The upcoming 2027 Jeep Wrangler will feature enhanced capabilities and will be completely electric

 Get ready for a new era of the iconic Jeep Wrangler, as the next-generation model is expected to be exclusively electric. Our exclusive image provides a glimpse into what the vehicle could potentially look like.

Jeep is making steady progress towards full electrification. This year, the company will introduce the small all-electric Avenger in the UK, which will be followed by the large luxury Wagoneer S and the Wrangler-inspired Jeep Recon in 2024, both of which are expected to hit the UK in 2025.

According to Jeep CEO Christian Meunier, the next-generation Wrangler, the company's iconic off-road vehicle, will not only be all-electric but also even more capable off the road than the current model. Meunier confirmed that the electrification of the Wrangler would not compromise its off-road ability, and the new model will sit on the brand's Trail Rating scale, which measures five key off-roading attributes: traction, water fording, manoeuvrability, wheel articulation, and ground clearance.

Meunier also revealed that the company plans to push the Trail Rating of the Wrangler to 12, which is higher than the current scale of 10. Jeep's electrification efforts are well-received by its customers, with Meunier stating that in the first quarter of the year, 38% of all Wranglers sold were electrified 4xe models, a figure he expects to rise to 50 or 60% by the end of the year.

While Jeep moves towards full electrification across its range, Meunier assured Jeep enthusiasts that battery power would not affect the off-road capability of the vehicles. On the contrary, electrification would make a Jeep more capable, providing more torque, smoother, and more precise driving. A new Wrangler is expected to make use of parent company Stellantis' STLA Large all-electric platform, and it's unlikely to be unveiled before 2027.

The Inverted Electric Range Rover Classic has been converted and now boasts an impressive 450bhp output and can travel up to 200 miles on a single charge.

 Inverted, a UK-based company, has taken the wraps off its inaugural offering: a fully electric version of the Range Rover.

Transforming a vintage car into an electric vehicle may not be an obvious choice, especially when it comes to the boxy, original Range Rover Classic. However, Inverted, a company specializing in "EV regeneration," has taken on the challenge and unveiled its electric version of this British icon.

In addition to the electric powertrain, the Range Rover Classic has received several upgrades, and interested customers can place their orders now. However, they should act quickly as only six units will be produced annually. While some traditional Range Rover fans may not appreciate the removal of the original mechanicals, they will surely appreciate that the exterior remains unchanged and has been restored to its former glory, according to Inverted.

The interior, on the other hand, has received modern updates, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity on a new screen positioned at the bottom of the dashboard to avoid distracting from the car's original features. Other new features include extra soundproofing, air conditioning, central locking, a reversing camera, upgraded sound system, heated seats, and USB charging ports. The leather upholstery, sourced from Muirhead in Scotland, has also been enhanced with contrasting tweed on the seat inserts to provide a classic Range Rover look.

Of course, the most significant change is the electric motor and Tesla-sourced 80kWh battery module, which delivers 450bhp and 600Nm of torque to all four wheels with a limited-slip differential. This extra power means the 0-62mph time is just five seconds, which is 270bhp faster than the original 3.9-litre V8 Range Rover. The Range Rover Classic's axles have been restored and uprated to handle the instant electric power, and Alcon front brakes have been added. With the optional road handling pack, the car comes with adjustable shock absorbers, anti-roll bars, and 25 per cent stiffer springs.

According to Inverted, the electric Range Rover Classic can travel up to 200 miles on a single charge, with a CCS charger allowing for 100kW recharging speeds, meaning a 20 to 80 per cent charge should take around 34 minutes. The car also comes with a 6.6kW onboard charger.

The electric Range Rover Classic is available in both two- and four-door models, with prices starting from £225,000.

The upcoming Twisted version of the Suzuki Jimny is set to make its debut soon

 Twisted Automotive is set to develop a highly specialized off-road variant of the Jimny

While the Suzuki Jimny may be small in size, it's widely considered to be one of the most capable off-road vehicles available for purchase. In exciting news, Twisted, an off-road specialist based in Yorkshire, has announced that they will be releasing their own interpretation of the retro SUV.

If you're familiar with Twisted, you'll know that they have a 21-year history of making Land Rover Defenders even more capable off-road. Although pricing has yet to be determined, Twisted has indicated that the cost will likely be below £50,000 plus VAT. The in-house offerings will be based on the Jimny Commercial, as the standard Jimny is no longer available for purchase in the UK. However, Twisted has also stated that they will modify existing customer vehicles.

Despite the fact that the Suzuki Jimny's 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engine only produces 101bhp, its kerb weight of just over a tonne means that it doesn't need a lot of power. Additionally, the Jimny boasts excellent approach and departure angles, as well as Suzuki's ALLGRIP Pro four-wheel drive system with a low transfer gear, which makes it ideal for rough terrain.

While Twisted hasn't revealed all the details of their plan to enhance the Jimny, it's safe to say that modifications will include a wheel and tyre package and uprated suspension. To make the Jimny more roadworthy, additional soundproofing, a better infotainment and sound system, and Twisted's "signature custom interior" will all be incorporated.

Charles Fawcett, the Founder and Managing Director of Twisted, explained why his company chose the Jimny: "My first 4x4 (aged 12) was the Jimny’s predecessor, a Suzuki SJ. I adored it. The new Jimny is evocative, engaging, and endearing. It’s almost a miniature Defender with similar architecture, driveline, and analogue feel."

Thermal runaway EV battery fires controlled with water cutting tech

According to Swedish tests, the Cold Cut Cobra technology has the ability to effectively manage thermal runaways by using minimal amounts of water.

 

Swedish firm Cold Cut Systems has developed a water jet technology that could help combat the growing threat of thermal runaway fires in electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (SCCA) recently conducted successful tests on the technology, which is designed to tackle the risk of fires in EVs, a major concern for fire services. Lithium-ion batteries burn intensely, producing "jet flames" and emitting highly toxic gases such as hydrogen cyanide. A small number of EVs burning in an enclosed area, such as an underground car park, could quickly become too hot for crews to access. Additionally, extinguishing an EV fire using traditional means requires a large amount of water - up to 150,000 litres - compared to less than 4,000 litres for internal combustion vehicle fires.

Batteries can spontaneously re-ignite hours or days after appearing to have been extinguished, and current practice involves either allowing the battery to burn itself out in a controlled fire, which some EV manufacturers recommend, or flooding the battery by partially submerging the vehicle for an extended period. The ColdCut Cobra system aims to tackle the fire at its source by using a 300-bar water jet containing abrasive material capable of cutting through a vehicle's floor and titanium battery casing. Firefighters can then directly flood the burning cells, and the SCCA tests suggest that just 750 litres of water are required to extinguish a burning car battery in under 10 minutes.

Originally launched in 1997 to safely cut metal in explosive environments like oil refineries, the ColdCut system has since been adopted by fire fighting teams at paper factories, coal mines and chemical plants. Cold Cut says it has supplied systems to 14 UK fire services for other roles. The ColdCut system has already been adopted by British company Prospeed, for its new 6x6 Rapid Intervention vehicle designed to access underground and multi-storey car parks that traditional fire tenders cannot reach. "The problem of how to handle EV-fires, together with increasing numbers of EVs on the roads, means we have been working with the SCCA to develop a method to handle these types of fires. We are really pleased with the outcome, and are seeing a lot of new interest," said company CEO Johan Ivarsson, speaking to Auto Express. While EV fires are still rare, their incidence is increasing as more EVs hit the roads. Currently, London is the most affected, with the fire service reporting well over 200 electric car fires in the last five years, with a significant jump in 2021.

The Alpine A110 takes on Pikes Peak - unveiling of the new contender

 The yearly mountain ascent competition has just been presented with Alpine's entry.

Alpine has unveiled a special edition of the A110, specifically designed to participate in one of the toughest motorsport competitions in the world. The striking-looking coupe is set to compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in the United States on 25 June. However, calling it a "hill" climb is an understatement considering that the course involves a grueling 12.42-mile ascent up the Pikes Peak mountain in Colorado, with 156 turns, culminating in a summit finish line at an elevation of 14,115 feet above sea level.

The Alpine A110 Pikes Peak has already undergone its first shakedown in France on 25/26 April and will be competing in the Time Attack 1 category, which allows for various aerodynamic enhancements to help the cars grip the road, especially important for an event where maximum downforce is crucial. The shakedown was conducted by Raphaël Astier, the 2022 FIA R-GT Cup champion who will also be driving the car in the main event. Astier currently holds the Time Attack 1 class record up Pikes Peak, having set a time of nine minutes, 23.721 seconds in a turbocharged Porsche 993 GT3 Cup car in 2019. The overall record is held by Roman Dumas, who raced an all-electric VW I.D. R up the course in 7:57.148.

One of the most notable features of the Alpine A110 Pikes Peak is the Le Mans Prototype-style shark fin that extends from the rear window and splits a massive two-piece rear wing. The car also has a distinctive front splitter, low side skirts, a deep rear diffuser, and flat wheel covers, all contributing to the car's aerodynamics. The vehicle is adorned with the French colors of red, white, and blue, as well as 50 stars on the roof in tribute to the American event.

To counter the effects of the high altitude at the summit, a ram-air induction scoop is installed on the roof to supply as much air as possible to the mid-mounted engine. To compensate for the expected loss in output at high altitude, the 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine has been increased from the standard 296bhp to an impressive 500bhp. The Alpine A110 Pikes Peak weighs only 950kg, down from its road-going version's already light 1,082kg.

Alpine's development work for the Pikes Peak car was carried out in conjunction with the Signatech team, which has a history of success with Alpine, having won two LMP2 titles in the World Endurance Championship and developing another motorsport-spec A110 for the GT4 category.

Volkswagen's upcoming special edition R model, potentially named the "Golf R 333," has been hinted at in a teaser.

 Continuing from where the R 20 Years model left off, the Volkswagen Golf R 333 showcases a fresh color scheme, but unfortunately, it will not be available for purchase in the United Kingdom.

The latest limited edition of the Golf R has been revealed by Volkswagen, featuring the upgraded 328bhp engine from the Golf R 20 Years model and a range of distinctive styling elements. This new model will be exclusively available in Germany, as UK sales have been ruled out altogether.

The bright yellow shade showcased is not a completely bespoke color, but rather the "Lime Yellow" metallic option that can be found on standard and GTI Golf models. To this, the R 333 version adds unique blue "R" badging, as well as custom 333 decals running along the side and a larger rear wing similar to those previously fitted on the Performance Pack and R 20 Years models. Other additions include an Akrapovic exhaust, black "Estoril" 19-inch alloy wheels, and the customary blue brake calipers.

For reference, the slightly enhanced 329bhp variation of the Golf R's turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine, first seen in the R 20 Years, boasts several minor yet significant enhancements that make it the most powerful Golf model yet. These improvements include new engine mapping and revised software that keeps the throttle open when the pedal is released, keeping the turbo spinning and on boost. This helps improve the turbo's response when quickly transitioning on and off the throttle, as one would on a track or winding road.

The DSG transmission is the other critical component of the powertrain update, with its software recalibrated to enable faster and more aggressive gear changes. Additionally, an "emotional start" feature has been included that provides the engine with a burst of revs when the starter button is pressed – a feature that will undoubtedly please the neighbors.

These components will be combined with the current Golf R package, which includes VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive system coupled with a torque-vectoring rear differential that over-speeds the outer wheel during acceleration, giving the otherwise front-biased all-wheel drive system a more agile, oversteer-forward balance. Although it is unclear if the multi-stage DCC active dampers will be standard on this model, they have traditionally been optional on all prior models, including the R 20 Years.

The latest Abarth 500e electric hot hatch has a starting price of £34,195.

 The Abarth 500e lineup has been enriched with two new models, introducing a novel and distinctive design.

Back in 2008, the Abarth 500 burst onto the scene as a fiery hot hatch, and over time, its reputation for wildness only grew. But now, with the arrival of the Abarth 500e, the electric version of this hot hatch has become more accessible thanks to two new models that have been added to the lineup.

The first variant of the Abarth 500e to be introduced was the Scorpionissima, a limited edition model that came with a hefty price tag of £38,695. However, the latest additions to the range are more affordable, giving drivers the chance to experience the electric hot hatch for less.

The Abarth 500e is priced at a starting rate of £34,195, but those who prefer a convertible can opt for the higher-priced version at £37,195. Unlike the Fiat, the Abarth boasts a unique bodykit featuring a new set of bumpers, side skirts, rear spoiler, diffuser, Abarth branding and 17-inch alloy wheels. Meanwhile, the convertible model comes with an integrated spoiler built into the fabric roof.

Inside the car, Fiat 500e drivers will instantly recognize the familiar interior design. However, Abarth has added sport seats with scorpion patterns stitched into the headrests, as well as a black vinyl steering wheel with the signature Abarth scorpion badge. The dashboard features a 10.25-inch touchscreen that houses Fiat's Uconnect sat-nav system, along with additional 'Performance Pages' that display driving data. The driver also gets a seven-inch screen that shows custom Abarth graphics.

The Abarth 500e comes with the JBL Premium Audio System as standard, although some have criticized the sound generator that emulates a petrol engine.

The Abarth 500e Turismo, priced at £38,195 (or £41,195 for the cabrio version), offers more than the standard version. It comes with 18-inch diamond-cut grey alloy wheels, Alcantara upholstery, heated front seats, a wireless charging pad, a 360-degree rear-view camera, keyless go, a blind spot warning system, and a panoramic roof for the hatchback model.

As the first fully-electric Abarth in history, the new model faces competition from other retro-styled electric hot hatches such as the Alpine R5 and the MINI Electric. Equipped with a front-mounted electric motor that delivers 152bhp and 235Nm of torque, the 500e accelerates from 0-62mph in seven seconds.

While the 500e has less power than its combustion-engined stablemates, the 695 and its 177bhp and 250Nm of torque provide a 0-62mph time of 6.7 seconds. Abarth engineers argue that the 500e's wider width, longer wheelbase, and instant EV torque allow it to lap test tracks faster. The car also features a unique sound generator and amplifier that replicates the sound of the petrol 695's exhaust note.

According to Abarth, the 500e's latest platform offers a wider track, longer wheelbase, and better weight distribution than the old combustion-powered 500s, resulting in punchier acceleration figures and quicker lap times at the Balocco test track.

The Abarth 500e offers drivers a range of three distinct driving modes to choose from. Designed to cater to different driving needs, Turismo is the perfect mode for everyday driving, providing a smoother ride through reduced power and torque of 132bhp and 230Nm.

Meanwhile, Scorpion Street enables the powertrain to unleash its complete potential while also optimizing brake-energy recuperation for urban environments that frequently require stopping. Scorpion Track, on the other hand, reduces the brake regen to solely concentrate on performance. Abarth claims that single-pedal driving is feasible in the Turismo and Scorpion Street modes.

As for the battery and charging, the Abarth 500e employs the same 42kWh battery as its Fiat counterpart, but its range decreases from 199 to 155 miles due to the increased motor output. Nonetheless, the company has confirmed that its version will receive the same maximum charging rate of 85kW DC. This rate can provide roughly 30 miles of range in just five minutes and can charge the vehicle from nearly empty to 80% of capacity in a little over 30 minutes.

Regarding future plans for Abarth, during the unveiling, Fiat-Abarth's chief, Olivier Francois, stated that his team was already brainstorming ways to enhance the 500e's performance and noise. "Everyone is already working to make this car even faster, even sportier, even louder," he said. Francois ruled out the possibility of Abarth constructing standalone models or any automobiles based on manufacturers from elsewhere in the parent Stellantis group. However, he mentioned that while Abarth will always have fewer models than Fiat, there is still room for expanding its range.

He mentioned that not all Fiat models are suitable for an Abarth version, although it's possible for them to have one. As an example, he pointed out that building an Abarth variant of the seven-seater MPV Doblo wouldn't be sensible. However, Abarth has historically achieved significant success in Europe when associated with the 500. The 500 is one such model, and other cars within the 500 family could follow suit. This may refer to a larger version of the electric 500, which may be a zero-emissions version of the 500X small SUV, according to Auto Express. Francois revealed that an Abarth version of the existing petrol-powered 500X could have been created and had been designed.