course will need an off-road front bumper made of steel with an integrated aluminum skid plate that offers a 41-degree approach angle. This heavy-duty off-road bumper will set you back $1,250. But if you’re going to push your Ram Runner that hard, you better keep a spare tire, and for that Mopar has you covered with the off-road tire carrier. This unique mount installs in the bed of the truck and carries a full-size off-road wheel and tire combo, setting you back a cool $1,010 (wheel and tire not included).

Of course, if you want to really use your truck and show your friends just how high and far you can jump your Ram, then you will want a set of fiberglass fenders front and rear. The front set will set you back $1,020, while the rear fenders (6’4” bed only) will require another $1,020 of your cold, hard cash. These fenders allow for larger wheels and tires, greater articulation and give the truck a legitimate pre-runner look and feel.

If you’re going to get the custom fenders, well then you better complete the custom look with the sport performance hood made of stamped aluminum, boasting dual scoops. As far as custom hoods go, this piece comes in at a bargain price of just $978.

All show and no go? Of course not. In addition to the suspension, protection and cosmetic appeal, Mopar also has a “loud and proud” dual cat-back exhaust for 5.7-liter-equipped trucks as well. This exhaust will set you back $1,135, and comes complete with chrome tips.

In case you weren’t adding it up as you went, a fully customized Ram Runner is going to add a cool $19,683 to the price of your Ram 1500. That is of course assuming you do the labor yourself and don’t pay sales tax.

If the pricing doesn’t scare you, head down to your local Chrysler dealer and order your parts directly from the parts counter and let the fun begin.

View the original article here

Mopar officially releases “Ram Runner” off-road kit pricing

Leftlane has brought you details and images of Ram Runner style trucks over the past year, but now Mopar has officially released its kit along with pricing and options.

But in the event you somehow missed it, the Ram Runner is a special off-road truck that is equipped with a myriad of parts normally only found in the aftermarket, ranging from suspension, to bumpers to wider fenders and beyond.

“At Mopar, our image vehicles showcase potential directions that we may take and the new Ram Runner kit is a good example,” said Pietro Gorlier, president and CEO, Mopar. “We saw the reception that Ram Runner received last year and quickly moved to offer kits that will allow off-road enthusiasts to transform their stock Ram 1500 into a desert racer.”

The premise of the Ram Runner kit is that enthusiasts can apply OEM-quality (and engineered) parts to their existing 2009-2011 Ram 1500 trucks at their own pace and to the extent that their personal style desires. The ability to order parts in a piecemeal or full kit fashion allows enthusiasts with all different budgets and tastes to build their truck just how they want it, rather than having to buy an all-new truck that comes completely finished from day one.

For those who want the whole deal in one shot, the Pre-runner stage II kit will run $13,270, and includes a 5-link coil-spring rear suspension, 4130 chrome moly lower control arms, upper control arms, Fox three-inch internal bypass shocks, rebuildable high-angle ball joints and forged steel tie rods. The net result? An impressive 14-inches of front and rear suspension travel.

But the suspension kit is just a starting point for those looking to traverse the desert or mountain at highway speeds, which of course will need an off-road front bumper made of steel with an integrated aluminum skid plate that offers a 41-degree approach angle. This heavy-duty off-road bumper will set you back $1,250. But if you’re going to push your Ram Runner that hard, you better keep a spare tire, and for that Mopar has you covered with the off-road tire carrier. This unique mount installs in the bed of the truck and carries a full-size off-road wheel and tire combo, setting you back a cool $1,010 (wheel and tire not included).

Of course, if you want to really use your truck and show your friends just how high and far you can jump your Ram, then you will want a set of fiberglass fenders front and rear. The front set will set you back $1,020, while the rear fenders (6’4” bed only) will require another $1,020 of your cold, hard cash. These fenders allow for larger wheels and tires, greater articulation and give the truck a legitimate pre-runner look and feel.

If you’re going to get the custom fenders, well then you better complete the custom look with the sport performance hood made of stamped aluminum, boasting dual scoops. As far as custom hoods go, this piece comes in at a bargain price of just $978.

All show and no go? Of course not. In addition to the suspension, protection and cosmetic appeal, Mopar also has a “loud and proud” dual cat-back exhaust for 5.7-liter-equipped trucks as well. This exhaust will set you back $1,135, and comes complete with chrome tips.

In case you weren’t adding it up as you went, a fully customized Ram Runner is going to add a cool $19,683 to the price of your Ram 1500. That is of course assuming you do the labor yourself and don’t pay sales tax.

If the pricing doesn’t scare you, head down to your local Chrysler dealer and order your parts directly from the parts counter and let the fun begin.

View the original article here

Mopar officially releases “Ram Runner” off-road kit pricing

Thursday, May 26th, 2011 @ 2:26 p.m.

Leftlane has brought you details and images of Ram Runner style trucks over the past year, but now Mopar has officially released its kit along with pricing and options.

But in the event you somehow missed it, the Ram Runner is a special off-road truck that is equipped with a myriad of parts normally only found in the aftermarket, ranging from suspension, to bumpers to wider fenders and beyond.

“At Mopar, our image vehicles showcase potential directions that we may take and the new Ram Runner kit is a good example,” said Pietro Gorlier, president and CEO, Mopar. “We saw the reception that Ram Runner received last year and quickly moved to offer kits that will allow off-road enthusiasts to transform their stock Ram 1500 into a desert racer.”

The premise of the Ram Runner kit is that enthusiasts can apply OEM-quality (and engineered) parts to their existing 2009-2011 Ram 1500 trucks at their own pace and to the extent that their personal style desires. The ability to order parts in a piecemeal or full kit fashion allows enthusiasts with all different budgets and tastes to build their truck just how they want it, rather than having to buy an all-new truck that comes completely finished from day one.

For those who want the whole deal in one shot, the Pre-runner stage II kit will run $13,270, and includes a 5-link coil-spring rear suspension, 4130 chrome moly lower control arms, upper control arms, Fox three-inch internal bypass shocks, rebuildable high-angle ball joints and forged steel tie rods. The net result? An impressive 14-inches of front and rear suspension travel.

But the suspension kit is just a starting point for those looking to traverse the desert or mountain at highway speeds, which of course will need an off-road front bumper made of steel with an integrated aluminum skid plate that offers a 41-degree approach angle. This heavy-duty off-road bumper will set you back $1,250. But if you’re going to push your Ram Runner that hard, you better keep a spare tire, and for that Mopar has you covered with the off-road tire carrier. This unique mount installs in the bed of the truck and carries a full-size off-road wheel and tire combo, setting you back a cool $1,010 (wheel and tire not included).

Of course, if you want to really use your truck and show your friends just how high and far you can jump your Ram, then you will want a set of fiberglass fenders front and rear. The front set will set you back $1,020, while the rear fenders (6’4” bed only) will require another $1,020 of your cold, hard cash. These fenders allow for larger wheels and tires, greater articulation and give the truck a legitimate pre-runner look and feel.

If you’re going to get the custom fenders, well then you better complete the custom look with the sport performance hood made of stamped aluminum, boasting dual scoops. As far as custom hoods go, this piece comes in at a bargain price of just $978.

All show and no go? Of course not. In addition to the suspension, protection and cosmetic appeal, Mopar also has a “loud and proud” dual cat-back exhaust for 5.7-liter-equipped trucks as well. This exhaust will set you back $1,135, and comes complete with chrome tips.

In case you weren’t adding it up as you went, a fully customized Ram Runner is going to add a cool $19,683 to the price of your Ram 1500. That is of course assuming you do the labor yourself and don’t pay sales tax.

If the pricing doesn’t scare you, head down to your local Chrysler dealer and order your parts directly from the parts counter and let the fun begin.

View the original article here