William Maley

BMW offered the last-generation 7-Series with a diesel option in the U.S. and there was talk of offering it again with this current model. But these plans have been taken off the table. German magazine Focus reported last Friday that plans for 7-Series diesel in the U.S. were shelved. This information came from engineers at Bosch. This week, BMW Blog got the official word from BMW. “Currently there are no plans to bring the 7 Series diesel to the US market,” said Hector Arellano-Belloc, BMW NA spokesperson. No official reason was given, but BMW Blog speculates the decision likely comes from the Volkswagen diesel emission scandal. At the present moment, BMW offers four diesel models; 328d, 535d, X3 xDrive28d, X5 xDrive35d. There are questions as to whether BMW will continue to offer a diesel option with the next-generation versions of the models listed. Source: Focus, BMW Blog View full article

Next Tuesday was the deadline that Volkswagen and the U.S. Government would have to finish their discussions on finalizing an agreement over the 2.0L TDI scandal. But last night, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer has given the two parties an extension to June 28th. Reuters reports that Breyers gave the extension after a request was made by the court appointment mediator, former FBI director Robert S. Mueller. In a written order, Bryer said "given the highly technical nature of the proposed settlements in these complex proceedings," an extension would be given. Volkswagen spokeswoman Jeannine Ginivan confirmed to Reuters that the extension was asked by Muller. "We thank our customers for their continued patience as the process of finalizing agreements moves forward," said Ginivan. Two sources say the agreement is on track to be finalized. Source: Reuters View full article

If there is one thing we have learned with previous scandals in the automotive, it is that it will get worse before becoming better. Such is the case with Mitsubishi and their fuel economy scandal. According to Reuters, various Japanese outlets are reporting that the inflated fuel economy numbers extend much further than the four models originally announced. The Asahi newspaper says the Japanese automaker falsified fuel economy figures on three additional models, while the Yomiuri newspaper says there are more than ten models with inflated fuel economy numbers. It should be noted these vehicles aren't on sale anymore. When reached for comment, Mitsubishi declined, saying that its investigation is ongoing. Source: Reuters View full article

We've been hearing about Volkswagen's three-row crossover for the U.S. for the past few years. Spy shots have been coming out about this vehicle, but there wasn't much you could tell about them. The only thing you could was the test mules having a similar shape to the CrossBlue concept from 2013. But a new set of spy shots give us an idea of what the production model will look like. The front end seems to be lining up with the upcoming Volkswagen Tiguan with a larger grille and slim headlights. AutoGuide says the design of the back is similar to the Passat, although we can't see that. Expect a V6 along with a 2.0L turbo-four. Front-wheel drive will come standard and Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel be an option. There is talk about a possible hybrid powertrain for this model. The three-row crossover could either debut at the LA or Detroit Auto Show. Source: Autoblog, AutoGuide View full article

Many of us are excited that Ford is finally bringing the Ranger to the U.S. towards the end of the decade. But the long wait for it is driving a number of folks crazy. Well, we're probably not going to help with this as the folks at M-Sport (who heads up Ford's World Rally Championship team) have introduced a special edition of the Ranger that can be described as a Raptor mini. This is the M-Sport Ranger and it looks quite mean. It begins with a Ranger 4x4 double cab that gets a new grill with integrated lights, 18-inch wheels fitted with off-road tires, and certain body parts getting a matte black finish. Underneath is a Pedders suspension sport pack that improves the ride and a new sports exhaust. The interior features custom leather upholstery and a sports steering wheel. Optional is an off-road kit that includes a lift kit for the suspension that raises the truck by 1.75 inches and additional lighting. One item that is unknown is if the M-Sport Ranger gets more power. Power is from a 3.2-liter TDCi five-cylinder with 200 horsepower and 347 pound-feet of torque. M-Sport says the Ranger will go into production this September and be sold at select Ford dealers around Europe. Source: M-Sport Press Release is on Page 2 Introducing the M-Sport Ranger M-Sport’s bespoke range of road-going vehicles has gained recognition and popularity around the world, and last week saw Van Sport launch the latest edition – the M-Sport Ranger. Following the highly acclaimed M-Sport Transit and M-Sport Transit Connect, Van Sport – in collaboration with M-Sport and Carlex Design – launched the Ranger at the Abenteuer and Allrad off-road trade fair in Germany. Based on the Ranger 3.2 tdci 4x4 double cab pickup, the vehicle includes a range of enhancements including a front bumper conversion, and extensions to the bonnet lip and side arches. A sports exhaust system and Pedders suspension sport pack add to the ride while Lazer lights to the front grill assist main beam for optimum performance. Matte black wing mirrors, door handles, window strips, side steps and tailgate add to the look whilst 18” matte graphite wheels complete this bespoke off-road experience. The interior enhancements are in keeping with the high quality of all products in the M-Sport range. A full leather interior is complimented by a leather centre armrest and door trims. A sports steering wheel provides further exclusivity whilst privacy glass to the rear windows gives the Ranger a unique finishing touch. An additional off-road option pack is also available which adds Lazer lights to the roof cover for further visibility and a full Pedders suspension lift kit which raises the vehicle an additional 1.75 inches. A full under tray body protection kit is also available as well as a limited edition hard-top, lift-up back which provides a sporty and convenient addition. The M-Sport Ranger will be in full production for September 2016 and available in supporting Ford dealerships throughout both the UK and Europe. View full article

This was cut during editing as I couldn't find a spot to for this to fit in, but I think it describes my feelings on both vehicles. "To put it you this way: If I was going to do the Moab trail, I would pick the Wrangler because I know it will get me there and back. As for getting to Moab, that would be handled by the Grand Cherokee."

Very few things can cause utter surprise for me when it comes to reviewing vehicles. But there are those moments where it does happen. Recently, I spent some time in a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 75th Anniversary. I had driven a Wrangler last year and knew what I getting myself into. It was when I looked at my paperwork that my jaw dropped to the floor. The Wrangler Unlimited I was driving carried a price tag of $48,530. I had to do a double-take to make sure I wasn’t misreading it. Once the shock passed me, I found myself whether I would be willing be pay this much for Wrangler or if it would be better to put the money towards a vehicle I drove the week before, a Grand Cherokee Summit. Both of these Jeeps stand at opposite ends of the exterior design spectrum. The Grand Cherokee has an understated look with a shape that can trace its roots back to the original model from 1993. There is a fair amount of chrome used on the grille slots, rear bumpers, and side window trim. The Wrangler is the bolder of the two with a squared-off body, flared wheel arches, and spare tire carrier on the back. The 75th Anniversary edition brings 17-inch bronze wheels, new bumpers, dark green paint, and 75th Anniversary badging. While these two models have differing approaches, the end result is the same; both are quite handsome. In terms of the interiors, it is clear these vehicles are aimed at different audiences. The Grand Cherokee Summit stands as the Grand Cherokee’s flagship (aside from the SRT) and it shows with high-quality materials such as real wood, soft touch plastics, and brown leather. This helps bring a sense of luxury that hasn’t appeared in a Grand Cherokee till this generation. Seats provide excellent support, and there is enough space for passengers sitting in the back. The only downside to Grand Cherokee’s interior is the center stack. Compared to the rest of the interior, it seems completely out of place. At least UConnect is still one of the easiest infotainment systems to use. The Wrangler’s interior, on the other hand, isn’t as luxurious with loads of hard plastics and a more utilitarian look. There is a benefit to this as you’ll know the interior will stand up to the harshness of mother nature. Plus, you can use a hose to wash out the interior - drain plugs are underneath the floor mats. The Unlimited does bring forth a longer wheelbase which allows for more leg and cargo room, plus two rear doors. The added space is appreciated for anyone sitting in the back. Getting into the back is another story with a narrow opening will cause some folks to contort their body to get in. Both models feature the same 3.6L Pentastar V6, albeit with different outputs. The Grand Cherokee features 295 horsepower and the Wrangler gets 285. Not much difference on paper, but the road tells a different story. The Grand Cherokee’s V6 feels slightly more flexible with power coming at a linear rate. The Wrangler’s V6 feels somewhat anemic and one where you have to work it to get up to speed at a decent clip. The difference most likely comes down to the transmission. The Grand Cherokee gets an eight-speed automatic, while the Wrangler makes due with a five-speed. This also explains the difference in the average fuel economy for both vehicles: 19 MPG for the Grand Cherokee and 16.4 MPG for the Wrangler. When it comes to the ride, the Wrangler Unlimited almost matches the Grand Cherokee. The longer wheelbase on the Unlimited helps provide a smoother ride than the standard model. However, bigger bumps will make their way inside. Contrast this with the Grand Cherokee where most bumps are nonexistent to those sitting inside. It should be noted that compared to the previous Grand Cherokees I drove back in 2014, this one had a lot more tire noise coming into the cabin. Blame the low-rolling resistance tires fitted onto our tester. But the Wrangler Unlimited begins to gain some ground back when it comes to off-road driving. With meaty off-road tires, flexible suspension, and a simple to engage four-wheel drive system, the Wrangler Unlimited can go anywhere with no issues. Going through a dirt trail with mud pits, I was amazed as to how the Wrangler shrugged it off like it was nothing. That isn’t to say the Grand Cherokee isn’t a slouch off-road. It features the Quadra-Trac II full-time four-wheel drive system with Terrain Select - a system that can alter various settings for the various terrains you find yourself on. The Grand Cherokee Summit also features an air suspension that can be raised to improve overall ground clearance when tackling an off-road trail. Sadly, I didn’t get the chance to drive the Grand Cherokee off-road during my week with it. If you were to ask me which of the two Jeeps I would buy, I would have to say it would be the Grand Cherokee. That isn’t to say the Wrangler Unlimited 75th Anniversary is bad. I just feel for the price that is being asked is too much for what you get. You would be better off getting a hold of either a Sport, Willys Wheeler, or Rubicon as the value argument works for them. The Grand Cherokee Summit, on the other hand, can more than justify its price tag as most of the equipment such as navigation, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and more are standard. The only option on our tester was the brown leather. Both of these vehicles are aimed at different audiences and do a very good job of satisfying them. But when it comes down to prices being asked for either vehicle, the Wrangler Unlimited comes up short. Disclaimer: Jeep Provided the vehicles, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2016 Make: Jeep Model: Grand Cherokee Trim: Summit Engine: 3.6L 24-Valve VVT V6 Driveline: Eight-Speed Automatic, Full-Time 4WD Horsepower @ RPM: Torque @ RPM: Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 18/25/21 Curb Weight: lbs Location of Manufacture: Detroit, MI Base Price: $52,595 As Tested Price: $54,085 (Includes $995.00 Destination Charge) Options: DarkSienna Brown/Black Interior - $495.00 Year: 2016 Make: Jeep Model: Wrangler Unlimited Trim: 75th Anniversary Engine: 3.6L 24-Valve VVT V6 Driveline: Five-Speed Automatic, Part-Time 4WD Horsepower @ RPM: Torque @ RPM: Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 16/20/18 Curb Weight: lbs Location of Manufacture: Toledo, OH Base Price: $33,695 As Tested Price: $48,530 (Includes $995.00 Destination Charge) Options: Jeep 75th Anniversary Package 24H - $4,680.00 Dual Top Group - $1,785.00 Tru-Lok Differential - $1,500.00 Five-Speed Automatic - $1,350.00 Freedom Top Body Color Three-Piece Hardtop - $1,100.00 Alpine Premium Nine-Speaker Audio System w/All-Weather Subwoofer - $945.00 Radio 430N - $600.00 Hard Top Headliner - $495.00 Supplemental Front-Seat Mounted Side Airbags - $495.00 Remote Start System - $495.00 View full article