Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Freak accident during Jeep demonstration turns fatal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/freak-accident-during-jeep-demonstration-turns-fatal/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/freak-accident-during-jeep-demonstration-turns-fatal/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/freak-accident-during-jeep-demonstration-turns-fatal/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



A 20-year-old woman was killed in Edmonton, Canada on Satuday, reports CTV News, in a freak accident resulting from a rollover during a Jeep demonstration. As part of a fundraising enthusiast event called "Jeeps Go Topless," the driver of one Jeep Wrangler drove up and onto the top of the tire of another.

CTV reports that the owner of the topmost Jeep then switched the vehicle off, posed for pictures and then dismounted from his vehicle. His movement off of the Jeep apparently caused it to tip over, crushing a woman who was on top of an adjacent vehicle. Edmonton police are currently investigating more fully what caused the parking lot accident to occur. Scroll below to watch the CTV News video report about this tragic incident.

Continue reading Freak accident during Jeep demonstration turns fatal

Freak accident during Jeep demonstration turns fatal originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>edmontonjeepjeep deathjeep rollover deathjeep wranglerjeeps go toplessvideoMon, 20 May 2013 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576377/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/freak-accident-during-jeep-demonstration-turns-fatal/20576377/article-detail.xml 20576377 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/jeep-death-edmonton-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/jeep-death-edmonton-628.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Jeep Cherokee facing production delay]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-jeep-cherokee-facing-production-delay/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-jeep-cherokee-facing-production-delay/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-jeep-cherokee-facing-production-delay/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2014 Jeep Cherokee - front three-quarter view

Jeep's bold-faced new direction spearheaded by the 2014 Cherokee is facing some teething issues. According to a report by the Detroit Free Press, production start-up of the controversial new utility vehicle at its Toledo North facility is running about a month behind schedule "due to a wide range of issues." That's according to Mark Chernoby, senior vice president of engineering at Chrysler.

Chernoby maintains that the issues being encountered aren't unusual for the launch of a new vehicle - particularly one with a new powertrain - and he downplayed the delay, telling Jeep dealers that they "will have ample inventory of the midsize SUV by fall." Among the kinks being worked out? Calibrating the Cherokee's cutting-edge ZF nine-speed automatic transmission and refining assembly line tasks to make the process more efficient.

Chrysler expects to start building retail-ready versions of the Cherokee around mid-June, with official sales slated to start in September.

2014 Jeep Cherokee facing production delay originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 jeep cherokeejeepjeep cherokeemark chernobyFri, 17 May 2013 14:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20573920/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/2014-jeep-cherokee-facing-production-delay/20573920/article-detail.xml 20573920 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-jeep-cherokee-628-2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-jeep-cherokee-628-2.jpg <![CDATA[Millionth Jeep Wrangler JK to roll off line this morning]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/millionth-jeep-wrangler-jk-roll-off-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/millionth-jeep-wrangler-jk-roll-off-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/millionth-jeep-wrangler-jk-roll-off-line/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



According to a report on the Chrysler Communications Facebook page and one fairly grainy image of the production line, at around 11:00AM Eastern this morning, the one-millionth Jeep Wrangler JK will roll out of the company's Toledo assembly plant.

The third-generation or "JK" Jeep Wrangler has been around since the 2007 model year, and has obviously been more popular than ever. With a greater than ever number of trim levels, two-door and four-door Unlimited models and hardy off-roading Rubicon packages, the JK offers more to choose from than ever for those looking for something in a traditional Jeep. In fact, with the modern 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 powering it, the 2012 model year saw more than 140k Wrangers sold here in the US; the best-ever figure for the model.

With a model refresh due out for the Wrangler in 2015 (along with the likely addition of a diesel engine option), we expect that sales will continue to roll right along, too.

Millionth Jeep Wrangler JK to roll off line this morning originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 jeep wranglerjeepjeep wranglerjk wranglerone millionth jeep wrangler jkFri, 17 May 2013 10:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20573752/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/millionth-jeep-wrangler-jk-roll-off-line/20573752/article-detail.xml 20573752 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/1-millionth-jeep-wrangler-jk-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/1-millionth-jeep-wrangler-jk-628.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #333]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/autoblog-podcast-333/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/autoblog-podcast-333/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/autoblog-podcast-333/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Acura NSX, 2014 Chevy Silverado, Lamborghini Egoista and Urus, Jeep CEO Mike Manley interview, Ugly Horse update

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Episode #333 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Steven Ewing talk about the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado, the Lamborghini Egoista concept and the apparent production greenlight for the Lamborghini Urus, the forthcoming Acura NSX, an interview with Jeep CEO Mike Manley and an update on Zach's Project Ugly Horse. We also address lots of your questions and comments, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. You can follow along after the jump with our Q&A. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #333:


Topics: In the Autoblog Garage: Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, Steven Ewing

Runtime: 01:50:29
Get the podcast:
[UStream] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #333

Autoblog Podcast #333 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 May 2013 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 dodge dart2013 lexus lsautoblog podcastautoblog podcast 333featuredjeeplamborghinilamborghini egoistalamborghini urusmike manleypodcastpodcast 333Wed, 15 May 2013 16:10:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #333Autoblog01:50:29 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569587/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/autoblog-podcast-333/20569587/article-detail.xml 20569587 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Watch this 650-hp Hennessey Jeep Grand Cherokee go from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/watch-this-650-hp-hennessey-jeep-grand-cherokee-go-from-0-60-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/watch-this-650-hp-hennessey-jeep-grand-cherokee-go-from-0-60-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/watch-this-650-hp-hennessey-jeep-grand-cherokee-go-from-0-60-in/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

650-hp Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 from Hennessey ready to go drag racing - video screencap

Hennessey Performance Engineering has created an HPE650 package for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT fitted with the 6.4-liter Hemi engine. When it leaves the showroom floor it has 470 horsepower and gets from 0-60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds. When it leaves Hennessey's garage floor after the upgrade it has 650 horsepower - 530 hp at the wheels, according to Hennessey - and gets to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds on its way to running the quarter-mile in 12.6 seconds.

There's more than just a Roots-type supercharger bolt-on, with ported cylinder heads and high-flow headers among the many changes made to the engine. You can watch this pre-2014 facelift silver model prove its spec sheet on the drag strip in the video below.

Continue reading Watch this 650-hp Hennessey Jeep Grand Cherokee go from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds

Watch this 650-hp Hennessey Jeep Grand Cherokee go from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 jeep grand cherokee srt8hennesseyhennessey grand cherokee srt8hpe650jeepjeep grand cherokeejeep grand cherokee srtjeep grand cherokee srt8john hennesseysrtvideoTue, 14 May 2013 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565375/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/watch-this-650-hp-hennessey-jeep-grand-cherokee-go-from-0-60-in/20565375/article-detail.xml 20565375 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hennessey-grand-cherokee_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hennessey-grand-cherokee.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler recalls 468,700 Jeep Grand Cherokees, Commanders over rollaway risk]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/chrysler-recalls-468-700-jeep-grand-cherokees-commanders-over-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/chrysler-recalls-468-700-jeep-grand-cherokees-commanders-over-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/chrysler-recalls-468-700-jeep-grand-cherokees-commanders-over-r/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited

Chrysler has issued a recall covering a combined 469,000 units of the 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2006-2010 Jeep Commander (inset). Of that number, 295,000 are in the US, roughly 33,000 in Canada and Mexico and the remainder in other markets. It seems an electrical fault in the transfer case can allow the affected SUVs to shift into neutral on their own, while an Associated Press report says that Chrysler had "found cracks in a circuit board that turns the four-wheel-drive system on and off." The issue was discovered when an owner started his car remotely and it rolled away.

Chrysler is expected to begin notifying owners in June 2013, who can then take their cars to dealers. The dealer will reflash the final drive controller free of charge. There's a bulletin from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration below with more information.

Continue reading Chrysler recalls 468,700 Jeep Grand Cherokees, Commanders over rollaway risk

Chrysler recalls 468,700 Jeep Grand Cherokees, Commanders over rollaway risk originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 May 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jeepjeep commanderjeep commander recalljeep commander recallsjeep grand cherokeejeep grand cherokee recallsjeep recalljeep recallsjeepcommanderrecalljeepcommanderrecallsjeepgrandcherokeerecallsjeeprecalljeeprecallsnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsarecallMon, 13 May 2013 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565869/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/chrysler-recalls-468-700-jeep-grand-cherokees-commanders-over-r/20565869/article-detail.xml 20565869 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2008-jeep-grand-cherokee_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2008-jeep-grand-cherokee.jpg <![CDATA[Happy 50th birthday, Jeep Wagoneer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/happy-50th-birthday-jeep-wagoneer/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/happy-50th-birthday-jeep-wagoneer/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/happy-50th-birthday-jeep-wagoneer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Jeep Grand Wagoneer

The Wagoneer got the SUV on the radar of buyers looking for something capable, comfortable and rugged.

The Jeep Wagoneer was introduced 50 years ago, and it's that vehicle we have to thank for the herds of excellent crossovers and SUVs that make up our current automotive landscape. On a personal level, I have always loved the full-size Jeeps and their crisp Brooks Stevens styling, which aged well over their long tenure on the market. The SJs, as they're known among enthusiasts, were the Wagoneer and its two-door counterpart, the original Cherokee. The Wagoneers had become true luxury vehicles by the end of their run, which stretched form late 1962 as a '63 model all the way to 1991, when they were offered exclusively under the Grand Wagoneer nameplate.

At the end of the line in 1991, The New York Times called the Grand Wagoneer "one of the last true gas guzzlers" as it eulogized the vehicle. It deserves more respect than that; the Wagoneer got the SUV on the radar of buyers looking for something capable, comfortable and rugged. People who could afford such luxuries seemed to understand its purpose. At the end of production, the average Grand Wagoneer buyer pulled in over $100,000 a year, and the Jeep often served as a second or third car. There is no denying that the Wagoneer invented the luxury SUV, years before the Range Rover was ever offered for sale.

Continue reading Happy 50th birthday, Jeep Wagoneer

Happy 50th birthday, Jeep Wagoneer originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jeepjeep cherokeejeep grand wagoneerjeep wagoneersjThu, 02 May 2013 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20554916/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/02/happy-50th-birthday-jeep-wagoneer/20554916/article-detail.xml 20554916 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/jeep-grand-wagoneer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/jeep-grand-wagoneer.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler reports $166M net income for Q1, down $307M vs. 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/chrysler-reports-166m-net-income-for-q1-down-307m-vs-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/chrysler-reports-166m-net-income-for-q1-down-307m-vs-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/chrysler-reports-166m-net-income-for-q1-down-307m-vs-2012/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2014 Jeep Cherokee - live on stage, front three-quarter view

Preliminary first-quarter results from 2013 have been announced by Chrysler, and the company is reporting a net income of $166 million on revenue of $15.4 billion. Compared to this period last year, net income is down $307 million and revenue has dropped $1 billion.

Chrysler says that its quarter was negatively affected by the costs associated with launching its 2013 Ram Heavy Duty, 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and preparation for the return of the all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee pictured above. The launches should provide a strong second half of 2013, says the automaker. "We remain on track to achieve our business targets, even as the first-quarter results were affected by an aggressive product launch schedule," said Chrysler Group LLC Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne.

On a positive note, the automaker says worldwide vehicle sales are up 8 percent from one year ago, a number pushed by a 12 percent bump in U.S. retail sales. In addition, domestic market share has risen slightly, up to 11.4 percent from 11.2 percent last year. Read more in the official statement below.

Continue reading Chrysler reports $166M net income for Q1, down $307M vs. 2012

Chrysler reports $166M net income for Q1, down $307M vs. 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler first quarterchrysler saleschrysler sales figuresfirst quarter incomefirst quarter revenuejeepsergio marchionneMon, 29 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20551949/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/29/chrysler-reports-166m-net-income-for-q1-down-307m-vs-2012/20551949/article-detail.xml 20551949 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/jeepcherokee11-opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/jeepcherokee11-opt.png <![CDATA[Chrysler investing $20M in Toledo plant to support 9-speed auto production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/chrysler-investing-20m-in-toledo-plant-to-support-9-speed-auto/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/chrysler-investing-20m-in-toledo-plant-to-support-9-speed-auto/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/chrysler-investing-20m-in-toledo-plant-to-support-9-speed-auto/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



In 2011, Chrysler announced a $72-million investment in its Toledo Machining Plant to modernize production of the eight- and nine-speed torque-converters for automatic transmissions made there. That upgrade work won't be finished until Q3 of this year, but Chrysler has already announced a further $19.6-million investment to increase production capacity for the nine-speeders.

The extra units will be necessary because the nine-speed transmission they'll be mated to is going into three popular models: it will debut on the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, then go into the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Dart. The company predicted that this year alone it would sell 200,000 units equipped with the nine-speed tranny, and it is spending some $374 million in addition to the investment in Toledo to upgrade production capacity for it.

The work attached to this new investment won't begin until Q3 of 2014, and it will be finished by the end of that year. There's a press release below with all the details.

Continue reading Chrysler investing $20M in Toledo plant to support 9-speed auto production

Chrysler investing $20M in Toledo plant to support 9-speed auto production originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler 200dodgedodge dartjeepjeep cherokeenine-speed transmissiontoledotoledo machining plantSun, 28 Apr 2013 15:05:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20550350/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/28/chrysler-investing-20m-in-toledo-plant-to-support-9-speed-auto/20550350/article-detail.xml 20550350 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/chrysler-nine-speed-auto_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/chrysler-nine-speed-auto.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #330]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/autoblog-podcast-330/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/autoblog-podcast-330/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/autoblog-podcast-330/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Shanghai Motor Show, 2014 Jaguar F-Type, 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel

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Episode #330 of the Autoblog Podcast is (finally!) here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Executive Editor Chris Paukert talk about the Shanghai Motor Show, our time with the 2014 Jaguar F-Type and the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel. We also give extra attention to your questions and comments. For those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. You can follow along after the jump with our Q&A. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #330:


Topics:
In the Autoblog Garage:
Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, Chris Paukert

Runtime: 01:40:46
Get the podcast:
[UStream] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback:
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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #330

Autoblog Podcast #330 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 bmw m62013 jeep grand cherokee srt2013 lexus rx350 f sport2014 chevrolet cruze diesel2014 jaguar f-typeautoblog podcastautoblog podcast 330bmwf-typefeaturedgrand cherokee srtjaguarjeeplexusm6podcastrx350shanghai motor showFri, 26 Apr 2013 11:15:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #330Autoblog01:40:46 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20549572/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/26/autoblog-podcast-330/20549572/article-detail.xml 20549572 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Classic SUVs next big thing for car collectors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/classic-suvs-next-big-thing-for-car-collectors/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/classic-suvs-next-big-thing-for-car-collectors/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/classic-suvs-next-big-thing-for-car-collectors/#commentsFiled under: , ,

1967 International Scout 800 Sport Top

Hagerty Insurance seems to think vintage SUVs are going to be the next big trend in car collecting. The agency has already seen prices begin to tick upward at auction, with the number of classic SUVs insured by the company growing some 65 percent since 2008. That's about twice the pace of the overall market. All told, Toyota Land Cruisers have seen the largest jump with a swell of 202 percent, though 1970s and 1980s Jeep models are up by a more than respectable 93 percent as well. Likewise, Ford Bronco and International Scout SUVs are up by 86 and 85 percent, respectively.

Hagerty attributes the increase with the overall rise in the popularity of the SUV in general. As modern machines become more in vogue, so do their predecessors by extension. While these old bruisers haven't spent much time in the lime light at classic car auctions, Hagerty says recent events in Scottsdale featured 11 vintage Toyota Land Cruiser models, one of which sold for $88,000. That's quite a price for a 1981 FJ-40. You can read the full press release below.

Continue reading Classic SUVs next big thing for car collectors

Classic SUVs next big thing for car collectors originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>broncofordford broncohagerty insuranceinternationalinternational scoutjeepland cruiserscouttoyotatoyota land cruiserThu, 18 Apr 2013 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20545044/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/18/classic-suvs-next-big-thing-for-car-collectors/20545044/article-detail.xml 20545044 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/1967-scout-800-sport-top-1-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/1967-scout-800-sport-top-1-628.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Jeep Cherokee will keep Liberty designation in China... sort of]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/17/2014-jeep-cherokee-will-keep-liberty-designation-in-china-sor/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/17/2014-jeep-cherokee-will-keep-liberty-designation-in-china-sor/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/17/2014-jeep-cherokee-will-keep-liberty-designation-in-china-sor/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2014 Jeep Cherokee

Chinese buyers will get their first live look at the 2014 Jeep Cherokee during the Shanghai Motor Show, but CarNewsChina is reporting that it will go by a different name - Ziyou Guan, which translates to "Liberty Light." The article states that our Jeep Liberty was never sold in China, but the iconic XJ Cherokee was sold and produced there as the Qinuoji (a phonetic translation of Cherokee).

The new Jeep Liberty Light will be built alongside the Fiat Viaggio (China's Fiat-badged version of the Dodge Dart) at the Guangzhou-Fiat plant, and the two models will share the same powertrains: a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder base engine paired to a five-speed manual or a dual-clutch transmission and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder (the base engine for the US-spec 2014 Cherokee) as an optional engine. It doesn't sound like the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 will be offered in China.

We'll be on hand when the new Jeep debuts in Shanghai, so stay tuned to Autoblog this Friday night and Saturday for our live coverage of the show.

2014 Jeep Cherokee will keep Liberty designation in China... sort of originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 jeep cherokeejeepjeep cherokeejeep ziyou guanshanghaishanghai 2013shanghai motor showWed, 17 Apr 2013 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20543275/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/17/2014-jeep-cherokee-will-keep-liberty-designation-in-china-sor/20543275/article-detail.xml 20543275 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/jeepcherokee11-opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/jeepcherokee11-opt.png <![CDATA[Chrysler recalling over 200k vehicles across its brands]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/chrysler-recalling-over-200k-vehicles-across-its-brands/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/chrysler-recalling-over-200k-vehicles-across-its-brands/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/chrysler-recalling-over-200k-vehicles-across-its-brands/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



With more than 200,000 units across six separate recalls and almost all of its brands, it appears that Chrysler has officially jumped headfirst into the recall pool this month. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued three official recalls for the automaker, and The Detroit News is reporting that the automaker itself has announced three more.

The biggest of the recalls applies to about 120,000 Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger and Chrysler 300 models for 2011 and 2012 due to faulty wiring harnesses for the seat-mounted side airbags, which could lead to these airbags not deploying in the event of a crash. A little more than 60,000 two-wheel-drive versions of the 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro and 2008 Jeep Liberty SUVs are being recalled due to a heat shield that could cause the driveshaft to break, which if that isn't bad on its own, could then hit underneath where the airbag sensor is mounted, causing the airbags to deploy. Wrapping up NHTSA's recall notices, about 20,000 Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass models for 2012 are also being recalled due to a problem with the fuel tank transfer tube that could lead to the vehicle stalling. The LX car recall campaign is going into effect this month, while the other two will start next month - all three notices are posted below.

In addition to the official NHTSA recalls, The Detroit News is also reporting that Chrysler is recalling more than 16,000 Ram trucks and a small number of Dodge Dart sedans. Around 6,500 2013 Ram 1500 trucks will be recalled due to an improper adjustment of the parking brake cable from the factory, while 7,000 Cummins-powered 2013 Ram Heavy Duty trucks are being recalled due to an engine cover that does not have as much heat resistance as it is supposed to. Finally, a total of 46 Dodge Dart sedans are being recalled due to a problem with the brake calipers and/or parking brake.

Continue reading Chrysler recalling over 200k vehicles across its brands

Chrysler recalling over 200k vehicles across its brands originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler 300chrysler recalldodgedodge challengerdodge chargerdodge nitrododge recalljeepjeep compassjeep libertyjeep patriotjeep recallNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrationramram 1500ram heavy dutyram recallrecallWed, 10 Apr 2013 10:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20536183/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/10/chrysler-recalling-over-200k-vehicles-across-its-brands/20536183/article-detail.xml 20536183 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/dodge-challenger-srt8-392_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/dodge-challenger-srt8-392.jpg <![CDATA[Jeep shows off Moab Easter Safari concepts crawling the red rocks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/jeep-shows-off-moab-easter-safari-concepts-crawling-the-red-rock/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/jeep-shows-off-moab-easter-safari-concepts-crawling-the-red-rock/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/jeep-shows-off-moab-easter-safari-concepts-crawling-the-red-rock/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk II Concept negotiating Moab's red rocks - video screencap

While most brands are busy showing off in New York, Jeep headed out to Moab for the Easter Jeep Safari with the company's fleet of 2013 concepts. This year saw the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk II, Wrangler Mopar Recon, Wrangler Stitch, Wrangler Sand Trooper II, Wrangler Flattop and Wrangler Slim Concepts tackle the rocks and sand, and Jeep was kind enough to bring along a camera crew to film the machines rolling over a few obstacles. The result is the video below, though don't expect to see too much hardcore off road action.

Instead, the quick clip features more than a few interviews with Jeep executives, including Jeep Head of Product Design Mark Allen, explaining what makes the Easter Jeep Safari so important. You can check out the quick clip below for yourself, and be sure to thumb through our galleries of the concepts as well.

Continue reading Jeep shows off Moab Easter Safari concepts crawling the red rocks

Jeep shows off Moab Easter Safari concepts crawling the red rocks originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 jeep grand cherokee2013 jeep wranglereaster jeep safarijeepjeep conceptjeep grand cherokeejeep wranglermark allenmoabvideoThu, 28 Mar 2013 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20520647/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/28/jeep-shows-off-moab-easter-safari-concepts-crawling-the-red-rock/20520647/article-detail.xml 20520647 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/grand-cherokee-trailhawk-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/grand-cherokee-trailhawk-628.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Jeep Cherokee dreams of Moab, crawls on stage [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-jeep-cherokee-new-york-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-jeep-cherokee-new-york-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-jeep-cherokee-new-york-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee inched its way onto the stage at the New York Auto Show today, proving that at least the "Trail Rated" version of the SUV is more than just a controversial unique odd fresh face in the mid-size segment. After the short, simulated Moab run by the Trailhawk model, the gray four-door was joined on the stage by a burgundy Limited model - the luxurious highway variant.

As a recap, the all-new 2014 Cherokee rides atop a modular Alfa Romeo-derived platform (we know it from the Dodge Dart) and will be offered in both front- and all-wheel drive models with a choice between a 2.4-liter four-cylinder (rated at 184 horsepower) and a new 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 (developing 271 horsepower) engine. A nine-speed automatic is standard and no less than three different all-wheel drive systems are available.

Of the four different models (Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk), we like the rugged looks and capabilities offered by the Trailhawk the best. Overlook the red tow hooks and check out its more aggressive wheel/tire package, flared fenders, reduced breakover angle and lack of brightwork in our gallery of live images from the New York show. Skid plates and off-road capable tires round out the package. Read all the details in the official press release below.

Continue reading 2014 Jeep Cherokee dreams of Moab, crawls on stage [w/video]

2014 Jeep Cherokee dreams of Moab, crawls on stage [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 new york auto show2014 jeep cherokee2014 jeep cherokee trailhawkjeepjeep cherokeenew yorknew york auto showWed, 27 Mar 2013 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20520642/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/27/2014-jeep-cherokee-new-york-2013/20520642/article-detail.xml 20520642 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/jeepcherokee11-opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/jeepcherokee11-opt.png <![CDATA[2014 Jeep Cherokee flaunts its new contemporary curves]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-jeep-cherokee-flaunts-its-new-contemporary-curves/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-jeep-cherokee-flaunts-its-new-contemporary-curves/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-jeep-cherokee-flaunts-its-new-contemporary-curves/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Only slightly more than one month ago, undisguised (and less-than-flattering) shots of the all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee were leaked online. Later that day, in an effort to suppress the uprising, Jeep countered with its own official photography offering us much clearer front and three-quarter views. We've been left to digest those pictures for weeks.

Now, mere hours before the fabric comes sliding off its newest mid-size sport-utility at its live reveal at the New York Auto Show, Jeep has released dozens of new images showing all four corners, plus a few interior shots, of its new Cherokee.

As we previously mentioned, the 2014 Cherokee rides atop a modular Alfa Romeo-derived platform (shared with the Dodge Dart). We've now also learned that the new Jeep will offer both front- and all-wheel drive with a choice between a 2.4-liter four-cylinder (184 horsepower) and a new 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 (271 horsepower) powerplant. A new nine-speed (!) automatic transmission, a first in this segment, is standard across the board. There will be four different models: Sport, Latitude, Limited (above) and Trailhawk (right), with the most fuel efficient delivering 31 mpg on the highway, and the most rugged earning Jeep's "Trail Rated" badging while boasting Selec-Terrain and Active Drive Lock (locking rear differential), the latter being the most aggressive of the three separate all-wheel drive systems available.

The new front end is obviously its most controversial feature - a sculpted design that improves aerodynamic drag, promotes global appeal yet still retains the Jeep DNA and heritage with its seven-slotted iconic grille, says the automaker. Assembled in Toledo, Ohio, the new Cherokee arrives in showrooms later this year. For all of the details, get comfortable in your chair before checking out the lengthy press release below.

Continue reading 2014 Jeep Cherokee flaunts its new contemporary curves

2014 Jeep Cherokee flaunts its new contemporary curves originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 new york auto show2014 jeep cherokeecherokeejeepjeep cherokeenew yorknew york auto showWed, 27 Mar 2013 00:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20516768/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/27/2014-jeep-cherokee-flaunts-its-new-contemporary-curves/20516768/article-detail.xml 20516768 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014cherokee18-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014cherokee18-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Jeep Cherokee faces on-sale delay]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/23/jeep-cherokee-faces-on-sale-delay/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/23/jeep-cherokee-faces-on-sale-delay/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/23/jeep-cherokee-faces-on-sale-delay/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



A report in The Wall Street Journal looks at some of the obstacles to the 2014 Jeep Cherokee that go beyond its mootable yet "very contemporary" looks, almost all of them based on Fiat's financial position. Starting with that sheetmetal, in defense of it SRT president Ralph Gilles and Jeep design head Mark Allen said they wanted to "make sure the design still looks modern five years from now."

The WSJ piece doesn't cite longevity as a factor, instead saying that its features originated in a design for an Alfa Romeo, the transformation into a Jeep design meant allowing Chrysler get it to market more quickly and save "hundreds of millions of dollars" in engineering.

The need for Fiat to save money while it weathers the European situation has cut budgets for development, engineering and the pace of retooling the Toledo, Ohio plant to build the Cherokee. In a familiar case of snowballing at work, among the effects will be pushing back the Cherokee's volume sales date and delaying updates to some of Chrysler's other products.

Things will get better when Chrysler can work through its program and get the Cherokee to dealers in bulk - especially if it finds it really can sell 250,000 per year - but the hurdles won't help the financials in the short term.

Jeep Cherokee faces on-sale delay originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 jeep cherokeechryslerfiatjeepjeep cherokeeSat, 23 Mar 2013 15:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20515012/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/23/jeep-cherokee-faces-on-sale-delay/20515012/article-detail.xml 20515012 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/fiatmoneyissues2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/fiatmoneyissues2.jpg <![CDATA[Jeep gunning to build 250,000 Cherokees a year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/jeep-gunning-to-build-250-000-cherokees-a-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/jeep-gunning-to-build-250-000-cherokees-a-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/jeep-gunning-to-build-250-000-cherokees-a-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2014 Jeep Cherokee on road - front three-quarter view, driving

Contrary to what a certain politician may have said last year about Jeep moving to China, the automaker is in fact doing the opposite, with plans to greatly increase the production capacity at its Toledo North Assembly plant in Ohio. The Detroit Free Press is reporting that there are big plans for the 2014 Jeep Cherokee and Toledo North, as a local union president has informed the newspaper that Chrysler is planning to produce around 250,000 examples of the new midsize utility per year.

To put this number into context, 250,000 units is more than what Jeep Liberty sales totaled here over the last three years combined. Even taking into consideration that the 250,000 units will be distributed beyond US borders, that's an ambitious volume figure full-stop - and that's without taking into consideration the new Cherokee's love/hate design. In its favor, though, Jeep is making remarkable inroads globally as of late, and the Cherokee's size could work well in emerging markets. To get that kind of output from Toledo's Cherokee assembly line, Chrysler will reportedly hire 1,105 new workers - that's in addition to the 200 workers already being hired to build the popular Jeep Wrangler, which is itself expected to top 220,000 units this year.

Jeep gunning to build 250,000 Cherokees a year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 jeep cherokeejeepjeep cherokeetoledotoledo north assemblyThu, 21 Mar 2013 11:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20512533/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/21/jeep-gunning-to-build-250-000-cherokees-a-year/20512533/article-detail.xml 20512533 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2014-jeep-cherokee-2-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2014-jeep-cherokee-2-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Jeep reveals annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari concepts [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/jeep-2013-moab-easter-jeep-safari-concepts/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/jeep-2013-moab-easter-jeep-safari-concepts/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/jeep-2013-moab-easter-jeep-safari-concepts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Jeep Wrangler Sand Trooper II Concept

Jeep has unveiled its annual spate of concepts before the Easter Jeep Safari. Those start with the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Concept (below left), complete with the company's EcoDiesel V6 engine. Designers threw in a set of 35-inch Mickey Thompson tires wrapped around 17-inch Rubicon wheels, and a set of custom fender flares help keep all that rubber under wraps.

Meanwhile, the Wrangler Mopar Recon (below right) packs a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 good for 470 horsepower. All that grunt gets to the ground via a five-speed automatic transmission and a set of a Dana 60 axles frond and rear with 4.10 gears. The Recon also makes use of a 4.5-inch prototype long-arm kit and a set of prototype eight-lug bead lock wheels.



The Wrangler Stitch (below left) builds on the momentum of the Wrangler Pork Chop Concept. Engineers once again set out to strike as much weight as possible from the vehicle, and actually managed to trim the curb weight down to 3,000 pounds. That effort has given the machine the same power to weight ratio as the Grand Cherokee SRT. Plenty of carbon fiber, door deletes and a chrome moly roll cage all help trim those pounds, and a set of DanyTrac Pro Rock 44 axles with 4.88 gears and ARB lockers front and rear let this machine scramble over whatever is in its path.



The Wrangler Sand Trooper II (very top) gets its grunt from a 5.7-liter Hemi and puts all 400 pound-feet of torque to the ground via a set of eight-lug portal axles. That hardware allows the Sand Trooper II to run 40-inch tires.

Jeep took a different approach with the Wrangler Flattop (above middle), however. With an upscale appearance, the Flattop boasts a chopped windowless hard top that shortens the machine in height by a full two inches. Designers also cut out the B pillar for a massive side opening. Katzkin leather seating indoors helps offer up a bit more refinement, and the Warn Zeon winch and 37-inch Mickey Thompson tires give the rig some added capability off road.

Finally, the Wrangler Slim (above right) is likely the most accessible of the whole bunch, showing off exactly what can be built out of a Wrangler with a little patience on a budget. The Slim features a 3.6-liter V6, axles with a 3.73 ratio, 17-inch prototype wheels and a 10th-Anniversary Rubicon front bumper. Rock rails and a two-inch lift help get the Slim off the ground.

Check the full press release below for more information on all six rigs.

UPDATE: We've just returned from Chrysler's Design Dome and brought back with us a slew of pics of all of the vehicles. See them in our exclusive galleries below.

Continue reading Jeep reveals annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari concepts [UPDATE]

Jeep reveals annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari concepts [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With the 47th annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari coming up at the end of this month, Jeep is preparing to roll out six new off-road-ready concept vehicles. The first two being teased are the Jeep Grand Cherokee "Trailhawk II" concept and the Jeep Wrangler "Slim," and while we have no information on either, we at least get an idea of what they'll look like.

We can't tell why this Wrangler is called Slim, but it has a nice black-and-red paint scheme with a serious off-roading front bumper and five-spoke beadlock wheels. There's even less we can figure out about the Grand Cherokee's Trailhawk II concept except that it appears to be painted up in the same Crusher Orange paint job as the recently introduced SRT Viper TA. We'll likely more of these as well as peeks at the other Moab concepts as we get closet to this year's Moab Easter Jeep Safari, which will be held March 23 through 31.

Continue reading Jeep teases pair of Moab concepts early

Jeep teases pair of Moab concepts early originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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