2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Stellantis and Foxconn's new joint venture will focus on connectivity

MILAN — Carmaker Stellantis and TaiwanÂ’s Foxconn announced plans to develop a jointly operated automotive supplier focusing on technology to make vehicles more connected, including artificial intelligence-based applications and 5G communications. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said the services that will be developed through the tie-up “will mark the next great evolution of our industry,” alongside fully electrified and hybrid powertrains. The deal brings together Stellantis, the worldÂ’s 4th-largest automaker formed this year by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Peugeot, and Foxconn, a major supplier of iPhones. The companies said the venture would focus on such services as infotainment, the integration of telecommunications and computer systems, artificial intelligence-based applications, 5G communications, e-commerce channels and smart cockpit integration. The companies announced a non-binding memorandum of understanding to form a 50-50 joint venture called Mobile Drive, which will be based in the Netherlands and function as an automotive supplier also to other carmakers. The new venture will combine advanced consumer electronics, Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) to create new services “that will exceed customer expectations,” the companies said in a release. “Customers today and, in the future, demand and expect ever-increasing software-driven and creative solutions to connect the drivers and passengers with the vehicle inside and out,Â’Â’ Foxconn Chairman Young Liu. Alfa Romeo Chrysler Dodge Ferrari Fiat Jeep RAM Citroen Opel Peugeot 5g Connectivity Stellantis Foxconn

We test the latest Easter Jeep Safari off roaders in Moab

The Easter Jeep Safari began as a play for tourism: in 1967 the Moab Chamber of Commerce invited "the Jeeping community" to ride a single trail on the Saturday before Easter. The attendees were mostly members and friends of the Chamber of Commerce. Now, 52 years later, the nine-day Safari takes place on more than 40 trails and lures thousands of Jeepers, who put on one of the biggest and best modified Jeep shows in the world. Cue the designers at Jeep and Mopar, who mastermind new ideas every year for what a modified Jeep could look like, with inspiration from the experiences they have and the mods they see at the Safari. We flew to Moab to drive the seven newest concepts, and start the recap with the disappointments: The B-Ute and the 4-Speed, but only because we couldn't drive them. Before the day had properly begun, those two designer treats had tapped out. The Renegade – internally codenamed B Utility, hence the "B-Ute" name – always feels like The Little Engine that Could when placed next to its halo Wrangler brother. In addition to the cosmetic changes, designers put the arcane caption "Lt. Jenkins" above "FWD1337" (explanations of those two memes here and here). The B-Ute would have been nice to drive if for no other reason than shouting "Leeeroy Jenkins" all around the course. View 16 Photos We rued missing out on the 4-Speed. The blue wonder is the third of a conceptual trio called "The Lightweights," focused on nimble trail handling provided by weight savings. The first of the Lightweights, the 2011 Pork Chop concept, cut 900 pounds from a standard Wrangler Sport. The 2013 Stitch concept lopped 1,100 pounds. The 4 Speed omits 900 pounds. Jeep brought both earlier concepts, and they were revelations. The Stitch was a throwback to stripped-out Dukes-of-Hazard-style Jeep romping. Round vents at the edges of the instrument panel act as side mirrors, Fiat Abarth seats grip occupants, the lemon-hued bikini top sewn from a transparent welding curtain bathes the cockpit in yellow light. Daisy Duke drove a 1980 CJ-7 that had 87 horsepower to move 2,700 pounds. The Stitch weighs about 3,200 pounds, but gets 290 hp. The Stitch skimmed over rocks and floated over sand, so light on its feet that Jeep lead designer Mark Allen told us the 35-inch Mickey Thompson MTZ tires were inflated to a mere 3 psi. The 4-Speed concept's pretty close to the Stitch weight thanks to carbon bits and lighter four-cylinder engine.

Jeep adds top-level, $35,690 Cherokee Overland trim [UPDATE]

UPDATE: We initially received incorrect pricing information. FCA says the Cherokee Overland will cost $35,690, including $995 for destination. If you want a more luxurious Jeep, you buy a Grand Cherokee Overland or Summit. But if the idea of dropping $45,000 to $51,000 gives you pause, you'll welcome the news that FCA's off-road brand will introduce a luxury-oriented version of its smaller, more affordable Cherokee. The new Cherokee Overland incorporates a number of cosmetic changes. All of the black plastic body elements have been replaced with body-colored items, improving the overall aesthetic. Jeep fitted handsome, polished 18-inch wheels along with chrome trim on the upper and lower grilles, and the halogen headlights have been swapped with standard bi-xenon units. Previously, the HID headlights were only available as part of an $1,845 Luxury Pack on the Cherokee Limited. In the cabin, the biggest change is found on the seats, where Nappa leather comes standard along with heating and ventilation functions. The steering wheel gets Zebrano wood trim, and instrument panel is wrapped in leather. Beyond that, the Overland is unsurprisingly well-equipped, with an Alpine Premium Audio system, FCA's excellent 8.4-inch UConnect system with navigation, and blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert. The three big optional extras include the Cherokee's 3.2-liter V6, the Jeep Active Drive II all-wheel-drive system, and the Technology Group (auto high beams, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking, park assist, adaptive cruise, front and rear park assist with rear stop, and automatic windshield wipers). Owners will also be able to snag a sunroof and a couple of smaller items, like a wireless charging pad. Prices for the Cherokee Overland start at $35,690 (including destination) with sales to begin this spring. Read on for the official announcement from Jeep. Jeep® Expands Cherokee Lineup with Premium Overland Model • New 2016 Jeep® Cherokee Overland debuts at New England International Auto Show • More premium Jeep Cherokee model boasts an unmatched combination of luxury and capability in the mid-size SUV segment • Cherokee Overland delivers sophisticated styling, a well-appointed interior, a long list of premium standard features, and legendary Jeep capability • New premium Cherokee Overland available in Jeep showrooms this spring • Jeep Cherokee sales increased 23 percent in 2015 BOSTON, Jan.