The News for September 9th, 2022

Welcome to the Hooniverse News! As always, this is a weekly recap of the biggest stories in the automotive industry without the fluff or bull. This week: Jeep previews their electric future with three new models, Toyota announces reasonable pricing on GR Corolla and manual Supra 3.0s, and Chevrolet unveils the Equinox EV with a near 30k MSRP.

Jeep reveals plans for more 4XE models

For reasons that are obvious, Jeep has turned their attention towards electric vehicles and have unveiled some new models that are already on their way. While we can debate the merits of an EV sports car that can move the soul or how practical EV towing can be, one thing that’s already well known is how capable EVs can be off road. Jeep is looking to capitalize on the potential with four zero-emission vehicles destined for North America and/or Europe by 2025. Electrified vehicles (hybrid options at a minimum) will be available on all US models, but the three they detailed this week are pure battery-electric.

The first is the Jeep Recon (top), an all-new vehicle built from the ground up to be “100% Jeep 4×4 and 100% zero emission”. It’s designed to cross the Rubicon Trail out of the box (though maybe with some factory options thrown in to make life easier). If “Trail Rated” still means anything anymore, this one will have that in spades with Jeep Selec-Terrain traction management, e-lockers, underbody protection, tow hooks, and aggressive off-road tires. Open air freedom similar to what you’d find in a Wrangler is built in as well with a one-touch power top plus removable doors and glass. Meanwhile, the Uconnect infotainment system comes preloaded with detailed travel guides for the most notable off-road trails. The Recon will debut next year in person and go on sale in 2024.

For those who want something more luxurious, the Wagoneer-S is being developed as their first all-electric premium SUV offering. A sleek and more sophisticated design will aim to be more of a family hauler that can still manage some mild terrain off paved roads. 4×4 is standard as is its all-terrain management system. The targeted driving range on a full charge is 400 miles. Whatever it lacks in off road performance compared to the Recon it gains 600 horsepower and a 3.5-second 0-60 time. The Wagoneer-S is on the same timeline as the Recon – debuts in public next year, goes on sale in 2024.

This next one is for Europe only, likely because of its size. Jeep is borrowing the Avenger name from its sibling for this new compact electric SUV which slots below the already small Jeep Renegade. They don’t specifically mention 4-wheel drive here but it’s implied. Maybe. This one offers compact dimensions with good ground clearance, breakover and approach angles, and range for its size (targeted 400-kilometer range). The size certainly seems right for Europe as does its nice design, which screams “I’m built for urban dwellers who think that maybe one day they’ll go into the woods”. In fairness, I do think it looks much better than their current compact SUV offerings. The timeline for this one is much quicker with a Paris Motor Show debut next month, reservations opening same day, and showroom arrival in early 2023.

Prices on each of these models has not been disclosed. In a future where manufacturers have to play by new rules, it’s nice to see Jeep is finding a way to still be Jeep. Boxy, rugged, and capable off-road vehicles with plenty of marketing bullshit around “Trail Rated”. Yep, that’s the Jeep we know and love.

[Source: Jeep]

Toyota GR Corolla and Supra 3.0 MT priced

It’s still such a weird feeling to be talking about Toyota in a way that praises them for having so many sports cars for the enthusiasts. It’s as if their reputation for boring and bland is finally behind them. The news out of the fun-having division of Toyota this week pricing on two of their most highly-anticipated models – the wicked GR Corolla and the Supra 3.0 with the manual transmission everyone has been asking for.

The GR Corolla, the all-wheel-drive, 300-horsepower, rally-inspired hatchback starts at a very reasonable $38,090 including destination for the Core Edition. Optional extras include a performance package for $1,100 which adds a Torsen LSD on both axles and upgraded brakes, a technology package for $770, and cold weather package for $500. If you want something more exclusive, the Circuit Edition and Morizo Edition go on sale next year. The one-year-only Circuit Edition commands $45,090 including destination while the limited-edition Morizon Edition is priced at $52,090.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Supra 3.0 is finally launching with a six-speed manual transmission for the millions of people who begged for one, of which maybe a dozen have actual plans to buy one. The 6MT, which they say isn’t just borrowed from BMW, is available on the Supra 3.0 and 3.0 Premium. This appears to be a no cost option for both models. I’d use their configurator to confirm, but it’s decided it was going to be a stupid pile of shit instead. But from what I can tell, the $52,500 MSRP for the 3.0 MT they quoted in the press release is identical to the automatic-equipped 3.0 on Toyota’s website. I’d assume the same is true for the $55,650 3.0 Premium.

It goes without saying though that these prices are pretty much meaningless in today’s car buying market. So good luck. If you can manage to snag either of these, you’ll be treated to a wonderful car.

[Source: Toyota]

Chevrolet Equinox EV revealed with preliminary pricing

I began writing about this Equinox EV thinking that it was just an updated story on what we already knew from months ago. Turns out, that was the Blazer EV and not the Equinox EV. Off to a great start.

Chevrolet revealed the all-electric Equinox EV this week which slots below the Blazer EV shown a few months prior. They’re aiming for a $30,000 MSRP when it goes on sale next fall. At that price, you get the base 1LT with a single electric motor powering the front wheels with 210 horsepower and 242 lb.-ft. of torque with a driving range of around 250 miles.

The Equinox EV, like other new GM EV products, is built on the Ultium platform and includes an 8-year/100,000 mile battery warranty. Other trims available at launch besides the 1LT include the better-equipped 2LT, 3LT (pictured), 2RS, or 3RS. Other than interior equipment and features, the main difference between the budget-friendly 1LT and the rest is the battery pack. The smaller and therefore cheaper battery pack resides in the 1LT while the other models come standard with a larger battery which enables a roughly 300-mile range for FWD and a 280-mile range for AWD models. While AWD models don’t have quite the same range, they do get 290 horsepower and 346 lb.-ft. of torque instead.

Besides that, there’s not much else I really need to say about it. It has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on a big touch screen. It has a filled-in front grille and thin LED lights that span across the entire width of the car which someone decided was a required feature on all EVs. It has good cabin storage space. It looks like a futuristic blob. It’s just like everything else. But if they can deliver a practical EV for “around” $30k and have it not be a trash heap, then it’s a huge milestone for the transition to EVs and will have automatically earned a spot on every buyer’s radar. We can’t expect to force everyone to buy a new car to maybe have a shot at saving the planet. But as EVs become cheaper, it can only help.

[Source: Chevrolet]

What’s your automotive news?

hooniverse news whats your naws

That’s all I’ve got for you this week, so now it’s your turn. If you saw anything, fixed something, broke everything, or otherwise did anything even remotely car related that you want to share with your fellow hoon, sound off in the comments.

Have a good weekend.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The maximum upload file size: 64 MB. You can upload: image, audio, video. Links to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and other services inserted in the comment text will be automatically embedded. Drop files here

15 responses to “The News for September 9th, 2022”

  1. MattC Avatar
    MattC

    I has been a couple weeks since I last commented. I did(finally) receive my Maverick XL Hybrid. In the time I have had it, I am averaging well over 44mpg (mix of about 70hwy/30city and average well over 620 -640 miles per tankful). If Ford was really intending to target the Civic/Corolla buyers with the hybrid, I think they nailed it. I’ve done several dump runs, moved furniture, and an IKEA run that included (650pounds roughly) of bookshelves for a project.

    A couple of thoughts:

    I think for most buyers, the hybrid may be the sweet spot. It is powerful enough for most situations. I never felt wanting for more usable power. If you are towing , want to mod for performance or want AWD, then the Ecoboost engine is better suited.

    The drive modes: Eco (never use it), Normal (just about perfect for my usage), Sport (surprisingly different for the other. During this mode , the Ecvt does a really job mimicking a traditional automatics with ” stepped” gear changes. If you have uphill onramp, this mode is quite fun.

    Interior: Ford did a really good job making basic materials interesting. So far at 1700 miles in, there art no squeaks, rattles. However, I would comment that I do think the door cards would scratch easily ( the forums seem to echo that). There are plenty of storage cubbies in the vehicle and the seats are okay (not great but not bad).

    Accessories/ Future changes: so far limited to installing raised letters on the tailgate. A really simple 5 minute change that breaks up the drab tailgate. (I choose black outlined with an orangey red. It gives the letters a sense of depth in the tailgate.) , Next up is a tailgate assist strut and figuring out If I want to change the steelies, repaint them, or leave them as is.

    I had no issues with my dealership experience. They were a no markup dealer and the price I agreed upon was the same throughout. They more than Ford kept me up to date in my 11 month wait to get the vehicle.

    1. Batshitbox Avatar
      Batshitbox

      I remember your last post and I actually looked it up a couple days after I ordered a 2023 Ranger about two weeks ago. I’m glad to hear your dealer experience was smooth, I’ve never bought through a factory dealership. I like that lettering treatment. My dress-up plans so far are to pinstripe the steelies with touch-up paint.
      I started out looking at Mavericks, but like you say if you want to tow heavy stuff you get the Ecoboost and the 10 speed auto, and the 22mpg that comes with them.
      The Ranger wasn’t too much more than a gasser Maverick, and I liked the traditional body-on-frame construction and optional locking differential. I couldn’t find a ’22 on anyone’s lot with the locking diff, and as it turns out the ’23 MSRP is only about $500 more than the ’22.
      Mavericks have way more better stock colors, though. I was really into the Area 51 paint. I ended up with fire engine red.

      So a few early adopters have gotten their build dates already, even though they don’t start production ’till next month. My build was a very low-option supercab and I think Ford will probably sweet the delivery of the flashy crew cab Lariat FX4 creampuffs over my humble work truck. Then again, maybe they’re made on separate lines and mine’s one of the few supercabs spoken for?

      1. MattC Avatar
        MattC

        Please post it when you receive it. The Ranger is a supremely capable truck. As my build started dragging in, I thought about switching to one.

      2. outback_ute Avatar
        outback_ute

        I’ve seen a couple of the new Rangers on the street here in Australia, the extra track width is noticeable (wheels aren’t as set in from the side of the body).

        I’ve done some more work on my car, but suspect I won’t get it ready (including inspected and registered) before October 6 unless everything goes perfectly. We have got another public holiday on Sep 22 though.

        1. Batshitbox Avatar
          Batshitbox

          There’s much fog surrounding the exact composition of a 2023 Ranger in North America, so I’m not sure if what you’re seeing under the upside down moon is what I’m getting. Some say it’s the same as a 2022, which would be called a T6 (P375). Some (wikipedia) say it’s a T6.2 (P703), which has the #modelbloat 2″ of track and 2″ of wheelbase, and enough room for a V6 but without the availability… or maybe if you get a Tremor? Raptor?
          2024 models are going on sale about 6 months from now, so the 2023 might end up being a one-year-only truck, if it’s a T6.2, or the last of the T6s.

          1. outback_ute Avatar
            outback_ute

            Good point, I’d be guessing if it was going to be T6.2 they would have announced by now.

            I’d be surprised if that doesn’t get a V6 over there. The extra WB and track don’t increase overall dimensions and allows >48″ between wheel arches so makes you wonder why they didn’t do it originally.

    2. scoutdude Avatar
      scoutdude

      Congrats on the new truck.

  2. Salguod Avatar

    Considering how overwrought the Blazer EV is, this Equinox EV is quite nice looking.

    The Jeep news brought 2 things to mind. I wonder if they’ll get into trouble with the Recon name considering that Honda uses it for their base ATV. No one is really going to confuse the two products, but it seems it could be considered a bit too close as they’re both car companies.

    The other thing is that there’s a Wrangler hybrid I see at work plugged into the chargers that has 37s on at least 24″ wheels. A bit of an odd combination.

    Hope to get the Boxster struts done this weekend. Or the rears done plus the exhaust on the truck.

    1. salguod Avatar

      Got the rear struts done on the Boxster and decided to move on to the truck exhaust. Moved the Boxster from the barn to the garage and loaded the truck into the barn. Then tried to take the Boxster on a shake down run to make sure everything was OK. It won’t start. No crank, no sound, nothing but lights on the dash. And it’s now out where the tools aren’t. Sigh.

    2. wunno sev Avatar
      wunno sev

      you reckon the Recon will rekindle a corporate rocking?! they better rescind that name or get a wrecking!

  3. scoutdude Avatar
    scoutdude

    Been working on taking a bunch of the remains from the Scout II that I combined with my Cab Top to turn it from a 6cyl. 3sp, 2wd into a V8, 4sp, 4wd.

  4. Manic_King Avatar
    Manic_King

    I’m a Farrari light owner now. Was browsing obscure automobilia auctions: brochures, watches, flags….logos….3rd brake light for 8€ ($8)…books, wait what. As my project MB SL500’s has some non-working diodes, I know that replacement center brake light would cost me min. ca 150, so thinking that Ferrari part can’t be much cheaper I bought it. Now I don’t know what to do with it. It’s from a Portofino, which they still make, so no idea how or where to sell it. Ebay? Some posh Ferrari owners forum? Should I wait until they stop making that car? Your input is welcome, dear hooniversialists.
    As for Mercedes, that Californian (college kid who got this from an aunt? newly poor person?) who hooned it to near-death, didn’t open the soft top not once during 11 years, it was pristine. What wasn’t pristine? Roof locking cylinders’ seals above the windshield, I received little oily shower when checking if top works. That’s btw is a well known problem. Chris Harris who also owns same version of SL said in his Youtube video, that 129-body SL had first fully automatic convertible top ever, so the German engineers went OTT with everything. Seals where 100€, job incl. and are now fine. Car needs to be painted, ca 2k. I’ve now spent 5k additionally to 8k purchase costs, so yeah, never again I buy car sight unseen, after 2 disasters. It’s relatively rare Designo car so maybe not in the red just yet.

    1. Salguod Avatar

      My 1960 Thunderbird Convertible is almost fully automatic. Only the windshield latches are manual. Top has 4 hydraulic cylinders, 2 electric motors, 2 flex shaft drives, 12 relays multiple limit switches and lots of wiring. It has no boot, it’s fully finished once the top goes down.

      It’s a similar system to the 1961 Continental, but I think it added automatic windshield latches making it a fully automatic system a couple of decades ahead of Mercedes. ?

      1. Manic_King Avatar
        Manic_King

        Could be, I haven’t researched that factoid further. Or maybe he said ‘European car’, too lazy to watch that video again.

      2. mdharrell Avatar
        mdharrell

        If we’re not restricting “convertible” to refer to soft tops, 1957-59 Ford retractable hardtops are fully automatic.