Daily News: Tuesday 10/31/17

Finally! All-New 2018 ‘JL’ Generation of Jeep Previewed at SEMA 2017

For well over a year, Jeep fans have been speculating as to what form the next-generation Wrangler would take, and yesterday at SEMA, the brand answered in the best way possible: by revealing pictures of the new 2018 ‘JL’-generation Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited.

Details are limited to the two pictures above, as well as a top-down shot of the red two-door Wrangler. The Jeep’s designers kept the instantly recognizable keystone-shaped grille, iconic round headlamps and square tail lamps, and fold-down windshield for off-road purists, all while (somehow) improving the aerodynamic properties of the box on wheels.

Unfortantatly we will have to wait for additional images and complete vehicle information, which will be available November 29 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Ford Blesses Enthusiasts, Introduces ‘Drift Stick’ for Focus RS

Ford’s Focus RS was bound to snag headlines with its release, with AWD and 350hp and 350lb-ft of torque on tap. However, as soon as Ford announced the practical hatchback would be shipped with a ‘Drift Mode’, enthusiasm for the car was guaranteed. Ford, with production of the RS coming to a close, decided to release a parting gift for owners of the car.

This gift comes in the form of the aptly-named ‘Drift Stick’. The Drift Stick – internally called Project Wicked Stick due to it being led by Ford Performance program manager John Wicks–is a rally-inspired electronic handbrake which is controlled by an aluminum lever between the driver’s seat and manual transmission, pictured above.

The Stick, when pulled, uses the all-wheel-drive system in conjunction with the antilock braking system, opening up the rear-drive unit clutches and applying hydraulic pressure to lock the rear wheels, initiating a drift.

While I am not blessed with a Focus RS in my life, the fact that Ford made this, and sells it to the public, warms my heart.

Roush and Ford Performance Release Supercharging Kit for 2018+MY 5.0 Engines

Ford Performance and Roush Performance, standard bearers for all things fast and Ford, have teamed up to create a new supercharger system for the new-for-2018 5.0L V8 found in the company’s Mustang and F-150 vehicles.

The new V8 engine features a port and direct injection fuel system, which the supercharger kit is specially designed to work with to produce serious power. For Mustang’s equipped with the system, owners can expect power numbers of 700hp and 610 lb.-ft. of torque at 12 psi of boost on 93 octane fuel for either manual or automatic transmission-equipped cars. When fitted to a 2018 F-150, it provides 640 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft.

The kit, which includes all of the hardware and software necessary for the installation, includes its own limited warranty from both Roush and Ford Performance. Any pre-existing warranties are maintained when the installation is performed by a Ford mechanic or ASE-certified mechanic.

The new Ford Performance supercharger kit will be available in early 2018 through Ford dealers, Ford Performance Warehouse Distributors and Roush Performance dealers.

Roll racing in ‘Mexico’ has never looked so warrantied.

2018 Chevrolet Silverado Performance Concept: Sure Looks Ready to Me…

Chevrolet has taken to SEMA to display a number of concept cars, yet one of the most noteworthy is the 2018 Silverado Performance Concept. The truck, which follows the long tradition of putting lots of power into pick-up trucks, oddly utilizes the ‘base’ 5.3L truck V8 with a supercharger, rather than the already-available LT4 V8 from the Camaro ZL1 and Corvette Z06.

Producing a minimum of 100hp more, the truck is equipped with a long list of pre-existing parts. The list includes the supercharger, which is produced in ‘LT4-style’ featuring an intercooler, improved wheels and tires, front  six-piston Brembo brake upgrade kit in red, and various other accessories.

Besides the concept-specific body panels and colors, most of the parts are already in serial production at Chevrolet, leading me to believe that this ‘concept’ is already destined for production.

I for one think the world needs a new Chevrolet Silverado SS.