Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Under this Fiat Qubo is the new small Jeep]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/26/spy-shots-under-this-fiat-qubo-is-the-new-small-jeep/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/26/spy-shots-under-this-fiat-qubo-is-the-new-small-jeep/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/26/spy-shots-under-this-fiat-qubo-is-the-new-small-jeep/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Fiat Qubo test mule
Fiat Qubo test mule - Click above for high-res image gallery

It looks like Fiat and Jeep have been busy working on the American manufacturer's upcoming compact CUV. Our tactical squad of spy photographers managed to capture a few images of a Fiat Qubo test mule running around in upper latitudes of Sweden. Apparently the baby widebody tester is our first glimpse at the small Jeep CUV set to debut in 2013. The machine will use a host of bits and pieces sourced from the Fiat parts bin, including a range of Italian powerplants like the company's 1.4-liter Multiair gasoline engine. In addition, 1.3-liter and 1.6-liter diesel mills will also be available. Power gets shipped to the front wheels, though an all-wheel-drive option should also be available.

Aesthetically, odds are the production version won't share too many lines with the mule you see above. The Fiat/Jeep team is likely using the Qubo chassis to put the drivetrain through its paces. Jeep CEO Mike Manley has made it clear that the newest addition to his company's stable will feature the same round headlights and vertical grille as the rest of the line, and we'd expect similarly masculine bodywork as well.


Gallery: Fiat Qubo Mule


[Source: CarPix]

Under this Fiat Qubo is the new small Jeep originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiatfiat qubojeepjeep compact suvjeep cuvmike manleyqubospy shotstest muleTue, 26 Apr 2011 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19923939/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/26/spy-shots-under-this-fiat-qubo-is-the-new-small-jeep/19923939/article-detail.xml 19923939 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/01-fiat-qubo-mule-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/01-fiat-qubo-mule-630.jpg <![CDATA[Jeep Patriot rocks up with modest facelift for 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/14/2011-jeep-patriot-revealed-facelift/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/14/2011-jeep-patriot-revealed-facelift/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/14/2011-jeep-patriot-revealed-facelift/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 Jeep Patriot red
2011 Jeep Patriot - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler has just revealed the first images and details of its 2011 Jeep Patriot, and the compact softroader has received very subtle nip/tuck for the new model year that touch nearly every aspect of the vehicle.

The alterations include a new front fascia with fog lamps integrated with the headlamps, color-keyed grille, a new front fascia that's lower than before, new 17-inch alloys and a brace of new colors, among other differences.

Under the skin, the baby Jeep receives reworked steering and suspension tunings (though the company declines specifics) and 4x4 models benefit from additional inch of ride height to augment its off-road capabilities.

Like other recent Chrysler models, the Patriot's interior has been a sticking point since the model was introduced for the 2007 model year, and the Auburn Hills automaker has devoted quite a bit of attention to upgrading the cabin in this revised model. Changes include new soft-touch door panels with backlighting for the door and window switches, a new armrest, a new wheel with redundant audio controls (along with Bluetooth and cruise), higher-quality cloth on the seats, and so on.

Analyze the changes for yourself by checking out our high-res gallery below and the official press release after the jump.


Gallery: 2011 Jeep Patriot


[Source: Jeep]

Continue reading Jeep Patriot rocks up with modest facelift for 2011

Jeep Patriot rocks up with modest facelift for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 Jeep Patriot2011 patriotbreakingbreaking newsjeepJeep CUVJeepCuvpatriotTue, 14 Sep 2010 11:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19632961/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/14/2011-jeep-patriot-revealed-facelift/19632961/article-detail.xml 19632961 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/630-2011-jeep-patriot_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/630-2011-jeep-patriot.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler expanding Detroit plant for car-based Grand Cherokee]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/chrysler-expanding-detroit-plant-for-car-based-grand-cherokee/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/chrysler-expanding-detroit-plant-for-car-based-grand-cherokee/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/chrysler-expanding-detroit-plant-for-car-based-grand-cherokee/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand cherokeeGrandCherokeejeepjeep crossoverjeep cuvjeep grand cherokeeJeepCrossoverJeepCuvJeepGrandCherokeejefferson northjefferson north assembly plantJeffersonNorthJeffersonNorthAssemblyPlantnew grand cherokeeNewGrandCherokeeunibody jeepUnibodyJeepWed, 13 Aug 2008 15:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1283529/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/08/13/chrysler-expanding-detroit-plant-for-car-based-grand-cherokee/1283529/article-detail.xml 1283529 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/03/jp008_002gc_450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/03/jp008_002gc_450.jpg -1 2