Automotive News--Jeep and Beyond

Land Rover is doing a first--a no-risk, 30-day, money-back guarantee for the 2001 Land Rover Discovery II. If you don’t like how the month treats you, the Disco can be returned for a full refund. This program lasts through May 31, when, of course, it becomes an all-risk, lifetime, no-money-back guarantee.

Obsessed with the video game "Tomb Raider?" How 'bout with actress Angelina Jolie? Well, we have a win-win for you: In more Land Rover news, the Defender will be front and center in the live-action version of the game. It'll be in pickup form with a V-8, a rollcage, a winch, more lights than you can shake a stick at, and expedition gear. Here's the other part of that win-win: A limited-edition "Tomb Raider" Defender will go on sale later this year.

The pace car for the 2001 Indianapolis 500 this May? The 2002 Olds Bravada. Score two points if you just thought, "Hey, isn't the Olds brand about to go buh-bye?" and "Hey, isn't that the first truck to ever pace for the open-wheel race?"

Pricing news for the Chevy Avalanche: The 2002 pickup will have an MSRP starting at $30,965.

It's a cluster of rumors this week: First off, the Wrangler, discontinued? The scuttlebutt is that it will be replaced by a spinoff of the new Jeep Liberty and the old Jeep Icon concept. It'll still resemble a Wrangler; it just won't be a Wrangler. We're also hearing that plans for an all-new Grand with three rows of seating (and an all-new name: Grand Wagoneer) are on hold, as is a revamp of the two-rowed Grand.

GM is said to be eyeballing Jeep. Sure, ownership seems laughable until you remember that DaimlerChrysler is laying off around 26,000 employees over the next three years, and its stock prices are fairly ugly right now. DC is also said to be in discussions with Deutsche Bank AG and J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. for tips on how to avoid a takeover bid.

DaimlerChrysler and GM are in a heated battle over a grille. The one in question? It's on GM's 2002 Hummer H2. DC says the H2's seven-slot deal looks a heck of a lot like Jeep's seven-slot deal, which is trademarked. GM is yelling that DC wants to set back the H2's debut, while Jeep is hollering that the grille will make people think the H2 is a Jeep product. Of course, if GM buys Jeep, then we can all chock one up to foreshadowing.

The Jeep Cherokee will be discontinued mid 2001; the 2002 Jeep Liberty will be poised to fill that void. Or will it? Before leaving the building, however, it, the Wrangler, and the Grand Cherokee will celebrate Jeep's 60th anniversary with special-edition models in silverstone or black and with embroidered floormats with a celebratory logo.

Quote of the month: "It's like saying Arnold Schwarzenegger looks just like Mr. Rogers because both have nice smiles." GM's Brian Akre to the Detroit News.

Inflatable seatbelts (with a shoulder strap that acts like an airbag to cushion from impact) are being developed by BFGoodrich and Ford, and might make their first public appearance in the automaker's 2003 SUVs and minivans.

This month's tongue twister? Integrated starter-generator. It's the newest hybrid engine to hit the industry, and the Volvo technology is raring up for an appearance in the 2004 Explorer. The ISG 42-volt Explorer will sport a six-cylinder gas engine with electric assist; ISG deletes the conventional starter and alternator and instead uses a single electric machine. This permits the vehicle to shut off at a stop, then start right back up when power is needed, resulting in better fuel economy. The 42-volt electrical system means a 110-volt AC outlet is possible for using power tools. The recently unveiled Escape HEV concept already is familiar with the start-stop system and it's said to get 40 mpg.

Quote of the month: "Our biggest difficulty right now is that the biomechanics of whiplash are not well known." Scott Schmidt, manager of safety regulations for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, to Automotive News (1/08/01). He was referring to the recent proposal made by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to toughen head-restraint requirements in vehicles.