THE AUTO INDUSTRY AT LARGE IS EMBRACING A FUTURE OF ELECTRIFICATION, FROM SALOONS TO SUVS TO WIND SLICING SUPERCARS, PROVING THAT SUSTAINABILITY CAN BE EQUALLY AS STIRRING

BY AMANDA MCCOY

BENTLEY FLYING SPUR HYBRID ODYSSEAN EDITION

The second soldier in Bentley’s bold move toward an EV only lineup by 2030, the British supermaker’s grand tourer is getting the electric treatment for 2022, following last year’s Bentayga hybrid SUV. The next gen Flying Spur will sport a beefier powertrain than its Bentayga brethren; underneath the hood, a twin turbo 410 hp 2.9L V6 works with a 134 hp electric motor that’s sandwiched between the engine and eight speed dual clutch transmission. Together, the engine plus electric motor duo puts out 536 net horsepower (that’s 93 more ponies than the Bentayga) with 553 lb. ft. of torque. The electric motor will provide an estimated 25 petrol free miles on a single charge, and the sedan’s total range sits at approximately 430 miles with a full tank. And for a brand that’s always been known to go big or go home, this milestone had to be properly commemorated. Enter the Odyssean Edition, a stunning limited release that’s draped head to toe in classic Bentley panache: rich bronze coloring, 21 inch ten twin spoke wheels, ombre finishes, 3 D diamond textured leather, and bespoke embroidery.

FANS OF BENTLEY’S EXP 100 GT CONCEPT that debuted in 2019 will notice several parallels on the Odyssean, including an all new embroidery style that’s rendered in an ombre finish. The threads blend calmly into one another for a pearl like effect that’s unique to the lineup.

IN THE ODYSSEAN Bentley proves opulence doesn’t have to be wasteful. The seatbacks and headrest boast panels of British wool tweed, a sustainable alternative to cow hide. The front fascia and waistrails sport an open pore wood finish that requires 90% less lacquer than traditional high gloss veneers, lending an organic, natural look and feel.

THE AUTOMAKER CLAIMS buyers won’t have to sacrifice acceleration as the hybrid’s 0 60 time is nearly identical to its V8 kin, clocking in at 4.1 seconds, a mere tenth of a second shy of the gasoline only Spur. The hybrid will add about 110 lbs. in weight nominal considering the Bentayga hybrid puts on an additional 460 lbs.

Flying Spur Hybrid starts at $204,000, inquire for Odyssean pricing.
Bentley Parsippany, 250 US-46, Parsippany / 973.575.7755 / bentleyparsippany.com

MCLAREN ARTURA HYBRID

Meet the British maker’s first series production hybrid supercar, an all new model from the ground up, marking the debut of the McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA), a brand new chassis optimized for hybrid performance powertrains. Super formed aluminum and carbon fiber construction promise a lightweight body with optimal supercar proportions, boasting a best in class power to weight ratio of 481bhp/ton. Power is derived in two forms: a twin turbocharged 3.0L V6 and an E motor fed by a 7.4 kWh lithium ion battery, teaming up for 671 hp and 531 lb. ft. of torque. The PHEV system does much more than deliver fewer emissions and a 19 mile EV range; the E motor also serves up instant torque of up to 166 lb. ft. for the sharpest throttle response ever from a McLaren supercar and a 0 60 time of three seconds flat. Efficiency and hair standing thrills are officially the hottest new couple in town.

A NEW BLUETOOTH low energy vehicle key detects when the driver is heading toward the vehicle and subsequently powers up interior systems, such as ambient “hidden until lit” lighting in the doors and puddle lamps.

STANDARD FEATURES ABOUND on the U.S. variant, including a Practicality Pack feature with vehicle nose lift, power folding and heated mirrors, soft close doors, power adjustable comfort seats, and Homelink.

THE ARTURA WILL ALSO BE THE FIRST MCLAREN to offer advanced, semi autonomous driver assistance technologies, including Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop/Go; Lane Departure Warning; High Beam Assist, and Road Sign Recognition. These systems, along with the infotainment apps, can be enhanced using over the air update technology.

Deliveries are expected to begin in July, $225,000. McLaren North Jersey, 995 NJ 17, Ramsey 201.639.7750 / mclarennorthjersey.com

LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER PHEV & EV (2023 & 2024)

Six battery electric Land Rover models will be rolling in over the next five years, beginning with the brand’s flagship: the prodigal Range Rover, the rugged meets refined legend on wheels. The luxury SUV is no stranger to revolutionizing the industry: it helped create and continues to redefine the full size premium sport utility category, its latest redesign garnering almost unanimous praise for its smooth, sleek, refreshingly uncluttered styling. “The new Range Rover is a vehicle with a peerless character, from the impeccable restraint of its exterior to the flawless tranquil sanctuary of its cabin,” noted Gerry McGovern, chief creative officer of Jaguar Land Rover. “Informed by creative intellect and a desire for perfection, it doesn’t follow fashion or trend, but by a modernist design philosophy, combined with over 50 years of evolution, it is quite simply the most desirable Range Rover ever created.”

The fifth generation Rover debuted late last year as a 2022 model along with big news: an all electric version is on the way for model year 2024. For those not quite ready to fully forsake petroleum, a PHEV version is slated to arrive later this year, boasting a 38.2 kWh battery and a 105 kW motor that, when paired with the inline 6, will serve up 434 ponies along with a 62 mile pure EV range.

THE 2022 REDESIGN launched the brand’s new MLA Flex platform, which offers a 50% increase in overall body and torsional stiffness. But what makes this platform so impressive is its flexibility; according to the marque, it can accommodate every type of powertrain from conventional gasoline to hybrid to full EV, without sacrificing cargo space, on road comfort, or off road capability.

THE LATEST ROVER offers occupants a true Zen experience, from the hot stone massage seats and hyper advanced air purification system to next level noise cancellation via embedded headrest speakers.

SCREENS EMERGE EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK, including a 13.1 inch curved floating infotainment touchscreen, a 13.7 inch interactive driver display, and an optional rear seat entertainment package with 11.4 inch screens embedded in each front headrest. Opt for Executive Class rear seating for an additional 8 inch touch controller for backseat adjustments.

Pricing unofficial. Land Rover Monmouth, 105 NJ 36, Eatontown / 877.672.8810 / landrovermonmouth.com

ACURA NSX TYPE S HYBRID

Last year the premium Japanese automaker made an announcement that put tears in the eyes of enthusiasts across the globe: 2022 would mark the final year of the fabled NSX, the sleek, svelte super coupe that made its debut in 1989. But every storm has a silver lining, and in this case, sterling comes in the form of a 600 horsepower, blisteringly fast Type S. It’s been more than 20 years since the NSX last bore a Type S badge (remember the NSX took an 11 year hiatus after it was discontinued in 2005), but as a proper send off, Acura is resurrecting the storied badge and releasing its highest performing production expression of the iconic supercar to date. Under the hood is a twin turbo 3.5L V6 that works with three electric motors for a combined output of 600 ponies and 492 lb. ft. of torque, marking increases of 27 and 16 over last year’s model, respectively.

Additional aerodynamic and styling upgrades include sharper front and rear fascia, a carbon fiber front lip, and a GT3 Evo inspired rear diffuser, for enhanced stability from the track to the turnpike. Only 350 iterations will be released, 300 of which will be up for grabs in the American market. No immediate successor has been announced, though Acura vice president and brand officer Jon Ikeda did note, “We’re already exploring what the next generation of sports cars should be in the coming electrified era.”

THE AVAILABLE MOTORSPORT FOCUSED LIGHTWEIGHT PACKAGE featuring carbon ceramic brakes, a carbon fiber engine cover, and Carbon Fiber Interior Sport Package sheds an additional 58 pounds to maximize performance. A carbon fiber roof is standard.

THE NSX IS BREAKING ITS OWN RECORDS, shaving a full two seconds off its circuit time around the famed Suzuka track in Japan.

THE NINE SPEED DUAL CLUTCH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION is a carry over, but this year’s model features a retuned gearbox that shifts 50% faster than the previous model. There’s also a new rapid downshift mode on board that allows the pilot to completely skip gears while holding down the left shift paddle.

$169,500. Precision Acura of Princeton, 3001 US 1, Lawrenceville / 877.872.0338 / precisionacura.com

CADILLAC LYRIQ (2023)

Caddy’s first entry into the EV space has been generating buzz for years, and the sleek, crystal clad stunner is finally hitting the streets. The brand new SUV rides on GM’s new scalable battery architecture, which boasts a low center of gravity and tons of interior space, plus a 300 plus mile range. The rear wheel drive iteration will come first, followed by an all wheel variant that adds a second electric motor at the front axle. Drivers can expect 340 horsepower and 325 lb. ft. of torque on the single motor setup (though at press time, these numbers were estimations).

Riders are in for a show, which is no surprise from a maker famed for flash and excess. But instead of shiny chrome or copious amounts of carbon fiber, the LYRIQ turns heads with a bona fide light presentation. Each time the vehicle is turned on, the LYRIQ greets its guests with a choreographed sequence that begins in the black crystal grille and Cadillac crest as they flash to life, followed by the horizontal indicators, daytime running light strips, and primary LED lights. Missed it the first time around? The LYRIQ’s lights dance again when the vehicle is turned off.

JUST TWO EXTERIOR COLORS will be available on the inaugural model: Satin Steel Metallic and a silky Midnight Black Metallic that juxtapose beautifully against the choreographed exterior lighting.

TURN UP THE VOLUME as the audio ninjas at Austrian powerhouse AKG provided the 19 speaker sound system, and Caddy’s next generation noise cancellation ensures the road won’t pose any interruptions.

A MASSIVE 33 INCH CURVED ADVANCED LED DISPLAY, akin to the newly redesigned Escalade, dominates the dash, serving as both the infotainment screen and driver’s instrument panel.

Reservations will re-open this summer, starting at $58,795. Trinity Cadillac, 374 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs 201.351.3391 / trinitycadillac.com

JAGUAR I PACE

In 2017, Jaguar sent autodom into a frenzy when it unveiled the I PACE, a premium, performance focused SUV that was purely electric, the first step in the British maker’s plan to become an EV only brand by 2025. In 2019, it scored a hat trick at the World Car Awards, nabbing the titles World Car of the Year, World Car Design of the Year, and World Green Car. After skipping the 2021 model year, the effervescent EV is rolling into 2022 with a handful of fresh new features, including Qi wireless charging, 360 degree camera, complimentary 4G data plan, redesigned (and purportedly more user friendly) infotainment system, and a reduced at home charging time of 8.6 hours, down from the previous model’s 12.6 (on a 240 volt AC outlet), thanks to a new 11.0 kW AC on board charger. The all wheel drive SUV’s 90.0 kWh battery pack offers an EPA estimated range of 222 miles, and the dual electric motors produce a peppy 394 horsepower with 512 lb. ft. of torque.

IT’S CLEANER THIS YEAR, and we’re not merely referring to its zero emissions. The latest I PACE prioritizes the wellbeing of its occupants with a cabin air ionization system that now features PM2.5 filtration to capture ultra fine airborne impurities and can even filter the cabin before a journey begins.

TWO EXTERIOR PACKAGES ARE AVAILABLE: a blacked out option that gives the side window surrounds, the grille, and badging the midnight treatment; or the Bright Package, which plasters the mirror caps, window surrounds, and rear diffuser with chrome.

AS OF 2022, THE I PACE is only available in one trim, the former top of the line HSE, featuring a suite of standard luxuries like 16 way heated and cooled front seats, a Head Up Display, and Meridian 3D Surround Sound System.

$69,900. Jaguar Monmouth, 105 NJ 36, Eatontown / 877.672.8680 / jaguarmonmouth.com

BMW IX M60 (2023)

Deliveries of BMW’s first fully electric SAV (sport activity vehicle, a phrase Bimmer coined with the launch of the X5 in 1999) will begin this March, but before the sheet metal even had time to cool on the iX xDrive50, the German automaker announced a new addition to the family: the high performance M60, scheduled to join the lineup next year. This power hungry rider will be only the second fully electrified vehicle to bear the glorious M badge (following the BMW i4 M50, slated to arrive this spring), adding even more clout to an already stacked vehicle. Engage Sport Mode to unleash 610 horses and 811 lb. ft. of torque (compared to “only” 516 ponies and 564 lb. ft. on the xDrive50 model) for a 0 60 time of 3.6 seconds. Drivers will see a slight dip in range on the performance model, dropping from 324 to 280 miles on a single charge. The exterior styling is nearly identical to the xDrive50, marked by an elegant, wind swept silhouette, frameless doors, seamless door handles, and futuristic head and tail lights. Sales are scheduled to commence this summer. $106,095.

M60 SPECIFIC FEATURES include standard adaptive air suspension with automatic level control, optional 22 inch wheels, and blue M branded brake calipers.

INCREASING RIGIDITY while reducing weight is a delicate dance in electric vehicles, and the M60 achieves this balance through an aluminum space frame and carbon fiber reinforced plastic in the roof, side, and rear sections.

AT THE HEART OF THE MACHINE is a hefty 106.3 kWh battery, which boasts DC fast charging capabilities and can re juice from 10 to 80% in a short 35 minutes on a 200 kW connection.

Circle BMW, 500 NJ 36, Eatontown / 732.820.4053 / circlebmw.com

ASTON MARTIN VALHALLA (2024)

Last July, British marque Aston Martin commemorated its return to the British Grand Prix with the debut of the customer ready version of the Valhalla supercar, a track biased, road ravaging, 937 horsepower marvel based on the hypercar concept unveiled in 2019. This is the maker’s first series production mid engine supercar (though production will still be limited to 999 examples, but that’s nearly double the original number), and is loaded to the gills with Formula 1 expertise, from the chassis to the electronics.
“Valhalla is our first opportunity to really show what we are capable of in a true production sense,” said Ralph Illenberger, head of powertrain engineering. Its debut marks the first plug in hybrid for the 109 year old brand, the next stop in AM’s transition from internal combustion powertrains to full EVs. There are three motors on board; first up, a rear mid mounted 4.0L twin turbo bespoke V8 touted as the highest performance V8 engine to ever power an Aston Martin revs up to 7200 rpm and delivers 739 horses exclusively to the back axle, while a pair of electric motors deliver an additional 200 ponies to either the front or rear axle, depending on driving conditions. In pure EV mode, the battery power is directed exclusively to the front axle. When the driver puts the super machine into full throttle, the Valhalla can blast from 0 62 in 2.5 seconds, ultimately reaching a top speed of 217 mph.

A BRAND NEW EIGHT SPEED DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION is on deck, developed specifically for the new hybrid era. The bespoke system eliminates a conventional reverse gear and instead uses the electric motors to back up, reducing weight. To maximize traction, handling agility, and on road thrills, the transmission also boasts an Electronic Limited Slip Differential on the rear axle.

BUILT TO SLICE THROUGH THE WIND, the Valhalla features many of the Valkyrie hypercar’s Formula 1 inspired aerodynamic philosophies. Through a combination of underbody airflow management and active aerodynamic surfaces, plus a Track Mode that significantly reduces ride height, the track hungry vehicle produces 1,322 pounds of downforce at 150 mph to shred high speed corners with ease.

THOUGH TECHNICALLY THE VALHALLA’S STATUS was downgraded from hypercar to supercar during its transition into a production ready variant, its styling still boasts all the pillars of the world’s most exclusive machines. Vertical dihedral doors open to an F1 styled, driver focused cockpit. Vertical tailpipes, massive diffuser tunnels, and two differently sized rims (20 inches at the front and 21 at the rear) wrapped around custom made Michelin tires all add to the drama.

Deliveries are slated to begin in 2023, pricing unofficial. Aston Martin Summit, 326 Morris Avenue, Summit 908.468.2070 / astonmartinsummit.com

ALFA ROMEO TONALE PHEV CONCEPT (2023)

The Italian automaker is teaching a master class in patience. The stunning Tonale concept, a wind swept crossover with stature and style in equal measure, made its global debut at the 2019 Geneva Auto Show, but the brand’s first premium compact SUV would then experience a pair of delays – not due to the pandemic (though the crushing chip shortage didn’t exactly guide progress forward), but because Alfa Romeo CEO Jean Philippe Imparato demanded better performance from the planned PHEV variant. A driving purist (he’s been famously quoted as saying, “I’m not selling an iPad with a car around it, I’m selling an Alfa Romeo.”), Imparato is vocal about his stringent standards, noting that the new Tonale will be a “fantastic model” and spark the Italian automaker’s renewed focus in the U.S. market. Stellantis (Alfa Romeo’s parent company) did confirm the lithe high rider will go on sale in the U.S. this year and will be the Italian marque’s first electrified vehicle, kick starting a campaign to go fully electric by 2027. Only the concept had been revealed as of press time; the official unveiling is scheduled to take place early this year.

THE PRODUCTION VERSION will feature the iconic “Trilobo” front grille, which originally debuted in 1950 on the Alfa Romeo 1900, and has become one the auto realm’s most recognizable front ends.

IN THE SPIRIT OF CONSISTENCY, the Tonale will ride on Stellantis’ small wide 4×4 architecture, which currently underpins the Jeep Compass and the new Jeep Commander. According to the automaker, this architecture provides rigorous off road capability while increasing on pavement performance.

Pricing unofficial. Alfa Romeo of Monmouth, 807 NJ 35, Ocean Township / 732.884.0511 / alfaromeoofmonmouth.com

FORD F 150 LIGHTNING PLATINUM

For 44 straight years, no other nameplate has even come close to eclipsing the Ford F Series as America’s best selling vehicle, and this year, the venerable pickup king is introducing a new member of the squad: an all electric variant. The F 150 Lightning will be one of the world’s first mass produced battery electric trucks. The Dearborn, Michigan, factory has committed to churning out 80,000 Lightnings per year. Both standard and extended range variants will be available: a 98 kWh Standard Range battery pack boasts a range of 230 miles while a 141 kWh Extended Range pack gives drivers an additional 70 miles. Fed by a pair of on board motors, the system reaches 563 horsepower and 775 lb. ft. of torque. And don’t fret, boat owners: the standard 4X4 truck still features the beefy towing capabilities that the nameplate is famed for, rated at 10,000 pounds with an additional 2,000 pounds in payload. The vehicle was also torture tested to ensure it can handle the same rigorous terrains as its gasoline powered brethren.

THE TOP OF THE LINE PLATINUM features handsome upgrades like a Vador Black with tinted chrome grille, 22 inch bright machined aluminum wheels with ebony black painted pockets, heated and ventilated Nirvana leather seating, twin panel moon roof, and a Bang & Olufsen Unleashed Sound System with 18 speakers.

THIS MODEL ALSO COMES STANDARD WITH FORD’S CO PILOT 360 ACTIVE 2.0, which features BlueCruise, a level two advanced driving assistance system that pairs with the adaptive cruise control and lane centering assistance to provide hands free driving capability on more than 130,000 miles of divided highways in the U.S. and Canada.

THE NEXT TIME A NOR’EASTER THREATENS A POWER SHORTAGE, optional Ford Intelligent Back Power can power an entire home for up to three days on a fully charged battery, or ten days when rationing power.

$90,874. Quality Auto Mall, 55 NJ 17, Rutherford / 201.935.2400 / qualityautomall.com

MASERATI GHIBLI HYBRID

For over 100 years, the Bologna born automotive powerhouse has been churning out inspiring, heart pounding sportscars, but moving into 2022, the Italian brand is on the brink of releasing a first: its inaugural foray into the EV space with the upcoming GranTurismo, expected to go on sale this summer. Ahead of its launch, the Ghibli, Maserati’s chiseled sports sedan and most successful model, received the electric treatment with a hybrid variant, fed by a turbocharged 2.0L four banger and a 48 volt mild hybrid system.

It’s a small step toward pure electrification, but a stepping stone never looked this good. Anodised blue trims, a tablet like infotainment screen, and a plush leather shrouded interior offer a truly luxurious driving experience, and the 330 horses and 332 lb. ft. of torque bring the fun. Unfortunately, the hybridized version never made it to American shores, but three expressions of the super sedan are available stateside, including the stunning 580 hp Trofeo.

THOUGH THE HYBRID POWERTRAIN has only been around for less than two years, the Italian maker is serious about its commitment to electrification. William Peffer, Maserati North America’s CEO, said that the brand will offer full EV versions of each of its vehicles by 2024.

CLIMB INSIDE TO FIND A SUITE OF LUXURIES like a heated leather steering wheel, power rear sunblind, power foot pedals, and an electronically lockable, PIN protected passenger glove box.

GHIBLI IS AN ICONIC NAMEPLATE, one that’s been a part of the brand for more than 50 years, first debuting at the Turin Motorshow back in 1966. Since then, three different cars have borne the moniker, from 1967 to ‘73, ‘92 ’98, and the current model, born in 2013.

Gasoline variant begins at $76,200. Maserati of Monmouth, 807 NJ 35, Ocean Township 732.884.0511 / maseratiofmonmouth.com

MERCEDES BENZ EQS

In 1972, the introduction of the W116 marked the dawn of the storied Mercedes S Class designation, setting a new standard in luxury and cutting edge tech, often debuting industry first innovations that would later be adopted on a global scale. So when the Stuttgart automaker announced a new subbrand of electrified vehicles under the EQ moniker, the flagship needed to boast considerable wow factor enter the EQS. While Mercedes noted the EQS is a close relative of its S Class cousin (which debuted a stunning redesign for 2021), the architecture is brand new. The electric saloon is packing serious goodies: an optional 56 inch, AI enabled, curved glass Hyperscreen display stretches from door to door and offers drivers and passengers their own infotainment screens, while artificial intelligence learns its user’s behavior and preferences to make intuitive suggestions. The sculpted exterior features an LED lightband that stretches across the entire front grille, and soft close doors open automatically to welcome occupants inside.

Its heart is a 107.8 kWh battery that’s rated for 350 gasoline free miles, charging from 10 100% in only 31 minutes on a DC fast charger. Two powertrains are available: choose between the base 329 hp, rear wheel drive or an energetic 516 hp, all wheel drive setup.

MERCEDES PARTNERED WITH NATURE ACOUSTICIAN GORDON HEMPTON to create a menu of exclusive auditory experiences designed to energize and inspire. The system’s 15 speakers and two subwoofers bathe the vehicle in soothing natural sounds of the forest, sea, or summer rain.

TRAVEL LONG DISTANCES IN FIRST CLASS with luxuries like four zone climate control, multi contour front seats with massage function, and comfort front headrest and rear headrest pillows. With 64 Active Ambient Colors to choose from, you’re all but guaranteed to find a shade that fits your mood.

THE INTELLIGENT INTEGRATED NAVIGATION is your perfect road sidekick, using Electric Intelligence to calculate the route while also taking into account charging stops, weather conditions, and topography

$102,310. Contemporary Motor Cars, 100 Oceanport Avenue, Little Silver / 732.842.5353 / cmcbenz.com

PORSCHE TAYCAN GTS SPORT TURISMO

The Taycan’s 2019 debut made a brazen global statement: the lightning fast sports sedan might be powered by an electric heart, but in its soul, it’s still pure Porsche: hungry, nimble, capable of heart pounding excitement. The Taycan family has since grown, encompassing a wagon style Taycan Cross Turismo and, most recently, the Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, unveiled at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show (along with the Taycan GTS sedan). The Sport Turismo shares the same silhouette and rearward sloping roofline as the Cross, a shape that increases everyday on road practicality with more rear passenger egress, rear headroom, cargo space, and rear visibility. But don’t worry, enthusiasts, a more comfortable backseat doesn’t eclipse excitement; this machine was made to crush corners with surgical finesse, sitting 0.7 inches lower than its Cross cousin when parked, then dropping another 0.4 inches in Sport Mode, then another half an inch in the speed dependent Aero Mode. Its 590 horses and 626 lb. ft. of torque blast from 0 60 in 3.5 seconds and can hit an 11.8 second quarter mile run.

THE GTS WILL BE THE FIRST in line to receive Porsche’s new Panoramic Roof with Sunshine Control, which shifts from transparent to fully matte at the touch of a button. The roof is divided into nine segments that can be switched individually, a first in autodom.

THE SPORTY TREATMENT bleeds into the interior with black Race Tex (Porsche’s microfiber faux suede) covering the steering wheel, headliner, roof pillar, and sun visors, plus sharp red contrast stitching and either black brushed aluminum trim or optional matte black carbon fiber.

$133,300. Porsche Monmouth, 280 NJ 36, West Long Branch / 732.734.8505 / porschemonmouth.com

MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PHEV GT

The dramatic 2022 redesign of Mitsubishi’s flagship SUV created a tidal wave of excitement on its own, with auto critics everywhere heralding the Triple Crown bearing compact crossover for its newfound athleticism and elegant good looks, but throw a PHEV with a 54 mile range (per European WLTP guidelines) into the mix, and the party really begins. The plug in hybrid features the brand’s next generation PHEV system (remember the first Outlander with a plug launched in 2013 as the first plug in hybrid SUV in the world) that garners a longer range and more powerful performance. is system boasts a larger battery at 20 kWh that’s an increase of 6.2 kWh and a 40% increase in the output of the front and rear motors along with a bigger fuel tank for a longer overall range with the battery and engine combined. is variant flaunts the same updated design elements as its gasoline only sibling, born from the maker’s Bold Stride philosophy, which “expresses a bold, fixating presence with a solid stance and dependability for drivers to take a new step forward.” With svelte lines, sculpted sides, and a wider, more commanding stance, Mitsu’s best selling vehicle is all grown up. U.S. deliveries will take place in the second half of 2022.

A NEWLY ADDED PEDAL OPERATION MODE makes it possible to both accelerate and decelerate by simply controlling the accelerator pedal, which exerts proper braking force on its own when drivers take their foot o the pedal.

DRIVERS HAVE SEVEN RIDE MODES to choose from to best suit road conditions: Normal for paved roads; Tarmac for brisk acceleration on dry pavement; Gravel for balanced operability on unpaved or wet roads; Snow for stability on slippery surfaces; Mud optimizes tire slippage on muddy treks or deep snow trenches; Eco prioritizes efficiency; and the holy Power mode for a shot of robust acceleration when needed.

A NEWLY ADDED PEDAL OPERATION MODE makes it possible to both accelerate and decelerate by simply controlling the accelerator pedal, which exerts proper braking force on its own when drivers take their foot off the pedal.

TEN BODY COLORS ARE ON THE MENU, including a trio of lambent, crystalline shades from the marque’s Diamond Color series: Red Diamond, White Diamond, and a lustrous Black Diamond.

$42,695. Bell Mitsubishi, 1500 US 1, Rahway / 732.482.9199 / bellmitsubishi.com

JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE SUMMIT RESERVE 4XE
Following the buzzy launch of a plug in hybrid version of the mighty Wrangler, Jeep is taking electrification to new levels of luxury with the debut of the fully redesigned Grand Cherokee, now available with a PHEV powertrain in a handful of models, including the terrain shredding Trailhawk and the uber swanky Summit Reserve. When envisioning the next generation of the iconic American brand’s number one selling nameplate, the engineers brought out the big gun; in fact, to test its off road prowess, the two row SUV with the 4xe powertrain completed the legendary Rubicon Trail entirely in its EV driving mode. The Cherokee uses a similar powertrain as its Wrangler siblings, fed by a turbo charged 2.0L four banger that’s paired with two electric motors and a 14.0 kWh battery. The numbers do not disappoint: 375 horses, 470 lb. ft. of torque, 57 MPGe, 24 mile all electric range, and a beefy 6,000 pound tow capacity. The vehicle is slated to roll into showrooms this spring, and according to Jeep, a fully electric SUV is expected to join the party in 2025.

THE TOP OF THE LINE SUMMIT RESERVE is available in four colorways, Bright White, Velvet Red Pearl, Silver Zynith, and Baltic Gray Metallic, each two toned with a glossy black roof.

AN ADVANCED PRO TECH PACKAGE adds a host of nifty upgrades like a color HeadUp Display, night vision with pedestrian and animal protection, and a rear view auto dimming digital display mirror.

DRIVERS DON’T HAVE TO SACRIFICE COMFORT FOR EFFICIENCY, as occupants are cocooned in hand wrapped Palermo leather seats heated and ventilated, of course. Genuine wood trim, a suede headliner, and a 19 speaker McIntosh audio system complete the first class experience.

Pricing unofficial, though the gasoline only version starts at $63,760. Route 46 Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, 1655 US 46, Little Falls / 973.339.7752 / route46chryslerjeepdodge.com Route 130 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, 1153 Route 130, Robbinsville / 609.686.2200 / route130chryslerdodgejeep.com