Autoblog

Autoblog Podcast #333

Dan Roth — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:10:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Acura, Chevrolet, Dodge, Jeep, Lamborghini, Lexus, Rumormill

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

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:

New Acura NSX to be built in Ohio
Lamborghini Egoista concept and Urus production confirmation
2014 Chevrolet Silverado
An interview with Jeep CEO Mike Manley
A very special Project Ugly Horse update

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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Feedback:
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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.

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #333 LIVE!

Dan Roth — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:35:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

We're set to record Autoblog Podcast #333 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #333

New Acura NSX to be built in Ohio
Lamborghini Egoista concept and Urus production confirmation
2014 Chevy Silverado
An interview with Mike Manley
A very special Project Ugly Horse update

[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Can't see the EventBox? Click Here.Voices Heard Media

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #333 LIVE! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Decision on a Jeep pickup coming soon, truck could come on Wrangler or Fiat platform

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 10:53:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Jeep, Off-Road

"Pretty soon." That's the answer Jeep president Mike Manley gave to Australian site Car Advice when asked about a decision on a Jeep pickup truck. And with the next-generartion Wrangler planned for arrival in 2015 or 2016, this is the window for getting with planners. There's certainly plenty of lust for a Jeep pickup - just look at the strong sales of Mopar's JK8 kit.

Concerning a factory-fresh production version, part of the considerations are whether to build a two-door, or a four-door that could provide more space for people and cargo but wouldn't have the Wrangler's same off-road might. Making a Wrangler variant that can't live up to the stalwart Jeep's off-road standards is a concern for Manley. The approach and departure angles of a four-door wouldn't be a problem, but the length of a pickup would mean "your break-over angle gets destroyed," said Manley, and in that case he wonders, "Then is it really a Wrangler?" The two-door, however, would have "no issue at all."

Another idea would be to build a Jeep pickup on a Fiat platform, perhaps the one underpinning the next Liberty. That could be a model distinct from the Wrangler line and, while still possessing the off-road promise of a Jeep. Manley only spoke of that hypotetically, though, saying he could "see the opportunity in the future" for such a vehicle. It shouldn't be long before we know one way or another.

Decision on a Jeep pickup coming soon, truck could come on Wrangler or Fiat platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 10:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition arrives in time for 4th of July

Chris Tutor — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Jeep, Off-Road

The iconic Jeep Wrangler's earliest ancestors were military vehicles that proved their offroad capabilities by shuttling our armed forces through some of the world's most difficult terrain.

Now, 70 years later, that bare-bones, utilitarian vehicle is all grown up and (somewhat) civilized, but no less American. To show off its patriotism, Jeep has just announced a new Freedom package on its 2012 Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited models.

Spotting the new trim packages on the street should be super easy. First, they're only available in three colors: Deep Cherry Red, Bright White and, exclusive to Freedom models, True Blue.

Each Freedom Edition Wrangler receives a military-style star on the hood and rear quarter panels as well as "Oscar Mike" fender badges and "Oscar Mike" stitched in silver on the seats' black, tectonic fabric. "Oscar Mike" is military slang for "On the Move." Silver stitching accents the leather steering wheel, door fabric, seats, grab handle, door pulls and dash vent rings.

Outside are 17-inch Mineral Gray alloys with grille and bumper inserts in matching gray.

Part of the Wrangler Freedom Edition's $28,165 purchase price and the Wrangler Unlimited Freedom's $30,670 goes to charities to benefit America's veterans.

"It is with both pride in our history and gratitude to all those who have served that we have chosen to donate $250 from each Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition to be divided between these important charitable organizations that benefit current and returning military members," says Mike Manley, President and CEO of the Jeep brand.

The first Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition models are rolling into dealers as you read this. Check out the official press release with more info by scrolling down.

Continue reading Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition arrives in time for 4th of July

Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition arrives in time for 4th of July originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jul 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep pickup put on the backburner

Zach Bowman — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Jeep, Off-Road

Jeep Gladiator Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you've been saving your pennies in anticipation of the upcoming pickup truck from Jeep, get ready to wait a little longer. According to PickupTrucks.com, Jeep CEO Mike Manley has said that resources at Chrysler are all tied up in other projects at the moment. With the full brunt of the company's operations directed towards transmission and small car development, there's simply not enough cash on hand to go creating a whole new member of the Jeep family. That means the Jeep pickup has been put on ice, at least for the time being.

Interestingly enough, Manley also said that when the versatile Jeep does touch down on American soil, it will also likely launch in international markets as well. The head honcho said he could easily see a metric-ton version of the pickup selling well outside the States. PickupTrucks.com reports that markets in Southeast Asia and Europe are particularly fond of trucks with a cargo capacity of around 2,205 pounds.

For now though, we'll just have to content ourselves with the JK-8 pickup conversion.

Jeep pickup put on the backburner originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Under this Fiat Qubo is the new small Jeep

Zach Bowman — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, SUV, Etc., Europe, Jeep, Diesel

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.

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Report: Jeep confirms B-segment SUV

Zach Bowman — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Etc., Crossover, Hatchback, Jeep, Rumormill

According to Autocar, Jeep CEO Mike Manley has confirmed that his company is working on a new B-segment SUV. At this year's Geneva Motor Show, Manley said that there's room in the small SUV market for an offering from Jeep, and that the vehicle should touch down in 2013. If that's the case, odds are high that the company will turn to Fiat for the pint-sized SUV's bones. That may mean that Americans will finally be able to sink their teeth into the Grande Punto, even if the vehicle does wear significantly different sheet metal.

Jeep may also make use of Fiat drivetrains for the project. European buyers will likely be able to enjoy the Italian automaker's 1.3-liter and 1.6-liter diesel mills while Americans are more apt to see a 1.4-liter Multiair gasoline four-pot under the hood. All three of those lumps are typically associated with a front-wheel-drive transaxle, though Manley said that four-wheel drive will make an appearance on top-end models.

[Source: Autocar | Image: Zach Bowman/AOL]

Report: Jeep confirms B-segment SUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Jeep eyeing entry-level pickup market?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Jeep

2005 Jeep Gladiator Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

All hail the Jeep Comanche? Well, not exactly. But the old XJ-based single cab pickup certainly has something of a loyal fan base. The same can be said of every other pickup truck the Toledo-based off-road specialists have ever created, including the classic CJ-8 Scrambler. And the darn-near-perfect-in-every-way Jeep Gladiator concept from 2005 got nothing but rave reviews from everyone who saw it at the Detroit Auto Show.

So, perhaps it shouldn't come as a surprise that our friends at PickupTrucks.com are reporting that Jeep is once again considering entering the pickup truck market. Apparently, newly minted Jeep CEO Mike Manley has his eyes on the segment globally and believes that the concept of a Jeep pick 'em-up-truck has some profitable legs.

Considering that the Ford Ranger continues to sell in reasonably decent numbers despite not seeing any real updates since the Jurassic period and that the Mahindra pickup has generated a good bit of interest before even hitting the American scene, we have to wonder if there may be some pent-up demand for a small, capable pickup in America. In any case, don't expect any sort of official comment from Jeep... but feel free to keep your fingers crossed.

Gallery: 2005 Jeep Gladiator Concept

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Report: Jeep eyeing entry-level pickup market? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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