You’d think we’d have had enough of snow and ice this winter.  Then the folks at Chrysler, Dodge, Ram and Jeep – henceforth known as FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) –had a mess things up, with an invitation to the ICAR racing academy at the former Mirabel Airport in Montreal. The mission: to drive everything from muscle sedans and police cars, to all-wheel-drive SUVs on sheer ice and packed snow.  As you guessed, the frozen terrain was too tempting to resist for a final winter driving adventure.  It turns out that driving off road, on the track, and around a slippery skid-pad is lots of fun, and awfully educational. It was mighty cold outside, of course, but the heated seats and steering wheels in many of the cars and trucks helped keep us warm.  The 2015 Chrysler 200 is the first model in its class to offer a disconnecting all-wheel-drive system.  The 2015 Chrysler 200, when fitted with the disconnecting AWD system, boasts improved traction and enhanced driving dynamics.  We started the morning with one of the most important winter driving reminders: appropriate tires make a huge difference. Driving the Dodge Charger and the Chrysler 200 sedans back-to-back, first with all-season tires, then with winter tires, reinforced everything we know about how much better winter tires are for controlling a vehicle in ice and snow.  You can have every technology known to man on a vehicle, but if the tires can’t grip the road you’re probably not going anywhere. Even worse, you’re not going to stop nearly as quickly as you want to. The driving instructors at ICAR told us their research has found that the stopping difference between all-season and winter tires is roughly equal to four car lengths. Put that in the context of having to brake abruptly on city streets or a highway, and you realize how vital winter tires can be.  FCA also wanted to showcase a wide range of drivelines, such as the Jeepbrand’svarious 4X4 configurations, to more complexly engineered applications like the all-wheel-drive (AWD) systems that, depending on road conditions, revert automatically to either front or rear two-wheel drive without the need for driver input.  FCA brought a vast selection of their winter-capable vehicles: Chrysler 200 and 300, Dodge Charger, Durango, Journey, Jeep Cherokee, Renegade, Compass, Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited and Patriot, Ram Power Wagon, Heavy Duty 2500, 3500 and the Ram 1500.  Without getting too wildly technical, here’s the gist of the advantages provided by a driveline system that can switch AWD on and off, as needed. The system has a power transfer unit (PTU) that proactively engages or disengages the operative wheels based on need. As soon as the vehicle’s electronic systems detect difficult road conditions, the AWD kicks in. The AWD system then automatically disconnects so that mechanical systems are not moving when they aren’t needed. This provides a significant boost to fuel economy.  Notable in FCA’s lineup is the fact that the Chrysler 200 is the first in its class to have a disconnecting AWD system. With AWD fitted as an option, the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 sedan benefits from improved traction and enhanced driving dynamics. Sensors gather vehicle data that compel sophisticated controls to smoothly distribute torque fore and aft as required.  The 2015 Chrysler 300's AWD system integrates active transfer-case and front-axle-disconnect technologies.  The 300's AWD system maximizes fuel economy while improving handling.  As much as 60-percent of available torque can be transferred to the rear wheels. Switching into “Sport”mode leverages the AWD system’s full capabilities, not to mention power provided by the 200’s 3.6-liter V-6 engine. We drove the Chrysler 200 around the snow-laden track several times without winter tires and experienced too much understeer, especially around the figure-8 handling course. Winter tires provided a much better and more balanced driving experience.  Moving up in size, the 2015 Chrysler 300 sedan’s AWDsystem integrates active transfer-case and front-axle-disconnect technologies, which improves handling andfuel efficiency. The system automatically disconnects and reconnects the front axle to maximize fuel economy, contributing to a highway rating of 27 miles per gallon – best-in-class among mainstream-brand full-size cars with AWD.  The Chrysler 300 showed a little less understeer on the slippery figure-8, but it was also exclusively shod with winter tires.  Even on snow and ice, the Dodge Charger continues its role as an iconic muscle car. Bob Broderdorf, senior manager Dodge Cars, hopped aboard to point out the benefits of the Charger’s roomy cabin, revised dashboard, and spacious trunk. The only thing missing is a Hemi under the hood – the available AWD system is mated only to the 3.6-liter V-6. And forget about the almighty 707-horsepower Hellcat variant. We’re sorry to report that Dodge opted not to bring this very mean kitty to Canada.  Stepping over to SUVs, the Dodge Durango comes with an available full-time AWD system which features a low-range transfer case with a neutral position. The low range improves light off-road performance and helps with maneuvers like pulling a boat up a steep launch, or backing up with a trailer. The neutral position in the transfer case allows the vehicle to be flat-towed without damaging the power train components.  We drove many of the vehicles on a variety of different courses – though some proved a bit more memorable than others! There was something empowering about punching the gas pedal in Ram Power Wagon fitted with a 410-horsepower 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 engine. Oh, did we forget to mention it also had a 700-lb. snowplow attached to its front?  The 2015 Dodge Durango offers an available full-time AWD system.  The Durango's full-time AWD system offers a low range to improve light off-road performance and a neutral position to let the vehicle be flat-towed without damaging power train components.  The Jeeps were predictably capable on all types of courses, from steep and slippery hills to coned-off cornering exercises. True to its rugged nature, Jeep has different driveline configurations for their outdoorsy range.  Jeep “Active Drive I” has a single powertrain unit (PTU) which allows fully automatic four-wheel drive at any speed. Jeep uses a clutch to provide the right amount of torque for different driving situations, including wintry conditions, and it interacts with the electronic stability control to provide solid and reassuring driving dynamics. The system is available on the Cherokee Sport, Latitude and Limited models.  Jeep Active Drive II – available on the Cherokee Sport and Latitude models – has a 2-speed PTU with torque management and low range. Four-Low mode locks the front and rear drive shafts to provide low-speed power and towing. The low range is great for climbing and crawling over obstacles.  There are two engine choices, the 2.4-liter inline-4 or the 3.2-liter V-6. Jeep claims the crawl ratio with the V-6 is a 90-percent improvement over the outgoing Liberty. Selec-Terrain, Jeep’s version of cruise control for the off-roader, worked remarkably well when going up (and over!) hills and difficult terrain.  Jeep Active Drive Lock adds a locking rear differential to Jeep Active Drive II for serious off-roading – this system is standard on all Trailhawk models.  Before wrapping up and heading back to warmer climes, we couldn’t resist grabbing the keys to a Dodge Charger Pursuit police car. Unlike civilian models, this bruiser is available with the combination of a Hemi V-8 and AWD. Hit the gas, and you’ll sprint from 0-60 mph in less than 5.5 seconds.  Sirens blaring and chasing a Chrysler 200 around the snowy race track, we got a taste of the chase and (nearly) regretted the impending arrival of spring.
Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram show up in full force for a lesson in how to handle the worst winter has to offer.