Mercedes-Benz E-Class Named Motor Trend’s 2025 Car of the Year
ATLANTA (November 20, 2024) – Mercedes-Benz USA today announced that the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the winner of MotorTrend’s 2025 Car of the Year award. The new E-Class, available in both Sedan and All-Terrain body styles, combines timeless elegance and luxurious appointments with modern design and innovation. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has long set the benchmark in the midsize luxury segment, earning this prestigious honor from MotorTrend in 1996, 2021 and once again today.
“We are pleased to accept this award and are particularly honored that it represents back-to-back wins for the E-Class from MotorTrend. With every generation, the E-Class redefines customer expectations in the luxury segment with its highly compelling combination of sophisticated design, advanced technology and thoughtful details. We are proud to celebrate the triumphant and class-leading heritage of the E-Class and the incredible technological advancements presented in this new model that seamlessly combine to provide an exceptionally refined and luxurious experience for our customers.”
– Dimitris Psillakis, President and CEO, Mercedes-Benz USA
MotorTrend carefully selects a field of new and significantly updated vehicles to compete for its coveted “Golden Calipers” each year. An expert team of editors and guest judges thoroughly evaluates every contender based on six key criteria: safety, value, advancement in design, engineering excellence, efficiency and performance of intended function, to determine which car receives MotorTrend’s highest accolade.
“The meticulous and thoughtful changes that went into the 2024 E-Class are easily notable and incredibly impactful, which left the MotorTrend team thoroughly impressed. The E-Class met the mark across all six of our judging criteria and was undeniably the inner when compared to other vehicles in the segment.”
– Ed Loh, Head of Editorial, MotorTrend Group
In its selection for 2025 Car of the Year, MotorTrend found the E-Class offers significantly more than ever before. The new generation model highlights remarkable advancements in design throughout, compelling new technology with user-friendly features, enhanced driver assistance systems, as well as elevated ride comfort, performance and efficiency.
The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan and E-Class All-Terrain is available now at U.S. dealerships.
Global Debut for TWR’s V12 Super-GT ‘Supercat’
NEWBURY, U.K. (November 20, 2024) – TWR has formally unveiled the Supercat, its radical new Super-GT underpinned by the legendary Jaguar XJS. Widely previewed in the summer of 2024, the Supercat has already earned acclaim from clients and commentators ahead of its public launch today.
“Almost 40 years after my father’s original company dominated the racetrack, we’ve brought the TWR name roaring back with our new Supercat. Our debut product, designed as an authentic, analogue Super-GT for the committed driving enthusiast, has been developed for over three years by some of modern motorsport’s brightest talent. Built on the foundations of the classic Jaguar XJS, it uses modern materials and production methods, plus our in-house supercharged V12, to deliver a visceral, immersive driving experience on the road and the track. With production limited to just 88 examples and every car individually commissioned, it’s a chance to own something truly unique and personal, rooted in motorsport history but completely contemporary in its design, engineering and performance.”
– Fergus Walkinshaw, Director and Founder, TWR
The Supercat has been engineered by a team representing some of the most celebrated names in motorsport, including McLaren, Ferrari, Porsche, Williams, and Renault F1. The team is led by TWR director and co-founder Fergus Walkinshaw. His father, Tom Walkinshaw, the revered constructor and racer behind the original TWR, drove Jaguars to victory in the European Touring Car Championship, Spa 24 Hours, and Bathurst during the 1980s.
A True TWR Super-GT The Jaguar XJS provides the essential foundation for the TWR Supercat, which also incorporates design elements inspired by other iconic racing Jaguars of the era, including the XJR-9, XJR-15, and the XJ220 supercar.
True to its motorsport heritage, the Supercat features rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox, delivering an authentic, engaging, and entirely analogue driving experience. Beneath its long, sculpted, carbon-bodied bonnet lies a formidable supercharged V12 engine, developed in-house by TWR engineers. This power unit produces an impressive 660bhp and 730Nm of torque.
TWR’s philosophy emphasizes that exceptional driving cars are not solely defined by raw power. This is demonstrated through a suite of engineering enhancements ensuring the Supercat excels dynamically in the world’s most demanding motorsport and road environments.
To manage the significant increase in power, the car’s structure has been reinforced with an integrated tubular steel framework, while lightweight carbon-fibre body panels contribute to a 9.3% reduction in weight compared to the original Jaguar XJS (1,605kg vs 1,770kg).
Additional features include the option for carbon ceramic disc brakes, fully programmable traction control, launch control, and five distinct driving modes. These modes enable drivers to tailor the car’s dynamics to suit various road and track conditions.
Double wishbone suspension, enhanced by an active dynamic damping system, ensures a composed and comfortable Super-GT driving experience on extended continental journeys. It also provides the precision, feedback, and stability required for dynamic road and track settings. This duality of character defines the Super-GT ethos, fulfilling the mission of creating a car capable of both high-speed touring and spirited track performance.
The Supercat excels at delivering on its mission. It is the perfect tool for driving to the Nürburgring, offering adjustable suspension and steering for a supreme GT driving experience on the journey there. Once on the track, the car adapts seamlessly to deliver exhilarating performance, before returning occupants home in supreme comfort.
Practicality has not been overlooked. The rear seats have been replaced with a significantly expanded luggage area, ensuring ample space for long-distance touring — a hallmark of the Super-GT DNA. Interior comfort is elevated with a completely overhauled cabin that integrates modern features while paying homage to the classic Jaguar XJS design.
This includes a fully digital multimedia interface (MMI) with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Suspension and steering settings can be easily adjusted via an intuitive toggle interface. Carbon fiber-backed leather seats are available in a contemporary design or a ‘heritage’ option, referencing the original XJS seat louvres.
Radically Styled The TWR Supercat brings to life a vision for a modern, high-performance TWR car built upon the classic Jaguar XJS. Its striking silhouette has been designed by Khyzyl Saleem, one of the world’s leading digital and 3D car concept stylists, renowned for his performance-focused projects with iconic names such as the late Ken Block and Travis Pastrana.
“I am proud to have designed a TWR true to its racing and performance DNA, building on the foundations of one of Britain’s great automotive icons. The TWR Supercat represents an entirely new expression of the original. As a designer, working with a new palette of highly technical materials has allowed me to re-energise the form and stance of the Jaguar XJS, boldly expressing our mission to create a true Super-GT. Collaborating with TWR’s exceptional team of engineers and aerodynamicists, we’ve created a car where every line and feature serves a performance purpose, authentically representing TWR’s legacy on both the track and the road.”
– Khyzyl Saleem, Designer, TWR Supercat
Saleem’s design efforts were further bolstered by the involvement of Magnus Walker, the legendary British-born designer and car collector. Walker’s expertise in global car culture was instrumental in refining the vision of creating a vehicle that blends the Jaguar XJS’ foundational legacy with the bold, distinctive aesthetics and substance of a contemporary TWR car.
Their combined efforts lend the Supercat a more aggressively muscular character while preserving the Jaguar XJS’ iconic profile, including its signature silhouette, flying buttresses, and front-end graphic. Subtle design cues pay homage to TWR’s decades-long relationship with the Jaguar marque.
In keeping with TWR’s guiding philosophy, the Supercat’s design is driven by engineering requirements to achieve exceptional performance. Saleem’s design proposals were rigorously evaluated for aerodynamic efficiency by a former World Championship-winning Mercedes-Benz F1 aerodynamicist. This collaboration ensures the Supercat delivers a visceral and engaging driving experience, fulfilling the original design brief.
The resulting design not only communicates the Super-GT’s dynamic intent but also incorporates a suite of aerodynamically functional features to generate critical downforce. These include precision-designed splitters and in-body aero enhancements that provide the stability demanded in both high-speed touring and track settings.
Key aerodynamic innovations include a complete reimagining of the XJS’ iconic flying buttresses, now reshaped to optimize airflow from the body to the rear haunches. The floorplan has been flattened and paired with a bespoke, fully re-engineered rear splitter to generate additional downforce necessary to manage the Supercat’s extraordinary power output. To accommodate these changes, the exhaust system has been repositioned from the rear to the side of the car.
The Supercat’s broader stance further reinforces its dynamic character. Its width has increased from 1,793mm to 1,975mm compared to the original XJS, enhancing its visual and aerodynamic profile. This wider footprint is complemented by TWR Forged Monoblok wheels, sized at 18 inches at the front and 19 inches at the rear — a significant evolution from the original XJS’ 15-inch alloys.
The First of a New Breed of TWRs As the first TWR production car, the Supercat is the perfect exemplar of the company’s philosophy: blending modern engineering, materials, and methods with a classic base to create something that truly captures the spirit of TWR, which reshaped world motorsport in the 1980s and 1990s.
Future TWR models will undergo the same rigorous development and testing process, adopting protocols and facilities used by the world’s leading sports car brands, racing teams, and other performance specialists.
The same philosophy is applied to the manufacturing of every TWR product, with every car hand-built at the company’s facility in Newbury, Berkshire, at TWR’s dedicated factory.
The Magic Number TWR is now accepting commissions for the Supercat, whose production run will be strictly confined to just 88 examples worldwide, in homage to Tom Walkinshaw’s famous win with the XJR-9 at Le Mans in 1988. The first customer deliveries are expected in the summer of 2025.
Every Supercat is built to order, and customers have a wide range of personalisation options. Orders have already been taken across the United States, the UK, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East in both right-hand-drive and left-hand-drive configurations.
Prices will vary according to individual specifications but start at £225,000, excluding local taxes. A limited number of build slots remain open, with a £35,000 deposit.
Volkswagen Shows off its Fresh 2025 Model Lineup in Los Angeles
RESTON, Va. (November 20, 2024) – Volkswagen of America, Inc. will showcase its 2025 model lineup at the Los Angeles Auto Show, which begins this week and is open to the public from November 22 to December 1 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Volkswagen’s lineup is as fresh as it gets, with most models all-new or refreshed for 2025. The Jetta family facelift hit showrooms in September, just prior to the debut of the refreshed Taos. Updated Golf GTI and R models were unveiled in Europe earlier this year, and will be seen on American shores for the first time in LA. The all-new ID. Buzz arrives at dealerships shortly, and the sheets will come off the third-generation North American Tiguan this evening.
Arriving with refined styling and enhanced features, the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta and Jetta GLI deliver a blend of sophistication and value that appeals to drivers seeking a modern sedan. The updated exterior has a new front bumper, which, with new wheel and color options, modernizes the car and gives it an upscale look. A redesigned dashboard with a sleek 8-inch floating infotainment display is standard along with Climatronic® Touch automatic climate control across all trims. Under the hood, the Jetta retains its efficient 158-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Jetta GLI also receives interior and exterior enhancements in line with the regular Jetta. It continues to impress with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine generating 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, available with either a 7-speed dual-clutch DSG® automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE® driver assistance technology is standard across the Jetta lineup, offering features like Travel Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, and Lane Assist. On sale now with a starting MSRP of $21,995 for the Jetta S and $32,715 for the Jetta GLI, the 2025 Jetta lineup represents a blend of style, advanced tech, and value.
Revealed with a fresh new look for the 2025 model year, the Volkswagen Taos boasts upgraded styling, enhanced power, and improved infotainment. The compact SUV showcases a bold new front end, featuring a redesigned bumper, new grille with available light bar, and standard LED projector headlights across all trims. Three new color options—Bright Moss Green, Monterey Blue Pearl, and Monument Gray—bring added curb appeal, along with fresh wheel designs.
Inside, the Taos has an updated dashboard with an 8-inch floating infotainment display, available Climatronic Touch system, and new sound-dampening treatments for a quieter cabin experience. Powered by a revised 1.5-liter turbocharged engine now delivering 174 horsepower, the 2025 Taos makes the 8-speed automatic transmission standard across the lineup, replacing the previous DSG® dual-clutch automatic on all-wheel-drive models. Arriving in dealerships by year-end, pricing for the 2025 Taos starts at an MSRP of $24,995 for the S front-wheel-drive model.
Building on the success of the eighth-generation models, the 2025 GTI and Golf R offer a compelling blend of performance, technology, and driver engagement. The 2025 Golf GTI continues to deliver the driving experience that customers expect, but with a fresh look and enhanced technology. Exterior changes include new headlights and front bumper, an illuminated logo, and a standard lightbar. Two new colors, Alpine Silver Metallic and Slate Blue Metallic, join the palette, complemented by a bold new 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheel design.
The interior gets a significant upgrade, featuring a new, freestanding 12.9-inch touchscreen. Standard and available features are improved across all GTI trim levels, including standard navigation, Dynamic Road Sign Display, and wireless App-Connect on the base S trim. IQ.DRIVE driver assistance technology remains standard across the board.
The 2025 Golf R also receives a refresh. Thanks to a 13 horsepower increase, the Golf R is now the most powerful Golf model ever, with 328 horsepower on tap. The 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic is the sole transmission option. Visually striking exterior updates include new headlights and front bumper, an illuminated front logo, and a standard lightbar. Like the GTI, the R’s interior boasts a new, freestanding 12.9-inch touchscreen with the latest operating system. IQ.DRIVE driver assistance technology is standard on all Golf R models, now featuring Park Assist Plus in addition to the previously available systems. Pricing and availability for the 2025 Golf GTI and Golf R will be announced closer to launch.
The 2025 ID. Buzz is the spiritual reincarnation of the classic Microbus, reimagined for the electric future. The MEB architecture allows Volkswagen to return to its roots with the short overhangs and long wheelbase, while the modern package is finished off with cutting-edge EV technology and advanced driver assistance features. All ID. Buzz models feature a 91 kWh battery with rear-wheel-drive models offering 282 horsepower and 4Motion all-wheel-drive models peaking at 335 horsepower.
Retro-inspired styling complete with an oversized VW logo and vibrant two-tone exterior options compliments the spacious interior featuring three available color themes: Moonlight, Dune, and Copper. Standard features include a 12.9-inch infotainment display, 30-color ambient lighting system, IQ.DRIVE driver assistance technology, and Park Assist Plus with Memory Parking. The Pro S Plus and 1st Edition trims include Easy Open for the sliding doors and tailgate, Harmon Kardon™ premium audio, and an electrochromic panoramic glass roof. Offering both bench and captain’s seat options, the ID. Buzz can accommodate up to seven passengers, making it an ideal family vehicle that is sure to turn heads. Arriving in dealerships this month, pricing for the 2025 ID. Buzz starts at an MSRP of $59,995 for Pro S models.
Bentley Mulliner Bespoke Studio Presents the ‘Expressions of Texture’ Collection
CREWE (November 20, 2024) – ‘Expressions of Texture’, a collection of four Continental GT Speed Convertibles, provides a visual and tactile showcase for the creative possibilities offered by the Mulliner bespoke studio. The Collection was a co-creation between Bentley Rancho Mirage and the Mulliner bespoke team, each side inspiring the other to greater heights of creativity.
All four models are specified in satin paint from Mulliner’s exclusive color palette, with each finish taking up to 55 hours of painstaking craftsmanship. Other exceptional features include wafer thin 200-million-year-old stone veneers and bespoke, blind embossed, upholstery whose design reflects the landscapes of the Colorado Desert’s Coachella Valley.
Reflections of landscape The desert resort city of Rancho Mirage is set amid the varied and spectacular landscapes of the Coachella Valley, with arid desert, vivid greenery and rugged, age-weathered mountains all within easy driving distance. This variety provided the inspiration for the team at Bentley Rancho Mirage, expressed through the specifications of the four Continental GT Speed Convertible models in the Expressions of Texture Collection.
The clear, star-studded night skies of the Coachella Valley inspired a Continental GT Speed Convertible in Peacock Blue satin, the exterior subtly enhanced by a tri-tone carbon fiber Styling Specification featuring satin carbon fiber, Electro Blue and Peacock Blue. For the interior, a two-tone fascia in Peacock Blue satin is paired with Slate stone veneer and divided by an Electro Blue pinstripe, the same color outlining the bullseye air vent vanes and headrests. Other exquisite details include Serenity quilting on the seat uppers and tonneau cover.
The rippling, fluid forms of sand dunes sculpted by the desert wind are reflected in another model from the collection, finished in Ghost White Pearl satin with Tungsten wheels and featuring a Silver Tempest pinstripe. The blind quilting of the seat uppers and tonneau cover was created specifically for this model, over 100’s of hours, their flowing graphics inspired by the desert dunes. A fascia and console in Ghost White Pearl satin over Autumn Stone veneer is a masterclass in subtle sophistication.
The inspiration for a Havana satin Continental GT Speed Convertible came from the rugged mountains that surround the Coachella Valley and their earthy tones in the glow of the setting sun. The interior of Cognac and Burnt Oak hide is enhanced by bespoke, blind quilted seat backs and tonneau cover whose design represents the topographic features of California’s Death Valley. The same topographic map design is even carved in 3D on the floor mats, while the fascia and console feature the exterior finish of Havana satin over Copper Stone veneer, divided by a pinstripe in Bronze.
Adventures in color, texture and form All four models in the ‘Expressions of Texture’ Collection, which also includes a Continental GT Speed Convertible in British Racing Green satin, demonstrate that the choice of color is just one element in the personal commissioning journey. The tactile softness of Dinamica upholstery, the cool touch of stone veneer and the yielding contours of quilting all offer customers a limitless palette of creative possibilities.
“We hope that the Expressions of Texture Collection will inspire customers to explore the full range of possibilities offered by the Mulliner bespoke studio. At Mulliner our goal is to inspire possibilities beyond their imagination.”
– David Parker, Mulliner’s Chief Commercial Officer
Genesis to Open California Design Studio in 2025
LOS ANGELES (November 20, 2024) – Genesis announced it will open a design studio in California in Q1 2025 at an exclusive event in Los Angeles on Nov. 19. Genesis Design California marks a significant milestone in the growth of the Genesis brand, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year.
“Genesis is a leader in automotive design. We take pride in always innovating and looking for inspiration in our everyday lives. The climate, cultural arts and automotive scene in Los Angeles offered us the possibility to create a dynamic and attractive work experience by integrating nature and light into the work and creative spaces.”
– Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Creative Officer of Genesis
Genesis Design California, located in El Segundo, Calif., will span 80,000 square feet and house 45 team members.
It is designed to place visitors in a meditative state of mind distinct from the outside world. The restrained yet warm aesthetic of Genesis Design California promotes a sense of calm and focus, expressing a reverence for design to reflect the values of the Genesis brand.
Team members can enjoy natural and artful spaces for focus and creativity beyond the traditional office environment, ranging from those designed for quiet solitary work to bustling design lab experimentation, including:
A modern tea platform in the lobby space, inspired by the brand’s distinctly Korean heritage
Colors, materials and finishes studio
Clay modeling workshop
Digital design lab
Library for discussion, research and reflection
Open workspace featuring a variety of collaborative breakout spaces and flexible seating
Large, bright office and conference spaces
Private spaces enclosed in soft acoustic felt for a calming experience
Outdoor spaces and lounge areas inspired by traditional Korean gardens and the outdoor aesthetic of Southern California
An upper-level patio that can accommodate various uses, such as events and dining
Genesis Design California will open its doors in Q1 2025.
LOS ANGELES (November 20, 2024) – Genesis announced it will open a design studio in California in Q1 2025 at an exclusive event in Los Angeles on Nov. 19. Genesis Design California marks a significant milestone in the growth of the Genesis brand, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year. Continue reading
RESTON, Va. (November 20, 2024) – Volkswagen of America, Inc. will showcase its 2025 model lineup at the Los Angeles Auto Show, which begins this week and is open to the public from November 22 to December 1 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Volkswagen’s lineup is as fresh as it gets, with most models all-new or refreshed for 2025. The Jetta family facelift hit showrooms in September, just prior to the debut of the refreshed Taos. Updated Golf GTI and R models were unveiled in Europe earlier this year, and will be seen on American shores for the first time in LA. The all-new ID. Buzz arrives at dealerships shortly, and the sheets will come off the third-generation North American Tiguan this evening. Continue reading
ATLANTA (November 20, 2024) – Mercedes-Benz USA today announced that the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the winner of MotorTrend’s 2025 Car of the Year award. The new E-Class, available in both Sedan and All-Terrain body styles, combines timeless elegance and luxurious appointments with modern design and innovation. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has long set the benchmark in the midsize luxury segment, earning this prestigious honor from MotorTrend in 1996, 2021 and once again today. Continue reading
NEWBURY, U.K. (November 20, 2024) – TWR has formally unveiled the Supercat, its radical new Super-GT underpinned by the legendary Jaguar XJS. Widely previewed in the summer of 2024, the Supercat has already earned acclaim from clients and commentators ahead of its public launch today. Continue reading
CREWE (November 20, 2024) – ‘Expressions of Texture’, a collection of four Continental GT Speed Convertibles, provides a visual and tactile showcase for the creative possibilities offered by the Mulliner bespoke studio. The Collection was a co-creation between Bentley Rancho Mirage and the Mulliner bespoke team, each side inspiring the other to greater heights of creativity. Continue reading
MAHWAH, N.J. (November 19, 2024) – A new era begins today for Jaguar. A completely transformed Jaguar brand recaptures an ethos to Copy Nothing that can trace its roots back to the words of its founder, Sir William Lyons. Continue reading
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (November 19, 2024) – In a salute to the original, battle-tested Jeep® SUV – the legendary 1941 Willys MB – the Jeep brand proudly introduces the 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys ’41 special edition.
“Eight decades after cementing a reputation for all-terrain capability, straightforward design and tough versatility, the spirit of the original Willys MB lives on in everything we do at Jeep brand. The new 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys ’41 is a testament to that heritage. It’s a celebration of our past that inspires us, while we keep pushing the boundaries of capability and innovation.”
– Bob Broderdorf, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand North America
The 2025 Wrangler 4xe Willys ’41 also takes cues from the beloved Jeep ’41 concept, which made headlines at the 2022 Easter Jeep Safari. The annual off-road event in Moab, Utah, is a mecca for Jeep enthusiasts and where the brand showcases concept vehicles that push the boundaries of design and capability and inspire future production models.
A Salute to the Past, Built for the Future The 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys ’41 features a new, military olive drab-inspired ’41 exterior paint color, instantly evoking the spirit of the original Willys MB. Exclusive 17-inch aluminum wheels painted in the same hue are wrapped in aggressive 33-inch all-terrain tires.
The Jeep design team crafted the hood-side WILLYS / 4XE decals to honor the brand’s storied military heritage. Finished in a period-correct Drab Blue, these decals nod to the original factory stenciling mandated by the U.S. Army on Willys MBs during World War II. Jeep designers ensured that the color and style authentically replicate the utilitarian aesthetic of the era, capturing the rugged and functional spirit that defined the original Jeep vehicles and continues to be a hallmark today. Other unique, Army-inspired decals adorn the exterior, further amplifying this special model’s heritage homage.
Inside, Wrangler 4xe Willys ’41 is fitted with a unique interior with tan Heritage cloth seats, an olive drab fabric dashboard insert and a ’41 shifter medallion. Maximizing open-air freedom of choice, available roofs include a body-color hardtop, Sky One-touch powertop roof and a coming, exclusive tan soft-top. Standard features include a rear locker for enhanced traction and front and rear steel bumpers for added off-road protection.
From Go Devil to Green Machine The class-exclusive, plug-in hybrid Wrangler 4xe is the best-selling PHEV in America three years in a row. Its advanced powertrain perfectly showcases 80-plus years of technical evolution since those original “Go Devil” engines powered the Willys MB.
The class-exclusive 4xe system combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engine, two electric motors and a high-voltage battery pack to deliver 49 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe), 21 miles of all-electric range and zero range anxiety. The powertrain is part of a global electrification initiative that is transforming 4xe into the new 4×4.
The 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys ’41 special edition has a U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $59,930 (excluding $1,895 destination charge). Orders are now open alongside the rest of the 2025 Jeep Wrangler lineup and will be in Jeep dealer showrooms before the end of the calendar year.
The Genesis of an American Icon In July 1940, the U.S. military informed automakers that it was looking for a “light reconnaissance vehicle.” It invited 135 manufacturers to bid on production and developed a lengthy specification list for the vehicle, including a 600-lb. load capacity, wheelbase less than 75 inches, height less than 36 inches, a smooth-running engine from 3 to 50 mph, a rectangular-shaped body, four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, fold-down windshield, three bucket seats, blackout and driving lights and a gross vehicle weight below 1,300 lbs.
Three companies, including Jeep’s predecessor, Willys-Overland, answered the call. Each produced prototypes for testing in record time. The Army took possession of these vehicles in November 1940 at Camp Holabird, Maryland. Each of the three designs exceeded the Army’s specification of 1,300 lbs., but the Army soon realized that limit was far too low and raised it for the next round of vehicles.
The Army issued the next round of contracts in March 1941, including an ask for Willys-Overland to build 1,500 examples of its Quad. Further testing and evaluation led to the Army’s selection of the Willys vehicle as the standard. A contract was signed on July 15, 1941, to begin production.
With modifications and improvements, the Willys Quad became the MA and later the MB. But the Army, and the world, came to know it as the Jeep. Some claimed that the name came from the slurring of the letters “GP,” the military abbreviation for “general purpose.” Others say the vehicle was named for a popular character named Eugene the Jeep in the Popeye cartoon strip. Whatever its origin, the name entered into the American lexicon.
Willys-Overland produced almost 360,000 Jeep vehicles at the Toledo, Ohio, plant between October of 1941 and August 1945. WWII reporter Ernie Pyle once said, “It did everything. It went everywhere. Was as faithful as a dog, as strong as a mule, and as agile as a goat. It constantly carried twice what it was designed for and still kept going.”
Willys trademarked the Jeep name and, even before WWII was over, began building the brand’s first civilian model, the CJ-2A.
BUDAPEST (November 19,2024) – In the world of ultra-lightweight, classic sports cars, KAMManufaktur is setting the standard. Known for its meticulous redesign and re-engineering of the classic 912, KAMM’s 912c has won the hearts of drivers, critics, and collectors across Europe, with its lightweight construction and high-performance four-cylinder engine. Continue reading
