Torque Staff Report
Welcome to the Seven Slot Dispatch, our weekly aggregation of Jeep news and events from around the automotive landscape. Every week, we’ll be shifting into low range to bring you the latest news, gear drops, and industry moves shaping the Jeep world.
Whether it's fresh concept news from Moab, Utah, new initiatives from Stellantis, a dive into Jeep’s latest model, or a closer look at the community that's been living the Jeep life for decades, you'll find it all here — served up with the same grit and passion that built the brand itself.
Here’s the latest news and information.
NHTSA Investigates 2020 Jeep Wrangler & Gladiator Instrument Cluster Failures
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into 232,209 model-year 2020 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles following reports of a potential problem with the instrument panel cluster (IPC)—the main display that shows key driving information. The 2020 model year was the first for the current-generation Gladiator, which makes the scope of the investigation especially noteworthy for early JT owners.
The concern is that the display may partially or fully lose information while the vehicle is in motion, potentially preventing drivers from seeing essentials like vehicle speed, fuel level, and warning lights. NHTSA reportedly has received 89 complaints describing a total or partial loss of dashboard information, and while a vehicle can still be driven in this condition, the loss of critical data can create obvious safety risks—especially if drivers can’t accurately monitor speed or fuel level on highway trips.
At this stage, it’s important to note that this is not a recall—it’s an investigation to determine the scale and cause of the issue. For Wrangler and Gladiator owners, the practical takeaway is simple: watch for any cluster flickering, blanking, or missing readouts, and document the conditions if it happens.
Stellantis Introduces Hurricane 4 Turbo Engine, Debuting in the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Stellantis has officially unveiled its all-new 2.0-liter Hurricane 4 Turbo four-cylinder engine, a next-generation powerplant that delivers impressive power and efficiency for modern SUV applications. This compact turbocharged engine produces 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, outperforming many larger engines while also providing better fuel economy and lower emissions than its predecessor. The Hurricane 4 Turbo’s advanced design incorporates turbulent jet ignition (TJI) combustion technology and a variable-geometry turbocharger, resulting in responsive low-end torque and smooth power delivery across a broad RPM range.
The first application of the Hurricane 4 Turbo engine is in the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee, where it serves as a cornerstone of the model’s updated powertrain lineup. In addition to its robust output, the Hurricane 4 Turbo is flexible enough to support conventional internal combustion configurations as well as future hybrid and plug-in hybrid variations. This positions the new Grand Cherokee to balance performance, capability, and everyday usability for a wide range of drivers.One Week Out From the SEMA Show in Las Vegas
With just one week to go, the automotive aftermarket is turning its full attention to Las Vegas, where the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association Show will once again take over the Las Vegas Convention Center.
SEMA remains the industry’s biggest stage for aftermarket innovation, where manufacturers, builders, and brands debut new products, concept vehicles, and technology that will shape the coming year.
From wild one-off builds and factory-backed concept vehicles to new suspension systems, wheels, tires, lighting, and electronics, SEMA is where ideas turn into trends—especially for the off-road and Jeep communities.
Jeep, truck, and 4x4 builds will once again dominate the halls, with everything from trail-ready rigs to extreme show builds highlighting where the off-road aftermarket is headed next.
The SEMA show is set for November 4-7.
