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.
Detroit 4Fest: Two Days of Off-Road Adventure at Holly Oaks ORV Park
Park or play. Or do both.
That’s the allure of this weekend’s Detroit 4Fest at Holly Oaks Off-Road Park in Holly, Michigan.
Spend time in the Vendor Village with scores of 4x4 industry vendors, or climb in your vehicle and go enjoy over 250 acres of off-road excitement.
The event calls itself Michigan’s ultimate celebration of off-road culture, and annually draws thousands to Holly Oaks, located about a half hour west of Detroit.
Get muddy or get smart: There are plenty of trails, hills, and rock courses suited for all skill levels, as well as Off-Road 101 sessions (including women-only clinics).
Plus, Friday night offers a NightFest trail ride powered by TYRI Lighting—a glow-up event that transforms the terrain into a nighttime playground.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or a curious newcomer, 4Fest brings together all levels of off-roaders in a welcoming, gear-filled weekend adventure.
New Marine Corps Airspace Proposal Puts Johnson Valley & King of the Hammers at Risk
A new proposal by the U.S. Marines to establish Special Use Airspace (SUA R-2509) over Johnson Valley has reignited an old battle—this time targeting the skies instead of the land.
The plan would create a ‘surface-to-sky’ restricted zone above the Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) area that would prevent civilian helicopters, drones, and other aviation operations, currently used for emergencies and event coverage, from operating without prior military clearance.
Some of the major concerns with this proposal include emergency response delays, where Medevac helicopters may be grounded or significantly delayed, potentially costing lives in a region where air rescue is critical.
Also, the world-famous King of the Hammers race in Johnson Valley, California relies heavily on aerial safety monitoring, chase helicopters and drone coverage — all of which would be compromised. The race brings an estimated $34 million annually to San Bernardino County.
Finally, infrastructure disruptions. Authorized utility and safety flights, such as powerline inspections, would also face restrictions, thus complicating essential civilian operations.
The proposal includes three options, a full-time, permanent airspace restriction from surface to sky, a ‘shared use’ model requiring military clearance for civilian flights, or a ‘no action’ alternative, which would maintain current access.
If enacted, these restrictions would undermine prior legislative agreements protecting the shared-use OHV area, effectively restricting access and destabilizing public recreation without altering land boundaries.
Stellantis Pulls Back From All-Electric 2030 Goal
Jeep parent Stellantis has officially stepped away from its plan to make its European lineup fully electric by 2030, marking a significant shift in strategy for one of the world’s largest automakers. The move, recently announced during the Munich Motor Show by Jean-Philippe Imparato, head of Stellantis’ European operations, comes as the company reassesses both market realities and regulatory pressures.
Imparato explained that while electrification remains a cornerstone of Stellantis’ future, the goal of reaching 100% electric sales in just five years is no longer achievable. Consumer demand, high costs, and technological hurdles were all cited as reasons behind the change. He also cast doubt on the European Union’s ambitious 2035 emissions targets, suggesting they may be just as difficult for automakers to meet.
The company originally unveiled its in-house “Dare Forward” plan with bold EV promises, including widespread rollout across its brands like Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and Peugeot. But with slower-than-expected adoption rates and tightening consumer budgets, Stellantis now plans to balance electric development with a stronger focus on hybrid powertrains and internal combustion models where demand remains strong.
This adjustment mirrors a broader trend in the auto industry, where several manufacturers are revisiting aggressive EV targets in favor of more flexible product strategies. Stellantis says it will continue refining its Level 2+ driver assistance features and building out software-based subscription services, even as EV-specific plans scale back.
For Jeep owners and enthusiasts, the shift means hybrid and gasoline-powered vehicles will remain central to the lineup for the foreseeable future, while all-electric models like the Wagoneer S and Recon will continue to exist but likely see slower rollouts. In short, the EV transition for Stellantis brands isn’t ending—it’s just becoming more gradual.
Man Arrested Driving Toy Barbie Jeep During Rush Hour in British Columbia
Police in British Columbia recently arrested a man for driving a child-sized pink Barbie Jeep down a busy road during morning traffic. While it sounds like a gag, the details that followed make it a mix of humor, danger and legal consequence.
It started around 9 a.m. when Royal Canadian Mounted officers got calls about the toy Jeep causing a traffic hazard. The driver, later identified as Kasper Lincoln from Prince George, had a suspended license and showed signs of intoxication. Two breathalyzer tests confirmed impairment. Despite the absurdity of the vehicle, the law still held him accountable.
Lincoln reportedly borrowed the child’s toy Jeep to head out for a Slurpee, admitting afterward he “got lazy.” He claimed he used hand signals and mostly stayed on sidewalks until traffic forced him onto the road. But cops say regardless of whether it was a toy or a full-size vehicle, operating a motorized conveyance on a roadway without a valid license or while impaired is illegal.
The police slapped him with prohibited driving charges and a 90-day driving prohibition. He now must answer in court. The case raises eyebrows—not just for its novelty, but for what it reveals about how vehicle laws apply in all shapes and sizes when safety and public risk are involved.
