Jeep to End V-8 Wrangler JL Production with Fully Loaded $102K Rubicon 392
Jeep is ending production of the current gen Wrangler with a big bang. They announced the 2024 Rubicon 392 Final Edition will have all the bells and whistles for an astounding $101,890 with 3,700 planned for production.
The V-8 JL will feature hood decals and front fender vents, 17-inch bead lock-capable wheels with bronze wheels. It will also include a winch, a Mopar grille guard and Mopar rock sliders along with a .5-inch suspension lift kit for a ground clearance of up to 11.5 inches.
The interior will come with black Nappa leather and gold stitching, a special shifter medallion and plaque signifying this model as the final edition. It also includes a fold-out table and 83-piece toolkit.
Just like all Rubicon 392s, this model has a 470-horsepower 6.4-liter V-8 engine and 35-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tires. According to the article in Car and Driver, Jeep will build 3,300 units for the US, 300 for Canada and 100 other markets.
Mercedes-Benz Recalls 116,000 Vehicles Over Potential Fires
Mercedes-Benz is recalling more vehicles after issuing a transmission recall in February. Over 116,000 GLE and GLS models will be recalled for another major issue, an overheating 48-volt ground connection.
The problem involves a ground cable lug under the passenger seat that could become loose resulting in a temperature increase for the ground connection that could lead to fires.
Among the vehicle impacted are the:
2023-24 GLE350
2020-24 GLE450
2020-23 GLE580 & GLS580
2019-23 GLS450
2021-23 AMG GLS63 and Maybach GLS600
2021-24 AMG GLE53 and AMG GLE63 S
The February recall was issued for 105,000 GLE, GLS SUVs. Faulty transmissions on the 2020-23 GLE450s and GLS450s resulted in the engines stalling which increases the risk of a crash.
Mercedes-Benz has issued a fix to their dealerships. Dealers will inspect and tighten the 48-volt ground connection, as needed, at no cost. Owners will be notified of the recall starting May 14. Anyone with questions can call Mercedes-Benz at 800-367-6372, NHTSA’s vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236 or visit their website to check your VIN.
Proposal to Ease Stricter US Auto Emission Standards
Auto emission standards are expected to become more relaxed as electric vehicle (EV) sales slowdown. President Biden’s administration is expected to announce new auto emissions standards to relax proposed limits for three years. This will eventually fall in line with the same strict standards proposed by the EPA.
The EPA suggests the industry could meet the limits to cut planet-warming emissions from passenger vehicles, if 67 percent of new auto sales are electric by 2032. These changes come as electric vehicles sales are seeing a slump. The auto industry has mentioned lower sales growth as the reason for objecting to the EPA’s preferred standards unveiled last year.
During a public comment period on emission standards for 2027 to 2032, the industry has stated these standards are unworkable with EV sales slowing. Slow sales are a result of consumers concerned about cost, range and limits in available charging stations.
According to a PBS article, the Biden administration will select an alternative to slow the implementation from 2027 to 2029 with plans to reach stricter EPA levels from 2030 to 2032. Another option could be having modifications to help the industry meet the standards that includes calculations of how EV fuel economy is measured.
These proposed changes are a response to the strong industry opposition to the acceleration of EVs and a public reluctance to completely embrace electric. While environmental groups are optimistic about the EPA’s newest proposal.
According to an EPA administrator, the proposed rule is a performance standard leaving it to the industry to develop a solution.
US EV sales grew 47 percent last year with a record 1.19 million as the EV market share saw a 1.6 percent growth in 2023. The EV auto industry has seen a slowdown in the fourth quarter of 2023 with December sales rising to 34 percent.
Industry trade groups, such as the Alliance for Auto Innovation cited the ramp up to 67 percent proposed by the EPA is too quick for the industry to adapt to. The EPA’s preferred standards take carbon dioxide emissions from 152 grams per mile in 2025 to 74 in 2032.
