The seven-passenger Grand Cherokee arrives this summer
OK, where did this come from? In case you missed the news, the 2021 Grand Cherokee L will join the current five-passenger model a few months from now. And no, it isnÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™t a stretched version of the existing model; itÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s built on a separate unitized (frameless) platform and has its own unique grille and other body panels. Second-row captainÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s chairs are standard, however they can be swapped for a bench seat for more passenger space. Look for similar trim designations to the five-passenger model. Engines choices include a 290-horsepower 3.6-litre V-6 and a 357-horsepower 5.7-litre V-8. Word has it that Jeep will add a hybrid powertrain option for 2022.
General Motors launches its commercial electric-van division
BrightDrop is the name applied to GMÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s new battery-electric-vehicle operation that will market to fleet operators such as delivery businesses. The first to arrive in late 2021 is the BrightDrop EV600, which will be built at the companyÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s CAMI plant in Ingersoll, Ont., 150 kilometres west of Toronto, near London. GM announced the $1-billion plant investment in January. According to the automaker, the vanÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s Ultium-brand batteries (another General Motors offshoot) will give the E600 a range of 250 miles (400 kilometres). Included in the EV600 is a host of active-safety technologies, including forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning and pedestrian alert. Also available will be an electric-powered pallet with a 200-pound (90-kilogram) payload capacity thatÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s designed to assist loading/unloading.
The Outback heads into the wilderness
SubaruÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s all-wheel-drive wagon has a reputation for ruggedness on and off the pavement. Apparently the automaker believes it should project a tougher image and will introduce a special Wilderness package as an option for the Outback. Included is a raised ride height, blacked-out trim and wheels and off-road-capable tires. Only wagons fitted with the optional 260-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine will be eligible for the Wilderness treatment, which will also be offered with the Forester and Crosstrek.
The next Ford F-150 Raptor is close at hand
The automaker isnÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™t wasting time introducing a new version of its groundbreaking (and ground-pounding) off-road pickup. The base model has a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V-6, with a 48-volt electric assist, pumping out 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque. That compares with the current modelÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s 450 horses and 510 pound-feet. Select the Raptor R and Ford drops in the 760-horsepower supercharged 5.2-litre V-8 originally developed for the Mustang Shelby GT500. That gives it a leg up on the recently announced 702-horsepower Ram 1500 TRX. A 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive come with both versions.
Is an electric Corvette on ChevroletÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s radar?
The Sleuth hears itÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s under serious consideration for the near term, and given that parent GM plans to stop selling gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035, itÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s an eventual certainty. As well, the Corvette name could be applied to a utility vehicle, thus expanding the brand to include more than just one two-seat sports car. ItÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s likely that the unrelenting buzz created by the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E has convinced General MotorsÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™ execs that a Corvette-branded crossover producing 1,000 horsepower (similar to the 2022 GMC Hummer electric pickup) would certainly create the necessary performance image. There are also rumours that a low-cost front-engine Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™Vette is being considered, adding further credence to the automakerÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s long-term plan to turn Corvette into a multi-vehicle brand.
UPS AND DOWNS
UP: The Detroit Auto Show gets a new name and location
The North American International Auto Show remains the eventÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s formal name, but it will henceforth also be called Motor Bella. The partial outdoor car show is scheduled for September at an 87-acre (35-hectare) venue in the Detroit suburb of Pontiac. The Motor Bella site includes a racetrack, vehicle-testing skid pad plus space for indoor displays.
UP: VolkswagenÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s EV sales
Global sales of VW Group electric vehicles in 2020 totaled 231,600 (up from 73,600 for 2019), which ranks it second behind Tesla, which recorded 499,550 total sales. VolkswagenÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s top-selling nameplates include the ID.3, e-Golf and Audi E-Tron. For Tesla, the Model 3 sedan and Model Y utility vehicle are the most popular offerings.
Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥“ written by Wheelbase Media
If youÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™re interested in new or used vehicles, be sure to visit to find your dream car today! Like us on and follow us on