Important Innovations

  SAIC-GM-Wuling's Small, Electric Off-Roader with No Name                                        Source:  Baojun Teaser Images Very Small but Powerful Electric SUV Baojun, a subsidiary of the SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) joint venture, has just released teaser images of what is being called by automotive experts "a mystery car" that is an awesome, tiny, electric off-road SUV.  The EV has rugged, off-road styling, along with a very small footprint, boxy-rectangular contours with rounded edges and traditional off-road proportions.  The vehicle is a bit of a mystery.  At this point, it has no name and no logo.  But it is a concept car that appears to be production ready.  And, it is not being taken lightly because part of the brainpower behind it is coming from no less than GM and top Chinese automakers SAIC and Wuling. Styling Features The electric SUV has a prominent grille panel with quad LED lights on either side and LED taillights.  The doors occupy the largest portion of the

  ID Xtreme                                                  Source:  Volkswagen Fun New Concept from Volkswagen Volkswagen has unveiled a powerful, fun, new electric off-roader, called the ID Xtreme.  It's a concept car that packs 382 hp and is all-electric with zero emissions, on and off-road driving.  The EV is based on the new 2023 ID 4.  But the Xtreme contains factory upgrades, new technologies and accessories to make it ready for Xtreme off-roading.  New Technologies The Xtreme has all-wheel drive and software modifications to achieve 382 hp.  The EV has rally, off-road 18-inch wheels and sits much higher above the ground than the ID 4 to traverse rugged terrain.  The Xtreme has huge, wide, front fenders, a crash bar and a modified front bumper to give it a rugged, road-less-traveled look and feel. There is extra off-roading protection with a full aluminum underbody cover.  There's also a LED lighting bar on the roof.  VW has also added a sound generator in the wheels to

  2023 Maverick Tremor                                                  Source:  Ford Taking On the Road Less Travelled  Ford is expanding its highly successful Maverick compact pickup truck lineup to include the Maverick Tremor.  It's a highly upgraded off-road package that will be available on the XLT and Lariat models starting this fall to make them much more serviceable off-road.  The price of the Maverick starts at $22,470.  The Tremor package adds $2,995 for a number of new technologies.  The additions include a new, all-wheel-drive system, special front and rear springs and dampers, a one-inch lift and Trail Control. Tech Specs T he XLT and Lariat models have turbocharged 2.0-liter inline, four-cylinder engines.  The Tremor package provides 5 driving modes depending on the type of terrain or if the driver is towing. The Tremor can haul a 1200-pound payload or pull 2000 pounds.  The new, all-wheel-drive system with a twin-clutch rear-drive locking differential sends nearly al

  Bob Has Off-Road Power and Looks                                             Source:  Jeep's Bob Jeep Bob Concept At its 2022 Jeep Easter Safari event, Jeep introduced a concept, off-road vehicle that has power and off-roading good looks .  They call it the Jeep Bob Concept or Bob for short.  The vehicle is diesel powered and is said to be able to climb just about any incline or rock challenge in the off-road environment.  Using the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon as a base, Jeep designers cut off a foot in length, removed the doors and added a canvas roof over the top of the protective roll cage to maximize the vehicle performance off-road.  They positioned the vehicle on a set of 40-inch off-roading tires, gave it a 3-inch lift, steel bumpers, a vented carbon hood, big LED fog lights and a great paint job.  This vehicle is winning great automotive reviews for its looks, power and ruggedness, even though it is not electric. Tech Specs Bob is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged Eco-Diesel

  Production Vehicle Being Developed                                                                           Source:  Jeep Wrangler                                       Source:  Wrangler BEV Concept                                             Source:  Wrangler hybrid                                             Source:  Wrangler interior                             Source:  Electrify America charging station May Be Available for Purchase in 2024 Jeep has been hinting for years about developing an all electric Jeep Wrangler.  Now it is closing in on finalizing a production ready, all electric Jeep Wrangler 4x4 for green off-roading.  Jeep is in the process of designing, developing and finalizing the EV.  There could be an electric motor at the front and back of the off-trail vehicle.  And the likely range on a charge is at least 250 miles.  One thing is for sure:  the much anticipated off-roading, all electric Wrangler is in the pipeline and will likely be available for purchase in 20