Stellantis telah mendedahkan platform STLA Large yang akan digunakan untuk pelbagai model midsize dan besar. Platform ini, sebahagian daripada senibina fleksibel Stellantis untuk kereta elektrik dan enjin pembakaran dalam, menjanjikan penyesuaian yang mengagumkan, fleksibiliti pemanduan kuasa, dan keupayaan prestasi.
Platform STLA Large direka untuk kereta segmen D dan E, crossover dan SUV, meliputi kenderaan midsize hingga besar.. Dengan panjang antara 4765mm hingga 5125mm dan lebar dari 1897mm hingga 2029mm, sedikit lebih besar daripada Peugeot 5008, platform ini menawarkan penyesuaian yang besar dalam overhang, jarak roda, penempatan suspensi, dan susunan pemanduan kuasa.
Ciri-ciri utama platform STLA Large termasuk:
Menyokong susunan penggerak roda hadapan, roda belakang, dan semua roda dengan pilihan susunan motor tunggal dan dua motor. Enjin pembakaran dalam juga boleh didapati, sama ada secara bersendirian atau sebagai hibrid. Penempatan enjin boleh dilakukan secara membujur atau melintang.
Pilihan untuk pak bateri dengan kapasiti antara 85 hingga 118 kWh, dengan reka bentuk 400 dan 800 volt. Stellantis mendakwa kereta gaya sedan pada platform ini boleh mencapai jarak sehingga 804km.
Direka untuk dengan mudah menampung teknologi penyimpanan tenaga masa depan, memberikan petunjuk kepada kemungkinan kemajuan dalam kimia bateri dan bateri solid-state.
Beberapa model di platform ini dijangka mencapai masa 0-100km/j dalam julat 2 saat. Ciri-ciri seperti differential slip terhad dan putuskan roda menyumbang kepada penyampaian kuasa yang lebih baik dan penurunan geseran mekanikal.
Platform ini sejajar dengan strategi elektrifikasi Stellantis, menyokong model seperti konsep Dodge Charger Daytona dan Jeep Wagoneer S. Konsep Charger menunjukkan pelbagai pemandu kuasa elektrik dengan keluaran antara 456hp hingga 670hp, dan Wagoneer S dijangka menawarkan varian elektrik yang kuat dengan kira-kira 600hp.
Pelancaran platform STLA Large bersamaan dengan pengenalan model-model Dodge dan Jeep baru pada tahun 2024. Stellantis merancang untuk meluaskan penggunaan platform ini kepada Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, dan Maserati, dengan keseluruhan lapan model di seluruh barisan Stellantis dijadualkan untuk dilancarkan sehingga 2026.
In a move that signals Stellantis’ commitment to an electrified future, the automotive giant has revealed the STLA Large platform, set to underpin a range of midsize and large models. This platform, part of Stellantis’ flexible architectures for electric and internal combustion cars, promises impressive adjustability, powertrain flexibility, and performance capabilities.
The STLA Large platform is designed for D- and E-segment cars, crossovers, and SUVs, covering midsize to large vehicles. With lengths ranging from 4765mm to 5125mm and width from 1897mm to 2029mm, slightly bigger than a Peugeot 5008, the platform offers significant adjustability in overhangs, wheelbase, suspension placement, and powertrain arrangement.
Key features of the STLA Large platform include:
Powertrain Flexibility: Supports front-, rear-, and all-wheel-drive layouts with options for single- and dual-motor setups. Internal combustion engines are also available, either alone or as hybrids. Longitudinal or transverse engine placements are accommodated.
Battery Packs: Options for battery packs with capacities between 85 and 118 kWh, available in 400- and 800-volt designs. Stellantis claims sedan-style vehicles on this platform could achieve a range of up to 804km.
Future-Ready: Designed to easily accommodate future energy storage technologies, hinting at potential advancements in battery chemistries and solid-state batteries.
Impressive Performance: Some models on the platform are expected to achieve 0-100km/h times in the 2-second range. Features like limited-slip differentials and wheel-end disconnects contribute to enhanced power delivery and reduced mechanical drag.
This platform aligns with Stellantis’ electrification strategy, supporting models like the concept Dodge Charger Daytona Banshee and Jeep Wagoneer S. The Charger concept showcased a wide range of electric powertrains with outputs ranging from 456hp to 670hp, and the Wagoneer S is expected to offer a powerful electric variant with around 600hp.
The launch of the STLA Large platform coincides with the introduction of new Dodge and Jeep models in 2024. Stellantis plans to extend the use of this platform to Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, and Maserati, with a total of eight models across the Stellantis lineup scheduled to launch through 2026. The platform’s adaptability, performance capabilities, and focus on electrification position it as a pivotal element in Stellantis’ transition toward sustainable and high-performance mobility.
Jeep bersedia untuk memperkenalkan kenderaan elektrik pertamanya yang ditujukan untuk pasaran Amerika Syarikat – Wagoneer S. Dijadualkan untuk dilancarkan pada musim gugur 2024, jenama ini telah memberi tanda kepada peminat dengan video pendek, gambar menarik, dan angka prestasi yang mengagumkan iaitu 600hp dan masa 0-100km/j sekitar 3.5 saat.
Wagoneer S akan ditempatkan sebagai kenderaan elektrik eksklusif dan akan menampilkan sistem penggerak semua roda berjenama 4xe oleh Jeep sebagai standard, bersama-sama dengan sistem pengurusan ‘all-terrain’ terkenal jenama ini. Walaupun butiran khusus mengenai saiz bateri, varian, teknologi motor, dan harga belum diumumkan, Jeep berjanji untuk mendedahkan lebih banyak maklumat menjelang tarikh jualan, mengekalkan ketegangan peminat.
Wagoneer S dijangka akan tiba di pengedar Amerika Syarikat terlebih dahulu sebelum membuat kehadirannya di “pasaran utama di seluruh dunia”. Jeep menekankan bahawa reka bentuk Wagoneer S memberi keutamaan kepada kecekapan aerodinamik. Foto teaser yang tunggal menawarkan pandangan hadapan struktur yang ramping, kurang berkotak berbanding Jeep tradisional.
Ciri-ciri yang mencolok termasuk saliran masuk yang kelihatan seperti pisau pada bumper bawah, gril tujuh slot ikonik berlampu LED, dan petunjuk dari video teaser menunjukkan bar lampu LED padat yang menghiasi bahagian belakang. Dengan penampilan yang sangat serupa dengan konsep 2022, Wagoneer S mengekalkan estetiknya yang berbeza sambil merangkul masa depan elektrik.
Jeep is set to make history with the introduction of its first electric vehicle bound for the US market – the eagerly awaited Wagoneer S. Slated for a fall 2024 release, the brand has teased enthusiasts with a short video, a captivating image, and impressive performance figures which is 600hp and a 0-100km/h time of approximately 3.5 seconds.
Positioned as an exclusive battery-electric vehicle, the Wagoneer S will feature Jeep’s 4xe-branded all-wheel drive as standard, coupled with the brand’s renowned all-terrain management system. While specific details regarding battery size, trims, motor technology, and pricing are yet to be disclosed, Jeep promises to unveil more information as the on-sale date approaches, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
The Wagoneer S is set to hit US dealerships first before making its mark in “key markets around the world.” Jeep emphasises that the design of the Wagoneer S prioritises aerodynamic efficiency. The lone teaser photo offers a head-on view of a sleek, less blocky structure than traditional Jeeps.
Noteworthy features include blade-like side inlets on the lower bumper, the iconic seven-slot grille is LED-lit, and hints from the teaser video suggest a solid LED light bar gracing the rear end. Strikingly similar to the 2022 concept, the Wagoneer S maintains its distinctive aesthetic while embracing the electric future.
Since the European Car of the Year (COTY) awards began in 1964, the winners have come from European brands with the first one from Japan in 1993. That of course discounts Ford as being as American brand as the Ford models that won were essentially European models. So there has never been an American brand winning the European COTY – until 2023.
At the Brussels Motor Show today, the Jeep Avenger was announced as this year’s winner, probably a surprise to many as there were strong contenders among the other six finalists. It’s the first time that Jeep – a thoroughly American brand – has won the award though other brands in the Stellantis Group (which it is part of) have won awards over the years.
Like other long established carmakers, Jeep started its electrification journey with hybrid powertrains with the intention of offering battery electric vehicles (BEVs) during this decade. It’s now moving into that phase with the unveiling of the Avenger, the brand’s first-ever BEV, at the Paris Motorshow this week.
To be manufactured in Poland, the Avenger is ‘right-sized’ for markets outside North America with its compact dimensions and will spearhead Jeep’s coming BEV range in Europe, in particular. “It offers Jeep brand capability that is right-sized for the European market and at the Paris Motor Show, we are showcasing why it is a great all-electric Jeep brand alternative to current players in the B-SUV segment,” said Christian Meunier, Jeep brand CEO.
Jeep, which began as the name for a military vehicle before becoming a brand name, will go fully electric by the end of this decade. Although it already has some electrified (hybrid powertrains) models, it will only introduce battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by the end of 2025.
As part of its ‘Dare Forward 2030’ long-term strategic plan, 100% of European sales will be BEV models by the end of 2030, while 50% of Jeep brand sales in the USA will be fully electric by then. All four new BEV models will be SUVs.
Jeep recently released the first images of two pf the forthcoming BEVs – the new Recon and new Wagoneer (codename Wagoneer S), while confirming that the all-new Avenger will go on sale launch in Europe early next year.
Currently, Jeep has been enjoying success with its 4xe plug-in hybrid models – the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee – and are drawing on the technology for the BEVs being developed. The electrification plan will also expand the Wagoneer portfolio which will have powertrains targeted to give up to 500 kms of range. The Wagoneer S will be a global BEV model and production will start in 2024 in North America.
Pick-up trucks aren’t an Italian speciality and there are no models of note in this segment. However, when it comes to coachbuilding and customising vehicles, the Italians have a long history. Besides the well known names, there are also smaller outfits like MILITEM which creates automobiles for the premium-luxury market.
The company works exclusively with American vehicles and applies typical ‘Made in Italy’ craftsmanship. Its latest offering is the FEROX-T, a more upmarket truck that is referred to as a Spot Utility Truck (SUT). It is a premium luxury product and merges the ruggedness of its American background with the Italian flair.
Developed from Jeep model
The FEROX-T is developed from Jeep’s Gladiator Rubicon model, which already has all-terrain capability, a high-degree of functionality and versatility. It’s a fully engineered vehicle which combines the comfort of an SUV and the functionality of a pick-up.
What MILITEM has done is the enhance the characteristics of each and add a host of technical and content upgrades. In terms of performance and technical specifications, MILITEM would like to declare the FEROX-T as the ‘supercar among pick-ups’.
The bodywork has a strong, hi-tech and muscular image, unique in one sense but also maintaining the overall ‘family feeling’ of the MILITEM range. Features such as the brand’s emblematic honeycomb black grille (also available in carbonfibre), wide-body wheel arches (in carbonfibre or body-coloured) and MILITEM’s own 20-inch rims provide the exclusivity.
The FEROX roll-bar
A distinctive element is the FEROX Bar. This is a roll-bar which is more stylish than the original and allows the retractable LED headlights to be fitted. Also available as an option is the cargo bed in a hi-tech nautical material (customers can select their own colour).
The FEROX-T also has motorised retractable running boards, new smoked ‘Neutral fume’ front and rear lights, door rim puddle lights and can also be equipped with an LED lightbar in the front bumper. The two Black Performance tailpipes are in-house design features. They have a Dual-Mode function to enhance the SUT’s twin personality: a button on the centre console modifies the exhaust notes.
Comfortable, luxurious enclosure
The cabin is a comfortable and luxurious enclosure with refinement and high-grade materials. Customers get Italian leather upholstery on the seats fitted by hand and the option to select Alcantara inserts. Personalisation is, of course, possible with a wide range of leather, fabric (including denim) and technical fabrics.
The all-black detailing adds an extra touch of luxury and sportiness to the cabin. The centre console houses a button that activates the multi-coloured ambient lighting, another exclusive touch.
V6 power with Rock-Trac 4×4 system
The FEROX-T uses the same engine that comes with the Gladiator Rubicon, a 285 bhp/353 Nm 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine. An 8-speed automatic transmission and 4×4 Rock-Trac system drives all four wheels. MILITEM engineers have tuned the suspension and there are twin-tank dampeners in aluminium and finished in carbonfibre.
Pricing for the FEROX-T in Italy starts from 97,490 euros (about RM473,000) and the warranty in European markets is 36 months/100,000 kms but can be extended to 72 months with unlimited mileage.
Jeep has had a lot of different models since its first vehicle came out of the factory in 1945. During the early years, Jeeps were pretty much utilitarian vehicles, especially those which were used by the armed forces. Other companies like Ford and even Toyota began promoting 4×4 vehicles for recreational purposes and configured them for such use.
Jeep decided to also compete in the segment which would only take off in the 1990s. It came out with a model called the Jeepster Commando which catered to growing interest in leisure time use of 4×4 vehicles. It was the first compact 4×4 vehicle with an automatic transmission and, unlike the Jeep CJs of its day, it boasted modern amenities such as doors, roll-up side glass, a heater and roof, as standard equipment.
‘Resto-Mod’ project
The Jeepster made an impact in its early years but a change of engine caused a decline in the early 1970s. However, like many classics, it gained cult status years after it was discontinued. This year, the designers at Jeep picked the 1968 Jeepster for their ‘Resto-Mod’ project, seamlessly blending it with a 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.
The Jeepster Beach concept, like the original, is made for fun in the sun, and this ultimate beach-themed cruiser continues that tradition by embodying a spirited, carefree attitude. The body was modified and the exterior fuses original chrome trim with an updated, brightly coloured two-tone paint scheme of Hazy IPA and Zinc Oxide.
Vintage looks, modern mechanicals
While the Jeepster Beach concept maintains the outward appearance of a vintage Jeepster, it commands peak performance both on and off-road delivered by the modern-day Wrangler. Under the bonnet lives a high-tech 2-litre 4-cylinder engine pushing out 270 bhp/400 Nm. It has direct-injection and uses a twin-scroll, low-inertia turbocharger mounted directly to the cylinder head, along with a dedicated cooling circuit for the turbocharger, intake air and throttle body for exceptional responsiveness, performance and fuel efficiency. An 8-speed automatic transmission mated to a 4:1 transfer case delivers power to all four 35-inch tyres.
The custom interior features low-back bucket seats trimmed in red leather. The rear seat was replaced with a chrome, 4-point safety cage and the carpets were removed to make cleaning out sand a breeze.
Jeep is a highly recognisable brand globally although it has not had much of a presence in Malaysia. Perhaps that’s partly because we were not associated with America much, being a British colony, and where 4×4 vehicles were concerned, it was the Land Rover that has had a long presence on our roads. Most Malaysians know Jeep for its original Wrangler that was based on the World War II vehicle although the range today is much wider.
The only time that Jeep had a lengthy period of sales in Malaysia was in the 1990s when an MBf automotive unit took on the franchise. It sold the Jeep Cherokee (which was also assembled locally in Johor) and then tried to sell the bigger Grand Cherokee. The Cherokee sold reasonably well but then came the financial crisis of the late 1990s and Jeep was one of the casualties. The moment the numbers dropped below 4 digits, the Americans who were here to support marketing packed up and went home, and Jeep didn’t bother to renew the contract. DRB-HICOM had a go some years back but with the way the models were priced, most people preferred the more established alternative SUVs in the market.
First time with 3 rows
So Malaysians don’t know much about Jeep and won’t know much about the range to know that the Grand Cherokee has 4 generations since 1993 and this week, the fifth generation has made its debut. Besides being a full model change – meaning a complete redesign – the new Grand Cherokee has a wider range with the addition of the Grand Cherokee L, a longer version which has 3 rows of seats, a first for the model.
The platform is a totally new one and has been specially developed for the new generation. Like the Cherokee, the Grand Cherokee has also had monocoque construction or what the Americans like to call unibody, which is just like a passenger car’s. Many of the full-sized (large to us) SUVs in America continue to have body-on-chassis construction which is similar to pick-up trucks.
Weight-saving has been a priority for the engineers and besides using high-strength steel for 60% of the structure, aluminium is also used in many areas. These include the bonnet, rear door and front subframe.
Passenger car-type bodyshell
The unibody construction allows the Grand Cherokee to have a more passenger car-like feel, and multi-link independent suspension is used all round. For those who want more comfort, air suspension is also available and allows variation of the ride height to tackle more difficult terrain.
Powertrains are typically large, with displacements of 3.6 litres and 5.7 litres, both with 8-speed automatic transmissions. Like Land Rover, Jeep also draws heavily on its 4×4 heritage and for the Grand Cherokee, there are three 4×4 systems available. To reduce fuel consumption, the systems are able to disconnect the front axle automatically when the situation permits.
New seating structure
As mentioned earlier, the Grand Cherokee can now have up to 3 rows of seats to accommodate up to 7 people. The additional row is being offered as customer feedback indicates demand for it. This required a new seating structure to be developed for the Grand Cherokee L, apart from the new platform.
Up front, the dashboard layout has been entirely changed, with a 10.3-inch frameless digital meter panel ahead of the driver, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen display panel in the middle for infotainment. There’s the option of a larger 10.1-inch screen for the top variant as well as a 950W/19-speaker audio system custom-tuned by McIntosh Laboratory. As with most new vehicles nowadays, there are multiple connectivity choices including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and UConnect 5.
New generation of interiors
“The objective for the interior design team was to create a unique statement for 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. We viewed the overall design process through a wide lens that allowed us to use a new generation of Jeep interiors,” said Chris Benjamin, Head of Jeep, Chrysler and Advanced Interior Design, FCA. “While the Jeep Grand Cherokee interior has been synonymous with sophistication, our approach to the three-row version was to showcase distinguished details, handcrafted materials and modern amenities that pair seamlessly with its tailored exterior.”
The new Grand Cherokee L will be the first into the showrooms during the second quarter of 2021, while the 2-row and 4xe hybrid versions will come later in the year. For the immediate future, the Grand Cherokee L will only be available in North America and will not be exported to Europe, Middle East and Africa until the end of this year.