William Maley

Jaguar has finally teased their new compact luxury sedan that will take on the German stronghold in the class. Named the XE, the sedan will utilize a new "aluminum intensive" chassis that was previewed in the C-X17 Crossover Concept from last year. The new XE will also come with a family of turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder gas and diesel engines called Ingenium. The company says the new engines will deliver excellent performance and low emissions. The new XE will officially debut at the Paris Motor Show later this year. Sales will start in Europe in 2015, with the U.S. following a year later. Source: Jaguar William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 JAGUAR XE CONFIRMED AS NAME FOR COMPACT SPORTS SEDAN WITH All-NEW ‘INGENIUM’ ENGINE FAMILY AND ADVANCED ALUMINUM CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY The Jaguar XE will be an all-new compact premium sports sedan that will arrive in the United States in 2016 This sedan will expand the Jaguar lineup to reach a new generation of automotive enthusiasts and luxury buyers The Jaguar XE will be an advanced, efficient and refined design featuring an aluminum intensive unibody This will be the first Jaguar product built on the company’s new advanced aluminum architecture The Jaguar XE will be the first vehicle powered by the new Ingenium high-output, fuel-efficient two-liter four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines delivering exceptional performance and low emissions The Ingenium family of engines will be built at a new Jaguar Land Rover Engine Manufacturing Facility in the United Kingdom (MAHWAH, N.J.) – March 4, 2014 – Today, Jaguar confirmed details of the brand’s all-new compact sport sedan, the Jaguar XE which will launch globally in 2015 and comes to the United States in 2016. The Jaguar XE will be the first product built on the new advanced aluminum architecture which was showcased in the C-X17 concept car in 2013. This aluminum intensive structure provides the benefits of lightness and strength for exceptional handling, performance, refinement and efficiency. Power will be provided by a variety of engines with a wide range of capacities and output, all delivering inspirational performance and offering the latest innovations in fuel-efficient technologies. The new Ingenium engine line will also offer a flexible engine architecture that can be configured to suit in-line and transverse installations and can be used in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. Speaking at the Geneva Auto Show, Dr. Ralf Speth, Chief Executive Officer, Jaguar Land Rover, confirmed: "We announced just a few weeks ago that our new Engine Manufacturing Center would produce a new family of premium, lightweight, low-friction, low emission four-cylinder gasoline and diesel units. The first of our Ingenium engine range will be used in our all-new compact Jaguar sports sedan. That car will be called the Jaguar XE, and it will be unveiled in production form later this year." Ian Callum, Director of Design, said: "The new Jaguar XE is every bit a modern Jaguar car; more compact in size but visually striking. Customers will expect a great deal from a compact Jaguar car - it must be practical but premium. We never forget we are designing a Jaguar car and that means it must be as exciting to look at and drive as it is brilliant to run and practical to own. We believe we've done just that with the Jaguar XE." "The all-new Jaguar XE compact sport sedan will bring Jaguar into the largest segment of the luxury car market with a dynamic new entry that will challenge the status quo of luxury car brands," said Jeff Curry, Brand Vice President of Jaguar North America. "Jaguar is charting an exciting new path with the recent launch of the Jaguar F-TYPE and the introduction of the Jaguar XE, which completes our sedan line-up. We offer a more exclusive, distinct choice in the luxury car marketplace combining progressive British design, a high performance character and advanced aluminum technology." The name of the Jaguar XE follows the brand's sedan progression, positioned alongside the XF and XJ sedans in the range. View full article

Jeep is charting new trail to the subcompact marketplace with the introduction of the 2015 Renegade at the Geneva Motor Show today. You cannot mistake the Renegade for anything but a Jeep. The boxy design is very reminiscent of the XJ Cherokee. There is also elements of the Wrangler and the last-generation Liberty in the Renegade's design. Those looking for something a bit more aggression in the Renegade will be happy to hear that Jeep will offer a Trailhawk package which increases the ride height by 0.8 inches, front and rear tow hooks painted in red, unique front and rear fascias, a special paint treatment, and seventeen-inch all-terrain tires. Inside, Jeep designers mixed rugged cues and the latest materials to create a very comfortable, yet distinctive design. There is seating for five people and features 12.4 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats up. That increases to 30.7 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded. Chrysler's UConnect system will be available with a 5-inch or optional 6.5-inch touchscreen. Chrysler's 7-inch TFT screen in the gauge cluster is optional. Jeep has fitted the Renegade with the option of two removable roof panels called MySky. When the panels are removed, it gives the Renegade an open-air feeling that is similar to the Wrangler. For the U.S., the Renegade will come equipped with two different engines. The base will be the turbocharged 1.4L MultiAir four-cylinder engine with 160 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. Optional will be the 2.4L Tigershark four-cylinder engine with 184 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The MultiAir will come with a six-speed manual as standard, while a nine-speed automatic is optional. The 2.4L Tigershark will have the nine-speed as standard. Front-wheel drive is standard, while the Renegade has the option of two four-wheel drive systems. First up is Jeep Active Drive which uses a disconnecting rear-axle and power transfer unit. The system mostly operates in two-wheel drive until slip is detected and the system kicks into four-wheel drive. Then there is Jeep Active Drive Low which is standard on the Trailhawk. It features a 20:1 crawl ratio and is full-time. Both systems come with Jeep's Selec-Terrain system which varies the settings of four-wheel drive system to match the terrain. The Jeep Renegade arrives at dealers early next year. Source: Jeep William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 All-new 2015 Jeep® Renegade: Most Capable Small SUV Expands the Brand's Global Portfolio - All-new 2015 Jeep® Renegade marks the brand's first entry in the small SUV segment - Renegade Trailhawk model delivers best-in-class 4x4 Trail Rated capability with class-exclusive Jeep Active Drive Low, which includes 20:1 crawl ratio and Jeep Selec-Terrain system - Designed to expand the Jeep brand globally, the all-new 2015 Renegade combines the brand's heritage with fresh new styling to appeal to youthful and adventurous customers - Nothing else like it: Renegade displays a powerful stance with aggressive wheel-to- body proportions, plus the freedom of two My Sky open-air roof systems - Renegade's all-new interior exudes an energetic appearance with rugged and functional details, crafted in high-quality materials and inspired colors - All-new "small-wide 4x4 architecture" combines best-in-class off-road capability with world-class on-road driving dynamics - Designed for global markets – with 16 fuel-efficient powertrain combinations for different markets around the world – including the world's first nine-speed automatic transmission in a small SUV - Renegade will offer a best-in-class combination of fuel efficiency and off-road capability - Technology once limited to premium SUVs: award-winning Uconnect Access, Uconnect touchscreen radios and the segment's largest full-color instrument cluster - Loaded with up to 70 available advanced safety and security features - Designed in America, crafted in Italy, the 2015 Renegade highlights the Jeep brand's global resources and dedication to meeting customer needs in more than 100 countries  The all-new 2015 Jeep® Renegade expands the brand's global vehicle lineup, entering the growing small SUV segment, while staying true to the adventurous lifestyle Jeep is known for. Renegade delivers a unique combination of best-in-class off-road capability, open-air freedom and convenience, a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission that contributes to outstanding on- road and off-road driving dynamics, fuel-efficient engines, world-class refinement, and a host of innovative safety and advanced technology offerings. The result is an efficient vehicle created to attract youthful and adventurous customers around the world to the Jeep brand. The all-new 2015 Jeep Renegade expands the brand's product portfolio and targets the rapidly expanding small SUV segment around the globe with benchmark levels of efficiency and driving dynamics, while at the same time delivering best-in-class 4x4 capability that customers expect from Jeep,‖ said Mike Manley, President and CEO - Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. ―Renegade symbolizes the brand's renowned American design, ingenuity and innovation, marking the Jeep brand's first entry into the small SUV segment in more than 100 markets around the globe. Best-in-class off-road capability thanks to two all-new 4x4 systems Leveraging 4x4 technology from the all-new Jeep Cherokee, the all-new 2015 Jeep Renegade offers two of the most advanced and intelligent 4x4 systems in its class, all to deliver best-in-class off-road capability. Both systems can provide up to 100 percent of the engine's available torque to the ground, through any wheel, for optimal grip. - Jeep Active Drive – full-time 4x4 system - Jeep Active Drive Low – class-exclusive full-time 4x4 system with 20:1 crawl ratio Innovation is also at the forefront of any new Jeep vehicle, and the Renegade is the first small SUV to feature a disconnecting rear axle and power take-off unit (PTU) – all to provide Jeep Renegade 4x4 models with enhanced fuel economy. The system instantly engages when 4x4 traction is needed. Both Jeep Active Drive and Active Drive Low 4x4 systems include the Jeep Selec-Terrain system, providing up to five modes (Auto, Snow, Sand and Mud modes, plus exclusive Rock mode on the Trailhawk model) for the best four-wheel-drive performance on- or off-road and in any weather condition. Trail Rated: Renegade Trailhawk 4x4 model For customers who demand the most off-road capability from their Jeep vehicles, the Renegade Trailhawk model delivers best-in-class Trail Rated 4x4 capability with: - Standard Jeep Active Drive Low (20:1 crawl ratio) - Selec-Terrain system with exclusive Rock mode - Increased ride height 20 mm (0.8 inches) - Skid plates, and red front and rear tow hooks - Unique fascias deliver 30.5 degree approach, 25.7 degree breakover and 34.3 degree departure angles - 17-inch all-terrain tires - Up to 205 mm (8.1 inches) of wheel articulation - Hill-descent Control - Up to 480 mm (19 inches) of water fording - Up to 1,500 kg (3,300-lb.) towing capability with MultiJet II diesel engine and 907 kg (2,000- lb.) towing capability with 2.4-liter Tigershark engine, with available tow package A global Jeep design for a rapidly growing global brand From the start, Jeep designers knew the Renegade would need to deliver best-in-class off-road capability with city-sized proportions that exuded the brand's rugged style while at the same time enhancing versatility, maneuverability and style. Additionally designers were tasked to create an all- new SUV that would symbolize the brand's renowned American design and ingenuity, as it would mark the Jeep brand's first entry into the small SUV segment in more than 100 markets around the globe. Last, Renegade had to offer the open-air freedom that dates back to its 1941 roots with the Willys MB Jeep. The result is the all-new 2015 Renegade, a vehicle that builds on the Jeep Wrangler's powerful stance, and features fresh new styling with rugged body forms and aggressive proportions that enable best-in-class approach and departure angles purposely designed to deliver best-in-class off- road capability. And for segment-exclusive panoramic views, two available My Sky open-air roof panel systems conveniently stow to provide passengers open-air freedom with ease. All-new interior exudes a rugged and energetic appearance The all-new Jeep Renegade interior features a rugged and energetic appearance that builds upon Jeep's legendary brand heritage. Its precisely crafted detail, innovative and high-quality color and material appointments, state-of-the-art technology, and clever storage features draw inspiration from contemporary extreme sports gear and lifestyles. The interior of the all-new 2015 Jeep Renegade has a distinctive form language which Jeep designers have titled ―Tek-Tonic.‖ This new design theme is defined by the intersections of soft and tactile forms with rugged and functional details. Major surfaces such as the sculpted soft-touch instrument panel are intersected with bold functional elements like the passenger grab handle – indispensable for off-road adventures and borrowed from its big brother, the legendary Jeep Wrangler. Unique ―protective clamp fasteners,‖ anodized design accents and inspired colors are derived from extreme sports equipment, while the newly familiar ―X‖ shapes inspired by its roof and tail lamps add to Renegade's Tek-Tonic interior look. And to make sure all of the needed passenger gear fits, the Renegade is designed with an efficient and flexible interior package that includes a removable, reversible and height-adjustable cargo floor panel and fold-forward front-passenger seat. My Sky: continuing Jeep open-air freedom since 1941 Keeping the tradition of the legendary 1941 Willys MB Jeep, the all-new 2015 Renegade offers open-air freedom with two available My Sky open-air roof systems. With a manual removable, or removable with premium power tilt/slide feature, the segment-exclusive My Sky roof-panel systems quickly bring the outdoors inside. Designed for convenience, the honeycomb fiberglass polyurethane roof panels are lightweight and stow neatly in the rear cargo area. For added design detail, both My Sky roof systems feature a debossed ―X‖ stamped into the roof that exude strength and play on the brand's utilitarian history. Best-in-class off-road capability with world-class on-road driving dynamics Designed and engineered to first and foremost deliver legendary Jeep 4x4 capability, the all-new 2015 Renegade is the first small SUV from Chrysler Group to use the all-new ―small-wide 4x4 architecture.‖ With its fully independent suspension capable of up to 205 mm (8.1 inches) of wheel articulation and 220 mm (8.7 inches) of ground clearance (Trailhawk), Renegade raises the bar in the small SUV segment with best-in-class off-road capability. Extensive use of advanced steels, composites and advanced computer-impact simulations enable the all-new 2015 Renegade's architecture to deliver world-class torsional stiffness and Jeep brand's durability required for Trail Rated adventures. The all-new Renegade is the first Jeep to integrate Koni's frequency selective damping (FSD) front and rear strut system. This damping system enables the Jeep Renegade to deliver world-class road-holding and handling characteristics. Designed for global markets: 16 powertrain combinations  True to the Jeep brand, the all-new Renegade will offer customers in global markets maximum off- road capability and fuel efficiency. The Renegade will offer up to 16 strategic powertrain combinations – the most ever in a Jeep vehicle – customized to markets around the world to meet a range of performance and efficiency needs. Powertrain options include: - Four MultiAir gasoline engine offerings - Two MultiJet II diesel engine offerings - Efficient and flex-fuel capable E.torQ engine - Emissions and fuel-saving Stop&Start technology - Segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission - Two manual and one dual-dry clutch transmission (DDCT) offerings World's first small SUV with nine-speed automatic transmission Like the new Jeep Cherokee, the all-new 2015 Jeep Renegade has raised the bar - this time in the small SUV class - with the first available nine-speed automatic transmission. When paired with either the 2.0-liter MultiJet II diesel engine, or 2.4-liter MultiAir2 gas engine, the nine-speed transmission delivers numerous benefits customers will appreciate, including aggressive launches, smooth power delivery at highway speeds and improved fuel efficiency versus a six-speed automatic transmission. Segment-exclusive technologies once found only on higher classed SUVs The all-new 2015 Jeep Renegade offers technology features once found only in upper-segment vehicles, and makes them attainable to customers in the growing small SUV segment – including award-winning Uconnect Access, Uconnect touchscreens and the segment's largest full-color instrument cluster. - Uconnect Access: Utilizes embedded cellular technology to allow Jeep Renegade occupants to get directly in contact with local emergency-service dispatchers – all with the push of the 9-1-1 Assist button on the rearview mirror. Uconnect Access applies the same logic to roadside assistance. One push of the ―ASSIST‖ button summons help directly from Chrysler Group's roadside assistance provider, or the Vehicle Customer Care Center. Further peace of mind comes from the system's ability to receive text messages, announce receipt of texts, identify senders and then ―read‖ the messages aloud with Bluetooth-equipped cell phones. AOL Autos named Uconnect Access its ―Technology of the Year for 2013.‖ (Uconnect services may vary in different markets)  - Uconnect touchscreen radio systems: Award-winning in-vehicle handsfree communication, entertainment and available navigation. Key features available on the Uconnect 5.0 and 6.5AN systems include a 5.0-inch or 6.5-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, single or dual-turner, radio data system capability (RDS), digital audio broadcast (DAB), HD Radio, digital media broadcasting (DMB), SiriusXM Radio, SiriusXM Travel Link, SiriusXM Travel Link, USB port and auxiliary audio jack input. (Uconnect services may vary in different markets) - Segment's largest full-color instrument cluster display: Filling the Jeep Renegade's gauge cluster in front of the driver is an available 7-inch, full-color, premium multiview display, featuring a reconfigurable function that enables drivers to personalize information inside the instrument cluster. The information display is designed to visually communicate information, using graphics and text, quickly and easily. Renegade features up to 70 advanced safety and security features Safety and security were at the forefront in the development of the all-new 2015 Jeep Renegade, setting the stage for up to 70 available safety and security features – including the availability of Forward Collision Warning-Plus and LaneSense Departure Warning-Plus. In addition, engineers added both active and passive safety and security features, including Blind- spot Monitoring; Rear Cross Path detection; ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines; electronic stability control (ESC) with electronic roll mitigation and seven standard air bags. Jeep brand's global resources Designed in America and crafted in Italy, the 2015 Renegade continues the Jeep brand's dedication to the global marketplace and demonstrates the depths of its available resources. The final assembly location for the Renegade will be at the Melfi Assembly Plant. The Renegade's global portfolio of powertrain production includes the United States, Italy and Brazil. View full article

Two years ago, Fiat and Mazda made the announcement that the two would jointly develop a new roadster for Alfa Romeo. The new Alfa Romeo would use the underpinnings of the next-generation of the MX-5 Miata, but would use its own powertrains. However a new report says the joint development could go up in smoke. Automotive News Europe has learned from sources that product planners for both companies are planning to meet to discuss the change of Mazda as the partner for the roadster. Hints of this began to swirl around back in September when Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne told the Financial Times that there won't be any Alfa Romeo vehicles built outside of Italy as long as he is in control. Marchionne reiterated this at the Detroit. When asked about the Roadster's future, Marchionne declined. Sources say that Fiat wants to find other ways of fulfilling the agreement made with Mazda as walking away would be very expensive for the brand. So who could Fiat turn to with the Alfa roadster? One source says that it could be Abarth. "Abarth really makes sense for a lightweight, small displacement, high-output two-seat roadster, which perfectly fits the brand's DNA," said a source. We'll keep you updated on this story. Source: Automotive News Europe (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article