02/21/24 - New Land Cruiser Starts below $60K 🚗, Lamborghini introduce a groundbreaking wheel 🤖, Jeep Recalls Nearly 200k Hybrids 🏭

GM. Rev up your day with the latest automotive news and insights delivered to your inbox in our exclusive newsletter! What we cover in today’s edition:

• 🚗 Car reveal/review: 

  • New Land Cruiser Starts below $60K, Climbs Near $80K

  • New Cupra Born upgraded to 326hp, keeps RWD

• 🏭 Industry trend: Jeep Recalls Nearly 200,000 Hybrids For Malfunctioning Defrost System, These 3 major automakers may team up to save themselves

• 🤖 Auto Tech: Qualcomm sparks the next phase of the world’s first Wi-Fi 7 for automotive, Lamborghini reinvents the wheel, Stellantis Patent Previews Clever 2-Speed Gearbox For Electric Off-Roaders

• 😄 Fun read: Here's Why Busted Plastic Grille Flaps On A Newer Car Can Cause A Check Engine Light

New Land Cruiser Starts below $60K, Climbs Near $80K (5 mins read)

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, debuting in the US this year, offers three trims: Land Cruiser 1958 starting at $57,445, standard with a turbocharged hybrid engine. All trims feature full-time 4WD and electronic swaybar disconnect. The mid-tier trim, Land Cruiser, at $63,445, offers upgraded features and options, with a premium package available. The range-topping First Edition, starting at $76,445, boasts exclusive features and enhanced off-road capability. Production is in Japan, alongside Lexus GX, with availability in spring. Read more.

New Cupra Born upgraded to 326hp, keeps RWD (3 mins read)

Cupra unveils the Born VZ, addressing previous power and range issues. With a 40% increase to 326hp and 75% to 402lb ft torque, it now hits 0-62mph in 5.7s. The 79kWh battery promises 335 miles. Chassis upgrades match the power boost, and interior enhancements include a larger infotainment screen and regenerative shift paddles. Price to be confirmed in summer, launching in Q3. Read more.

Jeep Recalls Nearly 200,000 Hybrids For Malfunctioning Defrost System (2 mins read)

Jeep recalls 139,318 Wrangler 4xe and 59,825 Grand Cherokee 4xe due to software issues disabling windshield defrost. Production dates range from September 2, 2020, to August 24, 2023, and July 23, 2021, to December 5, 2023, respectively. Fix involves updating hybrid control processor. Second recall for Wrangler 4xe in four months. Stellantis will notify affected owners by April 5. Read more.

These 3 major automakers may team up to save themselves, build cheap EVs (5 mins read)

Legacy automakers Volkswagen, Renault, and Stellantis explore collaboration to produce affordable EVs amid Tesla and Chinese competition. Renault suggests an "Airbus of autos" model. Automakers struggle with EV sales due to incentive reduction and upcoming tighter emissions rules in the EU. GM and Ford also consider partnerships amid scaling back EV investments. 2024 marks a challenging year for the industry. Read more.

Qualcomm sparks the next phase of the world’s first Wi-Fi 7 for automotive (4 mins read)

Qualcomm introduces the Snapdragon Auto Connectivity Platform with Wi-Fi 7, enhancing in-vehicle experiences with improved reliability, speed, and capacity. Wi-Fi 7 offers seamless connectivity for advanced infotainment and entertainment systems. This innovation enables faster software updates and creates new revenue opportunities for automakers and fleet service providers. Read more.

Lamborghini reinvents the wheel (carrier) (8 mins read)

Lamborghini introduces the Active Wheel Carrier (AWC), a groundbreaking innovation for vehicle dynamics, showcased on a Huracan prototype. AWC adjusts toe and camber angles in real-time, enhancing stability and grip. Despite challenges in fine-tuning, AWC demonstrates significant performance gains, potentially reshaping supercar dynamics. Expected integration into future Lamborghini models and possibly across the Volkswagen Group indicates its production potential. Read more.

Stellantis Patent Previews Clever Two-Speed Gearbox For Electric Off-Roaders (3 mins read)

Stellantis is developing a two-speed gearbox for electric off-roaders like the Jeep Recon and Ram 1500 REV, improving maneuverability and performance in challenging terrain. This gearbox offers a low-speed mode for off-roading and a road-biased mode for regular driving. Expected to debut in upcoming Stellantis electric vehicles, it enhances climbing ability and maneuvering, potentially reshaping off-road capabilities in future models. Read more.

Here's Why Busted Plastic Grille Flaps On A Newer Car Can Cause A Check Engine Light (8 mins read)

The check engine light can signal issues with active grille flaps, crucial for emissions compliance. These flaps, aimed at reducing drag, often malfunction due to actuator or wiring faults, or obstructions like snow. Problems are widespread across brands like BMW, Nissan, Ford, and Honda. Repair costs, sometimes over $1000, can outweigh fuel savings. The complexity of these systems poses challenges as vehicles age. Read more.