David Zatz 
Chinese electric-car pioneer Nio, which set records on the famed German Nürburgring track, is setting up battery-swapping stations in Europe. The idea is that you can buy a Nio without a battery; a 75-kWh battery pack costs $8700 but can be leased for around $135 per month. The company is planning to set up 1,000 … Read more
Weeks ago, Jeep announced changes to the Grand Cherokee lineup for 2023; the biggest was pairing the 4xe plugin hybrid setup with the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk. The 4xe provides the power of a V8 (375 hp, 470 lb-ft) with the fuel economy of a four-cylinder (56 MPGe, with 25 miles of all-electric range). The main … Read more
After a clean sweep of the podium at the 2021 Rebelle Rally, Jeep will support three teams in the 2022 rally, which covers over 1,500 grueling off-road miles over eight days in the deserts of Nevada and California. Each team will have a Wrangler 4xe hybrid-electric with a four-cylinder gasoline engine, aiming to defend their titles … Read more
Samir Cherfan, leader of Stellantis’ Middle East and Africa regions, reported today that the company was in talks with Egyptian government leaders to expand Stellantis’ manufacturing in the country. Cherfan reported on social media: “Today, I was honored to meet with his Excellency Egyptian Prime Minister, Dr Mostafa Madbouly, Engineer Ahmed Samir, Minister of Industry and Commerce … Read more
In its final year, the 2023 Chrysler 300C will be produced as a special edition using a 392 cubic inch Hemi V8—the same engine size and type as in the original 1957 300C. But you probably can’t buy one, if you haven’t already signed up to do so. After revealing the new car, Chrysler put … Read more
The 2023 Grand Wagoneer will have two engines, the 392 Hemi (6.4 liter V8) and the Hurricane Turbo 510. As with the Wagoneer, the base model will have the V8, while the Series II and Series III will have the Hurricane, which gets around 1 mpg better mileage while delivering more power. The 392 Hemi … Read more
Many years ago, AMC developed a replacement for its revolutionary “XJ” Jeep Cherokee, which had the body code “ZJ.” After Chrysler bought AMC, company leaders realized they could have both versions, and they produced the new model, which was more luxurious than the original, as the Grand Cherokee while keeping the Cherokee going. Today, Jeep … Read more
Jeep has released, with almost random timing, their summary of changes to the Wagoneer for 2023. The Wagoneer Series II and III will have the new Hurricane engine, producing 420 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque; the base Wagoneer engine is the 5.7 Hemi V8, with 392 hp and 404 lb-ft of torque. Despite its … Read more
Dodge “Last Call” continues with the 2023 Dodge Charger King Daytona, named in honor of William Robinson (“Big Willie”)’s 1969 Dodge Charger, dubbed King Daytona and raced on drag strips in the 1960s and 1970s. The 2023 Dodge Charger King Daytona bests the Redeye’s 797 hp, pumping out a stunning 807 horsepower; it has a … Read more
Jeep unveiled two special editions today covering its most popular (in the US and Canada) models—the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee. 2023 Jeep Wrangler Willys 4xe The 2023 Jeep Wrangler Willys 4xe pairs the 4xe system, which generates a whopping 470 lb-ft of torque with 49 MPGe, a 2.72:1 low range, Dana 44 axles, lift to … Read more
Ram is dropping the EcoDiesel engine from the 1500, with the final truck to be made in January 2023. The option was first made in 2014, and upgraded for durability in the 2020 Ram 1500. The VM diesel engine, a 3.0 liter V6, brought Ram 1500 the highest half-ton diesel torque rating and towing capability, … Read more
Kokomo Casting employees at UAW Local 1166 went on strike recently to demand repairs to the heat/vent/air conditioning systems, health and safety improvements, clean uniforms (which are provided to workers in other plants), and work rule adjustments. Today, Detroit News reported that the company and union had reached a tentative agreement for a new local contract; … Read more
