AD #2242 – New Jeep Wrangler Details, Lincoln Renames MKX the Nautilus, PSA Wants Refund for Opel
November 29th, 2017 at 11:47am
Runtime: 7:27
0:28 PSA Wants Refund for Opel
1:10 Daimler Improves Truck Driver Alertness with Lighting
2:23 New Jeep Wrangler Details
3:20 Subaru Unveils the Ascent
4:20 Infiniti Reveals QX50
5:33 Lincoln Renames MKX the Nautilus
6:40 Lincoln to Launch Subscription Service
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On today’s show…PSA wants a refund from GM, we’ll tell you why…Lincoln drops the MKX name and re-names it the Nautilus…and Jeep reveals more details about the Wrangler. All that and more coming right up on Autoline Daily.
This is Autoline Daily the show for enthusiasts of the automotive industry.
PSA WANTS REFUND FOR OPEL
Earlier in the year, GM sold Opel to PSA for a little over 1 billion euros because it could never turn a profit with the automaker. But now PSA is having some buyer’s remorse. Reuters reports that it’s all got to do with emissions. Opel is way behind European targets that go into effect in 2021 and PSA says GM misled it about Opel’s CO2 challenges. That’s why the French automaker is seeking to get back between 600 to 800 million euros from the deal. PSA hasn’t filed a formal claim yet but it does intend to pursue legal action, so this likely isn’t the last we’ve heard about this.
I SEE THE LIGHT
Long-distance truck drivers aren’t exposed to much light while in the cab, especially during the winter. It may not sound like a big deal but it does reduce driver alertness. That’s why Daimler is researching the effects of additional lighting in a truck, with a project that kicked off earlier this year in Finland. Eight drivers simulated the work routine of a trucker over a two-week period. One week was in a vehicle with normal lighting and the other was in a truck with lighting that simulates daylight. The researchers found that driver inattentiveness was reduced from 44 minutes to 18 minutes on average, using the new lighting application. And they also found that the drivers slept better at night, were in better moods and perceived the cabin as being more spacious.
Still to come…a look at the latest reveals from the LA Auto Show.
NEW JEEP WRANGLER DETAILS
Ok, time for some LA reveals and here are the all-new Jeep Wrangler highlights. It rides on a new body-on-frame platform, which when combined with more aluminum, high-strength steel and magnesium body parts, helps cut about 200-pounds compared to the old model. Powertrain options include a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with the automaker’s new eTorque technology, which is a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that will provide power assist, stop/start and regenerative braking. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 lives on, but gets a new 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic transmission and a 3.0L diesel option will now be available for 4-door models as well. The interior was upgraded with nicer and more soft-touch materials, it gets the latest version of UConnect Infotainment and there’s even a power option for the canvas roof.
SUBARU UNVEILS THE ASCENT
Now let’s move on to Subaru who unveiled its largest vehicle ever, the Ascent. It looks very similar to the concept shown earlier this year and feature recognizable Subaru design cues, like the hexagonal grille and C-shaped headlights. The 3-row SUV rides on an extended version of the Subaru Global Platform and can be had in 7- or 8-passenger setups. The interior has the latest in STARLINK multimedia, which comes with either a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen and, for the first time, available Wi-Fi capability. Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist technology is also standard. Under the hood is an all-new 260-horsepower turbocharged 2.4L BOXER engine that gets mated to an 8-speed CVT and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The Ascent will be built in Indiana and will be available in the summer of next year.
INFINITI REVEALS QX50
And while we showed you the all-new Infiniti QX50 on Monday, now we’re getting a much clearer picture. As you can see, the more aggressive, harder edged styling flows into the back of the CUV as well. But the interior is much more luxurious. The same could be said for the previous model, but the new QX50 interior is much more modern. This is highlighted by an accent line that flows from the doors, into the dash and then over and around the infotainment screen where it finally fans out onto the center armrest.
Coming up next, Lincoln renames the MKX.
LINCOLN RENAMES MKX THE NAUTILUS
Lincoln took the wraps off a new mid-size crossover called the Nautilus, which replaces the MKX in its line-up. The styling remains similar but the new model now features the company’s signature grille. And the interior is also more or less the same as the outgoing model. Two turbocharged engines are offered, a 2.0L four-cylinder with 245 horsepower comes standard and a 2.7L that cranks out 335 horsepower is also available. Both are matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission and both come standard with start-stop technology. It’s also available with a few new infotainment features and a number of driver-assistance technologies. The new Lincoln Nautilus goes on sale next spring.
And if you want to learn more about that vehicle, check out John’s interview with Megan McKenzie, the marketing manager for Lincoln SUVs. You can find it on our website at Autoline.tv or on our YouTube channel. And we’ll be posting more of John’s interviews from the LA show later today, so be sure to check those out as well.
LINCOLN TO LAUNCH SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE
And in other Lincoln news, the company announced it formed a partnership with CLEAR, which will allow owners the ability to speed through long lines at the airport or sports arenas to help save time. And Lincoln also revealed it will launch a month-to-month vehicle subscription service in California next year. Porsche and Cadillac have also started similar services, which have helped attract a younger customer to its brands.
But that’s it for today, thanks for watching and please join us again tomorrow.
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Comments (35)
November 29th, 2017 at 11:56 am
Is the industry finally giving up the alphabet naming of products? I hope so.
November 29th, 2017 at 11:59 am
Wonder why the 8-speed (Aisin, presumably) was chosen over JV 9-speed? Ford is taking its sweet time with that unit.
November 29th, 2017 at 12:03 pm
@David Sprowl – I can’t wait for the new naming structure at Lincoln make its way down to the sedans. Lincoln has a rich history of names it could choose from.
November 29th, 2017 at 12:04 pm
@2. The 9 speed used by several OEM’s in a word just sucked. The transmission was in constant hunt for the right gear for the conditions present on the road. At least 2 OEM’s have given up on the ZF 9 speed.
November 29th, 2017 at 12:07 pm
@Sean – Will Lincoln even keep sedans. I’m apparently the odd duck vehicle buyers. I like the smaller pick ups with a long bed, and I’m wanting to replace a convertible with – a convertible. patients I guess. And yes Lincoln has deep reserve of names to resurrect.
November 29th, 2017 at 12:09 pm
8 Speed CVT.
Is this just Marketing or what is going on here?
November 29th, 2017 at 12:11 pm
@David Sprowl – I believe Lincoln will keep its sedans. And I would not be surprised to see a larger flagship above the Continental once it has its full compliment of SUVs and if sales are descent.
November 29th, 2017 at 12:18 pm
Autoweek is saying that the new Wrangler will gain weight, at least in some configurations. One wonders why, with aluminum and magnesium replacing steel for much of the body. The new one is a little, but not much bigger.
http://autoweek.com/article/los-angeles-auto-show/2018-jeep-wrangler-jl-official-specifications-and-details-reavealed?utm_source=DailyDrive20171129&utm_medium=enewsletter&utm_term=headline-top&utm_content=body&utm_campaign=awdailydrive
November 29th, 2017 at 12:25 pm
@ Bradley – the 8 speed CVT is still a CVT, but with programed “steps”. It may be programed to adjust within a given gear ratio to adjust to road conditions. The biggest advantage is lighter weight and MPG improvements. The disadvantage is its still a CVT
November 29th, 2017 at 12:27 pm
HAHA Good luck PSA. You bought a pig in a poke and now you want to bailed out for not doing your homework!? If your going to spend a million on anything you should damn well know whether or not your are getting what you think you are. Why do they think GM was dumping those albatrosses in the 1st place? If you are that dumb you deserve to get hosed.
November 29th, 2017 at 12:31 pm
#9
Thanks!
November 29th, 2017 at 12:32 pm
4 The ZF 9-speed transaxle, also built under license by Chrysler, uses two “dog” clutches in place of friction clutches, making it difficult to get good shift quality. I’ve heard fewer complaints recently, so maybe tweating of control software has helped improve it.
November 29th, 2017 at 12:34 pm
Even though it’s tradition and it wouldn’t be right to offer a Jeep CJ/Wrangler without removable or soft doors, how do they get by with meeting side impact standards? I would think an older truck with a more squared off front end would have no trouble fitting in the opening between the a-, b-, & c-posts on a low angle side impact. The older CJs had a higher sill and narrower opening.
November 29th, 2017 at 12:37 pm
One would hope that the stupid, gimmicky “shifting” of the Subaru CVT can be turned off. With that, you lose some of the performance and efficiency benefits of the CVT, just so you can have a little jerkiness.
November 29th, 2017 at 12:37 pm
GM misled PSA about Opel’s CO2 challenges? What? They didn’t know what the new European standards would be? So they want a 60 to 80% refund.. ha ha good luck with that. Sounds like maybe PSA didn’t do their due diligence. IMO.
November 29th, 2017 at 12:45 pm
The Nautilus seems like a great name for a boat or something that’s bad its getting better or less naughty, -Nautilus.
November 29th, 2017 at 12:46 pm
To my eye the new Subaru Ascent looks like a Nissan Rogue from it’s side profile view. Not very innovative on the part of Subaru Design Team. Will the next generation Subaru Forester be just a scaled down version of the New Ascent?
Glad to see that Lincoln is giving up the Alpha Numeric naming scheme used by so many OEMs. I wonder what Honda is going to name it’s new five passenger smaller version of the Pilot? The Honda Pilot Sport or Passport are two reasonable names.
November 29th, 2017 at 12:48 pm
I would think that the PSA sale was final and a monetary adjustment seems out of line. Could have G.M. actually made a good move (in selling).
Aviator to MKX and now back to Nautilus; I like it (and wished more manufacturers would go back to naming vehicles names not alpha-numerics).
November 29th, 2017 at 12:58 pm
My follow contributors to Autoline, when is the best time of year to purchase or lease a new vehicle? I am thinking of trading in my current vehicle for one with the latest tech features like backup camera, Bluetooth, surround view, panoramic roof, Apple Carplay, etc, LOL. Would I be better off do a deal in December to take advantage of the end of the calendar year sales or waiting until summer when the next year models are arriving in the showrooms?
November 29th, 2017 at 1:16 pm
Somehow I think PSA is just having buyers remorse. I can’t think GM/Opel was that far off on the European emission standards as GM still sells cars in Europe. I’m quite sure with GMs global reach, the emissions testing and development was shared among their various worldwide brands. If the current engines won’t meet the future CO2 standards does that mean PSA doesn’t have the talent to integrate their power teams into Opel products? Maybe the French Gov’t should assist PSA by selling some of their surplus WWII French Army rifles; never fired, only dropped once.
November 29th, 2017 at 1:23 pm
19) For the best deal I’d wait until the last day of the year. Everybody is looking for that one last sale and the Mfgs put the pressure on dealers to help the Mfgs meet their objectives. Unless you keep your vehicles 6-7 years, don’t get caught in the “rebate” trap. There is no way you’ll be ahead buying year old product and try to keep up on the depreciation cycle. Also if it’s last years model, that usually means its been sitting for six months of so getting “lot rot”. Try to buy something that is fresh to the dealers lot.
November 29th, 2017 at 1:31 pm
” lot rot” ??? these are cars not fruit.
I think the ” best time ” depends. If you plan on keeping it a while then September is good but selection will be small. and get a 17.
If you plan on turning it over in 4 or 5 years now is a good time and get an 18, otherwise you are buying a 1 yr old vehicle that will be worth that much less on resale
November 29th, 2017 at 2:25 pm
22) “Lot rot” is the dings, scratches, wear, baked on dust & dirt, and “square tires” cars get on dealers lots from setting around. It’s not from being careless on the dealers part, just from cars being left outside for months and folks walking around them touching, handling, rubbing, and test driving them. Even though it’s a brand new car, sitting is never good for them. If you really take care of your cars, these are cars you should avoid.
November 29th, 2017 at 2:27 pm
When I hear the word “nautilus,” I think of a submarine, the first nuclear powered submarine which entered service in the 1950′s when I was in grade school. Younger people might not have heard of it.
As far as a car name, I like Nautilus better than MK-whatever, but somehow, there would seem to be better animals to name a car after, than one that lives underwater, and can barely move under its own power.
November 29th, 2017 at 2:30 pm
23 Also, the batteries of cars that have sat for months will generally have a much shorter life than in a “fresh” car, because it will have run down multiple times.
November 29th, 2017 at 3:07 pm
Buying a “last year’s” car at the end of a model year can be a good deal, for someone who plans to keep the car a long time, but such a car will instantly have thousands of dollars of extra depreciation, depending on the price of the car. Also, more than in the past, it can make sense to pay extra for the latest model year, as new features become standard. An example is that adaptive cruise/automatic emergency braking is becoming standard in some cars that are otherwise carry over models.
November 29th, 2017 at 3:31 pm
The “Nautilus” was also Captain Nemo’s submarine in “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” so there is also that tie. Its name evokes an adventurous nature so that’s not a bad thing.
November 29th, 2017 at 4:08 pm
YES!!!
Thank you, Lincoln, for being bold enough to nix the alpha-numeric nomenclature that your German nemesis coxed you into adopting so many years back. Welcome back from your slumber.
And I must say, I honestly believe Cadillac will follow suit also within just one product cycle. They’ve got just as much (if not more) ‘heritage’ tied up in vehicle names of yore that are now lying dormant.
November 29th, 2017 at 4:28 pm
28 At least with Cadillac the names made sense. Especially if you knew the heritage.
TS= touring sedan
STS = Seville TS
CTS = Caterea TS
DTS = Deville TS
ETS = Eldorado TS
But yes I will be glad to see the names return too.
November 29th, 2017 at 5:25 pm
@19 – I believe the best time to lease is in December when residuals are high and sales motivation is also high.
I believe the best time to purchase is in August or September when residuals start to slip, but cash/APR deals are most incentized to clear-out inventory for the upcoming model year.
November 30th, 2017 at 12:00 am
It took the Chinese to get Lincoln to finally give up on that “MK” labelling. The Chinese will soon be the largest buyers of vehicles and Detroit is listening. It will be interesting what the new label on the MKC will be.
November 30th, 2017 at 6:03 am
So it doesn’t matter what gender is running the company and making decisions, in the end it’s just business?!
November 30th, 2017 at 10:57 am
Please tell me Lincoln naming a vehicle ‘ Nautilus’ is a joke. A terrible one at that.
November 30th, 2017 at 11:07 am
I always liked the name Zephyr, both on my aunt’s 1937 car that I barely remember as a kid, and when the name was used for the top-of-the-line Fusion, before the nonsense letters took over.
November 30th, 2017 at 12:37 pm
I want to thank Lisk, buzzerd, Kit Gerhart and Drew for your insightful advice on purchasing or leasing a new vehicle and when to do it.