The all-new Grand Wagoneer and the future car from Jeep #jeep #grandwagoneer

 

#business #cars #suv #flagship #supercar #wagoneer #wrangler

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The classic SUV is on the way back. After the much-anticipated return of the Ford Bronco in July, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is preparing to bring back two of its well-loved SUV panels, the Jeep Wagoneer and the Grand Wagoner.

The Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will be the most luxurious of large SUVs with three rows of seats, to rival vehicles such as the Ford Expedition, Lincoln Aviator and Navigator. Wagoneer prices are expected to start at around $ 60.00 and go up to $ 100,000 (with options) for the Grand Wagoneer, Fiat Chrysler executives said.

Executives said a concept version unveiled Thursday is close to what a Grand Wagoneer production would look like.

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer Concept offers a modern reinterpretation of one of the oldest family SUVs.

The Grand Wagoneer concept was introduced as an additional hybrid. Meanwhile, Jeep also revealed a new hybrid version of the off-road Jeep Wrangler SUV that will go on sale soon.

The original Wagoneer was introduced in 1962. While the Wagoneer was based on truck chassis, it was sleeker and more car-like than other SUVs, such as the Bronco and the International Harvester Scout. It was also the first four-wheel-drive vehicle to be available with an automatic transmission. It introduced the modern concept of an SUV as a family car, not just something for farmers and fishermen.

The Grand Wagoneer became a flagship model line in 1984, and production ended in 1991.

The Grand Wagoneer concept has a touch screen for passenger use only.

Like the original Broncos, the classic Wagoneer models are highly desirable today. Grand Wagoneers' values ​​are up 64%, and for Wagoneers, they have risen nearly 80% over the past three years, according to Hagerty, a company that tracks collectable car values. A number of companies specialize in restoring them for modern clients. Fiat Chrysler (FCAU) designers spoke to some of these companies while developing new versions to see what customers value about earlier models.

Christian Monier, global head of the Jeep brand, said Fiat Chrysler plans to eventually transform the Wagoner name into a kind of sub-brand of the more luxurious Jeep SUV.

The concept features a copy of the iconic seven-slot pocket grille decorated with lights and the word "Wagoneer" above it is also lit up. The word "Wagoneer" also appears on the doors in aluminium embossing with the aluminium American flag.

The Wagoneer has a lot of glass inside, with a set of computer screen gauges and two large screens between driver and passenger. The passenger also has his own touch screen in the dashboard covered with a privacy film so as not to distract the driver. Second-row passengers also have their own large touch screens.

Fiat Chrysler designers consulted with Jeep Wagoneer restorers to see which design cues resonate with fans.

The concept uses recycled materials inside and has teak wood finishes on the inside and outside to give it a 'premium' feel.

The Grand Wagoneer is expected to compete with European luxury SUVs from brands such as Ranger Rover and Mercedes-Benz.

At the same time it unveiled the Grand Wagoneer, Jeep also unveiled the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, a plug-in hybrid SUV intended for serious off-road use.

Equipped with two electric motors and a four-cylinder engine, the 4xe will provide a combined 375 horsepower. It will be able to go up to 25 miles on electric power before the gas engine is up and running. Then the car will drive like a hybrid, switching between petrol and electric power as needed.

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe features blue markings including blue tow hooks to help it stand out.

Electric motors offer some advantages in off-road driving, according to FCA, because they provide instant traction. A gasoline engine has to build up some speed before it can pull off a steep slope, for example.

High power 4xe batteries are installed under the rear seat. The battery pack and electric motors are watertight sealed, allowing the pocket to drive safely through 30 inches of water.

The Wrangler 4xe will receive a special "electric blue" badge to distinguish it from gas-only models. Jeep is already offering hybrid versions of the Renegade and Compass in Europe. The Wrangler 4xe will be available in Europe, Asia, and the United States early next year.