Dec 11, 2020 7:38:25 PM
- CGX car nut
- Rennteam Master
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- Loc: NWI , United States
- Posts: 4678, Gallery
- Registered on: Aug 17, 2011
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Reply to:
RC
Re: Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk (EU 2019) - Short Review
RC:CGX car nut:In MY 2022, Jeep should introduce a new Grand Cherokee as well as its larger sibling, the Wagoneer. That is why the engine is potentially ending production as it shifts to a hybrid configuration. However, with Ford set to introduce a new 7.3l V8 for its F-150, it is conceivable that a tuned variant could make its way into the Mustang. If that happens, FCA will develop a large displacement V8 competitor.
The EPA does not do fuel ratings for heavy-duty trucks so there are no ratings, meaning: The n/a 7.3 l V8 for the F-150 isn't an environmental issue (yet). I kind of doubt that they are going to supercharge or add turbo chargers to this engine for other cars because this would require a tremendous development effort to meet a 50 States certification for 2022 and later.
My (German) dealer has been told by FCA Europe that he shouldn't expect any high powered V8 engines for the Jeep model line anymore in the future. He thinks that even the SRT won't survive with a V8. More likely, the next Jeep GC generation will be based on the Alfa Romeo Stelvio platform and use similar engines to lower cost. Ford did the same with the Explorer and Expedition and I have to admit that I liked the Expedition Max we had two years ago during a US trip, 400 (I think) hp from a Bi-Turbo V6, not bad at all but...no proper exhaust sound either.
It doesn't matter (anymore) what (some) customers or even car manufacturers want: Emissions standards are getting tougher and tougher to meet, high displacement engines are a thing of the past I'm afraid, even supercharged/turbo charged ones. The EU just has decided to introduce much tougher emissions standards for 2030, standards which are basically impossible to meet with combustion engines. Even the Euro 7 emissions standard is tough for car manufacturers and it starts in 2025.
Car manufacturers in Europe and in the US won't produce cars for the EU and California only, they will build cars which are certified for the EU and all 50 US States.
Another EU problem many may do not know: The EU wants to forbid individual acceptance/certification of vehicles, meaning that some Tuners or even exclusive car manufacturers will have difficulties to get their products certified.
Another thing which will disappear is apparently also the exemption for low production numbers manufacturers.
Sorry to say this but I think dinosaurs like the Trackhawk or all those Hellcat and Shelby Mustang, etc. cars are a thing of the past. RIP.
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RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Lamborghini Huracan Performante (2019), Mercedes GLC63 S AMG (2020), Mercedes C63 S AMG Cab (2019), Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk (2019 EU)
Once again, you are wrong. The Ford F-150 is not a heavy-duty truck, it is a light truck. Whilst the standards are less stringent for light trucks and SUVs compared with the typical passenger vehicle, i.e., sedan and some crossover. Heavy duty vehicles are defined by the EPA as those with a gross vehicle weight rating (“GVWR”) greater than 8,500 pounds. In California, the heavy duty GVWR is greater than 14,000 pounds. However, passenger vehicles with GVWR between 8,500 pounds and 10,000 pounds are mandated to the the Tier Two Light Vehicle Standards for emissions and fuel economy standards.
Some of the passenger trucks, the Ford Raptor and the Hummer H2 for example, were certified as medium duty, not heavy duty trucks, because of size. These vehicles have additional clearance lamps and meet a less stringent emission and fuel standard but are still regulated by the EPA and CARB. Furthermore, all road vehicles in the United States must conform, including heavy duty diesel trucks to emissions standards. However, some latitude is provided to rolling chassis. Those differences are beyond this conversation.