Autoblog

Spy Shots: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee out testing in Detroit

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:56:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Jeep, Luxury, Off-Road

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - Click above for high-res image gallery

A little lawsuit isn't going to keep Chrysler from getting the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee ready for production. The next generation family-sized Jeep was spotted on Michigan roads. Looking rather spiffy in a matte black coat, from the side the SUV is a Cherokee with just a bit of a twist. However, the revisions to the rear and front, as well as its stance, appear to give it more European feel than any Jeep has ever had. Especially from the back it is heavily scented with an X5 influence.

If it gets an old world luxury interior to match, then who knows - the 2011 Grand Cherokee could be all growed up. You can have a look at it for yourself in the gallery of photos below. Hat tip to Peter.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[Source: Jeep Garage via Accelerating Perspective]

Spy Shots: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee out testing in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: The coolest CG car vid you'll see today

Chris Shunk — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Videos, Design/Style

Click above to watch the video after the jump

We've seen plenty of car-related videos of our time, and we've posted on quite a few of them on Autoblog. The clips are usually informative, offer a sneak peak of a future product, or they're just plain funny, but one thing we've never done is showcase a reader's demo reel, until today. Why? Because after the jump is one of the sweetest home-grown car videos in the history of geeks playing with CGI software.

The video features a Chevrolet Camaro, a Ford Shelby Mustang, a Jeep Grand Cherokee and - wait for it - a Vaz 2107. The supposed theme of the video is that some spiked orb thing ascends down from above, shooting pure, Spider Man 3-like evil upon the four unsuspecting vehicles. Once the vehicles become infected with this black plague, they get all bad and dark and stuff. Then a Black Hawk flies into the picture just for the added cool and hangs out with the souped up, shiny black cars. It's all kind of Mad Hatter if you ask us, but it's also completely freaking cool. Hollywood production quality cool. Music and sound effects are outstanding as well. Nicely done, Pantural, whoever you are. Thanks to all who sent in tips!

[Source: Pantural via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: The coolest CG car vid you'll see today

VIDEO: The coolest CG car vid you'll see today originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler to resume leasing vehicles soon?

Chris Shunk — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Earnings/Financials

2009 Dodge Ram - Click above for high-res image gallery

In late July 2008, Chrysler announced that it would stop leasing vehicles effective August 1. The news helped exasperate the decline of Chrysler group vehicle sales while giving customers fewer options for getting into a new vehicle. After leasing was discontinued, Chrysler's market share dropped from 11.3% to 9.2%. The decline came in part because of Chrysler's very public bankruptcy proceedings and its lackluster product lineup, but there is little doubt that the end of vehicle leasing was also a major contributor to the automaker's precipitous decline.

In an effort to get back on the right track, Automotive News is reporting that dealer sources say leasing could return to the Pentastar as soon as September 18. Chrysler is reportedly waiting until after next Tuesday to make an announcement so it can look over residual value data from the Automotive Lease Guide before making a final decision. Chrysler, which uses GMAC as its finance arm, could follow General Motors' lead and offer leasing only on select vehicles. AN estimates that the Dodge Ram, Journey, Nitro and Grand Caravan, the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Chrysler Town & Country could be among the vehicles ready for lease duty.

Gallery: 2009 Dodge Ram

[Source: Automotive News]

Chrysler to resume leasing vehicles soon? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Time Magazine lists its "10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010" - Do you agree?

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 09:12:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Time Magazine's 10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010 - Click above to begin

Before we begin, let us say that when it comes to cars, Time Magazine can get it right. Like the time they hired Dan Neil to write The 50 Worst Cars of All Time. That was really good. However, now Time has the "10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010," and boy is it really awful. In fact, it's so awful that we're dying to hear what Dan Neil thinks of it. Time's list isn't just regular bad, it's take all your credibility on a given subject and light it on fire bad. Akin to letting Glenn Beck run the civil rights desk. OK, but in car terms how bad? The Volkswagen Golf is one of Time's most exciting vehicles of 2010 - and that's not even the really terrible part. We're making you follow the jump for the really bad stuff.

Gallery: Time Magazine's 10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010

Continue reading Time Magazine lists its "10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010" - Do you agree?

Time Magazine lists its "10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010" - Do you agree? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee to underpin new Alfa Romeo SUV?

Noah Joseph — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Jeep, Alfa Romeo

Chrysler may not have a host of solid new products in the pipeline, but the upcoming Jeep Grand Cherokee looks promising. With that in mind, it shouldn't come as a great surprise that the new bosses in Auburn Hills want to take advantage of the opportunity to get an Italian version of the upcoming sport-ute on the market. According to a report from Car and Driver that goes right along with whispers we've heard through the grapevine, the 2011 Grand Cherokee could provide its underpinnings to a new Alfa Romeo SUV, rumored to be (clumsily) dubbed the Cxover/A.

While the Jeep has a rugged, go-anywhere image to uphold, the Alfa version would likely be more street-focused, taking aim at the likes of the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne. European restrictions would probably preclude the Hemi V8 from powering the Alfa, which, like the Grand Cherokee sold in Europe, would likely incorporate a range of diesel and gasoline V6 engines. As you can see from the rendering, adapting Alfa's curvaceous styling to the Grand Cherokee's classically rugged shape may prove a bit of a challenge, but we're eager to see the Italians give it a shot.

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[Source: Car and Driver]

Rendered Speculation: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee to underpin new Alfa Romeo SUV? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep recalling more than 47,000 Liberty, Commander, Grand Cherokee, and Wrangler models

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Recalls, Safety, Chrysler, Jeep

Chrysler is recalling over 47,000 models, including the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Commander, and Wrangler four-door that may have reversed wiring on the driver's airbag controller, a defect that may inhibit the airbag's deployment. Additionally, the 2002 and 2003 Jeep Libertys sold in New England and much of the Midwest are susceptible to a loss of lubrication in their front ball joints due to salt. The remedy for both recalls is a trip to the dealer, who will inspect and make any necessary repairs. You can read the full press releases after the jump.

[Source: NHTSA (Cherokee, Commander, Wrangler) & NHTSA (Liberty)]

Continue reading Jeep recalling more than 47,000 Liberty, Commander, Grand Cherokee, and Wrangler models

Jeep recalling more than 47,000 Liberty, Commander, Grand Cherokee, and Wrangler models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Noah Joseph — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Jeep, Rendered Speculation

Our friends over at Jalopnik have what they claim is an official rendering of the next-generation 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. With the redesigned 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee already revealed under the brights lights of the New York Auto Show, it was only a matter of time before we received news of the high-performance version's fate.

Aside from big wheels, a ram air scoop, rear spoiler and some subtle ground effects, the new GC SRT8 looks fairly restrained from the outside, but inside reportedly lies a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 producing between 505 and 525 horsepower and somewhere around 510 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle's all-wheel-drive system will also reportedly be heavily revised to handle all that power, which should make this new SRT8 SUV faster than its predecessors and one of if not the fastest SUV of all time.

Being that Chrysler uses the same V8 in most SRT8 products, expect this one to find its way under the hood of the Challenger SRT8 and Charger SRT8, as well. You might be asking why Chrysler continues to keep the lights on in the SRT offices, especially after GM scuttled its High Performance Vehicles Operation. While the cash to make new SRT vehicles could certainly be used for other things, we applaud the Auburn Hills-based automaker's decision to further fund its high performance department. If anything, it shows there are men and women in the company who still passionate about building things other than minivans and Wranglers.

UPDATE: We contacted Chrysler to confirm this rendering is indeed official and were told, "Definitely not ours." So consider the image and information above speculation until harder evidence surfaces.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Rendered Speculation: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York: Muscled-up 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will take the stairs, thank you

Chris Paukert — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:56:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, SUV, Jeep

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee live reveal - Click above for high-res gallery

First thing this morning at 12:01 am, we gave you a deep dive into the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and earlier we sneaked a few snapshots while the truck lazed about before its press conference. Now, we've just returned from Chrysler's press conference to bring you live shots of a polished silver example that climbed the stairs up to the stage here in New York's Javits Center.

Shown here in this color live for the first time, we found that silver serves the Grand Cherokee's newfound contours and angles to very good effect - particularly the muscular door panels. This was also the first glimpse we had of the GC's new air suspension doing its thing, as it easily clambered up the stage steps at full off-road height (11.1-inches), before sinking to its lowest setting, where it looked for all the world like an impromptu low and mean SRT8 version.

We also managed to be among the first inside the vehicle to bring you a few exclusive snapshots of the model's rich new orange-brown leather treatment. Click on the high-res gallery below to see the frame-by-frame climb and the interior for yourself.

Gallery: New York: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

New York: Muscled-up 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will take the stairs, thank you originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - First Live Shots!

John Neff — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:20:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, SUV, Jeep

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee live shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

One of the most significant debuts at the 2009 New York Auto Show is undoubtedly the next-generation 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. We've just had the chance to see Jeep's new SUV in person ahead of its official unveiling later today, and we're even more impressed with the design in person than in pictures. The clean styling is a departure for the brand, which has lately adhered a bit too closely to its traditional utilitarian box design language. The Wrangler look doesn't work on every vehicle, and thankfully Jeep has softened the Grand Cherokee just enough to look sophisticated, but not so much that it appears incapable of traversing trails. We'll bring you more on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee from its formal debut later in the day, but for now you can peruse our new live shots and the official images from Jeep in the galleries below.

Gallery: New York: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

New York: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - First Live Shots! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee must serve two masters

Chris Paukert — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, SUV, Chrysler, Jeep

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite always being a unibody vehicle, like many body-on-frame SUVs, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been largely shown the door by a raft of new crossovers that have played to consumers looking for improved on-road performance. Oh, back when the current WK model was new for 2005, then-DaimlerChrysler made a splash with a new double-wishbone suspension that was better able to soak up tarmac imperfections, but some hardcore brand loyalists felt betrayed because the improved ride came at the expense of axle articulation. Not wanting to risk offending brand acolytes with their new 2011 model, Jeep faced a pair of seemingly divergent goals: Improve off-road ability while making the vehicle more attractive to a wider, street-oriented mainstream audience. In other words, as Chrysler's vice-president of design Ralph Gilles put it to us, Jeep's mission was to "put the 'Grand' back in Grand Cherokee."

Let's get this out of the way right now: Both domestic and global auto markets have evolved greatly from the late-Nineties salad days when Jeep once managed to shift 300,000 Grand Cherokees. And while last year the GC sold under a third of that total, it remains a linchpin in the company's operation, particularly as the larger three-row Commander model is not scheduled to receive a replacement. The company's fortunes are incredibly shaky right now, but if it is to survive in any form, products like the GC will still need to be able to shoulder a heavy burden. Does the GC have the muscles for the job? Follow the jump to find out.

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Continue reading New York: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee must serve two masters

New York: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee must serve two masters originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep adds Rocky Mountain Edition models to Patriot, Liberty and Grand Cherokee

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Jeep

Click above to enlarge

In an effort to revive lagging sales, automakers often create new packages that bundle desirable features into one new trim level at a slightly reduced cost. Such is the case with the new Rocky Mountain Editions of the Jeep Patriot, Liberty and Grand Cherokee for 2009. Included in the package are a sunroof, an uplevel audio package that includes uConnect and SIRIUS satellite radio, alloy wheels and unique paint colors with special badges. As you would expect from Jeep, four-wheel drive is available on all of these models.

Checking the Rocky Mountain Edition box on the vehicle order form will add a total of $1,595 to the vehicle's bottom line. If added separately, the components that make up the package would cost $2,300, which makes for a pretty good deal (though not quite as good as the "approximately $1,000" in savings that Chrysler is touting). Read the full press release after the break.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Jeep adds Rocky Mountain Edition models to Patriot, Liberty and Grand Cherokee

Jeep adds Rocky Mountain Edition models to Patriot, Liberty and Grand Cherokee originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Performance, SUV, Jeep, Reviews

2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

In many ways, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the best vehicles in Chrysler's lineup. Along with the Wrangler, it packs real off-road capabilities into an angular, no-nonsense body. It's an authentic Jeep, first and foremost, and makes no excuses for being anything another than a full-fledged SUV.

Then there's the SRT8 version.

This is what happens when you let the hot-rod mavens at SRT play with time-honored Jeep tradition. Over the last decade, many manufacturers have created high performance SUVs and crossovers, but this beastie is the only one available with a HEMI. The SRT8 is the twisted offspring of the unnatural pairing of a Jeep and a Dodge Viper, and Chrysler was kind enough to loan us its hottest GC for a winter trip to the ski mounds of Northern Michigan. Find out how it behaved after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Continue reading Review: 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Review: 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nardelli confirms Chrysler hard at work on new Durango, 300 and Charger

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Chrysler

Chrysler chieftan Bob Nardelli sent a letter to "all employees, dealers, suppliers and other stakeholders" to explain what's happening at the smallest of the Detroit trio. Everything done now falls under one of three umbrellas: enhancing the core, which is improving products, quality, and dealer and customer relations; extending the business with new products or by growing existing products into new areas; and expanding the market with global alliances to fill gaps in the product portfolio.

At the bottom line, Chrysler has lowered its fixed costs by more than $3.4 billion, and has also saved money by achieving the lowest warranty claim rate in the company's history over the past 12 months. Some of that savings - and the bridge loan - are being poured into product renewals: Chrysler plans 24 new vehicle launches from now to 2011, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Charger and Durango, and the Chrysler 300.

The push into technologies and segments will commence in part with Chrysler's ENVI electric vehicle program, the new Phoenix V6 engine, and the potential tie-up with Fiat. The Pentastar aims to have one electric car in production by 2010, four in production by 2013.

The Fiat tie-up would give the Italian company a 35% stake in Chrysler in return for Chrysler getting access to Fiat's small car platforms. The deal is still pending some serious due diligence, but no money would change hands, and Nardelli reassures his readers that none of the taxpayer money would go to Fiat. Nardelli also mentions that the union would also give Chrysler a jedi tutor in the area of restructuring, since Fiat only recently turned itself around. Follow the link for the rest of Nardelli's words.

[Source: The Scoop]

Nardelli confirms Chrysler hard at work on new Durango, 300 and Charger originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jan 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee grows grander

Noah Joseph — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Jeep

Jeep was one of the pioneers in the sport-utility segment before it exploded, yet when the train left the station, the iconic rough-and-tumble brand seemed to have been left behind. But now even while the band plays on the sinking deck of the SS Chrysler, Jeep is trying to catch up and stay afloat with this new offering lining up for the privilege.

According to the latest spy shots and reports, the next Jeep Grand Cherokee looks prone to grow a bit grander. Once considered the sportscar of the SUV segment, the 2010 Grand Cherokee will have a noticeably longer wheelbase, longer rear overhang and likely third-row seating. As the project was likely started while under Daimler's wing, the new Grand Cherokee is anticipated to borrow architecture from Mercedes SUVs like the ML and GL. Although Chrysler apparently killed off the diesel option on the current model for the new year, it may return for the new model, joining the same range of V6 and HEMI V8 engines that may expand to include a HEMI hybrid (Hymi, anyone?), though don't expect a successor to the hot-rod Grand Cherokee SRT8 any time soon. The design, meanwhile, will still include such trademark styling cues as the seven-slat grille, four round headlights and squared-off wheel arches, but expect the overall shape to borrow from the Trailhawk concept from the Detroit Auto Show of two years ago. The new Grand Cherokee may make its debut later this year at either the Chicago or New York show, so stay tuned.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Spy Shots: 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee grows grander originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler expanding Detroit plant for car-based Grand Cherokee

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Jeep

Click above for big gallery of the current Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep has a long and illustrious history with the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, and that lineage will continue on, albeit with some modifications to remain relevant to the times. Unlike many of its closest rivals that used a body-on-frame approach (we're looking at you, Explorer), the Grand Cherokee has always been based on a unibody platform. But it looks like future Grand Cherokees will be moving on to a car-based platform rather than its own dedicated one. To retool for this new vehicle program, Chrysler has announced that its Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit will be getting a $1.8 billion renovation that should employ 400 new workers -- a boon for the weary Detroit-area economy.

While purists may not like the idea of a car-based Grand Cherokee, we can't imagine that Chrysler would make the mistake of alienating its vast army of die-hard Jeep fans by making its flagship product too road-biased. Remember too that the Grand Cherokee name has always been affixed to a model that's a bit less rough-and-tumble than other more hardcore Jeep models like the Wrangler. Expect to see the next-gen Grand Cherokee sometime in 2010. Thanks for the tip, Roger!

[Sources: Dow Jones Newswire, Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Chrysler expanding Detroit plant for car-based Grand Cherokee originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler offering even more incentives to close out July

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Earnings/Financials

The automotive sales sector is in a major state of flux as consumers continue to run from SUVs and pickup trucks into smaller, more fuel efficient cars. One manufacturer hit especially hard by this transition is Chrysler, a company that recently posted the worst fleet average fuel economy numbers of all major automakers in the U.S. due to its truck-heavy lineup. Still, the automaker has built up a large supply of Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep utility vehicles that they have got to get off dealer lots somehow. To ease consumers into the fuel-thirsy utes, Chrysler has introduced new incentives of zero-percent financing for 72 months on the 2008 Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen and Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander.

While the lack of any financing charges will certainly impact the bottom line, it is nothing compared to the losses the automaker has been hit with over its past lease deals. In fact, truck and SUV residuals are so bad these days that Chrysler Financial has gone so far as to completely cut leasing out of its available portfolio starting August 1. The financing deals announced today are scheduled to continue through Thursday, July 31.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Chrysler offering even more incentives to close out July originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler kills rebadge of Dodge Journey to work on small car

Michael Harley — Tue, 13 May 2008 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Dodge Journey

Making a step towards a more fuel-efficient vehicle lineup, and reducing the number of overlapping vehicles between its brands, the plug has been pulled on a Chrysler-branded version of the 2009 Dodge Journey. Chrysler LLC will instead focus the resources on a Nissan-manufactured compact car.

While the automaker currently captures the bulk of its sales from light trucks and SUVs, Chrysler is trying to pare down its lineup significantly to cut costs. So far, they have cut four models. Moving forward, the Jeep Commander SUV is expected to be dropped next year, and the company has already said they were canceling the PT Cruiser Convertible. While the 2009 Dodge lineup gains the aforementioned Journey, Dodge Challenger, and a redesigned Dodge Ram pickup, Chrysler's product lineup for the next twelve months looks particularly bleak with nothing significantly new in the pipeline. Company officials are holding their breath for 2010, when the new Nissan-built compact, new Jeep Grand Cherokee, and redesigned Chrysler 300 sedans arrive.

Gallery: 2009 Dodge Journey

[Source: Bloomberg]

Chrysler kills rebadge of Dodge Journey to work on small car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 May 2008 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Essen 2007: delta4x4 DUNE PROJECT

Alex Nunez — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 20:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, SUV, Jeep

Click image for photo gallery

While delta4x4 would like you to think its Grand Cherokee SRT8-based DUNE PROJECT is ready to storm the desert, those 23-inch rims wrapped in 40-series Continentals say otherwise. No matter. We think the DP's cool nonetheless, thanks mostly to the 499 horsepower it dishes out courtesy of a revamped exhaust and reprogrammed engine management system. 62 miles per hour arrives in under five seconds.

Visual changes include a 100 mm lift, a custom front bumper with an integrated Warn winch, and PIAA off-road lighting mounted to the front wheel arches and a stainless roof rack. The matte maroon finish isn't exactly attractive, though, and those bright blue brake calipers don't help matters in that regard, either. Colors, thankfully, can be changed. We'd leave everything else just as is.

[Source: delta4x4]

Gallery: delta4x4 DUNE PROJECT

Continue reading Essen 2007: delta4x4 DUNE PROJECT

Essen 2007: delta4x4 DUNE PROJECT originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Dec 2007 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Preview: 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee revealed

John Neff — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, SUV, Jeep

Click above image to view 10 desktop-sized photos

The Chrysler Group is kicking off its presence at the 2007 New York Auto Show by unveiling the new 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee a little early. The new GC features a revised exterior that's difficult to detect at first glance. We'll hit the high points for you. First off, the front end features a grille that dips down a bit lower, and the bottom of the headlights have been rounded off to enhance their Jeepishness. One can also order a set of HID auto-leveling headlamps. The fog lamps have also been lowered to improve their effectiveness. Hardcore off-roaders will be pleased to know, however, that the new fascia is compised of two-pieces, the lower of which can be removed when trail-rating your new Grand Cherokee. The taillights out back are also revised.

Underhood the new GC now features no less than five engine options, one of which is an all-new 4.7L V8 that slots in below the 5.7L HEMI V8. The new 4.7L V8 produces 291 horsepower and 322 ft-lbs. of torque. That's more power and torque than the old 4.7L V8, plus it's more fuel efficient (though Jeep doesn't indicate by how much) and flex-fuel capable. Also available is the 3.0L common-rail Diesel V6, 3.7L V6, 5.7L HEMI V8 and 6.1L HEMI V8 in the SRT-8 model.

The Grand Cherokee's interior also gets the once over, though unfortunately Jeep hasn't provided any pics showing the inside of the SUV yet. We can tell you, however, that both the MyGIG entertainment system with a 20 GB hard drive and the new SIRIUS Back Seat TV are both available on the new 2008 model.

Jeep's complete press release can be found after the jump, while we've assembled a new high-res gallery featuring desktop wallpaper-size pics of the new 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

[Source: Jeep]

Gallery: 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Continue reading New York Preview: 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee revealed

New York Preview: 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Apr 2007 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler recalls more than 68k 2007s

Chris Tutor — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 14:10:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Chrysler, Daimler

If you own a 2007 Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep listen up, because you're likely affected by Chrysler's latest recall. DaimlerChrysler is bringing home more than 68,000 vehicles to reprogram balky brake computers.

The 11 affected models are 2007 versions of the Sebring, 300, Charger, Magnum, Caliber, Commander, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Nitro and Compass. Whew.

Chrysler says computers in the recalled vehicles' could fail, leading to a loss of antilock brakes, traction control and speedomter functions. We don't remember much from our drivers' ed class, but we're pretty sure brake failure is hardly ever a good thing. Thankfully DC says nobody's been hurt yet.

Oh, and you Sebring drivers must have broken a mirror or something. While one team of crack DC mechanics gives your car a brain transplant, another team will be reteaching it to defrost your windshield. So take a book or something. That particular recall affects about 6,000 new Sebrings.

[Source: Reuters]

Chrysler recalls more than 68k 2007s originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Dec 2006 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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