Autoblog

2012 Jeep Wrangler fuel economy figures improve

Zach Bowman — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Chrysler, Jeep, Off-Road

Chrysler has managed to squeeze a little extra fuel economy from the 2012 Jeep Wrangler. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the model now gets up to 17 mpg city and 21 mpg highway, good for 18 mpg combined when saddled with a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. That's a thirteen-percent improvement over the 2011 model's 15 mpg city and an 11 percent boost over the old bruiser's 19 mpg highway. Not surprisingly, the increases come from the fact that the Wrangler now boasts the Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 engine.

The better fuel economy doesn't come at the cost of horsepower, either. In fact, the new V6 rocks 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The old 3.8-liter V6 was only good for a comparatively asthmatic 202 horsepower and 237 lb-ft of twist.

The four-door Wrangler Unlimited shown above has also benefited from the Pentastar engine - its fuel economy has increased to 16 mpg city and 21 mpg highway when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

2012 Jeep Wrangler fuel economy figures improve originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep JK-8 pickup kit smiles for the camera

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 03 May 2011 21:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Truck, Jeep, Off-Road

Jeep JK-8 conversion kit from Mopar - Click above to watch the video after the jump

The folks over at PickupTrucks.com recently drove a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with Mopar's JK-8 conversion kit, and they got a Mopar engineer on camera to talk about it. To refresh your memory, one kit will be offered for the at-home "weekend warrior" tinkerer, a second kit will be offered for body shops to make the conversion look like it came from the factory. Pricing hasn't been announced, but the engineer said it would be "competitive," although we have no idea what he could be comparing the price too, it should be less than the "two arms, two legs and a testicle" suggested by a PickupTrucks.com commenter.

Finally, the JK-8 package will be available in every color offered on the Wrangler, meaning you won't get it in the concept car yellow. Follow the jump to see it in action and hear more about it.

Continue reading Jeep JK-8 pickup kit smiles for the camera

Jeep JK-8 pickup kit smiles for the camera originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 May 2011 21:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler releases new "Moparized" concept renderings ahead of 44th Annual Easter Jeep Safari

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:20:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SUV, Truck, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Off-Road

Mopar Sketches for the 44th Annual Easter Jeep Safari - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler has announced that it will launch four new "Moparized" (their term, not ours) models on March 27 at the 44th Annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah: the Jeep Wrangler J7, Jeep Patriot Extreme, Jeep Wrangler Trail Boss and Ram Power Wagon.

First off, there's already a 2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon, but it appears that this version will sport just two doors instead of the current four-door model. We also note plenty of flat black accents, including the wheels, grille and hood, which are set off by what appears to be a neon green stripe. Out back is a customized bed that includes an external fullsize spare tire rack. Ford SVT Raptor fighter? We'll see.

Moving on to the Jeep Patriot Extreme, we see a bright orange (EXTREME!!!) paint scheme highlighted (or is that lowlighted?) by more flat black accents on the grille and hood along with a two-inch Rocky Road Outfitters suspension lift, TJ 'Moab' 16-inch wheels and BF Goodrich KM2 tires. Lest we forget, there's also an uplevel Kicker stereo system and a roof-mounted snowboard rack.

Finally, we have a pair of Wranglers. The first is the J7, which is based on the four-door Unlimited Rubicon model and is "designed to have the basic appeal of military-issued vehicles." The second Wrangler is called the Trail Boss, and all we know about that one is that it's "a two-door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon that is built for serious off-road duty." Check out the high-res image gallery below and hit the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: Mopar sketches for 44th Annual Easter Jeep Safari

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler releases new "Moparized" concept renderings ahead of 44th Annual Easter Jeep Safari

Chrysler releases new "Moparized" concept renderings ahead of 44th Annual Easter Jeep Safari originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alleged patent images for Porsche Panamera convertible turn up

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Porsche, Luxury

Porsche Panamera Convertible patent drawing - click above for high-res image gallery

See, apparently we aren't crazy, though we may have been a little smidge off the mark. Back in October, we reported that Porsche had begun work on an open top version of their then new Panamera super sedan. Only we said it would be a two-door 'cause, you know, drop top and all that. Whoops! If these alleged German patent office images from Autocar are anything to go on, Porsche is going after the highly nuanced (to put it mildly) - and presumably lucrative - four-door convertible market, joining the ranks of such noted automakers as... those dudes in Miami that chop the tops off Chrysler 300Cs. Okay, fine, the Maybach 62 Landaulet is kinda like a four-door convertible (but not quite), though at $1.35 million, it actually might compete in a different segment. And yes, yes - we know - the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is technically a four-door convertible.

But never mind any of that, as judging by these images, the Porsche Panamera convertible looks to be pillarless, something that the neither the $25,000 Jeep nor the mega-bucks Maybach can lay claim to. As such, the Panamera's chassis would presumably have to be beefed up in a major way to retain some semblance of stiffness and rigidity. Though maybe not quite as much as you (and we) might think. If you look closely at the patent images, you can see that, like the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drop Head Coupe, the A-pillar has been reinforced with a mini-triangle. You'll also note that the Pan's butt isn't any bigger than before, suggesting a folding cloth top as opposed to a space-intensive retractable hardtop. Back to chassis strength - thanks to modern production techniques, it's possible to substitute in thicker gauge steel that will increase stiffness without adding as much weight as traditional afterthought convertible chassis bracing.

And where does this leave those of us wishing for a modern-day 928? Not in a very good place, we're afraid. These patent drawings clearly show that the new, most-likely upcoming Panamera Convertible has been engineered as a four-door from the get-go, and never a duoporte. Shame...

Gallery: Porsche Panamera Convertible patent drawing

[Source: Autocar]

Alleged patent images for Porsche Panamera convertible turn up originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Jeep dealers face shortage of hardtop Wranglers

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:20:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Jeep, Off-Road

2010 Jeep Wrangler - Click above for high-res image gallery

If there's one vehicle that has managed to persevere through Chrysler's ups and downs as of late, it's the Jeep Wrangler. This trusty off-roader is still the SUV of choice for enthusiasts who actually need true four-by-four capability, and its iconic design is still very well liked. However, the Wrangler is facing some troubles of its own, as many dealers are now reporting a shortage of hardtop models.

According to Automotive News, parent company Chrysler is stating that a "supplier constraint" is what's causing this overall shortage. Meridian Automotive Systems Inc., the company that originally manufactured the roof units for the Wrangler, filed for Chapter 7 liquidation last year, so production of the hardtops was shifted to a different supplier - Continental Structural Plastics Inc., located in Detroit. Chrysler says that tops are extremely complex to manufacturer, so the move in suppliers has put a significant dent in overall production.

In the meantime, Chrysler is urging dealers to order softtop Wranglers while it works with the new supplier to ramp up production of the hardtop units. During this shortage, we wouldn't be surprised if Wrangler sales dip slightly, since in most markets the vast majority of customers purchase the hardtop models.

Gallery: 2010 Jeep Wrangler

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Report: Jeep dealers face shortage of hardtop Wranglers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Comparo: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon vs. Hummer H3T

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV, Truck, Hummer, Jeep, New Car Reviews, Off-Road

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited vs. Hummer H3T - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last year, we compared the dirtside manners of the Hummer H2 and Toyota Land Cruiser. Both trucks did everything we asked of them, but at the end of the excursion we were left with another question begging to be answered: could the Hummer H3T stand up to the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon? These cruiserweights live on a fatter part of the buying curve, and any time a Jeep is summoned to the ring, the other vehicle is inevitably the challenger. Even though the H3T is still relatively new to the world, it came time to find out if it was ready to stand up and fight for its place. Follow the jump to see how it held up.

Gallery: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon vs. Hummer H3T

Continue reading Autoblog Comparo: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon vs. Hummer H3T

Autoblog Comparo: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon vs. Hummer H3T originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4x4

Chris Shunk — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV, Jeep, New Car Reviews, Off-Road

2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4x4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Jeep Wrangler is designed to be one of the most capable vehicles on the planet. It can climb a 45-degree grade, tread through 30 inches of water and crawl down a rock-filled hillside - all with the top down and the doors off. Its shape hasn't changed much over the years, primarily because Jeep owners like the way the Wrangler looks and its aesthetic exists to support this rugged off-roader's functionality.

The Wrangler has stood the test of time, but an influx of capable and comfortable SUVs meant that the tried-and-true Jeep was in need of an update. To appeal to Wrangler enthusiasts who need more interior flexibility, Chrysler finally decided to pull the trigger on a four-door model. To the surprise of nobody, the Wrangler Unlimited has been one of the few hits from Chrysler in recent years, at one point prompting a dealer waiting list for the longest-running Jeep. We wanted to try the four-door Jeep for ourselves, so we welcomed a Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon into our garage for a week-long run.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4x4

Continue reading Review: 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4x4

Review: 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4x4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler considering four-day work week at Toledo Jeep plant

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Dodge, Jeep, Earnings/Financials

Jeep sales are down. They're way down, in fact, posting a 44-percent drop in their daily sales rate last month. Though the larger 'utes are really dragging down sales, even the once-untouchable Wranger has been feeling the sting of escalating fuel prices, as its blocky shape and 3.8-liter V6 engine conspire to deliver awful fuel mileage. Also selling rather slowly are the Jeep Liberty and Dodge Nitro, which are assembled at the same plant in Northwest-Ohio. In an effort to save costs, Chrysler officials are considering reducing the work-week at the Toledo plant from the normal five days down to four and allowing its workers to stay on for ten-hour shifts. While that total still equals the forty-hours from a five-day, eight-hour per day work-week, Chrysler believes it can save on energy and fuel costs by shuttering the plant for an extra day.

[Source: 13abc.com]

Chrysler considering four-day work week at Toledo Jeep plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Now you know: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited can fit 32 people

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 13 May 2008 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Jeep

Now that the newly-designed Wrangler has gained an optional extra set of doors, those wanting a little extra passenger-carrying capability with their off-road ready rough-and-tumble ride have been able to get it in the Unlimited model. Of course, there has been an important unanswered question looming ever since: how many people can fit inside comfortably? Sure, the standard answer might be four, with five being the limit in an absolute pinch, but some enterprising people in Poland had a bit more ambitious ideas in mind. In fact, a total of thirty-two intrepid souls upped the ante by cramming themselves inside a green ~~Jeepie~~ Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, setting some sort of offbeat Polish record in the process. While thirty-two people in any vehicle is impressive, it pales in comparison to what's been done in the lowly Beetle, not that we recommend trying to replicate any of these stunts yourself.

Gallery: Polish Record: 32 people in a Wrangler

[Source: Inside Line]

Now you know: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited can fit 32 people originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 May 2008 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aussie police get Jeep Wrangler CRD

Alex Nunez — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 11:03:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Jeep

Click image for gallery

In Australia, the Victoria Police have acquired a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport powered by the available 2.8L CRD. The off-roader is essentially a special-use vehicle that will be used around Melbourne and other venues to help promote a snow safety campaign during the ski season. (Remember folks, it's winter down there now.) Now, after a long day of promoting snow safety to the masses, we wonder if the fuzz can suppress the urge to use the Jeep for some winter-weather hooning when no one's looking. You know, as research on what not to do.

[Source: Jeep Australia]

Gallery: Australian Police Jeep Wrangler CRD

Aussie police get Jeep Wrangler CRD originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Aug 2007 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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