This is the automotive news making headlines for February 22nd through February 28th, 2024
Wagoneer is dead. Long live the Jeep Wagoneer!
A lot of automotive news came from the Stellantis camp this week. Amongst the bullet points is news that Wagoneer, a stand-alone brand since 2022, is being folded into the Jeep offerings. Yup, Wagoneer and Jeep are converging, much like SRT was folded back under Dodge a few years ago.
Along with the Wagoneer adoption, some price adjustments to other existing Jeep models are expected as part of an adjustment to the overall Jeep lineup. Price points for the Grand Cherokee and Compass models are expected to be shaved slightly as Wagoneer positions itself at the top of the ladder in the portfolio of products.
Jeep CEO Antonio Filosa also mentioned to expect 5 significant Jeep models soon. Some of those models could be attached to new nameplates. One of those could be the previously announced Wagoneer S, which will be rolling out late this year, although now as a Jeep Wagoneer S. Also, the Jeep Recon is expected to appear by year’s end. Aside from that, the expectation is that additional 4xe hybrid options will be added to the existing lineup of vehicles. But, Jeep could also surprise the buying public with something not yet tossed around the speculators of the World Wide Web.
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On February 27th, a press release made it clear when the official reveal of the all-new 2025 Dodge Charger model will be. With an apt opening line, the release said of the expected tire-shredder, “the smoke will clear March 5” with a global online debut. The webcast will begin at 11 am EST at Dodge.com
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Also on February 27th, Bloomberg and Road & Track reported that the Apple Car is dead, again. After about a decade of it’s coming, no it’s not, yes it is… the word is that the vehicle will ultimately not be coming. Bloomberg claims employees involved with the project were notified internally of the decision. Word is that many of the 2,000 member Apple project workers are being reassigned to other programs.
Speculation is that Apple’s leading-edge luxury SUV expectations have been overwhelmed by new players in the market as well as toughened economic times for luxury offerings. Additionally, all-electric offerings are currently seeing a belt-tightening/scale adjustment in the market. All of that combined with being a new player in the automotive field, Apple has decided to shut down the project.
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The initial list of IIHS Top Safety Picks for 2024 is out! On February 27th, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released its first report on how automakers faired with the new, more stringent testing criteria. From the report, the better-performing manufacturers so far are Hyundai (Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis), Mazda, and Toyota. There were award winners from small to large vehicles, including electric and hybrid models. A video from IIHS regarding the results is here.
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Is high-gloss paint too much for you? On February 27th, Ford CEO Jim Farley, announced through social media posts, that the Ford Mustang can now be ordered with paint protection film for any color. That protection film will provide a matte finish. The straight-from-the-factory paint protection film will be available starting in June.
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Meet the McLaren Artura Spider
On February 26th, news came from the McLaren camp announcing the release of the 2025 McLaren Artura Spider. The new open-air Spider model boasts a hardtop retractable roof. Combined with a twin-turbo hybrid V6 delivering 690 horsepower, and 3-second 0-60 times, one should be able to quickly feel the air through their hair. Pricing is expected to start just north of $273,000. Order books for the Artura Spider are now open.
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Mercedes recently announced their 2023 end-of-year results. Buried in that information was the Mythos brand. Never heard of Mythos? You’re not alone. But, the callout caught the eye of fellow journalist Adrian Padeanu who dug a little further.
Padeanu’s post from February 23rd, found here, identifies Mythos as a new ultra-luxury brand for Mercedes. Let me explain. BMW and Rolls Royce. Volkswagen has Bentley. Mercedes wants to create the Mythos brand to capture sales beyond their own Maybach luxury line. They will do this by creating a brand of “highly exclusive collectible cars.”
Expectations are for Mythos vehicles to start showing their anticipated 6-figure priced cars as early as 2025.
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Safety – Check for active automotive recalls here.
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The views and opinions expressed by HJ Pizarro are the author’s own and do not reflect the opinions or beliefs of this website and/or its affiliates.
