Jeep: Wrangler Jk Sport on 2040-cars

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STLA Medium EV platform claims long range, up to 382 horsepower

We don’t get to see it paired with a car yet, but Stellantis just revealed a bunch of details about its upcoming STLA Medium electric vehicle platform. As a reminder, this is just one of four that will ultimately come out, including STLA Small, Medium, Large and Frame. The "Medium" is specifically designated for vehicles in the C and D segments, but Stellantis isnÂ’t explicitly saying which new models will sit on it. At the very least, Stellantis is providing a boatload of specs to chew on. Maximum range for vehicles on the STLA Medium platform is said to be 435 miles when paired with a "Performance" pack and tested on the WLTP cycle. The "Standard" pack brings that max range down to 310 miles. Of course, expect those numbers to nosedive when tested on the EPA cycle. All those miles come courtesy of a 98-kilowatt-hour battery pack, which is the highest-range Performance pack. Stellantis hasnÂ’t said what the standard pack capacity will be quite yet. As for charging, all STLA Medium vehicles will feature a 400-volt electric architecture that will be able to facilitate charging from 20-80% in 27 minutes. A maximum charge speed is not yet specified. Stellantis also claims an astoundingly efficient 4.43 miles per kWh, "depending on the application." Basically, donÂ’t expect all of the STLA Medium vehicles to touch that level of efficiency, but some might for WLTP testing. As for driving enjoyment, you can expect power output to range between 215-382 horsepower. STLA Medium cars will be available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and come in body styles including "passenger cars, crossovers and SUVs." The platform allows for some flexibility in size, so wheelbase can range from 106-114 inches. Overall length will vary from 169-193 inches, and ground clearance maxes out at 8.66 inches, for those curious about how Jeep models might fare on this platform. Stellantis says itÂ’s going to deliver "best-in-class battery packaging cost," explaining that despite various total energy options, the perimeter dimensions of the battery pack, common tray and cooling designs will remain constant.

FCA tries to block sale of Mahindra Roxor, says it's too Jeep-like

This week, FCA filed a complaint intended to stop the sale of the new Mahindra Roxor, claiming the Indian-built off-roader looks too much like a Jeep, particularly the original Willys Jeep from the 1940s. Automotive News reports that FCA is worried about both the Roxor's design and the undercutting of Jeep Wrangler sales with a new, foreign-built model. Late last year, Mumbai-based automaker Mahindra & Mahindra announced it was investing $600 million in a production facility in metro Detroit. It's actually just miles from FCA's corporate headquarters in Auburn Hills. Mahindra & Mahindra plans to start selling EVs in the U.S. and has been spied testing prototype vehicles for the U.S. Postal Service. Roxors are built in India, with the parts shipped to the U.S. for final assembly. The new diesel-powered Roxor isn't road-legal in the U.S. because of safety and emissions regulations. It has a top speed of just 45 mph, so it won't be competing with the Wrangler when it comes to mass-market sales. That said, FCA has a point when it comes to the looks — though years ago, Mahindra actually licensed the design for the original Jeep. It's unclear where that license currently stands. Related Video:

2018 Jeep Wrangler might get power sliding roof panels

A user at JL Wrangler Forums snapped a few photos of a prototype 2018 Wrangler driving around, and one of the shots revealed some interesting switchgear. On the ceiling are a couple of handles that further confirm it will still have a multi-piece removable roof, something already expected when images of the truck leaked out. Just ahead of those handles is a binnacle of switches with no clear explanation for their existence. The folks at JL Wrangler Forums believe they have the answer. They suspect that the controls are for a Jeep Renegade-style My Sky roof. In case you forgot, the Renegade's My Sky roof is a cross between a sunroof and the Wrangler's removable roof. One of the panels can slide back like a sunroof, or it and a second panel can be pulled out entirely. The forum members believe the large center button and smaller buttons ahead of it are controls for sliding back either or both front roof panels. Of course the roof panels will still be removable, too. They also cite anonymous sources that say the forum's speculation is on the right track. A few years ago, rumors of a power top were circulating, too. We can certainly see this as a possibility. It would offer Wrangler owners the option of some open-air fun without requiring the unfastening of multiple latches and stowage of large roof panels. Although it would likely add plenty of cost, that won't be much of an issue for Jeep. It's already possible to spend remarkable amounts of money in heavily accessorized Wranglers, and Jeep doesn't have trouble getting them sold. We're still not completely convinced, though. It's also possible we could be looking at switchgear for overhead lights or other interior features, maybe even storage for sunglasses. We just can't be positive without getting a closer look at the switches. Also, there's at least one reason Jeep might want to avoid a feature like this. Power sliding top panels could add weight. Now Jeeps aren't amazing performers, save for the SRT and Trackhawk Grand Cherokees, so speed won't be an issue, but if the weight goes into the top panels, it could make top removal more difficult thanks to heavier components. We'll have to wait to find out for sure. Related Video: