Jeep to introduce 2 new Renegade Models at L.A. Auto Show

Jeep® Introduces Two New Renegade Models

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 10, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

• New 2017 Jeep® Renegade Deserthawk limited-edition model to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show
• Deserthawk model, inspired by the desert's extreme conditions, builds on Jeep Renegade's rugged appearance and best-in-class Trail Rated 4x4 capability
• 2017 Jeep Renegade Altitude, featuring unique 'blacked-out' exterior, also makes first appearance
• Renegade Altitude available in Jeep showrooms later this month; Renegade Deserthawk available in January

Two new Jeep® Renegade models will make their debut at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, providing customers with two new and unique special editions for the most capable small SUV on the market.

"These two new Jeep Renegade models help to extend our popular small SUV's continued global success since its launch last year, and to provide customers with the choice of two distinctive and unique special editions," said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global. "The Jeep Renegade Deserthawk takes the best-in-class capability of the Renegade Trailhawk and combines it with a unique look and additional features that include rock rails and a towing package – all inspired by the desert's extreme conditions. For customers looking for an edgy and aggressive appearance, the Jeep Renegade Altitude offers just that, building on the popularity of the other Altitude models across the Jeep lineup."

The new 2017 Jeep Renegade Altitude model arrives in showrooms later this month, while the Renegade Deserthawk model arrives in January.

Jeep Renegade Deserthawk
The Jeep Renegade Deserthawk takes the Renegade Trailhawk's rugged appearance and best-in-class capability a step further with exclusive features and functionality inspired by the desert – an extreme location where the legendary capability of Jeep vehicles is best expressed.

Available in Alpine White, Anvil, Black or Deserthawk-exclusive Mojave Sand, the Jeep Renegade Deserthawk features fully painted 17-inch black wheels, exclusive hood and rear body panel decals, rock rails and Trailer Tow Group. Inside, the Renegade Deserthawk features an exclusive interior with black leather seats, Light Frost stitching and accents, all-weather floor mats and cargo tray mat.

The Jeep Renegade Deserthawk, like the Renegade Trailhawk, delivers best-in-class Trail Rated 4x4 capability with standard Jeep Active Drive Low with 20:1 crawl ratio; Selec-Terrain system with exclusive Rock mode; 8.7 inches of ground clearance; skid plates; signature red front and rear tow hooks; up to 8.1 inches of wheel articulation; Hill-descent Control; up to 19 inches of water fording; and up to 2,000-lb. towing capacity. The Renegade Deserthawk comes standard with a 2.4-liter Tigershark engine with MultiAir2 paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission, ParkView rear backup camera and 7-inch full-color thin-film transistor (TFT) cluster display.

Arriving at dealer showrooms in January 2017, the Jeep Renegade Deserthawk limited edition will be available for a U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $28,140.

Jeep Renegade Altitude
Joining the other Altitude models across the Jeep lineup, the 2017 Jeep Renegade Altitude features a unique "blacked-out" look with a distinct, aggressive flair. Available in all exterior colors, the Jeep Renegade Altitude features 18-inch Gloss Black wheels with Gloss Black accents around the exterior, including the front and rear badges, grille rings and tail lamp rings.

Inside, the Renegade special edition's blacked-out theme continues with a black interior, black premium cloth seats and High Gloss Black finishes. Metal Diamond accents are found throughout on key touch points, such as the shifter knob and door handles.

The Jeep Renegade Altitude, based on the Renegade Latitude model, is available with either a 2.4-liter Tigershark engine with MultiAir2 paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission, or a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine with a six-speed manual transmission. The Renegade Altitude comes with a variety of standard features, including ParkSense rear backup camera and Keyless Go.

Arriving at dealer showrooms later this month, the Jeep Renegade Altitude model will be available starting at $22,390 U.S. MSRP.

Jeep Renegade
The Jeep Renegade delivers a unique combination of best-in-class, off-road capability, open-air freedom and convenience, a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission that contributes to outstanding on-road and off-road driving dynamics, two fuel-efficient engines, world-class refinement and a host of innovative safety and advanced technology offerings. The 2017 Jeep Renegade starts at $17,995 MSRP (not including destination).

About Jeep Brand
Built on 75 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Renegade, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left and right-hand drive configurations and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. 

Follow Jeep and FCA US news and video on:
FCA Content On Demand (COD): www.fcacod.com
Company blog: http://blog.fcanorthamerica.com
Company website: www.fcanorthamerica.com
Media website: http://media.fcanorthamerica.com
FCA360: www.fca360.com
Jeep brand: www.jeep.com
Jeep blog: blog.jeep.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeep or https://www.facebook.com/FiatChrysler.NorthAmerica/
Flickr: www.flickr.com/jeepexperience  or  www.flickr.com/chryslergroup
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/jeep or www.pinterest.com/FCAcorporate
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jeep or  www.instagram.com/FiatChrysler_NA
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jeep or www.twitter.com/FiatChrysler_NA
YouTube: www.youtube.com/thejeepchannel or  www.youtube.com/pentastarvideo

SOURCE FCA US LLC

For further information: Angela Bianchi, (248) 512-0011 (office), (248) 766-2937 (cell), angela.bianchi@fcagroup.com; Todd Goyer, (248) 512-0041 (office), (248) 761-0805 (cell), todd.goyer@fcagroup.com

1 Millionth Mazda MX-5 Miata to be visit L.A. Auto Show

And select folks may get to sign it during press days!

Mazda Miata #1,000,000, photo courtesy MAZDA USA

This is a cool milestone for Mazda and its lovely little roadster the Miata aka MX5.  One million cars since its introduction is an accomplishment.  Number 1 million is touring the world and select folks get to sign their name to it prior to its permanent enshrinement in the Mazda Museum in Hiroshima.  Who get's to sign...interested journalists (me!) during Press Days of the L. A Auto Show next week.

For the full press release you need to make the jump.  

New Panamera and Panamera Executive to be revealed at L.A. Auto Show

Big news, the darling of the Porsche collection, at least in my corner of L.A is the Panamera and the enthusiasts that love that model will have more to rejoice over after the L.A. Auto Show reveal.  Yes, tuned with a more more powerful V6 that produces some 20 hp more than the out going version an it will also have an all wheel drive option and an extended wheelbase version the Panamera Executive.

To be released during press days of the L.A. Auto Show I'll grab as many pics as I can while there.  To further your appetite..make the jump and read the press release!

2017 Green Car of the Year finalists named

Winner to be announced during Press Days of the L. A Auto Show

Chevy Bolt concept at NAIAS 2015

The Finalists:

BMW 330e iPerformance
The BMW 330e iPerformance adds a plug-in hybrid drive system to the BMW 3 Series. The use of an electric motor with the BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder engine results in a total system output of 248 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The BMW 330e iPerformance accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 140 mph. Pure-electric driving is possible at speeds up to 75 mph with a range of approximately 14 miles and combined fuel efficiency of 71 MPGe when driving on batteries.

Chevrolet Bolt
The Bolt EV offers a breakthrough EPA-estimated 238 miles of range on a full electric charge, the first production electric vehicle to achieve a 200-plus mile driving range. It features an array of advanced connected technologies designed to enhance and personalize the driving experience. A Regen on Demand feature allows the driver to use a steering wheel paddle to initiate more aggressive regenerative braking to slow down without using the brake pedal, while transferring electrical energy back to the battery.

                    

Chrysler Pacifica 
The Chrysler Pacifica includes an array of choices including the LX, Touring, Touring L and the Touring L Plus. This innovative minivan also offers the first-ever plug-in hybrid in its class, delivering outstanding 80 MPGe efficiency, a 30-mile electric driving range, and a total driving range of 530 miles with combined battery power and its V6 powertrain. The plug-in hybrid model may be conveniently charged in as little as two hours with an available 240v charger. It features hands-free sliding doors and liftgate for convenience

.

Kia Optima 
The 2017 Kia Optima's sleek styling and pleasing performance live on in the entire 2017 model lineup. The 2017 Optima Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid are new additions that intelligently combine an electric motor and a new 2.0-liter, GDI 4-cylinder gas engine for welcome fuel efficiency and a satisfying driving experience. The Plug-in Hybrid uses a larger battery pack than the standard hybrid to allow up to 27 miles of all-electric driving before the plug-in model reverts back into its efficient hybrid mode.

Toyota Prius Prime 
The Toyota Prius Prime is this automaker's evolution of the Prius Plug-In, which did not accompany the completely redesigned Prius model last year. This new 2017 model plug-in features up to 22 miles of battery electric range, double that of the original Prius plug-in.  It retains the distinctive silhouette of the latest-generation Prius and adds unique exterior styling cues to set the model apart. Inside, the Prius Prime is also distinguished with an 11.6 -inch touchscreen display.

The Green Car of the Year® is selected through a majority vote by an esteemed jury that includes celebrity auto enthusiast Jay Leno, as well as leaders of noted environmental and efficiency organizations including Jean-Michel Cousteau, President of Ocean Futures Society; Matt Petersen, Board Member of Global Green USA; Dr. Alan Lloyd, President Emeritus of the International Council on Clean Transportation; Mindy Lubber, President of CERES; and Kateri Callahan, President of the Alliance to Save Energy.

During the award's vetting process, Green Car Journal editors consider all vehicles, fuels and technologies as an expansive field of potential candidates and narrow it down to the final five. Finalists are selected for their achievements in raising the bar in environmental performance. Many factors are considered including efficiency, performance characteristics, 'newness,' affordability and overall environmental achievement. Availability to the mass market is important to ensure honored models have the potential to make a real difference in environmental impact. Finalists must be available for sale by January 1 of the award year.

L.A Auto Show set for November 18-27

Get your tickets now to attend this years Los Angeles Auto Show. As usual it will be at the Convention Center and this year promises big changes that will make it bigger and better than before.  This year’s press days promises over 50 World and North American premiere’s for the show goers to ooh and ah over.

The really big news is that Kenetia Hall is going to be better organized and renamed “The Garage” to really showcase custom rides and tricks to upgrade your own car.

Press Days this year have been renamed to be more descriptive of the 4 days prior to public opening. Now called AutoMobility it focuses on the future of transportation beyond just the automobile but how solutions now are being worked on for denser populated cities of the future.  These exhibits will be open to the public as “Go-Movement” during public days…you just miss on the actual press presentation.

Tickets range in price from $5-12 and can be bought in advance HERE.  I STRONGLY recommend buying tickets in advance, especially for weekends as the lines can be hours long at the door.

Parking is pricey $20 for the day so be prepared to pay the price of admission.  Traffic around the convention center is circus like during the show and I again have a recommendation to work around that problem.  Use the Expo or Blue line and exit at the Pico station for a quick 2 block walk to the convention center.

Mazda to premier next generation CX-5 at L.A Auto Show

Mazda, the Japanese car company that goes its own way making drivers oriented cars plans on debuting an updated and new for 2017 CX-5 compact cross over.  Details are slim in advance of the Press Days debut but the teaser pic reveals more sculpting to the body, longer lower roof line and a much longer hood with less slope than the prior model  More SUV like than ultra-minivan in appearance.  Should help boost its sales considerably.  If they keep its drivers orientation, offers up a manual tranny this could be a really viable option over the Honda HRV.

You need to make the jump for the press release:

Nissan Titan Driving Adventure and you can do it too!

Those who know me know I'm a car guy at heart, but its hard to turn your back on a well engineered machine regardless of the form it takes.  This pretty much describes the Titan XD and new for 2017 Titan trucks from Nissan.  I've already reviewed the Titan in detail HERE.   Its really a well built, terrific handling and quiet truck.  Worth your time to look at if you're in the market for a new truck.
The 5 year/100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty can't be beat in the industry for a truck either.

Since that last review I had the chance to really run the truck through its paces on a closed circuit slalom course.  It will do a decent burn out.  The ABS performs flawlessly, and repeatedly...and it has the best pedal feel of any ABS system in a truck I've ever driven.

Through emergency lane changes and slaloms the Titan is smooth and easy to transition from right to left with nominal lean and nose dive.  Confidence inspiring is the words that come to mind.

On an off-road course the acoustic glass and sound insulation present is really noticeable.  Over a log trail or rocks the noise is signficantly subdued inside the cabin while you float along in hushed quiet on the "zero gravity seats".

The automatic hill descent control is a trip.  Simply activated on the dash, release the brake and the system will control gas and ABS brakes to take you slowly and safely down a steep grade with no drama at all.  Add in the side cameras to prevent going off trail and damaging your rims and the front camera aimed low at the road when you can't see it and you have quite the safety suite of technology to add to your off-roading fun.

Now for the fun stuff.  The Nissan Titan Driving Adventure is open to the public this weekend 10/1-2 at the StubHub Center in Carson.

More pics by me from the drive in a Flickr Album

DEETS: Nissan Adventure Drive,10/1-2 8AM-5PM.  StubHub Center, 18400 Avalon Blvd, Carson CA  MAP HERE