Autoblog

Chrysler reportedly set to extend holiday shutdown at five plants

Chris Shunk — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler

Dodge Viper ACR - Click above for a high res image gallery

During last year's holiday season Chrysler's rank and file were faced with extended holiday shutdowns. The reason was simple: Millions of Americans decided to stop buying vehicles due to the economic downturn. While the market is still down, auto sales have stabilized and the Pentastar isn't dealing with an outrageously bloated inventory, but Chrysler vehicles aren't flying off dealer lots. Chrysler was the only major automaker to see year over year sales down by double digits in November and the automaker's short-turn sales outlook is anything but rosy.

The Wall Street Journal reports that for the second straight year many Chrysler workers will be on extended shutdown during the holidays, with five plants taking three week leaves beginning December 21. Vehicles affected by production shutdowns include the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans, the Dodge Viper, Charger and Challenger, the Chrysler 300 and the Jeep Wrangler. Also under consideration for an extended layoff is the Dodge Ram. The Pentastar originally planned to shutter the plants for the typical ten-day holiday shutdown. To help combat continued slow sales Chrysler has increased its advertising budget.

[Source: Wall Streer Journal - sub. req'd]

Chrysler reportedly set to extend holiday shutdown at five plants originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Jeep Lower Forty a favorite in the Mopar display

Drew Phillips — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:20:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, SUV, Jeep, Off-Road

Jeep Lower Forty - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Our SEMA coverage generally doesn't include too much from the off-road segment, but the Jeep Lower Forty concept in the Mopar booth was too good to pass up. Sporting 40-inch Mickey Thompson tires, this Jeep can pretty much go wherever it wants without the help of a suspension lift. Granted, plenty of bodywork was removed to make the new rubber fit, but impressive nonetheless. A 5.7-liter Hemi V8 sends grunt to a six-speed manual transmission before hitting all four wheels via a Dana 44 front axle and a Dana 60 rear axle fitted with 5.38 gears.

Additional features include a carbon fiber hood, custom bikini top, a chopped windshield, and a color-matched interior with Katzkin leather seating. You can read more details after the jump, and we have plenty of high-res photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Jeep Lower Forty

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Jeep Lower Forty a favorite in the Mopar display

SEMA 2009: Jeep Lower Forty a favorite in the Mopar display originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Jeep Wrangler safe from CARB "Cool Cars" proposal

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:33:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Chrysler, Jeep

Remember California's "Cool Cars" regulation? Coming into force in 2012, the rule requires manufacturers to install windows that prevent 45% of the sun's energy from entering a vehicle by 2014, and 60% by 2016. It's the law that no one thinks is cool at all. In a minor victory against The Golden State's increasingly severe environmental regulations (and we live there and love it, but still...), the soft-top Jeep Wrangler has reportedly been given an exemption.

Specifically, any flexible plastic window is exempt. Said a CARB representative, "If the plastic windows are rigid, they must comply with the same standards as glass windows, beginning with the 2012 model year." If not for the flexible-window exemption, Chrysler wouldn't have been allowed to sell the Wrangler in California with the soft top because its plastic windows would have been non-compliant. Chrysler's Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) were also threatened, but are now safe from the regulation as well.

As for the other issue -- radio wave interference that degrades GPS and other signals -- CARB said it hasn't found any such problems in its testing. But who knows, now that the Jeep gets a pass, carmakers might just put flexible windows in every car sold in CA ... and how cool would that be?

[Source: The Detroit News]

REPORT: Jeep Wrangler safe from CARB "Cool Cars" proposal originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler previews four Mopar SEMA concepts for on- and off-road mastery

Chris Paukert — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, SUV, Truck, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Off-Road

Jeep Wrangler "Lower Forty" - Click above for high-res image gallery of all Mopar SEMA concepts

The performance-partsgasm that is Las Vegas' SEMA Show may be down on fuel this year because of the state of the economy, but that isn't stopping the Chrysler Group from unveiling four concepts based on the models in its lineup that are arguably the most endearing to the aftermarket. To that end, the company's Mopar devision has lavished a bunch of custom bits on everything from a pair of Jeep Wranglers (one of which is fit to sleep in, and the other looking fit enough to climb a wall) to a streetable 556-horsepower Dodge Challenger, and a dolled up Dodge Ram 1500.

Perhaps our favorite vehicle of the lot is the Wrangler "Lower Forty" - an imposing rig that uses a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine to churn its massive 40-inch tires. If it looks familiar, that's because it was first shown at the Moab Safari in April. Interestingly, the huge running gear upgrade has been applied to a standard ride-height two-door Rubicon - no suspension or body lift has been fitted. What has been screwed on, however, are new fender flares that ride four inches higher than stock, and they're an inch wider, too. Other trick bits include a new integrated roll cage, a relocated spare tire, a new drop-down tailgate with an old-school stamped Jeep logo. Did we mention the slick three-inch chop and the extra ten degrees of rake applied to the windshield?

Follow the jump for more details on the three remaining Chrysler SEMA show vehicles.

Gallery: Chrysler Mopar SEMA Concepts

Continue reading Chrysler previews four Mopar SEMA concepts for on- and off-road mastery

Chrysler previews four Mopar SEMA concepts for on- and off-road mastery originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CA "cool car" regs to kill Jeep Wrangler, interfere with phones, garage openers, ankle bracelets?

Michael Harley — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Technology, Chrysler, Jeep

2009 Jeep Wrangler - Click above for high-res image gallery

New "Cool Cars" regulations adopted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) could put an end to the Jeep Wrangler soft-top sales in the Golden State thanks to standards so stringent that the popular 4x4 won't be able to meet them. According to The Detroit News, CARB's latest controversial initiative requires automakers to build cars and trucks with windows which prevent 45% of the sun's energy from entering a vehicle by 2014, and 60% by 2016. To meet these provisions, vehicle manufacturers will have to utilize advanced window glazing containing microscopic specs of reflective metal oxide.

Coating vehicle glass with a metallic layer wreaks havoc on any vehicle electronic device relying on a clear "view" of the world outside. Garmin, a leading manufacturer of GPS devices, says satellite reception through coated glass will be degraded. In addition, cell phones, wireless laptop devices, garage door openers, and even ankle bracelets for parolees "may be adversely affected by the metallic reflective standard" as they all rely on signals passing cleanly through automotive glass.

For what it's worth, Honda tried utilizing the same technology in Japan two decades ago, yet dropped it due to problems with radio wave devices. We are assured that the Jeep soft-top won't have those problems simply because the technology cannot be applied to flexible plastic windows. Without an exemption for that model, Chrysler will only be allowed to sell hardtop Wrangler vehicles in California.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4x4

[Source: The Detroit News]

CA "cool car" regs to kill Jeep Wrangler, interfere with phones, garage openers, ankle bracelets? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:31:00 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, 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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Chrysler to restart seven North American plants by end of month

Chris Paukert — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler

Hot on the heels of news that the Dodge Viper's Conner Avenue facility would be the first Chrysler plant to fire up after the company's bankruptcy proceedings/Fiat tie-up comes official word that the automaker will resume production at seven plants the week of June 29. In addition, Chrysler will bring the supporting powertrain and stamping plants online that supply the assembly factories listed below with parts.

According to Ed Garsten, Chrysler's manager of electronic media communications, the following assembly plants will resume production as part of a "phased production ramp-up" -

Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (Sterling Heights, MI) - Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger
Warren Truck Assembly Plant (Warren, MI) - Dodge Ram and Dodge Dakota
St. Louis North Assembly Plant (Fenton, MO) - Dodge Ram
Toledo Supplier Park (Toledo, OH) - Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Brampton Assembly Plant (Brampton, Ontario, Canada) - Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Challenger
Windsor Assembly Plant (Windsor, Ontario, Canada ) - Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan
Toluca Assembly Plant (Toluca, Mexico) - Dodge Journey and Chrysler PT Cruiser

Despite the start-ups, all Chrysler plants will again idle for two weeks in the second half of July as part of a previously scheduled summer break.

Source: Chrysler | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Chrysler to restart seven North American plants by end of month originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:29:00 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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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, 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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Breaking: Dodge EV sports car, range-extended Town & Country, Wrangler previewed

Alex Nunez — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:08:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Performance, SUV, Green, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

CNBC's Phil Lebeau got a sneak peek at the new EVs Chrysler is developing, and it looks like Auburn Hills is pulling a Tesla, among other things. The yellow Dodge EV you see here is basically an electrified Lotus Europa. Presumably equipped with lithium ion battery power, the Dodge EV has a reported operating range of 150 - 200 miles and can be plugged in to household 110 or 220 outlets. Figure a four-hour charge on the latter, and 8 or so on the former. Zero-to-sixty is said to be under 5 seconds. Like we said, this is basically Chrysler's Tesla, right down to the Lotus-sourced donor vehicle.

We'll see the Dodge EV introduced formally later this afternoon, along with range-extended EV versions of the Chrysler Town & Country (can you say, "killer app"?) and Jeep Wrangler. With regard to timing, Chrysler says it would like to have "at least one" of these vehicles on the market by the end of 2010, the unofficial official year of the electric/plug-in car.

Look for all three prototypes to head to D.C., where they'll be showcased for Congressional leaders who have a say in whether or not Washington will show Detroit the money they've been asking for.

For now, you can watch the preview unveiling of the cars on CNBC by watching this video. Chrysler's got something planned for 1PM today, so we expect to have a lot more info and photos then. Stay tuned.

UPDATED: Full details now posted here.

Gallery: Dodge EV, Jeep EV and Chrysler EV

[Source: CNBC]

Breaking: Dodge EV sports car, range-extended Town & Country, Wrangler previewed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Heavy-duty Jeep J8 now available everywhere but here

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Jeep, Military

Click above to enlarge this picture of the Jeep J8

Who doesn't get the Jeep J8? Um, that would be the United States, Home of Jeep. Hardly seems fair... considering that pretty much every other country in the world gets a crack at the ultra-Wrangler, which comes equipped with a 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel with 158-horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Memo to Chrysler: The Wranger is screaming out for a small displacement diesel engine. No? Fine. We can understand the fact that this engine isn't certified for sale in the States and it would be expensive to make happen. At least the Pentastar brand could offer the J8's nearly 3,000-pound payload capacity via rear leaf springs and reinforced frame in its home market. Still no dice? Could we at least get the pickup bed as an option on the Unlimited chassis? Not likely, would be our best guess. Oh well, we can wish.

Gallery: Jeep J8

[Source: Allpar]

Heavy-duty Jeep J8 now available everywhere but here originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toledo Jeep workers to get four more weeks of "vacation"

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:28:00 EST

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

click above to view more high-res pics of the 2008 Jeep Liberty

Employees at Jeep's factory in Toledo, Ohio reported back to work this week after two months of mandatory downtime. The good news is that they still have their jobs; the bad news is that they've been told to expect another four weeks off before the end of the year. This time, however, the shutdowns will be scheduled in week-long intervals instead of covering an entire four-week period. The slowdown of SUV sales has been widely covered and the Jeep brand has not been immune, including its bread-and-butter Wrangler model that had proven extremely popular a short while back when the first-ever four-door version was unveiled. Of course, back then gas was below $3 a gallon. Besides the Wrangler, Jeep also makes the Liberty and Dodge Nitro at the Toledo plant.

Gallery: 2008 Jeep Liberty

[Source: 13 ABC]

Toledo Jeep workers to get four more weeks of "vacation" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:28:00 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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Jeep Performance may offer diesel engine swap kit for Wrangler

John Neff — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Green, Jeep

Chrysler LLC should be credited with making a strong push for diesels in the U.S., having sold oil burners like the last-gen Jeep Liberty CRD and current Grand Cherokee CRD for the past few years already. People who prefer crawling rocks to carrying kids, however, are clamoring for a diesel motor in the Wrangler. Though Jeep has no plans of which we're aware on offering a diesel Wrangler in showrooms, Jeep Performance, a division of Mopar, is reportedly working on an engine swap kit that would allow owners to install the 2.8L diesel four-cylinder from the last-gen Liberty CRD in their Wranglers. The 2.8L four-cylinder produces 160 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and while it was good for 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway in the Liberty, Wrangler owners are probably more interested in its prodigious torque that's well-suited for off-road excursions than its frugality with fuel. Jeep is throwing an excursion of its own for the media in Moab, Utah while we'll be covering the New York Auto Show next week, but more information is promised by the source of this info, 4Wheel Drive & Sport Utility Magazine, afterwards. Thanks for the tip, Robert!

[Source: 4wdandsportutility via JeepNewsNow]

Jeep Performance may offer diesel engine swap kit for Wrangler originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler recalling over 80,000 Wranglers and Nitros

John Neff — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 17:23:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Recalls, Dodge, Jeep

Chrysler is issuing a recall for 80,894 examples of its hot-selling Jeep Wrangler and not-so-hot Dodge Nitro. The recall will require the power module for each vehicle be reprogrammed to prevent a situation that could cause a brief interruption of electrical power to the engine and instrument panel. This interruption has been reported to cause stalling in 180 separate complaints that have been received by Chrysler. It's only a brief stall, however, and if the vehicles are moving at the time, their engines will reportedly immediately restart. Of course, owners will not be charged for the service to their vehicles, and Chrysler expects to get the world out to them all by the end of the week. Hopefully Greg, the winner of our Autoblog Celebration Sweepstakes featuring the All-New 2007 Dodge Nitro, didn't get one of the 80,894 being called back.

Thanks for the tip, Barney!

Chrysler recalling over 80,000 Wranglers and Nitros originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jul 2007 17:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: '97 Jeep Wrangler with Corvette LS1 power

John Neff — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Auctions, Jeep

The 1997 Jeep Wrangler's torquey 4.0L inline six-cylinder engine was well suited to the machine's superb rock crawling abilities. That's doesn't mean all room for improvement has disappeared from underneath the hood. One owner looked across the aisle to General Motors for a new motor that would significantly improve the Wrangler's power-to-weight ratio. Said owner shoehorned an LS1 V8 from a Corvette behind that trademark seven-bar grille from Jeep and created a Wranglevette that's currently up for grabs on eBay.

The LS1 V8 itself has been officially rated at anywhere from 305 to 350 horsepower, though aftermarket add-ons can push those power numbers significantly higher. The eBay auction doesn't mention the specific output of the LS1 motor in this Wrangler, nor very much about the vehicle at all, except that the transplanted engine resulted in a salvage title.

We imagine one could immediately bypass crawling rocks with this Wrangler and instead just jump them. At the moment, the high bid is $10,000 with 11 bids on record and about 5 days left to go.

Thanks for the tip, Jro!

eBay Find of the Day: '97 Jeep Wrangler with Corvette LS1 power originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2007 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wrangler Unlimited not enough? How 'bout a six-door version, with a bed?

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Etc., Jeep

So you have decided to take the family on a rugged outdoor adventure. Hunting, fishing, and four-wheelin' are all part of the plan. Sounds like you need a Jeep, probably a Wrangler. But you happen to have six kids and no minivan in the world will get you where you want to go. You really long for something that offers the legendary Jeep off-road prowess, but with seating for eight. Well, my friend, step right up. Back Country Journal, the self-proclaimed "finest hunting and fishing on the web" is here to answer your prayers.

The company offers a range of Wrangler conversions including 4-door stretches, 4-door pickup stretches, and this-here ultimate family adventure vehicle, the 6-door stretch. The company's Custom Stretch Jeep Conversions are actually available in just about any configuration: "Whether you desire full doors, half doors, soft top, lift kits, winches, custom racks, bumpers, lights or anything else you can imagine. And the best news here is that the conversions start at just $18,500! Gulp. They'll convert your current Jeep or even find a locally available one for you. After the conversion, they'll even deliver it to you, anywhere in the world. We can't personally vouch for how well these stretched Jeeps will hold up to trail rides with that extra 6 feet between the wheels, but they sure look like a whole lot of fun. Click through the read link for a whole gallery of some of their other offerings. And happy trails to you.

[Source: Back Country Journal]

Wrangler Unlimited not enough? How 'bout a six-door version, with a bed? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Mar 2007 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA: Design Award winners

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 16:17:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Jeep, Toyota

SEMA just announced its Design Awards for this year's show. The Design Awards are designed to acknowledge the most accessory friendly vehicles for 2007. There were four categories this year as Hybrids joined Cars, Pickups, and SUVs as eligible segments. Not necessarily the BEST designed vehicles in each class, this being SEMA the focus is on how they can be customized. So recipients might not be what everybody would immediately think of when Best and Design are mentioned together. This year's winners were the Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang, the '07 Toyota Tundra, the 4-door Jeep Wrangler, and the Chevy Silverado Hybrid. And in the People's Choice category, which is just labeled Car, the Honda Civic took the honors.

Follow the jump for the other winners.

Continue reading SEMA: Design Award winners

SEMA: Design Award winners originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Nov 2006 16:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Wrangler Rubicon King: Jeep, SEMA-style

Damon Lavrinc — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 09:12:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, SUV, Jeep

Click for hi res image

Our SEMA cup is in the process of spilling over with the release of more vehicles from Chrysler's Skunkwerks program. This particular gem almost makes up for the credibility-crushing Compass that Jeep has forced on consumers, showing that the Trail-Rated brand is still all about rock-climbing and venturing beyond the beaten path.

The Wrangler Rubicon King gets a healthy splattering of pupil skrinking orange and then is hoisted into the air with a four-inch lift, provided by Superlift Suspension. The standard rolling stock is ditched in favor of Mopar/Hutchinson beadlock wheels, wrapped in TA Krawler rubber.

Some of the more trick features include a 9.0 RC winch, fender flares, military-grade tow shackles and a re-trimmed grill. A radio delete gets rid of the tunes, but since the rear seats have been dispatched to make room for the spare, complaining from passengers will be kept at a minimum.

We've got our troops on the ground in Vegas to cover the show, so expect some live shots to follow this week and be sure to check the links below for updated photos and official information about the vehicles we've posted on so far.

(Press release is after the jump.)

RELATED LINKS:

Continue reading The Wrangler Rubicon King: Jeep, SEMA-style

The Wrangler Rubicon King: Jeep, SEMA-style originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Oct 2006 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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