2021 Ford F-150 XLT 4X4 First Test: Big Performance Doesn’t Come Cheap

It appears Chrysler has a shiny new future. Analysts and car buyers, if they've been thinking of Chrysler at all, have been wondering what the future would hold for the brand in the post-merger universe (in which the PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles formed Stellantis). Its reduced lineup, like that of sister brand Dodge, led some to imagine vultures circling overhead, despite some assurances from execs that the brand would "rebound" in the future. But the Chrysler Airflow concept shows there's some life in the heritage brand yet.Unveiled at the 2022 CES event, the Chrysler Airflow Concept appears near-production ready, with a feasible crossover SUV shape and fully electric powertrain. However, while Chrysler is using this opportunity to hawk connected features (like OTA updates) and high technology, and the underlying hardware appears likely to hit the road … it won't be for a little while. In the same announcement, Stellantis says its first Chrysler EV won't hit the road until 2025. That vehicle will almost certainly be a production version of this Chrysler Airflow, given its state of development, meaning anyone excited by its appearance will have to wait several years for the opportunity to buy one—while electric crossover rivals like the Nissan Ariya, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Toyota bZ4X will have a significant head start.A little late to the party, the Airflow should have the firepower to compete. The concept (and almost certainly the production version) features two 150-kW electric motors, one at each axle. With EVs, 1+1 does not always equal 2 when it comes to total system output, so don't expect a full 400 horsepower from the dual motor setup. But 375? Sure, that seems reasonable, and puts it right between a regular dual-motor Mach-E and its GT performance version.The battery size isn't detailed but Chrysler promises 350-400 miles on a single charge, which would put it on the highest echelon of contemporary EV range figures—although who knows where things will be in three years, when the Airflow is likely to arrive. Only the Lucid Air and Tesla's Model S currently meet or exceed those figures, the former pairing serious aerodynamic engineering with a massive 118-kWh battery. Given the name, Chrysler would be smart to lean heavily into the aerodynamic angle.Speaking of the name, it's an interesting one to revive. The original Chrysler Airflow was an ambitious, streamlined, futuristic … total market flop. Its curved, streamlined front end heralded the future, but the goofy waterfall grille and overall vibe just didn't gel with 1930s car buyers. It's doubtful anyone who isn't in automotive media or history will care, but it's an interesting naming choice.Inside the Airflow, Chrysler crows about the passenger experience, including the STLA SmartCockpit we told you about earlier. Stellantis isn't wrong about a change in emphasis from the raw hardware to the total ownership experience, especially as driver assistance systems become more capable and the relationship between vehicle and driver changes. Speaking of which, Chrysler will include its STLA AutoDrive Level 3 driver assistance system, which should gain capabilities in the future via OTA updates.Back to the future, let's talk about 2028: that's the date by which Chrysler promises a fully electric slate of vehicles. Remember, Chrysler sells just two vehicles to the general public today: the Pacifica and the 300—the Voyager variant of the Pacifica is now fleet-only, and, well, it's basically only a low-spec Pacifica anyway, not a standalone vehicle. The 300 is almost certainly a dead car walking, given that its Dodge platform-mates have been given termination notices; 2024 is the year that the Challenger and Charger will die in, with replacements confirmed … but as what, is unclear. And the impressive Pacifica Hybrid adequately future-proofs the minivan line, for a while.A new EV muscle car for the Dodge brand will be revealed in 2022, and it's not outside the realm of possibility that it'll be heavily related to the Chrysler Airflow. One EV that's comfortable and sleek, another one gruff and outrageous … seems like a healthy two birds, one platform strategy to us. It's been working for Chrysler and Dodge for decades, so it's sound.Whatever Airflow spawns or inspires, Chrysler says it will lead Stellantis itself into a new era that puts electrification at the fore. The Airflow is undoubtedly important for Stellantis in America, where it is now lagging on EVs, but the way it evolves what the Chrysler brand stands for—and the influence it has on the brand's future product—will be incredibly important. The entire industry is at a crossroads, and Airflow is Chrysler's way forward.

Last year, Acura's dramatic announcement that the celebrated Integra nameplate would be making a return in 2022 set the automotive world abuzz. Like Kim being asked about Kanye (or vice-versa), the automaker was bombarded with questions about the modern-day version of its entry-level phenom and, as of this month, the details were finally laid out and you can now order a 2023 Acura Integra of your own. Speaking of—a surprise has sprung forth from those reservations that have already begun flowing in... Decisions, DecisionsAs of March 10, Acura's Integra pre-order program has been underway and, according to Emile Korkor, Assistant Vice President of Acura sales, the reception has been exceptional. "We are absolutely thrilled with the pre-launch response to the 2023 Integra. The total number of reservations has far exceeded our expectations and most exciting is that around 70 percent of Integra reservations are for the 6-speed manual. We're confident this new Integra will inspire a new generation of enthusiasts buyers for the Acura brand."Hold up—seventy percent of pre-orders so far are for the stick-shift model? More surprising is that the manual is available only on the top-dog A-Spec trim level. Unlike the mechanically related Honda Civic Si, which is only armed with a six-speed manual, the Integra is offered in both CVT and 3-pedal form, with the CVT being standard on the entry-level model. The Integra one-ups the Honda, somewhat, by combining the Si powertrain with a five-door hatchback body style—a combo you can't get on the Civic, though the upcoming (more powerful) Civic Type R will be hatch-only.Proof Is In The PuddingWe know car enthusiasts hate to hear it, but the masses prefer to avoid needing to select their own gears, hence why there are so few manual transmission options at your local dealerships these days. A 70 percent manual take rate (and, yes, we know, these are pre-orders) is a significant indicator that proves there are still corners of the market to where those of us that prefer to stir our own gears flock. It should be noted that historically, the Integra has enjoyed a 56 percent manual-transmission take rate across its various generations and model types. Even if you're not a fan of the new Integra, this latest news makes a difference, especially if you want to keep seeing manual options put forth by automakers.Had Acura only offered a CVT option, there's little doubt the automotive social media bubble might have consequently imploded. The digital jury is always swift and harsh with any new vehicle debuts, and the modern Integra has not been spared by any means. However, Honda and Acura continue putting forth considerable effort to feed the enthusiast market cars fans can tinker with and hopefully encourage a whole new generation of potential tuners and buyers. Love it or hate it, the new Integra is crucial in helping to nudge the #savethemanuals movement forward.

Jeep is in the middle of one of its greatest product expansions, adding larger three-row models to the lineup, and there are more electrified vehicles to come. So, we sat down with Jeep brand chief Jim Morrison to see how the brand is doing.The rollout of the fifth-generation of the venerable Jeep Grand Cherokee started last year with the unusual step of launching with the new three-row 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. It marks the first time a product with the venerable Jeep Cherokee name comes with seven-passenger seating. The larger L is in full sales swing and doing what it was intended to do: keep loyal buyers from leaving the brand when they need a third row, while attracting new customers who could not find a Jeep that met their needs before, Morrison says.Jeep is in its second month of sales of the fifth-gen of the traditional five-passenger, two-row 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the SUV is turning quickly, within days on the lot.It is still early, but Morrison thinks the mix of two-row and three-row Grand Cherokees could end up being about half and half. The segment skews 70 percent three-row, but the smaller Grand Cherokee has a loyal following with more than 7 million on the road. It comes down to the customer's stage of life; how much do they need tow and how much room do they need. "I like the fact we have an option for them," Morrison says. The SUV is attracting buyers new to the Jeep brand, customers the automaker hopes to keep in subsequent purchases.2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Close to LaunchJeep is preparing to launch another new variant, the 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid, which will reach dealerships this spring. It follows the formula Jeep used for the Wrangler 4xe that has been well received. The Grand Cherokee 4xe, which gets 25 miles of all-electric range and 56 MPGe, has an even more sophisticated 4WD system than the Wrangler,  with faster torque transfer.With its capability, Morrison thinks the take rate of the 4xe could be 30 percent or more of total Grand Cherokee sales. Press reports have highlighting the high price tag—it costs about $10,000 more for the 4xe than an equivalent model with the entry-level V-6. But Morrison says the figures need some context. Not only does the 4xe provide greater performance and tech, but the high residuals and government rebates for electrified vehicles could result in monthly leases or payments being less for the 4xe than the gas-powered model. Orders are strong so far, but the brand chief will not say how many there are.Is there more to come? Morrison won't say if there is a Grand Cherokee Trackhawk in the works. He points out that the 4xe provides superior performance to a V-8. And then there is the timing: performance versions traditionally come online a few model years after launch to keep the lineup fresh.What Gets 4xe Treatment Next?With plans to electrify all Jeeps by 2025, we want to know which model gets 4xe treatment next and when we will see it. "The engineers are working on a lot of Jeeps," is all the tight-lipped Morrison will say.It is not necessarily easier to add a plug-in hybrid to a new model like the Wagoneer family as opposed to an older model like the Jeep Gladiator pickup truck, he says. Jeep is working on dedicated platforms which will make the rollout the smoothest.Once again the automaker will use the annual Easter Jeep Safari event to showcase electrified Jeep concepts and gather customer feedback.Response to New Wagoneer FamilyMeanwhile, the new 2022 Jeep Wagoneer three-row SUV  and the more upscale 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer play in white space for Jeep as full-size premium SUVs. The automaker is happy to have the storied nameplate back in the lineup. "We just like saying Grand Wagoneer again," Morrison says.When the Grand Wagoneer left the marketplace it had a reputation as the most luxurious and technically advanced and capable vehicle, Morrison says. "It's getting that reputation again with the best 4WD system and advanced safety and tech and capability. People buying them love them."The fullsize SUV segment runs about two-thirds mainstream models, one-third premium. So far, the Grand Wagoneer is selling above expectations, Morrison said. Some of it is early adopters but some of it is the strength of the nameplate.There is a bit of cross-shopping between the Grand Cherokee L and the Wagoneer but when customers see them in the showroom and see the difference in size and towing capacity, they are able to easily make the choice right for them.