Autoblog Jeep http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Jeep http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Chrysler resolves recall issue with NHTSA, will inspect, upgrade affected Jeeps]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/chrysler-resolves-recall-issue-with-nhtsa-will-inspect-upgrad/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/chrysler-resolves-recall-issue-with-nhtsa-will-inspect-upgrad/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/chrysler-resolves-recall-issue-with-nhtsa-will-inspect-upgrad/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Chrysler made big news earlier in the month by refusing a recall request from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty. Last week, NHTSA boss David Strickland countered by defending his agency's request for the recall of 2.7 million Jeep SUVs. Today marked the deadline for Chrysler to formally respond to NHTSA, and it seems that both parties have met in the middle with Chrysler inspecting and upgrading some of the affected vehicles without using the word "recall," which would constitute the admission of a defect; instead, Chrysler said that it is conducting a "voluntary campaign."

At issue on these vehicles is the positioning of the fuel tank behind the rear axle that could get damaged during a rear-end collision. NHTSA has stated that at least 51 people have been killed in rear-end collisions involving these Jeeps after the vehicles caught fire, to which Chrysler countered by pointing out that both models "met and exceeded" the requirements for fuel-system integrity.

As a compromise on the situation, Chrysler says that it will inspect all pre-2004 Grand Cherokees and pre-2007 Liberty models and, "if necessary, provide an upgrade to the rear structure of the vehicle." According to Automotive News, this upgrade will consist of adding a trailer hitch that will presumably better protect the rear-mounted gas tank. Vehicles already equipped with a factory or Mopar hitch will not be modified. Chrysler's official statement on the matter is posted below, but no additional information has been released, such as when the campaign will begin and how many vehicles could be affected.

Continue reading Chrysler resolves recall issue with NHTSA, will inspect, upgrade affected Jeeps

Chrysler resolves recall issue with NHTSA, will inspect, upgrade affected Jeeps originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> jeepjeep recallnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsarecall Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20626565/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20626565/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/18/chrysler-resolves-recall-issue-with-nhtsa-will-inspect-upgrad/20626565/article-detail.xml 20626565 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/2005-jeep-liberty_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/2005-jeep-liberty.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA boss Strickland weighs in on Jeep recall fracas]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/15/nhtsa-boss-strickland-weighs-in-on-jeep-recall-fracas/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/15/nhtsa-boss-strickland-weighs-in-on-jeep-recall-fracas/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/15/nhtsa-boss-strickland-weighs-in-on-jeep-recall-fracas/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

David Strickland

Adding yet another chapter to the ongoing Jeep recall story, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) head David Strickland has gone on record to defend the government's request that Chrysler recall 2.7 million out-of-production Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Liberty vehicles after the agency investigated fiery rear-end collisions that have reportedly killed at least 51 people over the years. In statements made to The Detroit News, Strickland said, "We felt very strongly that the process that we undertook and the findings that we made and ... we made the decision to issue a recall request. We do not take that very lightly." The top US auto safety regulator stopped short of telling owners to park their cars until the automaker takes action. "They can make their own risk assessment and their own choices," he said.

Chrysler does not intend to recall the models, insisting the "vehicles met and exceeded all applicable requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, including FMVSS 301, pertaining to fuel-system integrity" when they were manufactured and sold. "The company does not agree with NHTSA's conclusions and does not intend to recall the vehicles cited in the investigation. The subject vehicles are safe and are not defective," Chrysler announced last week in a statement. "We believe NHTSA's initial conclusions are based on an incomplete analysis of the underlying data, and we are committed to continue working with the agency to resolve this disagreement."

Legally, Chrysler has until June 18 to formally respond to NHTSA's request. If the automaker does not take action, NHTSA is expected to issue a formal finding and seek a recall.

NHTSA boss Strickland weighs in on Jeep recall fracas originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Jun 2013 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fuel tank recalljeepjeep firesjeep grand cherokeejeep libertyjeep recallnhtsa Sat, 15 Jun 2013 17:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20622369/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20622369/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/15/nhtsa-boss-strickland-weighs-in-on-jeep-recall-fracas/20622369/article-detail.xml 20622369 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/david-strickland_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/david-strickland.jpg <![CDATA[Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #336 LIVE!]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-336-live/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-336-live/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-336-live/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

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We're set to record Autoblog Podcast #336 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #336 LIVE! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jun 2013 17:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 toyota corollaappleapple iosapple ios for carsautoblog podcast topicsios for carsjeepjeep fuel tankjeep grand cherokeejeep libertyjeep nhtsanhtsapodcastpodcast topicstoyota Mon, 10 Jun 2013 17:49:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20607131/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20607131/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/10/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-336-live/20607131/article-detail.xml 20607131 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/podcastlivev2stamp-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/podcastlivev2stamp-628.jpg <![CDATA[Bob Lutz, UAW rep commend Chrysler for not bowing to NHTSA recall pressure [w/poll]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/bob-lutz-uaw-rep-commend-chrysler-for-not-bowing-to-nhtsa-recal/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/bob-lutz-uaw-rep-commend-chrysler-for-not-bowing-to-nhtsa-recal/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/bob-lutz-uaw-rep-commend-chrysler-for-not-bowing-to-nhtsa-recal/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Auto exec Bob Lutz interviewed by reporters

Bob Lutz, the well-known executive with a range of automakers including both General Motors and Chrysler, says he supports Chrysler for not caving under federal pressure to issue a recall on 2.7 million Jeep vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is arguing that the plastic fuel tanks positioned behind the axles of certain 1993-2004 Grand Cherokee models and 2002-2007 Liberty models may become punctured in a collision and potentially catch fire, so it has called upon Chrysler to recall the vehicles. 15 deaths and 46 injuries have been attributed to the issue. For its part, Chrysler has maintained that its models "met and exceeded" all safety applicable mandates when they were manufactured, and furthermore, they argue that the government agency's own data proves that the vehicles are no more dangerous than similar SUVs produced by other automakers at the time. As a result, it is taking the unusual step of refusing to recall the vehicles.

According to The Detroit News, Lutz says Chrysler is right to push back when the government is out of line. Lutz also said that he wished he could have done the same when NHTSA urged Chrysler to issue a recall on certain minivans back when he was with the automaker 25 years ago.

Meanwhile, United Auto Workers Vice President General Holiefield also defended Chrysler by saying, "Our legendary Jeeps are crafted with pride by our dedicated UAW American workforce who work tirelessly to ensure the utmost quality of each Jeep that is produced for customers."

Who do you think is in the right, Chrysler or NHTSA? Vote in our poll below, then have your say in Comments.

View Poll

Bob Lutz, UAW rep commend Chrysler for not bowing to NHTSA recall pressure [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jun 2013 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bob lutzchryslerjeep grand cherokeejeep libertyjeep recallnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsauawunited auto workers Mon, 10 Jun 2013 15:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20605515/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20605515/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/10/bob-lutz-uaw-rep-commend-chrysler-for-not-bowing-to-nhtsa-recal/20605515/article-detail.xml 20605515 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/bob-lutz-interview_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/bob-lutz-interview.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Jeep Cherokee starting price set at $22,995*]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/2014-jeep-cherokee-starting-price-set-at-22-995/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/2014-jeep-cherokee-starting-price-set-at-22-995/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/2014-jeep-cherokee-starting-price-set-at-22-995/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk - front three-quarter view

Love it or hate it, the 2014 Cherokee is on its way to a Jeep showroom near you this fall. Today, Chrysler announced the different trim levels, features and pricing for its new compact utility with a starting price of $22,995 (*not including $995 for destination), which is $400 less than the 2012 Liberty it ostensibly replaces.

Available in four trim levels - Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk - the new Cherokee will come standard with Chrysler's 2.4-liter Tigershark inline four-cylinder engine with the upper three levels offering the option of the company's 3.2-liter Pentastar V6. The base Sport is your typical entry-level model, featuring equipment including manual cloth seats and black exterior mirrors and door handles, but it also has a five-inch Uconnect media center, LED taillights and 10 standard airbags. Stepping up from the Sport model, Latitude and Limited trims bring increasing levels of luxury starting at $24,495 and $27,995, respectively. All three of these trims are front-wheel drive in standard configuration and offer varying versions of Jeep's Active Drive four-wheel-drive system.

The range-topping $29,495 Cherokee Trailhawk (shown above) comes standard with four-wheel drive and numerous upgrades to earn Jeep's Trail Rated fender badge. These changes include a unique design that adds an off-road suspension with taller ride height giving more aggressive approach and departure angles, underbody skid plates, distinguishing exterior design elements and a seven-inch, reconfigurable instrument gauge cluster similar to what it found in high-trim Dodge Dart models. Scroll down for a full breakdown of the 2014 Cherokee pricing and trim levels, and let us know what you think of the model's pricing and equipment in Comments.

Continue reading 2014 Jeep Cherokee starting price set at $22,995*

2014 Jeep Cherokee starting price set at $22,995* originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jun 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 jeep cherokee2014 jeep cherokee pricing2014jeepcherokeepricingjeepjeep cherokeejeep cherokee msrpjeep cherokee pricing Mon, 10 Jun 2013 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20605689/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20605689/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/10/2014-jeep-cherokee-starting-price-set-at-22-995/20605689/article-detail.xml 20605689 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/2014-jeep-cherokee_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/2014-jeep-cherokee.jpg <![CDATA[Federal investigations about safety of rear-mounted gas tanks is nothing new]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/09/federal-investigations-about-safety-of-rear-mounted-gas-tanks-is/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/09/federal-investigations-about-safety-of-rear-mounted-gas-tanks-is/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/09/federal-investigations-about-safety-of-rear-mounted-gas-tanks-is/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee wireframe drawing

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Chrysler are currently making waves in our daily news feeds due to a disagreement over the safety of a few million Jeep Liberty and Grand Cherokee models. Specifically, NHTSA has asked Chrysler to recall the SUVs because of the location of their fuel tanks, but you may be interested to know that requests such as this are nothing new.

Besides the two Jeep models, NHTSA has launched investigations over the years in such models as the Ford Crown Victoria (and its police-car counterpart), GM pickups built between 1972 and 1987, and rather famously the Ford Pinto.

Understanding how automakers and NHTSA have dealt with fuel-tank-safety concerns in the past may offer a better understanding of how Chrysler and the government agency will settle their current dispute. Check out the complete article from The Detroit News here.

Federal investigations about safety of rear-mounted gas tanks is nothing new originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Jun 2013 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fuel tankgas tank recalljeepjeep gas tankjeep grand cherokeejeep libertynhtsarecall Sun, 09 Jun 2013 17:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20602454/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20602454/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/09/federal-investigations-about-safety-of-rear-mounted-gas-tanks-is/20602454/article-detail.xml 20602454 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/jeep-grand-cherokee-drawing_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/jeep-grand-cherokee-drawing.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler recalling 630k Jeep models worldwide]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/chrysler-recalling-630k-jeep-models-worldwide/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/chrysler-recalling-630k-jeep-models-worldwide/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/chrysler-recalling-630k-jeep-models-worldwide/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Jeep Compass - front three-quarter view

Despite its refusal to recall 2.7 million Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty models this week over a gas tank fire risk, Chrysler will be recalling 630,000 Jeep Compass (pictured), Patriot and Wrangler vehicles around the globe for a pair of entirely different reasons.

The affected Compass and Patriot models are all from the 2010 to 2012 model years - 254,000 in the United States, 45,400 in Canada and 109,000 elsewhere in the world. In these models, a software error may result in the late deployment of the side airbags and seatbelt tensioners. In the event of a crash, failure of these systems could result in more serious injuries for the vehicle's occupants.

Jeep's go-anywhere Wrangler also faces a separate recall due to power steering fluid lines that can possibly wear a hole in the transmission oil cooler line. According to Chrysler, the vehicles could then leak fluid, possibly damaging the transmissions. Roughly 221,100 Wrangler models are being recalled because of this issue, all of which are fitted with Jeep's 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. In the US, 181,000 vehicles are affected, with an additional 18,400 in Canada and 21,700 additional units worldwide. A Chrysler spokesperson said that no crashes or injuries have been reported with either case, according to the Associated Press.

Both recalls campaigns are expected to begin in July, where dealers will fix these problems free of charge. Scroll down to read the official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notice on the Compass and Patriot recall, and head over to AOL Autos for the full AP report.

Continue reading Chrysler recalling 630k Jeep models worldwide

Chrysler recalling 630k Jeep models worldwide originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jun 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslerjeepjeep compassjeep patriotjeep recalljeep safetyjeep wranglernational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsarecall Thu, 06 Jun 2013 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20602261/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20602261/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/06/chrysler-recalling-630k-jeep-models-worldwide/20602261/article-detail.xml 20602261 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/01-2011-jeep-compass-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/01-2011-jeep-compass-review.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler taking big risk snubbing NHTSA]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/05/chrysler-taking-big-risk-snubbing-nhtsa/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/05/chrysler-taking-big-risk-snubbing-nhtsa/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/05/chrysler-taking-big-risk-snubbing-nhtsa/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Maker Insists Feds Overstate Risk Of Fires With Grand Cherokee, Liberty Models

Jeep logo

It's not often that recall stories make it above the fold, in that old newspaper parlance, but when one shows up as the lead story on the network evening news programs, you know it's something big.

And so it is with Chrysler snubbing its nose at a request by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall 2.7 million Jeeps the feds insist are at risk of potentially catastrophic fuel tank fires in a rear-end collision.

For its part, the automaker insists that "the vehicles are safe and not defective," adding that "incidents... occur less than once for every million years of vehicle operations." And it insists it has the data to back that up.

But sometimes you can't win for losing and even if Chrysler is right, there is a serious chance that it may nonetheless lose the battle in the public eye, especially if it is seen as putting profits before safety.

Paul EisensteinPaul A. Eisenstein is Publisher of TheDetroitBureau.com and a 30-year veteran of the automotive beat. His editorials bring his unique perspective and deep understanding of the auto world to Autoblog readers on a regular basis. This story was reprinted with permission from the author and TheDetroitBureau.com.

Continue reading Chrysler taking big risk snubbing NHTSA

Chrysler taking big risk snubbing NHTSA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Jun 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslerfeaturedjeepjeep grand cherokeejeep libertynational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsapaul eisenstein Wed, 05 Jun 2013 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20600422/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20600422/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/05/chrysler-taking-big-risk-snubbing-nhtsa/20600422/article-detail.xml 20600422 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/34-2012-jeep-wrangler-sport-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/34-2012-jeep-wrangler-sport-review.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler defies NHTSA, says it won't recall 2.7M Jeep Grand Cherokee, Liberty models]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/05/chrysler-defies-nhtsa-says-it-wont-recall-2-7m-jeep-grand-cher/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/05/chrysler-defies-nhtsa-says-it-wont-recall-2-7m-jeep-grand-cher/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/05/chrysler-defies-nhtsa-says-it-wont-recall-2-7m-jeep-grand-cher/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Facing a possible recall totaling around 2.7 million of its most popular SUVs, Chrysler remains insistent that the 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty are safe vehicles. This comes on the heels of a recall request from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for these two models due to fuel tanks mounted behind the rear axle, which could possibly be ruptured during severe rear-end collisions, leading to an increased risk of fire. In response to the allegations, Chrysler says that it does not agree with NHTSA nor does it plan on recalling either vehicle.

Chrysler said both SUVs "met and exceeded" the requirements for fuel-system integrity, and cooperated fully with NHTSA since the investigation was opened in 2010. While 15 deaths and 46 injuries have been reported from fires caused by rear-end collisions on these models, Chrysler is claiming that the vast majority of incidents cited by NHTSA were "high-energy crashes," including one where a stopped Grand Cherokee was rear-ended by a tractor trailer going 65 miles per hour.

The automaker wraps up by saying "NHTSA seems to be holding Chrysler Group to a new standard for fuel tank integrity that does not exist now and did not exist when the Jeep vehicles were manufactured." Scroll down for Chrysler's official response to NHTSA, but we're pretty sure this isn't the last we've heard on this issue.

Continue reading Chrysler defies NHTSA, says it won't recall 2.7M Jeep Grand Cherokee, Liberty models

Chrysler defies NHTSA, says it won't recall 2.7M Jeep Grand Cherokee, Liberty models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Jun 2013 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslercrash safetyjeepjeep fireNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrationnhtsarecall Wed, 05 Jun 2013 08:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20598991/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20598991/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/05/chrysler-defies-nhtsa-says-it-wont-recall-2-7m-jeep-grand-cher/20598991/article-detail.xml 20598991 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/jeep-logo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/jeep-logo.jpg <![CDATA[Radical 2016 Jeep Wrangler suggested by job listings?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/31/radical-2016-jeep-wrangler-suggested-by-job-listings/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/31/radical-2016-jeep-wrangler-suggested-by-job-listings/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/31/radical-2016-jeep-wrangler-suggested-by-job-listings/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Jeep Stitch concept truck - front three-quarter viewWith most inside the industry expecting the next-generation Jeep Wrangler to arrive for the 2016 model year, it makes sense that the automaker would be looking for some choice candidates to to fill program openings as the off-roader goes through its development. A recent ad on Chryslercareers.com suggests to some that the lightweight Wrangler Stitch Concept, revealed just two months ago and shown above, provides some clues about the off-road icon's next iteration.

According to Automotive News, the job descriptions - which don't name the model specifically - hint that the next-generation Wrangler will benefit from a serious diet. The ads appear to seek those familiar with advanced high-strength steels, hinting that lightweight aluminum body panels may appear on the 4x4. In addition, there are suggestions that Jeep may fit the Wrangler replacement with air suspension, as seen on the Ram and Grand Cherokee, to retain ample off-road clearance yet lower that chassis to improve aerodynamics at highway speeds. The job postings reportedly also lend credence to the idea of a diesel Wrangler.

It seems every bit of the next-generation Wrangler is up for review, as it will be the first time this iconic model is redesigned under Fiat ownership. Questions remain whether or not the Jeep will retain its clip-down hood, easy-to-remove door pins and folding front windshield - loyalists expect them, but fuel economy and safety standards may crimp their cases for survival.

Radical 2016 Jeep Wrangler suggested by job listings? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2016 jeep wranglerjeepjeep stitchjeep wranglerjeep wrangler stitchwrangler stitch Fri, 31 May 2013 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20594555/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20594555/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/31/radical-2016-jeep-wrangler-suggested-by-job-listings/20594555/article-detail.xml 20594555 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/jeep-wrangler-stitch-concept-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/jeep-wrangler-stitch-concept-628.jpg <![CDATA[WWII Jeep 'found in crate' set to cross Greenwich auction block]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/30/wwii-jeep-found-in-crate-set-to-cross-greenwich-auction-block/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/30/wwii-jeep-found-in-crate-set-to-cross-greenwich-auction-block/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/30/wwii-jeep-found-in-crate-set-to-cross-greenwich-auction-block/#comments Filed under: , , ,

WWII Jeep 'found in crate' - front three-quarter view

Fans of old military vehicles might want to pay extra close attention to the Greenwich Concours d'Elegance coming up this weekend. Crossing the Bonhams auction block on Sunday are a pair of seemingly flawless World War II Jeeps, which are both expected to fetch serious dollars.

Lot Number 305 at the auction is a 1945 Ford GPW Jeep that has been fully restored, which is expected to command between $35,000 and $45,000. Shortly after the Ford GPW, a potentially more interesting 1944 Willys MB (shown above) will be auctioned off, but Hemmings raises some red flags about this Jeep. First, it is claiming to have been "discovered in its original crate about 30 years ago," but there is no proof or documentation of any sort. Also, it is claiming to be all original, but it was given a paint job "shortly after it was discovered." Even with these questionable descriptions, this Willys could reach between $20,000 and $30,000. Head over to Bonhams' site and Hemmings for more information on both WW2-era Jeeps.

WWII Jeep 'found in crate' set to cross Greenwich auction block originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 May 2013 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bonhamsford gpwford jeepgreenwich concours delegancejeepmilitary jeepmilitary vehiclewillys jeepwillys mbwillys mb jeepworld war iiww2wwii Thu, 30 May 2013 17:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20587881/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20587881/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/30/wwii-jeep-found-in-crate-set-to-cross-greenwich-auction-block/20587881/article-detail.xml 20587881 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ww2-jeep_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ww2-jeep.jpg <![CDATA[Freak accident during Jeep demonstration turns fatal]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/freak-accident-during-jeep-demonstration-turns-fatal/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/freak-accident-during-jeep-demonstration-turns-fatal/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/freak-accident-during-jeep-demonstration-turns-fatal/#comments Filed under: , , ,



A 20-year-old woman was killed in Edmonton, Canada on Satuday, reports CTV News, in a freak accident resulting from a rollover during a Jeep demonstration. As part of a fundraising enthusiast event called "Jeeps Go Topless," the driver of one Jeep Wrangler drove up and onto the top of the tire of another.

CTV reports that the owner of the topmost Jeep then switched the vehicle off, posed for pictures and then dismounted from his vehicle. His movement off of the Jeep apparently caused it to tip over, crushing a woman who was on top of an adjacent vehicle. Edmonton police are currently investigating more fully what caused the parking lot accident to occur. Scroll below to watch the CTV News video report about this tragic incident.

Continue reading Freak accident during Jeep demonstration turns fatal

Freak accident during Jeep demonstration turns fatal originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> edmontonjeepjeep deathjeep rollover deathjeep wranglerjeeps go toplessvideo Mon, 20 May 2013 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576377/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576377/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/freak-accident-during-jeep-demonstration-turns-fatal/20576377/article-detail.xml 20576377 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/jeep-death-edmonton-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/jeep-death-edmonton-628.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Jeep Cherokee facing production delay]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-jeep-cherokee-facing-production-delay/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-jeep-cherokee-facing-production-delay/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-jeep-cherokee-facing-production-delay/#comments Filed under: , ,

2014 Jeep Cherokee - front three-quarter view

Jeep's bold-faced new direction spearheaded by the 2014 Cherokee is facing some teething issues. According to a report by the Detroit Free Press, production start-up of the controversial new utility vehicle at its Toledo North facility is running about a month behind schedule "due to a wide range of issues." That's according to Mark Chernoby, senior vice president of engineering at Chrysler.

Chernoby maintains that the issues being encountered aren't unusual for the launch of a new vehicle - particularly one with a new powertrain - and he downplayed the delay, telling Jeep dealers that they "will have ample inventory of the midsize SUV by fall." Among the kinks being worked out? Calibrating the Cherokee's cutting-edge ZF nine-speed automatic transmission and refining assembly line tasks to make the process more efficient.

Chrysler expects to start building retail-ready versions of the Cherokee around mid-June, with official sales slated to start in September.

2014 Jeep Cherokee facing production delay originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 jeep cherokeejeepjeep cherokeemark chernoby Fri, 17 May 2013 14:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20573920/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20573920/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/2014-jeep-cherokee-facing-production-delay/20573920/article-detail.xml 20573920 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-jeep-cherokee-628-2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-jeep-cherokee-628-2.jpg <![CDATA[Millionth Jeep Wrangler JK to roll off line this morning]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/millionth-jeep-wrangler-jk-roll-off-line/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/millionth-jeep-wrangler-jk-roll-off-line/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/millionth-jeep-wrangler-jk-roll-off-line/#comments Filed under: , , ,



According to a report on the Chrysler Communications Facebook page and one fairly grainy image of the production line, at around 11:00AM Eastern this morning, the one-millionth Jeep Wrangler JK will roll out of the company's Toledo assembly plant.

The third-generation or "JK" Jeep Wrangler has been around since the 2007 model year, and has obviously been more popular than ever. With a greater than ever number of trim levels, two-door and four-door Unlimited models and hardy off-roading Rubicon packages, the JK offers more to choose from than ever for those looking for something in a traditional Jeep. In fact, with the modern 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 powering it, the 2012 model year saw more than 140k Wrangers sold here in the US; the best-ever figure for the model.

With a model refresh due out for the Wrangler in 2015 (along with the likely addition of a diesel engine option), we expect that sales will continue to roll right along, too.

Millionth Jeep Wrangler JK to roll off line this morning originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 jeep wranglerjeepjeep wranglerjk wranglerone millionth jeep wrangler jk Fri, 17 May 2013 10:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20573752/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20573752/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/millionth-jeep-wrangler-jk-roll-off-line/20573752/article-detail.xml 20573752 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/1-millionth-jeep-wrangler-jk-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/1-millionth-jeep-wrangler-jk-628.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #333]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/autoblog-podcast-333/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/autoblog-podcast-333/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/autoblog-podcast-333/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Acura NSX, 2014 Chevy Silverado, Lamborghini Egoista and Urus, Jeep CEO Mike Manley interview, Ugly Horse update

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Episode #333 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Steven Ewing talk about the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado, the Lamborghini Egoista concept and the apparent production greenlight for the Lamborghini Urus, the forthcoming Acura NSX, an interview with Jeep CEO Mike Manley and an update on Zach's Project Ugly Horse. We also address lots of your questions and comments, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. You can follow along after the jump with our Q&A. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #333:


Topics: In the Autoblog Garage: Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, Steven Ewing

Runtime: 01:50:29
Get the podcast:
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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #333

Autoblog Podcast #333 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 May 2013 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 dodge dart2013 lexus lsautoblog podcastautoblog podcast 333featuredjeeplamborghinilamborghini egoistalamborghini urusmike manleypodcastpodcast 333 Wed, 15 May 2013 16:10:00 EST Autoblog Podcast #333Autoblog01:50:29 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569587/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569587/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/autoblog-podcast-333/20569587/article-detail.xml 20569587 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Watch this 650-hp Hennessey Jeep Grand Cherokee go from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/watch-this-650-hp-hennessey-jeep-grand-cherokee-go-from-0-60-in/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/watch-this-650-hp-hennessey-jeep-grand-cherokee-go-from-0-60-in/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/watch-this-650-hp-hennessey-jeep-grand-cherokee-go-from-0-60-in/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

650-hp Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 from Hennessey ready to go drag racing - video screencap

Hennessey Performance Engineering has created an HPE650 package for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT fitted with the 6.4-liter Hemi engine. When it leaves the showroom floor it has 470 horsepower and gets from 0-60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds. When it leaves Hennessey's garage floor after the upgrade it has 650 horsepower - 530 hp at the wheels, according to Hennessey - and gets to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds on its way to running the quarter-mile in 12.6 seconds.

There's more than just a Roots-type supercharger bolt-on, with ported cylinder heads and high-flow headers among the many changes made to the engine. You can watch this pre-2014 facelift silver model prove its spec sheet on the drag strip in the video below.

Continue reading Watch this 650-hp Hennessey Jeep Grand Cherokee go from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds

Watch this 650-hp Hennessey Jeep Grand Cherokee go from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 jeep grand cherokee srt8hennesseyhennessey grand cherokee srt8hpe650jeepjeep grand cherokeejeep grand cherokee srtjeep grand cherokee srt8john hennesseysrtvideo Tue, 14 May 2013 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565375/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565375/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/watch-this-650-hp-hennessey-jeep-grand-cherokee-go-from-0-60-in/20565375/article-detail.xml 20565375 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hennessey-grand-cherokee_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hennessey-grand-cherokee.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler recalls 468,700 Jeep Grand Cherokees, Commanders over rollaway risk]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/chrysler-recalls-468-700-jeep-grand-cherokees-commanders-over-r/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/chrysler-recalls-468-700-jeep-grand-cherokees-commanders-over-r/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/chrysler-recalls-468-700-jeep-grand-cherokees-commanders-over-r/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited

Chrysler has issued a recall covering a combined 469,000 units of the 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2006-2010 Jeep Commander (inset). Of that number, 295,000 are in the US, roughly 33,000 in Canada and Mexico and the remainder in other markets. It seems an electrical fault in the transfer case can allow the affected SUVs to shift into neutral on their own, while an Associated Press report says that Chrysler had "found cracks in a circuit board that turns the four-wheel-drive system on and off." The issue was discovered when an owner started his car remotely and it rolled away.

Chrysler is expected to begin notifying owners in June 2013, who can then take their cars to dealers. The dealer will reflash the final drive controller free of charge. There's a bulletin from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration below with more information.

Continue reading Chrysler recalls 468,700 Jeep Grand Cherokees, Commanders over rollaway risk

Chrysler recalls 468,700 Jeep Grand Cherokees, Commanders over rollaway risk originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 May 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> jeepjeep commanderjeep commander recalljeep commander recallsjeep grand cherokeejeep grand cherokee recallsjeep recalljeep recallsjeepcommanderrecalljeepcommanderrecallsjeepgrandcherokeerecallsjeeprecalljeeprecallsnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsarecall Mon, 13 May 2013 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565869/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565869/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/chrysler-recalls-468-700-jeep-grand-cherokees-commanders-over-r/20565869/article-detail.xml 20565869 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2008-jeep-grand-cherokee_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2008-jeep-grand-cherokee.jpg <![CDATA[Happy 50th birthday, Jeep Wagoneer]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/happy-50th-birthday-jeep-wagoneer/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/happy-50th-birthday-jeep-wagoneer/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/happy-50th-birthday-jeep-wagoneer/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Jeep Grand Wagoneer

The Wagoneer got the SUV on the radar of buyers looking for something capable, comfortable and rugged.

The Jeep Wagoneer was introduced 50 years ago, and it's that vehicle we have to thank for the herds of excellent crossovers and SUVs that make up our current automotive landscape. On a personal level, I have always loved the full-size Jeeps and their crisp Brooks Stevens styling, which aged well over their long tenure on the market. The SJs, as they're known among enthusiasts, were the Wagoneer and its two-door counterpart, the original Cherokee. The Wagoneers had become true luxury vehicles by the end of their run, which stretched form late 1962 as a '63 model all the way to 1991, when they were offered exclusively under the Grand Wagoneer nameplate.

At the end of the line in 1991, The New York Times called the Grand Wagoneer "one of the last true gas guzzlers" as it eulogized the vehicle. It deserves more respect than that; the Wagoneer got the SUV on the radar of buyers looking for something capable, comfortable and rugged. People who could afford such luxuries seemed to understand its purpose. At the end of production, the average Grand Wagoneer buyer pulled in over $100,000 a year, and the Jeep often served as a second or third car. There is no denying that the Wagoneer invented the luxury SUV, years before the Range Rover was ever offered for sale.

Continue reading Happy 50th birthday, Jeep Wagoneer

Happy 50th birthday, Jeep Wagoneer originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> jeepjeep cherokeejeep grand wagoneerjeep wagoneersj Thu, 02 May 2013 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20554916/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20554916/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/02/happy-50th-birthday-jeep-wagoneer/20554916/article-detail.xml 20554916 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/jeep-grand-wagoneer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/jeep-grand-wagoneer.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler reports $166M net income for Q1, down $307M vs. 2012]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/chrysler-reports-166m-net-income-for-q1-down-307m-vs-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/chrysler-reports-166m-net-income-for-q1-down-307m-vs-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/chrysler-reports-166m-net-income-for-q1-down-307m-vs-2012/#comments Filed under: , ,

2014 Jeep Cherokee - live on stage, front three-quarter view

Preliminary first-quarter results from 2013 have been announced by Chrysler, and the company is reporting a net income of $166 million on revenue of $15.4 billion. Compared to this period last year, net income is down $307 million and revenue has dropped $1 billion.

Chrysler says that its quarter was negatively affected by the costs associated with launching its 2013 Ram Heavy Duty, 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and preparation for the return of the all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee pictured above. The launches should provide a strong second half of 2013, says the automaker. "We remain on track to achieve our business targets, even as the first-quarter results were affected by an aggressive product launch schedule," said Chrysler Group LLC Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne.

On a positive note, the automaker says worldwide vehicle sales are up 8 percent from one year ago, a number pushed by a 12 percent bump in U.S. retail sales. In addition, domestic market share has risen slightly, up to 11.4 percent from 11.2 percent last year. Read more in the official statement below.

Continue reading Chrysler reports $166M net income for Q1, down $307M vs. 2012

Chrysler reports $166M net income for Q1, down $307M vs. 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslerchrysler first quarterchrysler saleschrysler sales figuresfirst quarter incomefirst quarter revenuejeepsergio marchionne Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20551949/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20551949/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/29/chrysler-reports-166m-net-income-for-q1-down-307m-vs-2012/20551949/article-detail.xml 20551949 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/jeepcherokee11-opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/jeepcherokee11-opt.png <![CDATA[Chrysler investing $20M in Toledo plant to support 9-speed auto production]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/chrysler-investing-20m-in-toledo-plant-to-support-9-speed-auto/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/chrysler-investing-20m-in-toledo-plant-to-support-9-speed-auto/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/chrysler-investing-20m-in-toledo-plant-to-support-9-speed-auto/#comments Filed under: , , ,



In 2011, Chrysler announced a $72-million investment in its Toledo Machining Plant to modernize production of the eight- and nine-speed torque-converters for automatic transmissions made there. That upgrade work won't be finished until Q3 of this year, but Chrysler has already announced a further $19.6-million investment to increase production capacity for the nine-speeders.

The extra units will be necessary because the nine-speed transmission they'll be mated to is going into three popular models: it will debut on the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, then go into the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Dart. The company predicted that this year alone it would sell 200,000 units equipped with the nine-speed tranny, and it is spending some $374 million in addition to the investment in Toledo to upgrade production capacity for it.

The work attached to this new investment won't begin until Q3 of 2014, and it will be finished by the end of that year. There's a press release below with all the details.

Continue reading Chrysler investing $20M in Toledo plant to support 9-speed auto production

Chrysler investing $20M in Toledo plant to support 9-speed auto production originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslerchrysler 200dodgedodge dartjeepjeep cherokeenine-speed transmissiontoledotoledo machining plant Sun, 28 Apr 2013 15:05:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20550350/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20550350/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/28/chrysler-investing-20m-in-toledo-plant-to-support-9-speed-auto/20550350/article-detail.xml 20550350 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/chrysler-nine-speed-auto_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/chrysler-nine-speed-auto.jpg -1 2