What can you expect from the 2018 New York Auto Show? That’s all coming up right now
Live from New York, it’s…well, not the show you’re thinking of. In fact, it’s the 2018 New York Auto Show! Press days aren’t actually coming on Saturday, but TFL will come to you live from New York next week to cover this year’s event. Manufacturers have been releasing a lot of new information prior to the show, so we now have a pretty good idea on what you can expect to see.
The show will be open to the public from March 30th through April 8th at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.
Check back to this list often as we update it with newly-unveiled previews and live reveals from Manhattan!
Acura RDX
[Photo: Acura]Last October, we received a spy shot of the 2019 Acura RDX testing in the wilds of Columbus, Ohio. Then, in January, we saw the RDX “Prototype” debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Now, it’s time for the real thing. The new Acura RDX will make its official debut at this year’s New York Auto Show. As with the prototype, there’s a new platform, powertrain, and design language. On that last front, the RDX represents what Acura is calling their most extensive redesign in the past decade.
Audi A6
[Photo: Audi]After unveiling the 2019 A6 in Geneva earlier this month, Audi’s midsize sedan makes its American debut in New York. It carries edgier styling than its predecessor, and packs a 340 horsepower turbocharged V6 engine with 369 lb-ft of torque. In the spirit of its larger siblings that debuted before the A6, the latest generation model brings a host of tech upgrades as well.
Audi RS 5 Sportback
[Photo: Audi]Earlier this month, a TFLcar reader sent us some spy photos of a very interesting looking Audi. Turns out it was the RS 5 Sportback, and Audi may debut just debuted the model at the New York Auto Show. Essentially a four-door hatchback version of the RS 5 Coupe, the Sportback fires 444 horsepower from its 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 to all four wheels. Practicality? Meet performance.
Cadillac XT4
[Photo: Cadillac]Cadillac’s going one smaller with their new XT4 crossover. It will be the brand’s smallest offering, next to the larger XT5 and the full-size Escalade. They’re moving into hotly contested territory, as every other luxury manufacturer is bringing something to the table. Mainly, the XT4 will duke it out with the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi Q3, Volvo XC40, and the Infiniti QX30.
Cadillac CT6 V-Sport
[Photo: Cadillac]Cadillac’s bringing V8 power to its flagship model with the 2019 CT6 V-Sport. The 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 under the hood of this model is the brand’s first exclusive engine since the Northstar engine went out of production in 2010. It produces 550 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque in its most powerful configuration. However, there will be a detuned version in the normal CT6 with 500 horsepower. Despite earlier rumors, this is exclusively a Cadillac engine, and won’t make its way into the Corvette or any other GM product at the moment.
Honda Insight
[Photo: Honda]After showing a prototype in Detroit, Honda’s ready to bring the Insight back to market, showing it off in New York. Unlike the previous Insight, which bowed out in 2014, the new version is a sedan based on the 10th-generation Civic platform. It’s smaller than the Accord Hybrid, naturally, and promises 55 MPG in the city. The Honda Sensing safety suite will also be available in the 2019 Insight, as will Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.
Hyundai Kona EV
[Photo: Hyundai]Hyundai unveiled an all-electric version of their new Kona crossover. Hyundai’s claiming 250 miles of all electric range, just edging out the Chevrolet Bolt and handily beating the Nissan LEAF’s current 150-mile range. The Kona EV will go on sale later this fall, but pricing hasn’t been revealed just yet.
Hyundai Santa Fe
[Photo: Hyundai]It was officially unveiled in South Korea last month, but now the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe makes its way to our shores. Sporting an all-new diesel powertrain, this five-seat crossover’s set to take the fight to rivals like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. The Kona-esque styling might be a bit contentious, but it certainly stands out from the old model, as does Hyundai’s omission of the 3.3-liter V6 engine. Hyundai’s dropped the Sport model and the seven-seat version of this Santa Fe, instead developing an all-new seven-passenger model.
Jaguar I-Pace
[Photo: Jaguar]After Arctic performance testing in Sweden and its world debut at the Geneva Auto Show earlier this month, the all-new electric Jaguar I-Pace makes its way to the Big Apple. This car is Jaguar’s first foray into the EV world, and they’ve pulled out all the stops to market this car as much as possible. There’s reason to take notice: the I-Pace produces 395 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque from its electric motors. Not only that, but the company confirmed you can charge the car from dead to 80 percent charge in 45 minutes on a 100kW fast charger.
Jaguar F-Pace SVR
[Photo: Jaguar]The I-Pace isn’t the only Jaguar to pounce on this year’s New York Auto Show. There’s also the high-performance F-Pace SVR. While that car is all about clean running, zero emissions, and efficiency (with some power, mind you), the SVR laughs at electricity. Why? Because this mid-size luxury SUV has a massive 5.0-liter supercharged V8 making 550 horsepower. That makes it pretty brisk: 0-60 comes up in 4.1 seconds, according to Jaguar. The F-Pace SVR is set to go on sale this summer from $79,990.
Kia K900
[Photo: Kia]The current generation is older than you might think. It’s actually been around since 2012, even though it’s only been sold in the U.S. since 2015. It hasn’t exactly been a huge seller here, but that hasn’t stopped Kia from updating it anyway. A leaked Korean brochure showed pictures of the new K900, as well as its powerplants. In the U.S. market, this car’s likely to have Kia’s signature 3.3-liter V6 as well as the 5.0-liter V8 found in the Genesis G90.
Lexus UX
Lexus leaps into the fray of luxury subcompact crossovers with their all-new UX model. This segment is searing hot right now, and the UX joins the competition alongside Volvo, BMW, Audi, Infiniti, and Mercedes-Benz. Two variants will be available: a front-wheel drive UX 200 variant with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, and a UX 250h all-wheel drive hybrid variant with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and an electric motor.
Lincoln Aviator
Lincoln’s contentious MKT has been around for nearly 10 years now. Alongside the new Navigator, the current model looks…well, stodgy. It’s time to put the MKT out to pasture, and Lincoln agrees. Now, the Aviator – a nameplate that’s been absent since 2005 – is returning to the fold. This concept model, at least, will appear at the New York Auto Show next week. We expect the Aviator to sit in the middle of Lincoln’s SUV range, between the larger Navigator and the smaller Nautilus (formerly MKX) and MKC. The Aviator should hit the showrooms around the same time as the new Explorer.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Mercedes-AMG C 43. [Photo: Mercedes-Benz]Mercedes-Benz has updated their C-Class lineup for 2019. They revealed the coupe and cabriolet versions of the ordinary C-Class as well as the C 43 models. C300 versions will come with a 255 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, with rear- or all-wheel drive. C 43 models will be all-wheel drive only, packing a 3.0-liter, biturbo V6 engine. We’ll also see North American debuts of the AMG GT 4-door and the AMG G63 as well.
Nissan Altima
While crossover demand has exploded, the same can’t be said for sedans. Despite that, and the fact that the current Altima stretches back to 2012, the Altima is still a steady seller. The Camry, Accord, and Mazda 6 have been or are getting an update for this model year, so Nissan can’t sit on the Altima much longer. To that end, they’ve redesigned it, and the 2018 version will be on display at the New York Auto Show.
The styling is edgier, but we don’t expect anything too radical from the Altima. That would just be out of character. We don’t know too much more past this sketch at the moment, but the new Altima should have an inline-four option as well as a V6, as in the present model.
Subaru Forester
Subaru has just provided a glimpse of the 2019 Forester, set to debut at this year’s show. This is all we’ve seen so far, but we’d expect the new model to retain most of its boxy characteristics compared to the rest of Subaru’s lineup. Apart from the more stylish taillights, we know Subaru will build the new forester on their global platform. That design does look like it borrows cues from the larger Ascent. The revised Forester has a more powerful 2.5-liter, f0ur-cylinder Boxer engine, making 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.
Toyota RAV4
[Photo: Toyota]Toyota teased this image of the brand new RAV4 debuting in New York. From what we can tell, it will have a more aggressive front end, as well as a more steeply-raked rear glass area. It looks like it borrows several design cues from the FT-AC concept we saw in L.A. It’s also built on Toyota’s “TNGA” (New Global Architecture) platform. That means it will share hybrid powertrains with the Prius and the new Auris (also known currently as the Corolla iM in our market). The RAV4 is one of the best selling crossovers on the market, and its been around in its current generation since 2012.
Toyota Corolla Hatchback
Toyota unveiled a new version of the Corolla hatchback, sans “iM” badging. [Photo: Toyota]Toyota will hatch (almost literally, based on their earlier tweets) a new Corolla hatchback at this year’s New York Auto Show. It’s riding on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TGNA) platform, and comes in two trim levels: SE and XSE. It still has a six-speed manual – small miracles! – and supports Apple CarPlay, thanks to inclusion of Entune 3.0.
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Concept
[Photo: Volkswagen]Volkswagen is unveiling a five-passenger Atlas variant at this year’s New York Auto Show. The larger Atlas was designed to replace the expensive Touareg in our market. The smaller Tiguan was enlarged to fill the gap, but now VW’s planning to bring the Atlas Cross Sport to market as well. This Atlas variant will make it to production in the coming years, and will be built at the company’s Chattanooga, Tennessee plant, alongside the Atlas and the Passat.
Volvo V60
[Photo: Volvo]Volvo’s sub-V90 wagon made its debut last month in Stockholm, but now it’s headed for its U.S. debut in New York. Built upon the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the V60 shares much of its fundamental design with its larger cousin. As with the V90, Volvo’s V60 is also limited to just two powertrain options. There’s either the front-wheel drive T5 version with 250 horsepower, or the all-wheel drive T6 model with 316 horsepower. The V60’s sedan variant is scheduled to debut this summer at Volvo’s new South Carolina plant.
Toyota has a special surprise waiting to hatch at the New York Auto Show…but what could it be?
Which came first, the car or the egg? Toyota is taking the opportunity to cook up some hype around a new model, using #ToyotaHatch to show off…something. Before making the trek to New York, this egg showed up on the company’s Twitter feed. But what could possibly be in the egg? Apparently, it’s the 2019 Corolla iM.
At least, that’s the theory that makes the most sense. Toyota “hatches” a new hatchback in New York. We already know the company’s revealing the 2019 RAV4, and it appears they have another car up their sleeves. Originally sold in Europe and Asia as the “Auris”, the iM first came to the U.S. in 2015 under the now-defunct Scion brand. When the brand went away, the hatchback was folded under the familiar Corolla nameplate. It’s a similar story to the Mazda-based Scion iA living under the Yaris name.
[Photo: Toyota]Toyota revealed the Auris in Geneva earlier this month, so it appears the car’s now making its way to New York – egg disguise and all – to win favor with American car buyers. The car rides on Toyota’s new TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform and features an updated, more aggressive design. Particularly, Toyota’s given it a pronounced front end that’s synonymous with their other products, including the new Camry and Avalon.
In the U.S., Toyota only offers the current Corolla iM with a 137 horsepower, 1.8-liter engine making 126 lb-ft of torque. European and Asian versions use a hybrid powertrain, so it stands to reason we may see a similar setup in the new Corolla hatchback.
Stay tuned for more updates from the 2018 New York Auto Show! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow on YouTube for more videos, including Toyota’s reveals.
Putting 707 horsepower in a Jeep leads to dramatic results, as you’d expect. But is it faster than a BMW X6 M?
Every time I think about the Trackhawk, I can’t help but imagine the first meeting that took place somewhere within the confines of FCA. “Hey guys, I have a brilliant idea!”, the meeting starts. “You know the supercharged, 707 horsepower engine we use in the Hellcat? Let’s take that engine and stuff it under the hood of a Grand Cherokee!” Silence befalls the room, broken only by the sounds of faint coughing and papers rustling.
A member of the meeting raises their hand. “Are you crazy?”, they exclaim. Why, yes – yes, they were. But here we are, and such a car exists. It’s a Jeep. It’s a Grand Cherokee. It has 707 horsepower. And now, we have the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk where it belongs (per the name): on a track. Specifically, the Trackhawk is in the hands of Paul Gerrard, our professional racing driver. In today’s TFLcar video, he gets to set down a 0-60 run and a hot lap around the IMI Motorsport Park track in Dacono, Colorado. But while we’re on the subject of ludicrously powerful crossovers, why don’t we give the Trackhawk some stiff competition? In this case, it’s going head to head against the BMW X6 M.
How does the $90,880 supercharged V8 Trackhawk, with 645 lb-ft of torque, compete against the 567 horsepower, 553 lb-ft torque BMW? Watch the video above to find out!
A new three-row version of the Grand Cherokee is coming, as is the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. [Photo: FCA]
BMW X6 M [Photo: BMW]
Can the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk beat the X6 M to 60?
As it turns out, the BMW is slightly faster to 60 (3.95 seconds versus 4.0 seconds in the Trackhawk). It also posted a faster lap time. While the BMW cleared the hot lap in 1 minute and 4.37 seconds, the Trackhawk laid down a 1:05.69. Still, despite the X6 M’s superior composure, you can’t beat the raucousness of a supercharged V8.
Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more, including our full review of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow for more high-octane news, views, and real-world reviews.
SPECIFICATIONS: Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk vs. BMW X6 M
Police raided BMW’s Munich offices on Tuesday. [Photo: BMW]
Today, German prosecutors and police raided BMW’s headquarters on suspicion of the company using emissions cheating software.
Oops. Today there were more police, more raids, more suspicions of emissions cheating. This time, BMW is under the microscope. According to a BBC News report, about 100 law enforcement officials searched BMW’s headquarters in Munich, Germany for evidence. They also searched the Steyr, Austria engine plant as well. BMW Group employs about 125,000 employees as of December 2016, with 4,500 working at Steyr. The plant assembles 6,000 engines per day, according to a Reuters report.
Of course, BMW isn’t the only company to come under suspicion. In recent years, Mitsubishi, Mercedes-Benz, and Nissan have all been caught up in their own scandals. Then there’s Volkswagen, for whom the term “dieselgate” was coined. They’ve since been slapped with billions of dollars in fines in one of the largest scandals ever to entangle an automaker.
Left: BMW 7 Series. [Photo: BMW]
Right: BMW M550. [Photo: BMW]
In BMW’s case, prosecutors are specifically looking at “erroneously allocated” software that was used to help 11,400 vehicles cheat on their emissions. This figure includes BMW 750d and M550d models. Neither model is sold in the United States. However, the 540d xDrive sedan is sold in this market, although it’s not under scrutiny at the moment.
Last month, the company recalled 11,700 cars for engine management issues. Those cars were 5- and 7-Series models built between 2012 and 2017 with high-performance diesel engines. This latest emissions news breaks the day before the publication of BMW’s 2017 annual results, according to the BBC.
Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more news stories! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow for more diesel news, views, and real-world reviews!
GMC has sold 700,000 examples of the Terrain since it first debuted back in 2009. With such a popular model, it makes sense not to change the recipe too often. However, after nearly ten years in production, it’s time for the company to give the Terrain a thorough revision.
Now in its second generation, the GMC Terrain is all new for 2018. While the original model sported a boxier design, this one is made to look longer and sleek. It also features a floating roof design element, while the last generation looked more like a standard SUV. This 2018 GMC Terrain gone down a size class from the previous model, as well. GMC lopped 5.2 inches off the wheelbase, so this car is now classified as a compact crossover. The last Terrain, with a 112.5-inch wheelbase, was technically a midsize. Despite that, the new Terrain is only 4.7 inches shorter than the previous model.
GMC revised the Terrain’s interior, and moved its shifter from the center console to a push-button setup in the center stack to free up space. Instead of a 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder or V6 engine, the 2018 GMC Terrain gets a 2.0-liter, turbocharged inline-four engine. As before, it’s still available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations.
[Photo: GMC]
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
My test 2018 GMC Terrain Denali came in an AWD configuration. The Terrain Denali’s base price stats at $39,270. However, after $4,105 worth of options were added, the price rose to $44,370. Optional fare included a power sunroof, as well as an Advanced Safety Package with automatic parking and a 360-degree camera system. The Comfort Package offered heated and ventilated front seats and wireless phone charging. The “Driver Alert Package II” adds low-speed automatic braking, Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Alert, and automatic high beams. The package also adds trailering capability with a four-pin connector.
The 2018 GMC Terrain Denali offers a plethora of model-specific features. You get a satin-chrome multi-dimensional grille, LED headlamps and running lights, as well as 19-inch wheels. GMC also paints the lower trim to match the body color. There are also Denali-specific leather seats and heated front seats and aluminum sill plates.
On the convenience front, there’s a 110-volt power outlet, four USB ports (of which two are data-capable), and an 8.0-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support. OnStar 4G LTE connectivity is available with a three-month trial period. For the driver, there’s a 4.2-inch multi-color information center in the gauge cluster.
Safety features include six standard air bags and a “Rear Seat Reminder” alert. The “Driver Alert Package I” is standard on Denali. That package includes blind spot monitoring, Rear Park Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The 2018 GMC Terrain Denali is rated by the EPA as a compact SUV, but it doesn’t come across as compact at all. It provides ample room for five passengers and their gear without feeling too cramped.
[Photo: TFLcar]
PERFORMANCE
Power for both model Terrains is provided by a 2.0-liter Ecotec four-cylinder with direct injection. Horsepower is rated at 252 at 5,500 rpm, with torque rated at 260 lb-ft from 2,500-4,500 RPM. That power is routed to the driving wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Acceleration is satisfyingly quick, and the new 9-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. The console-positioned buttons take some getting used to, but they do free up a lot of room in the center console.
The ride quality is comfortable in normal conditions, and the car’s handling is thoroughly competent. That is, in the event you feel like doing some more spirited driving.
TFLCAR’S TAKE
The GMC team refers to their SUV vehicle line as being “Professional Grade”. In pursuit of that goal, the company has worked to deliver on both comfort and capability. It performs that task well, and at a price that won’t break the bank. While this was the top-of-the-line Denali model, there are two other trim levels available. The base SL, with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, starts at $25,990. Other models include the SLE and SLT models. With the exception of the SL, all models are available in all-wheel drive. There is also a 1.6-liter turbodiesel available on SLE and SLT trims.
To see how well the 2018 GMC Terrain Denali takes on the world’s toughest towing test, check out the video below. Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car, The Fast Lane Truck and TFLnow on YouTube for more video content published daily!
SPECIFICATIONS: 2018 GMC Terrain Denali
On Sale:
Now
Base MSRP:
$39,270.
Price as Tested:
$44,370.
Engine:
2.0-liter turbocharged I-4
Drivetrain (Layout):
Front engine, all-wheel drive
Horsepower:
252 hp @ 5,500 RPM
Torque:
260 lb-ft @ 2,500-4,500 RPM
Transmission:
Hydra-Matic 9TY50Nine-speed automatic with electronic precision shift.
Suspension:
Front: MacPherson strut with specifically tuned coil springs with urethane spring isolators, direct-acting stabilizer bar.
Rear: Four-link independent rear suspension, with urethane spring isolators.
Brakes:
Power-assisted four-wheel ventilated discs.Power-assisted, four-wheel disc with ABS and ESC
Meet the rarest Kia you’ll likely ever see – Stinger GT Atlantica
From our experience with the 2018 Kia Stinger GT2 on the track, we know it’s a hot car. Packing 365 horsepower from a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 and all-wheel drive grip, Kia’s sportiest model to date is poised to take on the European elite. However, with a price tag around $50,000, it’s also Kia’s most model currently on sale.
What if that’s not exclusive enough? If an ordinary Stinger GT2 doesn’t stand out enough for you, Kia may have an answer. Meet the 2018 Kia Stinger GT Atlantica. Its limited to a 500 unit production run, and that makes it even more expensive than the ordinary model. Not only that, but it’s Kia’s most exclusive car…ever. But what do you get for your extra money? Kia hasn’t announced exact pricing on the Stinger GT Atlantica just yet, but we’d expect it to carry a premium on the GT2 model. Not only that, but we’d also expect 500 buyers to snap up the Atlantica right away.
2019 Kia Stinger GT Atlantica. [Photo: TFLcar]Kia’s building the GT Stinger Atlantica as a special edition model to commemorate the car’s connection between the U.S. market and its German design roots. It’s based on the GT2 model, but it has some unique features that car doesn’t.
For the exterior, Kia decided on a unique paint color called Deep Chroma Blue Metallic. It’s also fitted with the European Stinger’s 19-inch wheels, and special “Atlantica” badging all around the car. Inside, there’s an Espresso Brown Nappa leather and another Atlantica badge on the center console. The Stinger Atlantica does have some unique tech as well, including a Surround View Monitor 360-camera system, wireless charging, and heated rear outboard seats.
Availability
The Stinger Atlantica will go on sale this summer. At least briefly, until the 500 examples are spoken for. Pricing will be announced closer to that date.
Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more special edition news, views, and real-world reviews! Check out our Hot or Not video below, and subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow for more videos on your favorite new models.
Kia Stinger GT Atlantica photo gallery [Photos: Kia]
The Easter Jeep Safari is almost here! From this Saturday, March 24th through next Sunday, April 1st, a vast array of Jeeps will descend on Moab, Utah. What goes on during that time? It’s nine days of meet-ups, trail rides, and general off-road adventure in the Utah wilderness. On top of that, there is also a new set of Easter Jeep Safari concept models!
FCA turns up each year with their own Jeep concepts based around the event, and this year they have seven concepts to show us. Before the event kicks off this weekend, they’re taking the opportunity to show us these concepts in Detroits. Check out the details on each concept below!
4SPEED Concept [Photo: FCA]
Jeep 4SPEED
Jeep’s 4SPEED is a lightweight Easter Jeep Safari concept that builds on the Wrangler’s off road performance through saving weight. It follows 2011’s Pork Chop and 2013’s Stitch concepts (picturedbelow). This particular concept houses the Wrangler’s new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
2013 “Stitch” concept [Photo: FCA]
2011 “Pork Chop” concept. [Photo: FCA]
Other highlights include a carbon fiber hood and high-clearance carbon fiber fender flares. It also has a carbon fiber rear tub with perforated aluminum panels. FCA has shortened the 4SPEED by 22 inches from the stock Wrangler, while leaving the wheelbase intact. That helps its approach and departure angles. This Easter Jeep Safari concept also uses Dana 44s in the front and the rear, as well as a 4.10 gear ratio sending power to 35-inch BF Goodrich Mud Terrains.
Sandstorm concept [Photo: FCA]
Jeep Sandstorm
You see the word “sandstorm”, and you know Baja isn’t too far behind. Indeed, that’s the case with this concept. According to FCA, this Easter Jeep Safari concept is about “blitzing long, sandy straightaways while still being capable of handling daily driving duties.”
To hit on the off-road, desert-blasting side of this equation, there’s some special kit here. The Sandstorm features high-clearance tube bumpers – front and rear – as well as rock rails, an integrated air compressor, and KC Carbon series front auxiliary lights.
Mechanically speaking, it has a longer wheelbase – the rear axle’s been moved back two inches – and the concept is equipped trailing arm four-link rear suspension. Up front, there are custom coilovers and bypass shocks that allow up to 14 inches of travel. Suspension travel in the rear is 18 inches. There’s also Dynatrac 60 front and rear axles with a 5.68 gear ratio and 39.5 inch BF Goodrich Krawler tires. Under the hood, there’s a 6.4-liter V8 from the Mopar catalog and a six-speed manual transmission.
B-ute Concept [Photo: FCA]
Jeep B-Ute:
The B-Ute. Interesting name, but what makes this Renegade-based Easter Jeep Safari concept tick? It has a 2.4-liter Tigershark engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Moreover, FCA lifted this concept 1.5 inches and threw in some rock rails. It has 17-inch, 30-millimeter offset wheels, and BF Goodrich T/A Baja Champion tires.
Cosmetically, Jeep has given the B-Ute unique front and rear fascias, a heat extractor style hood, and wider flared arches. Not only that, but the interior sees some “Carbonite” and piano black trim finishes.
Wagoneer Roadtrip Concept [Photo: FCA]
Jeep Wagoneer Roadtrip:
This Easter Jeep Safari concept harks to a family roadtrip, and keeps its original steel body. However, FCA stretched the wheelbase by five inches and updated the drivetrain. The Wagoneer packs a 5.7-liter V8, hooked up to an old-style four-speed automatic transmission. It also has Dana 44s front and rear, with 17-inch steel wheels and 33-inch BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tires.
On the inside, the Wagoneer Roadtrip sports front and rear bench seats. There are also original-style panels all around, including the doors, kick panels and rear panel. Apart from the Oxblood leather, there’s also a tool box crafted from the valve cover of the original Wagoneer’s Tornado six-cylinder engine.
This is a 1965 Jeep Wagoneer. The original model was built for nearly thirty years – from 1963 to 1991.
Nacho Jeep Concept [Photo: FCA]
Nacho Jeep:
FCA touts the “Nacho Jeep” as a rolling parts catalog. Remember when we covered the Jeep Performance Parts catalog back at SEMA 2017? This is more or less a showcase for accessories the Mopar brand has to offer. This Easter Jeep Safari concept is built upon a Nacho Yellow JL Rubicon, with the Wrangler’s new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The concept features a black Mopar grille with a steel Rubicon bumper, complete with a winch kit.
In its off-road kit, the Nacho Jeep packs LED lights up front and in the rear. A rear-mounted scouting light uses LEDs to communicate the trail conditions to other off-roaders. The Nacho Jeep has a 2-inch lift kit, with 2.5-inch aluminum shocks. It has 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels clad in 37-inch tires. Finally, there are 2-inch round tube doors and thicker rock rails.
Jeepster Concept [Photo: FCA]
Jeepster:
This Easter Jeep Safari concept looks back to the 1966 Jeepster for inspiration. There’s a two-tone graphic theme, as well as a custom raked windshield. It also utilizes accessories from the Jeep Performance parts catalog, including a hood and graphic package.
Mechanically, this concept sports a 2-inch lift kit and 2.5-inch diameter aluminum shocks. There are also 37-inch BF Goodrich KO2 tires on 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels. There’s no specific information on powertrains for the Jeepster concept.
Inside, there’s a tubular roll cage and the Jeepster’s spare tire. It’s a 38-inch tire in a custom-built tire carrier. Apart from that, FCA also fitted “storage packs” to the tailgate for moving other supplies. Useful, since the tire lives where you would normally store the cargo. The Jeepster is fitted with a concept “rock step” – a combination between rock sliders and a side step.
J-Wagon Concept [Photo: FCA]
Jeep J-Wagon:
Finally, the J-Wagon is FCA’s seventh Easter Jeep Safari concept debuting this year. More Jeep Performance Parts are on display, fitted to a Wrangler Sahara. Finished in “Warm Neutral Grey”, the J-Wagon is fitted with Brass Monkey appearance touches on the exterior. There’s also a Jeep Performance Parts hood with a cutout for a snorkel.
As far as off-roading kit, there are 5-inch LED lights and 17-inch slot-design wheels. There’s also a black metal rock slider and a reinforced tailgate hinge bearing the weight of a spare 35-inch BF Goodrich KM3 tire.
Inside, there are camel-colored leather seats with brown piping and more Brass Monkey trim. At time of writing, there aren’t any mention of specific powertrains for this Easter Jeep Safari concept.
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Motor Trend says “so long” as they take their video content off YouTube.
Yesterday, Motor Trend experienced a watershed moment as they are moving all their content off YouTube. And some folks are not happy about it.
Motor Trend has a big announcement for you guys, as evidenced by the video below. From this point forward, their content will be hosted exclusively off YouTube’s platform. By and large, YouTube commenters’ responses to the move have been negative. Why? The reason could be that the company’s spinning off its video content into a paid subscription service. For the next ten days (from March 19, 2018) – the service is 50% off, or $2.99/month. However, when that promotional period ends, it stands to reason the price will go up to around $6.00/month, or $48.00/year.
Now, they still stand as one of the titans in automotive journalism. In print form, they’ve been around since 1949. They’ve been around for the lion’s share of the 20th century, and continue to produce print content today. However, as media has moved online, so too has the business model surrounding its production. Rather than focusing on print content, publishers are moving to video content instead. That’s the driving premise behind YouTube, and the motivation behind Motor Trend’s move off the platform as well. What do you think of their decision? Let us know in the comments below!
Motor Trend is drifting…straight off YouTube.
Moving away from YouTube: Bad move?
Some comments out there consider it bad news. One YouTube user writes:
“Sad day here on Youtube. As some of you might have heard the rumors are true. Motor Trend has indeed committed youtube suicide. We all saw the signs, decrease in content, teaser videos, deletion of comments, then the likes and dislikes, small extra’s videos etc… RIP Motor Trend it was a good ride while it lasted. Seems like the gearhead world is dwindling more and more.”
Notably, the company’s YouTube channel does not allow comments on any of its videos. Nor have they allowed comments on their written posts for awhile now. Other comments have been a bit more direct, such as “Motor Trend f—ed up”. Others blamed Motor Trend’s social media presence:
“They had terrible social media management for the last 2 years….couldn’t grow from a print magazine into YouTube…team was too big…too many employees…and they were a large company.”
It’s worth noting that, with a YouTube subscriber base of 5.5 million users, Motor Trend is one of the larger channels on the platform. The channel’s debut video content dates back to September 2008. Considering YouTube’s own immense user base, some aren’t seeking to follow the company to their “Motor Trend On Demand” service.
While some aren’t supporting the decision, and not signing up for a subscription service, others are looking at it in what may be the first in an exodus of content creators from the YouTube platform:
“YouTube is not what it once was for content creators. I’m not going to say it’s a sinking ship but if I was a betting man, this move won’t be an uncommon one in the near future.”
What are your thoughts on Motor Trend’s recent decision, TFLcar community? Let us know in the comments below!
