Autoblog

Marchionne confirms Compass, Town & Country to die; Dart to get SRT version

Zach Bowman — Wed, 30 May 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Minivan/Van, Sedan, Performance, Etc., Crossover, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has shed a little light on the future of a few Chrysler products, including the Jeep Compass, Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Dart. While speaking at the Chrysler Belvidere Assembly Plant, Marchionne said both the Jeep Patriot and Compass will continue to be build at the facility through 2014, at which point it will be replaced by a new model. The executive was mum on the Patriot's future, however. Marchionne also tipped his company's hand on the development of a Dodge Dart SRT model, saying the machine is coming. Right now, the company is simply trying to decide "how big an engine we stick in it."

That has to be a fun debate.

Then there's Chrysler Town & Country. We've already heard word that Chrysler aims to kill off either the Dodge Grand Caravan or the Town & Country, and now it appears the latter is destined to leave the market. Marchionne said the Grand Caravan will be the automaker's only minivan moving forward and that Chrysler will fill the void in its lineup with a new, smaller upscale crossover. Details are slim on that model, though other reports have suggested the machine may resemble to the unloved Mercedes-Benz R-Class.

Marchionne confirms Compass, Town & Country to die; Dart to get SRT version originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep climbs to higher Altitude with murdered-out specials

Noah Joseph — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:31:00 EST

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

We know what you're thinking: You'd love to buy a new Jeep, but only if it were more... black. Fortunately, dear friend, the Chrysler division has answered your prayers with a raft of special editions called Altitude.

The name was selected by online poll, and the vehicles were previewed by a series of "production-intent" concepts at successive auto shows. Now approved for production, the Altitude range includes a Grand Cherokee, a Compass and a Patriot, all distinguished by their blacked-out trim inside, out and upside down.

Check 'em out in the trio of galleries with the high-res shots we snapped for your viewing pleasure here on the show floor in New York.

Continue reading Jeep climbs to higher Altitude with murdered-out specials

Jeep climbs to higher Altitude with murdered-out specials originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep blacks out with crowdsourced Altitude edition Grand Cherokee, Compass and Patriot

Noah Joseph — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Jeep, Design/Style

If you were in Houston back in January for the car show there, you may have seen a murdered-out Grand Cherokee there which Jeep dubbed a "production-intent concept." The most iconic of Chrysler brands then rolled into Geneva with a similar GC with more of a Storm Trooper look, joined by a blacked-out Compass. These, too, were called "production-intent concepts" - a name that wasn't all that dynamic. So Jeep opened a contest called "Name My Ride," and the handle chosen was "Altitude." Now Jeep is putting the Altitude into its product catalog for the Grand Cherokee, Compass and the Patriot, too.

Like the concepts, the production Altitude special editions are characterized by their blacked-out approach. For the Grand Cherokee, that means a black grille surround, black headlamp trim, black liftgate light bar, blacked-out 20-inch alloys and a black interior, complemented by "platinum chrome" on the lower fascia and the mesh grille. For the Compass, the Altitude edition blacks out the grille, headlamp bezels, roof rails, step pad and 18-inch alloys (as well as the interior), whole the Patriot Altitude gets black 17-inch alloys and cabin but trades in most of the rest for chrome and polished steel.

If this all strikes you as just too dark, each model is available in other colors for the bodywork, in which case the black trim provides the contrast. They all come packed with optional extras as well, with prices starting at $20,240 for the Patriot Altitude edition, $22,190 for the Compass Altitude and $35,595 for the Grand Cherokee Altitude. Like what you see? Check 'em out in the high-res image gallery and the full press release after the jump.

Continue reading Jeep blacks out with crowdsourced Altitude edition Grand Cherokee, Compass and Patriot

Jeep blacks out with crowdsourced Altitude edition Grand Cherokee, Compass and Patriot originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In-Person: 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Patriot add refinement, panache

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Jeep, Off-Road

2011 Jeep Wrangler - Click above for high-res image gallery

After a rather long product winter, 2011 is shaping up to be a big year for Jeep. Obviously, the biggest news from Chrysler's off-road brand has been the introduction of the 2011 Grand Cherokee, and after driving the new all-roader (twice), we've learned that the automaker is still fully capable of delivering competitive, well-rounded products. But beyond the Grand Cherokee, Chrysler has made tweaks to both its Jeep Wrangler and Patriot for the 2011 model year, and we spent some time this morning at the Pentastar's Technical Center in Auburn Hills, Michigan, to see what all the fuss is about.

Looking at both the Wrangler and Patriot from the outside, you won't immediately notice the new changes these vehicles receive for 2011. The Patriot receives a slight styling update - a cleaner front end with repositioned fog lamps is up front, body cladding has been added to the sides and a new rear bumper is found out back. The Wrangler has even less in the way of exterior visual updates, save the new body-colored hardtop available on the Sahara trim level.

What really impresses us, though, is the larger attention to detail in both of these vehicles. On the Wrangler, for example, little kitschy add-ons like an off-loading Jeep integrated into the windshield outline (pictured right) or the seven-slat grille design for the sun-blocker behind the rear-view mirror. Little things like this are only part of the story, though - the new interiors that both of these vehicles receive are seriously worthy of your consideration.

Wranglers get an updated dash with softer, rounder shapes, and although hard plastics are still used throughout, it fits with the SUV's bad-to-the-bone attitude. Still, new improvements for 2011 include the addition of optional leather seating and Jeep's new corporate steering wheel.

The Patriot, on the other hand, gets a full host of updates, with soft-touch materials used throughout the cabin. Chrysler says that specific touch points have been enhanced in the Patriot to rid the interior of cheap-feeling buttons and knobs, and the new seats (both leather and cloth) are really comfortable. It's a huge, much-needed leap forward for the Patriot, and it makes it much more competitive against vehicles like the Kia Sportage, Honda CR-V and Ford Escape.

Similar updates will make their way onto the unloved Jeep Compass, which will launch closer to the end of the year. In the meantime, click through our galleries below to see live shots of the 2011 Wrangler and Patriot live from Chrysler's design dome.

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Wrangler: Live Shots

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Patriot: Live Shots

In-Person: 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Patriot add refinement, panache originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Jeep Patriot deserves a second look

Chris Shunk — Tue, 04 May 2010 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Chrysler, Jeep, New Car Reviews

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

The year was 2006, and Chrysler was fresh off the successful launch of the gangsta 300 and the oddly well-received Dodge Charger. The future looked bright for the Pentastar, with a plethora of new products set to arrive for the 2007 model year. The Chrysler Sebring and Aspen, the Dodge Caliber and Nitro and the Jeep Compass and Patriot were all primed to turn the car-buying world on-end. Or not. The Aspen is now history, the Sebring and Nitro have been abject failures, and the Caliber, Compass and Patriot, all of which share the same platform, haven't come close to meeting expectations.

But one vehicle almost had a shot: the Patriot. Despite mudding Jeep's crystal-clear brand DNA by adding a front-wheel drive soft-roader to the mix, the Patriot's all-four cylinder lineup and better-than-advertised fuel economy arrived just as gas prices rocketed into the stratosphere. So why did it flop? That's a novel unto itself, but the key culprits included poor interior materials and questionable build quality that conspired with a lackluster ad campaign and the overarching sense that Chrysler was teetering on the brink.

But in spite of all of that, the crew from Auburn Hills didn't leave the Patriot for dead. They upgraded the interior, made a host of hardware changes and reworked the rugged little crossover to be more competitive for 2010. We were keen to sample the fruits of their labors, so we picked up a fully-loaded 2010 Jeep Patriot Limited to see if the sum of its upgrades have made this front-drive stepchild a viable alternative in a crowded field of small crossovers.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Jeep Patriot

Continue reading Review: 2010 Jeep Patriot deserves a second look

Review: 2010 Jeep Patriot deserves a second look originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 May 2010 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gallery: Proof that the Jeep Patriot doesn't have to be a poseur

Zach Bowman — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 12:29:00 EST

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

Jeep Patriot Extreme - Click above for high-res image gallery

Were Jeep's stable an actual family, the Patriot would be the Wrangler's dweeby younger brother - you know, the one that can only pick on the drooling infant Compass. Whereas the rest of the brand is more than happy to set out on a weekend of adventure in the wild, the Patriot is a little more likely to stay at home in the safety of an air-conditioned garage and organize its Lego collection. But that doesn't necessarily mean the baby ute can't be tweaked into something awesome.

Jeep has just released a slew of new photos of the Patriot Extreme the company unveiled at this year's Easter Jeep Safari. As the story goes, Chrysler's engineers have outfitted the truck with nothing more than a slight suspension lift, a set of rock sliders and new wheels before heading off to Moab to play for the weekend. Throw in a little help from the trail-rated package, and this urban commuter becomes more than capable off-road. We approve.

Gallery: Jeep Patriot Extreme at Moab Easter Jeep Safari

[Source: Jeep via Facebook]

Gallery: Proof that the Jeep Patriot doesn't have to be a poseur originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 12:29:00 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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Future Chrysler production plans reportedly leaked

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Minivan/Van, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Hatchback, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

Chrysler, now led by Sergio Marchionne and the rest of the management crew brought in by Italian automaker Fiat, has big plans in place that will replace just about every single vehicle the American automaker currently offers. Judging from the purported list of new vehicle launches secured by the Mopar fanatics at Allpar, it would seem that new Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles will be hitting the market all through 2010 and well into 2011.

Looking over the list of 2010 production start dates, the first date to get excited about (barring the March 29th Viper production launch, of course - we're talking about for the mainstream market), is May 10th, which is when the thoroughly recreated Jeep Grand Cherokee will begin rolling down the assembly line. In mid-August, the 2011 Wrangler will make its initial appearance, and we're really hoping for a new powertrain combination for the venerable off-roader.

Towards the end of 2010, we should begin seeing the heavily revised Pentastar minivans along with the new Avenger and Sebring replacements, though the Chrysler midsizer seems likely to get a new moniker to erase memories of the current car. Finally, the three LX-based cars - those being the Challenger, Charger and 300 - will go into production in November, followed closely by the North American 2012 Fiat 500. Keep it together, Chrysler.

[Source: Allpar]

Future Chrysler production plans reportedly leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: C-EVO-based Jeep on the way

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Jeep, Fiat, Rumormill

Three months ago, Chrysler - under the control of Italian automaker Fiat after going through bankruptcy proceedings in the United States - unveiled a sweeping five-year business plan that would either replace or comprehensively rework every single product in the Pentastar's lineup. Included amongst the casualties will be the Jeep Patriot and Compass twins at the end of 2012.

Industry analysts have widely speculated that America would get a version of the Fiat Panda wearing the famous seven-slot Jeep grille. That vehicle would occupy the small end of the market, meaning that Jeep would need something to fall size-wise between it and the larger Grand Cherokee.

According to Autocar, Jeep will get another new CUV using an as-yet-unknown nameplate (Liberty?) that would be based on the Fiat's C-EVO platform - which will also be used for a number of Chrysler's midsize sedans and crossovers. We would imagine that the Jeep version would get suitably capable off-road equipment, but that remains to be seen.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: C-EVO-based Jeep on the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep Patriot and Compass being replaced by models from Fiat... Panda, here we come!

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:19:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Jeep, Fiat, Off-Road

2011 Jeep Phoenix Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

It comes as little surprise that Jeep is looking beyond its current Patriot and Compass models, which have, to put it mildly, underperformed in the burgeoning compact CUV market. While the two concepts had lots of potential, the actual production ComPatriot twins were deemed uncompetitive with class leaders right when they were launched.

As such, the two models are both destined to meet their makers after the 2012 model, to be replaced by a single model sourced from Fiat. Can you say Panda (the image above is just a possible rendering, not a production car)? It's also worth noting that the iconic Wranger will get mild makeovers for both the 2010 and 2011 model years along with what seems likely to be a special 70th Anniversary Wranger for 2011.

Across the line, all Jeeps will reportedly come with an optional Trail Rated package, which means no more on-road only models like the Compass are likely to dilute the Jeep brand. That edict includes the new Grand Cherokee, and Jeep says the Trail Rated Grand Cherokee has already successfully tackled the legendary Rubicon Trail and Moab.

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Phoenix

Jeep Patriot and Compass being replaced by models from Fiat... Panda, here we come! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Chrysler rehiring white collar workers to get new product out fast

Chris Shunk — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat

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

The new product picture at Chrysler appears to be mighty thin, as the only new products scheduled to come out of the Pentastar over the next year are redesigns of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Ram Heavy Duty and the Chrysler 300. As you may recall, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne recently said that he was surprised to see how little has been done in the way of product development over the past two years, which is hardly a ringing endorsement from the new boss.

Marchionnne and his management team are now putting the final touches on a new plan to reverse Chrysler's fortunes, and the key to the company's renaissance will be new product. The Detroit Free Press is reporting that Marchionne's plan includes quick turnarounds on the refreshing of the Town & Country and Grand Caravan minivans, the Dodge Caliber, as well as the Jeep Patriot and Compass. According to company sources, the PT Cruiser is also scheduled to be redesigned in a compressed time frame, with the expectation of a mid-2011 arrival.

To execute the aggressive plan, Marchionne is reportedly calling for design and engineering workers to work overtime, and some workers who took packages or were separated involuntarily will be hired back on a contract basis. Beyond the refreshes already mentioned, Fiat has already committed to build the hot little 500 in Mexico by mid-2011, and the Pentastar will also complete the launch of its Phoenix V6 engine program.

Marchionne is scheduled to deliver his latest proposal to overhaul Chrysler to the Obama Administration's Auto Task Force by next Wednesday. It looks like there is finally going to be some serious action in Auburn Hills, MI, and we're hoping that Fiat and Chrysler can buy two years' time to bring the greatly-needed product to fruition.

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

REPORT: Chrysler rehiring white collar workers to get new product out fast originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Future Chrysler, Alfa Romeo and Fiat product plans revealed?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Hatchback, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Rumormill

Alfa Romeo Kamal concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to automotive consulting firm IHS Global Insight, the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep lineups are going to look drastically different over the next few years under Fiat control. No surprises there, but the report goes on the forecast which current Chrysler vehicles will be dropped and which ones will be transferred to new platforms. We've already heard that the next Alfa Romeo 169 sedan will be built atop Chrysler's LX platform in Ontario, Canada and that the Fiat 500 will be built ASAP in Toluca, Mexico, but that's only the beginning.

If IHS is right, joining the 500 in Toluca will be the Jeep Panda, which, as you may have guessed, will be a version of the Fiat Panda wearing Jeep's trademark seven-slot grille. Furthermore, Alfa Romeo may get two new SUVs that would be built in Jeep factories in Jefferson, Michigan and Toledo, Ohio - one midsize 'ute called the GTX that's based on the WL platform that underpins the Jeep Grand Cherokee and a smaller one built on Fiat's C-EVO platform, which will also underpin the next Jeep Liberty. That leaves the unloved Jeep Compass and its somewhat more likable brother, the Patriot, to die slow and inglorious death.

Fiat's C-EVO platform will also spawn the next-gen Dodge Journey, Chrysler Sebring (and presumably the Dodge Avenger if it survives past its current form), and Dodge Caliber. Moving downward in size a notch will (finally) be the Dodge Hornet, which will forgo Bad Chrysler's old deal with Nissan in order to share its Fiat 199 platform with the Alfa Romeo MiTo, both of which will be assembled in Belvidere, Illinois sometime in 2011. Thanks for the tip, Dad!

Gallery: Alfa Romeo Kamal concept

[Source: Global Insight]

Future Chrysler, Alfa Romeo and Fiat product plans revealed? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:01:00 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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Detroit 2009: Jeep Patriot Extended-Range Vehicle appears in D-town [w/VIDEO]

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Green, Crossover, Chrysler, Jeep

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Jeep Patriot EV

So sayeth Chrysler and ENVI, Chrysler's electric vehicle partner, "the Jeep Patriot EV expands our portfolio of ENVI electric-drive vehicles and is just one more example of what is possible through the technology Chrysler is developing." With the same heart as the genuinely cool Chrysler 200C Concept, the capable and flexible range-extended engine gives the Patriot a 40-mile all electric range, a 400-mile total range, and an 8-second 0-to-60 jaunt.

The only question we have about this car is the same single question we have about all of the Chrysler-ENVI vehicles: um, when are we gonna see it? We're now six months into Chrysler's electric adventure, and all we have is a hoped-for date for the Circuit EV (showroom decoration in 2010). The Jeep and Caravan extended-range vehicles can't take that long, can they? Chrysler, we know you can do it. Give them to us. Soon. While the rest of you wait, you can read the press release after the jump and check out the gallery of high-res live photos below.

Gallery: 2009 Detroit: Jeep Patriot EV

Gallery: Dodge Patriot EV

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Jeep Patriot Extended-Range Vehicle appears in D-town [w/VIDEO]

Detroit 2009: Jeep Patriot Extended-Range Vehicle appears in D-town [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: MOPAR to introduce Jeep Patriot Back Country concept

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Tuners, SUV, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Jeep

Click above for high-res shots of the Jeep Patriot Back Country Concept

Chrysler's in-house performance tuning arm, MOPAR, will be showing off a mildly customized version of the Jeep Patriot called the Back Country at next month's Paris Motor Show. The run-of-the-mill Patriot and Compass models, which share a platform with the Dodge Caliber, have had their interiors redone a bit for the new '09 model year and the small improvements appear to make a major difference, at least in appearance. We'll reserve final judgement until we get inside one for ourselves. At the upcoming Paris Motor Show, attendees will see a few mods to the new model, including an Optic Green paint color, blacked-out B-pillars, and a new "platinum chrome" light bar on the outside. MOPAR makes good use of its own accessories catalog with a cargo basket on the roof that sports extra off-road lights, splash gaurds and some 18-inch five-spoke alloys. Joining the refreshed interior are satin chrome details and a scuba-like fabric covering parts of the seats. This concept above goes to show that the Patriot is a decent looker and just a few minor tweaks away from being a real Jeep. Now, if they'd just take care of that Compass...

Gallery: Jeep Patriot Back Country

[Source: Carscoop]

Paris Preview: MOPAR to introduce Jeep Patriot Back Country concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Jeep Patriot with new interior already on dealer lots

Dan Roth — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Chrysler, Jeep

Click above to view a gallery of the Patriot's new accoutrements

All you used to need to know about the Jeep Patriot is that it looks Jeepy; drives super-solidly (even when making forays above 80 mph); and comes with a nasty interior that will shred your knuckles on that excess flash all over every piece (Ed. note: flash is what's left over from injection molding where the two halves of the mold come together). Take that painful and bloody criticism, print it out on heavy paper, and then savor the sound as you crumple it up; our bloviating has been rendered irrelevant by Chrysler delivering on its promise to fix the Patriot's insides.

Our final judgement will come down after we get a chance to sample one of the new interiors in person, but these pics of the new interior we picked up on last week are inside vehicles that have already made their way to some Jeep dealers' lots. There's a new, smoother dashboard; SRT-reminiscent seats; and door panels that look more well thought out (nevermind that manual window crank). It's nice to see that Chrysler's owner-pooch has put its money where its three mouths are and delivered a more attractive interior that appears higher quality. Click the gallery below to see more angles of the Patriot's new flash-less interior. Thanks for the tip, Jeffrey!

Gallery: New Jeep Patriot interior

[Source: Cars.com]

2009 Jeep Patriot with new interior already on dealer lots originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First images of new Compass, Patriot interiors surface

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Chrysler, Jeep

Click above to enlarge the 2009 Jeep Compass and Patriot interior

Chrysler has taken a beating from both consumers and the media regarding the poor quality and materials inside the majority of its products, particularly the Jeep Patriot and Compass. Recognizing the problem, Chrysler made the announcement earlier this year that it would be seriously revamping both model's interiors in short order, and judging by these leaked images from the 2009 Mopar Accessory brochure, they weren't lying.

Looking at the pictures from the brochure, the model with the gray and black interior is the refreshed version, while the beige picture (with heated seats!) seems to be the new '09 dash with the pre-2009 door panels. The dash is all new and looks to be a step-up, while the leather seats have been revised and look more upscale than before. Perhaps the greatest difference will be the door panels, which featured hard plastics, chintzy buttons and switches that were directly in the way of where your arm should go. The new 2009 interior puts these items in recesses, which was sorely needed. We'll reserve final judgment until we get to see and feel the updates in person. Thanks for the tip, TJ!

Gallery: 2009 Jeep Compass and Patriot interiors

[Source: Allpar Forums]

First images of new Compass, Patriot interiors surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Press: Chrysler to cut its SUV offerings in half

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Crossover, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

It's no secret that Chrysler has some overlapping models in its lineup. Case(s)-in-point: it's hard to make a rational argument that Jeep should be offering both the Compass and Patriot (not to mention Dodge selling the Patriot's platform sibling, the Caliber) or the Grand Cherokee and the Commander. The Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango barely pretend to be different vehicles and there's no reason to sell both the Jeep Liberty and Dodge Nitro when they're basically the same machine. This revelation is as obvious to Chrysler's new management as it is to us, and Chrysler President Jim Press, says as much. "We're going to stop overlapping, we're going to bring everything under one roof. By doing that we will have more products in the markets we are not covering."

Also marked as redundant by Press are the Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Caravan minivans, but as easy as it may be to pinpoint overlapping models, fixing that problem may prove more difficult. Dealers will need to begin offering the whole Chrysler line of vehicles if this strategy of "bringing everything under one roof" is to succeed. Expect to see drastic changes taking place in the next four to five years.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Press: Chrysler to cut its SUV offerings in half originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler to resume production at Illinois plant

Chris Shunk — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

After a five-day shutdown due to a mechanical glitch at Chrysler's Belvidere stamping plant, the facility will again be able to resume building the Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot. In the short term, Chrysler will keep the assembly facility running smoothly by outsourcing stamping to other nearby plants. The shutdown came only weeks before the Belvidere plant permanently drops one shift, which will result in the indefinite layoff of 1,000 workers. With a tough economy in which automakers are struggling to sell units, it's unlikely many people will have difficulty finding a Caliber, Compass, or Patriot as a result of the temporary shutdown.

[Source: Auto News (subs. req'd)]

Chrysler to resume production at Illinois plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Feb 2008 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler to idle ComPatriot, Caliber plant for two weeks

Dan Roth — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, Daimler, Dodge, Jeep

Having learned from the sales bank debacle of the past, Chrysler is now throttling back production to draw down inventory levels. Sales of the PM/MK platform cars - Dodge Caliber and Jeep ComPatriot twins - are down roughly 23 percent compared to last year. Part of that is due to a move away from fleet sales, but whatever the cause, the 3,400 workers at the Belvidere assembly plant will get a two week vacation starting Monday. It's a great time of year to take a trip, enjoy some of the last warm days before winter tightens its grip, or just get out and rake the yard. By the time the line starts back up again, the backlog of unsold vehicles will be reduced, and the looming catastrophe of UAW contract talks will be looming.

[Source: Auto News - sub req.]

Chrysler to idle ComPatriot, Caliber plant for two weeks originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Oct 2007 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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