Around the Industry – 4WD183 – Part 2

Around the Industry – 4WD183 – Part 2

HELLCAT POWERED GRAND CHEROKEE IN THE WORKS

Last issue we hinted that FCA might be thinking of dumping the incredibly popular Hellcat V-8 into something with 4WD, something like the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Well, the writing is on the wall as Jeep CEO Mike Manley confirmed that his company would bring the 707 hp, supercharged 6.4L Hellcat V-8 engine to the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT by the end of next year. The new Grand Cherokee will be dubbed the “Trackhawk” and will not be designed to conquer the great outdoors, rather take on the likes of the BMW X5 M, Land Rover’s Range Rover Sport SVR, Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG and Porsche Cayenne Turbo S as performance and dare we say, track oriented SUV’s.

MEET CANADA’S FIRST NEW COMPACT PICKUP IN DECADES

Yeah, you heard us right, Canada has not had a proper small truck since the S10 became the Colorado, the Toyota Truck became the Tacoma, or since the Ranger got fat. In terms of truly compact pickups, the manufacturers have neglected us since 1993, creating the rise of the Japanese Kei truck as an underpowered replacement. However, for those looking for a new compact truck that comes with a warranty, your time is near. According to RoadandTrack.com, Hyundai Motor America CEO Dave Zuchowski said during the 2016 Detroit Auto Show that the only thing left to decide about a new downsized pickup was timing of the official announcement. The vehicle he is referring to is the Santa Cruz concept, which Hyundai pulled the covers off at last years NAIAS.

ZAROOQ UNVEILS UAE-BUILT SANDRACER IN ABU DHABI

The Middle East is probably not the first region you think of when it comes to exotic vehicle manufacturing. Sure they love to buy them, but manufacturing? Well, in recent months, several super cars born from the Middle East have been unveiled to the worlds press, and now we get another big reveal, only this time it is an off-roader.

UAE-based Zarooq Motors have teamed up with Campos Racing to produce the new SandRacer, which will be both a competition vehicle and will also be street legal. The SandRacer will be constructed of a tube-frame chassis wrapped in a composite shell. Power will come from a 3.5L six-cylinder engine producing 304 hp and 371 lb-ft. Fox coilovers will hold each corner up, each making use of a 33-in tire. Zarooq say they have a working prototype up and running and will start taking orders on the new SandRacer later this year. If it performs as good as looks, sign us up.