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    2022 Jeep Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer Are Back as Massive Luxury SUVs

    The Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer production models have been revealed, after first being shown in concept form last fall.
    The Wagoneer comes standard with a 5.7-liter V-8 and rear-wheel drive while the Grand Wagoneer uses a 6.4-liter V-8 and comes standard with four-wheel drive and air springs.
    Both new full-size Jeeps will be on sale in the summer starting at $59,995 for the Wagoneer and $88,995 for the Grand Wagoneer.
    Here they are: the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer in production form, the way you’ll be able to buy them this summer. We originally saw the Grand Wagoneer, the more luxurious version of the two, as a concept vehicle last fall. Think of the Wagoneer as the Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, or Ford Expedition but better-equipped in base form, and the Grand Wagoneer as the Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator. They’ll also compete with German luxury SUVs including the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS-class. The starting prices sit at $59,995 for the Wagoneer and $88,995 for the Grand Wagoneer, although Jeep says Grand Wagoneers can reach $111,000 fully loaded.

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    Jeep

    Jeep now has three new three-row SUVs that’ll be on sale soon: the unibody Grand Cherokee L and the Wagoneer (pictured above in red) and Grand Wagoneer (pictured above in blue), which use a body-on-frame structure similar to that of the Ram 1500, though Jeep says it’s “essentially” a new platform. The major difference is the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer’s independent rear suspension in place of the Ram’s live rear axle. Though these three Jeeps have similar looks and three rows of seats, the Wagoneers—which are identical in size—are 4.0 inches taller, 6.3 inches wider, and 9.8 inches longer than the Grand Cherokee L. They’re also larger than the aforementioned competitors, too, which are all available with longer wheelbases (Suburban, Yukon XL, Expedition Max, Escalade ESV, Navigator L). We think it’s possible that the Wagoneers will get a stretched version, too.

    How Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer Are Different

    Similar Looks to the Concept Vehicle
    Unlike their competitors’ non-luxury and luxury siblings, these two Jeeps are more like twins, and they don’t look much different than the concept we saw last fall. Grand Wagoneers are distinguished by more chrome, unique lower front fascia, a black roof, and the addition of “Grand” on its badging, which features American flags on both models’ fender badges, as well as more equipment. Their seven-slot grilles stretch lower and are more pronounced than the concept’s, and sadly, the cool illuminating grille won’t see production. The LED lights do have a welcome sequence at startup, though, and puddle lamps display “Wagoneer” on the ground. And, unlike the concept, the taillights don’t spread the full width of the rear. These new Jeeps have a commanding presence even if they do look a little awkward from the back.

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    2022 Jeep Wagoneer.
    Jeep

    The concept sat on a set of massive 24-inch wheels, but only wheels ranging 18 to 22 inches are available on the production models, and they’ll have Wagoneer-scripted center caps. Seven exterior color choices are available for the Wagoneer: Diamond Black, Bright White, Luxury White, Silver Zynith, Baltic Gray, Velvet Red, and River Rock Blue, and the Grand Wagoneer adds Midnight Sky Blue, Rocky Mountain Green, and Ember Red to its palette.

    Jeep

    Jeep

    Opulent Cabins
    The Wagoneer starts nearly $10,000 higher than the Chevy Tahoe, although the Jeep is better-equipped in base form than the Chevy, which comes with cloth seats and not as many standard features as the Wagoneer. So, really, it’s more like a GMC Yukon Denali. Nappa leather seats come standard, though Palermo quilted leather is available on the Grand Wagoneer. The two-spoke steering wheel is reminiscent of Wagoneers of old, and it fronts a standard 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster on the Wagoneer or a 12.3-inch screen on the Grand Wagoneer. Like the concept and the Grand Cherokee L, the Wagoneers have a backlit aluminum shift knob with switches for the available terrain modes and ride height settings on either side.

    Jeep

    2022 Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer Packed with Tech

    Wagoneers get a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with Stellantis’s Uconnect 5 infotainment system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, and the Grand Wagoneer’s screens are even bigger. It has a 12.0-inch unit with an additional 10.3-inch touchscreen below that for climate controls (there’s also one for the second row). Even more screens are available, including a 10.3-inch passenger display integrated into the dashboard above the glovebox and 10.1-inch screens for the second-row seatbacks, too. Devices can be plugged in via HDMI and they’ll be able to stream over the onboard Wi-Fi to watch Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube through Amazon Fire TV for Auto. Other available equipment includes a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, McIntosh sound system, cooled center console storage, and a touchpad safe under the front armrest.
    Both models can be had with a second-row bench seat with seating for eight or second-row captain’s chairs with room for seven, and there’s slightly more room in the second row than full-size utes from Ford and GM. They have more third-row legroom, too, though only half an inch more than the Ford, and 6.3 inches more than the Grand Cherokee L.

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    Jeep

    Powertrains
    Rear-wheel drive is standard on the Wagoneer, although three other drive systems are available. Quadra-Trac I and II are single- and two-speed transfer cases, respectively, and Quadra-Drive II includes the two-speed transfer case and adds an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential. Also available are air springs that can raise the Wagoneers 3.6 inches. Grand Wagoneers come standard with Quadra-Trac II and the air springs. Five terrain modes—auto, sport, rock, snow, and mud/sand—as well as hill-descent control are included with the four-wheel-drive systems.

    How the Wagoneer Stacks Up against the Competition

    The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Can Cost Six Figures

    2022 Jeep Wagoneer Starts at $60K, Reaches $75K

    Both Wagoneers have V-8 engines, though Jeep says a hybrid model will be available eventually (the concept was a plug-in hybrid). The Wagoneer is powered by a 5.7-liter V-8 that makes 392 horsepower and 404 pound-feet of torque with a 48-volt belt-driven motor/generator system called eTorque. Grand Wagoneers are equipped with a 6.4-liter V-8 with 471 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque, and Jeep says it will reach 60 mph in 6.0 seconds. Both engines feature cylinder deactivation and are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Wagoneers can tow up to 10,000 pounds, while the Grand Wagoneer is maxed out at 9860 pounds because it weighs a little more.
    Like the Grand Cherokee L, the Wagoneers will eventually be available with hands-free driving, Jeep says. For comparison, the Cadillac Escalade can be equipped with GM’s Super Cruise hands-free tech for $2500. At launch, though, Jeep’s lane-centering and adaptive cruise control technology is available, as well as night vision for animal and pedestrian detection and 360-degree cameras.
    The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will go on sale this summer, though the base $59,995 version won’t arrive until later. Both Jeeps can be had with three levels of varying equipment. Reservations for 12 different available pre-configured models can be placed here with a $500 deposit. A Grand Wagoneer Obsidian edition, which is a blacked-out version with black 22-inch wheels, badging, and interior, will also arrive this summer starting at $100,995.
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    Changing of the Guard: Genesis G80 vs. BMW 840i

    When it comes to sporty, luxury sedans, the market has been dominated for decades by European-based heritage brands. It’s hard to believe any new entry would be able to pack a punch against the industry’s well-established heavyweight—until now.
    In a “Head-to-Heart” matchup between one youthful competitor and an enduring classic, automotive journalist and enthusiast, Nick Jaynes, together with Esquire’s Culture & Lifestyle Director, Kevin Sintumuang, take the opportunity to dial in on the details of the new Genesis G80 and the segment-defining BMW 840i.
    Powered by an available 375-horsepower, 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine, the Genesis G80 harnesses a performance-led prowess set on classic rear-wheel drive proportions. The swift acceleration and nimble handling is coupled with a comfortable adaptive suspension that creates a cushioned ride-quality on even the city’s sometimes challenging pavement.
    “Something I’ve noticed in a lot of new cars when they come out, is nothing feels that genuinely new anymore,” says Jaynes, “but Genesis, especially the G80, is one of the standouts.” With a focus on intelligence and design, the Genesis G80’s uncluttered and refined interior is a class above the rest. Provocative styling combined with sleek craftsmanship boast plush ergonomic seating and sophisticated connectivity featuring an intuitive 14.5-inch infotainment center and available wireless charging.
    But it all comes down to how the driver feels behind the wheel. Join us as we take an in-depth look at Genesis’ journey to set a new standard of luxury.
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    How to Watch 2022 Jeep Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer Debut on March 11

    The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will be revealed in a livestream at noon ET on Thursday, March 11. Before that, we’ll have full details and images here at midnight tonight.
    Jeep already showed a Grand Wagoneer concept, but this livestream event will reveal the production-ready versions.
    The Wagoneer is expected to compete with large mainstream SUVs, and the Grand Wagoneer will take on more expensive luxury rivals.
    Jeep will officially pull the covers off its newly resurrected 2022 Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer full-size SUVs via livestream at noon on Thursday, March 11.

    Jeep Grand Wagoneer Will Top $100K, Start at $60K

    10 Easter Eggs Not to Miss on Jeep Grand Wagoneer

    Jeep Grand Wagoneer Returns as a $100K SUV

    The event will be the first time the world sees the production-ready versions of either model, but it comes after the reveal of the thinly veiled Grand Wagoneer concept last fall. At that time, we learned that the new Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will have three-row seating and likely compete against mainstream and luxury rivals, respectively, when they go on sale in the middle of this year.
    While official pricing hasn’t been announced, Jeep president Christian Meunier has said that the Wagoneer will start at around $60,000 and a fully loaded Grand Wagoneer will eclipse $100,000. The former is priced in the same ballpark as non-luxury rivals such as the Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition. The latter Jeep is priced alongside high-class alternatives such as the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator.

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    Jeep

    Before anyone clutches their pearls at the thought of a six-figure Jeep SUV based on the Ram 1500 pickup truck, don’t forget that the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk can crest $100K, and the half-ton Ram is available with a truly luxury-grade cabin. Considering that as well as all the cool tech and upscale options that were teased by the Grand Wagoneer concept, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the reveal of the production models at noon on Thursday.
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    275-HP Hyundai Kona N Previewed with Aggressive Looks

    Hyundai has shared a first glimpse at the Kona N, this time without camouflage.
    This high-performance version of the small SUV will have the same powertrain as the Veloster N.
    The Kona N will debut within the next few weeks and should arrive in the U.S. by the end of the year.
    Hyundai is about to take the Kona into the high-performance sphere, where no subcompact crossover has gone before. This is our best look yet at the Kona N, which will be the latest car to receive Hyundai’s racy treatment. From what we can see, it looks the part, and the specs are enticing too.

    Hyundai Kona N Confirmed for U.S., Specs Revealed

    Hyundai Veloster N DCT Hits 60 in 4.8 Seconds

    Like the Veloster N with which it shares its 275-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, the Kona N has red accents, extra vents and scoops, and an intense-looking rear diffuser with dual exhaust tips. There’s an F1-style triangular brake light by the rear spoiler, and the 10-spoke wheels look sporty, too. The interior will likely feature aggressively bolstered seats and plenty of N badges.

    Hyundai

    Sadly, the Kona N won’t offer a manual transmission like its hot-hatch stablemate. Instead, it will come only with the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that was added to the Veloster for 2021. Hyundai hasn’t said yet whether the Kona N has front- or all-wheel drive. We can expect strong acceleration given that the Veloster N with the dual-clutch got to 60 mph in a scant 4.8 seconds in our testing.
    Look for Hyundai to share full info on the Kona N within the next few weeks.
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    2021 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Costs $75,000 More Than Benz Model

    The ultra-luxury Mercedes-Maybach S-class sedan will arrive at U.S. dealerships this summer with a starting price of $185,950.
    Based on the Mercedes-Benz S-class luxury sedan, the Maybach version sports styling embellishments, a longer wheelbase, and a decadent interior.
    The new Maybach S-class is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 which is shared with the Benz model and makes 496 horsepower.
    Although it’s far from the most expensive car Mercedes offers, the 2021 Mercedes-Maybach S580’s asking price still dwarfs that of its Benz-branded analogue. Starting at $185,950, the sumptuously appointed luxury sedan is set to go on sale this summer and is even more expensive than the similarly posh Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 SUV as well.

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    Mercedes-Benz

    The $75,000 price hike over the Benz S-class gets you plenty of equipment, including a standard 496-hp twin-turbo V-8 engine, a roomier rear seat thanks to the Maybach’s stretched wheelbase, and a host of deliciously decadent features such as plush pillowed headrests, a 30-speaker Burmester audio system, massaging front seats, and an in-cabin fragrance system which offers both floral and leather aromas.

    How Mercedes Transforms Luxury into Maybachs

    2021 Mercedes-Maybach S580 Luxury Liner Has It All

    2021 Maybach GLS600 Goes Shiny and Chrome

    The price tag can be jacked up even higher, too. Many of the Maybach’s best features are reserved as options, including the massaging executive rear seats and the integrated beverage cooler with matching champagne flutes. Mercedes-Maybach will also offer a host of personalization options to allow buyers to spec their ride to their exacting standards—for a price. We don’t yet know what that price is, however, as Mercedes has yet to release full option pricing.
    The Maybach S-class, despite its six-figure price tag, is still a relative bargain in the ultra-luxury marketplace. Consider that its closest rivals, the Bentley Flying Spur and the Rolls-Royce Ghost both cost more to start. The Bentley’s opens at $219,425 and the Rolls, which has recently been redesigned as well, is expected to start at over $300,000.
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    Tesla Tells California DMV that FSD Is Not Capable of Autonomous Driving

    In a letter to the California DMV, Tesla admits that FSD is not full self-driving.
    The correspondence between Tesla and the California DMV notes that FSD and Autopilot are both SAE Level 2 automation.
    The automaker does say that it is working toward deploying autonomous features to its vehicles.

    Musk Expects Full Self-Driving in 2021

    Tesla’s FSD Beta Developer Settings Leaked

    Rewritten Autopilot Is Coming in a Few Months

    Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been promising FSD (Full Self Driving) software for years. For owners, opting for the chance to have their Tesla drive them to work and back mostly on its own has set them back to the tune of up to $10,000. But according to a letter that Tesla sent to the California DMV about FSD’s capability, acquired by PlainSite via a public records request, the dream of a self-driving car from the automaker this year might be just that, a dream.
    The key correspondence comes from December 28, 2020, between Tesla’s associate general counsel Eric C. Williams and California DMV’s chief of the autonomous vehicles branch, Miguel D. Acosta. A letter details the capabilities of both Autopilot and FSD: “Currently neither Autopilot nor FSD Capability is an autonomous system, and currently no comprising feature, whether singularly or collectively, is autonomous or makes our vehicles autonomous,” Williams states.
    This a departure from Musk’s messaging about FSD’s capabilities. During a July 2020 video interview with the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, the CEO stated, “I think at Tesla, I feel like we are very close to level 5 autonomy. I think I remain confident that we will have the basic functionality for level 5 autonomy complete this year.”
    But Williams paints a different picture of FSD’s capabilities in his letter to the California DMV. “As you know, Autopilot is an optional suite of driver-assistance features that are representative of SAE Level 2 automation (SAE L2). Features that comprise Autopilot are traffic-aware cruise control and autosteer. Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability is an additional optional suite of features that builds from Autopilot and is also representative of SAE L2.”

    SAE

    The SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) says that Level 5 autonomy technology “can drive the vehicle under all conditions,” and that it can drive everywhere. Level 2 provides steering, braking, and acceleration support for the driver but requires that the driver be constantly supervising the vehicle and features. It’s akin to what’s currently available on many new vehicles with advanced driver-assistance packages.
    In the letter, Williams does leave open the possibility for the system to mature. “Please note that Tesla’s development of true autonomous features (SAE Levels 3+) will follow our iterative process (development, validation, early release, etc.) and any such features will not be released to the general public until we have fully validated them and received any required regulatory permits or approvals.”
    But for now, Tesla says “we do not expect significant enhancements” to the system that would shift responsibility away from the driver, meaning that the final software release will be SAE Level 2.
    That regulatory approval process is what started the entire conversation between Tesla and the California DMV. Acosta emailed Williams after seeing a tweet from CEO Elon Musk concerning the December 2020 holiday update that Musk said would have a FSD sneak peek. Acosta informed Williams that deploying an autonomous vehicle on California roads requires a permit—a permit that Tesla did not have.
    Tesla’s deployment of FSD has been mired in delays from the beginning. It was supposed to be deployed by the end of 2019 and then by the end of 2020. Now, in 2021, the claimed timeline has again shifted to the end of this year. Meanwhile, the automaker has pushed a beta of the system to a small group of privately owned vehicles. That collection of Tesla owners testing out FSD is likely to grow in the next two weeks according to Musk with a download button being deployed to supported vehicles likely by the end of March.
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    Like previous beta releases of FSD, it’ll warn participants to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road. According to the letter sent to the state of California, Tesla owners should also expect that when the final software is deployed and they enable their $10,000 option, the car will give them the same warnings.
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    Kia Recalls 308,000 Vehicles for Fire Risk, Tells Owners to Park Outside

    Kia has issued a recall for 379,931 of its vehicles, including the 2017 to 2019 Cadenza and the 2017 to 2021 Sportage due to the risk of a fire coming from the engine compartment.
    The fire can result from an electrical short, and before owners bring their vehicles in to dealers to have the part replaced, Kia says the vehicles should be parked outside.
    Kia, as well as Hyundai, has recalled many other vehicles for fire risk and was recently fined for moving too slowly on recalling certain vehicles.
    Kia has issued a recall for 379,931 of its vehicles, including the 2017 to 2019 Cadenza sedan and the 2017 to 2021 Sportage due to the risk of an electric short-circuit in the engine compartment leading to a fire, according to documents on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. Kia recommends that before owners are able to get the affected part replaced, they should park their vehicles outside and away from structures. Kia Cadenza and Sportage owners can check the NHTSA recalls website to find out if their vehicle is affected.

    Hyundai Fined Millions over Engine Recall Response

    NHTSA Looking into Hyundai and Kia Engine Fires

    Hyundai, Kia Recalling 591,000 Vehicles

    The electric short occurs within the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit, but the exact cause of the short is unknown. Owners could see the pressure warning light, ABS warning light, or MIL warning light illuminate on the dashboard before the fire starts, or possibly smell or see smoke. Kia will begin notifying owners of the recall beginning on April 30 and dealers will remedy the recall through replacing fuses in the electrical junction box.
    Kia said that it is unaware of any fires resulting from the electrical short in the affected Cadenzas and Sportages, but the potential for fires has become a common reason Kia and Hyundai vehicles have been recalled. In the fall of last year, Hyundai and Kia recalled 591,000 vehicles for a brake-fluid leak which could result in a fire. And earlier in the 2020, Hyundai recalled 430,000 Elantra sedans for the potential of water entering the ABS module and starting a fire.
    The Associated Press estimates that six million vehicles built by Hyundai and Kia have been recalled for risk of catching fire or engine failure since 2015. Back in 2019, NHTSA launched an investigation into three million Hyundai and Kia vehicles for their risk to catch fire. The vehicles included in the investigation were 2010 to 2015 Hyundai and Kia models with 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter engines. In addition to recalls, that investigation resulted in Hyundai and Kia being fined $210 million for moving too slowly on recalling certain vehicles.
    Kia denied the allegations that they moved too slowly but agreed to pay the fine and avoid a legal fight, according to the AP.
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    2022 Volvo XC60 Updated with Design Tweaks, New Infotainment

    The updated 2022 Volvo XC60 features a new infotainment system and a tweaked design.
    The touchscreen now runs the company’s Android-based connectivity software.
    Expect to see the 2022 XC60 arrive at U.S. dealers this summer.
    Volvo is freshening up the XC60 for 2022 with design and technology updates. The compact SUV looks slightly different than before and has a new infotainment system, and there are minor changes to the driver-assistance systems and interior trim as well.

    Made in China: 40,000 Miles in Volvo’s XC60

    Polestar 2’s Google Infotainment Is a Revolution

    The XC60’s vertically oriented touchscreen now runs Volvo’s Android-based infotainment system, as first seen in Polestar models and the electric XC40 Recharge. This software runs apps such as Google Maps for navigation and Google Play for music. Other tech upgrades include upgraded sensors, radars, and cameras for the various driver-assistance systems.

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    Volvo

    Visual changes are subtle and include a reshaped grille and front bumper, along with new wheel designs and newly available exterior colors. There are new interior materials available as well.
    We don’t expect to see any changes to the XC60’s available powertrains. In the U.S. it offers T5, T6, and T8 models, all of which are powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four. The T5’s version of this engine has a turbocharger and makes 250 horsepower; the T6 adds a supercharger for a total of 316 horsepower; and the T8 is a plug-in hybrid with electric motors that produces a total output of 400 horsepower.
    Pricing for the 2022 XC60 is not yet available but it will likely rise slightly compared with the current model, which starts at $42,795 and ranges up to $70,595 for a T8 with Polestar performance upgrades.
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