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[Chrysler shows off eight Mopar concepts at Easter Jeep Safari 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/31/chrysler-shows-off-eight-mopar-concepts-at-easter-jeep-safari-20/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/31/chrysler-shows-off-eight-mopar-concepts-at-easter-jeep-safari-20/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/31/chrysler-shows-off-eight-mopar-concepts-at-easter-jeep-safari-20/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2010 Easter Jeep Safari Mopar Concepts - Click any image to enlarge

Chrysler's engineers have been busy lately. Mark Allen, head of the Jeep design studio, has introduced a total of eight new concept vehicles at this year's Easter Jeep Safari. Each one has been worked up by the company's off-road engineering team, and while most are nothing more than pure fantasy, at least a few can be crafted out of parts available from the Mopar go-fast catalog. Even better, all have the off road guts to go anywhere you please.

That includes the Jeep Wrangler J7. Consider this the stripped-down beast we would build if Chrysler gave us the keys to the kingdom for a week. Fluffy stuff like carpet, the stereo and alloy wheels have been ditched in favor of more utilitarian goods. New all-steel bumpers, complete with helicopter hooks, join a sturdy rear gate and steel wheels wrapped in 35-inch rubber. A small 2-inch lift helps accommodate the larger rollers, and the eye-searing Mustard Plug paint sets the truck apart from the crowd. While we have no problem with the 3.8-liter V6, we would probably swap the four-speed automatic gear box for a row-your-own.

Speaking of rowing your own, the Jeep Patriot Extreme is more than happy to accommodate third-pedal lovers everywhere. While Wrangler guys may be quick to rag on the baby Jeep, this Patriot is more than capable of dispatching rough terrain. A two-inch suspension lift gives the trail-rated package just a little more clearance, and custom rock rails protect the bodywork from getting too close to the trail. We're also digging those 16-inch TJ Moab wheels, extra lighting on the bumper and roof rack for... snowboards?

Chrysler says it turned out the Wrangler Trail Boss (right) just to show off all of the products available from the Jeep trail catalog. The truck's specs read like a recipe for a Wrangler wish list. Outside, the most noticeable difference between the Trail Boss and a standard Wrangler is the addition of new AEV off-road bumpers, complete with a Warn 9.5ti winch, though the half-doors and sun bonnet do much to alter the truck's attitude, too. A 3-inch lift kit allows for healthy 35-inch rubber down below, wrapped around those slick Hutchinson Rock Monster beadlock wheels. Click the jump to read about the rest of the Mopar monsters.


Gallery: 2010 Easter Jeep Safari Concepts


[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler shows off eight Mopar concepts at Easter Jeep Safari 2010

Chrysler shows off eight Mopar concepts at Easter Jeep Safari 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 Easter Jeep Safari2010EasterJeepSafari715BajaChryslerConceptsDodgeDodge Ram RunnerDodgeRamRunnerEaster Jeep SafariEasterJeepSafarif-150 raptorF-150 SVT RaptorF-150RaptorF-150SvtRaptorfordford f-150 svt raptorFordF-150SvtRaptorFox RacingFox Racing ShocksFoxRacingFoxRacingShocksGeneralImMortalJ7JeepJeep Nukizer 715Jeep Patriot ExtremeJeep SafariJeep Wrangler J7JeepNukizer715JeepPatriotExtremeJeepSafariJeepWranglerJ7MoparMopar ImMortalMoparImmortalNukizerNukizer 715Nukizer715Patriot ExtremePatriotExtremePortalPortal AxlesPortalAxlesPowerWagonPowerWagon ConceptPowerwagonConceptRamRam PowerWagon ConceptRam RunnerRamPowerwagonConceptRamRunnerraptorRunnerThe GeneralTheGeneralTrail BossTrailBossWranglerWrangler J7Wrangler Trail BossWranglerJ7WranglerTrailBossWed, 31 Mar 2010 15:22:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19421528/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/31/chrysler-shows-off-eight-mopar-concepts-at-easter-jeep-safari-20/19421528/article-detail.xml 19421528 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/easter-jeep-safari-main-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/easter-jeep-safari-main-630.jpg <![CDATA[More details on the long-travel Mopar Ram 1500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/24/more-details-on-the-long-travel-mopar-ram-1500/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/24/more-details-on-the-long-travel-mopar-ram-1500/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/24/more-details-on-the-long-travel-mopar-ram-1500/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Kent Kroeker is cooking up a bit of evil that is 90 inches wide for the Easter Jeep Safari. The latest details reveal that 90 inches is the width of the front track on the Mopar Ram 1500 being built as a "research project," while that number tapers down to 87 inches in the rear. We're talking about a truck that will be at least 22 inches wider than a normal Ram when you see its grille coming towards you. And that might be from the air, we'll have you know - with 15 inches of travel up front and 14 in the rear, this baby looks like she'll be a true jumper.

This might be the best of the bunch as far as the Moparized concepts go for this Moab event. What we really want to know is this: We have a good idea of where Fiat and Chrysler head Sergio Marchionne stands with little cars and sedans, but how does he feel about taking muddin' - and an OEM version of this truck - to the masses? Can the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor now be put on notice?

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

More details on the long-travel Mopar Ram 1500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dodgedodge ramdodge ram 1500dodge ram hddodge Ram Power WagonDodgeRamDodgeRamHdeaster jeep safariEasterJeepSafarikent kroekerKentKroekermoabmoparpower wagonPowerWagonramWed, 24 Mar 2010 12:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19412632/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/24/more-details-on-the-long-travel-mopar-ram-1500/19412632/article-detail.xml 19412632 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/rampowerracer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/rampowerracer.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Dodge Ram Power Wagon hits the streets in search of Ford SVT Raptor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/12/spy-shots-dodge-ram-power-wagon-hits-the-streets-in-search-of-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/12/spy-shots-dodge-ram-power-wagon-hits-the-streets-in-search-of-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/12/spy-shots-dodge-ram-power-wagon-hits-the-streets-in-search-of-f/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Dodge Ram Power Wagon spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

We just told you that that Chrysler will be launching four new "Moparized" vehicles later this month, and our spies have already caught one of these new vehicles - the Dodge Ram Power Wagon - on the streets of southeast Michigan.

Unlike the Power Wagon that's just now hitting dealers, this is a totally unique package, featuring a single-cab configuration with a short, style-side bed. The huge off-road tires and exaggerated wheel arches lead us to believe that this is Chrysler's answer to the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor (if only in concept form), and our spies tell us that this prototype "made hair-raising sounds" as it drove by, leading us to believe that the 383-horsepower Hemi V8 is underhood.

We can't wait to see the production version on March 27 at the 44th Annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. If these spy shots are anything to go off of, it looks like it'll be serious fun for desert storming.


Gallery: Dodge Ram Power Wagon: Spy Shots


[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Dodge Ram Power Wagon hits the streets in search of Ford SVT Raptor originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Breakingbreaking newsbreakingnewsdodgedodge ramdodge Ram Power WagonDodgeRamDodgeRamPowerWagonpower wagonPowerWagonramram power wagonRamPowerWagonspy photosspy picsspy shotsSpyPhotosSpyPicsSpyShotsFri, 12 Mar 2010 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19396994/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/12/spy-shots-dodge-ram-power-wagon-hits-the-streets-in-search-of-f/19396994/article-detail.xml 19396994 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/powerwagon1.kgp.edopt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/powerwagon1.kgp.edopt.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler releases new "Moparized" concept renderings ahead of 44th Annual Easter Jeep Safari]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/12/chrysler-releases-new-moparized-concept-renderings-ahead-of-44/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/12/chrysler-releases-new-moparized-concept-renderings-ahead-of-44/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/12/chrysler-releases-new-moparized-concept-renderings-ahead-of-44/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dodgedodge conceptdodge power wagondodge ram power wagondodge ram powerwagonDodgeConceptDodgePowerWagonDodgeRamPowerWagoneaster jeep safariEasterJeepSafariJeepjeep conceptjeep patriotjeep wranglerjeep wrangler j7jeep wrangler trail bossJeep Wrangler UnlimitedJeepConceptJeepPatriotJeepWranglerJeepWranglerJ7JeepWranglerTrailBossJeepWranglerUnlimitedmoparpatriotpatriot extremePatriotExtremepower wagonPowerWagonPowerWagonRamram conceptRamConceptwranglerWrangler UnlimitedWranglerUnlimitedFri, 12 Mar 2010 14:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19396777/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/12/chrysler-releases-new-moparized-concept-renderings-ahead-of-44/19396777/article-detail.xml 19396777 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/jeep-j7-sketch_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/jeep-j7-sketch.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/autoblog-podcast-157-mike-levine-trucks-along-with-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/autoblog-podcast-157-mike-levine-trucks-along-with-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/autoblog-podcast-157-mike-levine-trucks-along-with-us/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Our friend Mike Levine from Pickuptrucks.com joins Chris, Sam and Dan for Episode #157 of The Autoblog Podcast, bringing his vast knowledge of all that is crew-cabbed and full framed. Of course, we start off with what we're driving and dreamy talk about the Dodge Ram Power Wagon, but the real meat and potatoes news items begin with a peek at the Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabrio. Staying with Ms. Jellinek's namesake brand, the crew ponders the idea of an electric SLS supercar. Staying charged, we move right into Toyota's recent hybrid news - a tease of an all new hybrid that we'll see at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, and today's announcement of a PHEV Prius. Hybrid pickups come up before we move on to the BMW's Z4 sDrive35is and then questions. One hour, thirty minutes, in time for your Tuesday pick-me-up.

For more listening pleasure check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget, and let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!


Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us!

Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastbmw z4bmw z4 mbmw Z4 sDrive35isBmwZ4BmwZ4MBmwZ4Sdrive35isE-ClassE-Class Cabrioe-class cabrioletE-Class ConvertibleE-classCabrioE-classCabrioletE-classConvertibleelectric slselectric sls amgElectricSlsElectricSlsAmgfeaturedmercedesMercedes BenzMercedes SLS AMGmercedes-benzMercedes-Benz E-ClassMercedes-benzE-classMercedesBenzMercedesSlsAmgmike levineMikeLevinePickupTruckspickuptrucks.compodcastpower wagonPowerWagonram power wagonRamPowerWagontoyota hybridtoyota priustoyota prius hybridToyota Prius PHEVtoyota prius plug intoyota prius plug in hybridToyota Prius plug-inToyotaHybridToyotaPriusToyotaPriusHybridToyotaPriusPhevToyotaPriusPlug-inToyotaPriusPlugInToyotaPriusPlugInHybridTue, 15 Dec 2009 13:40:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #157Autoblog1:35:19podcast; autoblog podcast; toyota hybrid; phev prius; plugin prius; e-class cabrio; mercedes e; toyota; bmw z4 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19281289/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/15/autoblog-podcast-157-mike-levine-trucks-along-with-us/19281289/article-detail.xml 19281289 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/autoblog-podcast-3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/autoblog-podcast-3.jpg <![CDATA[First Drive: 2010 Dodge Ram HD comes strong with more models, configurations and classier duds]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/2010-dodge-ram-hd-first-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/2010-dodge-ram-hd-first-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/2010-dodge-ram-hd-first-drive/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2010 Dodge Ram HD - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back in 1993, truck drivers had no choice but to depend on domestic automakers for work-ready pickups, and only Ford and General Motors offered competitive haulers. That all changed a year later when Dodge set the pickup truck market on its leaf springs with the introduction of its all-new Ram. With a big-rig appearance thanks to an imposing front grille that looked ready to kick you in the Truck Nutz, Dodge's truck sales tripled inside of 12 months and gave load-hauling manly men a real alternative to Ford and Chevy. But while Dodge hit a home run with the 1994 Ram, the Penta-horned brand didn't have a heavy-duty option in its lineup until 2003, and an all-important diesel powerplant didn't come online until 2004. In 2008, Dodge filled out its pickup lineup with heavy-duty 4500 and 5500 variants, finally giving Chrysler's trucking arm the range of choices necessary to get plucky with the competition from Detroit and Dearborn.

Last year, Dodge introduced a new light-duty Ram, with sleek updated aesthetics and controversial coil springs that provide a superior ride at the expense of some towing and hauling capability. Fast-forward a year and the truckmakers at Chrysler are set to unleash a new heavy-duty Ram that's been redesigned to provide customers more capability, more options and a better ride while competing against offerings from its crosstown rivals with a lower cost of entry. We headed out to Ann Arbor, MI to drive, tow, brake, climb and traverse in the new Ram HD to see if Chrysler's truck team has succeeded. Follow along with us after the jump.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Dodge Ram HD


Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Shunk / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Dodge Ram HD comes strong with more models, configurations and classier duds

First Drive: 2010 Dodge Ram HD comes strong with more models, configurations and classier duds originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 dodge ram hd2010 ram heavy duty2010DodgeRamHd2010RamHeavyDutydodgedodge ramdodge ram hddodge ram heavy dutyDodgeRamDodgeRamHdDodgeRamHeavyDutyduallyfeaturedfirst drivefirst drive dodge ramFirstDriveFirstDriveDodgeRampower wagonPowerWagonramram hdRamHdThu, 29 Oct 2009 11:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19208990/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/29/2010-dodge-ram-hd-first-drive/19208990/article-detail.xml 19208990 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/2010dodgeramhdfd17_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/2010dodgeramhdfd17_opt.jpg <![CDATA[2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon caught uncovered]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/03/2010-dodge-ram-power-wagon-caught-uncovered/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/03/2010-dodge-ram-power-wagon-caught-uncovered/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/03/2010-dodge-ram-power-wagon-caught-uncovered/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Dodge Power Wagon - Click above to be redirected to Petersen's 4Wheel & Off-Road for more images

Dodge's entire line of Heavy Duty pickup trucks gets a major refresh for the 2010 model year, and that includes the off-road-ready Power Wagon. The boys at Petersen's 4Wheel & Off-Road Magazine managed to get their mitts on what must be one of the first such trucks off the line, and it'll be taking part in the mag's 4x4 of the Year competition.

In addition to the restyled sheetmetal, the '10 Power Wagon gets a new graphics package that makes the new model impossible to miss. Giant vinyl lettering in contrasting colors takes up residence on the hood, quarter panels and tailgate, and a matching set of stripes showcases the truck's stylized hood and bare flanks.

Buried deep inside the Ram's massive hood and behind that gaping chrome grille sits a Hemi V8 that sends its ponies through locking front and rear differentials. 4.56 rear axle gearing ensures that there's plenty of twisting power to spin the large 33-inch BF Goodrich All-Terrain tires, and an electric sway bar disconnect allows for maximum articulation over the really rough stuff. It's not exactly subtle, but then again it probably fits its target demographic like a glove.

See more images of the 2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon at Petersen's 4Wheel & Off-Road Magazine.

[Source: Petersen's 4Wheel & Off-Road via PickupTrucks.com]

2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon caught uncovered originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 dodge ram2010 dodge ram hd2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty2010 dodge ram power wagon2010DodgeRam2010DodgeRamHd2010DodgeRamHeavyDuty2010DodgeRamPowerWagondodgedodge ram power wagonDodgeRamPowerWagonpower wagonPowerWagonramram power wagonRamPowerWagonSat, 03 Oct 2009 15:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19182873/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/03/2010-dodge-ram-power-wagon-caught-uncovered/19182873/article-detail.xml 19182873 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/2010-dodge-ram-power-wagon_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/2010-dodge-ram-power-wagon.jpg -1 2