Jump to content
Create New...
  • William Maley
    William Maley

    Marchionne Wants A Midsize Truck for Ram

      Ram doesn't have a midsize truck, and Marchionne wants to fix that

    With the midsize truck market on the rebound, FCA is considering whether or not to do a midsize for Ram.

     

    “We’re looking into it. I have a keen interest in getting it done. The big question is whether it should be body on frame,” said Marchionne to reporters at the Geneva Motor Show.

     

    Previously, Ram was considering doing a midsize truck on a unibody platform. But this idea was tossed out due to problems with getting decent fuel economy and pricing the model at an affordable point while still making a profit.

     

    Marchionne says the biggest hurdle for a Ram midsize truck is trying to make a business case for it. When Marchionne looks at GM's midsize trucks - Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon -, he assumes the profit margins are less than the full-size trucks due to pricing.

     

    Still, Marchionne believes there is a place for a midsize truck.

     

    “I think it’s a good place to be. Ram needs to expand its lineup.”

     

    Source: Motor Trend

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments



    Sure the base work-trucks have a low entry price, but the GM mid-sizers get pricey really quick and use a lot of parts shared with other vehicles.... I'm sure GM is making a healthy profit on each one or else they wouldn't be trying to squeeze as many out of Wentzville as physically possible.  Even a 4x4 LT Colorado 4-cylinder, basically the base minimum for "consumer grade" of truck, is nearly $30k.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    DOH, is he willing to delay Alfa products to allow the profits to be spent on this instead? He could probably hit a home run with high profits if he ignored the mid size and brought out a compact truck that meets the needs of city folk. Most city and suburban households do not need a 1/2 ton full or mid size truck and would be fine with a 2-3 person compact truck like the Ranger was or Luv truck of Chevy in the 70's.

     

    He seems to have hit his head and is now the Emperor with no cloths.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Well it says he wants one.

     

    But that doesn't mean he can.

     

    I know... the whole GM merger fiasco was all about a midsize truck the whole time.

     

    Wait a minute - isn't the jeep truck going to be a compact/midsize truck?

     

    Dafuq?!!

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Well it says he wants one.

     

    But that doesn't mean he can.

     

    I know... the whole GM merger fiasco was all about a midsize truck the whole time.

     

    Wait a minute - isn't the jeep truck going to be a compact/midsize truck?

     

    Dafuq?!!

     

    Yes, it will be based on the Wrangler so it will be printing money for FCA.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Does he realize that he just canceled a midsize sedan selling easily 100,000 more units annually than a midsize truck will?

    Considering the 200 is selling less than 7k a month for the last few months, chances are it won't hit 100k itself, let alone sell 100k MORE units than a Mid Size Ram.

    Edited by FordCosworth
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Hell if he wants a mid size tell him to read the alpar wiki to find out how CryCo did it on the cheap. The formula is right there in black and white, worked once do it again. They (Dakotas) became unprofitable when Durango went full sizeish with the Aspen.Then without the economic advantage of a suv stablemate and de-contenting plus the melt down, just withered on the vine. 

    • Agree 2
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I am with those that want to see a true compact truck back in the U.S.

    ...But every auto exec that speaks on the subject states it would not be a good idear, for various weak reasons.

    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Somebody tell him FCA is already debuting not one, but two midsize pickups this year, in addition to the pickup versions of the Promaster and Promaster City Fiat already sells in other markets. For the Americas their solution was to build a fwd/awd pickup based on the Cherokee (the Fiat Toro), in half-ton flex-fuel, and 1-ton diesel crewcab versions. For Europe they're rebadging the Mitsubishi L200 Triton, which is cheap but far from class-leading (because it's really only a minor update of the old Triton with a new engine [well, some markets get the new engine, most still get the old diesel], and the old Triton was only a cosmetic update of the Triton before that).

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

     

    Well it says he wants one.

     

    But that doesn't mean he can.

     

    I know... the whole GM merger fiasco was all about a midsize truck the whole time.

     

    Wait a minute - isn't the jeep truck going to be a compact/midsize truck?

     

    Dafuq?!!

     

    Yes, it will be based on the Wrangler so it will be printing money for FCA.

     

    I wonder how bad of fuel mileage the Jeep truck will get compared to the other trucks who have at least visited wind tunnels. It'll be rated 18/19 city/highway, lol. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Just tell them to do a cutaway version of the Promaster City.

    You mean this one?

    cargo-galleryesterni3big.jpg

    With the flatbed it's as wide as a fullsize truck (interior bed width is 2034 mm) and is a 2500 kg GVW rated truck (5500 lb) with a 1 ton capacity.

     

    Then there's the true cutaway (you're supposed to keep it less than the standard 1872mm body width, but clearly Fiat exceeded that with the reefer illustrated). Body platform length can be 2115 mm (compared to the 1818 interior length of the factory tray above). Combined axle load is 2570 kg, but the GVW is only up to 2400 kg.

    cargo-galleryesterni6big.jpg

    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I am with those that want to see a true compact truck back in the U.S.

    ...But every auto exec that speaks on the subject states it would not be a good idear, for various weak reasons.

    FCA has this one, 4.5 m long (compared to 4.9 for the Doblo and Toro), and 1/2 tonne capacity rating (685 kg).

     

    026.jpg

     

    But I doubt it would get better than 2-stars NCAP, as it's based on the now 20 year-old Fiat project 178 platform (Fiat Palio/Siena). There are Dodge versions of this platform for Mexico and Venezuela, but they just change the badges.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

     

    Does he realize that he just canceled a midsize sedan selling easily 100,000 more units annually than a midsize truck will?

    Considering the 200 is selling less than 7k a month for the last few months, chances are it won't hit 100k itself, let alone sell 100k MORE units than a Mid Size Ram.

     

     

    Until December, they were selling 10-15k units a month with summer months pushing 20k. If that's not an incredible success for the Chrysler brand, I don't know what is.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Put the RAM truck line back in the Dodge brand where it belongs! Then do a smaller truck and call it the Goat to go along with its bigger brother the Ram!

    Haha, and then sell an off-road version... called the Mountain Goat, of course!

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

     

    Just tell them to do a cutaway version of the Promaster City.

    You mean this one?

    cargo-galleryesterni3big.jpg

    With the flatbed it's as wide as a fullsize truck (interior bed width is 2034 mm) and is a 2500 kg GVW rated truck (5500 lb) with a 1 ton capacity.

     

    Then there's the true cutaway (you're supposed to keep it less than the standard 1872mm body width, but clearly Fiat exceeded that with the reefer illustrated). Body platform length can be 2115 mm (compared to the 1818 interior length of the factory tray above). Combined axle load is 2570 kg, but the GVW is only up to 2400 kg.

    cargo-galleryesterni6big.jpg

     

    Hi griffon, I always enjoy your posts.  That Doblo pickup is a very capable machine, seems like.  The amazing, borderline comical looks of it seal the deal!  With a diesel engine yet, it would be the ultimate non-conformist, awkward superstar pickup truck!

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

     

     

    Well it says he wants one.

     

    But that doesn't mean he can.

     

    I know... the whole GM merger fiasco was all about a midsize truck the whole time.

     

    Wait a minute - isn't the jeep truck going to be a compact/midsize truck?

     

    Dafuq?!!

     

    Yes, it will be based on the Wrangler so it will be printing money for FCA.

     

    I wonder how bad of fuel mileage the Jeep truck will get compared to the other trucks who have at least visited wind tunnels. It'll be rated 18/19 city/highway, lol. 

     

    Actually the current Wranglers are already rated over 20 MPG on the hwy with the old 5 speed auto.  This will be based on the new Wrangler which will be lighter, more aerodynamic, and have the 8 speed auto. m I say it will not have a problem matching Colorado FE engine for engine. 

    • Disagree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

     

     

     

    Well it says he wants one.

     

    But that doesn't mean he can.

     

    I know... the whole GM merger fiasco was all about a midsize truck the whole time.

     

    Wait a minute - isn't the jeep truck going to be a compact/midsize truck?

     

    Dafuq?!!

     

    Yes, it will be based on the Wrangler so it will be printing money for FCA.

     

    I wonder how bad of fuel mileage the Jeep truck will get compared to the other trucks who have at least visited wind tunnels. It'll be rated 18/19 city/highway, lol. 

     

    Actually the current Wranglers are already rated over 20 MPG on the hwy with the old 5 speed auto.  This will be based on the new Wrangler which will be lighter, more aerodynamic, and have the 8 speed auto. m I say it will not have a problem matching Colorado FE engine for engine. 

     

    No chance it would match the Colorado if they are working on similar drivelines. I mean even if the Wrangler truck had the newest 8 or 9spd from the FCA camp you're still talking about pushing a brick through air. I highly doubt they will be ballsy enough to change the look of the new Wrangler enough to be considered "aero efficient" by anybody's standards. 

     

    I can't imagine it changing much from the current Wrangler's 16/21. I would definitely expect improvements but not a whole lot. 17/24 in its most efficient trim. Now if it has a 2WD version that would get another little bump over the Wranglers but I just don't see a way that this will match a Colorado's 18/26 in the v6 at all. 

    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

     

     

     

     

    Well it says he wants one.

     

    But that doesn't mean he can.

     

    I know... the whole GM merger fiasco was all about a midsize truck the whole time.

     

    Wait a minute - isn't the jeep truck going to be a compact/midsize truck?

     

    Dafuq?!!

     

    Yes, it will be based on the Wrangler so it will be printing money for FCA.

     

    I wonder how bad of fuel mileage the Jeep truck will get compared to the other trucks who have at least visited wind tunnels. It'll be rated 18/19 city/highway, lol. 

     

    Actually the current Wranglers are already rated over 20 MPG on the hwy with the old 5 speed auto.  This will be based on the new Wrangler which will be lighter, more aerodynamic, and have the 8 speed auto. m I say it will not have a problem matching Colorado FE engine for engine. 

     

    No chance it would match the Colorado if they are working on similar drivelines. I mean even if the Wrangler truck had the newest 8 or 9spd from the FCA camp you're still talking about pushing a brick through air. I highly doubt they will be ballsy enough to change the look of the new Wrangler enough to be considered "aero efficient" by anybody's standards. 

     

    I can't imagine it changing much from the current Wrangler's 16/21. I would definitely expect improvements but not a whole lot. 17/24 in its most efficient trim. Now if it has a 2WD version that would get another little bump over the Wranglers but I just don't see a way that this will match a Colorado's 18/26 in the v6 at all. 

     

     

     

    Its not only " pushing a brick through the air ".

     

    Under vehicle aerodynamics on a vehicle are often overlooked. And on the Wrangler, they are less than ideal and greatly affect its drag coefficient

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

     





    Yes, it will be based on the Wrangler so it will be printing money for FCA.

     

    I wonder how bad of fuel mileage the Jeep truck will get compared to the other trucks who have at least visited wind tunnels. It'll be rated 18/19 city/highway, lol. 

     

    Actually the current Wranglers are already rated over 20 MPG on the hwy with the old 5 speed auto.  This will be based on the new Wrangler which will be lighter, more aerodynamic, and have the 8 speed auto. m I say it will not have a problem matching Colorado FE engine for engine. 

     

    No chance it would match the Colorado if they are working on similar drivelines. I mean even if the Wrangler truck had the newest 8 or 9spd from the FCA camp you're still talking about pushing a brick through air. I highly doubt they will be ballsy enough to change the look of the new Wrangler enough to be considered "aero efficient" by anybody's standards. 

     

    I can't imagine it changing much from the current Wrangler's 16/21. I would definitely expect improvements but not a whole lot. 17/24 in its most efficient trim. Now if it has a 2WD version that would get another little bump over the Wranglers but I just don't see a way that this will match a Colorado's 18/26 in the v6 at all. 

     

     

     

    Its not only " pushing a brick through the air ".

     

    Under vehicle aerodynamics on a vehicle are often overlooked. And on the Wrangler, they are less than ideal and greatly affect its drag coefficient

     

     

     

    The V6 Colorado is 17/24 with 4wd/V6 and I see that completely doable.  There are tricks to increasing aero such as grill shudders, a greater rake to the windshield, and grill, all of which we know the Wrangler (and as an extension the pickup) will have.  In the same way the Ram is far more aerodynamic than it looks. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    There is much more to a vehicles cd than body work.

     

    Beside things like the Raptor, Power Wagon, Wrangler etc etc, see how low, even a 4WD is to the ground - than includes the Colorado 4WD. Thats to curb under vehicle airflow.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Have you ever seen a Wrangler..? lol 

     

    But in all seriousness, the changes that would have to be made for something like that would make it look way less Wrangler than I think the customer base would want. 

     

    Those same aero tricks you speak of, are being done by everybody and if the v6 4x4 Colorado is 17/24 then a boxy version of that just doesn't make any sense to match it. To make it a Wrangler sibling it will still need an upright and squared off windshield and grille. so either way it won't be as raked as the Tacoma or Canyonado.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    There is much more to a vehicles cd than body work.

     

    Beside things like the Raptor, Power Wagon, Wrangler etc etc, see how low, even a 4WD is to the ground - than includes the Colorado 4WD. Thats to curb under vehicle airflow.

    Yeah that's why all the CUVs are only a couple inches off the ground if you look at the very bottom of the front end. Heck, just last year I waslked up to a Tahoe or Yukon in our parking garage and knelt down and the front diffuser had to be only 5 or 6 inches off of the ground, enough to maybe clear a parking block. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Have you ever seen a Wrangler..? lol 

     

    But in all seriousness, the changes that would have to be made for something like that would make it look way less Wrangler than I think the customer base would want. 

     

    Those same aero tricks you speak of, are being done by everybody and if the v6 4x4 Colorado is 17/24 then a boxy version of that just doesn't make any sense to match it. To make it a Wrangler sibling it will still need an upright and squared off windshield and grille. so either way it won't be as raked as the Tacoma or Canyonado.

     

    You are taking it further than you need.   A greater rake to the windshield/grille does no have to take the Jeep look away at all.  Here is an interesting AllPar article about the 18 Wrangler.

     

    http://www.allpar.com/SUVs/jeep/wrangler/2017.html

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

     

    Have you ever seen a Wrangler..? lol 

     

    But in all seriousness, the changes that would have to be made for something like that would make it look way less Wrangler than I think the customer base would want. 

     

    Those same aero tricks you speak of, are being done by everybody and if the v6 4x4 Colorado is 17/24 then a boxy version of that just doesn't make any sense to match it. To make it a Wrangler sibling it will still need an upright and squared off windshield and grille. so either way it won't be as raked as the Tacoma or Canyonado.

     

    You are taking it further than you need.   A greater rake to the windshield/grille does no have to take the Jeep look away at all.  Here is an interesting AllPar article about the 18 Wrangler.

     

    http://www.allpar.com/SUVs/jeep/wrangler/2017.html

     

    No, I think you're underestimating how much work the other manufacturers have put into achieving 18/24 for the v6 4x4 Colorado and 18/23 for the v6 4x4Tacoma. If you don't think they put an emphasis on fuel economy and aerodynamics and then Jeep will be the first? C'mon. 

     

    That flat windshield(raked or not), flat roof, fender flares.. all things that go on a vehicle aiming at improved "slipperiness". 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

     

     

    Have you ever seen a Wrangler..? lol 

     

    But in all seriousness, the changes that would have to be made for something like that would make it look way less Wrangler than I think the customer base would want. 

     

    Those same aero tricks you speak of, are being done by everybody and if the v6 4x4 Colorado is 17/24 then a boxy version of that just doesn't make any sense to match it. To make it a Wrangler sibling it will still need an upright and squared off windshield and grille. so either way it won't be as raked as the Tacoma or Canyonado.

     

    You are taking it further than you need.   A greater rake to the windshield/grille does no have to take the Jeep look away at all.  Here is an interesting AllPar article about the 18 Wrangler.

     

    http://www.allpar.com/SUVs/jeep/wrangler/2017.html

     

    No, I think you're underestimating how much work the other manufacturers have put into achieving 18/24 for the v6 4x4 Colorado and 18/23 for the v6 4x4Tacoma. If you don't think they put an emphasis on fuel economy and aerodynamics and then Jeep will be the first? C'mon. 

     

    That flat windshield(raked or not), flat roof, fender flares.. all things that go on a vehicle aiming at improved "slipperiness". 

     

     

     

    Riddle me this Batman.  they can already get 16/23 from the MUCH larger and MUCH heavier Ram with the same Pentastar 3.6 V6/8 speed and even 15/21 from the 4x4 1500 Ram 4x4 with the 395 HP Hemi/8 speed.  Seriously.............

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

     

     

     

    Have you ever seen a Wrangler..? lol 

     

    But in all seriousness, the changes that would have to be made for something like that would make it look way less Wrangler than I think the customer base would want. 

     

    Those same aero tricks you speak of, are being done by everybody and if the v6 4x4 Colorado is 17/24 then a boxy version of that just doesn't make any sense to match it. To make it a Wrangler sibling it will still need an upright and squared off windshield and grille. so either way it won't be as raked as the Tacoma or Canyonado.

     

    You are taking it further than you need.   A greater rake to the windshield/grille does no have to take the Jeep look away at all.  Here is an interesting AllPar article about the 18 Wrangler.

     

    http://www.allpar.com/SUVs/jeep/wrangler/2017.html

     

    No, I think you're underestimating how much work the other manufacturers have put into achieving 18/24 for the v6 4x4 Colorado and 18/23 for the v6 4x4Tacoma. If you don't think they put an emphasis on fuel economy and aerodynamics and then Jeep will be the first? C'mon. 

     

    That flat windshield(raked or not), flat roof, fender flares.. all things that go on a vehicle aiming at improved "slipperiness". 

     

     

     

    Riddle me this Batman.  they can already get 16/23 from the MUCH larger and MUCH heavier Ram with the same Pentastar 3.6 V6/8 speed and even 15/21 from the 4x4 1500 Ram 4x4 with the 395 HP Hemi/8 speed.  Seriously.............

     

    Do you think FCA is inventing aerodynamic air flow on the 2020 Jeep Truck for the first time ever. You honestly are either being that stubborn or you seriously think GM and Toyota have never put their trucks in a wind tunnel looking for an edge. If you don't think they have then maybe, just maybe, look at that lower front diffuser on the Colorado that make it appear only a few inches off the ground when you look at that. 

     

    38FB553A-8BDE-4490-ADFC-981CCE01EF1F_zps

     

    There is your riddle. 

     

    And positive aero flow as less to do about how large and heavy a vehicle is as opposed to how the air is being placed and used. 

    Edited by ccap41
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

     

     

     

     

    Have you ever seen a Wrangler..? lol 

     

    But in all seriousness, the changes that would have to be made for something like that would make it look way less Wrangler than I think the customer base would want. 

     

    Those same aero tricks you speak of, are being done by everybody and if the v6 4x4 Colorado is 17/24 then a boxy version of that just doesn't make any sense to match it. To make it a Wrangler sibling it will still need an upright and squared off windshield and grille. so either way it won't be as raked as the Tacoma or Canyonado.

     

    You are taking it further than you need.   A greater rake to the windshield/grille does no have to take the Jeep look away at all.  Here is an interesting AllPar article about the 18 Wrangler.

     

    http://www.allpar.com/SUVs/jeep/wrangler/2017.html

     

    No, I think you're underestimating how much work the other manufacturers have put into achieving 18/24 for the v6 4x4 Colorado and 18/23 for the v6 4x4Tacoma. If you don't think they put an emphasis on fuel economy and aerodynamics and then Jeep will be the first? C'mon. 

     

    That flat windshield(raked or not), flat roof, fender flares.. all things that go on a vehicle aiming at improved "slipperiness". 

     

     

     

    Riddle me this Batman.  they can already get 16/23 from the MUCH larger and MUCH heavier Ram with the same Pentastar 3.6 V6/8 speed and even 15/21 from the 4x4 1500 Ram 4x4 with the 395 HP Hemi/8 speed.  Seriously.............

     

    Do you think FCA is inventing aerodynamic air flow on the 2020 Jeep Truck for the first time ever. You honestly are either being that stubborn or you seriously think GM and Toyota have never put their trucks in a wind tunnel looking for an edge. If you don't think they have then maybe, just maybe, look at that lower front diffuser on the Colorado that make it appear only a few inches off the ground when you look at that. 

     

    38FB553A-8BDE-4490-ADFC-981CCE01EF1F_zps

     

    There is your riddle. 

     

     

    Yes, and what is makin ou think they won't use a lot of these tricks on the Wrangler/pickup?  you don't think FCA has wind tunnels?  You can divert air around a vehicle, under and over.  The Wrangler s going to have a lower roof combined with everything else mentioned.  You are just being stubborn because it is FCA.  There is absolutely ZERO reason hey cannot achieve 24 MPG on the highway.  Just going from he same 5 speed to the 8 speed in the Charger pentastar netted 4 additional hwy MPG by itself as there was absolutely no difference between the aero  of the 2. 

    Edited by Stew
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I'm not being stubborn because it is FCA. I made a joke because it is a brick flying through the air and the Wrangler already only gets 21mpg on the highway. 

     

    What makes me think they won't do all of those tricks on a smaller cheaper truck? because it is cheaper and technology costs money. Adjustable ride height on a mid-sized Wrangler truck? Active leveling system? The cost to do that stuff. Grill shudders? Sure. We know it won't have the same curves as the Ram so that part is out as well. 

     

    You chose to get defensive like you do whenever anybody says anything that isn't overly positive about FCA. 

     

    It was a joke. Don't take everything 'not positive' so personally. 

    Edited by ccap41
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    " You are just being stubborn because it is FCA. "

     

    Stew...

     

    Ccpap is one of the most well rounded and unbiased posters here. 

    Maybe, but I don't understand why, with the myriad of differences coming, that a mere 24MPG hwy rating is hard to believe.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

     

     

     

    Give me the 94hp/99tq version please. lol
     

     

     

    Back in the day I had an '84 Ranger 2.3L that put out a pavement scorching 82 HP...

     

    Now thats laughable

    My '84 Escort diesel had 52hp...and an AM radio. I could spin the front tires on gravel.

     

    I had an '81 Chevette with a crippled gerbil under the hood and it was capable of 0-60 in three days, depending on which way the wind was blowing. Somehow though, I still managed to get a speeding ticket in it.

    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I think a good 50% of the pending Wrangler's fuel economy improvements will come from better weight. 

     

    Agreed.  Apparently there is going to be a large use of high strength hydroformed steel.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    How'd that work for the F150..?

    All engines picked up a few MPG in the EPA cycle without getting more gears and actually getting a considerably larger footprint......

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I think aero is really hard to improve without changing the styling. 

     

    For example... a totally unrelated thing. I read in a pretty in depth article a long time ago about the aerodynamics of a tour de france bike rider w/kit with the super aggressive road bikes compared to a normal person riding a less aggressive but similar weight CF bike with the same quality but less aero components.

     

    The less energy required is crazy. 

     

    Also, small single digit increases of FE are actually large percentage gains in FE when you go from 19 to like 22 mpg. Doing that in a hybrid vehicle these days is hard.

     

    I think a wrangler on its own will improve to like 26 mpg hwy 18 city. Add a diesel, and I think it can reach just below 30 mpg. But remember, there's going to be a Jeep Wrangler Hybrid in 2020s...

     

    And like 12-16 mpg on its usual breakfast of rocks, ruts and roots... depending on incline.

     

    Also, the Jeep pickup is going to be based on the current outgoing generation. That's a bummer. And also very lucrative.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    How'd that work for the F150..?

    All engines picked up a few MPG in the EPA cycle without getting more gears and actually getting a considerably larger footprint......

    I didn't realize it was pretty much a 2mpg improvement across the board. I guess I just didn't realize how bad the pre '15s were.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I think aero is really hard to improve without changing the styling. 

     

    For example... a totally unrelated thing. I read in a pretty in depth article a long time ago about the aerodynamics of a tour de france bike rider w/kit with the super aggressive road bikes compared to a normal person riding a less aggressive but similar weight CF bike with the same quality but less aero components.

     

    The less energy required is crazy. 

     

    Also, small single digit increases of FE are actually large percentage gains in FE when you go from 19 to like 22 mpg. Doing that in a hybrid vehicle these days is hard.

     

    I think a wrangler on its own will improve to like 26 mpg hwy 18 city. Add a diesel, and I think it can reach just below 30 mpg. But remember, there's going to be a Jeep Wrangler Hybrid in 2020s...

     

    And like 12-16 mpg on its usual breakfast of rocks, ruts and roots... depending on incline.

     

    Also, the Jeep pickup is going to be based on the current outgoing generation. That's a bummer. And also very lucrative.

     

    I think the Wrangler truck will get the same improvements as a the regular Wrangler because i isn't all new, but heavily redone evolution of the current JK platform.  I have a new love though, hat Comanche concept based on the Renegade.  LOVE it!  I am sure hey will never build that one, bu I think hey would have a runaway hit. 

    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites




    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




  • Subscribe to Cheers & Gears

    Cheers and Gears Logo

    Since 2001 we've brought you real content and honest opinions, not AI-generated stuff with no feeling or opinions influenced by the manufacturers.

    Please consider subscribing. Subscriptions can be as little as $1.75 a month, and a paid subscription drops most ads.*
     

    You can view subscription options here.

    *a very limited number of ads contain special coupon deals for our members and will show

  • Similar Content

  • Posts

    • A coworker recently bought one of these... after seeing them in person, I'd characterize the styling as if Lamborghini made an economy hatchback.  It's a sleek shape with a lot of Lambo in the profile and front.   My coworker is 5'7", we had an local happy hour a few weeks ago I drove down to Akron and met up w/ my coworkers I hadn't seen in 6 months (as we all work from home), and I rode a few miles in his new Prius..at just under 6'0" my head was right into the roof glass...tight inside.  Neat looking little car, though. 
    • This is too funny and I HOPE HOPE HOPE Amazon moves forward with this as all the auto's on Amazon for sale will have a TRUMP TARIFF line that shows how much TARIFF tax they will pay. Trump’s ‘Pottery Barn rule’ problem
    • I don’t know if this vehicle, a Toyota Prius Hybrid HEV, represented an upgrade.  It’s just what I was assigned as a mid-size rented vehicle for 3 days.  I had a general idea that this vehicle was recently refreshed and that it looked a lot better.  As I got closer to it and got into it, I was able to get a better look.  The new Prius looks a lot better than I recall a Prius ever looking.  It looks sleek, sporty, and even sort of low-slung.  Interesting exterior features show that they made this a priority.  The front lights and fascia are thin and understated, working well with the more unified exterior.  The rear fascia is definitely Prius’s own and it gives the car some interesting, angled vantage points.  They even incorporated gullwing handles into the sedan’s rear doors and, having once had these in the last rendition of the W-body Buick Regal coupe, I like their look and just plain using them. Its low-slung aspect can present a slight demerit.  The windshield and profile of the front doors is very raked and, as a person of average height, I had to duck a little more than usual to enter the car.  Similarly, the rear backlite borders on almost being horizontal.  This does give the rear storage area a little more usable height. Inside, the front pillars’ rake is mitigated by fixed renditions of what used to be vent windows in older cars.  However, they still seem to block an instinctive sight line compared to more upright vehicles like the current Camry and Corolla.  Inside, the feeling is more cockpit-like.  Similarly, the rear view has the thicker pillars and flatter backlite that require more proactive work – looking over the shoulder attentively and using the amber traffic monitoring warnings in the outside mirrors.  A complementary feature is the chime that assisted lane changes. The Prius has a 4-cylinder engine that seems to spend more time in EV mode than did the hybrid Camry.  That means good fuel economy and, over 3 days, I only added 6 gallons for between 200 and 300 miles of motoring.  In terms of power, handling, and roadability, the Prius gets mixed comments from me.  It does have agility when the pedal is pressed and it moves from eco to power mode.  It also eases upward to higher than anticipated highway speeds if not paying attention!  The transmission is a CVT with a “faux” first gear and it works well.  The Prius has a more noticeable wheezing sound when in reverse gear, which actually advises those inside the car and near it.  However, when pushed, the powertrain gets buzzy, as in noisy.  But at steady speed, any engine noise is not that noticeable.  The vehicle’s handling, smoothness, and quietness vary.  Handling is always nimble and, even at highway speeds, it maneuvers adeptly.  The ride is mostly smooth.  However, noise control could use some improvement.  Some of that can come from the tires they equip the car with, fitted with aluminum wheels that hearken to the ones on Tesla products.  That said, it’s hard to tell if the drone is tire thum or wind.  However, if you prioritize handling among these, I was surprised to see how well the Prius handles … on the highway, on city streets, and even in tight parking spaces, where 3-point attempts are rarely necessary. The cockpit is unusual and very different from yesterday’s Priuses, which I’ve only seen and never driven or been a passenger in one.  I remember how the first model had an oval main instrument pod set up on the cowl in the middle of the dashboard but angled toward the driver.  Today’s Prius has thin and smaller pods, almost set on ledges that seem to staircase down as the cowl approaches the driver.  The main panel looks like a small tablet that is set quite far from the steering wheel.  Depending on how the wheel is titled, there could be some visibility issues seeing all the information.  This required adjusting the wheel and the seating height.  Also, the front seat can be very far from the pedals.  So, while the door is low, taller drivers might like this potential distance.  The infotainment center sits slightly forward of the main instrument screen and is conventionally placed atop the center stack.  Thankfully, it continues with touch operation as opposed to being operated via a remote dial.  Most functions are the ones you’ve known for a while, so setting things up doesn’t take long.  I did struggle a little with the Android Auto, even though the Bluetooth pairing was quick.  Note that, while the Camry has USB-C ports, the Prius does not.  Further down on the center stack, the climate control is easy to work with (not the 3-dial type that so many exports and even domestics have) and the A/C blows colder a little quicker than in the last Camry I drove.  The console deck is about the right height and its overall dimensions, including the box, are generous.  The compactness of the shift lever is sort of fun … think of a small underpowered low-cost EV Corvette! When going into gear, it’s not about moving the selector linearly.  A quick jog to the left and up toward the instrument panel is for reverse while that same quick jog followed by a rearward move puts the vehicle in drive.  It doesn’t take long to get used to this.  Also, the park feature is easy to work with.  Just push in P when stopped and, whether in reserve or drive, the gear selector goes to park.  The only thing is that it is not forgiving when shifting the lever … your foot must be firmly on the brake, so no slipshod maneuvers.  The seating is comfortable and the buckets seem a little high, but this offers support from top to bottom.  The same is true in the rear of the cabin and the headrests do intrude with an already thicker rear sail panel / C-pillar.  Legroom in the rear also seems good and the length of the vehicle allows for that.  Space is sensibly distributed in the 3 volumes from front to back. I always thought a Prius would have something daunting or different about it.  Its look is different in that it lost its first-gen look that looked like an upright Nissan Versa of 2016 … sort of like the runt of the litter that is on the run because it has been kicked in the rump.  This Prius looks planted.  Upon pushing the prominent and easy to use “power” button on the dash, there will be no noise and the dash will literally tell you when it, and you, are “ready” to go. It's a smaller but roomy vehicle where the price isn’t a bargain, but not that steep in today’s terms.  I find there are a few things that I wasn’t crazy about – the height, the main instrument pod sitting in the distance, and not the best noises suppression – but I liked most other things about it.  With so many Priuses going the long haul, this one will probably do the same … and look a lot more presentable while doing it. - - - - - PHOTOS FORTHCOMING  
    • I'm laughing.   There are always reasons why things are "discounted." With me, it's DFW and Austin that give me heartburn.  San Antonio, too, even though I don't know it as well.  I just don't like the look of the DFW area, whether natural or built.  I don't like Austin for being the governmental engine of a big red place next to a massive university with over 50,000 students that is a big blue place.  I'm more of a moderate and don't want extremes in either element.  I also don't like the "way cool" leanings in Austin. Houston has its negatives, but I'd take it for nearby Galveston, and water in general, the extensive pinewoods, the dark red brick homes, an attractive downtown, and for being America's most ethnically diverse city that has always rolled with that spirit.  There is no "you shouldn't be here" factor.  IIR, I've heard of a saying about Madrid that goes, 'When you're in Madrid, you're from Madrid.'  Having lived in various places, I pay attention to those subleties.
    • Very cool to see This Hyundai Ioniq 5 Owner Managed 413,991 Miles In Under Four Years, With One Big Catch
  • Who's Online (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online
  • My Clubs

×
×
  • Create New...

Hey there, we noticed you're using an ad-blocker. We're a small site that is supported by ads or subscriptions. We rely on these to pay for server costs and vehicle reviews.  Please consider whitelisting us in your ad-blocker, or if you really like what you see, you can pick up one of our subscriptions for just $1.75 a month or $15 a year. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to help support real, honest content, that isn't generated by an AI bot.

See you out there.

Drew
Editor-in-Chief

Write what you are looking for and press enter or click the search icon to begin your search