2015 Jeep Wrangler on 2040-cars

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New Jeep Wrangler caught nearly uncovered

Finally, after months of seeing Wrangler prototypes carefully covered up, we get a look at some prototypes with the bare minimum of camouflage. Starting from the front, the fascia looks just as it did in previously leaked images. In contrast to the outgoing model, the trademark grille slots are now taller, stretching nearly to the top of the grille surround. The headlights also intersect with the grille slots, resulting in slightly pinched slots at either end. Aside from the grille, we can get a clear view of the new horizontal, fender-mounted turn signals and the traditional exposed hood latches. Moving along the SUV, we find hinges at the base of the windshield, which seems to confirm that you'll still be able to fold it down for maximum wind exposure. And, as we've seen before, the doors have exposed hinges that indicate the doors can come off, too. We can also see that the Wrangler will be offered with both contrasting black plastic fender flares, and with body-colored versions. But unlike past models, the body-colored examples aren't completely painted, leaving a black strip along the edges. Interestingly, the fender vents seen on another fully exposed example of the Wrangler don't appear to be present on these prototypes. They could be covered, or they may be an optional appearance item. At the back, we now get to see the Wrangler's new taillights, which are LED units with an I-beam shape. The exposed gas filler cap is now gone, in favor of a permanently attached filler door. Both the license plate mount and rear window wiper have been moved, too. The license plate now mounts to the bumper, and the rear wiper hides at the base of the rear window behind the spare tire. The rear bumper also gets some red lenses that could simply be reflectors, or possibly rear fog lights. As previously reported, the new Jeep Wrangler is expected to make its debut at this year's LA auto show, with the first deliveries arriving to dealers not long after. It will be available with either a four-cylinder or V6 at launch, with a diesel coming later, and the truck sometime after that. Other new features to the Wrangler could include a roof with power sliding panels, and full-time four-wheel drive. Related Video:

FCA reportedly joins the crowd skipping this year's Paris Motor Show

It's likely FCA vehicles will not be seen at the Paris Motor Show this year. Automotive News is reporting that Fiats, Alfa Romeos, Jeeps and Abarths will not be a part at the show, based on information circulating in the French media. There's a possibility that Maseratis will be displayed at a special section dedicated to upscale cars, but Maserati too will not have a show stand of its own. Ferrari will have a stand, but as it happens, the supercar maker has been a standalone brand since 2015. Skipping the Paris show follows FCA's decision not to take part in the Frankfurt show last year, and the two shows alternate as the biggest autumnal automotive show in Europe. Volkswagen will also not attend the event, and neither will Ford, Nissan or Infiniti. This has become a problem for car shows worldwide, including Detroit's North American International Auto Show. FCA has not released a formal statement about the matter, but a FCA spokesman, quoted by the French magazine L'Argus, reportedly said that the sales and publicity brought in by the show stand would not justify the costs of attending. The news mirrors Volvo's newly announced plan to not take part at the next Geneva Motor Show, but to arrange "bespoke activities" to introduce its cars instead. Related Video:

Stellantis not looking for further mergers, including with Renault

MILAN — Stellantis Chairman John Elkann on Monday denied the carmaker was hatching merger plans, responding to press speculation about a possible French-led tie-up with rival Renault. Elkann said that the Peugeot owner, the world's third largest carmaker by sales, was focused on the execution of its long-term business plan. "There is no plan under consideration regarding merger operations with other manufacturers," said Elkann, who also heads Exor, the Agnelli family holding company that is the largest single shareholder in Stellantis. After abandoning the Russian market, at the time its second largest after France, and reducing the scope of its global cooperation with Nissan, Renault has been seen as a potential M&A target. Speculation intensified after an electric vehicle market slowdown forced it last week to cancel IPO plans for its EV and software unit Ampere. Its market cap remains stubbornly low at little over 10 billion euros ($10.8 billion) despite a financial recovery over the past few years. Stellantis, the product of a 2021 merger between France's PSA and Fiat Chrysler and one of the most profitable groups in the industry, has a market cap of more than 85 billion euros when unlisted shares are factored in. It has a 14 brand portfolio also including Citroen, Jeep, Opel and Alfa Romeo. NEWSPAPER REPORT Italian daily Il Messaggero had said on Sunday that the French government, which is Renault's largest shareholder and also has a stake in Stellantis, was studying plans for a merger between the two groups. A spokeswoman for Renault said on Monday the group did not comment on rumors. France's Finance Ministry had declined to comment on Sunday. Stellantis has crossed swords with the Italian government, which has accused it of acting against the national interest on occasions. Industry Minister Adolfo Urso last week raised the prospect of the Italian government taking a stake in Stellantis to help to balance the French influence. Renault shares pared gains after Elkann's comments to stand 1.2% higher by 1220 GMT, having initially risen more than 4%. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, a Portuguese-national, last week said in an interview with Bloomberg that the group was "ready for any kind of consolidation" and that its job was to make sure that it would be "one of the winners". Analysts, however, question the rationale of a Stellantis-Renault merger, which would also expand the group's excess capacity in Europe.