SEMA News—August 2019
INDUSTRY NEWS
Photos courtesy SpiedBilde, Brian Williams. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.
Wrangler 3.0 EcoDieselThis is the long-rumored (U.S. market) Jeep Wrangler 3.0L EcoDiesel, which is finally becoming a reality. According to Jeep, only Wrangler Unlimited models will offer the EcoDiesel V6’s 260 hp and 442 lb.-ft. of torque as a powertrain option. Engine Stop-Start technology will be featured on EcoDiesel models, and the powerplant will be mated to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission. According to the Mopar Insiders website, “The updated EcoDiesel will implement new turbocharger technology featuring a low-friction bearing, which is designed for low-end and transient performance.” Expect an official debut in the coming months, with an on-sale date sometime in November. | |
’21 Ford F-150This is a first look at the ’21 Ford F-150, with the redesign likely to focus on styling and engine changes. Ford has been working on an F-150 hybrid that is likely to be introduced with the new model, along with a plug-in hybrid. A full EV model could follow. Most models should get EcoBoost engines with upgrades over the current versions. The recently introduced V6 turbodiesel could return, and the naturally aspirated V6 and V8 engines could be culled due to economy and customer-demand concerns. A new 4.8L V8 may replace the current 5.0L, although turbocharging the EcoBoost V6 models remains unconfirmed. Expect to see the redesigned F-150 sometime next year, with production starting in late 2020. | |
Dodge Charger WidebodyThis Charger Widebody prototype appears to be the Scat Pack variant. Back in March, Dodge brought a design concept for the Charger widebody to Spring Fest (SF14) in Pomona, California. There have been a few prototypes since then, but they’ve all seemed identical to the concept shown at SF14. This prototype looks identical to the concept shown but features the original multi-spoke wheel design featured on the SRT392 and R/T Scat Pack with the Dynamics Package. After catching this prototype, Dodge is expected to offer a similar approach to that of the Challenger Widebody (multi-trim application). It’s rumored that the Charger Widebody will make its official debut at The Woodward Dream Cruise in August. | |