Jeep Electrified News

Honda and Toyota aren’t the only brands pushing their electrified models - Jeep also has made solid efforts in this area. Although the brand is also readjusting their strategy some too. Let’s look at a few key points.

The New 2026 Cherokee

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee is redesigned and larger than the model it replaces!

An all-new Cherokee has been released for the 2026 model year! Riding on the STLA Large platform, this new Cherokee is a departure from the old version in that it is now a full-hybrid. Under the hood, you will find a 1.6L turbocharged engine paired with two-motor power split system (similar to Toyota’s planetary gear set - GOOD for reliability) that will net a total 210 HP and 230 lb.-ft. of torque. Current trim levels on offer include Base, Laredo, Limited, and Overland - so no Trailhawk model or “Trail Rated” badges yet. Pricing starts at $36,995.

Overall, I like the boxier styling of this new generation Cherokee and it appears to be even more tech-focused and luxurious. It is also larger and and more eco-focused, which is interesting. Certainly worth a look!

The Wagoneer S will Skip the 2026 Model Year; 4xe is Gone

The Wagoneer S is a departure from the traditional Jeep in the sense that it is an EV and very high performance!

While Jeep has launched a new hybrid model for 2026, its first full EV, the Wagoneer S, will skip the same model year due to slow sales. It’s unknown right now exactly when production will resume, but at this time Jeep says there’s still 2025 Wagoneer S inventory available and they aren’t worried about short-term sales interruptions. Work is already underway to launch the 2027 models which will include an updated NACS charge port, like many other EVs have been switching to.

With the expiration of the EV tax credits, I can understand why sales tapered off (although it isn’t uncommon to find heavy discounts at dealers on these), but I do hope to see the Wagoneer S live on - and PERHAPS a Chrysler or Dodge variant enter production too… both of those brands could use some new product infusion, honestly. And a sporty, luxury EV fits both of those brands BETTER if we think about it! Pricing for the Wagoneer S starts at $67,995.

What’s more, ICYMI: 4xe at Jeep is no more. The Grand Cherokee and Wrangler 4xe models have been discontinued for 2026. In fact, all PHEV models in the Stellantis North America portfolio are discontinued for 2026, as the company revises its electrification strategy to one that “best meets the customer’s needs”. Range-extending hybrids and series-hybrids are what the company will focus on. 

The Road Ahead and Path Less Traveled

What are your thoughts on these electrified updates at Jeep? Would you consider a hybrid, PHEV, or EV? Overall, I feel these strategy shifts will set Jeep up to be a better positioned company to capitalize on shifting consumer trends within the electrification space! And I do like their current product offerings.

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Stellantis Detroit Assembly Complex Halts Assembly

If you’ve been paying attention to news, you will likely be aware that Stellantis (formerly known as FCA) is in a bit of financial and inventory trouble. Sales for all brands are way down, including Ram and Jeep. Due to these factors, and to better balance out inventory levels, the company has announced a temporary halt in production at its Detroit Assembly Complex – Mack (DACM). This facility assembles the Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L. In addition, 312 temporary and seasonal workers and 105 full-time employees will be laid off. Production will resume in early October.

Separate Update: GM has also temporarily halted production at their Flint, Michigan truck assembly plant that produces the Silverado and Sierra and at their Arlington, Texas plant where the Tahoe, Escalade and Yukon are built. However, this isn’t related to inventory or sales. This halt is due to suppliers being impacted by Hurricane Helene. GM has not commented when production will resume, but their goal is to resume operations “as quickly and as safely as possible for their employees and communities”.

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CATastrophe: Every Jaguar Is Discontinued, Minus F-Pace

If you want a new Jaguar, now might be the time to act. Every model, minus the F-Pace (top left)
is headed to the big car graveyard in the sky.

When was the last time you’ve seen a new Jaguar on the road? If your answer was “I’m not sure”, I’m with you. And apparently that’s the case for most of the rest of the population too, as Jaguar is officially euthanizing every model in its lineup besides the F-Pace SUV.

What's the Plan?

If you aren’t aware of what models the British automaker has on offer for 2024, currently you can get the XE sedan, XF sedan, XF Sportbrake wagon (Europe), F-Type sports car, E-Pace compact SUV, F-Pace midsize SUV, and the I-Pace EV SUV. According to Jaguar’s CEO, Adrian Mardell, these models (minus the F-Pace, presumably) make no money for the company. The last F-Type has already been built. Jaguar had previously said that by 2025 they would be an all-EV brand. It doesn’t appear as if the company will make that milestone, but transitioning by the beginning of the next decade is still within reach. Currently, there are new models in development - a luxury gran tourer and a large SUV.

The JLR conglomerate wants Jaguar to eventually compete with Bentley - which seems slightly ambitious to me since currently, most of Jaguar’s cars are more “entry or midrange luxury” in classification vs. “exclusive high-end luxury”. Under the new JLR strategy, Jaguar would sell less than 50,000 cars annually, making them fairly niche.

So… do you think this is a wise move for Jag? Personally, I’m just gonna say no. The brand is already very niche as is, and with other automakers with a larger footprint (GM, Ford, VW etc.) now rethinking their “all-in on EVs by 2030” strategies, I’m not sure why JLR is convinced that Jaguar, of all brands, can compete by flying even more under the radar with a smaller footprint and even more expensive EV models and one ICE SUV… Time will tell. I drove the I-Pace EV several years back as part of my product development research and walked away mostly impressed. Jaguar is a brand with a rich heritage of performance and racing, we will see if they can build a new legacy looking ahead.

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Ford F-150 Lightning Production Will Be Cut

Demand for the F-150 Lightning has been cooling off, alongside EV sales in general in recent months.
Ford is now forced to make adjustments.

EV demand has been cooling some in recent months in the United States. Last year, EV sales made up around 7.5% of all U.S. new car sales. However, in 2022, year-over-year EV sales saw around a 90% overall increase - this number was not matched in 2023. Now, several automakers, such as Ford, are adjusting their pricing, production targets and new release timelines to align with declining sales. One such example is the F-150 Lightning.

Ford has announced that they will cut F-150 Lightning production at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center. This is due to falling demand of Lightning - there will be only one shift starting on April 1st. About 1,400 workers will be affected and some will transfer to other Ford facilities while others will be offered an early retirement plan. For good measure, let’s remember that the gas-powered F-Series has been the best selling vehicle in America for decades.

 

Why the Decline?

From the Detroit Auto Show 2022 - Lightning Ride Along Experience

So what’s leading to this decline in sales for EVs? There’s a few factors I can think of. The first is the high cost of many EVs, even with the availability of the tax credit. It’s hard to ignore that while electric vehicles have many advantages in lowering emissions while improving performance, it’s hard to justify the high cost of entry many times. I recently went to look at an F-150 Lightning at my local Ford dealer and it cost $95,000! Even with a sizable down payment and the max $7,500 tax credit, you’d still be looking at an $80,000+ truck! Well out of the average consumer’s budget.

Other factors would be a still-developing charging infrastructure. Now to combat this, Ford announced last year that it was adopting the North American Charging Standard (NACS) on all 2025 EV models. Existing customers will receive an adapter starting in 2024 that would allow them access to the Tesla Supercharger network, in addition to the 10,000 DC fast chargers already in the Blue Oval network. Until this shift is fully in place, charging stations could still be a little tricky to navigate, especially in colder weather as we’ve seen.

Finally, we have a situation where all of the early adopters could likely have gotten what they’ve wanted. So the pinned up demand is now tapering off. This actually doesn’t just apply to the F-150 Lightning, either. If you’ve been paying attention, inventory levels for the new Bronco have risen drastically in recent months after there being a waitlist to get one. Now, Ford is offering incentives for the first time, especially to Jeep owners, to move Broncos. I won’t be surprised if we see steeper incentives on the Lightning to move them off lots. Every automaker needs to access current market conditions along with customer needs in order to not end up with excess inventory and achieve profitability. Especially in a rapidly advancing EV world, with new ones announced every day it seems.

Would you ever consider an F-150 Lightning? I might. I rode in one at the 2022 Detroit Auto Show and thought it was a cool truck and a blast to experience. Let’s keep an eye on inventory and sales numbers to see how this scenario plays out for Ford and the wider budding EV truck market. There may be opportunities for niche players, such as Rivian, to capitalize on the Lightning’s slower sales if analyzed and targeted correctly.

F-150 Lightning Ride Along at the 2022 NAIAS: https://youtube.com/shorts/88cAQg9LFAU?si=epjNub3pBFtwyY4u

Ford Global Sales Figures, Good Car Bad Car link: https://www.goodcarbadcar.net/sales-by-automaker/ford-motor-company-global-sales-data-reports/

I've had several chances to get up close with the F-150 Lightning, as well as the
other EV truck competitors. Its nice in person! The frunk is one of the largest I've seen.

Exploring the HUMMER EV at Motor Bella 2021

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Show Me the Car Facts #FactFridays

Did you know: The 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV has a slightly smaller battery pack than the Hummer EV SUT. This is because the SUV’s wheelbase 8.9-inches shorter (126.7 inches total), which also reduces cargo and packaging space – but not passenger space, interestingly. So, while the truck has 24 Ultium battery modules, the SUV has 20. As a result, we can expect that its max driving range will be slightly less than the truck and its 0-60 MPH time will also likely be a little slower – though still crazy fast at just over 3 seconds. Additionally, the Hummer EV truck can have a max of 1000 HP, but the SUV will have a max of 830 HP.

Copyright © 2023 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

2024 Hyundai Sonata - One Last Hail Mary

Sedan sales continue to circle the drain vs. SUVs... But Hyundai is preparing one final push for
relevance with the 2024 Sonata.

Sedans sales are still sliding, and rumors are swirling that Hyundai and Kia might discontinue the Sonata and K5, respectively, after the 2025 model year. This would leave only the Japanese sedans (Camry, Accord, Altima, Legacy) as the sole competitors in the midsized segment. Although the Malibu could get a surprise 10th generation as well…

Until these answers all become clearer, what we do have some certainty on is that there is going to be a refresh for the 2024 Sonata, and it draws inspiration from the redesigned Kona with a full width light bar up front as part of its lighting signature. The overall look for me seems like something out of a Star Wars cartoon/movie now – I worked in product planning a Hyundai/Kia when the current Sonata generation launched and I remember how the LED running lights running up the fender was so dynamic looking the first time I saw it on the pre-facelift. On the inside, there’s now a new steering wheel design complimented by a curved display comprised of two 12.3-inch screens, as we’ve seen gradually creeping its way into other Hyundai/Kia/Genesis products. The powertrain lineup is expected to remain the same: that consists of a base 2.5L inline four-cylinder, a 1.6L turbocharged inline four-cylinder, and a 2.5L turbo inline four-cylinder in the N-Line trims. The hybrid models will also likely carryover, but no PHEV.

First Impressions Matter

How do you like the refreshed Sonata? It looks like they left everything that matters most intact (powertrain, comfort, etc.), while changing the bits that will enhance style the most. I believe I like the non-N-Line look the best this time around (the silver car in the middle picture), it’s very sharp. I see some Lucid Air influence! Also, I think it would be great if Hyundai went ahead and offered AWD on the Sonata like its sibling, the Kia K5. As many of you are aware, I have a Kia K5 AWD with the 1.6T engine and I find it to be a great car – the 1.6T from Hyundai/Kia is one of my favorite powertrains. Pair it with the corporate hybrid system and AWD, like in the Tucson SUV, and I feel like you would have something special for a midsize sedan.

While I doubt that this refresh will move the bar overall for the Sonata in terms of its popularity vs. its SUV counterparts, I do hope it inspires Hyundai to stay in the sedan market a little longer. I’m also looking forward to seeing what the Kia K5 refresh looks like. Although Kia’s refreshes have been a little less endearing to me, as I think their vehicles are as aesthetically perfect as they can get right now.

Here's a look at the front of the pre-refresh Sonata.

And a look at the facelifted rear end - I like the "racing flag" matrix pattern in the taillights, where the outgoing model just had a continuous LED lightbar without any sort of pattern.

#sedanapocolypse

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Solid Investment: BMW to Test Solid State Batteries

BMW and Solid Power are teaming up to test solid-state battery usage.

BMW will soon begin to test using a solid-state battery in its EVs. This is the direct result of a partnership between BMW and Solid Power, an American battery tech company. Prototypes of this battery will be built at BMW’s own battery facility near Munich, while testing of the new batteries could take place by mid-decade. Don’t expect to see an electric car from BMW with a solid-state battery until around 2030 or so, however. Other automakers are also making plans for solid-state battery implementation in future EVs, such as Volkswagen and Hyundai.

Solid-state batteries by design have a solid electrolyte and offer improved range and charging times vs. current liquid-type batteries. They are also inherently lower cost and safer by design, which should help alleviate concerns about EV fires after collisions. The main issue with them is one that has plagued the entire EV adoption process thus far – scaling up production to match demand. EV battery materials are a commodity. Before going full-on solid state, however, BMW intends to introduce a new lithium-ion battery in their upcoming EVs in 2025 that will promise a 30% improvement in range vs. current similar batteries. I can’t wait to check that out, especially in a vehicle like the new i4.

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Wasp Spray: Say Goodbye to the Kia Stinger After 2023

The Kia Stinger was introduced for the 2018 model year. 2023 will be its last.

It’s been rumored for some time, but now the inevitable is confirmed and the 'sedanapocalypse' rolls on. 

The Kia Stinger is no more after the 2023 model year - its sales have always been lukewarm, but Kia's new EV6 and other popular SUV options likely put the nail in the coffin more than this car having a "Kia" badge on the front did. Still, the Kia Stinger has been a really key model for brand in their quest to turn around their market image since it was introduced for the 2018 model year. The Stinger is positioned as a sporty, upscale, entry-level luxury sedan competitor to the likes of the BMW 3 and 4-series, Audi A4 and A5 Sportback, Volkswagen Arteon and the Cadillac CT5. I’ve also seen some people cross-shop the Stinger with the Dodge Charger, ironically. Its sibling vehicle is the Genesis G70 and it will live on.

To commemorate the Stinger, Kia will release the “Stinger Tribute Edition”, which will feature special interior and black exterior treatments. Only 1,000 units of these special edition Stingers will be built for the GLOBAL market, making it all the more exclusive. Only the 3.3TT V6 with 368 HP will be offered in the Tribute Edition and two colors will be offered – Ascot Green and a new hue called Moonscape matte grey. For the interior, the Stinger’s dashboard and door trim has new carbon-fiber accents and a Terracotta-colored leather seat is standard. On the seats, you will find a new wasp-shaped logo, meant to go hand-in-hand with the “Stinger” name.

Are you sad to see the Stinger go? I have put the link to Kia’s press release on the Stinger Tribute Edition below. I’ll be honest: The Stinger has personally never been my favorite Kia model – that honor belongs to the Optima/K5. But I’ve had several chances to get up close and personal with the Stinger during its run, since I worked in product planning at Hyundai/Kia during its development. I had a chance to drive the Stinger at SEMA 2017 around a quick test track and found it to be quick, but handling was a little ungainly for a ”sports car”. The interior is also more cramped than I expected for such a large car, but with the 3.3TT engine, the Stinger is fast and the Brembo brakes do their job to stop the car effectively. The Stinger rides smoothly due to its long wheelbase, as I learned riding in by boss’ Stinger to lunch, and it also can be a drift machine. I will upload videos soon to YouTube highlighting my experiences with the Stinger and in the drift event that was held at SEMA 2017 as well. (Check back for links soon)

Pour one out for the Stinger! While it might not have *personally* lit my soul on fire, it holds a special place in performance car history and in the evolving identity of modern Kia – which now has no “luxury” sedans left in the U.S. market with the pending demise of the Stinger. The Cadenza and K900 exited the U.S. market a couple years back with no replacements introduced here (Korea got the new K8 and a facelifted K9, however). If you still desire a high-performance Kia, they will still gladly sell you a K5 GT or a new EV6 GT as well – the latter of which essentially takes over the Kia performance crown.

Official Kia Press Release: https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/media/pressreleases/19754/exclusive-stinger-tribute-edition-celebrates-kias-high-performance-vision

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Goodbye to the BMW Alpina B7

The 2022 BMW Alpina B7

An all-new BMW 7-Series has been released for the 2023 model year. But the Alpina B7 won’t come back for this generation. Its worth noting, however, that BMW is planning its own high performance 7-Series. The plug-in hybrid 7-Series and i7 M70 EV both have impressive power numbers – 563 HP and 600+ HP respectively. 

Will you miss the B7? I would love to have a B8 personally. I’ve always loved the performance and luxury of the Alpina lines. The first Alpina B7 was released in 2001. Future Alpinas will be built in BMW factories.

This is the new electric 2023 BMW i7, and its reported that there will be an M-performance version of this - essentially making a new Alpina B7 a little obsolete. At least the Alpina B8 still exists.

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

2022 Is the Final Model Year for the Toyota C-HR in the U.S.

The funky Toyota C-HR will be discontinued in North America after the 2022 model year. However, there will be a next generation in Europe, as previewed by a recent concept car released by Toyota (bottom picture).

If you want a Toyota C-HR, you better act fast. The subcompact SUV will exit the North American market and will be a European exclusive model from the 2023 model onwards. For 2023, the C-HR will be fully redesigned with styling based on the C-HR Prologue Concept. The reason for the discontinuation of this model was noted by Toyota themselves: the new Toyota Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid and the RAV4 all offer a great package at a similar price point to the C-HR. As a matter of fact, the aforementioned Toyota crossovers likely all make more sense than the C-HR, as when you start looking at the specs, the RAV4 offers more space on the interior and the Corolla Cross costs less than the C-HR. So, unless you just want a funky styled small SUV WITHOUT AWD, there’s less of a reason to pick the C-HR vs. its Toyota sibling vehicles. And over the past decade, we’ve seen these funky styled SUVs all fall by the wayside for slightly larger/more conventional options: the Nissan Juke, the Nissan Cube, Chevy’s HHR, the entire Scion brand (which I recall reading somewhere that the C-HR was supposed to be a Scion at some point – who knows) etc. etc.

Competitors for the C-HR include all of the SUVs in the subcompact category, such as the Honda HR-V, Chevy Trax, Ford EcoSport (also now discontinued), Jeep Renegade, Hyundai Kona, Kia Soul and Seltos, and more. This is a crowded and competitive segment. But while the styling of the C-HR is unique, I find most of these vehicles from my experience to be rather basic in their execution unlike a larger SUV.

Ugly duckling no more! The 2023 Prius goes
on sale next year.

For those of you in Europe, you can look forward to the next C-HR coming with a plug-in hybrid powertrain sourced from the new Prius Prime. And speaking of the new Prius – what do you think of it? I can’t believe it looks so good now! In addition to striking styling, the new Prius will offer a hands-free driving system, more power (between 194 and 220 HP), and available AWD with 0-60 times in the 6.5 to low-7 second range - much faster than the current Prius. The Prius Prime’s 220 HP will make it the “sportiest” Prius, so we can expect similar driving feel from the new C-HR I’d guess.

Will you miss the C-HR? With a very differentiated crossover lineup, I don’t think too many people will cry over the loss of one Toyota SUV.

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Stellantis Will Idle the Jeep Cherokee Plant Indefinitely

The Jeep Cherokee is still pretty nice, but it appears to be on borrowed time. The plant its produced at has been idled multiple times the last few years. Partially due to the pandemic-related supply chain shortages, and partially because its an old model now and its sales are sliding.

Stellantis, formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), has announced that they will idle the Jeep Cherokee plant in Illinois as of February 28th, 2023. This means that 1,200 workers at the plant will be laid off indefinitely laid off as a result. The automaker says that they will focus on investments into electric vehicles. The Cherokee plant has already shut down several times and gone through layoffs throughout the pandemic from what I recall. So, it appears that ongoing supply chain issues as well as sliding Cherokee sales have finally taken their toll along with other market factors.

In my opinion, the Cherokee isn’t a bad looking SUV, but its design is very, very old now. Originally released for the 2014 model year, the Jeep Cherokee (KL) has had up and down bouts with its reliability as well, particularly with the ZF 9-speed automatic transmission proving very problematic for several model years (as well as in other Jeep products its used in, such as the Renegade and Compass). While the Cherokee did receive a facelift for the 2019 model year, in that time, most competitors have undergone full redesigns that have made them a significantly better pick that the Cherokee (Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Terrain, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Ford Bronco Sport, and many more). I believe that the current Cherokee is likely near the end of its product cycle, and we’ll likely see an electrified 4xe version for the next generation – which speaking of that, Jeep claims another Cherokee is on the way from what I’ve researched.

In the meantime, being laid off is never fun, so my thoughts are with those at the Cherokee factory that will be affected by this indefinite shutdown starting next year. Would you consider a Cherokee? Or would you wait for the next generation model, upgrade to the larger, newer design Grand Cherokee (WL), OR shop the Cherokee’s competitors?

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Show Me the Car Facts #FactFridays

Did you know:

How well do you pay attention to the smaller details?

The GM "Mark of Excellence" on my 2008 Aura.
The position of this logo may change based on the
model year of your car (2007 Auras had it higher
up on the door).

From 2006 to early 2010, GM put what is known as their “Mark of Excellence” on their cars. It usually can be found in the lower front fender of cars from this era - it’s a little silver GM emblem. My 2008 Saturn Aura has it. However, I noticed a few cars from the mid-to late-2000s did not get the Mark of Excellence on the side - namely the GMT360 SUVs (Chevy Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainer, etc.), the Chevy Express/GMC Savana, and the Buick Rendezvous from what I remember.

After the disillusion of several brands due to the GM bankruptcy restructuring in 2009, the company dropped the emblem off their cars. The reason cited was that the four core remaining brands, Chevy, Buick, Cadillac and GMC, would build their own identities under the “New GM” and seek to remove themselves from the stigma of a “bankrupt parent company”.

I haven't had a chance to be up close on a 2024
GMC Sierra EV, but I'll be checking the front fender above
the wheel well next time I do for the little GM logo.
The Sierra EV will have an estimated 400 mile
driving range.

Fast forward to the present day, and the GM “Mark of Excellence” is still absent from all vehicles, except for one: the new GMC Sierra EV! So where is it placed at on the new Sierra EV? Not in a location you might expect… If you look closely on the front side marker lights, you will see the new GM logo in the corner. It requires a keen eye and I love small details like this! I remember Oldsmobile did this with their “Oldsmobile” script on some cars briefly in the 90s when they attempted to rebrand.

Just make sure you don’t break those lights on the new Sierra EV. Because if the Sierra EV is anything like the HUMMER EV, it’ll be really expensive to replace them if they’re broken (it costs $6,100 for taillights on the HUMMER EV).

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Nexteer is Winning and Innovating!

Nexteer Automotive is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

I like to highlight local and global businesses on my blog, so its time to highlight an automotive business that has its global technical center in my hometown of Saginaw, Michigan. Nexteer Automotive has been recognized by the Society of Automotive Analysts with their Mobility Innovation Award. This was given to Nexteer for their Steer-by-Wire (SbW) Stowable Steering Column. This technology, according to Nexteer, will transform the future of mobility by improving safety and the ‘behind the wheel experience’. Additionally, SbW will help address OEM challenges in the areas of autonomy, electrification, and software. SbW replaces the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and roadwheels with electronics and actuators allowing for improved functionality of features such as Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB).

In addition, Nexteer Automotive is being recognized as a CES 2023 Innovation Awards Honoree in the “Vehicle Tech & Advanced Mobility” category for their Road Surface Detection & Early Intuitive Warning Software with Tactile Mobility. In a nutshell, this technology can improve life-saving steering movements by enhancing the car’s awareness of the environment around it and alerting the driver through steering feel.

Very interesting features – good going Nexteer! I feel that ADAS and electrification technology are both advancing rapidly before our eyes. Nexteer is proving that they are striving to become a leader in this space, and it's even cooler that they operate right in my hometown.

Nexteer in Saginaw, Michigan

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Last Call: The Dodge Charger & Challenger Make Their Last Stand; Also – Dodge Hornet, Dodge Durango Hellcat, Goodbye Infiniti Q60

For the first time in its existence, Dodge is allowing buyers to order a Challenger Convertible through dealers as part of a send-off to the V8-powered muscle car era of the brand.

There’s been speculation for years about when the Dodge Charger and Challenger will be discontinued or redesigned. Now, we have an official end from Dodge themselves. 2023 will be the final model year of the current Charger and Challenger and each vehicle will have a “Last Call” plaque under the hood that says “Designed in Auburn Hills, Assembled in Brampton” – giving homage to these muscle cars’ roots. In addition, Dodge will release several special edition models with an extra special edition model debuting at SEMA 2022. A few older colors we haven’t seen in a few years will make their return: B5 Blue, Plum Crazy Purple, and Sublime Green. As if this isn’t enough positive news for you, the Charger and Challenger lineups will all be allocated at once to dealers so you have a better shot at getting the exact car you want, plus the Durango Hellcat is back for 2023, with its full 710 HP. Dodge is making sure its V8s go out with a roar, not a whimper as electrification continues to close in.

The Dodge Hornet will be Dodge's first electrified
model and is a twin of the Alfa Romeo Tonale.

Guess what – we’re still not done with the Dodge news! During their “Speed Week” this week at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, Dodge unveiled the Hornet compact crossover, which is basically a twin of the Alfa Romeo Tonale. It’s the first all-new Dodge model in almost a decade. While Dodge says that it will be going electric in the future, the future really is here now, because the Hornet can be had with a plug-in hybrid powertrain unlike other Dodge branded vehicles to date. Borrowed from the Alfa, the Hornet will have a fully-independent suspension and torque-vectoring AWD. Every Hornet can be optioned with an available Track Pack, which includes 20-inch wheels, upgraded dampers and unique/sportier styling. In the base Hornet GT, you will find a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder making 268 HP and 295 lb.-ft. of torque paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission – likely the same ZF unit used in other FCA/Stellantis products if I had to make an educated guess. In the plug-in hybrid R/T model, a 1.3T engine is used and coupled with a 121 HP electric motor for a total system output of 288 HP and 383 lb.-ft. of torque. 0-60 MPH according to Dodge happens in 6.1 seconds, and there’s a “PowerShot” feature that allows for an extra 25 HP and instant torque for 15 seconds. As for the battery pack that’s used in the Hornet, it’s 12 kWh in capacity and the vehicle has a 7.2-kW onboard charger. EV range will be around 30 miles and on a Level 2 charger the vehicle can recharge in around 2 and a half hours. Overall, I’m excited for the Hornet. Yes, it’s a rebadged Alfa Romeo Tonale that’s riding on the Jeep Compass platform. But I had a 2018 Compass, and I quite enjoyed having that SUV, but it just needed more power (rumor is that the Compass is getting more power for 2023). The plug-in hybrid powertrain and 2.0T in the Tonale/Hornet should do the trick and make the vehicle drive a lot more spirited. Every Hornet will have a 12.3-inch digital gauge display and 10.3-inch infotainment display on the interior. Hornet GT pricing will start at $29,995 before destination and the R/T will start at $39,995.

Hornet Press Release: https://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com/newsrelease.do?id=24070&mid=5

Dodge also unveiled the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept with its new “Banshee” powertrain. Its not known how much horsepower the powertrain makes, but Dodge claims that this new electric Charger will be faster than a Hellcat. The Charger Daytona SRT will also have the PowerShot feature previously mentioned that’s in the Hornet, allowing for briefly increased acceleration and passing power. If you’re worried about sound, the Charger Daytona SRT will have a Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust system with sounds equivalent to that of a Hellcat. As for other features and design cues, the Charger Daytona SRT takes styling cues from the original Charger Daytona and it also uses the Fratzog logo from Dodge models in the 1960s and 1970s. Additionally, inside the vehicle there’s a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 16-inch digital gauge cluster and mood lighting.

Other Sports Car News

The Infiniti Q60 was introduced for the 2017 model year. 2022 will be its last.

In other sports car news, Infiniti announced that the Q60 Coupe is not long for this world. 2022 will be the final model year for this car. That’s a shame, because it’s a beautiful vehicle. Infiniti says that the Q50 sedan will remain in production for 2023, but that the company will be focusing on building SUVs and electric vehicles moving forward. No surprise there – grab one while you can.

Are you excited about Dodge’s upcoming “Last Call” and electrified models? Also, are you sad to see the Q50 go away? While the sedanapocolypse continues, the electric future should give us hope for performance.

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Show Me the Car Fact #FactFriday

Did you know: A week or so ago, I discussed in a post how the Nissan Maxima was being discontinued. But we didn't really dive into some other reasons, outside of EVs and declines in sedan sales, that has led Nissan to drop its flagship sedan. Perhaps one of the most interesting reasons is that the Altima and Maxima are basically the same size. Were you aware of this? I've pasted the dimensions below for the Altima and Maxima, so you can compare headroom, legroom, wheelbase, etc. specs.

Maxima Specs:

Altima Specs:

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Maxima, Out - Nissan Drops the Maxima

Another one bites the dust. Another sedan that is.

Nissan has officially announced that it will end production of the Maxima after the 2023 model year. However, the company also says, “stay tuned for future Nissan Maxima news” and that they are focusing on electric vehicles moving forward. So, it’s likely that an upcoming electric sedan from Nissan could revive the Maxima name and perhaps even shock some new life into the “4 door sports car” moniker that the nameplate has long tried to portray.

Large sedan sales have largely been in decline due to changing consumer tastes. In case you hadn’t heard or notice, trucks and SUVs reign supreme these days, along with electrification efforts. After the Maxima is dropped, virtually the only competitors left in the full-sized four door sedan segment in North America will be Toyota with the upcoming Crown and Stellantis with the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300.

I must say, while many enthusiasts shun the current Maxima because it’s only offered with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), I actually quite like it. Will you miss it when it’s gone? Let’s see if we do get a Maxima EV in the next few years.

Speaking of EVs - perhaps it’s worth mentioning that the Nissan Leaf is also likely ending production sometime this decade according to Automotive News. It will receive a refresh for the 2023 model year.

2023 Nissan Leaf - also reportedly on death row.

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Here’s the New Lexus RX & Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Toyota and Lexus are going all-in on electrified and electric SUVs.

 

2023 Lexus RX

The Lexus RX will be all new for 2023, featuring new powertrain, evolutionary styling and more. Up front, you’ll see a new spin on Lexus’ “spindle grille” design, which to me, it looks a little strange… But Lexus has proven it’s not afraid of radical looks. In addition to this, there will be a couple plug-in hybrid RX models as well as other a new AWD system called “Direct4”. The 3.5L V6 is gone, now replaced by a 2.4L inline four-cylinder engine shared with the Lexus NX. The “RX-L” longer wheelbase model is also dropped, but Lexus IS reportedly coming out with a new large 3-row SUV called the “TX”. I don’t doubt the RX will remain a best seller.

In other news and recent reveals: The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. While pricing is unknown, for reference the standard Corolla Cross starts at $22,445. The Corolla Cross Hybrid will achieve an average of 37 MPG (which is slightly worse than the RAV4 Hybrid) and will go on sale in the late summer/early fall timeframe of this year.

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Which of these electrified Toyota SUVs do you like best? For me, I like the Corolla Cross Hybrid best.

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VW Will Revive Scout as an EV Off-Roading Brand

 

VW is planning to throw its hat into the EV off-roading/active lifestyle vehicle game with a Scout revival.

Volkswagen is one of many automakers dedicated to having a portfolio of electric vehicles. If they’re recent products such as the ID.4 and Electrify America charging network didn’t have you convinced, then reserve further judgement until you hear about Scout.

Scout was a name last used by International Harvester in the 60s and 70s, but VW is planning to revive the nameplate on an off-road focused SUV and truck around 2026 in the United States. I think this is a great idea on VW’s part, given America’s never-ending thirst for SUVs and trucks. Plus, demand for EVs is growing, especially given gas prices. I like VW’s electrification and current product lineup, and Scout will only enhance that further.

Will you be looking to buy a Scout? Prototypes and additional sketches are expected to be released within the next year or so. Competition for Scout once they’re released would be the Rivian R1S and R1T as well as electrified Jeep and Ford Bronco variants.

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The Chevy Spark has (Officially) Lost Its Spark - 2022 Marks the End

The Chevrolet Spark is one of the smallest and cheapest new cars sold in America. Its also one of the few remaining small cars available with a manual transmission.

The least expensive vehicle in America, the Chevrolet Spark, will end production this summer. It first debuted back for the 2013 model year and even had an EV variant at one point. The base price of the Spark is $14,595 after destination and that will get you a 1.4L engine with 98 HP and one of the last remaining vehicles on the market with a manual transmission (a 5-speed manual to be exact) AND manual roll-down windows as well. Opting for the CVT adds $1,100 to the base price. I’ve played with the Build Your Own tool and I see the Spark comes in some interesting color combinations. But with 98 HP on tap, I’m sure this won’t get you anywhere super fast.

This is how I'd get my Spark (if I had to get one) - in the Activ trim with Blue Glow or Crimson paint, a manual transmission and a few options, like the Summer/Winter floor mats and sport pedals. It really looks like this Activ trim should've had AWD, however... That would've made the Spark more unique among subcompact cars.

Until we see if Chevrolet introduces any other sedans (likely electric on the Ultium platform), the Malibu will be Chevy’s last 4-door car standing. I doubt it’ll last longer than another year or two. Beginning with the 2023 model year, the Trax will be the cheapest Chevy on offer, and as you can imagine, it sells in greater numbers because it’s a crossover and that’s what’s popular with buyers right now. I’m honestly surprised the Trax still exists too, given the newer Trailblazer is now on sale.

Well, perhaps we’ll see another EV model in GM’s electric future revive the Spark name.

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Check Out Koenigsegg’s New Electric Motor

Sometimes, there’s truth in the saying “big things come in small packages”. For those of you that are unfamiliar with Koenigsegg, they are a Swedish company that makes super cars. They have developed a new electric motor, named “Quark”, that will be used in the Gemera four-seater. It weighs all of 63 pounds, but be fooled by the size of this motor - it makes 335 HP and 443 lb.-ft. of torque.

This electric motor combines both radial and axial-flux construction to adequately balance power and torque. But its probably worth noting that peak power figures are only available for 20 seconds, after which they taper off drastically. This is pretty typical with electric vehicles and motors. After the aforementioned 20 seconds, power of the Quark drops off to 134 HP and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. No worries however - the Gemera will have a total of three electric motors and a 600 HP three-cylinder engine, so it’ll still be plenty quick I’m sure. In fact, Koenigsegg says that the electric motors are meant to assist low speed range on the Gemera while the ICE powertrain supplies high speed power.

Some of the materials used in this e-motor are aerospace and motor sport grade steel and Koenigsegg’s own “Aircore Technology”, which is hollow carbon fiber for the rotor. The company also has an EV drive unit made of of two Quark motors called the “Terrier”. This unit is good for 670 HP and 811 lb.-ft. of torque while also having the ability to torque vector across the axle.

How Is This Important?

This is a development worth watching I’d say, since electric motors will become increasingly more powerful and needed in the auto industry as OEMs pivot to EVs. The performance that Koenigsegg gets out of their vehicles is interesting enough, but their electric motor technology could inspire other suppliers and OEMs alike to develop more lightweight, powerful electric motors for upcoming EV applications outside of only super cars. If this can be balanced with increased range in EVs and supported by expanded charging infrastructure as time moves forward, EVs could continue to gain market share over conventional ICE vehicles.

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