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This is the face of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL

These images come from a purported Jeep dealer meeting and show a poster detailing the brand's future lineup. Along with a look at the range-topping Grand Wagoneer, we can see the next-generation Wrangler, code-named JL, and its updated design front and rear. To the surprise of no one, the Wrangler will keep its seven-slot grille and round headlights. To those it adds some modern updates, like the LED light bars on the leading edge of the front fenders. (Given the 2017 LED headlight upgrade, we can bet the low- and high-beams also will use LED tech.) The taillights get an X design like those on the Renegade crossover. The overall shape seems to be a bit more tapered and smoothed, which is most evident in the shape of the sides of the windshield. We know from spy photos that the windshield has been laid back more, likely leading to improved aerodynamics and reduced fuel consumption. As a refresher, we expect the 2018 Wrangler to again come in two-door and Unlimited four-door models. It will have at least one gas engine, including a new turbocharged Hurricane four-cylinder, as well as a diesel option. Most if not all of the engines will be paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a manual is likely to be retained on at least some models. A pickup version has also been confirmed. The new Wrangler is likely to be shown in early 2017, possibly at the Detroit auto show in January. Featured Gallery 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Dealer Leak Spy Shots Image Credit: KGP Photography Design/Style Spy Photos Jeep SUV jeep wrangler jl

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk undisguised with Hellcat power

Superchargers make everything better. Mount one to the top of a 6.2L Hemi V8 and pack it under the hood of a Jeep Grand Cherokee and you have a recipe for a completely bonkers, wholly unnecessary, and totally sweet SUV. We've known for a while that the so-called Trackhawk, essentially a Hellcat Jeep, is on its way. We now have photos of a completely undisguised test vehicle on public Michigan roads trying to make its way to SRT headquarters. Jeep already makes an SRT version of the Grand Cherokee. That version only puts out a measly 475 hp and 470 pound-feet of torque from a 6.4L Hemi. After developing a couple of 707-hp Dodges, SRT felt that Jeep needed some of that Hellcat love too. In the photos, we can see that, aside from the front fascia, the Trackhawk will look fairly similar to the standard SRT Grand Cherokee. The front retains the requisite Jeep grille, though it's been narrowed a bit to make room for larger air intakes below. The Hellcat engine creates a lot of heat, so designers needed to make sure the beast has plenty of room to breathe. New LED fog lights have been integrated into lower air ducts. We still don't know many of the Trackhawk's finer details, like the exact price or release date. We do know that Jeep claims a 3.5-second 0-60 time, making it both the quickest-accelerating Hellcat-powered vehicle and one of the quickest-accelerating vehicles in the world. For comparison, BMW claims the X5 M will do 0-60 in 4 seconds flat. Related Video: Featured Gallery Grand Cherokee Trackhawk View 9 Photos Spy Photos Jeep SUV

Stellantis reports $15B profit in first year of merger

FRANKFURT, Germany — Automaker Stellantis said Wednesday that it made 13.4 billion euros ($15.2 billion) in its first year after it was formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. The earnings nearly tripled profits compared with its pre-merger existence as two separate companies, as the maker of Jeep, Opel and Peugeot vehicles exploited cost efficiencies from combining the businesses. The result compared to a combined 4.79 billion euros for the separate companies in 2020 before the merger, which took effect on Jan. 17, 2021. Revenue for the combined business rose 14%, to 152 billion euros. CEO Carlos Tavares said the results “prove that Stellantis is well positioned to deliver strong performance" and had overcome “intense headwinds” during the year. Automakers have struggled with shortages of key parts such as semiconductor electronic components and rising costs for raw materials as the global rebound from the worst of the coronavirus pandemic brings more demand. The company said the benefits of the merger were worth some 3.2 billion euros during the year. Mergers can lead to streamlined costs as companies combine functions and spread fixed costs over a larger revenue base. The company accelerated its rollout of battery-powered vehicles, with sales of low-emission vehicles reaching 388,000 — an increase of 160%. Stricter environmental regulations in Europe and China are pushing automakers to roll out more electric vehicles with longer range. Stellantis started production of a hydrogen fuel cell commercial van under its Opel brand in December. Stellantis' other brands include Chrysler, Citroen, DS, Fiat, Maserati, Ram and Vauxhall. Related video: Earnings/Financials Chrysler Dodge Ferrari Fiat Jeep RAM Citroen Opel Peugeot Vauxhall