Around the Industry 174 – Part 3

Around the Industry 174 – Part 3

RENEGADE GETS YELLOW LIGHT UNTIL FCA CAN SORT OUT DRIVETRAIN

We were smitten with the little Renegade when we tested Jeep's feisty new mini 4WD back in February. However, one thing that did raise our eyebrows at the launch was the confirmation that the Renegade will be using the same 9-speed ZF transmission as the larger Cherokee. Problem is, that transmission has been a rather large thorn in the side of FCA (Fiat Chrysler Auto). The Cherokee has been plagued with issues ever since its launch and it looks as though the new Renegade is following suit.

The Renegade is being withheld from dealerships for the time being due to a fault that reportedly deals with the software controlling the Renegade's automatic transmission. FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne briefly talked about what was happening in an interview with Automotive News. "I'm having a very bad engineering day," he said. "It's a combination of attributes of that vehicle that is making my life horrible." The company boss predicted it could take until mid-June to fix the faults.

NEXT GENERATION WRANGLER WILL BE STEEL

We have been hearing all sorts of rumours about the anticipated next generation Jeep Wrangler. Hints that the vehicle could feature diesel power, independent suspension and an aluminum body have been circulating for months. However, we now have it from the horse’s mouth that the next Wrangler will be built mostly on a steel body utilizing aluminum components. After complaining about the Renegade's issues, Sergio Marchionne also went on to say that plans for an all aluminum Wrangler were on the drawing board, but the cost to retool the plant in Toledo, OH, would be too much. Steel will be utilized in the main structure of the Wrangler, while doors, the hatch and hood could likely be aluminum based to aid lowering the weight.

NEW G-WAGON GETTING NEW ENGINE OPTIONS

Mercedes-Benz's classic off-roader is getting an update, and we’re happy to say they are sticking to the tried and true design that spans more than 35 years. However, on the inside, the new G-Class will receive a new 4.0L direct injected V-8 bi-turbo engine already unveiled in the G 500 4x4² show car.

The new 8-cylinder powerplant in the G 500 is based on the new generation of Mercedes-AMG V-8 engines that have already seen duty in the Mercedes-AMG GT and Mercedes-AMG C 63. For use in the G-Class, the V-8 has been modified to deliver 422 hp and 450 lb-ft. The two turbochargers are configured inside the “V” of the cylinder banks rather than outboard, allowing for a compact design, optimal response and low exhaust emissions.

If that just isn’t enough truck for you, perhaps the V-12 equipped G 65 will meet your expectations. Packing a whopping 612 hp and 738 lb-ft, the 6.0L V-12 can get the big G 65 up to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. So, while the G Class may still look old school on the exterior, under the skin it is a completely different story.

KAHN DESIGN REVEAL UGLIEST LAND ROVER WE’VE SEEN YET

Now, we try our best not to waste your time with the onslaught of hideous and gaudy releases put out almost daily by snobbish bespoke coachbuilders. These companies take already beautiful vehicles and dump them in tanks of super bling and sell them to millionaires for unfathomable amounts of money. However, the latest offering that came across our desk was just too ridiculous to let fall into the trash bin. It’s so bad that we felt if was our duty to give you a good laugh… or in Land Rover circles, perhaps a good solid palm to face. What you see before you is the Flying Huntsman 105 Pick Up created by Kahn Design in England.

Revealed at the Great British Land Rover Show, the Flying Huntsman 105 caused quite a stir. It seems as though Mr. Kahn dreamed up this monstrosity of a go anywhere Jag E-type, in order to make up for something. We’re not sure if you can even call it a truck, as the outstretched nose is actually longer than the bed. The extra 400 mm (15-in) stretch and 150 mm (6-in) of width in the front end makes room for a 6.2L GM LS3 V-8, although this only has the 2.2L diesel.

The Flying Huntsman 105 also features front and rear fender flares with vents, a bespoke front bumper with integrated lighting and sump guard in stainless steel, shadow chrome headlamps, stainless steel side steps, X-Lander front grille finished off with 8x18-in Defend 1945 Retro Wheels in Matt Black. The interior is clad in leather including the GTB Sports seats, the roof headlining, custom centre console, dashboard, grab handles, door panels, instrument binnacle, headliner, and sun visors.

Yes, you could be the lucky owner of this ‘special piece of ugly’ for the measly sum of £58,875, or $111,413 CAD.