How many intelligent inside options are you able to match into one compact crossover car? Well, courtesy of your common Czech automotive purveyor of such issues and the facelifted Skoda Kamiq, there’s now one other one.
In addition to the record of neat storage and comfort options this automobile already supplied (a neat little cubby field between the rear footwells with an elasticated cup-holder strap in it; smartphone-sized storage pockets excessive within the entrance seat backs; many a storage internet and bag hook, and a 12-volt energy socket, within the boot; and the standard parking ticket holder within the windscreen, ice-scraper within the gasoline filler door, dustbin within the driver’s door pocket, and umbrella within the door cavity), the brand new model has a wi-fi gadget charger with a distinction.
It’s cooled. Well, air conditioned, to be actual, merely so that your cellphone doesn’t get slow-cooked whereas it’s charging, as they do in so many fashionable automobiles shortly earlier than shutting down solely (making the charging pad largely ineffective). Seems like such an apparent factor to do; and but it’s nonetheless Skoda that may be depended upon to truly do it first.
The function’s been added to the up to date Kamiq fairly late on in its mid-cycle redevelopment (and to the associated Scala hatchback, reviewed overleaf, likewise), so the early-build take a look at automobiles on the European take a look at drive final week didn’t have it; however, when right-hand-drive variations arrive within the UK in six weeks’ time, it’ll be there, we’re assured. And whereas it’s fed by the air-con, it all the time blows cool regardless what temperature the broader blower’s set to.
The automobile stays one of many bigger and extra sensible automobiles within the ‘B-SUV’ section, and does a fairly tidy impression of a Golf-sized hatchback on stilts. Rivals provide extra outright boot area; however the lodging degree within the second row is broadly full-size-adult-friendly, though that low storage cubby we talked about earlier than would possibly make life a bit uncomfortable for anybody sitting ‘turret’ within the center – so higher to consider this as a sensible four-seater compact automobile quite than one which may simply stretch to 5 occupants.
There was a touch of dowdiness concerning the pre-faceiift model’s cabin decor, which the up to date one addresses by way of the addition of some tactile fabric dashboard trim. Skoda calls the brand new atmosphere ‘living roomy’ – and never unfairly. Trouble is, my nine-year-old lad doesn’t are likely to take his soccer boots off in our precise lounge, after which rub his sweaty socks alongside the delicate furnishings. I’m all for a little bit of premium really feel – however I’m inclined to suppose that Skodas ought to primarily be purposeful, on a regular basis automobiles; and I fear a bit how these delicate fabric trims would possibly put on and age in a household hack. Depends on the household, I assume.
The remainder of the Kamiq inside, and the broader contents of the facelift, are good. All fashions get digital devices now, that are good and clear and configurable. All get a touchscreen infotainment system with wi-fi smartphone mirroring. And Skoda’s nonetheless wise sufficient to make the entire automobile’s ADAS driver help techniques straightforward to toggle on or off by way of a visit pc menu that pops straight up on the contact of a button on the steering wheel spoke.
Residents in Ann Arbor, Michigan received an unexpected light show Saturday night courtesy of a 12-year-old boy. The juvenile reportedly stole a forklift from a construction site and led police on a meandering, slow-speed chase through city streets before exiting town. Fortunately, there were no injuries resulting from this melee, but numerous cars were damaged, including a minivan that was shoved into someone’s front yard.
According to the Ann Arbor Police Department, the incident began at approximately 6:45 pm local time. Apparently, the boy found the forklift unlocked at a construction site near a middle school. Mind you, this isn’t the kind of forklift you see lifting pallets of soda at a grocery store. It’s identified by police as a Construction Genie GTH-636 Telehandler – a four-wheel-drive construction vehicle with a turbocharged diesel engine for power. It’s configurable with multiple add-ons for heavy-duty work, and this particular version has a humungous hydraulic fork on the front.
Fortunately for police, it’s slow. Speeds only reached around 20 mph during the pursuit. However, the weight and stance of the forklift made PIT maneuvers impossible. And at risk of sounding like a meme, one doesn’t simply drive in front of a turbocharged forklift driven by a juvenile delinquent. At one point during the video, an officer is heard saying “we can’t stop this thing.” Shortly thereafter, the decision is made to turn off lights and sirens and give the boy some extra space. In response, he drives on the sidewalk instead of the road.
The video ends before the chase comes to an end. Police from Washtenaw County take over as the boy leaves town, and the pursuit ends when the 12-year-old finally stops. He was promptly taken into custody, but being a minor, his identity won’t be released. However, police told ClickOnDetroit that the youngster “is known to officials.”
Here’s hoping the boy learns a lesson from this mess. As for the owner of the forklift, hopefully there won’t be any more keys left in beefy, unattended construction equipment.
A recent source from JL Wrangler Forums, reveals Jeep’s plans for electric vehicle expansion. According to Stellantis’s official union agreement, Jeep intends to continue the current Wrangler and Gladiator until 2028.
Jeep plans a mid-cycle facelift for the Gladiator soon and significant upgrades for the 4xe PHEV models in 2025. A fully electric next-generation Wrangler with an optional range extender will come after 2028. These vehicles will be constructed at the North and South Toledo Assembly Complex in Ohio, which will undergo a $1.5 million renovation as part of the company’s investment strategy. A battery-electric variant of the STLA Frame-based Wagoneer range is anticipated in 2027, followed by a new-generation model in 2028.
The Grand Cherokee range will continue until 2027, where it will be offered with both ICE and BEV drivetrain options. Additionally, Stellantis plans to invest in all of its plants for various EV component manufacturing, tightening its local supply chain and driving more investment and employment.
In order to provide up-to-date and accurate information, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Jeep and other authoritative sources, including JL Wrangler Forums, Car and Driver, and MotorTrend.
The Jeep Wrangler And Gladiator Will Go Electric In 2028
The current-generation Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator will continue into 2028.
A mid-cycle update for the Gladiator is due this year.
PHEV upgrades are destined for the Wrangler and Gladiator in 2025.
A next-generation electric battery and range extender Jeep Wrangler will arrive in 2028.
Fans are eagerly anticipating an all-electric Wrangler, which will set a benchmark in the EV off-roading sphere. It’s presumed that both the Wrangler and Gladiator will employ the STLA Frame chassis, giving them an edge in the off-roading segment. Most companies opt for more modern monocoque constructions. Jeep has not confirmed details of the EV Wrangler and Gladiator, but it is expected that the Wrangler will utilize STLA Frame, offering good reliability.
The Wrangler’s EV Evolution
Jeep plans to introduce an all-electric Wrangler by 2028, giving the current generation a few more years before it is replaced. Jeep has not confirmed which of the Stellantis STLA EV platforms will be used. The Wrangler 4xe has a 500-mile range, with just limited specifications available.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe Performance Specifications
Horsepower
375 horsepower
Torque
470 pound-feet
Transmission
Eight-speed automatic
Driveline
Four-wheel drive
Fuel Economy (CMB)
49 MPGe
0-60 MPH
6.0 seconds
Top Speed
110 MPH
(Specs sourced from Jeep)
The STLA Frame will be launched by the upcoming Ram EV, with few specifications available at this time. The only confirmed figure is an electric range of 500 miles from a 159 to 200 kWh battery, based on the conservative European WLTP testing scale.
Jeep Pays More Attention To The Gladiator
The Gladiator is set to introduce a plug-in option in 2025 and will see a facelift before the end of this year, with an all-new generation planned for 2028. Jeep currently offers a versatile Gladiator range with various engine and transmission options, but the 4xe model is essential for modernizing the truck and competing with other popular models in the segment.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee will end in 2027. The three-row variant will be available up until 2028.
A mid-cycle update for the Jeep Grand Cherokee is scheduled for 2024
The next- generation Grand Cherokee will arrive in 2027 with battery electric options.
The Grand Cherokee will receive expansive electrification alongside the Dodge Durango, with a $1.5 billion upgrade at the Detroit assembly complex. A mid-cycle update is due in 2024, and a fully electric model will be introduced in 2027 alongside ICE options. This SUV caters to families with an affinity for adventure and has been a big hit, especially the existing 4xe derivative, offering compelling performance and versatility.
Updating The Grand Cherokee Range
A revision for the current Grand Cherokee range is planned for next year, with a new-generation variant following in 2027. This will coincide with Dodge’s all-new Durango launch, aligning with the return of the Cherokee moniker, placed on hiatus.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Performance Specifications
Horsepower
375 horsepower
Torque
470 pound-feet
Transmission
Eight-speed automatic
Driveline
Four-wheel drive
Fuel Economy (CMB)
56 MPGe
0-60 MPH
6.0 seconds
Top Speed
137 MPH
(Specs sourced from Jeep)
Comprehensive updates are expected for both two and three-row Grand Cherokee variants. While details about the EV Grand Cherokee are scarce, it is likely that ICE options will see updates, with possible introduction of the much-awaited Trackhack performance variant.
A New-Generation All-Electric Grand Cherokee
In 2027, a new generation of Grand Cherokee will be introduced with all-electric and range extender models falling under the all-new J6U generation. The vehicle is expected to adopt the unibody STLA Large platform, offering a 500-mile range and current proportions but with innovative scalability.
The current Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will end in 2028.
The range will be given a mid-cycle facelift in 2025.
A new all-electric STLA Frame-based model is scheduled for 2025 with a range extender to follow in 2027.
Another facelift will be issued in 2027, just one year before the generation comes to an end.
The Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer sit at the top of the brand’s hierarchy, and this will continue to be the case in its electrification era. A fully electric range extender model will be launched in 2025, followed by a fully electric model in 2027 under the current generation. A second mid-cycle facelift will be released in 2027. These niche large vehicles are expected to offer capable and refined drivetrains.
All Eyes On The Wagoneer
A 4xe PHEV drivetrain will come to the Grand Wagoneer range in 2025, with consumer anticipation building. The system’s combined output may need to be upgraded to suit the Wagoneer’s sizeable proportions.
Jeep Wagoneer L Performance Specifications
Horsepower
420 horsepower
Torque
468 pound-feet
Transmission
Eight-speed automatic
Driveline
Four-wheel drive
Fuel Economy (CMB)
16 MPGe
0-60 MPH
5.9 seconds
Top Speed
115 MPH
(Specs sourced from Jeep)
The all-electric model follows in 2027, but specifications are undetermined at this time. The range, based on the STLA Frame chassis, is expected to come standard with a 200 kWh battery pack and a dual-motor all-wheel drive configuration.
Setting The Tone For STLA Large
Ram
The Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will soon adopt the range extender EV drivetrain, followed by an independent all-electric model just one year later. Specifications for these models are still undisclosed. The ladder frame construction means that it will be built with off-roading in mind, while adaptive air dampers will soften the suspension for the Wagoneer, maintaining off-road capability while offering refined driving characteristics.
According to a report by Car Dealer Magazine, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) workshops are facing a crisis due to a global shortage of parts. The company has also exhausted its fleet of courtesy cars.
The trade publication reveals that approximately 10,000 customer cars in the UK are currently waiting for parts, with around 5,000 of them off the road at dealerships.
The news was disclosed by Andrew Woolliscroft, JLR’s UK client care director, during a network summit held at the British Motor Museum earlier this month.
Affected models are believed to include the Range Rover Velar and the Land Rover Discovery. The issues originated from JLR’s newest parts facility, Mercia Park.
Woolliscroft informed the summit that there is a backlog of orders at Mercia Park and revealed that they currently have 80 lorries waiting to unload. He expressed frustration at the situation, calling it “unacceptable” and stating that it has nearly paralyzed workshops from functioning properly.
In a statement to Autocar, JLR explained that their efforts to achieve carbon net-zero by 2039 have resulted in temporary delays in parts delivery. They assured that they are working closely with distribution partner Unipart to resolve the issue.
Woolliscroft further stated that JLR expects the situation to improve in about six weeks. However, he noted that they have already run out of cars for clients and space to park the cars awaiting parts.
Some franchise leaders and dealerships expressed their concerns at the network summit, pointing out that these issues have been ongoing for months and that customers are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the situation.
Woolliscroft assured the summit that JLR is taking comprehensive measures to rectify the problem, with the UK market being the highest priority. It remains unclear if the situation is affecting other international markets as well.
UK-based Frontline Cars has revived the MGB with two restomods that cater to different preferences. One model is powered by a V8 engine, while the other is fully electric. The conventionally powered variant, named “LE60” to commemorate the original model’s 60th anniversary, will be limited to 30 conversions. These vehicles will feature a widened track and body, and weigh only 2,473 pounds (1,122 kilograms), which is roughly equivalent to a Mazda MX-5 RF.
The Frontline LE60 is equipped with a new 4.8-liter Rover V8 engine, generating 375 horsepower, almost three times the power of the original car. The engine delivers 297 pound-feet (403 Newton-meters) of torque to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission developed by Tremec and a limited-slip differential. With this setup, the car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately four seconds.
The iPhone 15 Pro duo offers a significant increase in 5G download speeds, thanks to the inclusion of the Qualcomm Snapdragon X70 modem. In comparison, the previous iPhone 14 series had the Snapdragon X65 modem. This upgraded cellular modem not only improves speed but also enhances power efficiency, reduces latency, improves aggregation, and extends coverage.
Interestingly, this modem is also found in Android phones powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, such as the OnePlus 11 and Galaxy S23 Ultra. Furthermore, Qualcomm has already developed an upgraded version called the Snapdragon X75 to cater to the next generation of flagship phones.
Apple recently extended its partnership with Qualcomm for another three years, covering Snapdragon 5G Modem-RF Systems. This deal came after rumors of Apple developing its own cellular modem to reduce reliance on Qualcomm.
In addition to the faster modem, the iPhone 15 Pro offers other network and connectivity advantages. The Pro variants support Thread networking tech, which is a core protocol in the Matter ecosystem, making it easier to connect and control your smart home devices.
Furthermore, the iPhone 15 Pro and its Max version are the first Apple smartphones to include support for NavIC. NavIC is an alternative to GPS developed by the Indian Space Research Organization.
Bentley has unveiled a new top-of-the-range variant of the Bentley Bentayga EWB, created by their Mulliner division.
Priced at £254,000 in the UK, this SUV comes with Airline rear seats as standard, available in either a four- or four-plus-one layout.
These seats can be reclined up to 40 degrees and are equipped with temperature and humidity sensors that automatically adjust the heating or venting accordingly. Additionally, they include a massaging feature that constantly changes the shape of the seat surface to reduce fatigue.
The interior of the vehicle features new Olive Tan leather upholstery, which is stained using an olive-oil byproduct derived from waste water. This purification process not only conserves water but also ensures the material remains free from toxic chemicals, according to Bentley.
The new cabin carpets are also made entirely from recycled nylon, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
One of the notable technological features in the Mulliner edition is Bentley’s Diamond Illumination technology, which adds LED illumination through small holes in the leather doorcards, with a diameter of less than 1mm. This lighting system is controlled through the infotainment screen.
Another distinctive feature of the Mulliner edition is a special clock that takes pride of place on the dashboard, exclusively designed for Mulliner cars.
On the exterior, the changes are more subtle, with the addition of a Double Diamond grille pattern and a set of 22-inch wheels shared with the Continental GT and Flying Spur Mulliner.
Buyers also have the option to add the Blackline package, which finishes all the brightwork, except the badges, in gloss-black paint.
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