SEMA News—July 2020
INDUSTRY NEWS
Photos courtesy SpiedBilde, Brian Williams. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.
Corvette C8 Plug-In HybridA curious C8 PHEV prototype was spotted with a rigged exhaust system that runs the exhaust through an exhaust flow analyzer tool. In addition, it has orange cabling sticking out from the front end along with a kill switch, and another kill switch is located on the rear quarter panel. (We’re told that the kill switches are there to stop power to the electric motors, which also signifies that the C8 PHEV should be AWD). The C8 PHEV is expected to be analogous to the current Stingray model, but with hybridized power. It’s currently unclear what the powertrain will look like, though we have been told to expect the electrified hardware to aid in performance rather than fuel economy. Expect a launch either in late 2020 or 2021. |  |
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’21 Ford Bronco UndisguisedThis prototype of the ’21 Ford Bronco Sport has a signature boxy design that features an upright front fascia with Bronco headlight clusters, with a round headlight joined by a horizontal element. The front fascia is clearly configured to maximize the approach angle, as clearly seen from the profile angle. The long and flat hood joins to blacked-out pillars. Meanwhile, the roof—complete with roof rails—has a slight step up behind the B-pillar area. There’s also that raised body line after the C-pillar, giving this baby Bronco a look reminiscent of older Land Rovers. Like the front, the rear end appears to be optimized for a capable departure angle. Gray 17-in. wheels with a double-spoke design round out the package. |  |
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Three-Row Grand CherokeeJeep is set to get a number of three-row SUVs in the next few years, and the Grand Cherokee three-row seen here looks like it’ll be ready to join the truck-based Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. This model will likely be similar in size to the current Durango and compete head-on with the Highlander and Explorer. It’s unclear how off-road capability will be compromised by a longer rear overhang, but it’s expected that at least one variant will be “trail rated.” The new three-row will be based off the Alfa Giorgio platform and is set to receive both the current model’s 3.6L Pentastar V6 and a new 3.0L turbocharged inline-six hybrid. The Grand Cherokee will debut sometime in 2021. |  |
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