Monthly Archives: October 2017
Jeep Yuntu Production Version Spied
Last April, automotive fans were treated to the unveiling of the Jeep Yuntu concept vehicle at the Shanghai Auto Show. The auto features a hybrid powertrain with a lot of passenger capacity. Recently, a camouflaged prototype of the SUV’s production version was seen while it was undergoing testing at a Fiat Chrysler Automobiles facility.
Design is Very Much Like the Concept Model
Looking at the spy shots shown by Autoblog, the prototype for the Jeep Yuntu production version appears to remain true to its concept form. The shape of the spied auto’s roof, hood, doors, grille and rear are very much similar to the unit displayed in Shanghai.
The Yuntu boasts a long wheelbase. It utilizes a stretched version of the Cherokee’s Compact U.S. Wide (CUSW) platform. Then, it offers three-rows of seats that can accommodate up to seven people.
It is definitely a large SUV. However, judging from the prototype’s low approach and departure angles as well as the choice of wheels, it looks like it is not built for serious off-roading.
Is It Keeping the Hybrid Powertrain?
So far, we are quite unsure yet if the prototype we are seeing here is equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain like its concept variant. It should be noted though that the Yuntu is initially planned as a China exclusive product of Jeep. If that’s the case, it might get a hybrid setup afterall in order to go in line with the Chinese government’s goal of curbing pollution in the country.
It is hard to make out what is inside the vehicle too, but it is expected to remain faithful to its preview in China, which shows a futuristic approach. It should be recalled that the interior of the concept version of the vehicle is adorned with LCD screens behind its seats and in the dashboard.
Jeep Yuntu Spy Photos
Check out the new spy shots of the Jeep Yuntu prototype in the gallery below:
Three Mercedes-Benz G-Class Models Will Be Discontinued
The iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class will be streamlining its offerings. The German brand is looking to discontinue three models in its longest-running SUV’s lineup.
According to MB Passion, the variants to be axed in the near future are the Mercedes-Benz G350d Professional, Mercedes-AMG G65 and the Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4².
Mercedes-Benz G350d Professional
Among the three mentioned models, the G350d Professional will still see the light of day in a few years. The report claimed that Mercedes still needs to accommodate consumer demands for it.
Mercedes-AMG G65
The Mercedes-AMG G65 will get a special send-off. A Final Edition model for the V12-powered unit will be released. This will signify the end of its production. Only a few samples of the Mercedes-AMG G65 Final Edition will be made.
Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4²
The G500 4×4² is the successor of the massive Mercedes-Benz G63 6×6 AMG. It carries the same portal axles found in the six-wheeler but with a tuned down engine. Sadly, it will be put out of its pasture without much fanfare.
New Mercedes-Benz G-Class Coming Up
A new G-Class is set to debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2018. There is no official confirmation about its features yet and all we have seen so far are its spy shots. However, those who have witnessed the prototype in the flesh and other insider sources have claimed that the upcoming G-Class has a longer wheelbase and wider track.
The G-Class coming in 2018 will retain the signature look of its range. It still has that boxy shape together with the same styling featuring wide fenders flares, low beltline, narrow radiator grille and round headlamps.
The new model will run on diesel and petrol powertrains. A 4.0-liter biturbo V8 unit will probably be carried in the base model of the auto sold in the United States.
Dyson Electric Car Prepares to Challenge Tesla
A Dyson electric car is in the works. Last week, the company revealed its plan on rivaling major automakers in the electric vehicle (EV) market and poises itself as a challenger to the supremacy of Tesla in the segment.
Max Conze, the CEO of Dyson, revealed in an interview with Wired that they are gearing to enter into the car market. He said that they plan to launch their very first EV by 2020.
The move is a huge leap from the company that is known for producing home appliances, including the best vacuum cleaners in the market today. It could prove as a big challenge for them. However, Conze boldly stated that they are preparing to make their own auto all by themselves without the need for a partner.
Critics have expressed their concern over the decision of Dyson to tap the EV market, but the company claimed that they have the means to produce them. Then Conze added that making their own car platform will allow them to smoothly integrate their in-house technology with their vehicles.
Conze pointed out that through the utilization of their expertise with batteries, energy-efficient motors and air flow system to autos, they will significantly improve the existing electric range of EVs by 50 to 100 percent. It should be recalled that the Tesla Model S is capable of reaching 315 miles at full charge. The report noted that the company has hired 400 engineers for the project and has allotted £2 billion for the program.
Although Dyson already uses advanced artificial intelligence for their robot vacuums, they are not looking to make self-driving cars. Only basic semi-autonomous features like lane-keeping assistance will likely be installed in their future vehicles. Furthermore, Conze said they will not be focusing on building their own charging infrastructure as EVs with greater range don’t have to be recharged often.
Toyota Hybrid Pickup Is Still Possible
The recently concluded State Fair of Texas proved to be the perfect venue to introduce and possibly even tease the future of pickup trucks. Japanese automaker Toyota is looking to star in the perfect headline by, as of today, studying the possibility of making a hybrid pickup.
Right now, what we’re sure of is what Ed Laukes, the group’s vice president of marketing, told Automotive News that the new Toyota Tacoma will feature upgraded powertrains. That will be part of the superb performance and marketability of the incoming Tacoma.
But when asked about the possibility of hybrid pickup trucks, Laukes was also quick to answer: there was no reason why hybrid pickup trucks shouldn’t be considered. Remember, there is also the need to meet CAFE standards. CAFE stands for Corporate Average Fuel Economy and refers to the regulations in the United States that aims to improve average fuel economy of cars and light trucks.
Even the president of Toyota Canada believes that there is room for hybrid pickup trucks in the future. Earlier this year, Larry Hutchinson said that “we’ve looked at it seriously” even if there’s little to no demand for hybrid trucks today.
Although the statements came from top Toyota officials, these shouldn’t ring true unless a concept is pushed through. Come to think of it, that may even remain as a mere concept since there is a long road between an idea and the presence of the truck in an actual showroom.
And yet, we want to believe that this particular gossip is true for the simple reason that hybrid pickup news has a prolonged stay in the rumor mill. This is one speculation that just won’t go away. You can’t blame people for being pessimistic about this. There is a history of disappointments that started with the Toyota A-BAT concept hybrid pickup in 2008 and the scrapped collaboration with Ford in 2011.
Still, back then, the two biggest automakers in the industry promised to bring into fruition a hybrid pickup truck. Toyota, at least, seems to have confirmed that studies are being made already.
Things We Saw In The 2018 Suzuki Jimny Leaks
To say that the Suzuki Jimny is so doggone cute is an understatement. If you want the “look” of a Jeep Wrangler but don’t have the cash for it, the Jimny is your next best thing. It’s affordable, but it managed to perform well and look good as well (though the last one is debatable).
Do you know that Mercedes-Benz wants to have a mini version of its G-Class? However, they still don’t have it, probably because it’s too expensive to make. Well, it looks like Suzuki not only has the same thing in mind, they actually outperformed the German brand by releasing the model.
G-Class Lookalike
Don’t fret. The Japanese automaker’s upgrade of the Jimny is every inch a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, minus the badge, of course. Mercedes fans will be happy to know that Suzuki didn’t exactly copy what the G-Class looks like. If you already saw the previous generation Jimny, you know that this particular model is influenced by the Japanese brand. It has boxy lines and round headlights—features that belong to the original Jimny.
Oh, just before you begin to question it, the Jimny predates the G-Class.
Nothing Extraordinary
There is no official information yet on what the new Jimny will come packing with. In previous generations, Suzuki’s subcompact SUV rode on a body-on-frame platform. If the leaks are reliable, this is what we’ll probably find in the new generation, as well as the choice of either 2- or 4-wheel-drive. Experts believe that Suzuki will delve into the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine for the Jimny. This is the same engine that debuted in the 2018 Suzuki Swift Sport.
The engine can produce 140 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque.
Mark Your Calendar
The October 2017 Tokyo Motor Show looks to be the perfect opportunity for Suzuki to introduce its new Jimny. But US residents may not be able to take a glimpse of the new Jimny. Remember Suzuki exited the US market back in 2012?
