Chinese motorbike producers function a treasure trove for all types of riders searching for budget-friendly options to mainstream manufacturers. These quirky two-wheelers are additionally excellent for experimental people trying to dip their toes into the two-wheeled world with out breaking the financial institution.
And most of the time, Chinese producers draw inspiration—generally relatively apparently intentional—from big-name manufacturers with regards to the styling and technology of those merchandise. Why re-engineer the wheel? Take Awak, for instance.
A subsidiary of AKMotor beneath the wing of Bashan Motorcycle Manufacturing Co., this fledgling Chinese moto model has simply unveiled the AK11 on the China International Motorcycle Expo, and it is a mini-moto that blends inspirations from a litany of Honda’s classics such because the Dax, Monkey, and Grom.
Seriously, it is like a mish-mash of quite a bit.
Interestingly, although the AK11 blends styling cues from all these bikes, it leaves room to throw in some styling inspirations from, oddly sufficient, the AK-47? Granted, this two-wheeler is under no circumstances packing as a lot firepower because the rifle, however it definitely has an attention grabbing aesthetic, to say the least.
It has a futuristic aptitude, with its LED headlight, gas tank, and bodywork all built-in into the body. It jogs my memory of the Sachs MadAss 125, a mini-bike I’ve some fond reminiscences with.
The AK11 kind of jogs my memory of the Sachs Madass 125.
Awak claims that the AK11 was crafted with “aerospace-inspired” know-how. Boasting an aluminum monocoque body with an built-in 4.5-liter (1.2 gallons) gas tank, it weighs in at simply 92 kilograms (203 kilos), and integrates nifty options like ABS and LED lights. It’s powered by a 125cc air-cooled engine, and rolls on scooter-sized 12-inch wheels. The value for such a diminutive little bike? 9,880 yuan, or roughly $1,372 USD.
That’s a helluva deal, in case you ask me.
The chance of the Awak AK11 ever making its approach to the US is slim. But who is aware of, maybe somebody who’s into bizarre mini-motos will discover a approach to ship this little two-wheeler stateside.
If it would ever make it exterior of the Chinese market, likelihood is it’ll be bought as an inexpensive two-wheeler in close by markets akin to Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. After all, inexpensive Chinese-made two-wheelers are a dime a dozen on Southeast Asian roads. But for me, it is simply the look of the factor. Just have a look at it. So bizarre.
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.
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