2022 Detroit Auto Show Preview

Jeep struts its stuff, but the big news will be Mustang

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2024 Jeep Recon courtesy of Stellantis

In two days, the Detroit Auto Show will open its doors to the press and vendors, but already some manufacturers have leaked previews online. A guess is that most of them would have little value to enthusiasts like yourself, but who are we to decide for you? Nonetheless, the most exciting introduction is going to be the redesigned Mustang. Will it end up being the automotive equivalent of the iPhone 14?

Here’s a look at what we know:

2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV courtesy of General Motors

Chevrolet
You know that Equinox in the driveway? Now it’s going to be available in EV form, and it will look the part as well. If you glance at the technical stats, it’s a different vehicle from the gasoline version thanks to being seven inches longer and three inches wider. Chevrolet brags that it will reach 300 miles on a full charge, with approximately 70 miles of range after 10 minutes of charging from a DC fast public charge. This is a very important vehicle for General Motors’ portfolio so, despite not tickling our enthusiast fancies, we silently cheer Detroit for its success.

2024 Jeep Recon courtesy of Stellantis

Jeep
Maybe you are already depressed about what’s going on at Dodge and don’t want to read about a Jeep EV, so go find your safe space and wait for the Mustang entry below. For the rest of you, you may already know Jeep has the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe electrics, but now we have a preview for the Jeep Recon and the imaginatively named Wagoneer “S.”

The Recon was “inspired by the spirit of the legendary Jeep Wrangler” but, to this guy, aren’t they all? It somewhat looks like the size of the old compact Cherokee but designed for adventure—I think marketers created a catchphrase and call these “activity” or “lifestyle” vehicles. The Recon will be produced exclusively as a BEV (that’s “Battery Electric Vehicle”) and will demonstrate all the authentic Jeep traits that the brand is famous for, including a traction management system, tow hooks and knobby tires to make a Mongoose dirt bike jealous. There also will be “authentic Jeep open-air freedom with a one-touch power top, removable doors and glass.” If you are an early adopter and are looking for a “rugged and capable fully electric SUV,” then the Recon should be on your radar.

2024 Jeep Wagoneer “S” courtesy of Stellantis

The Wagoneer “S” is for those who are looking for an urban assault vehicle for jaunts to the Short Hills Mall. Jeep says, “It will offer elevated style and interior features, excellent on-road and all-weather performance—and it’s entirely electric.”

This Wagoneer is poised to expand the Jeep brand in the premium SUV segment and features more futuristic styling from other Wagoneers, along with traditional Jeep characteristics including “all-terrain management, advanced Jeep brand-focused technology and impressive performance credentials.” A single charge gives you 400 miles, while 600 horsepower gives you a 0-60 mph sprint of around 3.5 seconds.

Both vehicles will be here in 2024, but attendees of the Detroit Auto Show will be able to see them both in the flesh.

Ford
So, here’s some news you can devour: On September 14, Ford Motor Company will unveil the new Mustang “S650”—the first since the 2015 “S550” was introduced to the world at the end of 2013. And, to be clear, this upcoming unveiling will be assisted by global marketing support because the Mustang truly is a global vehicle.

“Mustang is the world’s best-selling sports car because there’s one for everyone – from an EcoBoost convertible to 5-liter V8 GT fastback coupe,” says Ford Motor Company president and CEO, Jim Farley. “Now it’s time to for a new stampede of owners, fans and employees to welcome the next chapter in Mustang’s legacy – the seventh-generation, which will be our best yet.”

Well, duh! Is there a new vehicle that isn’t the best yet? But because it’s a Mustang, people are waiting with bated breath and chewing on their nails to see what Ford screws up. Remember all those complaints that the S550 looked Japanese? All those complaints — most baseless — were tossed out the window once people got ahold of one. No one today would dare say the same things about the S550, but the Internet will do its thing nonetheless. A prediction: everything’s gonna be alright once again.

In any case, there is a Mustang Stampede a-happening, with Mustang fans from around the world invited to gather at Woodward Avenue’s Hart Plaza (no relation to Kevin, thankfully) for an 8 p.m. debut of the seventh-generation Mustang. That’s where tons of Mustang enthusiasts from around the country are expected to descend after starting The Drive Home, an annual road trip to the Detroit Auto Show. The kickoff was on September 6 at LeMay — America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Wash.

Enthusiasts will be happy to know that the new Mustang will be rear-wheel drive and offer only gas-powered engines and a manual transmission, though our crystal ball tells us that the next Mustang that hits at the end of the decade will be much different. For now, a 2.3-liter turbo-4 and the V8 are to be expected.

Stay tuned, as the ClassicCars.com Journal will bring you the inside skinny of the S650 Mustang when it happens.

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