The seven-passenger Grand Cherokee arrives this summer
OK, where did this come from? In case you missed the news, the 2021 Grand Cherokee L will join the current five-passenger model a few months from now. And no, it isnB次元官网网址檛 a stretched version of the existing model; itB次元官网网址檚 built on a separate unitized (frameless) platform and has its own unique grille and other body panels. Second-row captainB次元官网网址檚 chairs are standard, however they can be swapped for a bench seat for more passenger space. Look for similar trim designations to the five-passenger model. Engines choices include a 290-horsepower 3.6-litre V-6 and a 357-horsepower 5.7-litre V-8. Word has it that Jeep will add a hybrid powertrain option for 2022.
General Motors launches its commercial electric-van division
BrightDrop is the name applied to GMB次元官网网址檚 new battery-electric-vehicle operation that will market to fleet operators such as delivery businesses. The first to arrive in late 2021 is the BrightDrop EV600, which will be built at the companyB次元官网网址檚 CAMI plant in Ingersoll, Ont., 150 kilometres west of Toronto, near London. GM announced the $1-billion plant investment in January. According to the automaker, the vanB次元官网网址檚 Ultium-brand batteries (another General Motors offshoot) will give the E600 a range of 250 miles (400 kilometres). Included in the EV600 is a host of active-safety technologies, including forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning and pedestrian alert. Also available will be an electric-powered pallet with a 200-pound (90-kilogram) payload capacity thatB次元官网网址檚 designed to assist loading/unloading.
The Outback heads into the wilderness
SubaruB次元官网网址檚 all-wheel-drive wagon has a reputation for ruggedness on and off the pavement. Apparently the automaker believes it should project a tougher image and will introduce a special Wilderness package as an option for the Outback. Included is a raised ride height, blacked-out trim and wheels and off-road-capable tires. Only wagons fitted with the optional 260-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine will be eligible for the Wilderness treatment, which will also be offered with the Forester and Crosstrek.
The next Ford F-150 Raptor is close at hand
The automaker isnB次元官网网址檛 wasting time introducing a new version of its groundbreaking (and ground-pounding) off-road pickup. The base model has a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V-6, with a 48-volt electric assist, pumping out 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque. That compares with the current modelB次元官网网址檚 450 horses and 510 pound-feet. Select the Raptor R and Ford drops in the 760-horsepower supercharged 5.2-litre V-8 originally developed for the Mustang Shelby GT500. That gives it a leg up on the recently announced 702-horsepower Ram 1500 TRX. A 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive come with both versions.
Is an electric Corvette on ChevroletB次元官网网址檚 radar?
The Sleuth hears itB次元官网网址檚 under serious consideration for the near term, and given that parent GM plans to stop selling gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035, itB次元官网网址檚 an eventual certainty. As well, the Corvette name could be applied to a utility vehicle, thus expanding the brand to include more than just one two-seat sports car. ItB次元官网网址檚 likely that the unrelenting buzz created by the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E has convinced General MotorsB次元官网网址� execs that a Corvette-branded crossover producing 1,000 horsepower (similar to the 2022 GMC Hummer electric pickup) would certainly create the necessary performance image. There are also rumours that a low-cost front-engine B次元官网网址橵ette is being considered, adding further credence to the automakerB次元官网网址檚 long-term plan to turn Corvette into a multi-vehicle brand.
UPS AND DOWNS
UP: The Detroit Auto Show gets a new name and location
The North American International Auto Show remains the eventB次元官网网址檚 formal name, but it will henceforth also be called Motor Bella. The partial outdoor car show is scheduled for September at an 87-acre (35-hectare) venue in the Detroit suburb of Pontiac. The Motor Bella site includes a racetrack, vehicle-testing skid pad plus space for indoor displays.
UP: VolkswagenB次元官网网址檚 EV sales
Global sales of VW Group electric vehicles in 2020 totaled 231,600 (up from 73,600 for 2019), which ranks it second behind Tesla, which recorded 499,550 total sales. VolkswagenB次元官网网址檚 top-selling nameplates include the ID.3, e-Golf and Audi E-Tron. For Tesla, the Model 3 sedan and Model Y utility vehicle are the most popular offerings.
B次元官网网址� written by Wheelbase Media
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