Dodge Challenger GT AWD; MOPAR Turns 80; VW Golf Alltrack

This week, RPM News Weekly goes on the road to ski country with Field Correspondent Rane Newcomb for a first drive report on the 2017 Dodge Challenger GT, the world’s first and only all-wheel drive American muscle coupe.

We follow that up with a look at Mopar’s 80th anniversary, then, an announcement from Volkswagen regarding a sponsorship to promote access to snow sports in the United States, and conclude this week with additional video highlights of the Challenger GT first drive event.

{See video for onsite report with Rane Newcomb in Tamworth, New Hampshire.

Born as a contraction of “Motor Parts” nearly 80 years ago on August 1, 1937, the Mopar brand marks its evolution over 80 years with a year-long celebration that includes limited-edition anniversary vehicles, 80th anniversary-themed service, and other special merchandise and events.

As the source for genuine parts and accessories for all Fiat Chrysler of America brands around the globe including Dodge, Jeep and RAM, Mopar originated as a maker of antifreeze products. By the 1960s, the Mopar name was synonymous with performance parts to enhance speed and handling. At that time, the brand also expanded into technical services and customer support.

Today, the company distributes parts and accessories to over 150 markets worldwide, integrating service, parts, dealer support and customer-care.

Volkswagen announced this week that it has teamed up with the Professional Ski Instructors of America and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors to provide 4Motion® all-wheel drive 2017 Golf Alltrack support vehicles nationwide to ski and snowboard instructors for transportation throughout the winter season. Vinay Shahani, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Volkswagen of America said the collaboration presents a great opportunity for Volkswagen to support active, outdoor lifestyles, noting that the Golf Alltrack is, “spacious, rugged and capable of handling a variety of terrains.”

The Professional Ski Instructors of America and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors comprise more than 32,500 U.S. snowsports professionals who teach an average of 20 days a winter, offering traditional alpine, cross country, snowboard and telemark lessons as well as adaptive curriculum for disabled winter sports enthusiasts.